Program Overview

Overview of the Laboratory Learning Program

The Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) is an outreach program for local high school students. It is a full-time, free research experience in the sciences or engineering for high school students who live and attend local high schools. This program is designed for minors, and transportation and housing are not provided by the university.

Eligibility Criteria

• Students must be 16 years old or more by June 15, 2026. No exceptions.
• Students must be enrolled in a local US high school. Graduates who have not yet turned 18 by June 15, 2026, may apply.
• LLP participants must be US citizens or legal permanent residents currently in the United States attending a local US high school. No exceptions.
• Accepted students must provide their transportation to campus each day. This is not a residential program.
• Parents will be asked to provide proof of housing and transportation during the application process. No exceptions.

Program Details

• The participation dates are customized according to the schedules of the research personnel and the specifics of the project.
• Internships typically span 5-6 weeks during regular "office hours" over the summer (no evening or weekend activities).
• Each research opportunity has its own schedule and will determine the number of weeks.
• There are no virtual or remote projects.
• The Laboratory Learning Program is not a summer camp. It is a science outreach opportunity for high school students who live locally.

Application Process

• Applications are accepted online only. No mail-in applications will be accepted.
• Each student may submit only one application in which up to two opportunities of interest are indicated.
• Do not contact faculty to request placement into the program.
• Accepted students will be notified by email using the email address provided in the application.
• Projects will be marked as closed once students have been selected.

Application Deadlines and Program Dates

• The application period is open from February 15 to March 15, 2025.
• Application Deadline: online applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm U.S. eastern standard time; no mail-in applications will be accepted. No exceptions.
• Admission Decisions: accepted participants will be contacted on a rolling basis as the selections are made for each opportunity.
• Program Dates: research activities take place during normal business hours daily. Most opportunities require a commitment of at least 5 weeks during the summer.

Fields of Study

• Natural sciences and engineering.
• Projects change from year to year and are based on faculty who sign up to participate in the program.

Fees

• There are no fees for participation in the program.

Academic Credit

• The Laboratory Learning Program is an educational program for the benefit of the student.
• Students do not receive academic credit or other Princeton University credentials following participation in this program.
• Participation in the Laboratory Learning Program will not increase a student's chances of acceptance into Princeton University as an undergraduate.

Final Report

• All LLP students must submit a 2-page research summary of their summer project.
• The research report should summarize the research question, methods, data, and conclusion of the study.
• The summary is due even if you did not complete your project.

COVID-19 Health and Safety Requirements

• All participants will be required to strictly adhere to Princeton University COVID-19 policies, which may include vaccination, face coverings, and testing.