ION seeks applications from highly motivated high school students who have taken at least one college-level science course (e.g., AP Biology, Honors Chemistry, etc.). After participating in an introductory neuroscience course, ION Scholars are matched with mentors by interest to conduct a nine-week mentored laboratory research project. Weekly professional development workshops focus on topics such as scientific communication, the ethical conduct of research and special topics in neuroscience. At the conclusion of the program, students present their laboratory research results at the ION Research Symposium to an audience of peers, family, friends, teachers and community members.
Program Benefits
• The internship program provides comprehensive preparation for the pursuit of undergraduate science majors.
• Student Scholars usually finish the program excited about neuroscience, with an interest in exploring neuroscience-related academic and professional careers.
• Student Scholars who meet all program requirements and complete the program are eligible for a stipend to be paid in two installments.
2024 Eligibility Criteria
- Preference for high school students currently enrolled in their junior or senior year (must be 16 years old by start of program)
- Grade point average of at least a 3.0 or the equivalent (B average)
- Advanced Placement (or other college-level) science courses recommended
- Meet the AEOP definition of underserved (see below)
- Able to commit full-time (40 hr/wk) to the entire ten-week program (cannot hold other employment or attend other camps during ION)
- Scholars must arrange in advance local Atlanta housing and transportation and are responsible for their meals throughout the summer program
2024 Application Process
Required items to include:
- Online Application Form opening soon
- Personal Statement to be uploaded in the Online Application Form
- Current Resume to be uploaded in the Online Application Form
- High School Transcript to be uploaded in Online Application Form (or sent to ion@gsu.edu)
- Letter of Recommendation by a high school science teacher (to be sent by the recommender to ion@gsu.edu)
- Letter of Recommendation by an adult not related to the applicant (to be sent by the recommender to ion@gsu.edu)
Applications will be reviewed, a subset of applicants will be invited to interview in early April, and final decisions regarding acceptance will be made and applicants notified before the end of April.
Applicants must be US Citizens or permanent legal residents and will be required to submit tax documents for stipend purposes.
2025 Application (including updated eligibility rules) Opening Soon!