PLEASE NOTE: Unfortunately, INVESTING NOW will not be accepting new applicants for the Summer 2021 recruitment period at this time. The program is currently in a period of reconstruction and will conduct recruitment at a later date. Any and all online application submissions are still received into our database, but they will not be reviewed in time for the summer program as they have been in the past.
The Impact
The Class of 2018 was the 25th student cohort to participate in INVESTING NOW from ninth through twelfth grade. Significant statistics for this group include:
- 97% enrolled in college
- 68% chose a STEM Major
- 26% enrolled in engineering as a major
- 19% enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh main campus
- 10% enrolled in the Swanson School of Engineering
Statistics for the previous five classes are listed below:
| Participants | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enrolled in College | 100% | 100% | 100% | 97% | 97% |
| Engineering, math or science major | 85% | 56% | 71% | 50% | 70% |
| Enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh | 13% | 19% | 13% | 0% | 13% |
The Program
INVESTING NOW recruitment, which focuses on eighth grade students, takes place in the spring of each academic year. However, older students can be admitted to the program if space is available. In order to be considered for participation, students must have:
- An academic grade point average of 2.75 or better
- A math/science grade point average of 3.0 or better
- An interest in a STEM major/career and/or a high proficiency in math and science
All students are involved in hands-on science experiences, career awareness and college planning seminars, academic advising sessions, and cultural activities. Students who have less than a B in mathematics or science classes are required to attend an hour per subject of individual or small group tutoring each week. These sessions are conducted by successful University of Pittsburgh engineering, math, biology, chemistry or physics students. Optional tutoring is also available.
During the month of July, INVESTING NOW ninth, tenth and eleventh grade students attend classes on the University of Pittsburgh’s campus. Students take non-credit classes in mathematics, science and writing in the morning. In addition to the required academic classes, students participate in an engineering project class in the afternoon. The summer session concludes with a program at which classes display and demonstrate their work, and students receive awards for their accomplishments.