About

Program Overview

The Wheaton Outstanding STEM Scholars (WOSS) Summer Program is an immersive 4-week experience for incoming first-year students. It introduces them to the professional and technical skills needed to succeed in STEM at Wheaton and beyond. It is specifically designed to reduce the barrier to entry into research experiences in STEM and promote meaningful interactions between incoming students and Wheaton faculty and staff. This summer program aims to foster a sense of belonging and capability by demystifying unwritten rules that hinder diversity in STEM.

WOSS is a residential program with two academic components. In the mornings, students attend a skill- and professional development-based course. In the afternoons, pairs of students conduct research under the supervision of a Wheaton faculty member. On the weekends, students participate in activities that promote camaraderie and exploration of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

This program was established in 2024 by the Wheaton Inclusive STEM Excellence (WISE) initiative, which is funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The WOSS Summer Program is offered at no cost. In addition, it covers food, housing and transportation costs during the program, and provides students with a $2,500 stipend at the end of their successful participation.

Mission

To broaden participation in STEM by including more first-generation students and students of color.

Goals

By participating in the WOSS Summer Program, students will:

• Belong to a supportive network of peers, faculty and staff

• Gain meaningful experience conducting and presenting scientific research

• Engage with offices, resources and interest groups on campus

• Build a resume and LinkedIn profile

• Have a heightened sense of belonging in STEM and at Wheaton

• Serve as campus leaders to further the WISE mission of diversifying STEM

Dates

July 13th to August 9th, 2025

Eligibility

• Incoming first-year Wheaton student (Class of 2029) 

• Intended major in a STEM discipline outside of Nursing

• Cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or above

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Note: As of May 2025, passengers will be required to have a Real ID or passport to board domestic flights. Therefore, to be considered for the WOSS Summer Program, out-of-state students must have either a Real ID or passport in their possession by the time they submit their application, if they intend to fly to Massachusetts.

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated interest in STEM

• Demonstrated commitment to furthering the WISE mission of advancing participation and success of first-generation students and students of color in STEM

• Potential to benefit from participation in this program 

• Willingness to commit fully to all aspects of the program