Summer Program

The Summer Program is the cornerstone of The North Star Project. It brings 15-20 incoming freshmen together for two weeks just before Fall term. As a residential program, students stay in their assigned UO dorm for the Fall term. During these two weeks, students apply what they learn in physics, problem solving, and computer programming workshops toward a hands-on science project. Besides all the fun science, North Star students will also take trips to museums, the Pine Mountain Observatory, local hiking spots, and much more.

Important Information for Summer Program:

  • Summer Program Dates for Summer 2022: September 11-21.
  • All expenses are covered once student arrives in Eugene with North Star. This includes all housing, meals, tours, materials, etc.
  • Students will stay together in one of the on-campus dorms (not necessarily their fall dorm assignment). Graduate student residence assistants will be with you overnight.
  • The Summer Program will consist of:
    • Separate math, physics, and problem solving courses co-taught by two graduate students and faculty.
    • Daily hands-on experience in a physics research lab.
    • Lab tours on campus.
    • Overnight trip to Pine Mountain Observatory.
    • Games during the day and at night.
    • Study sessions at night.

Some Benefits of Summer Program and North Star:

  • Make new, life-long friends and form study groups before Fall classes begin.
  • Get to know current undergraduate students, graduate students (often the co-instructors in your classes), and professors before Fall term begins.
  • Be prepared to succeed in your Fall courses, day one.
  • Do modern, hands-on science and develop valuable lab skills.
  • Take an exciting weekend trip to the Pine Mountain Observatory and see the stars in a whole new way!
  • Tour and get to know cutting-edge science labs on the UO campus.
  • Get to know campus and surrounding area before Fall.
  • Get a personal coach (mentor) to help you achieve your goals.
  • Receive $1000 scholarship for attending the summer program.
  • Receive up to $3000 as a scholarship to support doing research during the year.
  • And much more!!!