Eligibility and Requirements

Applications for the June 2025- May 2026 cohort are now closed.

Program Eligibility

High school students in grades 9-12 are encouraged to apply.

Application Requirements

  • Completed application form submitted via the below link by January 1, 2025 @ 11:59 pm EST
    • 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 (600 words maximum, save and upload to the application form as PDF)
    • Description of your interest in the brain
    • Your academic and professional goals
    • What has inspired or motivated you to pursue these goals? (discuss community involvement, previous research, personal life experiences, etc.)
    • How will a BrainSTORM mentorship help you achieve your goals?
    • Anything else you would like to share about yourself
  • Resume/CV (upload to the application as PDF)

Please note: your application is not considered complete unless we have received your completed application form, which should include your demographic and research interest information, personal statement, and a resume/CV by January 1, 2025. Any questions should be emailed to the BrainSTORM Coordinator at brainstorm@cumc.columbia.edu.

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

Timeline:

  • October 2024: BrainSTORM Mentorship applications are released
  • Application Deadline: January 1, 2025 @ 11:59 pm EST
  • Notification of selection: March 1, 2025
  • All final paperwork submitted to HR for onboarding: April 15, 2025
  • Earliest Start Date: June 1, 2025
  • Program Ends: May 2026