Young Scholars Program (YSP)

The Northeastern University Young Scholars Program (YSP) is a free summer research program in Boston for Massachusetts high school students who are finishing their junior year. Participants spend the summer working in research labs in Northeastern's Colleges of Engineering, Science, and Health Sciences. The 2027 program runs from June 22 to July 31, 2027. It is a day program held fully in person on the Northeastern campus, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Parking is not provided. Alongside lab work, Young Scholars attend an Introduction to Engineering seminar series, take field trips to company and government sites, receive college and career counseling, and get access to campus facilities such as the library and student center.

Open to current high school juniors (rising seniors) from public, private, and home schools who are permanent Massachusetts residents, live and attend school in Massachusetts, live within commuting distance of Northeastern's Boston campus, and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Full attendance is required; absences are allowed only for documented emergencies. Applicants complete a 60-90 minute online application with several essay questions that must be finished in one sitting, and arrange two teacher recommendations, preferably from STEM teachers. For 2027, applications open December 14, 2026 and close March 1, 2027 at 5 pm; recommendations are due shortly after. Results are posted by April 2027.