Davis-Bahcall Scholars 4-week Journey
The Davis-Bahcall Scholars Program is an immersive four-week STEM experience that introduces students to a multitude of opportunities available in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on experiences, research facility tours, university visits, conversations with scientists and researchers, and cultural exploration.
The program begins in the Black Hills, where scholars build a foundation in science and research while becoming acquainted as a cohort. Activities include visits to the Black Hills Mining Museum and local facilities, an underground tour of the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), experiences at Black Hills State University and South Dakota Mines, and an introduction to particle physics. Scholars also have opportunities to experience the region, including a day at Sylvan Lake and travel through Badlands National Park.
From the Black Hills, the scholars travel across South Dakota, visiting organizations and institutions that demonstrate the range of STEM careers and research taking place within the state. Stops include 3M, the U.S. Geological Survey's Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Raven, and South Dakota State University. These experiences expose students to STEM applications spanning industry, engineering, earth science, technology, and academic research.
The program then expands to the Midwest, with visits to the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Fermilab, the U.S. Department of Energy's national laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research. Scholars spend time learning about university-based research and experiencing a national laboratory environment while engaging with scientists and exploring potential academic and career pathways. Time in Chicago also provides opportunities for cultural exploration before the group begins the international portion of the program.
In the United Kingdom, scholars experience science and higher education from an international perspective. The itinerary includes university and research experiences in London and Oxford, followed by travel to Whitby and a visit to the Boulby Underground Laboratory, where students see firsthand how science is conducted in a deep underground environment. The international experience concludes in Scotland with a visit to the University of Edinburgh. Cultural and sightseeing opportunities throughout London, Oxford, Whitby, and Edinburgh complement the academic experiences and give scholars a broader understanding of the places and communities they visit.
Upon returning to South Dakota, scholars have time to reflect on their experiences and prepare presentations highlighting what they learned during the four weeks. They also participate in Neutrino Day, connecting them with the broader scientific community and research associated with SURF. The program concludes with scholar presentations and a farewell reception, providing an opportunity to share their experiences and celebrate their accomplishments with family and friends.
Throughout the four weeks, the Davis-Bahcall Scholars Program combines science, education, industry, research, travel, and cultural experiences to help students better understand the many pathways available to them in STEM. Just as importantly, scholars build relationships with scientists, faculty, professionals, and one another while gaining a broader perspective on how scientific research connects South Dakota to institutions and collaborations around the world.
Sample 4-week itinerary (subject to change)
The Summer 2026 itinerary will offer a similar range and variety of experiences, though specific activities may vary.
| DATE |
TIME AND ACTIVITY |
| Sunday, June 14, 2026 | 1 Students Arrive, Welcome reception in Student Union of BHSU |
| Monday, June 15, 2026 |
BHSU for Black Hills Mining Museum SURF presentations Surface tour |
| Tuesday, June 16, 2026 |
SURF Underground Tour |
| Wednesday, June 17, 2026 |
BHSU for intro to Particle Physics |
| Thursday, June 18, 2026 |
BHSU/SDSMT activities |
| Friday, June 19, 2026 |
Drew Alton Intro to Particle Physics |
| Saturday, June 20, 2026 |
Sylvan Lake Fun Day |
| Sunday, June 21, 2026 |
Wall, SD Badlands National Park Aberdeen, SD |
| Monday, June 22, 2026 |
3M Tour |
| Tuesday, June 23, 2026 |
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center Raven Industries |
| Wednesday, June 24, 2026 |
Travel to Madison SDSU Visit |
| Thursday, June 25, 2026 |
University of Wisconsin - Madison Travel to Geneva |
| Friday, June 26, 2026 |
Geneva, IL Fermilab Chicago, IL |
| Saturday, June 27, 2026 |
Free Day in Chicago |
| Sunday, June 28, 2026 | Free Day in Chicago |
| Monday, June 29, 2026 | Depart Chicago for London |
| Tuesday, June 30, 2026 |
London British Museum |
| Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | University College London |
| Thursday, July 2, 2026 | Sightseeing |
| Friday, July 3, 2026 | Paddington Station to Oxford |
| Saturday, July 4, 2026 | Sightseeing |
| Sunday, July 5, 2026 |
King's Cross Station to Whitby |
| Monday, July 6, 2026 |
Boulby Underground Laboratory |
| Tuesday, July 7, 2026 | Edinburgh, UK |
| Wednesday, July 8, 2026 | Royal Observatory University of Edinburgh Edinburgh Castle |
| Thursday, July 9, 2026 | Depart Edinburgh to U.S./Rapid City, SD |
| Friday, July 10, 2026 |
Design and practice presentations Neutrino Day Kick-Off Party at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center, Lead, SD |
| Saturday, July 11, 2026 | Neutrino Day Activities |
| Sunday, July 12, 2026 | 11am-1pm Final Presentations/Reception at BHSU Check out at BHSU Residence Halls |