+ Can younger students (middle school, 9th grade, 10th grade) apply to the program?

Our program is designed for students 8th grade and above, but we consider younger students on a case-by-case basis. While younger students may still be exploring their goals, our team will meet with them to explain the program and better understand their unique needs and interests.

+ What is the structure and timeline of the program?

The program begins with three sessions featuring different industry experts in fields related to the student’s interests. For example, a student interested in architecture might speak to an architect, urban planner, and designer to get ideas for the project or further develop their research question.

Afterwards, the student will have 10 one-on-one meetings with a dedicated research mentor to develop their project. While you may choose your own meeting frequency, we encourage starting with weekly sessions and then adjusting as needed. Most students will finish the 10 sessions within 3 to 6 months.

The program is structured around three key milestones, complemented by regular assignments to ensure steady progress. It also includes two rounds of personalized writing feedback to support the project’s development.

To conclude the program, we guide the student on showcasing their project over three additional sessions. Presentation formats may include submitting for publication in an academic journal, a science fair or other competition, mini-documentary, YouTube video, publishing, art or design portfolio, or another medium that best highlights your personal project.

+ How long is the program?

The program is flexible and tailored to you and your specific project! However, we strongly recommend against attempting to complete the program in less than ten weeks, as this limits the time available for research assignments between meetings.

During the school year, projects typically take between four to six months. In the summer, projects typically take between 12 to 16 weeks. If a project is more complex or requires more guidance, more time may also be needed.

+ Is it possible to do a science fair experiment or laboratory work in this program?

Because this is a remote mentorship experience, we do not provide in-person access to laboratories or any laboratory equipment. All approved projects must be able to be completed either at home or outside a professional laboratory space.

+ What other types of projects do you not support?

We love unique and creative project ideas, and encourage you to think outside the box!

However, for safety reasons and regulatory compliance, there are a few areas where we generally do not permit projects. We don’t allow testing on vertebrates, hands-on research with bodily fluid or human waste, or hands-on research with controlled substances including but not limited to: THC, CBD, and alcohol. We also do not support projects researching weapons or sexual behavior or practices. Students are welcome to petition for exceptions but must provide proof of pre-approval from a parent, as well as proof of institution approval, lab supervision, and equipment access when relevant. Approval of exceptions is based on review by the ILUMIN Education/Polygence Admissions team and is not guaranteed.

Additionally, we believe that all students and mentors should feel safe and respected in their workspace. We do not accept project proposals with obscene, discriminatory, or biased premises that do not meet ethical research standards.

+ Do I have to know exactly what project I want to work on before I apply?

No! The initial brainstorming portion of the program is designed precisely to help students brainstorm the project they want to pursue with our support. Students meet with three different industry experts, each specializing in subjects related to the student’s interests. The student then reflects with a mentor and synthesizes what they’ve learned and refine their ideas into one clear project idea they feel excited to execute. Afterwards, the student and mentor will then narrow down the focus to develop a specific research question for the project.

+ Do I need any experience in the topic I’m interested in before I apply?

It depends! If your project requires programming skills, for example, we ask you to describe your relevant experience on your application. We look for students with a strong programming background before assigning advanced computer science projects, ensuring that mentors can gauge whether the student will be able to complete the guided assignments provided between sessions.

+ What topics can I pursue in this program?

We support an enormous variety of projects and topics, backed by over 1,000 mentors from top schools and educational institutions who specialize in every field imaginable. Whatever the topic, we have a mentor for you.

+ How do I apply?

You can sign up here!

Afterwards, you’ll be sent a form to complete regarding project topics and ideas you’d like to explore so that we can find the right mentor for you.

+ How is the mentor-matching process?

After the brainstorming portion of the program, our team will search through our 1,000+ mentors and hand-pick the perfect mentor for you and your specific project.

If you aren’t satisfied with the knowledge or support of your mentor after the first session, please notify us as soon as possible. We will rematch you with a new mentor or provide a full refund.

+ How often will I meet with my mentor, and can I contact them outside of meetings?

That depends on what makes the most sense for your project and schedule! This program is designed to be flexible, and so you and your mentor will work out a meeting interval that works best for you, your schedule, and your needs. As a general guideline, students meet with their mentor at least every two weeks during the school year and usually every week during the summer.

You will also have access to a shared workspace with your mentor, where you can chat, share/receive resources, and collaborate between sessions. You retain access to this chat even after the completion of your project!

+ Will my mentor write a recommendation letter for me?

This is up to your mentor! Assuming you complete your project satisfactorily, your mentor may be happy to provide you with a recommendation letter for applications or future research opportunities. You should let them know you’re interested in having them write you a letter well in advance of deadlines to make sure they have sufficient time to write a strong letter.