West Haven Public Schools are proud to be part of a thriving partnership with the Yale Pathways to Science program, which started in 2008. This program, with its overarching goal of encouraging and supporting promising young scholars to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, is a testament to our community's commitment to educational excellence. The program allows our middle and high school students to explore STEM at Yale University, a unique opportunity we are privileged to offer.
Once a student has been accepted into the program, they are invited to attend more than 150 different programs and events annually, and they can choose to participate in the opportunities that interest them the most. Students enrolled in the program have launched rockets, built telescopes, examined brain specimens with Yale neuroscientists, and much more.
The popularity of the Yale Pathways to Science program is evident in the number of West Haven students enrolled. Currently, 424 students from West Haven High School, Bailey Middle School, and Carrigan Intermediate School are participating in the program. This significant number reflects the program's impact on our students' educational development. Since 2022, 7 students have had the honor of participating in a summer internship in a Yale lab, a highly competitive opportunity where West Haven students have truly shined. For instance, students conducted groundbreaking research on specific topics, a testament to their dedication and potential.
Since 2022, 63 students have taken part in the 2-week Pathways to Science Summer Scholars Program, a transformative experience that has broadened their horizons and enriched their learning. West Haven students have visited Yale’s campus (or virtually engaged, primarily in person) at least 70 times for STEM programming since July 1, 2023. Eighty-six students seized these opportunities, resulting in over 1,127 student hours of programming. Some of the exciting programming that West Haven students have had the privilege of participating in includes the West Campus Festival 2023, GSI Fall 2023: The World of Light, Brain Education Day 2024, Chemistry Magic Show 2024, Anesthesiology Day 2024, Geneticist for a Day, Funbotics Robotics Camp Spring 2024, and more. These diverse events are not only fun and engaging but also provide invaluable learning experiences for our students.
