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Writer's pictureStephen Turban

A Comprehensive Guide to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's High School Summer STEMM Research Program


Participating in a STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) research program during high school can make a significant difference when applying to college. These programs are a valuable opportunity to learn more advanced topics in STEMM fields and develop real-world research skills—valuable experiences that can set you apart from other applicants. 


Admissions officers value students who show initiative and curiosity beyond the classroom, and a STEMM program on your résumé demonstrates your intellectual curiosity and readiness for higher education. These programs can also give you insight into potential career paths and a strong network of mentors and peers. Our blog today covers one such program for high school students—the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research program.



What is the Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program?


The Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program is a free, in-person, six-week-long research experience for high schoolers from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin. This program, part of the Grainger College of Engineering's WYSE (Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering) initiative at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, aims to introduce you to real-world research problems in STEMM fields while allowing you to work alongside faculty members and graduate students. 


Through this program, you will get the opportunity to work on real research projects at research institutions in Illinois, learning how to formulate research questions, conduct experiments, and present your findings. The program offers different specializations for research projects, from power generation and energy distribution to bioengineering and neuroscience. By the end of the program, you will have developed critical thinking skills, gained experience in data collection and analysis, learned how to communicate complex ideas effectively, and increased your STEMM knowledge.



How is it structured?


The Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program takes place over six weeks from June 20 to August 2. If selected for the program, you’ll get to choose your research project in one of the following three research groups:

  • POETS or Power Optimization and Electrothermal Systems Young Scholars lets you work on research focused on battery efficiency, power distribution, and other aspects of the energy grid. If you are interested in one (or all!) of electrical, computer, mechanical, or materials science engineering, this is the group to go for.

  • SpHERES Young Scholars group works with researchers at the Carle-Illinois College of Medicine. There is a strong focus on medicine, bioengineering, and neuroscience, and you’ll be working with both bioengineers as well as medical providers. 

  • Grainger Engineering Young Scholars (GEnYuS) is a more broad research group located at the Grainger campus itself which offers research projects in various departments from computer science, aerospace engineering, and quantum physics, to material science, mechanical engineering, and more.


Regardless of which research group you choose, you will be working closely with the institution's faculty on an active research project in the discipline of your choice. Throughout the program, you will attend workshops on research techniques, professional development, and the college admissions process. 


You can expect daily interactions with mentors and a challenging 30-35 hour week, giving you regular guidance while you progress with your research. Since you will be working at top-notch laboratories, you can access their facilities with the latest in technology, their extensive libraries, and of course, the network of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows you will be working with. At the end of the program, you will be responsible for a final research presentation and report, which is presented at the annual Young Scholars Symposium.



Is this program prestigious?


The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign partners with top research institutions, and the Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program is very selective. The acceptance rate in 2022 and 2023 was 5%, making admission highly competitive. The program offers a unique opportunity to work with experts in various STEMM fields. You will benefit from an academic environment that provides access to a strong professional network in addition to the research experience itself. The program thus provides a platform for you to showcase your potential, making your college applications stand out.



Who is eligible to apply?


To apply for the Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a rising 10th to 12th grader in a school in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, or Wisconsin

  • Demonstrate academic excellence, particularly in science and math courses

  • Be able to commit to the full six-week program



How does the application process work?


The application process for the Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program involves:

  1. Completing the online application form

  2. Submitting two personal statement essays

  3. Providing the contact information of a teacher, mentor, or counselor who can complete an online recommendation form for you

The applications are typically due by the end of March, March 24 in case of the 2024 session.



Are there any costs involved?


This program is free, but you’ll have to arrange your own transportation to and from your research site. Housing will be provided for a few non-local applicants, and all students will receive a fellowship payment upon program completion. 



Pros and cons of attending


Pros:

  1. You will get real, hands-on research experience: You will work on real research projects under the supervision of faculty and graduate students. This hands-on approach allows you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges, giving you a significant advantage when transitioning to college research.

  2. You’ll benefit from high-quality mentorship: Each participant is paired with a faculty or graduate mentor who provides individualized guidance. This mentorship ensures that you receive expert feedback and develop both technical and professional skills essential for success in STEMM fields.

  3. Opportunity to work in advanced facilities: As part of the program, you will be working in state-of-the-art laboratories and using the latest research equipment. This access allows you to use tools and technology that are typically available only to professional researchers and scientists.

  4. It’s free: Since the program is meant to increase inclusivity in the fields of STEMM research, it is fully funded and provides a fellowship payment as well. 


Cons:

  1. It has a competitive admission process: With a 5% acceptance rate, you can’t count on participating in this program over the summer. If you decide to apply, make sure to apply to other summer opportunities as well. 

  2. Significant time commitment: The program runs for six weeks and requires a full-time commitment of over 30 hours a week. This could conflict with other summer activities, such as jobs, internships, or personal vacations, making it challenging for some students to participate.

  3. Regional participation: If you’re not from one of the eligible states, you cannot apply. 



Our review—is it worth it?


Overall, the Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program is an excellent, fully-funded opportunity to experience six weeks of advanced research at some of the top institutions in the Illinois area. While the eligibility criteria make it geographically limited, and it’s a rather time-consuming commitment for the summer, the learning and networking on offer make it more than worth it if you’re interested in STEMM and live in an eligible state. 


One other option — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program


If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.


Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!


Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

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