Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation

A great fit for high-achieving high school students from lower-income backgrounds who want free, one-on-one research mentorship with a PhD mentor and to produce an independent research paper.

• High school students (the foundation describes serving students worldwide who show outstanding academic ability despite financial challenges)
• Targets students in the bottom half of income in their country
• No strict cut-offs for GPA, income, or test scores

• Completely free research mentorship (zero cost to accepted scholars)
• One-on-one guidance with PhD mentors from leading universities
• A 12-week program with 9 individual meetings
• An independent research paper

• Complete the application form (no supporting documents required initially)
• Shortlisted candidates advance to an interview about research interests and ideas

• Clearly articulate a research topic or question you're curious about — interviews focus on research ideas.
• Be authentic about financial circumstances and how they've shaped your path.
• Highlight academic drive even if scores/grades aren't perfect — there are no strict cutoffs.
• Apply ahead of your cohort's deadline; the process is highly selective.

Highly selective, emphasizing academic capability and financial need with no rigid quantitative cutoffs. Each cohort has its own deadline.