Fermilab TARGET Summer Research Program

The **Fermilab TARGET Summer Research Program** at **Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory** is a paid summer **STEM program** that immerses high school students in real-world particle physics and **science research**. Hosted at one of America’s premier physics laboratories, this prestigious opportunity lets motivated teens explore **technology**, **engineering**, and **mathematics** alongside world-class scientists and engineers. Participants gain firsthand experience in how major experiments in particle physics are designed, built, and analyzed. During the program, students work on authentic projects that support ongoing research and technical operations at Fermilab. Under expert mentorship, you may learn to use lab equipment, code for data analysis, or help design and test components used in accelerators and detectors. This hands-on environment builds practical skills in **STEM**, problem‑solving, and teamwork. Students also connect with physicists, engineers, computer scientists, and other professionals, gaining insight into a wide range of research and technical careers. **Key benefits for high school students include:** - Developing research, coding, and lab skills that go beyond typical classroom learning - Building a strong resume with credible **science research** and **engineering** experience - Exploring college majors in physics, **technology**, and **mathematics** through real projects - Receiving mentorship and guidance on STEM education and career pathways Participation in the Fermilab TARGET Summer Research Program can significantly strengthen college and scholarship applications by demonstrating initiative, academic curiosity, and experience in a competitive research setting. Rising juniors and seniors (and other motivated 9th–12th graders, where eligible) show admissions offices that they can thrive in a rigorous, professional environment and contribute to meaningful scientific work. Students who are curious about how the universe works, enjoy math and science, and want to apply classroom concepts to real experiments will find this program especially rewarding. Ambitious high school students who are serious about a future in **STEM**, particularly physics, **engineering**, computing, or related fields, should consider applying. The combination of paid research experience, close mentorship, and exposure to cutting-edge particle physics makes Fermilab’s TARGET program stand out as a rare and valuable stepping stone toward college and a future STEM career.