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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 (February 29, 2024) 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 2024?

Prospective LAB Jumpstart students should Complete the online application. Applications are due on Friday, January 5, 2024 at 11:59pm Eastern Time.  Letters of recommendation must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on Monday, January 8, 2024.

Does LAB Jumpstart 2024 require a nomination?

No! For the first time in LAB Jumpstart history we are no longer requiring nominations.

Do I have to interview to be accepted into LAB Jumpstart?

Yes. After review, a portion of selected applicants will be invited to a virtual interview in February with the RockEDU 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 end of February 2024.

Is there an application fee?

No, there are no costs to apply.

When does the program begin/end?

Phase one of LAB Jumpstart 2024 begins on Thursday, February 29, 2024 and on Thursday, June 13, 2024 (excluding NYC DOE Spring Recess Week, April 22 – April 30, 2024, and Chancellor’s Conference Day, June 6, 2024. Phase two of LAB Jumpstart (also known as the SSRP) begins on Monday, June 24, 2024 and ends on Thursday, August 8, 2024 (excluding July 4-5, 2024). Students must commit to full participation in both phases of the program. 

How much time can I expect to put in per day/week?

Students are expected to attend all spring after-school sessions (phase one) from 4:30pm to 7:00pm, which take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting February 29, 2024. LAB Jumpstart convenes for a total of 5 hours per week until Thursday, June 13, 2024. This is followed by participation in the SSRP (phase two) which runs Monday-Friday, beginning Monday, June 24, 2024 through Thursday, August 8, 2024.

Is transportation assistance available?

Yes. All LAB Jumpstart students will receive a MetroCard or OMNI card to cover their transportation to and from campus during both the after school (phase one) and summer (phase two) portions of the program.

Are stipends available?

Yes, LAB Jumpstart students will receive a $500 stipend for the spring portion (phase one) and another $3000 for the summer portion (phase two) .

Can I apply to the program if I live outside of New York City?

No. LAB Jumpstart is specific to students who attend school in New York City.

When will I find out whether or not I’ve been accepted to 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. The LAB Jumpstart program takes place across two phases, spanning March- August. In the first phase students will work after school as LAB Jumpstart participants and in the second phase students will work full-time on campus as SSRP participants.

Are there any minimum GPA or curriculum requirements?

No. We seek students who have a strong interest in science and may lack the resources or opportunities to fully explore those interests. 

Can I submit my LAB Jumpstart research findings/poster/research report to a science fair?

Rockefeller University and RockEDU do not permit the use of LAB Jumpstart research findings for the purposes of participation in science fairs. Students who are looking to participate in competitions of this nature should not apply to LAB Jumpstart. Any scientific work you complete is the property of The Rockefeller University and may not be used outside of official university dissemination mechanisms.


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RockEDU Science Outreach
The Rockefeller University
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