What is WISE?

WISE is a paid* research learning opportunity for Baltimore City public high school students who are mentored by Johns Hopkins University (JHU) researchers. The primary objective of WISE is to increase the  diversity of students who are pursuing science and engineering in college by developing their knowledge of a specific STEM field, strengthening their analytical skills, and fostering connections with STEM professionals.

WISE is offered after school in the fall and spring or daily over four consecutive weeks in the summer.

Each student will explore a subject in laboratory, computer, or field settings which could include Materials Science, Mechanical, Electrical and Computer, and Biomedical Engineering**. At the close of each program, WISE students present their research and experiences to fellow WISE students, their research labs, their families, and Hopkins community members.

*For U.S. citizens or those with work authorization status.

**A list of our Whiting School Engineering departments can be found here.

WISE is accepting applications for in-person* internships for Summer 2023.

*All students will be expected to follow JHU COVID-19 guidelines.

Click How to Apply to get started.

Students, parents, and teachers may contact us with questions at [email protected].

Summer submission deadline: Sunday, April 16, 2023 (11:59pm)

FAQ

• Eligibility

  • Should have A’s and B’s in all math and science courses
  • Must be sophomore, junior, or senior high school student
    • Sophomore students must have completed 2 years of high school level math
    • Must be a Baltimore City public high school student
  • *Student must be eligible to work in the US to be paid. Students not eligible to work in the US are eligible to participate as an unpaid intern.

  Students that meet the above requirements are eligible to apply regardless of gender identity

  • All of the following components must be completed by the applicable submission deadline:
    • Application form
      • Essay questions must meet minimum word count
    • Teacher or guidance counselor recommendation
      • Preference given for recommendations from teachers in STEM fields
    • Transcript (latest report card or progress report requested for spring and summer programs) submitted by high school

• Technology & Internet Access

  • WISE students will need access to a computer. If a student does not have one, a laptop can be loaned for use during their experience.

• Time Commitment

  • WISE students must be available 3 hours each day, typically from 4 PM to 7 PM, two days a week (fall/spring program) for 15 weeks or 5 hours each weekday, typically from 9 AM to 3 PM for 4 weeks in the summer.
  • Fall program runs early November to late February.
  • Spring program runs late February to late May.
  • Summer program runs July 10 – August 4, 2023

• Transportation

  • If selected, WISE students must provide their own transportation to and from the Johns Hopkins University Homewood Campus (3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218). Additional placements may be made at the Johns Hopkins Hospital campus (Biomedical labs) and will be discussed prior to placement. If you have questions or concerns about transportation, contact [email protected] for guidance.

 

Information for JHU Faculty and Potential Mentors

Faculty, researchers, and graduate students interested in mentoring for a semester should contact [email protected] with the subject line: “Interest in WISE Mentoring.”

Faculty interested in writing WISE into their NSF grant application’s broader impacts statement and budget should contact Alisha Sparks at [email protected].

2017 article published in the JHU HUB.

Quotes:

“[WISE] taught me that I can actually understand higher level science.” WISE Fall 2019 student, Baltimore City College

“I liked making liposomes. It was fun. I felt like a real scientist.” WISE Summer 2019 student, Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women

“[My mentor and I] developed a great relationship, and she guided [me] through all my challenges over the weeks.” Fall 2018 student, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute

“My mentor was patient and answered all of my questions.  I wish I could have spent more time in the lab.  I learned that I really like doing research – I didn’t expect that.  And I found out that I’m a quick learner.” WISE Fall 2013 student, Western High School