Home / ARCHIE Lab

ARCHIE Lab

Advancing Research, Creation, and Human-centered Innovation for the Exceptional

501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Empowering Youth Researchers

ARCHIE Lab is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides microgrants to youth innovators ages 14-24. Our mission: empower youth from diverse backgrounds to pursue meaningful research and innovation projects through accessible funding.

Students who develop research skills through Nexellence programs can apply for ARCHIE Lab funding to conduct their own independent studies — creating a pipeline from learning to leading real research.

Apply for Funding Visit archielab.org
ARCHIE Lab Logo

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

The Research Pipeline

From Learning to Leading

Nexellence and ARCHIE Lab work together to create a complete cycle of student-led research.

1

Learn

Students build research methods, data analytics, and scientific presentation skills through ResearchCORE Academy and AI Training.

2

Propose

Students develop a research proposal with a mentor and submit a joint youth-mentor team application to ARCHIE Lab.

3

Fund

ARCHIE Lab awards microgrants of $1,000 to $10,000 to support the project — covering materials, tools, and resources.

4

Lead

Students execute their research under mentor guidance, then present findings at the Nexellence Summit — completing the cycle.

Funding

Microgrant Tiers

Three levels of funding to match the scope and ambition of each project.

$1,000

Capstone Grant

  • Pilot studies and proof-of-concept work
  • Community-based projects
  • Initial data collection and analysis
  • Ideal for first-time student researchers
Apply
$5,000

Innovation Grant

  • Complex research or creative initiatives
  • Projects requiring substantial resources
  • Multi-phase data collection
  • For students with demonstrated research experience
Apply
$10,000

Impact Grant

  • Ambitious, rigorous research projects
  • Significant community or scholarly potential
  • Publication-ready study design
  • For advanced student researchers with mentorship
Apply
How It Works

How to Apply

1

Find a Mentor

Identify a qualified mentor to supervise your project. Nexellence instructors and advisors can serve as mentors for students who have completed our programs.

2

Develop Your Proposal

Work with your mentor to develop a research proposal with clear goals, methodology, and expected deliverables.

3

Submit Your Application

Submit a joint youth-mentor team application through the ARCHIE Lab portal. Applications from underrepresented backgrounds receive priority review.

4

Conduct Your Research

Upon approval, receive funding and execute your project under mentor guidance. Present your findings at the Nexellence Summit or other venues.

Start Your Application
Eligibility

Who Can Apply?

ARCHIE Lab microgrants are open to youth ages 14-24 with compelling project ideas across all disciplines. We especially welcome applicants from underrepresented backgrounds.

While Nexellence program completion is not required, students who have trained through ResearchCORE, PathQuest, or our AI Training programs are strongly prepared to submit competitive applications.

All funded projects require a youth-mentor partnership with mentor supervision throughout the project duration.

Visit archielab.org Support ARCHIE Lab
Students collaborating on research

Build Your Research Skills First

Not ready to apply for funding yet? Start by building your research foundation through Nexellence programs — then come back to ARCHIE Lab when you're ready to lead your own study.

Explore Programs Apply to Nexellence