College academic year program

Each academic-year student works full-time on an independent research project under the sponsorship of a member of the Laboratory's faculty who provides guidance, laboratory space, and equipment. Students work on projects that involve original research within the scope of their sponsors' ongoing research programs. Students often work closely with their sponsors' research assistants, who supplement the sponsors' directions and instructions.

Working in their sponsors' laboratories, students gain familiarity with all aspects of a research project:

  • designing the project
  • implementing the research plan
  • analyzing data
  • reporting results

No examinations are given. The students' colleges award academic credit, if any, according to their respective policies.

There is no fee. The Laboratory does not provide stipends or scholarships for academic-year students, nor offer health or accident insurance. The costs of room and board will vary, depending on individual arrangements. Educational Programs staff will assist academic-year students in arranging housing in the Bar Harbor area.

Eligibility
Applicants must be enrolled full-time undergraduates. The Laboratory prefers that academic-year students be in residence for a semester, although shorter periods will be considered.

Application
The application should consist of a completed application form, a brief essay, two letters of recommendation, and an official transcript of grades from all colleges attended. Students should apply at least two months in advance of their proposed appointment, by submitting their application to:

Ms. Randi O'Rourke
Education Office
The Jackson Laboratory
600 Main Street
Bar Harbor, ME 04609-1500
Telephone: 207-288-6749