Female participant in blue shirt working on Mindstorm project

About CATALYST Academy

Eligibility

Must meet all the following academic criteria:

  1. Have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, with strong performance in math and science courses.
  2. Be a current high school sophomore or junior at the time of application.
  3. Be on an academic trajectory that will include the following courses prior to graduation:
    • AP Calculus AB or BC or its equivalent
    • AP Physics or its equivalent (calculus-based physics, such as AP Physics C, is preferred)
    • Honors or AP Chemistry or their equivalents
    • Additional rigorous math, science, computer science, or STEM-related courses

In addition, must meet one or more of the following:

  • Experienced educational, socio-cultural, economic, personal, and/or identity-related barriers to your academic progress.
  • Experienced situations or conditions that impacted your advancement or ability to advance in a STEM field, including but not limited to:
  • Demonstrated commitment to address the barriers that prevent participation of students from historically underrepresented groups in graduate STEM.
  • Demonstrated leadership potential to address the issues of underrepresentation of domestic minorities in STEM fields.

Tuition

CATALYST Academy tuition – $1,850.00 (tuition is subject to change)

  • Includes room, board/meals, and research supplies
  • Payable after notification of acceptance/admission

We strive to make the program accessible to our participants. We encourage applicants who are concerned about affordability to apply for a scholarship.

​Additionally, rising seniors (class of 2025) will automatically be considered for a need-based tuition waiver for the 2024 CATALYST Academy.

Scholarships

  • Scholarships for tuition and/or travel are available based upon demonstrated need.
  • To be considered for scholarship, submit the Financial Assistance Form in conjunction with the CATALYST Academy Application and supporting documents by February 15.
  • If you are admitted to CURIE Academy as well, and you submit the financial assistance form, you will receive a separate scholarship award notification.
  • All participants are required to pay a $75 non-refundable deposit.

We anticipate admission decisions to be released by early April via email.