QuarkNet Summer Research for High School Students

  • Program Description

    What are neutrinos telling us?
    Are there extra dimensions of space?
    What happened to the antimatter?

    High school students work with Fermilab scientists and engineers who advance our understanding of the nature of matter and energy. QuarkNet offers summer research opportunities in science and technology for students who have demonstrated a strong interest in and aptitude for science and mathematics. Two teams consisting of four students and one teacher work for six weeks with scientists or engineers on projects related to the Fermilab research program.

    Read about research projects from previous summers.

    Students receive a wage of $8.50 an hour for 35 hours of work per week. Standard U.S. taxes are withheld, as is customary with all Fermilab employees. Students receive no paid sick leave or vacations.

  • Eligibility

    • High school students (No housing or transportation provided.)
    • U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status required
    • Participants must provide evidence of identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
    • Participants under the age of 16 must have work authorization papers obtained through their school and written parental permission.
    • Participants must have medical insurance while at Fermilab.

    Key Dates

    Applications open March 1st.

    Check Key Dates and the QuarkNet Calendar.

  • Expectations

    • Complete the full six-week program.
    • Complete all Fermilab safety and computing requirements.
    • Work safely in a responsible and professional manner.
    • Attend all scheduled events including lectures, tours and group activities.

    Deliverables

    • Complete entrance and exit surveys.
    • Submit a team research abstract in the required format.
    • Give a final presentation to Fermilab scientists and peers.