The **Polygence Research Program** is a remote, 1-on-1 mentorship experience where high school students work closely with an academic or industry expert to design and complete an independent research project. Students choose a topic in **STEM**—such as computer science, biology, engineering, math, or environmental science—and meet regularly with their mentor to explore advanced concepts, develop research questions, and create a tangible final product. Projects can take many forms, including research papers, prototypes, data analyses, or technical presentations. This program is well-suited for students who are intellectually curious, self-motivated, and interested in going beyond their school curriculum to dive deeply into a specific STEM field. It can be particularly valuable for students considering competitive college programs, as it helps them demonstrate initiative, subject-matter depth, and experience working on a long-term academic project. Many participants also pursue opportunities to **publish or present their work**, which can strengthen college applications by showcasing concrete outcomes and authentic engagement with research. Students considering Polygence should be prepared to: - Commit time consistently to independent work between sessions - Take an active role in shaping their project’s direction - Communicate regularly with their mentor about goals and progress More information about mentors, project examples, and the application process is available on the Polygence website.