MIT THINK SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Our 2023-2024 application is now live!


THINK is a science, research, and innovation program for high school students.

Rather than requiring students to have completed a research project before applying, THINK caters to students who have done extensive research on the background of a potential research project and are looking for additional guidance in the early stages of their project. The program is organized by a group of undergraduates at MIT.

the PREMISE

Selected finalists have weekly mentorship meetings with THINK team members for technical guidance, helpful resources, and updates on the projects progress and are given up to $1,000 in funding for their project. Additionally, if permitting, finalists are invited to a four-day all-expenses paid trip to MIT's campus, where they tour labs, present their research to MIT students and faculty, and hang out with members of the THINK team.

the PRIZE

GUIDELINES


THINK project proposals are science, technology, and engineering ideas that span many fields, from green technologies and practical devices to software applications. As long as it can be completed in one semester with a $1,000 budget, almost anything is fair game! A good proposal has an insightful idea, clearly defined goals, and a well thought-out procedure for implementation.

For complete information on how to apply and an example finalist proposal, please download and read the full guidelines.



TIMELINE


THIS YEAR'S FINALISTS


...
Contrail Reduction Algorithm and Data Live E-system (CRADLE)

Edward Wu | Pittsford Sutherland High School, NY

...
Escaping Synthetic Carcinogens: An Integration of Chemically-Based Testing Methods for Detecting Carcinogens in Personal Care and Cosmetic Products

Chloe Sow | The Downtown School, WA

...
Development of Photosensitive Cellulose Resin for Stereolithography 3D-Printing

Elliott Hirko | Gainesville High School, FL

...
Wall-Climbing Robot in Disaster Zones

Emily Stanton and Anna Brusoe | University High School and Homeschool, WV

...
From Weed to Wheat: Seaweed as a Potential Staple in the Global Freshwater Crisis

Jun Ru Chen | Jericho High School, NY

...
Echo: A Sound Solution For Mapping and Navigation in Firefighting

Agastya Pawate | Lynbrook High School, CA



See a full list of THINK winners from past years, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015.



THE THINK TEAM




FAQ
Use the linked Google Form to submit your application. Applications are due on January 1, 2024.
Unfortunately, no. Additional pages can only contain references, cover pages, and figures.
No, they do not. However, please be mindful of how long your proposal is including these things.
Please fill out the form once, indicate that you have a partner on the form, and fill in their information.
Unfortunately, no. We only accept applications from high school students with a permanent address in the United States.
The THINK team judges these applications.
Winners will be posted on our website in mid-January. They will also be contacted by email.
Please send them to think [at] mit [dot] edu.


PAST SPONSORS


DRW is a diversified trading firm with decades of experience bringing sophisticated technology and exceptional people together to operate in markets around the world and across many asset classes. We value autonomy and the ability to quickly pivot to capture opportunities, and so we operate using our own capital and trading at our own risk. Headquartered in Chicago with offices in the U.S. and Canada as well as Europe and Asia, we trade all the things you’d expect from a leading firm, including Fixed Income, Equities, FX, Commodities and Energy. We also have leveraged our expertise and technology to expand into three non-traditional strategies: real estate, venture capital and cryptoassets. We operate with respect, curiosity and an open mind, and the people who thrive here share our belief that it’s not just what we do that matters but also how we do it. It’s a place of high expectations, integrity, innovation and a willingness to challenge consensus.




Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. We offer a variety of scholarship programs, internships, and full-time opportunities designed to empower you. Imagine the impact you can have and jumpstart your career at microsoft.com/university.





Interested in sponsoring THINK?
Please contact us at think-cr [at] mit [dot] edu.

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