Pathways in Physical Science Summer School 2025

Want to explore career options in basic science research? Looking to build skills for your STEM degree or future internship? Join Argonne National Laboratory for this summer’s Pathways in Physical Science Summer School!

Application deadline is Thursday, May 29, 2025.

 

Under the Pathways Summer Schools (PSSs) for Students initiative sponsored by the Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS), this 3-week on-site experience will include an introduction to the national lab ecosystem, curriculum in a variety of basic science topics, professional development sessions, lab tours, and networking with Argonne researchers. Students will be introduced to chemistry, physics, AI, and materials science through lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory exercises taught by researchers in our Physical Sciences & Engineering directorate. The theme of Molecules, Materials, Discovery! will focus on materials design to enhance students’ knowledge of the physical sciences. This will include experience with experimental techniques, coding in scientific applications, autonomous labs and hands-on discovery!

Students will receive holistic support during and after summer school, bolstering their professional networks and confidence in STEM and help with moving to the next academic or professional step.

Program Details:

July 14 – August 1, 2025

The entirety of summer school will take place on-site at Argonne National Lab. Curriculum will run Monday – Friday, with some optional social events on evenings.

Compensation:

Participants will receive a $500/week stipend, in addition to a meal per diem.

Housing & Travel:

Housing is available at the Argonne Guest House at no direct cost to the participant. Round trip travel may be reimbursed to relocate to the laboratory.

Travel will be paid only for students whose permanent and school addresses are more than fifty miles away from Argonne. Travel expenses are reimbursed consistent with the terms detailed in the laboratory acceptance letter. Travel reimbursement is based on a round-trip from the traveler’s trip origin (trip origin to Argonne and Argonne back to trip origin).

Transportation expenses will be reimbursed on the basis of the most direct route. Travel by a private automobile will be reimbursed at the current government rate up to a maximum of $500.00 round-trip, not to exceed the cost of round-trip coach airfare. No per diem or lodging costs will be reimbursed while en route. We will calculate distance according to Google Maps. Students will receive their reimbursement check three to four weeks after their arrival. If students are traveling to Argonne via air, Argonne must make the travel arrangements. Students will not be reimbursed if they make their own flight arrangements.

Education and Experience Requirements

Summer School is aimed to support current freshmen and sophomores attending community colleges or 4-year universities.

At the time of application, participants must:

• Be currently enrolled at an accredited institution.

• Must be 18 years or older at the time the appointment begins.

• Must possess a cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident.

• Should have an interest in research, basic science, physical science, or another STEM career path.

• Should be or intend to declare a STEM academic major.

This is a learning experience! No prior academic or laboratory research experience is required to participate.

Job Family

Education Programs Funded

Job Profile

RENEW Summer School

Time Type

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

EEO Information

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.