Rockefeller University Summer Science Research ProgramSSRP

SSRP at a Glance

Host

RockEDU Science Outreach at The Rockefeller University, in Manhattan, New York

Field

Biomedical laboratory research; scholars join research teams designed and guided by scientific trainees from the Tri-Institutions (Rockefeller, Memorial Sloan Kettering and Weill Cornell Medicine), and each student develops a research question within the team's theme

Grades and age

High school juniors or seniors at the time of application; sophomores are not eligible. Students must be at least 16 by the start of the program

Citizenship and residency

The website sets no citizenship or green card requirement, and students outside the Tri-State Area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) are encouraged to apply, but RockEDU cannot assist with transportation, accommodations or visa applications. There is no GPA requirement; the transcript only confirms high school enrollment.

Cost

No application fee, and the program is free of charge; students receive an OMNY card for public transit to and from campus. Stipends are not guaranteed but may be awarded to students experiencing financial hardship who meet all attendance and research requirements. No housing is provided, and RockEDU cannot help find accommodation in New York City.

Dates and format

Seven weeks, full time, about 35 hours a week during normal business hours Monday through Friday, with full attendance required. The 2026 session ran June 22 to August 6. The 32 scholars form 4 research teams of 8 to 10, each with at least 3 dedicated mentors, and present posters at a closing symposium.

Application dates

2027 dates have not been announced. Last cycle, applications opened October 13, 2025 and closed January 2, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern, with recommendations due January 5, 2026; interviews took place online in March and decisions came in April.

Application materials

Online application and letters of recommendation; the transcript only confirms high school enrollment, and there is no GPA requirement. Selected applicants are invited to Zoom interviews in March.

Size and selectivity

32 students are accepted each summer; the number of applicants and the admission rate are not published.

Verified against official pages on 2026-10-06 · rockefeller.edu/outreach/ssrp

How to Apply to SSRP

• Rockefeller does not permit SSRP research findings to be used in high school science competitions. Students who plan to enter Regeneron STS or the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) with a project should arrange separate research for that purpose.
• The program provides no housing and does not help find it, so students from outside New York must arrange seven weeks of accommodation themselves. Confirm a place to stay before applying.
• Last cycle opened in mid-October and closed January 2, with online interviews in March. Watch the website from October, and prepare a specific account of your research interests for the interview.