Daniel Kim/© AMNH
Applications for the Class of 2027 are now open!
Deadline: March 1, 2026
Take a look at this short guide designed to support students as they complete the SRMP application, including helpful tips and an overview of each section.
SRMP (Science Research Mentoring Program) aims to increase access to science fields and careers for NYC high school students by providing authentic science research opportunities and meaningful mentorship. We believe that conducting high-quality scientific research while in high school improves scholars’ personal growth and increases opportunities for success long term.
In our commitment to inclusivity, we actively work to make science accessible to students from every walk of life and background, fostering a diverse and enriching learning environment. We strive to create a supportive community that values each scholar’s unique strengths, challenges, and motivations.
Our partnerships are thoughtfully selected to align with our mission and provide students with meaningful opportunities through the Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP). We collaborate with schools designated as BI (Bronx Institute) or MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching) affiliates and those located within a reasonable distance from the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). If you are interested in partnering with SRMP or have questions about our partnership process, please contact us at [email protected].
You must live and go to school in New York City, be in the 10th or 11th Grade, and be passing your classes for the last three or more semesters.
Students must also be willing to commit to meeting with their mentors twice a week after school (Tuesdays and Thursdays). In addition, 1–2 Fridays each month are required for program-wide workshops.
You must ALSO meet at least one requirement from the list below:
To be eligible a) applicants must have completed and/or are taking a course in any of the following programs:
OR
b) Attend one of the following high schools or partner programs:
We particularly encourage students who self-identify as Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and/or first-generation college-bound to apply.
Expect to make SRMP your primary extracurricular activity for the year and be rewarded with a great experience, new skills, deeper knowledge, a strong community, and new perspectives on your path ahead.
The elements of the program include:
To get notifications about program applications, please join the listserv.
The application will consist of an information form and a series of short-answer questions. Please think carefully about these questions before submitting your application:
We do not ask for transcripts or letters of recommendation.
Applications for the Class of 2027 are now open!
Deadline: March 1, 2026
Take a look at this short guide designed to support students as they complete the SRMP application, including helpful tips and an overview of each section.
Students start with the Summer Institute in August. In 2025, we expect this to be from Aug 4–Aug 28, meeting Monday - Friday from 10 am-4 pm. We will meet at the Museum for the weeks of Aug 4-25, then we will travel to Black Rock Forest for an overnight trip from Aug 25-28.
During the Summer Institute, students tell us their top choices for a mentor and research project from the list of available projects. In September students and mentors set their schedule for the year. Teams meet twice each week after school. These meetings are often 4-6 pm or 5-7 pm during the week and are scheduled according to the mentor’s availability. We ask students to be flexible in the days of the week they can meet. These meetings go from September through June, with breaks during school breaks.
The whole group also meets one to two times each month on Friday afternoons for workshops and advisory sessions. These include communication workshops, discussions of equity in science, and career exploration.
SRMP has multiple components:
No, you don't need working papers for this, nor do you need to be a US citizen.
Not at all! We don’t even ask for transcripts in the SRMP applications. We do require that you have been passing your classes.
Unfortunately no, you aren't eligible to apply for SRMP this year. Only people who are currently in 10th or 11th grade may apply.
We'll invite people to interview in April, and will share our decisions by the end of May.
Usually about 60 students are accepted into SRMP. It's not random—we evaluate your application and select students that we think will enjoy and learn from the experience. Just like with any program, there is of course an element of luck—we often get more qualified applicants than we can take.
SRMP graduates go on to all kinds of fields and careers. Many pursue careers in science and some go on to be researchers or physicians, and others use their critical thinking and other skills in fields like economics, business, art, literature, etc.–everything!
Absolutely. We value accessibility and work with students around their needs.
Each student works on one project for the year: you will be paired with one mentor and work on their project, so you focus on that one. We do many activities all together where you learn about other projects, and we have many workshops throughout the year to meet scientists and other professionals in a wide range of careers.
Maybe, maybe not. It will depend on the timing of your symposium, and you would have to get your mentor and teammates' permission. It's a possibility, but not a guarantee. We don't recommend doing SRMP specifically for your school's science symposium. You can view it as a possible bonus if it happens to work out :)
We're looking for people who are excited about this program and will take full advantage of what it has to offer. Show us that this is you in your short answer questions. Think carefully about the questions and write detailed answers that show us who you are and why you want to be in the program.
Keep in mind that like most programs there is an element of luck in who gets in. We often get more qualified applicants than we can accept. If you don't get in, know that it's not a reflection of your ability or potential. Keep pushing, and keep applying - to this program and others.
For other research opportunities check out more programs within the NYC Science Research Mentoring Consortium! And look into more programs and courses at the American Museum of Natural History.
The Science Research Mentoring Program has earned accreditation from the Middle States Association (MSA), a global organization that evaluates schools, colleges, and out-of-school-time programs and awards accreditation. Accreditation with MSA signifies that SRMP meets rigorous standards and is committed to continuous improvement to broadening participation in STEM.