University of Richmond program offers science immersion experiences to high school students

University of Richmond’s COUNTS program offers an exciting opportunity for local high school students to experience science in a college setting.

Through COUNTS, which stands for College Outreach Nurturing Teens in Science, students apply to participate in one of two free seminars held during the spring semester. The next seminar is April 18.

“COUNTS as an idea emerged out of an interest in helping to provide students across the Richmond area with the opportunity to see what science is about and to see it as a viable option for a degree in college,” said Dr. Kelling Donald, associate professor of chemistry.

Donald developed the program three years ago with a grant from the National Science Foundation.

During the first half of the seminar, students are introduced to the field of chemistry. They tour UR’s Gottwald Science Center and participate in faculty-led, hands-on experiments in the laboratories. The second half of the day is designed to help the attendees succeed in school with sessions that focus on good study habits, managing stress and getting into college.

“By the end of the day, the students have seen what working in a college laboratory would be like, how we approach problem solving and applying the scientific method in our thinking and doing,” Donald said. “They are also exposed to skills and habits critical to success inside and outside the classroom.”

Rising high school seniors who attend a COUNTS seminar also may apply for a five-week summer research experience at University of Richmond. For more information visit the Chemistry Department website.

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