Research Ignited

Online · Grades 7–12

Premier Research, AI & Robotics Programs for Middle & High School Students

Two clear paths: conduct original research under PhD mentorship and get published, or build real AI skills step by step. Start where you are — go as far as you want.

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Research Ignited gives high school and middle school students transformative learning experiences to excel in college admissions and future careers. Students conduct original research under PhD mentorship with opportunities for journal publication, or gain hands-on AI, machine learning, and robotics expertise — through real projects, expert guidance, and a clear path from beginner to published researcher.

★ Flagship Program

Research Track — publish original research in any field

Our flagship. One-on-one PhD-led research mentorship in any discipline — STEM, social science, the humanities, or AI — from research question to a complete, publishable paper.

High School Research Program

PhD-level research for high school students

Work one-on-one with a PhD mentor to design and run an original research project — and, if you choose, see it through to publication in a recognized high-school research journal.

  • One-on-one PhD mentorship
  • Original research, any field
  • Data analysis & scientific writing
  • Journal publication support
  • Stand out in college admissions
  • 100% online, worldwide
$1,800core program
+ $400 optional publication support
Learn more → Apply now
Published & In Review

Student Research Showcase

Real papers our high school students have authored under PhD mentorship — several published in recognized high-school research journals.

AI Track

From your first AI project to advanced AI/ML

A step-by-step skills ladder. Every lab stands on its own and builds toward the next — and the final step bridges into original research.

01Explore AI

AI Agent Builder Lab $499

A hands-on weekend where students go from AI user to AI builder — building real AI agents and a multi-agent “research crew” with the same tools professionals use. No coding experience needed.

02Build with AI

Build with AI — pick your domain

Apply AI to a real field with a project you can show colleges. Start with no-prerequisite robotics, or go deep in a domain-specific lab — Finance, Medicine, or Cyber-Defense.

03Master AI

AI Scholars Program $1,000

An intensive 10-week (or 2-week summer) program. Students master AI/ML fundamentals — Python, computer vision, NLP, and generative AI — and ship a capstone project for college and career applications.

04Fellowship

AI Research Fellowship $2,500

The bridge into our Research Track: a 1:1 PhD fellowship that turns advanced AI skills into an original AI research project — with optional publication support (+$400).

↑ Step 04 leads straight into the Research Track — AI becomes your path to published research.

Next upcoming AI cohorts
Why Research Ignited

Mentorship that turns into a real outcome

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Stand out in college admissions

A published research paper or a deployed AI project makes an application impossible to ignore.

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Real PhD mentors

One-on-one guidance from researchers and AI professionals at leading institutions.

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You build something real

Every program ends with a tangible artifact — an AI agent, a robot, a model, or a published paper.

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100% online

Join live, instructor-led sessions from anywhere in the world.

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A clear progression

Start small and climb the AI ladder — or go straight into research. Each step leads into the next.

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Certificates & guidance

Earn official certificates plus mentorship on courses, internships, and career paths.

Getting started

Three steps to begin

1

Choose your path

Pick the Research Track, or a step on the AI ladder that matches where you are.

2

Apply or reserve a seat

Submit a short application for research, or reserve a seat in the next AI cohort.

3

Start building

Work with your mentor, build your project, and create something real.

Not sure where to start?

Tell us your grade and goals and we’ll recommend the right program — research or AI — no pressure.

Talk to an Advisor →