# SHINE: Summer High School Intensive in Next-Generation Engineering The SHINE program, hosted by the prestigious USC Viterbi School of Engineering, offers a transformative seven-week summer experience for high school students passionate about STEM. This intensive research opportunity allows students in grades 10-12 to work alongside distinguished USC faculty and graduate students in cutting-edge engineering labs. Participants will gain hands-on experience in fields like artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering, and other next-generation technologies, setting the stage for their future academic and career success. ## Program Structure SHINE is an **in-person, seven-week program** held on the University of Southern California campus in the USA. The program is designed to immerse students in high-level research while fostering a deep understanding of engineering concepts and applications. Key components include: - **Mentored Research**: Each student is paired with a USC faculty mentor and their research team for personalized guidance. - **Hands-On Lab Work**: Students actively participate in ongoing engineering research projects, contributing to real-world problem-solving. - **Workshops and Seminars**: Weekly workshops and seminars introduce students to advanced engineering topics, technical skills, and research methodologies. - **Final Presentation**: At the end of the program, students present their research findings to peers, mentors, and invited guests, developing their communication and presentation skills. ## What Students Experience SHINE participants delve into cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering, and other innovative areas of engineering. They engage in hands-on experiments, data analysis, and collaborative problem-solving within a supportive research environment. Mentorship is a cornerstone of SHINE. Each student is guided by a USC faculty mentor, graduate students, and lab team members who provide valuable insights into academic research and professional engineering. Students gain not only technical expertise but also a deeper understanding of the research process, from formulating questions to analyzing results. By the end of the program, participants leave with a completed research project, new technical skills, and strengthened critical thinking and collaboration abilities. ## Why It Matters for College Applications SHINE is a unique opportunity to gain **authentic research experience** at one of the nation’s top engineering schools. Completing this program demonstrates a student’s initiative, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to STEM, all of which are attractive qualities for college admissions. Participants often gain an edge in competitive college applications by showcasing their advanced research experience, particularly in high-demand fields like AI and biomedical engineering. Additionally, the final research project and mentorship experience can provide compelling material for essays, resumes, and recommendation letters. ## Eligibility The SHINE program is open to high school students entering **grades 10-12**. Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in STEM and a willingness to engage in rigorous, hands-on research. While prior research experience is not required, students should be prepared to work collaboratively and independently in a dynamic lab environment. ## How to Participate To apply, interested students should complete the SHINE application through the USC Viterbi School of Engineering’s website. The application typically includes: - A personal statement about your interest in STEM and the program - Academic transcripts - Letters of recommendation Space in the program is limited, so early application is encouraged. For more details on deadlines, costs (program fee: $7,750), and additional application requirements, visit the [SHINE program website](https://viterbischool.usc.edu). Take the first step toward an exciting future in engineering by joining SHINE at USC Viterbi School of Engineering!