What is the Student Summer Employment Program (SSEP)?
WISE SSEP is a seven-week program that offers paid, hands-on work experience in STEM fields. But it’s not just a summer job—it’s a chance to dive into the world of STEM and meet other young women with similar interests to you. Along with practical work experience in science and engineering, you’ll participate in weekly activities, tours, and social events designed to show you the many opportunities available and make new friends.
During the WISE SSEP you will:
- Work with a qualified supervisor in a STEM-related workplace
- Gain valuable, hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering, medicine and mathematics
- Participate in workplace tours, networking opportunities, and social events
- Earn minimum wage for your work
Since its inception in 1989, SSEP has offered employment opportunities in a broad range of fields. Listed below is a sampling of those fields.
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Community Outreach
- Ecology
- Education
- Engineering
- Fisheries
- Forestry
- Geography
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Medicine
- Physics
Who can apply?
Applications are open to female High School students within Newfoundland and Labrador who are completing Grade 11 (Level II) and who will be going back to High School in the fall. Those living in Labrador and in Grade 10 (Level I) are also eligible to apply.
When is it?
WISE SSEP is a 7-week commitment job from the end of June to August. Participants will work 35 hours per week and will be paid minimum wage.
Where is it?
Job positions are located in St. John’s and surrounding areas, Central, West Coast, and Labrador. Positions vary yearly and are dependent on funding received. Additionally, some remote positions may be offered if available. Please see application for available positions.
How can you apply?
The 2025 application will be available on this website in March. Completed applications may be submitted as an online form, emailed as a file, or sent as a hard copy through the postal mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What work would I do?
Student work is determined by the Supervisor and can include a variety of projects and tasks. The jobs being offered each year are posted to the website so you can review them before applying. Jobs are offered in a broad variety of fields, including biology, chemistry, engineering, geography, geology, mathematics, medicine, psychology and physics.
In the past students have:
- Contributed to research projects with supervisors and graduate students at Memorial University.
- Worked on social media projects
- Assisted in the development of educational materials
- Outreach through SciQuest and MedQuest camps.
And much more!
Do I need to live in the St. John’s-metro region?
No. We encourage students from all over Newfoundland and Labrador to participate. Some work placements are offered outside of St. John’s, and others will be available virtually. Some events will be made hybrid where possible so that remote students can also participate.
Do I need previous experience to apply?
No, you do not need any previous experience working in your field of interest to apply! If you have an interest in STEM and are seeking insight into future careers, this program is for you. We will select students who show us that they are eager to learn and explore new opportunities.
If I am selected, what is expected of me?
You are expected to attend and engage in the program each day for the full seven weeks. Students will not be allowed to miss more than three days of work during the program.
Will I be paid?
Yes. You will be paid at a rate of $16.00 per hour, at 35 hours per week for 7 weeks.
Who is eligible?
Current Grade 11 female students in Newfoundland and Labrador. Grade 10 students applying from Labrador are also eligible to apply.
You must be eligible to work in Newfoundland and Labrador.
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) will be required from successful applicants. Students who do not have a SIN upon notification of acceptance will not be accepted.
What is the selection process?
All applications are personally reviewed by the WISE NL SSEP Team.
How It Works:
Once a final selection is made, we do our best to match students with one of their top three choices, or within a field of interest.
There are four sections to your application that must be submitted.
Within those sections, we specifically look at your personal statement, grades, and two teacher references when evaluating applications.
Your personal statement counts for the most, so make sure you let us know who you are, your interests and why joining SSEP would benefit you.
Workplace Tours
Every week during the program, you’ll join educational tours and site visits in St. John’s and nearby areas. If you’re working outside St. John’s over the summer, you’ll still get to experience these tours during a special “Final Week” visit to the city (if funding allows). The tours change each year and have included exciting stops like the Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium, the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Medicine, the Ocean Sciences Centre, the GEOCENTRE, the Marine Institute, and the MUN Botanical Gardens.
Social Events
In addition to the educational tours, there are monthly social events where you can connect with fellow participants and build lasting friendships with like-minded young women from across the province—relationships that can continue into college and your future career. While the events change each year, past activities have included whale watching and a beach BBQ, as well as movie and trivia nights.
Final Presentation Day
The SSEP final presentation day is the exciting culmination of your summer experience. On this day, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your projects and share what you’ve learned with your family, friends, mentors and industry professionals! It’s a chance to demonstrate your growth, celebrate your achievements, and develop your public speaking!
History of SSEP
The Student Summer Employment Program (SSEP), started of it’s journey in an inspired program that was offered by WISEST in Alberta. With over 1,000 young women successfully graduating from the program.
In 1994, WISE NL was awarded the prestigious Michael Smith Award for Science Promotion for it’s working with SSEP.
Evaluated in 2008, Hollett & Son’s Inc. found that SSEP provides a unique opportunity for young women of this province, as well as succeeding to encourage young women to pursue post-secondary education.
