Ivy Research Program

Research mentorship with an active PhD

Connecting high-potential high school and early-college students with active PhD researchers to foster early research exposure and intellectual growth — one of our most selective and impactful initiatives.

Apply to the program

Why this program exists

What top universities value

  • Research exposure and hands-on experience
  • Intellectual maturity and curiosity
  • Critical thinking and analytical skills
  • Evidence of genuine academic passion

What students often lack

  • Real exposure to academic research
  • Guidance from active researchers
  • Understanding of research methodology
  • Insight into how inquiry actually works

This program bridges that gap early through authentic mentorship, giving motivated students the tools and exposure they need to thrive.

Program structure

01

Duration

12–16 weeks of structured mentorship, allowing deep engagement and meaningful intellectual growth.

02

Format

Online meetings via video conferencing, offering flexibility and accessibility.

03

Sessions

60-minute sessions roughly every other week — 8 to 10 meetings across the program.

04

Scheduling

Flexible start dates, set mutually between mentor and student for an optimal fit.

Your mentors

The PhD researchers behind our impact, working at Oxford, Weill Cornell Medicine, King's College London, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Polytechnique Montréal and NYU — and more joining each cohort.

Loading…

Student selection

01

Application Form

A detailed questionnaire about your interests, academic level, passion and inspiration.

02

Interview

A conversation to assess fit, communication skills and commitment.

03

PhD Connect

Connection with a PhD researcher matching your interests and future plans.

This selectivity ensures quality, alignment of values, and strong mentor–student matches that benefit everyone involved.

Apply

What you walk away with
  • A letter of recommendation — written and signed by your PhD mentor, on behalf of the university they represent.
  • A certificate of completion — issued by the Ivy & Beyond Research Platform.
  • An original research paper — written by you, supervised by your mentor, ready to attach to university applications.
Choose a plan