Horizons Quest is a virtual summer mentorship program led by STEM professionals. Our mission is to provide high school students with meaningful, project-based learning experiences through close mentorship, real-world exposure, and structured guidance.

Students work in small cohorts on mentored projects, culminating in a formal showcase and portfolio-ready output.

The program is designed for students entering Grades 9–12 in September 2026 who are curious about STEM and ready to commit to an 8-week guided experience. No prior research experience is required — we welcome motivated learners from diverse backgrounds.

Horizons Quest is built around meaningful mentorship and structured project experience. Students benefit from:

• Real- life scientists (our mentors) -led small cohorts
• Direct application of STEM concepts
• Individualized feedback
• A final presentation and tangible project output
• Exposure to real-world research and professional pathways

The program is intentionally designed to prioritize depth of engagement over volume of participants.

Mentors are real life scientists with a PhD degree and working in academic or industry settings. All of the mentors have experience mentoring students in real labs, and have published papers in their careers. They volunteer their time to train the next generation of learners and are committed to providing a high-quality educational experience. 

Horizons Quest is selective by alignment and commitment, not by prior experience or résumé strength. We use a cohort-based, mentor-matched model, so applications are reviewed to ensure strong alignment between student interests, program expectations, and mentor availability.

We prioritize curiosity, commitment, and readiness to participate fully over prior exposure or accolades. While we aim to make the program accessible, seats are limited to maintain meaningful mentorship, and students are accepted based on fit and cohort capacity.

Students complete an online application form for us to understand their goals and ensure the best mentor match. The application form will be available on the website once enrollment begins.

No. Applying to Horizons Quest is completely free.

Payment is only required once a student is accepted into the program.

The total program fee is $300.

Upon acceptance, a non-refundable $100 commitment deposit is required to secure a student’s spot in the cohort. The remaining $200 is due prior to the start of the program.

Limited need-based financial support may be available.

All program fees are non-refundable. Fees will be refunded only if the program is canceled by Horizons Quest.

Limited need-based financial support may be available.

Applications open on February 25 and close on March 8 at 11:59 PM EST. The Review Committee will review applications and notify candidates by March 22. Mentees will then be informed of their assigned mentors.

Upon acceptance, a minimum deposit of $100 must be submitted by March 29 to reserve a spot. Full payment is due by April 30, 2026.

A mandatory orientation session will be held at the end of May, after which mentees and mentors will begin their official sessions in mid-to-late June. Exact meeting dates will be cohort-specific.

Students typically work in small groups of 3–5. Depending on the project type, collaboration may look different.

For example, literature-based projects may involve shared research with individual focus areas, while data science projects may allow each student to explore different aspects using common tools and methods

Yes. All students participate in a virtual showcase in September, where they present their projects and reflect on their learning experience.

Yes. Students who meet attendance requirements and complete program deliverables will receive an official Horizons Quest completion certificate

Publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals typically requires extended timelines beyond the program duration. However, we provide alternative platforms (such as Scixplore, Medness, and ClubSciWri) where students may submit their work.

Final publication depends on each student’s effort and engagement. Mentors provide guidance, but students are responsible for completing their work

Horizons Quest is a commitment-based program. Students are expected to attend scheduled sessions, actively participate in their projects, meet deadlines, and communicate proactively with mentors.

Multiple uninformed absences may result in dismissal from the program without refund

For any questions or concerns, please email us at stempeers.interns@gmail.com or use the contact form on our website. We aim to respond within 48 hours