USC Dornsife’s Young Researchers Program (YRP)—Should You Apply?
When applying to college, especially competitive universities, ensuring that your application stands out is crucial. One way to do that for students interested in STEM is by conducting research, and on our blog, we try to help you find opportunities to do this as a high schooler.
Today’s post covers one such opportunity—USC Dornsife’s Young Researchers Program (YRP) and how it can allow you to demonstrate problem-solving and critical thinking while building your capability for independent, advanced research work.
What is USC Dornsife’s Young Researchers Program?
USC Dornsife’s Young Researchers Program or the YRP is a fully-funded, six-week summer program designed to provide high school students in the Los Angeles, Lynwood, Compton, or Inglewood Unified School Districts with hands-on research experience at a college level. The program's primary purpose is to introduce you to the research process and help you develop the skills needed to conduct and present your own scientific work.
YRP allows you to collaborate with experienced USC researchers, professors, and mentors in various fields of natural sciences. The program will expose you to real-world research and knowledge in scientific methodologies, data collection, and analysis. This immersive experience can give you a clear idea of what scientific research entails, preparing you for future academic endeavors and potentially guiding your career choices.
How is YRP structured?
YRP is a structured research program where you will engage in hands-on projects alongside USC Dornsife faculty and graduate students. You will work under the direct supervision of a faculty mentor who will guide you through your research project. The mentorship quality is a highlight because it includes personalized guidance and feedback. You will also attend weekly seminars on different topics related to college education, finding scholarships, and various STEM career options.
The majority of your time will be spent working in USC’s labs with access to the university’s research facilities and resources. The program culminates in a research symposium, where you will have the opportunity to present your findings to the wider faculty.
In 2024, the YRP was held from June 17 to July 26.
Is it prestigious?
While YRP is quite selective, it’s being limited only to the Los Angeles, Lynwood, Compton, or Inglewood Unified School Districts takes away from its prestige somewhat. The program offers fantastic mentorship opportunities, as you get to interact one-on-one with USC’s faculty, researchers, and graduate students. The competitive nature of the program, along with the intensive research experience it provides, can make it a strong addition to your academic resume. Overall, we’d rate this program as moderately prestigious.
Are there any costs or stipends involved?
The program is free to all participants, and you can earn a small stipend of $300.
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible for YRP, you need to meet the following two criteria:
Be a rising high school senior
Attend a public high school in the Los Angeles, Lynwood, Compton, or Inglewood Unified School Districts (including charter schools)
Beyond this, no specific experience is required to apply. You will need to commit around 15 hours a week for the program.
How does the application process work?
The YRP application process requires the following:
Short answer questions detailing why you are interested in STEM, why you are interested in YRP, and what impact it can have on your academic journey.
Your academic information like courses taken.
Your ranked research area preferences so that you’re matched with a mentor in a field you’re interested in.
A 500-1000 word personal statement that describes your current/future academic and career goals and the reasons for your interest in the Young Researchers Program.
One letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor who is familiar with your academic journey.
This application is due by March 31.
Pros and cons of YRP
Pros:
Hands-on research experience: You’ll gain practical, hands-on research experience working alongside mentors, which can be rare for high school students.
Networking opportunities: You’ll build relationships with USC faculty and researchers, which can be helpful for future academic or career pursuits.
Exposure to advanced research: The program allows you to explore topics beyond the high school curriculum, giving you a taste of college-level research.
Cons:
Limited eligibility: If you’re not part of the Los Angeles Unified School District area or surrounding, you’re unfortunately not eligible to apply for the program.
Time commitment: The program requires a significant time commitment, which can be challenging if you’re balancing other extracurriculars or academic responsibilities over the summer.
Our review—should you apply?
In conclusion, USC Dornsife’s Young Researchers Program offers a valuable opportunity for high school students to gain real-world research experience. If you’re eligible and passionate about science, it’s definitely worth considering for the great one-to-one mentorship opportunities and exposure to advanced scientific research. Participating in YRP could give you an advantage in the college admissions process and shape your academic and career goals.
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 4000 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.