Each summer since 2015, UMSL has offered 10-15 paid summer internships for bright high school students from Jennings Senior High School. In 2020 University CIty Schools were added. These are districts where 100% of students qualify for free lunch, and have as deep a talent pool as any, but few opportunities. Students go through a nomination and interview process and those selected go into research experiences in groups spanning multiple disciplines on the UMSL campus. They work side by side with UMSL graduate students, undergrads, and faculty members to experience the career possibilities in a variety of fields, learn new skills, and form lasting relationships. The participating units at UMSL have included several labs in Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Psychological Sciences, Physics, Math and Computer Science, as well as Education and Music.
The Collaborative Laboratory Internships and Mentoring Blueprint (CLIMB) Program
CLIMB is a partnership between the University of Missouri–St. Louis and the Jennings and University City school districts. Each summer since 2015, UMSL has offered 10-15 paid summer internships for bright high school students from these districts. Structured weekly activities engage the CLIMB interns to think like a scientist and do research with UMSL faculty and students.