The Junior White Coat (JWC) Ceremony is the signature annual event of the Pipeline Program, recognizing the academic achievements of Pre-K to 12th-grade students participating in the Saturday Science Academy II (SSA II). The ceremony serves as an opportunity to bring together students’ families, educators, and community members to celebrate their dedication and accomplishments.
Held annually in late January in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, the event reflects his enduring legacy of education, perseverance, and community advancement.
This meaningful ceremony honors students who have successfully completed three consecutive SSA II sessions (Winter, Spring, and Fall) during the previous program year. Participants are awarded a Junior White Coat and/or a Certificate of Achievement, symbolizing their commitment to lifelong learning and their aspirations for future success in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) fields.
The JWC Ceremony stands as a hallmark of the Pipeline Program’s mission to inspire, prepare, and empower the next generation of leaders in STEMM through education and community engagement.
JWC Frequently Asked Questions
- How can my child receive a Junior White Coat?
- JWC’s are awarded to students who successfully complete 3 consecutive SSA II sessions within a year (starting in Winter, Spring, and Fall). Attendance is a key factor in white coat eligibility. Eligibility is determined by program staff, and parents/guardians will be informed of their students’ eligibility towards the end of the Fall session.
- How many sessions can my child miss in a session to still be eligible for a white coat?
- Students are allowed a maximum of 3 excused absences or two unexcused absences per session. Exceeding this limit disqualifies them from receiving a white coat.
- My child is not eligible for a white coat; can they still participate in the Junior White Coat Ceremony?
- Yes! The JWC Ceremony celebrates all students who have participated in at least one session during the program year. Even if a student is not eligible for a white coat, they will receive a certificate and be featured in the ceremony program.
- Do you need to know my child’s white coat size?
- Yes! We ask that parents/guardians submit their students’ white coat sizes by early-November. Our team will provide parents/guardians an opportunity to confirm their child’s white coat size during two (2) white coat fittings in early-November. The first white coat fitting will be held during our annual Let’s Move! Event, and the final white coat fitting will be held the following Saturday (both on the CDU campus). Pipeline Programs covers the cost of the white coat; white coats will be provided to students during the JWC Ceremony.
Upcoming Junior White Coat Ceremony
The 25th Annual Junior White Coat Ceremony will be held on Saturday, January 25th, 2025. RSVP is required for attendance.
The deadline to RSVP will be January 6th.
Event Venue: Centennial High School – 2606 N Central Ave, Compton, CA 90222
