USA Scholarships
MIT THINK Scholars 2027 - $1K STEM Projects
The MIT THINK Scholars Program is a national high school research competition for students who have a strong STEM idea but need funding and mentorship to execute it. Unlike fairs that reward finished projects, THINK selects proposals: you describe a novel science, technology, or engineering idea you can complete in one semester with a budget up to $1,000. Finalists receive weekly guidance from MIT student mentors, project funding, and typically a four-day trip to MIT to present work. The program serves full-time high school students in grades 9-12 who maintain permanent U.S. residency during the academic year. U.S. citizenship is not required. For cycles aligned with spring 2027 implementation, watch for applications to open around 1 November 2026 and close around 1 January 2027 on think.mit.edu.
What is the MIT THINK Scholars Program?
MIT THINK sits in a sweet spot for ambitious high schoolers: you already know what you want to build or test, but you do not yet have the cash or lab access to start. The program, organized by MIT TechX undergraduates, reviews written proposals in regenerative medicine-scale biology down to app prototypes, then backs a handful of finalists with money and mentors so the idea actually happens.
That proposal-first design matters. Science fairs reward polished posters of work you finished last summer. THINK rewards planning and originality for work you will run next spring. Judges expect you to show you read the background literature, defined measurable goals, and budgeted honestly within $1,000. Semifinalists defend the plan on video; up to six finalists travel to Cambridge, meet researchers, and check in weekly with MIT students while buying parts or cloud time.
Eligibility is narrower than it looks. Permanent U.S. residency during the school year is the hard line, not citizenship. Homeschooled innovators and green-card holders qualify; a U.S. citizen enrolled abroad does not. Teams of two split the same funding cap, so partners need to agree on roles before they write.
Cycles move quickly once November hits. Applications historically close on 1 January, semifinalist news arrives before February, and funded work runs through June. If you are a junior plotting a senior-year portfolio, read the Rising Explorer Grant for field research money or the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship for college-bound CS aid alongside THINK.
Eligibility
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✓Full-time high school student in grades 9-12You must attend a public, private, or home school full time at the time you apply. The program targets high schoolers, not college undergraduates.
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✓Permanent U.S. residency during the academic yearApplicants need a permanent U.S. address for the school year. U.S. citizens living abroad are not eligible. Lawful permanent residents and other residents without citizenship may apply if they meet the residency rule.
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✓One proposal per academic yearYou may submit only one project proposal each academic year, whether as an individual or as half of a two-person team.
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✓Individual or two-person team entryTeams may have at most two students. Both members must meet eligibility rules and co-author the proposal.
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✓Feasible one-semester STEM project within $1,000Proposals should outline a science, technology, or engineering idea completable in roughly one semester with up to $1,000 in supplies, software, or equipment.
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✓Background research done, project not yet executedTHINK is designed for students who understand the literature and have a plan but lack resources to start. Finished projects belong in science fairs instead of this competition.
Benefits
- Project funding Up to $1,000 for implementation
- Weekly MIT student mentorship Included through project completion
- MIT campus visit All-expenses-paid trip when scheduling allows
- Lab tours and faculty presentations Included during campus visit
- MIT THINK Scholar designation Awarded after successful project completion by June
- Commended status for strong proposals Recognition below finalist level
- Full college tuition Not covered
- Guaranteed MIT admission Not offered
Document checklist
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✓Written research proposalSubmit through the online application at think.mit.edu. Follow the official guidelines PDF for structure, length, and technical detail expected each cycle.
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✓Project goals and implementation planExplain the novel idea, specific objectives, and step-by-step procedure. Judges look for insightful questions, clear milestones, and realistic use of the $1,000 budget.
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✓Budget outlineShow how grant funds would buy materials, software, cloud credits, or equipment. Projects must stay within the published spending cap.
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✓Background and feasibility discussionDemonstrate you have researched prior work and know why your approach is new and achievable within one semester.
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✓Semifinalist video interview materialsIf advanced to the second round, semifinalists complete video interviews. Prepare to discuss methodology and timeline clearly on camera.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
What is the MIT THINK Scholars Program?
THINK is an MIT student-run outreach program that selects high school STEM research proposals and helps finalists implement them. Winners receive up to $1,000, mentorship from MIT undergraduates, and often an all-expenses-paid trip to campus. The name THINK stands for Technology for Humanity guided by Innovation, Networking, and Knowledge.
How much funding do MIT THINK finalists receive?
Finalists receive up to $1,000 to purchase materials, software, or equipment needed for the proposed project. The grant supports implementation during the spring semester rather than paying tuition or living expenses.
When is the MIT THINK application deadline?
For the 2025-26 academic cycle, applications opened 1 November 2025 and closed 1 January 2026. Finalists were announced in February 2026 with project completion due by June 2026. The next cycle should follow a similar November-to-January window; verify dates on think.mit.edu.
Who is eligible for MIT THINK?
Full-time high school students in grades 9-12 with permanent U.S. residency during the academic year. U.S. citizenship is not required, but U.S. citizens living outside the country cannot apply. Individuals or two-person teams may submit one proposal per year.
Do you need a finished science fair project for MIT THINK?
No. THINK targets students who have researched an idea and drafted a plan but lack resources to execute it. You submit a proposal, not a completed study. Many Commended and finalist projects later feed into fairs or college applications.
How many MIT THINK finalists are selected each year?
The program selects up to six finalists after a proposal review round and semifinalist video interviews. Additional strong proposals may receive Commended status without full funding.
Does MIT THINK guarantee admission to MIT?
No. THINK is an educational outreach program, not an admissions pipeline. Participation can strengthen a portfolio, but it does not confer preferential admission.
Can international students apply to MIT THINK?
Only if they are full-time U.S. high school students with permanent U.S. residency during the academic year. Students residing outside the United States, including U.S. citizens abroad, are not eligible per official FAQ wording.
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