Summer Discovery x Polygence Research Programs
Experience hands-on research and personalized mentorship this summer. Join Summer Discovery and Polygence at UC Berkeley or Yale to explore real-world research, work one-on-one with expert mentors, and prepare for your future in STEM.
Who Is This Program For?
This program is designed for high school students in grades 9–12 who are eager to explore their interests in medicine or engineering through hands-on research and personalized mentorship. Students begin their journey in person at UC Berkeley or Yale University, where they learn essential research methods, collaborate with peers, and gain exposure to real university-level academics.
After the on-campus session, participants continue their learning online with a Polygence mentor, developing and completing an independent research project through expert one-on-one guidance. It’s the perfect opportunity to build real-world experience, strengthen college applications, and gain the confidence to pursue a future in STEM.
About the Summer Discovery x Polygence Partnership
Summer Discovery and Polygence have teamed up to create a unique research experience for high school students—combining real university life with one-on-one mentorship from top scholars. Summer Discovery brings decades of expertise in pre-college education, while Polygence connects students with expert mentors to guide them through meaningful research projects.
Together, they offer hands-on learning at UC Berkeley and Yale University, where students gain practical lab experience, explore their academic passions, and develop skills that set them apart for college and beyond.
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Program Highlights
Discover what makes the Summer Discovery × Polygence programs special — a one-of-a-kind research experience that blends real university life with expert mentorship and lasting skills.
Experience life at UC Berkeley or Yale University, two of the most inspiring campuses in the world — where innovation, collaboration, and discovery happen every day.
Work in real labs, learn advanced methods used by scientists and engineers, and see your ideas take shape through practical, guided experimentation.
Get matched with a Polygence mentor — an expert who works one-on-one with you to refine your interests, explore new ideas, and bring your project to life.
Design, develop, and complete your own research project — the kind of standout work that sets college applications apart.
Build confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking skills that will stay with you long after the summer ends — in college, careers, and beyond.
Get Summer 2026 Info
Complete this form to get personalized support from one of our summer program specialists.
Contact Information
Explore Medicine or Engineering Research Programs
Get a head start on your future in medicine or engineering with a program that blends real university learning and expert mentorship. At UC Berkeley or Yale University, you’ll take part in hands-on labs, work one-on-one with a Polygence mentor, and develop a project that showcases your passion and potential.
What Makes This Program Stand Out
Learn from real researchers and mentors
Experience life at top universities
Conduct hands-on research in real labs
Create a project that stands out on college applications
Build confidence and skills for college and beyond
Program Details – Summer 2026
Each program includes 2–3 weeks on campus, followed by guided mentor-led research that continues remotely through the school year starting in September.
UC Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)
Research in Medicine with Polygence
- Dates: June 28 – July 10 or July 12 – July 24
- Tuition: Residential – $9,899 | Commuter – $6,799
Research in Engineering with Polygence
- Dates: July 12 – July 24
- Tuition: Residential – $9,899 | Commuter – $6,799
Yale University (New Haven, CT)
Research Academies with Polygence
- Dates: July 5 – July 24
- Tuition: Residential – $11,999 | Commuter – $9,499
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the program run?
How long does the program run?
Each program includes 2–3 weeks on campus, followed by mentor-guided research that continues remotely through the school year starting in September. Students don’t just attend a summer course — they complete an extended research journey with lasting results.
What makes this program unique?
What makes this program unique?
Unlike standard pre-college courses, students conduct original research with one-to-one guidance from expert mentors from leading universities. The experience combines academic challenge, practical insight, and personalized learning.
What’s included in the tuition?
What’s included in the tuition?
Tuition covers all instruction, mentorship, housing (for residential students), meals, on-campus activities, and continued support throughout the research phase. The extended mentorship component offers lasting value well beyond the summer.
What do students gain from completing the program?
What do students gain from completing the program?
Students finish with a completed research project, personalized mentor feedback, and a certificate recognizing their achievement — demonstrating independence, initiative, and real-world academic experience valued by top universities.