Jumpstart Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum age or grade level to attend?
You must be 16 years old before the beginning of the program (February 27, 2025) in order to attend. There are no exceptions to this rule. Students must also be currently enrolled in a NYC high school as a junior or a senior. Current high school sophomores are NOT eligible to apply.
How do I apply to Jumpstart 2025?
Prospective Jumpstart students should complete the online application. Applications are due on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 11:59pm Eastern Time. Letters of recommendation must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on Monday, January 6, 2025.
Does Jumpstart 2025 require a nomination?
No! We are no longer requiring nominations.
Do I have to interview to be accepted into Jumpstart?
Yes. After review, a portion of selected applicants will be invited to a virtual interview in February with the RockEDU team.
Is there a waitlist?
Yes, we will keep a short waitlist. Should space open up, we will notify the waitlisted students as soon as possible. Waitlisted students will be notified of any openings by the end of February 2025.
Is there an application fee?
No, there are no costs to apply.
When does the program begin/end?
Phase one of Jumpstart 2025 begins on Thursday, February 27, 2025 and on Thursday, June 12, 2025 (excluding NYC DOE Spring Recess Week, April 14 – April 18, 2025, and holidays on June 3 and June 5, 2025). Phase two of Jumpstart (summer / SSRP) begins on Monday, June 23, 2025 and ends on Thursday, August 7, 2024 (excluding July 4, 2025). Students must commit to full participation in both phases of the program.
How much time can I expect to put in per day/week?
Students are expected to attend all spring after-school sessions (phase one) from 4:30pm to 7:00pm, which take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting February 27, 2025. Jumpstart convenes for a total of 5 hours per week until Thursday, June 12, 2025. This is followed by participation in the SSRP (phase two) which runs Monday-Friday, beginning Monday, June 23, 2025 through Thursday, August 7, 2025.
Is transportation financial assistance available?
Yes. All Jumpstart students will receive a MetroCard or OMNI card to cover their transportation to and from campus during both the after school (phase one) and summer (phase two) portions of the program.
Are stipends available?
Yes, Jumpstart students will receive a $500 stipend for the spring portion (phase one) and another $3500 for the summer portion (phase two / SSRP).
Can I apply to the program if I live and/or attend school outside of New York City?
No. Jumpstart is specific to students who live and attend school in New York City.
When will I find out whether or not I’ve been accepted to Jumpstart?
Decisions for Jumpstart will be made before the end of February. Notifications will be communicated through email.
If I am accepted into Jumpstart, am I eligible to participate in the Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)?
Yes. The Jumpstart program takes place across two phases, spanning March- August. In the first phase students will work after school as Jumpstart scholars and in the second phase students will work full-time on campus as SSRP scholars.
Are there any minimum GPA or curriculum requirements?
No. We seek students who have a strong interest in science and may lack the resources or opportunities to fully explore those interests.
Can I submit my Jumpstart research findings/poster/research report to a science research competition?
The Rockefeller University and RockEDU do not permit the use of Jumpstart research findings for the purposes of participation in science fairs. Students who are looking to participate in competitions of this nature should not apply to Jumpstart. Any scientific work you complete is the property of The Rockefeller University and may not be used outside of official university dissemination mechanisms.