Now accepting student applications from high school seniors, undergrads, and non-traditional students:

The First2 Network believes  that STEM majors should be able work within their STEM field while in college rather than taking on unrelated jobs that steal time away from the college experience.  We have some opportunities to jump-start your authentic STEM research experience as a rising freshman, AND offer continued support doing research or vital work to improve STEM education systems in West Virginia:

• HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS and others who will be college freshmen next year:  Apply to participate in our Summer Research Program for 2 weeks.  Learn more here. (LINK http://first2network.org/students/studopps/highrocks-first2-network-alliance-application-information)
• SPRING SEMESTER UNDERGRADS: We have paid leadership opportunities for first generation students in our network. Be a mentor to younger students; Do outreach to your hometown high schools, boards or education and others. Interested in learning more about ALL of our opportunities for undergraduates? Check out the details here! (LINK http://first2network.org/students/studopps )
• SUMMER MENTORS: We have summer opportunities for undergrads to serve as Summer Research Mentors at 10 sites across the state. Learn more here. (LINK http://first2network.org/students/studopps/sumresmentors)

First2 Network announces locations for our Summer Research Program for rising college freshmen.

Based on the success of the 2019 Summer Immersion Program, the First2Network is pleased to announce funding to enlarge the 2020 Immersion to 101 students at 9 locations across West Virginia.  The purpose of these programs is to help students gain information in research experiences, academic wrap around services, STEM careers, and college persistence.

• High Rocks, Hillsboro, WV, is an award-winning youth leadership organization and will be hosting 8 female participants to work in dendrochronology in collaboration with researchers from West Virginia University.  July 10 – July 25.
• Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV, will work with Chemours to provide 15 students a unique experience in both academic and industrial laboratories.  Students will gain experience in analytical chemistry, solar cells, and microbial communities. July 19 – August 1.
• Green Bank Observatory, Green Bank, WV, will host 20 students working in teams to analyze archived Radio Frequency Interference data to curate a categorized and searchable database that includes common RFI features. July 19 – August 1.
• Marshall University, Huntington, WV, will host 10 students to conduct research activities in chemistry, biology, computer science, and forensics.  Each of the students will meet research faculty in different disciplines and explanations of the support services Marshall provides for undergraduate students. July 19 – August 1.
• University of Charleston, Charleston, WV, will host 10 students to learn how to conduct tests on soil samples as part of a national program with the University of Wisconsin and Yale.  The participants will be examining the unique Appalachian forest soils for novel antibiotic producing microbes. July 6 – July 19 
• West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lewisburg, WV, will host 8 students who have an interest in pursuing a career in the life sciences.  In particular students will gain experience in areas such as bacterial protein toxicity, biomechanics, chemotherapy agents, and femur morphology. July 19 – August 1.
• West Virginia State University, Charleston, WV will engage 10 students in the research activities of faculty members which include neural networks, organic synthesis, integrated pest management, novel cancer treatments, and gene expression. July 19 – August 1.
• West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, will host 12 students with research opportunities in developmental biology addressing questions related to human and environmental health and geographical mapping of the socio-economic needs of Appalachia. Students intending to major in any STEM discipline will benefit from either research project. July 19-31, 2020.
• West Virginia University Institute of Technology, Beckley, WV, will host 10 students who have an interest in computer science or computer/electrical engineering.  These students will work in developing programs or apps in virtual or augmented reality, inventory management, and computer assisted optimization of solar cells. July 19 – August 1.

Save the date for the First2 Spring Conference, May 13-14, 2020

The First2 conference is a great opportunity to network, learn about emerging best practices, spend quality time with first-gen students, and get involved in the hands-on work of the First2 Network. Conference information here.

First2 featured on the INCLUDES National Blog

The Network Spotlight blog post is live on the national website! Thanks for the opportunity to contribute to the national conversation around Strengthening Capacity to Implement Culturally Responsive Practices, exploring issues related to the intersectionality of social, economic, and environmental dynamics, and culturally responsive practices effective for broadening participation in STEM. This Network Spotlight highlights one of the presenters, Sarah Riley of the First2 Network.

Evaluation Reports Shows Summer Immersion Experience Build Student Confidence 

After participating in First2 Network summer internships, students feel more confident in their ability to do well in STEM courses! To learn more, read the evaluation from our first year of operation: https://first2network.org/resources/41/supportingdocs

Student Opportunities for First Generation STEM Majors

The First2 Network believes  that STEM majors should be able work within their STEM field while in college rather than taking on unrelated jobs that steal time away from the college experience.  We have some opportunities to jump-start your authentic STEM research experience as a rising freshman, AND offer continued support doing research or vital work to improve STEM education systems in West Virginia:

• We have paid leadership opportunities for first generation students in our network. Be a mentor to younger students; Do outreach to your hometown high schools, boards or education and others. Interested in learning more about ALL of our opportunities for undergraduates? Check out the details here!
• We have summer internship opportunities for rising college freshmen! Learn more here.

Looking for handouts to use for First2 Network? 

• Download a printable, shareable overview of the First2 Network here.
• Download a printable, shareable flyer for the Summer Research Program here.

Other Opportunities:

• Travel support is available for participants in the First2 Network. To learn more and apply, use the following link: Travel Application Request
• If you are not a student and you are interested in getting involved, we would love to include you. Please contact us at first2.network@gmail.com, or email Erica Harvey directly at eharvey@fairmontstate.edu.
• If you are already a registered user, be sure to check out the First2 Network group pages for additional information.