February 25, 2026 – Hendrix College is proud to
announce that it will be a host campus for SSP International’s flagship
program, the Summer Science Program, which offers high school juniors hands-on science
research experience.
This year, SSPI plans to run programs in
astrophysics, biochemistry, bacterial genomics, and cell biology at host
campuses like Hendrix across the United States and Canada, with development of
additional project areas planned for future summers. SSPI specially selects renowned
academic institutions from across North America as their host campuses to offer
students an authentic college experience and immersive opportunities to learn,
do, and belong in science.
“We are thrilled to bring the Summer Science
Program to Hendrix College next year and are honored to partner with a college
that shares our commitment of increasing STEM accessibility and inspiring young
minds to reach their fullest potential,” said Frank Steslow, chief executive
officer for SSPI. “We look forward to bringing motivated and passionate
students to Arkansas to explore their future in science.”
Starting in 2026, Hendrix will host SSPI for one
or more five-week sessions over the course of the summer where highly-motivated
high school students from across the country will spend 60 hours per week
conducting research in various advanced scientific fields. Students will live
on campus, giving them the unique opportunity to get a head start on readiness
for college.
Hendrix's labs, classrooms, and residential
facilities are well-equipped to host SSPI faculty and teaching assistants/residential
mentors who will support students throughout this intense and valuable program.
When they are not in the lab, students will participate
in communal activities facilitated by SSPI staff that
extend from on campus into the Conway community.
After close
collaboration with SSPI, including a campus visit in December 2024, Hendrix
Provost Teresa Garrett is excited to welcome SSPI to campus in
2026. “One of the reasons I became a scientist was because of a
program like SSPI that I participated in. So when this opportunity presented
itself, I was happy to work to make it a reality. This program will be a
great addition to our summer programs.”
About
SSP International
SSP International is a
nonprofit offering inspiring science immersion experiences. Founded in 1959,
its mission is to provide opportunities to accelerate learning, doing, and
belonging in science. SSP International's flagship program is Summer Science
Program, a leading education experience for exceptional high school students in
astrophysics, biochemistry, bacterial genomics and more. For more information,
visit summerscience.org and follow Summer Science
Program on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
About
Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges
That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges
and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic
quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus
life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III
sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since
1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the
classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice,
and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives
of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix
College Statement of Purpose