Click here for more pictures of previous F.I.R.S.T. participants.

The F.I.R.S.T. Program was initiated with funds from the Ocean Sciences Division of the National Science Foundation.  The program is designed to provide research experiences in fields such as chemical and geological oceanography, where females have been traditionally under-represented. Each summer, a small group of local high school students is hosted by female scientists at the College of William & Mary’s School of Marine Science/ Virginia Institute of Marine Science, York River Campus, Gloucester Point, Virginia. Participants in this program are supervised by both female graduate student and faculty mentors, allowing the students an opportunity to interact with and observe women in two phases of their professional development.

Under the supervision of their mentors, are expected to participate in field and laboratory work. In consultation with their faculty and graduate student sponsors, interns complete a research project. Results of their study are presented to members of the VIMS faculty, students and other F.I.R.S.T. participants at the end of the summer. Research projects are designed to complement the research goals of the graduate student and faculty mentors. The program’s objective is to provide inspiring experiences to high school girls. By targeting girls entering their junior and senior years, there will be an opportunity for student participants to obtain guidance in preparing for careers in science. Ideally, relationships with graduate student and faculty mentors will extend beyond the summer experience, providing support and guidance for selecting college programs.

Although the program is not limited to students from local communities, no housing or transportation is provided, making it best suited to students in the Gloucester-Williamsburg-Hampton Roads area.