How to Apply/Eligibility
Being a part of SMASH is an exciting, one-of-a-kind of experience. As much is given to SMASH Scholars, much is also expected. We welcome students who are excited to take advantage of our resources.
Student Expectations:
- Be prepared to work hard, participate fully in all learning experiences, and contribute to building a positive and
supportive community of students; - Commit to participating in three summer academies and attend monthly meetings, workshops, and events during the academic school year;
- Provide semester grade reports and annual transcripts from school; and
- Demonstrate a sense of social responsibility through school/community service activities or an awareness of
community issues.
Parent Expectations:
- Participate in monthly parent workshops and meetings; and
- Support their child's educational goals and aspirations.
Selection Criteria
The best candidates for SMASH Academy will:
- Demonstrate an in-depth curiosity in any particular facet of math or science, and an interest in science or math-related studies, activities, or possible careers.
- Be willing to live on campus, away from family, for 5 weeks in a community of other students, and be mature/stable enough to handle such a responsibility.
- Want to attend college and work to prepare for a competitive college admissions process
Living on Campus
SMASH students live in a UC Berkeley residence hall, with girls and boys on separate floors. Residence hall activities are monitored by trained adult resident assistants. Students participate in planned weekly recreational activities, and have use of many terrific campus resources in their (limited) free time. All meals are provided along with the accommodations. Students will have the use of a computer in each residence hall room (usually one computer for every two students).
During the week and on Saturdays, we will have educational and recreational field trips. On Sundays, students are required to return to their families for one day.
Cost
There is no cost to students participating in SMASH.
Funding for SMASH is provided by private foundation grants, corporate grants, and individual donors at an estimated $10,000/student/per year.
Eligibility Requirements
Interested students should:
- Be in the ninth grade at time of application, reside and attend a public high school in the San Francisco Bay Area (US citizenship is not required);
- Currently be enrolled in geometry or the equivalent with a B average;
- Self-identify as African American, Latino/Hispanic, Native American, or mixed race/multiracial with one parent from the above three ethnicities, or other underrepresented person of color in education; and
- Come from a low income or resource-constrained family.
We especially encourage applications from students who will be the first in their families to attend college.