Horizons
What is Horizons?
Applicants to Horizons I (first year participants) and Horizons II (second year participants) are geared to girls who have an aptitude and interest in math and science or engineering.
Although females have an aptitude equal to males in science and mathematics, few choose to pursue careers in these areas. We're hoping that encouragement at a pivotal age may make the difference. Horizons is intended to help young women understand the excitement of mathematics thereby encouraging them to choose courses in high school that will lead to college study in math-based disciplines. The Horizons curriculum uses an integrated instructional module for science, engineering and mathematics, and supports these through fun and challenging hands-on projects. The life skills component further enhances the instruction as participants build confidence, personal insight, and team spirit.
At Horizons, participants are taught be a predominantly female staff, composed of teachers and other professionals. Our young guests are also accompanied and mentored by program assistants who are usually undergraduate students who excel in relevant disciplines. Group sizes are small so each participant has the opportunity to form a lasting relationship with staff and peers.
Program Dates: For summer 2010, the dates are July 11 - 16 and July 18 - 23.
How to Become a Candidate
First year participants must be nominated by someone in their school using official nomination documents. For participating schools already on our data base, materials are mailed in January of each year. First time schools engaging in the Horizons program should utilize the materials provided as downloads below. If you'd like to be on the mailing list, please contact the program to let them know you wish to be added to the data base.
In the first year, no more than three applications (two from current seventh graders and one from a current eighth grader (who has not previously participated in Horizons) are permitted to become candidates from any one school. Eighth grade nominees will be selected to fill available slots in Horizons I or II that may result from attrition. NOTE: Additional nominations may result in all nominations being discredited.
Application Procedure, Nominee Selection and Notification of Acceptance to the Program
A completed application packet contains the Nomination/Application form, and answers to specific questions on the form, two Recommendation forms (comments are encouraged), and a copy of the applicant's year-to-date transcript/grade report as well as the grade report from the previous year.
All application materials for a nominated student should be returned in one envelope and must be postmarked on or before March 12, 2010 for priority consideration. We reserve the right not to review applications that are not postmarked by the announced date.
All applicants, including those who are on wait-list status, will be notified of their status between mid-April and early May.
Wait-listed applicants who move to active status will be notified on or about June 1, 2009 and will receive available unpaid slots. Full tuition is required upon notification of acceptance.
Horizons I will accept approximately 140 participants with 70 young women scheduled for each of the two weeks. Horizons II will accept approximately 100 participants with 50 scheduled for each of the two weeks. Priority for inclusion in Horizons II will be given to those candidates who participated in Horizons I the previous year and continue to qualify for the program. Materials will be mailed directly to these participants at their home provided the address from Horizons I remains valid. If the participant moves, she should submit a new address to the program before January of the year following her Horizons I participation.
Application Materials
| Application – Horizons I (7th and 8th grade first time applicants) or Horizons II (for second year participants only) |
doc |
| Recommendation Form – Horizons I or II | doc |
| Questions – Horizons I | doc |
| Questions - Horizons II | doc |
| Code of Conduct | doc |
Tuition
The annual tuition for both the Horizons I or Horizons II program is $475 which includes housing, food, all instructional materials, and costs for any field trips. Travel to and from the program is not included in the tuition. Upon receipt of the letter of acceptance (late April/early May) from Clarkson a $100 non-refundable deposit is immediately due to temporarily preserve the candidate's slot. The $375 balance is required to arrive at Clarkson on or before May 28, 2010 to finalize the candidate's admission to the program.
Refunds are possible (upon request) between June 1 - 14, 2010 providing an applicant is available from the waitlist to replace the initial candidate. No refunds will be made after June 14, 2010, except in the event of an emergency and as agreed upon between the parent/guardian and program personnel.
EXCEPTION: Schools and agencies who indicate they are covering tuition for an accepted student should fill out the Vendor Payment Form (included in the acceptance packet) to arrange payment. In such cases, schools may not need to meet the announced pre-program payment deadline.
Location
Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY
Accommodations
Participants reside (two in a room) in a Clarkson University dormitory. The Program Director and program assistants live on the dormitory floors with the participants. Meals, classes and recreation are held in Clarkson facilities.
This is a full immersion program with fun and engaging activities ongoing at all times. Participants are not permitted to leave campus or move about campus alone and are under supervision at all times.
Photo Gallery
Horizons 2002
Horizons 2003
Horizons 2004
Horizons 2005
A residential, one-week program that connects talented 7th and 8th grade girls to the joy and excitement of math, science and engineering through hands-on, experiential activities and team projects.