LAB Jumpstart Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum age or grade level to attend?
You must be 16 years old before the beginning of the program (March 2, 2023) in order to attend. There are no exceptions to this rule. Students must also be currently enrolled in a NYC high school as a junior or a senior. Current high school sophomores are NOT eligible to apply.
How do I apply to LAB Jumpstart 2023?
To apply to LAB Jumpstart, you must first be nominated by a teacher or community leader. Nominations must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on Monday, December 19, 2022. Once your teacher or community leader has submitted your nomination, you will automatically be sent a link to register in our Online Application System (OAS). Applications must be completed and submitted by 11:59pm EST on Friday, January 6, 2023. Letters of recommendation must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on Monday, January 9, 2023.
Can I apply to LAB Jumpstart if I have not been nominated by a teacher or community leader?
No. Only students who have been nominated by their teacher or community leader will be invited to apply to LAB Jumpstart. Teachers or community leaders have no nomination limit, but we will only admit a maximum of 3 students per school to the program.
Do I have to interview to be accepted into LAB Jumpstart?
Yes. Students who submit strong applications will be asked to attend a virtual interview in late January/early February with the LAB Jumpstart facilitation team.
Is there a waitlist?
Yes, we will keep a short waitlist. Should space open up, we will notify the waitlisted students as soon as possible. Waitlisted students will be notified of any openings by the last week of February 2023.
Is there an application fee?
No, there are no costs to apply.
When does the program begin/end?
LAB Jumpstart 2023 begins on Thursday, March 2, 2023, and ends on Thursday, August 10, 2023 (excluding NYC DOE Spring Recess Week, April 6 – April 14 2023, Thursday, June 8, and Tuesday, July 4, 2023). Students must be available to participate in the entire duration of the program in order to be admitted to LAB Jumpstart.
How much time can I expect to put in per day/week?
Students are expected to attend all spring after-school sessions from 4:30pm to 7:00pm, which take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting March 2, 2023. The spring after-school session is a total of 5 hours per week for the duration of the program. This is followed by participation in the summer full-time immersive research experience, taking place as part of the SSRP which runs Monday-Friday, beginning Monday, June 26, 2023 through Thursday, August 10, 2023.
Is transportation assistance available?
Yes. All students from LAB Jumpstart will receive a MetroCard or OMNI card to cover their transportation to and from campus during both the after school and summer portions of the program.
Are stipends available?
Yes, students participating in LAB Jumpstart are eligible to receive a $250 stipend for the spring sessions and another $2000 for the summer experience.
Can I apply to the program if I live outside of New York City?
No. LAB Jumpstart is specific to students who live and attend school in New York City.
When will I find out whether or not I’ve been accepted to the LAB Jumpstart?
Decisions for LAB Jumpstart will be made before the end of February. Notifications will be communicated through email.
If I am accepted into LAB Jumpstart, am I eligible to participate in the Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)?
Yes. While all students who are accepted into LAB Jumpstart commit to participating in the SSRP, this participation is contingent upon successful completion of the after school portion of LAB Jumpstart. “Successful participation” means that students must demonstrate a positive work ethic, good laboratory practice, and respect for their work, instructors, and fellow students. While it is incredibly rare, RockEDU reserves the right to not allow a LAB Jumpstart student to participate in SSRP if they do not successfully complete the after school portion of the program.
Are there any minimum GPA or curriculum requirements?
No, but we seek students who are committed to this program, who have a strong interest in science and have strong recommendations from their teachers/community leaders.
Can I submit my LAB Jumpstart research findings/poster/research report to a science fair that is not affiliated with The Rockefeller University?
Rockefeller University and RockEDU do not permit the use of LAB Jumpstart research findings for the purposes of participation in science fairs. Any scientific work you complete is the property of The Rockefeller University and may not be used outside of official university dissemination mechanisms.