Program Overview

Summer Science Research Program

Overview

The Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) is a team-based mentored research program for high school juniors and seniors that takes place during the summer.

Program Details

• The program runs from Monday, June 22 Thursday, August 6, 2026.
• It is a mentored hands-on laboratory research program where scientific questions are motivated by student interests.
• Requires full-time attendance approximately 35 hours per week during normal business hours.
• Applicants must be current high school juniors or seniors.
• Accepted students must be age 16+ at program start and must commit to attending the entire program.

Program Structure

• SSRP Scholars will participate on a research team designed and guided by scientific trainees from the Tri-Institutions (Rockefeller, MSK, and WCMC).
• Each team will have their own space and resources in one of the dedicated RockEDU teaching laboratories.
• The SSRP experience is enhanced by relevant elective courses, guest lectures, workshops, networking opportunities, and social events.

SSRP Cohort Structure

• Each summer, 32 students are accepted into the SSRP cohort.
• SSRP scholars are then divided into 4 research teams, each consisting of 8-10 scholars and at least 3 dedicated research mentors.

Research Teams

• The topics of each SSRP Research team are based on the expertise and scientific interests of the research team leaders.
• We attempt to match scholars to a team that aligns with their scientific interests.
• The daily schedule of each team will be unique, but the general weekly flow of the program is as follows:
  • Week 1: Introduction to the team topic; getting familiar with research techniques and laboratory norms.
  • Week 2: SSRP Scholars choose a research question related to the team topic to explore.
  • Weeks 3-5: Explore research questions guided by team leader and scientist-mentors.
  • Weeks 6 & 7: Analyze data and design a poster to present findings at the end of program symposium.

Eligibility and Expectations

• To be eligible for SSRP participation, students must be enrolled as a junior or senior in high school, and must be at least 16 years old at the start of the program.
• In order to participate in the SSRP, students must commit to the entirety of the seven-week program.
• Students are prohibited from using any aspect of work performed during the SSRP for science competition submissions.

Application Process

• Complete the online application.
• Applications are due on Friday, January 2, 2026 at 11:59pm Eastern Time.
• Letters of Recommendation are due on Monday, January 5, 2026.
• Selected SSRP applicants will be invited for an interview, to take place over Zoom.
• Interviews will take place during the month of March.
• The final cohort will be selected after the interview process is complete.
• Final decisions will be shared sometime in April.