About

Smith College’s Summer Science & Engineering Program (SSEP) is a long-running residential STEM program for high school girls (including those who identify as female, non-binary, or trans). Offering a two-week, lab-based academic experience on Smith’s campus in Northampton, Massachusetts, SSEP was established in 1990 for students entering grades 9–12 who want structured exposure to college-level science and engineering in a small liberal arts environment. Students enroll in one course per session and may attend one or two sessions. Tuition is approximately $5,100 per two-week session, and the program is non-credit.

Each summer, SSEP enrolls approximately 100 students total across a range of laboratory and project-based courses in fields such as biology, chemistry, engineering, genetics, ecology, robotics, and digital systems. Classes are taught by Smith faculty and supported by undergraduate teaching assistants, with an emphasis on hands-on experimentation, collaborative problem-solving, and applied scientific thinking. The academic structure blends lab work, short lectures, and guided projects rather than independent research, making it well-suited for students who want practical STEM exposure without the pressure of a full research apprenticeship.

Admission is moderately selective and based on academic record, a written essay, and a teacher recommendation, with rolling review until programs fill. Students live in Smith residence halls and follow a daily schedule that combines class time with group work and residential activities. For students interested in science or engineering who want early laboratory exposure in a supportive academic setting, SSEP is well-suited to offer a solid introduction to these fields.