PQ Rise To Offer Science Experiences for High School Students

PQ Rise will be held for the first time during the summer of 2019 as an extension of PUC’s popular PacificQuest science experience. PacificQuest initially began as a program designed for middle school students. The immersive PQ Rise experience was created as a next-step program for those interested in STEM fields, aiming to provide freshman and sophomore high school students with a hands-on introduction to the sciences.

“It gives bright and inquisitive students an opportunity to learn new subjects from college professors,” notes Floyd Hayes, professor of biology and PacificQuest instructor. “It also is designed to inspire students to attend college and pursue their passion in this field.”

While the program seeks to encourage students to explore biology as an academic and career option, the ultimate goal of PQ Rise is to better prepare students for life in college.

Vola Andrianarijaona, professor of physics and previous PacificQuest instructor known to all as ‘Dr. Vola,’ explained many students asked for another program after attending PacificQuest in middle school.

“Many students kept in contact on social media, and shared an interest in attending PacificQuest even after their age made them ineligible,” he explained. “PQ Rise allows these students to continue pursuing their interests in the science field and spend more time getting to know one another and the PUC campus.”

Hayes adds, “Hopefully students will decide they should focus more on their studies while in high school so they feel more comfortable and succeed in a college setting. We also hope these students can develop relationships with our professors and feel welcome on our campus. We would love for them to return to PUC to pursue their college degrees.”

Dr. Vola highlights the fact that a good deal of prior PacificQuest students join PUC as Maxwell Scholarship recipients. Since 2013, at least three Maxwell scholars had attended a PacificQuest summer program. Opening doors in the academic world is what PacificQuest is all about, and PQ Rise allows interested students to further develop their skills as they look toward higher education.

PQ Rise is currently scheduled to take place from June 30 to July 5 this summer. As it takes place during the Independence Day holiday, students can expect to learn more about the science behind explosives, such as those used in fireworks, as well as an interdisciplinary view into the historical context, music, and literature of the Fourth of July.

In keeping with PUC’s emphasis on holistic experiences, PQ Rise will also offer a number of recreational, spiritual, and social activities in addition to the planned courses. As students engage with the curriculum, they will also be encouraged to develop friendships and lasting relationships with the peers and instructors they encounter at PUC.

Those interested in learning more about PQ Rise can do so on the PUC website. Further details regarding the program will be released as winter quarter comes to a close and summer draws near.