The Berkeley Lab Director’s Apprenticeship Program (BLDAP) for high school students seeks to remove systemic barriers, such as a lack of access to professional networks and work-based opportunities, by providing strong connections to the scientific community at Berkeley Lab. BLDAP is a project-based high school STEM apprenticeship program that will provide an opportunity for underrepresented students in STEM to develop 21st century skills, learn about Berkeley Lab’s business and research activities, receive college and career guidance, and develop a STEM network in a real-life work environment.
Our cohort of around 20 students will work on hands-on STEM projects as part of the program.We are seeking volunteers to support students working in groups as they complete projects. Volunteer training will be provided.
The program runs from June 22nd to July 29th. The projects are scheduled to take place in the afternoons Monday through Thursday, from 12:30pm to 2:30pm. Volunteers can sign up for any dates/times that work best for them. The program will be on site COVID protocols permitting, but volunteers are welcome to join remotely via Zoom.
Project topics include the following:
- Week of June 27th: Fabrication tools part 1 (Arduinos, CAD)
- Week of July 5th: Fabrication tools part 2 (CAD, 3D printers)
- Week of July 11th: Quantum computing
- Week of July 18th: Energy design challenge (designing sustainable buildings, laser cutters)
- Week of July 25th: Astrophysics
All volunteers participating in K-12 programs must complete an online working with minors course (~90 minutes), sign and submit a CANRA form, and pass a background check.
For any questions please contact K-12 Content and Instruction Coordinator, Alisa Bettale (abettale@lbl.gov).
