I know this is a HUGE ask. Out of 2,400+ students Lucy was selected to attend the prestigious Summer STEM Institute (SSI)-- Making research and mentorship by Stanford, MIT, and Harvard grad students accessible to high school students. SSI is a 6-week virtual summer program that runs this summer. SSI consists of a data science and research bootcamp and a Masterclass lecture series (update!) AND a mentored data science research project-- but with a price-tag of $6450 and not being able to secure financial aid, Lucy felt she wouldn't be able to participate.  (https://www.summersteminstitute.org/tuition)

Being a young woman in STEM AND from a rural area can often be daunting, but Lucy hasn't let that hold her back. Going in to her senior year, she's maintained a 4.0 GPA, worked an after school job, served as president of our high school's STEM club, been active in band and tutoring students, and completed a behavioral science research project each year.  Due to COVID-19 her brilliant project and opportunity to attend the International Science and Engineering Fair were cut short.  If there's a student that deserves a chance to be mentored and continue her research, even virtually, so that she can continue to work hard for her dreams, it's this gal! For all of you who ever missed out on being able to participate in that "big thing" in high school-- because of money or support or you were told you weren't smart enough or good enough or rich enough or popular enough-- here's your chance to help impact a student's life and help them see their dreams become a reality! Girls can do hard things! Rural kids deserve opportunities too! 

*Shelly Starr is Lucy's mother.