The CCIR Academy Cambridge Future Scholar Programme is a highly selective online research mentorship programme for high school students, taught by current faculty at the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and select Ivy League universities. It runs across three annual terms (Spring, Summer, Fall) with 166 unique research courses spanning STEM, Business, Social Sciences, and the Humanities.
Programme structure (13 weeks):
- Weeks 1-7 (Lecture Phase): 1 hour of weekly lecture from the faculty mentor, 1 hour of seminar from a PhD TA, and 30-minute office hours on request — building a research foundation in the chosen field
- Weeks 8-13 (Research Phase): Self-directed independent research project, with lecture sessions converted to research workshops and TA sessions to writing clinics
Programme outcomes:
- An original independent research paper, supervised by an Oxbridge or Ivy League faculty mentor, aimed at publication in undergraduate or industry-level journals
- A signed evaluation report from the faculty mentor
- Optional tailored letter of recommendation from the faculty mentor
Additional resources:
- Oxbridge-staffed writing centre for ongoing feedback
- Independent Ethics Review Committee for human-subjects research
- Journal publication guidance and assistance
- Access to the CCIR Lab in Boston (near MIT campus) for in-person experimental research at no additional cost
Cohorts of 2-5 students per course ensure a 1:2 average faculty-to-student ratio. Acceptance rate is under 20%.