Online Research Academy (High School)
This intensive, virtual program transforms high school students into researchers. Over four weeks, you won’t just learn theory; you’ll immediately apply fundamental research methodologies to complete a dedicated, college-level research project. Gain the confidence, skills, and experience you need to stand out in the competitive world of college admissions.
Engage your passion and collaborate with a top-tier research faculty mentor. This program is designed to build your portfolio and prepare you for university-level academics.
- Interdisciplinary Focus: Choose from diverse project topics across many disciplines, applying your classroom knowledge to current real-world problems.
- Direct Faculty Mentorship: Collaborate closely with a university faculty member during regular online meetings, building a professional relationship and receiving personalized feedback on your project.
- College Application Edge: Receive a GTI program certificate and evaluation letter from your professor.
- Master Real-World Skills: Learn to design, execute, and present a substantial research project.
If you have additional questions, please email gti-precollege@ncsu.edu
“We had many scholarly discussions about engineering and physics topics, which were very engaging and helpful in preparing for seminar-style college classes.”
G.A.
High school sophomore, USA
Summer 2026 Info Sessions
Join our Pre-College Programs webinar for a live Q&A on:
March 30, May 5 and June 1
8 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Zoom Meeting ID: 8246667307
PW: 2026SUM
Summer 2026 Research Projects
Students can select the research topics that align most closely with their personal interests.
The meeting times for the program and the info sessions are listed are U.S. Eastern Standard Time (or Eastern Daylight Time).
The project syllabus can be downloaded by expanding the details of the listed project. Some of the faculty have also recorded project introduction videos below.
AI Venture Lab: Predicting the Next Billion-Dollar Startup
- For students interested in AI, Business Data Analytics, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Finance, and Computer Information Systems
- Tuesday and Thursday: 8-9 PM EDT
- Review the program syllabus
Digital Marketing Campaigns: AI & Communication Research
- For students interested in Marketing, Business, Communications, or Public Relations
- Monday and Wednesday: 8-9 PM EDT
- Review the program syllabus
From Fiber to Fabric: A Hands-On Journey in Sustainable Textiles
- For students interested in Textile Engineering and related fields
- Monday and Friday: 8-9 PM EDT
- Review the program syllabus
Visualization in Engineering
- For students are interested in Engineering and Physics
- Monday and Wednesday: 7-8 PM EDT
- Review the program syllabus
Financial Derivatives Pricing in the U.S.
- For students interested in Financial Math, Math and Finance
- Monday and Wednesday: 7-8 PM EDT
- Review the program syllabus
Healthcare and AI: Artificial Intelligence Driven Gait Monitoring for Early Mobility Risk Indicators in Healthcare Applications
- For students interested in AI/data science, health tech, or biomedical engineering
- Tuesday and Thursday: 7-8 PM EDT
- Review the program syllabus
AI for Finance: Agentic Stock Trading Leveraging Exploratory Data Analysis, Model Building, Training, and Implementation
- For students interested in data science, finance, and AI applications
- Monday and Wednesday: 7-8 PM EDT
- Review the program syllabus
Making Airplanes Lighter and Stronger through AI-Powered Structure Design
- For students interested in Mechanical Engineering, other Engineering and Science fields
- Monday and Wednesday: 8-9 PM EDT
- Review the program syllabus
Autonomous Robot Navigation: Simulation and Algorithm Design for Intelligent Mobility
- For students interested in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
- Monday and Wednesday: 7-8 PM EDT
- Review the program syllabus
Genetics: Genomic Prospecting and In Silico Metabolic Modeling for Sustainable Bioremediation – WAITLIST ONLY
- For students interested in biology, bioinformatics, environmental science, energy, or sustainable technologies
- Monday and Wednesday: 7-8 PM EDT
- Review the program syllabus
Faculty Intro Videos
Congratulations to the 2026 Winter Final Project Winners:
Drone Delivery For Retail: Assessing, Analyzing, & Predictive Modeling: Group A (Natan L., Naga S., Anamaria T.)
Digital Communication Strategies & Consumer Data Analysis: Elijah H.
AI for Loan Approval: Neil R.
Financial Derivatives Pricing in the U.S.: Aaradhana S.
Making Aircrafts Lighter and Stronger: Rianna M.
Wearable Robotics for Assistive Healthcare: James K., Mengzhu L.
Application Process
Students are expected to spend 5-10 hours a week on their research projects. You will receive an NC State University program certificate and an evaluation letter from the faculty upon the successful completion of the program.
Application Requirements
- Currently enrolled in high school (rising grade 10 or higher by summer 2026)
- English Proficiency Requirement: All international students from non-English-speaking countries must meet minimum score requirements.
- TOEFL IBT 75
- IELTS 6.0
- Duolingo 95
- Scholarship Application: A limited number of partial scholarships are available. Please upload the required essay when you submit your application to be considered.
Application Process and Timeline
Application Opens March 1 Application Review & Placement March 9, rolling admissions Early Bird Discount ($50 off) Application Deadline April 15 Applications Close June 15 Participant Selections Finalized March 9 – June 15 Program Acceptance Deadline* 7 days after admission decision made Professor-Student Introductions Starting June 29 Program Orientation June 29 Program Start July 6 Program Graduation Ceremony August 7
