STEM Enrichment: Transforming Summer Fieldwork into Groundbreaking Research

For today’s STEM students, summer has become a launchpad for future careers—a time to dive deep into hands-on learning, explore real-world challenges, and lay the foundation for groundbreaking research.

STEM students are not just preparing for the future; they are actively shaping it. By focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, they are positioned to become the innovators, problem-solvers, and thought leaders of tomorrow.

Thanks to a groundbreaking Travel and Research Summer Program by Envision and Polygence, the next generation of STEM students can take their passion for learning beyond the classroom. This partnership offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage in summer fieldwork that transforms curiosity into meaningful research, setting students on a path to success in STEM careers.

This unique collaboration immerses high school students in advanced research projects grounded in real-world scientific and technological contexts. Students don’t just observe—they engage. Whether they’re collecting data, conducting experiments, or using cutting-edge technology, these programs equip students with the practical skills and insights they need to excel in STEM fields.

But why is hands-on STEM education so transformative? How does fieldwork directly prepare students for future STEM careers? Let’s explore the power of experiential learning and how it helps students build a solid foundation for success in STEM.

The Power of Experiential Learning: From Curiosity to Groundbreaking Research

Experiential learning is the cornerstone of effective STEM education. It’s about more than memorizing formulas or theoretical concepts—it’s about translating those ideas into real-world applications. Fieldwork and research allow students to connect what they learn in the classroom with actual problems they will encounter in STEM careers. This hands-on approach turns abstract theories into tangible accomplishments.

Take computer science, for instance. Learning coding syntax in a classroom setting is valuable, but applying that knowledge to develop software, troubleshoot in real-time, and collaborate with peers from other STEM disciplines brings those lessons to life. Students in summer fieldwork programs do just that, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for success in STEM.

Preparing for a STEM Career 

Hands-on STEM education doesn’t just provide knowledge—it also prepares students for the complexity of professional STEM careers. Whether they’re working in a lab, on a field project, or in the tech industry, students gain experience in essential skills like collaboration, adaptability, and creative thinking.

Employers in the STEM field value these real-world skills because they demonstrate a candidate’s ability to navigate the challenges of professional environments. In programs like those offered by Polygence and WorldStrides, students aren’t just learning about STEM—they’re practicing it under the guidance of experts in the field.

Imagine being mentored by top-tier scientists, engineers, and researchers. With Polygence and WorldStrides, high school students can do just that—learn directly from professionals who are advancing the future of STEM.

Developing Problem-Solving Skills 

One of the greatest benefits of fieldwork is the development of problem-solving skills. Whether students are analyzing biological samples in the field, troubleshooting robotics issues, or conducting experiments, they face real-world challenges that demand creative solutions. STEM professionals encounter complex, multi-faceted problems every day, and students in these programs are prepared to approach these challenges with innovative solutions.

Students are encouraged to see every problem as an opportunity for innovation. These real-world research projects push students to think critically and creatively, preparing them to tackle the STEM challenges of tomorrow.

Boosting College Applications: Research That Makes an Impact

Participating in Polygence’s STEM programs not only builds practical skills but also enhances college applications. Admissions committees are increasingly valuing research experience as evidence of a student’s commitment to their field, and a strong research project can be a powerful differentiator.

Polygence offers students the opportunity to engage in research that not only contributes to their learning but also has the potential to result in significant academic achievements, such as published articles, prototypes, and impactful projects. This real-world experience gives students the tools they need to succeed in higher education and beyond. 

Program Highlights

At Polygence, students don't just learn STEM concepts—they apply them in real-world research projects, supported by experienced mentors every step of the way.

Our unique platform connects talented high school students with expert mentors from top universities, creating a fully customized research experience. Through our enhanced partnership with WorldStrides, we offer an experience far from a cookie-cutter STEM enrichment class—a tailored opportunity to research topics you’re most passionate about. 

You can pursue research in any of the fields that interest you, like data science, biology, or engineering, with your schedule. You can study your chosen STEM subjects deeply without feeling overwhelmed. 

Under the guidance of experienced research program mentors, these students design meaningful research outcomes, whether it’s a published article, a prototype, or even a fully structured STEM curriculum project.  

Similarly, WorldStrides' STEM field studies take curious minds on an unforgettable journey of exploration and discovery. In real-world labs and research settings, students don't just read about STEM concepts - they get to test them firsthand through fieldwork programs. These programs emphasize the idea that “learning doesn’t have to end when summer begins.”

Here’s what sorts of STEM experiences you can expect via the partnership between Polygence and WorldStrides:

STEM Trip to the Bahamas – Marine Biology

Few environments are as breathtaking as the pristine waters of the Bahamas. Home to the world’s third-largest fringing barrier reef and an unparalleled concentration of blue holes, these islands are a living laboratory for marine biology. 

The trip to the Bahamas provides students with the opportunity to deepen their science education by exploring marine ecosystems.

This 8-day STEM enrichment program kicks off with an orientation in Andros, the least-developed island of the Bahamas. Students are introduced to methodologies and safety procedures before heading to field sites ranging from sandy beaches to rich coral reefs.

Through snorkeling, blue-hole exploration, and hands-on experiments, students analyze water chemistry, identify reef species, and study ecological threats such as pollution and coral bleaching. They will also learn about Bahamian history and culture, merging STEM education with a rich cultural context.

Research topics, in partnership with a Polygence mentor, could include:

• Assessing the health of coral reef ecosystems

• Investigating the effects of climate change on marine biodiversity

• Analyzing water chemistry changes in blue hole systems

• Evaluating the impacts of tourism on marine habitats

STEM Trip to Boston - Robotics, Biology, and More

Discover the intersection of innovation, engineering, and history in Boston—a celebrated hub for some of the world’s greatest scientific and technological advancements. This 4-day STEM-focused itinerary immerses students in hands-on learning, exploration, and problem-solving.  

The trip begins with a unique Duck Boat Tour, offering views of Boston’s historic landmarks from both land and water. Students will then get a behind-the-scenes experience during the Fenway Park STEM tour, learning about the fascinating engineering and physics of the park. At the Museum of Science, you’ll enjoy the combination of interactive exhibits and a scavenger hunt that showcases the relationship between science and technology.  

Additional highlights include wildlife exploration at the Franklin Park Zoo and an unforgettable whale-watching excursion at Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, where students learn about marine ecosystems with experts. The program concludes with a Robotics and Helicopter Coding Workshop led by MIT PhD graduates, where students build and program their own working helicopter model.  

Potential research topics with Polygence mentors include :

• Exploring the aerodynamic principles of helicopter flight  

• Investigating the ecological impact of urban environments on marine wildlife  

• Designing sustainable zoo habitats using advanced engineering techniques  

STEM Habitat Exploration in Florida - Biology, Zoology, and Conservation

Florida’s rich ecosystems become an outdoor classroom in this 5-day STEM adventure. From snorkeling with manatees to kayaking through mangroves, students explore marine biology and ecology in an up-close and hands-on manner.  

Beginning in Tampa, students study currents, winds, and habitats while participating in marine biology fieldwork alongside professional scientists. At ZooTampa, the interactive sessions include encounters with native animals and lessons on conservation efforts. A highlight of the trip is the opportunity to snorkel with manatees at Crystal River, where students gain firsthand insight into the behavior and conservation of this endangered species.  

The adventure continues with activities like fishing in marine habitats, squid dissections at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and exploring the African Safari at Busch Gardens, where students observe species like giraffes and white rhinos. The program offers a blend of science, adventure, and collaboration for any student interested in STEM, particularly ecology, conservation, or marine biology.  

Some possible research topics with Polygence mentors could involve:

• Assessing the impact of human activity on manatee populations  

• Analyzing water quality in marine habitats to predict ecosystem health  

• Investigating mangrove ecosystems and their role in combating climate change  

Enhancing Educational Trajectories

The combined platform Polygence and WorldStrides offers charts of new paths for student outcomes in STEM education. 

And far beyond academic success, participants leave with skills and experiences that position them for long-term growth, including:

• STEM Knowledge: Students deepen their understanding of STEM subjects simply by studying real-world challenges that are closely tied to generation science standards.

• Problem-Solving Skills: Hands-on projects and research demand creative thinking, encouraging students to work their problem solving muscles.

• Preparation for STEM Careers: From computer science to biotechnology, exposure to professional workflows introduces students to STEM-centric industries early, instilling confidence and competency.

• Distinction in College Applications: Polygence’s pre-college research experience is an awesome opportunity for professional development that provides students with unique projects that stand out on college application resumes, highlighting curiosity and initiative.

Participating in a well-crafted STEM enrichment course helps enrich personal and academic growth in ways that traditional programs just can’t achieve. These results aren’t limited to immediate achievements but set the stage for future STEM learning and professional advancement.

How to Enroll Your Child

If you’re ready to provide your child with the platform to shine as a future researcher or innovator, the enrollment process for this summer program is straightforward.

Submit an Application

To apply for the joint program, submit an interest form. Once you do, a member of the admissions team will get in touch to share details on the program and answer any questions you might have. 

Tuition varies depending on where you choose to travel and what you plan to research, but you can expect to pay around $6,700 to $8,000 (please note that flights are not included in this cost).

Pay Attention to Deadlines and Criteria 

Deadlines and admissions criteria vary depending on the program and location.

Most programs are held in June and July. When you return from the travel program, you’ll have the opportunity to be matched with a PhD mentor from Polygence who will guide you (one-on-one) in your personalized research project. 

Through ten hour-long sessions with your mentor, you’ll hone your research skills and create your final outcome, whether that’s a paper, app, prototype, podcast, or something else entirely. 

The majority of students complete this element of the program within three to six months. 

Prepare for the Program 

As a parent, you can help your child make the most of their STEM enrichment program by encouraging exploration of their desired topic beforehand.  

Also, make sure your child has any necessary visas, immunizations, and other travel requirements well in advance of their trip. Requirements vary based on the program and the travel destination.

A Future in STEM Starts Here

For students with a passion for science and a drive to make a difference, the Travel and Research Summer Program by Envision and Polygenc,e offers unparalleled opportunities to jump-start their STEM careers. By combining immersive fieldwork with expert mentorship, these programs prepare students to become the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.

It’s more than just a summer program—it’s the beginning of a lifelong journey of discovery, learning, and professional growth in STEM.