Suffolk Reporter

Stony Brook University’s Simons STEM Scholars Program celebrated the induction of its second cohort (S2) of students this past May at the Simons Foundation’s Flatiron Institute in New York City. In July, these students participated in a six-week Summer Bridge Program at Stony Brook designed to prepare them for their upcoming academic journey.

The incoming class comprises 50 scholars selected from a pool of 1,000 applicants. With an average SAT score of 1410 and an average grade point average of 95, these scholars represent the top five percent of high school students. Executive Director Erwin Cabrera highlighted the significance of this growth for the program.

“We had 29 students in our first class and these 50 students bring us to 79,” he said. “And it’s going to grow from there. We have to make sure we can support them.”

The Summer Bridge program provided an early glimpse into college life at Stony Brook, with students taking courses in mathematics and psychology while being introduced to various aspects of the program.

“There were research talks, seminars, leadership pathways, and we did site visits to various research institutions,” said Cabrera. “They worked with an offshore wind company at CEWIT (Center for Excellence, Wireless and Information Technology), and we had faculty from all over campus come speak to our students... But they also went out and had some fun. And I think that’s really important for Bridge in particular, for them to understand that there is a balance between academics and having fun.”

Cabrera noted that having a larger class allowed for more specialized site visits tailored to different majors.

“A larger class meant we could specialize things in a different way,” he said. “We divided them up by their majors and areas of interest... We really wanted to showcase Stony Brook’s research for this class.”

“Summer Bridge is a transformative experience that is indescribable,” said Natasha McCombs, Summer Bridge coordinator and academic advisor.“Fifty voices shined, laughed, and cried, and those same 50 individuals became a cohort."

“To be challenged is to be changed,” said cohort member Emily Scherl. “That definitely rang true this summer...”

“It was genuinely challenging but made me more prepared for college...” added Walter Benitez.

Reflecting on the program's evolution after its first year, Cabrera emphasized adapting annually based on each class's unique needs.

“Every class has its own dreams, visions, and personalities,” he said... “So we just need to support these students… The program will evolve with each new cohort.”

Cabrera mentioned that nearly 70 percent of the first group (S1) secured summer research positions outside Stony Brook at prestigious institutions such as Yale and Texas A&M.

“And following in their footsteps," he added about S2's incoming scholars...

Funded by the Simons Foundation through a $56.6 million donation from Jim Simons and Marilyn Simons announced in 2022...

“This program is also about increasing our recognition not only nationally but globally,” said Cabrera...

– Robert Emproto