SSA II Frequently Asked Questions

SSA II is an in-person supplemental STEMM program that is held on the campus of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, located on 1731 E. 120th St. Los Angeles, CA 90059.

SSA II is open to students from Pre-K to 12th grade. The minimum age for PK students is 4 years old, and they must have previously enrolled in a learning program or preschool (general daycare does not meet the requirement). The program is divided into age-appropriate groups, with activities tailored to each group’s learning level.

No, students do not need prior experience in STEMM fields to participate in SSA II. The program is designed to expose and engage students with science, technology, engineering, math and medicine concepts regardless of their current knowledge or grade level.

• Each SSA II session runs for 8 weeks during the Winter, Spring, and Fall semesters. Session dates and lengths are communicated ahead of time to participants. Typically, the Winter session takes place during February-March, the Spring session from late April to early June, and the Fall session from mid-September to early November.
• Please note, the 8th week of each session includes a mandatory community event, which families are expected to attend as it is an integral part of the session. These community events showcase student achievements and foster engagement between participants and their families. Events include Let’s Move in the Fall, Career Day in the Winter, and STEMM Day in the Spring. Please plan accordingly to ensure your family’s participation.

The program fee is $75 per session. Some sessions may be discounted, please review the current SSA II session flyer for more details.

Yes, financial aid may be available for eligible families. Please contact
ssa@cdrewu.edu for more information about applying for financial assistance.

No, students cannot attend SSA II without prior registration. Please reach out to the program coordinator at ssa@cdrewu.edu to inquire about the possibility of late registration.

Refunds are available as long as they are requested before the session’s start date. Refund requests cannot be processed once the session has begun.

Refunds undergo a multi-departmental approval process and are submitted during the third week of the session. The process can take up to two additional weeks. Refunds will either be mailed as checks to the individual who paid the program fee or credited back to the original payment method.

No, if you missed the field trip RSVP deadline, please do not bring your child to the field trip site without prior approval. The arrangements are based on confirmed student numbers, and space is limited.

Parents interested in chaperoning must complete the mandatory clearance process, which includes Livescan fingerprinting and mandated reporter training. For more information on becoming a parent volunteer, please email ssa@cdrewu.edu.

Yes, a $35 fee will be charged if a student RSVPs for a field trip but does not attend (except in emergencies). This fee covers the cost of the reserved bus seat.

All parent volunteers must complete a Livescan fingerprinting and mandated reporter training as part of the volunteer clearance process. Volunteers must be cleared by the University before participating in any class, event, or field trip. For more information, please email ssa@cdrewu.edu.

No, parent volunteers are responsible for supervising and supporting all SSA II students, not just their own children. Volunteers must remain unbiased, which is why parents are typically separated from their children during class activities, field trips, and events. If your child needs additional assistance or support, please contact us at ssa@cdrewu.edu to discuss how you can volunteer in your child’s class.

Yes, a $35 fee will be charged if a student RSVPs for a field trip but does not attend (except in emergencies). This fee covers the cost of the reserved bus seat.

Only individuals authorized in the program application may pick up students. Instructors will verify photo IDs at pick-up. High school students with parental permission may sign themselves out. To update or add pick-up individuals, email ssa@cdrewu.edu.

If your child needs to leave early, please notify the SSA II staff ahead of time. The authorized pick-up individual will need to sign them out, and photo ID verification will be required.

In the event that a class is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., weather, emergencies), parents will be notified as soon as possible. Canceled class sessions may be rescheduled, or alternative arrangements will be communicated.

We ask that students only bring cellphones in case of emergencies. Other electronic devices (e.g., tablets, laptops, portable gaming devices) should be left at home unless otherwise instructed by the instructor. Use of electronic devices during class is prohibited, and any devices used during class will be seized and returned after the session.

Parents will receive regular updates about the program through email, including announcements about upcoming events, field trips, and important program deadlines. SSA II primarily communicates via email, so parents should be on the lookout for our email updates. You are welcome to contact the SSA II team anytime for additional information.

You can stay connected by following SSA II on social media platforms including our Instagram @cdu_pipeline our SLACK app, attending program events, and participating in parent meetings. Be sure to regularly check your email for important updates and announcements throughout the session.

At SSA II, we are committed to creating a positive and respectful learning environment for all students. To maintain this standard, we enforce clear guidelines regarding student behavior. Disruptive behavior, such as defiance or excessive classroom interruptions, will result in verbal warnings and communication with parents. Repeated incidents may lead to removal from the program without a refund. In cases of more serious misconduct, including bullying, harassment, or defiance, students may be suspended or dropped from the program after the second offense. For any severe misconduct that endangers the program or others, no warning will be issued, and the student will be immediately removed from the program without a refund.

SSA II reserves the right to suspend students from a session or from the entire program based on the severity of their actions. Such suspensions will also affect a student’s eligibility to receive a Junior White Coat. Parents will be notified of any suspension through an official letter from the program director, and students may appeal by submitting a written request through the program’s general counsel.