2025 Opportunities
Summer Research and Experiential Learning Opportunities (SRELO) provides SIR research and internship opportunities to IMSA students and IMSA scholars (non-IMSA students) currently in grades 10-12. The program pairs students with mentors on the IMSA campus and external program partners and is open to all current sophomore and junior students. Various higher education and industrial partners have partnered with the program to provide opportunities for students. The projects span a variety of topics, disciplines, locations, dates, and durations that fit the needs of many students. Student experiences can be
- Residential (on the IMSA or a higher education partner’s campus)
- Commuter (students travel daily to the research or partner location)
- Remote (students complete the project from home with scheduled check-ins with the mentor)
- Hybrid (students work at home and on-site)
Participants are expected to commit a minimum of 160 hours to their projects, with at least half of those hours on-site for residential and commuter projects. All IMSA students must generate an oral presentation, poster, and written journal-style report.
Students who participate in one of the residential programs will spend two to three weeks on the IMSA or the campus of one of the higher industry partners. Commuter students will travel to locations on the days they conduct their research and/or meet with their mentors.
“Now in its third year, SRELO has already achieved remarkable success in meeting its primary goal: inspiring participants to pursue and persist in research projects beyond their program experience.”
Dr. Anita WhiteSRELO Program Manager
Site Information
IMSA Aurora, IL
Three projects will be offered on the IMSA campus during the summer of 2025. The dates for each program are included with the project descriptions. Participants will move into a residence hall the Sunday before the program starts. They may be housed with students from another program under the supervision of assigned Residential Counselors. Students are expected to work on their projects for full days, and all meals will be provided. Students can go home on the weekends at the end of the work day on Fridays.
Students participating in either of the two-week programs will be required to complete an additional two weeks off campus before the start or after the end of the on-campus program to receive SIR credit. Students participating in the three-week program will complete one week off campus.
The IMSA programs will be fee-based this summer at a rate of $1200/wk for the on-campus portions of the program. Scholarships are available for eligible students.
WIU, Macomb, IL
The residential research program at Western Illinois University (WIU) in Macomb, IL, will occur from July 7 to July 18, 2025. Participants will move in on July 6, 2025; optional transportation will be provided to and from the IMSA campus. Students will reside in an on-campus residence hall under the supervision of the WIU Residence Life staff. All meals will be provided. In addition, the WIU coordinator has prepared activities for the evenings and weekend.
Students will be required to spend an additional two weeks on the project prior to or following the on-campus experience to complete the requirement for SIR credit.
SIU, Carbondale, IL
The residential research program at Southern Illinois University (SIUC) in Carbondale, IL, will take place from June 8 to June 21, 2025. Participants will move in on June 8, 2025, and optional transportation will be provided to and from the IMSA campus. Students will reside in an on-campus residence hall under the supervision of a member of IMSA Residence Life staff. All meals will be provided. In addition, the WiU coordinator has prepared activities for the evenings and weekends.
Students will be required to spend an additional two weeks on the project prior to or following the on-campus experience to complete the requirement for SIR credit.
SIU, Edwardsville, IL
The residential research program at Southern Illinois University (SIUE) in Edwardsville, IL, will take place from July 6 to July 25, 2025. Participants will move in on July 6, 2025, and optional transportation will be provided to and from the IMSA campus. Students will reside in a three-week, on-campus residence hall. All meals will be provided. In addition, the WiU coordinator has prepared activities for the evenings and weekends.
Students will be required to spend an additional two weeks on the project prior to the on-campus experience to complete the program’s requirements and receive SIR credit.
Hybrid Programs
Discovery Partners Institute (DPI), Chicago, IL
DPI is part of the University of Illinois System. Located in downtown Chicago, it is a technology hub that focuses on tech talent development, applied research and development, and business building. It offers a variety of research projects. DPI’s research and development team brings together the expertise and innovations of academia with the speed and drive of industry. DPI’s research scientists are leaders in climate science, big data, and accessibility.
Students who work with DPI scientists are expected to begin their projects in June or July and wrap up in early August. All students are expected to attend weekly on-site mentor sessions and will be responsible for transportation to the location within walking distance of Chicago’s Union Station. The mentor and student will decide on additional on-site and remote expectations.
On-Site Programs
Kane County Forest Preserve, Elburn, IL
The Kane County Forest Preserve research projects are physically demanding outdoor fieldwork. The student and mentor agree upon two or more weeks on site, but students must provide transportation to the Elburn, IL facility.
