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.
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.
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.
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
Student Research Showcase
Real papers our high school students have authored under PhD mentorship — several published in recognized high-school research journals.
CRISPR technology for Parkinson’s disease: Recent advancements and ongoing challenges
A Comparative Analysis of AI and Traditional Models in 4D Trajectory Prediction Using Different Error Metrics
Differentially Expressed Genes of Cystic Fibrosis Patients with G551D and F508del CFTR Mutations
How the Gender Composition of Executives in Companies Affects Overall Financial Performance
How Various Greenhouse Gases Affect Plant Health in a Controlled Environment
Neurodevelopment in Teens from a Biopsychology Perspective
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mentorship that turns into a real outcome
Stand out in college admissions
A published research paper or a deployed AI project makes an application impossible to ignore.
Real PhD mentors
One-on-one guidance from researchers and AI professionals at leading institutions.
You build something real
Every program ends with a tangible artifact — an AI agent, a robot, a model, or a published paper.
100% online
Join live, instructor-led sessions from anywhere in the world.
A clear progression
Start small and climb the AI ladder — or go straight into research. Each step leads into the next.
Certificates & guidance
Earn official certificates plus mentorship on courses, internships, and career paths.
Three steps to begin
Choose your path
Pick the Research Track, or a step on the AI ladder that matches where you are.
Apply or reserve a seat
Submit a short application for research, or reserve a seat in the next AI cohort.
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 →