Reviews & Insights
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Reviews & Insights

High schoolers, why wait until college to make your mark on the world of knowledge? As a Pioneer Scholar, you can conduct original research that contributes to global understanding. Hear from students and leading educators as they share their experiences with the Pioneer Research Institute.

Experts and Leaders

  • Tezen
    Francisco J. Tezen
    President & CEO, A Better Chance
    “Former Pioneer scholar Kennedy would never have considered her dream to earn a PhD in computer science had she not participated in Pioneer, which she learned about through A Better Chance. Kennedy is now working towards her undergraduate degree at Columbia.”
  • Matthew-Phol Photo
    Matthew Pohl
    Former Associate Director of Admissions University of Pennsylvania and Wharton
    “There are actually very few selective summer programs out there that emphasize research. Those that are selective are very trusted. Pioneer is one of very few selective summer undergraduate research opportunities, and that’s something that’s known among college admissions officers at top universities.”
  • Warren Berger
    Warren Berger
    Author and Expert on Innovation and Creativity
    “Pioneer Academics is on the cutting edge in terms of bringing a higher level of student inquiry into education. I am particularly impressed with the way Pioneer encourages students to tackle big, meaningful questions–and take ownership of those questions. This can be the key to helping today’s students become tomorrow’s innovators and world-changers.”
  • Mary Hetlage
    Mary Hetlage
    Former Senior Associate Director of Admissions University of Chicago
    “When Pioneer actually provides a written evaluation inside of an application, they provide a lot of information so you understand the program, you understand what is behind it, you understand the accreditation that comes from behind it, the rigor, that there is an evaluation rubric.”

Students

  • Zeynep
    Zeynep
    Pioneer Scholar Zeynep’s favorite Pioneer experience was talking with her professor which gave her a perspective she couldn’t have accessed through reading textbooks.
  • Wanyu
    Wanyu
    Pioneer scholar Wanyu conducted research in biology and was proud of obtaining a scientist’s mindset after the Pioneer Research Program.
  • Talula
    Talula
    University of Southern California
    Pioneer scholar Talula, now a pre-law student at USC, shared how having conversations with her Pioneer professor gave her confidence for college.
  • Rithi
    Rithi
    Pioneer scholar Rithi conducted research in neuroscience, and highlighted the rigorous Pioneer community where she was able to meet other very academically qualified students.
  • Rebecca
    Rebecca
    Stanford University
    Pioneer scholar Rebecca, now a student at Stanford, describes how her first research experience in STEM led to pursuing research in music.
  • Mahima
    Mahima
    Pioneer scholar Mahima, who conducted research in environmental studies, says most crucial learning from her Pioneer experience was effective time management.
  • Kayley
    Kayley
    University of Virginia
    Pioneer scholar Kayley, is now a pre-med student at the University of Virginia, majoring in neuroscience and intending to explore humanities subjects.
  • Jeremias
    Jeremias
    Harvard University
    Pioneer scholar Jeremias, now a student at Harvard, is concentrating on neuroscience and government, hoping to understand medical problems and policy solutions.
  • Jada
    Jada
    Pioneer scholar Jada, was very thankful for Pioneer opening doors for her to receive guidance from her professor and learn much about college-level research.