Eligibility

Must meet all the following academic criteria:

Have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, with strong performance in math and science courses.
Be a current high school sophomore or junior at the time of application.
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:
- Being from a racial, ethnic, and/or cultural background(s) historically excluded in STEM
- Being a first-generation college student
- Managing a disability or chronic health condition
- Identifying as neurodivergent
- Experiencing housing, food, economic, and/or other forms of hardship
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 – $1,900.00 (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 at the time of application.

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.