Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Programs
2024 Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research application is CLOSED.
Applicants can expect to hear about program notifications the last week of April or early May.
We are no longer accepting new applications for 2024, but we are still accepting teacher recommendations for already submitted applications.
Summer 2024 Young Scholars Dates
- Online Orientation: June 11-13, 2024
- In-person Orientation & Program Move-in/Check-in: June 17, 2024
- In-person Research Begins: June 20, 2024
- In-person Final Symposium: August 2, 2024
High School Student Applicants for Research Teams
Rising 10th - 12th graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin are encouraged to apply for this authentic STEMM research experience at a world-class research university for 6 weeks during the summer. Participating students gain hands-on experience in areas at the forefront of various STEMM fields, such as cancer immunology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, physics, quantum mechanics, bioengineering, electrical engineering, and more!
This program is an Increasing Diversity, Equity, & Access (IDEA) initiative that provides support and empowerment of traditionally excluded populations in STEMM including (but not limited to) the areas of gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and ability. IDEA initiatives provide a safe environment to build a community of peers and mentors who empower one another to be confident and courageous in their exploration of STEMM. All who meet the grade range and location eligibility are welcome to apply.
2024 Research Groups
If selected, you will be assigned to a research group based on evidence within your application such as your personal statement and the coursework you have recently completed. To help narrow that focus, we ask you to pick two of the following three Young Scholar programs that seem most interesting to you when applying.
The 2024 Young Scholars Program Research Groups are:
- POETS Young Scholars work with researchers in the Center for Power Optimization and Electrothermal Systems. This center focuses on building better batteries or power distribution processes, gaining greater efficiency in large vehicles. This work is at the intersection of electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and materials science.
- SpHERES Young Scholars work with researchers affiliated with the Carle-Illinois College of Medicine, a premier institution where bioengineers work hand-in-hand with medical providers. The Sparking High Schoolers' Excitement for Research in Engineering and Science program focuses on medicine, bioengineering, and neuroscience.
- Grainger Engineering Young Scholars (GEnYuS) work in department-specific research groups that might include computer science, mechanical engineering, nuclear or quantum physics, aerospace engineering, materials science, electrical engineering, civil engineering, and more.
Those accepted into the program will be matched with another student, and in some cases, with a teacher from their school. (Everyone must apply separately and it is not required to have a teacher from your school to apply.)
What Young Scholars Researchers do
- Participate in cutting-edge research activities of established researchers in engineering, computer science, and medicine.
- Develop professional and college-ready skills with weekly seminars on various topics such as college admission processes and supports available, communicating scientifically, and how to prepare a research poster.
- Develop greater confidence in yourself as a scientist and engineer.
- Interact with faculty, post-doctoral researchers, graduate students, undergraduate students, and local high school teachers who will support you through this STEMM research adventure.
- Showcase your research at the end of the experience with a research poster and symposium.
- Plan for 30-35 hours per week of research and professional development time. A majority of activities will occur on the University of Illinois campus.
- No cost to participate in this program other than transportation to and from campus. Housing, meals, and a monetary award are provided.
2024 Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research application is CLOSED.
Applicants can expect to hear about program notifications the last week of April or early May.
We are no longer accepting new applications for 2024, but we are still accepting teacher recommendations for already submitted applications.
Mentoring
Find out how high school teachers, and UIUC research faculty, staff, & graduate students are involved.
Research Project Archive
View previous Young Scholars STEMM Program research projects.
Participating University of Illinois Units