Apply for North Carolina Young Scientist Society 2026 Cohort

Are you a high school student in grade 9-11 who would benefit from a no-cost field-based science research experience? Applications are now open for the 2026 cohort of the NC Young Scientist Society (NCYSS)!

This year-long, mostly virtual program is open to students in grades 9-11 across North Carolina. Participants are mentored through the creation, implementation, and presentation of a field-based natural history focused research project and can receive up to $250 for equipment supporting their work. Students will present their discoveries at our annual NCYSS Student Symposium in Raleigh in the fall with travel support available for all participants. Meetings will take place in Zoom most weeks during the spring and fall semesters on Tuesdays 4:30-5:30pm and will include conversations with a range of field scientists. Students will conduct their field research projects during the summer months.

All students grade 9-11 are welcome to apply! We are particularly interested in recruiting students in rural and other communities underserved by these sorts of opportunities and welcome applications from students with little or no past experience in science. This program is not just for students who already know they want to be scientists – we will consider anyone who wants to try a scientific research project, regardless of their plans for the future!

Applications are due December 31, we will send acceptances by January 16, and the program begins February 10. Apply online at https://ncyoungscientists.org/

Please contact Chris Goforth at chris.goforth@naturalsciences.org for more information.