Eligibility and Requirements

Applications for the June 2026- May 2027 cohort are now open. Applications can be found here.

Eligibility

High school students, located anywhere in the United States, who will be in grades 9-12 next year, are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

The application form consists of a personal statement, mentor preference, and questions about your research interests.

• All applications must be submitted using the link
• Personal Statement (250-300 words maximum, save and upload to the application form as PDF)
• Resume/CV (upload to the application as PDF)

If selected to join the cohort, you will then be asked to complete and submit the following forms for Human Resources:

• Proof of health insurance
  • Please send a photo or copy of your proof of health insurance
  • If you do not have health insurance, please email brainstorm@cumc.columbia.edu and let the coordinator know
• Visitor Registration Form (PDF format)
  • Top of page 1, sign and date, and pages 4-6
• Personal Information Form (PDF format)
• Consent Form (PDF format)
• Academic Approval Form (PDF format)

Restrictions

Please note that accepted students will not be eligible to submit projects to science competitions (i.e. WESEF, REGENERON) in the first few months of the program.