In this unique and intensive program, a dedicated team of high school students conduct novel scientific research while working with and learning from an advisor and several mentors. Though the program enrollment is broken into sessions (Fall from September-December, Winter from January-March, Spring from March-May, and Summer from June-August), students are encouraged to stay in the program for several consecutive sessions so they can make significant progress on their research. 

In addition to learning practical laboratory skills using high-level equipment, students learn to analyze their results, work as a team and present their findings at events such as LACSEF (Los Angeles County Science and Engineering Fair) and Caltech’s SEAL (Sustainable Energy Activity Lab) Conference. Possible research topics include cancer immunotherapy, animal communication, sustainable energy solutions, and more. 

Note: This is an in-person only program. Students must live close enough to Pasadena, CA to be onsite at the IEA Learning Center at least once each week. 

Upcoming Opportunities: Currently in-session and full to capacity for 2023-2024 school year. To be placed on the waiting list for this program (strictly for ages 14-18) or register your interest in a similar program for ages 10-13, email Nicole Endacott at NEndacott@EducationalAdvancement.org.  

EXPLORE offers educational opportunities that span just a single day or weekend but still expose students to rigorous material and provide unique learning experiences. Past workshops and series include Precision Medicine, Sewer Science, and Introduction to Biotechnology. See below for our current offerings, which will specify whether they are offered online or in-person at our Learning Center in Pasadena.

Upcoming Opportunities: 

Please check back for more opportunities.

This was the entire scope of the EXPLORE program until 2020, when the program was put on pause until it was reimagined in 2022. This program matches gifted and advanced high school students with distinguished mentors, hands-on research opportunities, and professional experience in their field of interest. With the support and guidance of volunteer mentors and IEA staff, students learn about working in a variety of professional settings and advance their skills through the pursuit of knowledge and exposure to optimally challenging learning experiences. 

Past Opportunities:

EXPLORE: Introduction to Research through Botany

Ages: 12-15

Dates: Saturdays (June 29-August 10, no class July 27) from 1:00-4:00pm

Students who are interested in joining the primary EXPLORE scientific research mentorship group when there are openings in the fall are invited to join this introductory summer research project! Under mentorship by Irene Liao and advisement by Monica Barsever, the group will first visit the Huntington Botanical Gardens to collect nectar samples from various plant species such as bananas, sages, and orchids. Then, back in the lab at IEA’s Learning Center, they will culture microbes from nectar, extract and sequence DNA from these microbes, and other tests to contribute to novel botanical research.

For students wanting to learn to be more compelling interviewers, hone their personal statement, or learn about careers in their field of interest, EXPLORE will offer occasional panels and speaker events. 

Upcoming Opportunities: None currently open for enrollment. If you’d like to be a speaker, please reach out!