FAQs for SNP-REACH

Is this program restricted to high school students?

Yes, this program is specifically designed for high schoolers. You may apply as a rising 9th grader (currently in 8th grade), or a current senior, as well as any grade in between.

Can I attend if I am neurodivergent/neurodiverse?

Yes!

What will I gain from this program?

-Resources, knowledge, and design-thinking skills to make your community more accommodating of neurodivergence

-Access to the research presentations by Stanford faculty

-A community of other high school students interested in neurodiversity issues

-Support and mentorship from Stanford students and faculty as you create your own neurodiversity initiative

Is there a fee to participate in this program?

Yes. The fees for remote participation and in-person participation are $2250 and $2650, respectively. Food and housing are NOT included in the fees.

Cohort #1 is hybrid and is scheduled for July 8 - July 19, 2024
Cohort #2 is in-person and is scheduled for July 22 - August 2, 2024.

In-person camp will be held at the main campus of Stanford University. Exact location will be announced in June 2024.

Is there financial aid available?

Yes, a number of need-based scholarships will be offered by way of a separate application. We will send out the application to accepted campers that have expressed a financial need mid-May.

Do I have to attend all sessions of the program?

Yes. Some exceptions can be made for extenuating circumstances. Otherwise, attendance during the two-week duration of the program is mandatory. 

Do I need a recommendation letter to submit my application? Are there any restrictions on who can provide a recommendation letter?

No, submitting a recommendation letter is optional. If you do wish to submit one, anyone that you believe can speak to why you are a good fit for SNP-REACH may submit a recommendation on your behalf.

Is housing provided for the in-person cohort?

Sorry, not at this time. Program participants and parents/legal guardians are fully responsible for securing safe residency, with a responsible adult chaperone, during the program and must arrange their own transportation to and from our campus. Stanford University cannot accept any liability for arrangements made for accommodations or transportation.

Do you accept students who live too far to commute to Stanford, or international students?

Yes. However, please keep in mind that the virtual session will take place from 9 AM - 3 PM in PST time via Zoom. For the in-person session, we do not provide housing or transportation, so all participants, including international students, will be required to secure these arrangements for themselves. International students will also need to secure their own flights and visas, being sure to abide by all COVID-19 travel regulations in place at that time.

Where can families from outside the area find accommodations?

Most families from outside of the Bay Area will arrange for participants to stay with family friends who live near Stanford. Alternatively, while we cannot endorse or guarantee these sites, some families have told us they have used AirBnB.com, Vrbo.com and HomeToGo.com to find short-term vacation rental for their entire family. Hotels in the Palo Alto area tend to be expensive, but the university provides some discounts to families attending programs or events on campus (you must inquire about the discount while making your reservation). Hotels that offer a discount are listed here.

Can families coordinate short-term housing rentals or carpools with one another?

Yes, this is a great way to work with other families to save time and money. If you would be interested in getting in touch with other families of participants needing rides or seeking to share accommodations in the area can email snp-reach-oc@stanford.edu to be connected with other families who have agreed to be contacted for these purposes. Beyond connecting families in this manner, we cannot take further responsibility for such arrangements.

If I have technical difficulties with my application, who should I contact?

Please email snp-reach-oc@stanford.edu for support with any aspect of your application.