Research

Garcia Research Scholar Program (Research Experience for High School Students)

Garcia is a 7-week residential or commuter program run by Garcia Center for Polymers at Engineered Interfaces, Stony Brook University. Open to: high school students at least 16 years old.

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Last cycle's deadline
Not posted
2027 date not posted yet
Cost
Paid
Who can apply
See details
current grade when applying
Length
7 weeks
Residential or commuter

What students do

Students receive formal instruction and then design and carry out an original research project in polymer and materials science with Garcia Center faculty and staff. Some projects lead to publications or conference presentations.

  • Polymer science
  • Materials science
  • Engineering
  • Laboratory research

Key facts

Run by
Garcia Center for Polymers at Engineered Interfaces, Stony Brook University
Where
Stony Brook, NY (residential or commuter)
Who can apply
High school students at least 16 years oldMust be at least 16 by July 4, 2026, with an unweighted GPA of 95/100 (3.8/4.0) and test scores at the 60th percentile or above; international students need documents to be legally present in the U.S.
Dates
June 24 to August 7, 2026These are the 2026 dates. 2027 dates are not posted yet.
Cost
$4,000 laboratory usage fee plus a non-refundable $50 registration fee; optional housing $2,599 (double room) plus a $66 health services fee
Deadline
Not posted

Official program siteOfficial application pageStony Brook University admissions profile

What the application asks for

  • Transcript
  • Teacher recommendation
  • Test scores
  • Application fee

Requires a transcript sent by the school, three letters of recommendation (one from a science teacher), standardized test scores, and a $50 registration fee.

How a mentor helps with your Garcia application

  • Decide whether Garcia fits, and which similar programs to apply to alongside it.
  • Work backward from the deadline so essays, recommendations, and forms are not left to the last week.
  • Draft and revise the essays or short answers with one-on-one feedback.

Email me the Garcia deadlines and requirements

A link to this page, plus our list of similar programs.

Similar programs

ProgramWhereWho can applyCostDeadline
SimonsSRPStony Brook UniversityStony Brook, NYResidential or commuterCurrent high school juniors (11th grade)FreeFebruary 5, 2026, 11:59 pm EST (school nomination due January 30, 2026; recommendations due February 13, 2026)Last cycle’s date
SSRPThe Rockefeller University (RockEDU Science Outreach)New York, NYCommuterCurrent high school juniors and seniorsFreeJanuary 2, 2026, 11:59 pm ET (letters of recommendation due January 5, 2026)Last cycle’s date
AEOPArmy Educational Outreach ProgramMultiple locationsCommuterCurrent high school students (also open to undergraduates)Free with stipendVaries by position; applications are always openLast cycle’s date
Clark ScholarsTexas Tech UniversityLubbock, TXResidentialRising high school seniors and recent high school graduatesFree with stipendFebruary 15, 2027, 11:59 pm CT
LLPPrinceton University Science OutreachPrinceton, NJCommuterLocal New Jersey high school students age 16 or olderFreeMarch 15, 2026, 11:59 pm ESTLast cycle’s date
REACHScripps ResearchLa Jolla, CACommuterHigh school students at least 16 years oldFree with stipendMarch 22, 2026Last cycle’s date

All research programsPrograms in New YorkEvery program

Frequently asked questions

When is the Garcia application deadline?

The program has not posted a deadline. Check the official site.

How much does Garcia cost?

$4,000 laboratory usage fee plus a non-refundable $50 registration fee; optional housing $2,599 (double room) plus a $66 health services fee.

Who can apply to Garcia?

High school students at least 16 years old. Must be at least 16 by July 4, 2026, with an unweighted GPA of 95/100 (3.8/4.0) and test scores at the 60th percentile or above; international students need documents to be legally present in the U.S.

What does the Garcia application require?

Transcript, Teacher recommendation, Test scores, Application fee. Requires a transcript sent by the school, three letters of recommendation (one from a science teacher), standardized test scores, and a $50 registration fee.

Read from the program’s own site and last checked 2026-10-09. Programs change dates, fees, and requirements each year, so confirm on the official site before you apply. Dewey Smart is not affiliated with this program.