If you are a high school student with an interest in STEM, there are a number of summer programs that hold immense value, offering a unique opportunity to dive into various STEM subjects. These programs provide hands-on experiences, exposing you to cutting-edge concepts and technologies that go beyond the standard classroom curriculum. Through research-oriented projects, be it conducting experiments, coding software, or building robots, these programs instill in you a sense of curiosity and hone your problem-solving skills—qualities crucial in STEM fields.
Participating in STEM summer programs not only enhances your skill set but significantly elevates your college applications. Admissions officers highly value students who demonstrate a genuine passion for their chosen field, and your involvement in STEM programs becomes tangible evidence of that commitment. Highlighting specific research projects or innovations from these programs showcases the practical application of your academic knowledge and emphasizes your proactive approach to learning. Furthermore, the experience gained in STEM programs provides valuable material for personal statements and essays, allowing you to articulate your passion, dedication, and your ability to overcome challenges.
What is the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program?
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is a paid summer internship, tailored for high school juniors and seniors, and proudly sponsored by the American Fisheries Society (AFS). At its core, the Hutton Program is on a mission to ignite career interest in fisheries science, particularly among young individuals from underrepresented groups. Selected students become part of a unique mentoring experience, being matched with fisheries professionals who guide them through hands-on activities set in marine or freshwater environments. Successfully completing the program not only provides participants, known as "Hutton Scholars," with invaluable work experience but also grants them a substantial $3,000 scholarship. This financial reward is a testament to their dedication and achievement in the dynamic field of fisheries science.
Is it prestigious?
Without a doubt, yes! The program is fully funded, and offers a substantial amount as scholarship to each student. The program is backed by the American Fisheries Society, which further adds to its prestige.
Since its inception in 2001, the Hutton Program has provided internships and mentoring experiences in fisheries and aquatic science to 717 students with the help of over 800 mentors in more than 150 host and financially sponsoring institutions. This means that each year, only 32-33 students are accepted from a pool of 2500+ applications each year!
Over the past 20 years, 59% of Hutton Scholars have been women and 57% identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color). This diversity has been one of the program’s many salient features, ensuring a bias-free, inclusive learning environment.
What will I learn as a Hutton Scholar?
Through the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, you will gain a wealth of hands-on experiences and skills that extend far beyond a traditional classroom setting. Engaging in activities such as stream sampling, seining, electrofishing, fish tagging and tracking, and ecosystem restoration, you will find yourself actively contributing to the preservation and understanding of aquatic ecosystems. Participating in public education initiatives, you will hone your ability to communicate complex ecological concepts to diverse audiences.
Your involvement in data analysis, laboratory analyses of fish to determine age and growth, and various research endeavors will equip you with practical research skills, fostering a deep appreciation for the intricate dynamics of fisheries science. The program's immersive nature ensures that you not only comprehend theoretical concepts but also develop the competencies required for a successful career in fisheries biology.
The goal of this program is to diversify fisheries professions so it strongly encourages minorities and females to apply, fostering a more inclusive and representative community within the fisheries field. As Hutton Scholars, students actively engage in habitat protection, restoration, and management projects, gaining practical insights into the environmental challenges facing aquatic ecosystems. The program goes beyond conventional learning by delving into conservation issues and emphasizing the crucial role of maintaining healthy aquatic systems.
Who is eligible?
Current high school juniors and seniors are eligible. They must express a genuine interest in fisheries science and eligible students should be available during the specified period to fully engage in the hands-on experiences, fieldwork, and mentorship activities offered. Notably, the program places a strong emphasis on inclusivity, actively seeking participants from underrepresented groups, particularly minorities and females.
Where is the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program offered?
The Hutton Program is available in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Pacific Islands. The program is designed to provide high school juniors and seniors from various regions with the opportunity to participate in a paid summer internship and mentoring experience in the field of fisheries science. As it is sponsored by the American Fisheries Society (AFS), the program collaborates with fisheries professionals and organizations throughout the country to offer diverse and enriching experiences in marine and freshwater settings. If there is no mentor identified in the student’s area, we will work with our contacts and network of fisheries professionals to find a suitable mentor for the selected student.
What are the Dates and Deadlines?
November 14th: Application Opens
January 16th: Application Closes
February: Applications Under Review
April: Students are notified of application results.
Mid-June to Late July and Early August: 8 Week Internship dates are flexible and determined between the mentor and student.
What does a typical day look like?
Students are expected to work 32-40 hours a week on a schedule determined between them and their mentor. While the specifics of a typical day in the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program can vary based on the location, projects, and mentors, participants generally engage in a mix of fieldwork, research activities, and educational initiatives.
Participants start with hands-on experiences such as stream sampling, seining, and fish tagging. Ecosystem restoration projects contribute to conservation efforts, while public education initiatives raise awareness about aquatic system health. After fieldwork, students engage in data analysis, interpreting results from their research. Laboratory sessions include hands-on analyses of fish specimens to determine age and growth.
How does the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program influence my college admissions?
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program significantly influences your college admissions profile by providing a unique and prestigious experience in fisheries science. As a participant, you gain hands-on research skills, fieldwork experience, and exposure to ecosystem restoration projects, contributing to a robust academic portfolio. The program's affiliation with the American Fisheries Society (AFS) adds credibility, signaling to college admissions officers that you've engaged with reputable organizations in your chosen field.
Successfully completing the program not only demonstrates your commitment to fisheries science but also showcases your ability to work collaboratively, a valuable asset in both academic and professional settings. The mentorship component highlights your capacity to seek guidance and learn from seasoned professionals, a trait highly valued in college environments.
What should you keep in mind before applying?
Before applying to the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, ensure that you are a high school junior or senior, meeting the specified grade eligibility. Given the program's focus on fostering diversity in fisheries professions, reflect on your genuine interest in fisheries science and the potential contributions you can make to the field.
Prepare to showcase your commitment by being available for the summer internship period and engaging wholeheartedly in hands-on experiences, fieldwork, and mentorship activities. Understand that the program places importance on inclusivity, particularly encouraging applications from underrepresented groups, including minorities and females.
In terms of the application process, be aware that you will be required to submit a comprehensive application package. This typically includes a Statement of Interest where you can articulate your passion for fisheries science, respond thoughtfully to two short essay questions, provide school transcripts to demonstrate your academic standing, and secure a Student Reference Form from a teacher or mentor who can speak to your suitability for the program.
Being thorough and thoughtful in your application, expressing a clear interest in the program's objectives, and ensuring all required materials are submitted accurately and on time will enhance your chances of being considered for this prestigious opportunity. Remember to check the official program guidelines for the most up-to-date application requirements and deadlines.
10 Reasons Why You Should Apply
You will gain valuable hands-on experience:The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program stands out for its immersive hands-on field experience, where you actively participate in stream sampling, seining, and electrofishing. Engaging in stream sampling allows you to collect vital data on water quality, species diversity, and habitat characteristics. Seining activities involve the use of nets to capture and study fish populations, offering a close encounter with aquatic ecosystems. These practical experiences not only deepen your understanding of fisheries science but also equip you with valuable fieldwork skills that are essential for future academic and professional pursuits.
You will receive mentorship by professionals:A key highlight of the Hutton Program is the mentorship provided by seasoned fisheries professionals. Each participant is paired with a mentor who serves as a guide throughout the program, offering invaluable insights into their own careers, sharing anecdotes, and providing advice on navigating the field of fisheries science. This mentorship component fosters a supportive learning environment where you can learn from real-world experiences, gain perspectives on various career paths within fisheries biology, and build lasting connections with professionals who are passionate about the same things you’re interested in.
There is an emphasis on diversity:The program places a strong emphasis on diversity and actively encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including minorities and females. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that the program brings together a cohort with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. By fostering a multicultural and varied participant group, the Hutton Program enriches the learning environment, creating a space where students can learn not only from the curriculum but also from each other's unique insights and backgrounds.
You will be able to contribute to ecosystem restoration projects:An integral aspect of the Hutton Program is active participation in ecosystem restoration projects. You contribute directly to real-world conservation efforts by engaging in projects aimed at protecting, restoring, and managing aquatic ecosystems. This hands-on involvement provides a sense of environmental stewardship, allowing you to witness the tangible impact of their work on the health and sustainability of aquatic environments. Whether it's planting vegetation along riverbanks or participating in habitat restoration initiatives, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of conservation practices.
You will work on public education initiatives:Beyond scientific research, the Hutton Program recognizes the importance of effective communication in the field of fisheries science. Participants are involved in public education initiatives where they learn to communicate complex ecological concepts to diverse audiences. This might involve creating educational materials, leading outreach events, or engaging with local communities to raise awareness about the importance of healthy aquatic systems.
You will experiment with and improve your data analysis skills:Participants in the program gain proficiency in data analysis, a crucial skill in the realm of scientific research. After collecting data during fieldwork, you are guided through the process of analyzing and interpreting results. This hands-on experience in data-driven decision-making enhances your ability to draw meaningful conclusions from raw data—a fundamental skill in scientific research. Whether examining trends in fish populations, water quality metrics, or habitat characteristics, you develop a practical understanding of how data analysis contributes to the broader field of fisheries biology.
You will conduct laboratory analyses:Complementing field experiences, the program includes laboratory analyses of fish specimens to determine age and growth. This laboratory work offers you a unique perspective on the life cycles of aquatic species and the factors influencing their development. Through hands-on activities such as otolith examination (studying ear bones) and scale analysis, you gain insights into the techniques used by fisheries biologists to assess the health and demographics of fish populations.
You will be able to access incredible networking opportunities:The Hutton Program provides invaluable networking opportunities for participants to connect with professionals in the field of fisheries science. Whether through organized events, seminars, or informal gatherings, you will have the chance to interact with experts, researchers, and professionals. Building connections with individuals actively engaged in fisheries biology not only broadens students' perspectives on potential career paths but also opens doors to mentorship, collaboration, and future opportunities.
You will earn a $3,000 scholarship reward:Successful completion of the Hutton Program comes with a tangible and rewarding outcome—a $3,000 scholarship. This financial incentive serves as both recognition of the dedication and hard work demonstrated by participants throughout the program and as practical support for their ongoing academic pursuits.
Participation as a Hutton Scholar will positively impact college admissions:Participating in the Hutton Program significantly enhances your college admissions profiles. The unique experiences, mentorship, and practical skills gained through the program set participants apart, demonstrating a proactive commitment to fisheries science. College admissions officers value applicants with a demonstrated passion for their chosen field, and the Hutton Program provides a concrete example of this commitment. The program's emphasis on real-world applications, research, and collaboration equips you with skills and experiences that are highly relevant to academic success and future careers in the sciences.
If you are interested in doing university-level research in marine science and biology, then you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, over 4000 students applied for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application formhere.
Jessica attends Harvard University where she studies Neuroscience and Computer Science as a Coca-Cola, Elks, and Albert Shankar Scholar. She is passionate about educational equity and hopes to one day combine this with her academic interests via social entrepreneurship. Outside of academics, she enjoys taking walks, listening to music, and running her jewelry business!
Image Source: Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program logo