Home / Apply

Summer 2026 Programs

Two campuses. Two tracks. One transformative experience.

Campus 1

Northwestern University — Evanston, IL

June 28 – July 17, 2026 · 3 weeks
Weekdays, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Residential option available

In-person program in partnership with Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development. Students learn on a world-class campus alongside peers from across the country.

Register via CTD
Campus 2

Beijing, China

August 2 – 14, 2026 · 2 weeks
Weekdays, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Residential option available

An immersive international experience. The same rigorous curriculum in a global setting — building cross-cultural research skills and international connections.

Inquire About Beijing

"Students don't just learn about science — they become scientists. Real data. Real methods. Real presentations."

Nexellence Institute
Watch First

2026 Summer Info Session

Everything you need to know — tracks, schedule, curriculum, deliverables, and how to apply. Watch the full recorded session before applying.

Questions? Email info@nexellence.org

Three curriculum pillars: Research Methods, Data Analytics, and Scientific Presentation.

Every student — regardless of track — builds skills in all three areas. They learn to frame questions, analyze data with Python, and present findings to real audiences. No worksheets. No memorization. Real research from day one.

Track 1

ResearchCORE Foundation

Rising Grades 6–8 · 3 weeks (Northwestern) · 2 weeks (Beijing)

What Students Learn

🔬

Research Methods

Frame testable research questions. Design fair and ethical studies — observation, surveys, experiments. Learn sampling, consent, and research ethics.

💻

Data Analytics & Python

Load, clean, and analyze real datasets with Python. Correlational analysis with understanding of causation limitations. Build data literacy from the ground up.

🎙

Scientific Presentation

Create structured research memos, data exploration summaries, and deliver a research presentation to peers and mentors.

Foundation track students

Student Deliverables

01 Structured Research Memo
02 Data Exploration Summary
03 Research Presentation
Track 2

ResearchCORE Scholar

Rising Grades 9–12 · 3 weeks (Northwestern) · 2 weeks (Beijing)

Scholar track students

Student Deliverables

01 Structured Research Proposal (9–12 pages)
02 Advanced Data Analysis Report
03 Formal Research Presentation (10–12 min)

What Students Learn

🔬

Advanced Research Design

Develop focused research proposals with literature review. Choose quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods designs. Build comprehensive data dictionaries.

💻

Advanced Python & Data Science

Filter, group, join, reshape datasets. Create publication-quality visualizations to support research claims. Introduction to machine learning concepts.

🎙

Formal Scientific Presentation

Deliver a 10–12 minute formal research presentation. Build a portfolio-ready proposal that demonstrates college-level research skills.

Applications are open. Spaces are limited at both campuses.

Secure your spot for Summer 2026. The ResearchCORE experience gives students a portfolio, real research skills, and a head start that colleges notice.

Register — Northwestern General Application
Tuition & Virtual Option

Flexible Options for Every Family

Tuition varies by campus and track. Contact us for detailed pricing, payment plans, and financial assistance options.

Can't attend in person? Virtual sessions with live, instructor-led classes are available for both tracks — full curriculum access from anywhere in the world.

Request Tuition Info Ask About Virtual
🌐

Virtual Available

Same curriculum. Same instructors. Live online sessions from anywhere in the world.

FAQ

Common Questions

Q

Who can apply?

Students in rising grades 6–12 who are curious and ready for a research-driven experience. We especially welcome gifted and differently-wired learners.

Q

What's the difference between Foundation and Scholar?

Foundation (grades 6–8) builds introductory research and Python skills. Scholar (grades 9–12) goes deeper into research design, advanced data analysis, and formal presentation — producing a college-portfolio-ready research proposal.

Q

Can my child attend virtually?

Yes. All programs are available with live, instructor-led online sessions — the same curriculum and the same deliverables.

Q

Do you offer financial assistance?

Please contact info@nexellence.org to discuss tuition support and payment options.

Q

What happens after the summer program?

Students can continue with PathQuest (career exploration), present at the Nexellence Summit, or apply for research funding through ARCHIE Lab to conduct their own independent study.

Don't Wait — Spaces Fill Quickly

Give your child a summer that changes how they think, learn, and lead.

Register — Northwestern General Application Contact Us