IFSS Program (for High School students)

Applications for 2026 IFSS Program will open in Winter 2026

Kindly note that due to the high volume of emails we receive, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries regarding the 2026 program. Please continue to check back for all updates.

For additional information about other K-12 programs sponsored by Stanford University, please visit the Office of Community Engagement. Thank you for your understanding.

Proposed 2026 Program Dates:

Monday, June 16th - Friday, June 26th, 9 AM-12 PM, M-F

Inspiring Future Scientists through Shadowing (IFSS)

Hosted each summer, the focus of the Inspiring Future Scientists Through Shadowing (IFSS) program is to provide rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years of age by the start of the program (no exceptions can be made to the age cut-off) with the opportunity to learn more about cutting-edge chemical research. Throughout the two-week program, participants will observe and converse with a number of different graduate students in the chemistry department. There are many different types of research; therefore, shadowing a couple of different researchers will allow you the chance to learn broadly about a wide array of scientific topics and techniques.

Unlike programs that emphasize individual research projects, IFSS stands out by allowing participants to shadow multiple researchers. This approach enables a broader understanding of the field and fosters a well-rounded scientific perspective.

While conducting your own research project is undoubtedly valuable (and we appreciate the enthusiasm!), IFSS focuses on the rich experience of shadowing professionals and gaining exposure to diverse research endeavors. If your goal is to embark on a specific research project, we encourage you to explore other summer programs tailored to that objective.

Join us for two weeks of inspiration, discovery, and interaction with the scientific community. Apply to IFSS to learn more about the world of possibilities in chemical research!

Eligibility

Age requirement: Students must have turned 16 by the first day of the program in order to be eligible. Please note that, unfortunately, no exceptions can be made to this rule. If you turn 16 after the first day of the program, even if this occurs during the course of the program, you are unfortunately not eligible. We encourage you to apply next year!

Geographic requirement: IFSS aims to welcome local high school students to campus and to build relationships with schools in our community. IFSS is a free program, but we cannot provide funding for room, board, and transportation (including on-campus parking fees). You must live AND attend school (or homeschool) locally to Stanford University in one of the four counties: Alameda, Santa Clara, San Francisco, or San Mateo, to be eligible to apply. Please note that if you attend school and reside elsewhere during the academic year - even if you have local contacts with whom you could stay during the summer program - we are unfortunately unable to accept your application at this time.

One of the primary goals of the IFSS program is to provide hands-on scientific research experience to students who do not otherwise have access to this opportunity. IFSS aims to provide a new and unique experience to its participants. Applications are open to students of all backgrounds.

COVID-19 Requirements

To comply with Stanford University policy requirements, participants experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 will be asked to stay home and test negative for COVID-19 before returning to campus. If symptoms appear on-site, rapid COVID-19 tests will be available through the University. Any positive COVID-19 test will require the student to isolate for the remainder of the program.

Application Information 

The 2026 IFSS application will be posted in Winter 2026.

The application consists of two sections: a student application and a letter of recommendation from the teacher. Both the student application and letter of recommendation from the teacher will be due on the same date.

The application includes three questions, each answered with a short paragraph, pertaining to the applicant's interest in science and how IFSS will help the applicant move toward their professional or educational goals.

As we seek to understand why a student is personally interested in this experience, the use of AI is strictly prohibited in preparing an IFSS application. Accordingly, all IFSS applicants must comply with the Stanford Honor Code established by the Stanford Office of Community Standards

Contact

chemistry-ifss [at] stanford.edu (chemistry-ifss[at]stanford[dot]edu)