Latino Initiative Program Welcomes 2021 Summer Interns

Seven undergraduates have been awarded summer internships at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) through the Latino Initiative Program.  

This year, 25 undergraduates applied to participate in the program, which immerses students in an astronomy research project for three months and provides extensive mentorship opportunities. Students complete 35 hours of work per week and are paid for their time thanks to a grant from the National Science Foundation.

The program is the brainchild of Christine Crowley, a fellowship program coordinator, who established the annual internship in 2015 in partnership with the Urban Massachusetts Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (UMLSAMP) program. 

Interns are selected for their strong applications and through a formal interview process with potential CfA mentors. All interns must also be members of the UMLSAMP program, which is located on all four campuses of the University of Massachusetts (UMASS). 

"Unfortunately, there are not a lot of underrepresented students in STEM, particularly in astrophysics or astronomy; consequently, we invest a significant amount of time each year in advertising the program locally,” Crowley says. “Identifying and recruiting highly talented STEM majors requires ongoing collaboration with faculty, staff and student leaders.”

But the effort is worth it.

“This program changes lives,” Crowley says. “It helps widen students’ perspectives and possible career paths, provides them with a sense of belonging and boosts their confidence. At a personal level, it is very satisfying to help young members of our community achieve their full potential.”

Since its establishment in 2015, 27 students have completed the Latino Initiative Program. Meet the newest cohort of students, who began their internships on Monday, June 7, below.