The general form of the traineeship is split across two years, with the traineeships typically beginning as students enter their final two years of undergraduate study. The first academic year is dedicated to building a supportive community and preparing the trainees for research. During the next summer, the trainee cohort will participate in a summer research program at BNL, based on BNL’s successful SULI program with additional supportive elements. In the second year, students will continue their research activities and participate in teaching, mentoring, and optional outreach activities.

Nearly all OW students need to work, both during the academic year and over the summer, to support their studies. Their financial circumstances necessitate significant external employment, and, for many students, this work interferes and competes with their academic work. Funding from this grant will, instead, enable trainees to devote their time and attention to activities which complement and further their studies in physics. During each academic year, trainees will receive both a stipend (corresponding to 15 hours/week) and partial support for tuition and room and board, so they will not have to take on additional employment outside of school. During the summer they will receive a stipend (corresponding to 40 hours/week) and support for housing at BNL.