A SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM IN REGENERATIVE ENGINEERING (ASPIRE)
ASPIRE (A Scientific Program in Regenerative Engineering) offers an immersive summer program designed specifically for high school students in the Waterbury and Hartford Public School districts. This unique opportunity aims to introduce students to the fascinating field of regenerative engineering, with a focus on fostering leadership and interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), particularly among Black students.
Through a combination of hands-on workshops, interactive lectures, and mentorship from academic experts and experienced professionals, ASPIRE provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and applications of regenerative engineering and research. Participants will have the chance to learn about cutting-edge experiments, explore research methods, and participate in a collaborative learning club that addresses real-world challenges in healthcare, sustainability, and beyond.
The program curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including cell work, biomaterials, 3D printing, and more. Students will also learn about the societal impact of regenerative engineering, gaining a holistic perspective on the field.
ASPIRE is not just about acquiring knowledge; it's about empowering students to become leaders in STEM fields. Through mentorship and skill-building activities, participants will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills essential for success in any STEM career. Moreover, the program seeks to cultivate a supportive and inclusive community where students feel inspired, valued, and encouraged to pursue their passions.
By the end of the program, ASPIRE aims to equip students with the confidence, expertise, and network needed to excel in STEM, and beyond. Whether they aspire to pursue higher education, enter the workforce, or launch their own projects, participants will be prepared to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world at large.
ASPIRE - Summer STEM Program: Igniting curiosity, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of STEM leadership, one student at a time. Join us and embark on a transformative journey of discovery and growth!
Program Details:
- An on-site, six-week summer program (five days per week; July 7 to August 15, 2025)
- Shadowing in clinical laboratories
- Mentorship from research UConn faculty, graduate students, doctoral students, and staff
- Earned stipend of $3,000 upon successful program completion
- Membership to the Regenerative Engineering Society
Eligibility Requirements:
- Ages 16+
- Students from the Hartford and Waterbury Public School Districts
- Have an interest in the STEM professions
- Be a U.S. citizen of permanent resident
For any questions or information, please email us at laurencininstitute@uchc.edu.
ASPIRE is funded by the U.S. Department of Education championed by the Office of Congresswoman Jahana Hayes.
ASPIRE: ADOPT-A-CLASSROOM PLUS PROGRAM
The ASPIRE - Adopt-A-Classroom Plus (AAC+) program is an initiative of the Cato T. Laurencin Institute that fosters close collaboration between K-12 educators and UConn STEM faculty.
This program invites UConn faculty, members of the Regenerative Engineering Society (part of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, AIChE), and K-12 teachers from Hartford and Waterbury public school districts, to participate in a year-round STEM development activities program.
UConn faculty collaborates with the Regenerative Engineering Society and the CT NMA (Connecticut National Medical Association) to leverage the society’s resources to make a local impact on K-12 STEM outreach. Specifically, these societies provide resources such as online modules, tools, webinars, and newsletters to help students learn about regenerative engineering, regenerative medicine, and other STEM topics. Additionally, students and teachers receive a discounted membership to the Regenerative Engineering Society, which grants access to the journal Regenerative Engineering and Translational Medicine (RETM), published by Springer Nature.
Furthermore, selected K-12 students and teachers will be invited to attend events hosted by the societies, including the Rock Stars Meeting of Regenerative Engineering and the CT NMA’s LUMINARIES Series.
The AAC+ program focuses on two main objectives:
- Student-Centered Learning: Providing K-12 students with educational resources and opportunities to engage with cutting-edge STEM topics.
- Teacher Professional Development: Offering K-12 educators new experiences and tools to enhance their teaching in STEM fields.
While the traditional Adopt-A-Classroom Program typically provides funding for classroom supplies, the ASPIRE - Adopt-A-Classroom Plus Program is unique in its emphasis on creating meaningful collaborations between K-12 educators and UConn STEM faculty, as well as providing access to resources that enhance both teaching and learning.
The Adopt-A-Classroom Plus (AAC+) program is open to all K-12 teachers and students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medicine (STEM). The program aims to provide valuable STEM educational resources and exclusive access to conferences organized by the Regenerative Engineering Society.
Program Details:
- Free Membership to Regenerative Engineering (RE) Society.
- Complimentary subscription to the Regenerative Engineering and Translation Medicine Journal.
- Access to quarterly RE Newsletter at no cost.
- Selected students aged 18 and older receive free access to the Rock Stars meeting of Regenerative Engineering.
- Enrollment Opens: November 15, 2024
Eligibility Requirements:
- K-12 Students and Teachers from the Hartford and Waterbury Public Schools districts interested in STEM focused educational materials and events.
For any questions or information, please email us at laurencininstitute@uchc.edu.