Garcia Summer Research Program

The Garcia Summer Research Program is a seven-week lab research program for high school students at Stony Brook University's Garcia Center for Polymers at Engineered Interfaces. It combines formal instruction with independent research, and students design their own original research projects with guidance from Garcia Center faculty, students and staff. Past participants have been recognized in national science competitions, published in refereed journals and been awarded patents. Students who want to keep going after the summer can continue during the academic year through the center's Mentor Program, planning a research schedule with a faculty mentor throughout the year. The 2026 program ran June 24 to August 7 in person at Stony Brook University. For 2026, families paid a $4,000 laboratory usage fee, a $50 non-refundable registration fee and a mandatory $66 student health services fee. Living on campus was optional: a double room in Cardozo cost $2,599 for the session, and students could add a meal plan, either refill-as-you-go or $600 prepaid.

Must be at least 16 by July 4 (2026 cycle). Unweighted GPA of 95/100 (3.8/4.0), standardized test scores at the 60th percentile or above, and at least three courses from English, chemistry, math/calculus, physics or biology (honors/AP/IB a plus). International students may apply only if already authorized to be in the US (no visa support). Apply with an application form, school transcript, three recommendation letters (one from a science teacher) and a $50 registration fee.