Parents Resources
This section provides resources to support your teenager as they start preparing for college or the workforce. Here, you'll find tools to help them craft a strong curriculum vitae and resume for college applications and job hunts. You'll also get advice on how to secure impactful letters of recommendation from teachers and mentors. Additionally, we offer guidance on beginning the search for financial scholarships and information about GEMS summer programs and other valuable internships.
Tools for your teen!
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A CV is important because it provides a comprehensive overview of your academic achievements, helping you stand out, particularly in research and academic fields. It details your educational background, research experience, publications, presentations, and other relevant accomplishments. This helps colleges, universities, and employers to assess your qualifications, expertise, and suitability. A well-structured CV also demonstrates your ability to communicate complex information clearly and professionally, which is crucial in academic and research roles.
Resume
A resume is a key document that gives a snapshot of your qualifications, experiences, skills, and accomplishments. It typically includes sections like a personal summary, work experience, skills, awards, and education, all tailored to your career goals. Think of your resume as your personal highlight reel—it's your chance to show future employers what you're capable of and why you're a great fit for their team. Accompanied by a customized cover letter, your resume is often the first impression you make on potential employers, setting the stage for exciting opportunities ahead. Craft it thoughtfully to reflect your strengths and aspirations, and let it open doors to your future.
Letters of Recommentation
Letters of recommendation provide an external perspective on your abilities, character, and achievements. These letters, written by teachers, mentors, or employers, offer valuable insights into your strengths, work ethic, and potential that go beyond what can be captured in grades or test scores. They help admissions committees and scholarship boards understand who you are as a person and how you’ve made an impact in your academic or extracurricular pursuits. Strong letters of recommendation can highlight your unique qualities, support your application, and significantly enhance your chances of being admitted to your desired college or receiving a scholarship.
Scholarships
Scholarships help financially by covering tuition and other educational expenses, reducing the need for student loans, and easing the overall financial burden. They can also support costs like textbooks and living expenses, providing greater financial stability and enabling students to pursue additional opportunities such as internships and study abroad programs.
Society for Science
Regeneron STS is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science research competition for high school students. Started in 1942 as the Westinghouse Science Talent Search, Regeneron STS recognizes and empowers our nation’s most promising young scientists who are developing ideas that could solve society’s most urgent challenges.
Each year, around 2,000 students enter the Regeneron STS, submitting original research in critically important scientific fields of study and full application for holistic review. Unique among high school competitions, the Regeneron STS focuses on identifying, inspiring, and engaging the nation’s most promising future leaders in STEM. Application Deadline is November 7, 2024 at 8pm ET. Open Your Application Today!
What is the DoD SMART Program?
The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program, funded by the Department of Defense (DoD), is a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students.
SMART offers scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students currently pursuing a degree in one of the 24 STEM disciplines. SMART scholars receive full tuition, annual stipends, and guaranteed employment with the DoD after graduation.
College is about more than earning a degree. It is about encountering different people and cultures in a place where you are encouraged to open your mind to new ideas. Providing scholarships are one way we help students get there to help put them on a path to success and open up a world of possibilities. Apply now!
New scholarships are continuously being added to the Scholarship Hub. We encourage you to keep checking back to ensure you maximize your scholarship opportunities. Thank you for your interest in UTSA Scholarships!
Internships
Internships are a critical step in bridging the gap between academic learning and professional work, providing a foundation for career growth and success.
A Complete Guide to Internships
Real-World Experience: They provide hands-on experience in a specific field, helping individuals apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. This practical exposure is crucial for understanding how industries operate and what specific roles entail.
Skill Development: Internships offer opportunities to develop and refine professional skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. They also allow individuals to gain technical skills relevant to their chosen field.
Networking Opportunities: Interns often meet and work with professionals in their area of interest. Building a network of contacts can lead to future job opportunities, mentorship, and valuable industry insights.
Resume Building: Having an internship on a resume demonstrates initiative, commitment, and relevant experience to potential employers. It can set candidates apart from others who may lack practical experience.
Career Exploration: Internships help individuals explore and confirm their career interests. They offer a chance to see what a particular job or industry is really like, which can inform future career decisions.
Increased Employability: Many internships can lead to full-time job offers. Even if they don’t, the experience and skills gained make interns more competitive in the job market.
Understanding Workplace Culture: Interns learn about workplace norms, expectations, and dynamics, which helps them transition smoothly into professional roles.