Summer Science Research Program

The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) is a free, team-based summer research program in New York City for high school juniors and seniors. Students do hands-on laboratory research in small teams, each guided by mentors whose expertise shapes the team's topic. Scholars choose their own research question, explore it over several weeks, analyze their data, and finish by designing a research poster. The 2026 program ran from June 22 to August 6, 2026, for seven weeks. Attendance is full time, about 35 hours per week during business hours. The program itself costs nothing. Stipends are not guaranteed but may be given to students facing financial hardship who meet attendance and research requirements. The program does not help with housing, travel, or visas.

Applicants must be current high school juniors or seniors and at least 16 years old when the program starts. Students must commit to the whole program with no exceptions. Students from outside the New York Tri-State Area may apply. Work done in SSRP cannot be used for science competition entries. There is no application fee. Students apply online and may upload unofficial transcripts, and letters of recommendation are required. Selected applicants are interviewed over Zoom in March, with decisions in April.