The UMass Amherst Polymer Science and Engineering Department invites high school students in Grades 10-12 to apply for selection into its ASPIRE program.  In this free program, running on 5 consecutive Saturday mornings, 9AM-noon, from January 6 through February 3, students get hands-on laboratory experience and study the synthesis, characterization, and engineering of polymers using the Conte Center’s facilities while they interact with graduate student mentors to learn about research and careers.  Applicants must be recommended by a high-school science teacher.  Apply online by December 1.  For further information, contact aspire@mail.pse.umass.edu.