Science Research Mentoring Program

Now accepting applications for the Class of 2025! 
Deadline March 8, 2024. See requirements and FAQs or

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What is SRMP?

The Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) at the American Museum of Natural History is an opportunity for New York City high school students to conduct one year (August–June) of scientific research with Museum scientists. 

In SRMP, high school students get paid to learn how to conduct research. Students work with peers and scientist mentors twice each week throughout the school year for a total of four hours a week on a project that has never been done before. Every research project is different, covering topics from "Genetic basis of foraging in ogre-faced spiders" to "Weighing Stars: How do we know how heavy stars are?" to "What were the Maya eating 2,000 years ago?"

SRMP students learn a wide range of new skills, like working with DNA in the lab, analyzing data from space based telescopes, reading scientific articles, and learning to code and analyze data in Python, R, and other programming languages. At the same time, students become part of a community and strengthen their teamwork skills along with their communication, presentation and writing abilities.

Students in SRMP are not expected to have previous experience with these activities—we build the skills together in the program.

We love working with students who…

• have a passion for learning and discovery
• are new to science research and want to build their skills
• can commit to meeting during August and four hours a week throughout the school year 
• value teamwork and collaboration
• look forward to working with a mentor who can help them find their path

Why join SRMP? 

Being part of the Science Research Mentoring Program has many benefits, including: 

• Learn how to do science research by working on a year-long authentic research project with an AMNH-affiliated scientist
• Earn a monetary stipend ($2500) upon completion of research and program requirements 
• Build a community of peers and mentors who want to help you succeed in your academic goals 
• Attend special events at the American Museum of Natural History and become part of the Museum professional community 

To be eligible, applicants must either a) first complete a course in Science and Nature Program, Science Alliance Middle School Program or Science Alliance High School Program OR b) attend one of our partner schools or programs. Find out more at the Join SRMP page.

Introducing SRMP-Machine

In the 2024-2025 school year, SRMP will include a special focus on Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in scientific research! In the summer institute in August, students will learn about how data science and Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence tools are used in research. During the school year, we'll have a mix of different kinds of projects to choose from, and many will help students build their data science, computational, and ML/AI skills.