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 seven-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 are hired and paid taxable hourly wages (through their matched institution) for their full-time commitment of 40 hr/wk during the eight-week program.

Eligibility Criteria

• Preference for high school students currently enrolled in their junior or senior year (must be 16 years old by June 4th).
• Grade point average of at least a 3.0 or the equivalent (B average).
• Advanced Placement (or other college level) science courses recommended.
• Able to commit full-time (40 hr/wk) to the entire 8-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.

Application Process

• All application materials must be received no later than midnight of the posted deadline (2022 date tbd)

• Online Application Form
• Personal Statement to be uploaded in the Online Application Form
• Current Resume to be uploaded in the Online Application Form
• Recommendation by a high school science teacher
• Recommendation by an adult not related to applicant 
• Official High School Transcripts sent by the High School
• Application Fee of $25

• Applications will be reviewed, a subset of applicants will be invited to interview at Georgia State University in mid-March, and final decisions regarding acceptance will be made and applicants notified in early April.
• Immunization records, current TB test results, drug test results, and tax documents will be required for all ACCEPTED Scholars.

Note: Due to funding changes, ION will be on hold until earliest Summer 2022 while we focus our energies on The Neuroscience School (summer short courses for high school students at GSU) and securing new funding for future summers of ION.

Make sure you are on our e-newsletter list in case we announce anything differently. You can register for the newsletter by following this link: http://eepurl.com/dEp2xn.

Eligibility Requirements for High School & Undergraduate Students

NIH encourages institutions to increase diversity in their student and faculty populations. To promote diversity and equity for students, and access to science, STEP-UP strives to increase research and educational opportunities for individuals regardless of economic background or zip code.

When applying to STEP-UP, applicants must meet all of the general and academic requirements at time of application submission, and one or more of the diversity and equity requirements.

General Requirements

• Be a U.S. Citizen, non-citizen national, or legal permanent resident
• Be 16 years of age or older
• Give proof of personal medical/health insurance coverage throughout the duration of the program. Exceptions will be made for students residing in the following U.S. territories: Marshall Island, American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Saipan, and Guam.
• Commit to completing the program

Academic Requirements

• Be enrolled in a high school or an accredited U.S. college or university, or plan to be enrolled in the fall
  • High school students should be in their junior or senior year of high school during the application period
  • Undergraduate students should currently be enrolled as a full-time student at a U.S. accredited two-year or four-year college or university. Graduating college seniors are not eligible for the program.

Additional Information

STEP-UP encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds, including individuals from underrepresented populations, underserved rural communities, those living with disabilities, or from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply. Consistent with applicable law, an individual candidate’s race, ethnicity, or sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, or transgender status) may not be considered as a factor for purposes of program eligibility or in selecting participants.

For additional questions regarding the eligibility requirements, please visit the STEP-UP FAQs or contact the NIDDK STEP-UP Program Staff.