Pioneer Academics is committed to driving and empowering students to pursue their intellectual interests. Though Pioneer is a highly selective online research institute focused on high-achieving high school students, we believe that students of all ages should have the resources to chase their academic passion.
To help support college students in exploring subjects or issues they care about, we are launching a scholarship program. The winner of the scholarship will receive $2,000 to be used toward academic expenses.
Who is Eligible
Any student currently enrolled at an accredited two- or four-year American university or college is eligible to apply, regardless of major or area of study. Students who have had minimal research experience will be prioritized.
How to Apply
Applicants should respond to one of the following three prompts to apply for the scholarship:
Prompt 1: If you feel inspired by one of the research topics you read on Pioneer Academics’ website, write an essay of 350-500 words articulating your comment on the research paper and why you found it to be inspiring.
Prompt 2: If you have a subject or an issue you care about significantly, write a proposal of 450 words on how you plan to pursue your interest.
Prompt 3: If you are interested in interning with Pioneer Academics, write an essay of 300 words explaining what internship you want to pursue and what contribution you intend to make. (The scholarship winner of this category will get the scholarship plus a paid internship with Pioneer Academics.)
To apply, email us to request the application form and submit the following through email with your application:
Your essay addressing one of the prompts above.
Your resume.
A letter of recommendation on college letterhead by one of your current faculty members who understands your academic strengths and interests.
Your school transcript.
You can also include a creative supplement that best reflects your personality, commitment, and interest in the scholarship. This can be in the form of a poem, social media post, painting, cartoon, video, etc.
Submission Deadline
All scholarship applications and recommendation letters are all due on Monday, January 31, 2022 at 11:59 pm Eastern time (US). The deadline was extended from January 3 to January 31 based on the feedback we received. The Pioneer Academics research and development panel of judges will evaluate all applications and select the winner, who will be announced on or before Tuesday, March 15, 2022.
Additional Details
The $2,000 scholarship will be granted through the financial aid office at the winner’s college or university.
About Pioneer Academics
The Pioneer Research Program is a virtual research institute providing undergraduate-level research opportunities to talented, intellectually motivated high school students from around the world. Pioneer is the only fully-accredited online research program for high school students and is respected for its rigorous academic standards and system.
Offering STEM, social sciences and humanities disciplines, the Pioneer Research Program enables participating high school scholars to conduct research online in advanced study of a topic of their interest.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the Pioneer Academics scholarship, please email [email protected].
The Pioneer 2022 spring-through-summer application period is closed. We appreciate each applicant's interest and effort and wish all applicants the best of luck. The Pioneer 2022 summer-only application period is open. Click here to register for an info session. Click here to apply.
Considering students have significantly fewer options for their summer enrichment, Pioneer adjusted the cohort size from maximum 5 to maximum 6 so that we can offer the opportunity to more students. Please be aware that Pioneer will only expand cohorts which we feel sure will not be compromised in any way by a slight increase in participation. Some areas, therefore, may stay at a maximum of 5 because the nature of the course requires heavier coaching.
Pioneer admissions still requires the same application materials, but we may adjust the timing in response to current realities. If you can work with your counselor to collect your official transcript and counselor evaluation and submit them soon after you submit your application, it will speed up the process. Pioneer admissions requires an official transcript and counselor evaluation to process applications for the final round. If these items won't be available during the process due to COVID-19, applicants must submit evidence that the school's counseling office is closed. Pioneer admissions will then decide what adjustment shall be granted.
