# Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK)

Mayo Clinic's mentored research program in Jacksonville for rising juniors and seniors from Duval and St. Johns counties: 25+ hours a week in Mayo labs over the summer, building toward a competitive science fair project.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science |
| Category | stem |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 11–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Jacksonville, FL |
| Time commitment | ~25 hours/week |
| Apply | https://college.mayo.edu/academics/non-clinical-education/science-program-for-the-advancement-of-research-knowledge-spark-florida/application-process/ |

## About this program

# Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK)

SPARK places Northeast Florida high school students inside working laboratories on Mayo Clinic's Jacksonville campus. Scholars are matched with Mayo Clinic research mentors and spend the summer - with arranged follow-up time into the fall - conducting an authentic research project in fields spanning biochemistry, drug development, epidemiology, immunology, cancer biology, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and regenerative sciences.

## What You'll Do

- Work a minimum of 25 hours per week in your mentor's laboratory during summer break
- Learn basic science technique, the research process, critical thinking, and professional conduct
- Continue arranged project time after school resumes, culminating in early December
- Develop your work into a highly competitive science fair project

## Who Should Apply

Rising junior and senior high school students in Duval or St. Johns counties, Florida. Selection is extremely competitive and depends on the availability of Mayo Clinic research faculty mentors. For the 2026 cycle, applications ran November 1 - December 31, 2025, with the program running June 2 - December 3, 2026; the next application window typically opens around November 1.

## Outcomes

SPARK scholars gain months of mentored research at one of the nation's premier medical centers, a science-fair-ready project, and working relationships with Mayo Clinic scientists - an exceptional launch pad for research-oriented college applications and health science careers.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK)?

Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK) is open to high school students in grades 11–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK) online or in person?

Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK) is an in-person program based in Jacksonville, FL. Expect a time commitment of roughly 25 hours per week.

### How do I apply to Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK)?

Apply directly through Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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