At Douglass, summertime is a chance to seize new opportunities, forge new relationships, and establish new goals. Knowing the value of continuing education throughout the summer months, Douglass students have been hard at work! Douglass is proud to offer various summer programs to students who wish to delve deeper into their respective fields. These experiential learning opportunities are designed to enrich students’ academic and professional development. Paired with experienced professionals, Douglass women receive personalized instruction that provides the skills and experience essential to pursuing their passions with confidence.
For instance, Douglass students enrolled in the Douglass Project for Women in STEM are taking part in summer research opportunities. Students in the program receive a summer stipend to conduct STEM research under the direction of a faculty member. Throughout the summer, students are invited to attend professional workshops that provide valuable insight into the STEM world. The summer experience culminates in an opportunity for students to present their research projects. Each year I am amazed at the creativity and ingenuity our students display. Their research makes me look forward to the next generation of diverse and innovative STEM leaders. Our students are the reason why I believe the Big Ten Academic Alliance Summit Series on Advancing Women in STEM can make a tremendous contribution to the goal of advancing women in STEM fields.
Elsewhere, Douglass students interested in public policy are interning in state departments and agencies in Trenton through the Douglass Trenton Summer Internship program. During the seven-week program, students work on substantive projects, attend meetings, engage in research, and participate in site visits under the mentorship of a professional. Through the generosity of our donors, Douglass is able to offer summer opportunities to our students that provide crucial stepping stones for future professional success and leadership in a changing world.
The BOLD Center at Douglass continues to collaborate with alumnae to offer Douglass students the opportunity to participate in a short-term externship in their chosen field. Douglass students shadow an alumna for 1-2 weeks in order to network and gain insider industry knowledge that will help them further their academic and career goals. Any alumna who would like to volunteer to take part in this experience is welcome to contact Stephanie M. Perez at stephanie.perez@rutgers.edu or 848-932-3158. Our Douglass alumnae are instrumental in ensuring that our students have the opportunities they need to begin their careers with confidence. I am so grateful to those in the Douglass community who choose to give our students the valuable gift of their time, experience, and attention. The gift of one week could be the catalyst that inspires the success of a lifelong career, and helps to make the Douglass Difference in the lives of our students.
With gratitude,
Jacquelyn Litt, Ph.D.
Dean, Douglass Residential College and Douglass Campus
