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General
What is Splash? Splash is an educational outreach program in which university students teach classes to 7th through 12th graders. Yale Splash is completely student organized and run. The details of the classes being taught, including duration, topic, size, and difficulty/prerequisites, are all determined by the teacher her/himself. Topics range from Introduction to Particle Physics, to The Study of Kafka, from Introduction to Japanese to Survival Skills 101. See the course catalog for details.
Splash seeks students who are internally driven to learn. We want to give them a unique opportunity to explore a passion and/or learn something outside of the ordinary curriculum. Students are given the freedom to choose their own classes and pick their own schedule.
What else is there? What is Sprout? What is Resonance? We run two Splash programs per year (see below), and we also offer a 3- or 4-weekend long program called Sprout. Sign up for an account and like our Facebook page to stay updated.
Resonance is a collaboration between Splash at Yale, the Yale Scientific Magazine, and TEDx Yale. It is only for 10th and 11th grade students, and is held once a year in the Fall. Find out more about the program here.
Who organizes Splash? The Splash team consists of a core group of undergraduate volunteers who are in charge of organizing the various logistical elements necessary for running Splash (training teachers, advertising to high school/middle school, getting facilities, etc.) We recruit over two hundred Yale students every semester to teach classes and inspire the youth.
How can I be kept informed of Splash news? Sign up for our news digest. Create an account (click “sign up” in the upper right-hand corner), and you’ll be added to receive information. If you have specific questions, send us an email at yalesplash@gmail.com. You can also like our Facebook page.
Who supports Splash? Splash is primarily funded through registration fees (~%80) and our financial aid is supported by a National Science Foundation Grant (through Professor Sam Payne of the Math Department). We thank the generosity of the Math Department and Physics Department for their donations of classroom space and logistical support for our past programs.
What does “Splash” stand for? Nothing. It does not stand for anything. It is not spelled with an exclamation point, nor is it stylized in all capital letters or italics. The name was begot at the MIT sister program. See learningu.org/ for more information.
Program
When does student registration open? In general, student registration opens approximately a month before the program date. Create an account to receive notifications!
I am an educator interested in bringing a group of students to Splash. Is there a bulk registration process? Splash at Yale promotes student-driven learning. We find that students get the most out of the program if they register and choose their class individually. To that end, we discourage bulk registration and do not plan to implement a process to do it on the website. You may, of course, encourage your class or group to come and/or provide transportation, but please do not require them to participate. Students should make their own accounts and be responsible for choosing their classes. Students who are not excited can put a damper on others' enthusiasm and damage the overall experience.
I want to take a class, but it is full. Is there a waiting list? No, the website's scheduling program does not have a waiting list feature. Check back often because conflicts do arise, and spots will open up. Sometimes if we see that a course is particularly popular, we will open additional sections. You can also check in with the administrative class-change desk on the day of the program in case there are no-shows and try to get in then.
How often is Splash run? We run a Splash program once a semester, usually once in October and once in March. Sign up for an account to get specific program updates.
Is on-site registration allowed? On-site registration is not allowed. We generally fill our programs to capacity and are unable to host additional students beyond our maximum.
Can I take a class outside of my grade level? Teachers use their best judgment to set the grade ranges for their classes, so we generally do not allow students to sign up for classes recommended for grades other than their own. However, if you have a truly compelling reason to take such a class, you (not your parents) can email us with which class you want to take and why you want to take it. We will occasionally make exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
Do I have to fill every time slot with a class? Nope. If you need to show up late or leave early, that’s fine. You don’t have to sign up for a class every period. If you don’t see any class that looks interesting, it’s not a problem; in fact we encourage you not to attend any class that does not appeal to you. We have a student lounge open for students who are not in class. All that said, students find the day more fulfilling if they take as many interesting classes as possible.
How does lunch work? For lunch, students may bring their own lunch and eat either with their parents or with other students in the program (we have a lunch area). We do provide a lunch option for students at a cost of $5. Fill out the survey under the register tab to opt in. Students may also meet up with parents for lunch and eat in New Haven, which has a number of restaurants within walking distance of Splash.
I think I'm registered... how can I tell? There is now a confirmation email, but you can also go through the website to confirm. Click the orange "register" button on the left, and follow the link there. If a questionnaire about lunch and shirts pops up, fill it out. You will probably have already done this. Under “Steps for Registration,” look at “Confirm Registration.” If there is a green check mark in the “Done?” column, you are registered! If not, simply click that link to confirm your registration. It will take you to a “receipt” of your registration, which you may (but do not have to) print out. Once you have clicked the "Confirm Registration" link, you are registered. You can always come back to this page to see the classes you've signed up for.
Monetary
Why do you charge for your programs? Splash at Yale is primarily self-funded. We need funds in order to reserve rooms for the program, print materials, purchase and rent equipment, and buy class materials. All members of Splash at Yale are volunteers. We offer financial aid to students for whom cost is a prohibitive concern.
Can I make a donation to Splash at Yale? Absolutely! While admissions fees are enough to cover the cost of running each program, additional funds can be used to expand Splash and increase the diversity of programs offered. If you’re interested in making a donation, send an email to yalesplash@gmail.com.
How do I pay? Is there a link? There is an option to pay by credit card online, but only for admission to the program. We can also take payment for admissions as part of the sign-in process the day of the program (as well as payment for lunch and shirts, which cannot be paid for online). We accept cash or check made out to Splash at Yale.
I am no longer attending the program but already paid by credit card. Can I get a refund? Email yalesplash@gmail.com at least 48 hours in advance of the program and we can help you get a refund. We cannot refund requests made less than 48 before the start of the program.
Parents
Can I register my child for Splash? No. Parents may not register their children. Splash at Yale is a program that relies heavily on student enthusiasm, and we find that students get the most out of the program if they register and choose their class individually. Students should make their own accounts and be responsible for choosing their classes.
Splash sounds fun for my child(ren)...but what can I do all day? We have a parents’ lounge with free WiFi. To join, choose the "Yale Guest" network and agree to the Terms and Conditions. Yale offers a number of tours of the campus and art gallery throughout the day. We encourage parents to do something fun! Click "Learn" (at the top) and see the "Parents" tab on the left for more information.
Can I sit in on a class? (I’ve always wanted to learn about Pirates!) Splash is centered around students. In order for us (as students) to create the optimal learning environment for your students, we do not allow parents in classes. Of course, if there is a particular disability that requires special procedures, we would be happy to make the proper arrangements.
My child has an allergy, disability, or other medical condition. Can (s)he still participate? Yes, and we’re happy to make any necessary arrangements. Send us an email (yalesplash@gmail.com).
Is there anything I need to do? We require parents to sign two forms: a waiver and a photo release before students can participate in Splash or Sprout. They will be sent out to students shortly before the program.
A note on doing things on the website: Have you tried to do something on the website and couldn't find the link? Before you email us, read the other FAQ and try having your child(ren) do it. We make Splash about the students, so they have a lot of power when it comes to registration and choosing classes. If your child still can't find the right link, have her/him send us an email, and we'll try to solve it.
I missed Splash... drat! How can I stay informed about upcoming programs? Make an account on the site. Click here to sign up. Also like our page on Facebook.
Teachers
See the Logistics tab.
Interested in teaching? Please sign up to teach and like us on Facebook!
Sprout
What is Sprout? Sprout is a 3 to 4-week educational program held on Saturdays. Sprout gives students the chance to study a subject more in depth than the Splash day programs allow. Classes will be offered in a variety of subjects.
Who organizes Sprout? Sprout is run by the Splash team of Yale undergraduates (the same people who run Splash!).
When does Sprout student registration open? Sprout registration opens about a month before the first day of the program. Create an account to stay involved.
I’m not available for the entire duration of the program, can I still attend Sprout? Sprout is designed so that the classes will build on each other every week. Students are expected to attend all days, as this will help them get the most out of the program!
How often is Sprout run? Sprout runs at least twice a year (in 2013, we had a Summer and Fall program). The Splash team is still in the process of implementing Sprout into the school year so keep an eye out for updates on Sprout.
Is on-site registration allowed? On-site registration is not allowed. We generally fill our programs to capacity and are unable to host additional students beyond our maximum.
Do I have to fill every time slot with a class? Unlike in Splash, we do encourage students to fill every time slot with a class. Sprout offers classes in only four time blocks, therefore we expect students to sign up for classes in every time block.
How does lunch work? Purchasing lunch through us is optional and costs $5 per day. We hope to offer different lunch options each week, which may include (but is not limited to) pizza, burritos, and Subway sandwiches. Please indicate any dietary restrictions when registering. Students are also welcome to pack their own lunch.
How much does it cost? Sprout costs $30-40 for the entire program, and this includes a Sprout t-shirt. Lunch is an additional fee (see above).
Why aren’t there as many class options? Sprout is a new program (launched July 2013), but moving forward we are always looking to expand the variety of classes available!
Didn't find what you were looking for? Email us: yalesplash@gmail.com.
Interested in learning? Learn more here!