About

Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP) is a three-week virtual summer outreach program hosted by the Stanford Physics Department in collaboration with the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (KIPAC). Designed to broaden access to physics and computational science, SPINWIP introduces participants to foundational and cutting-edge topics in physics, coding, and scientific thinking through interactive online instruction.

Delivered entirely online (typically in July), the program combines live lectures by Stanford professors, Python coding instruction, and collaborative small-group projects led by Stanford undergraduate facilitators. Curriculum topics span modern physics themes such as quantum physics, quantum computing, astrophysics, and cosmology; sessions also include college planning and STEM career development workshops. Students gain practical experience applying computational tools to physics problems and develop confidence presenting scientific ideas in group settings.

SPINWIP is open to high school students in grades 9–11 at the time of application who will be at least 16 years of age by the program start. While SPINWIP is specifically designed to encourage female and gender-minority students, it is officially open to applicants of all gender identities and specifically states: “We encourage applications from rising seniors and students from under-resourced backgrounds (e.g. low-income, first-gen, limited course availability, research opportunities, or mentoring). Students of any gender are welcome to apply.” Additionally, the program welcomes international students from any country, provided they can participate in the live virtual sessions held on Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). There is no cost to participate and no application fee, and no prior physics or coding experience is required.

For students (especially women and underserved groups) seeking not only academic learning in physics but also mentorship, SPINWIP is an excellent option to consider.