Ignite@Michigan

2026 AI Research Program for High Schoolers
(Ann Arbor, MI)

No specific prior research experience is required, but a foundation in math and science will help. You do not need to be a programming whiz or have a published paper already – we’re here to teach you those skills! Our curriculum starts with fundamentals. That said, you should have genuine interest in AI, machine learning, or cybersecurity. Basic familiarity with high school-level science and math is assumed. For instance, knowing algebra and having some exposure to statistics or computer science (even just a beginner programming class or self-taught coding) will make the material more accessible. If you’ve never coded before, you can still do a literature-review-based project rather than a coding project. The most important trait is willingness to learn. Many of our students come in with no research experience; by the end, they are comfortable with the research process. We adapt to your starting level – if you’re advanced, we’ll challenge you further; if you’re a novice, we’ll provide extra support. 

Early in the program, you will begin discussing potential research directions with your mentors. Students are encouraged to explore topics that genuinely interest them within AI and Machine Learning for Cybersecurity or Mathematical Foundations of Machine Learning. Some students may arrive with a specific question in mind (for example, exploring bias in facial recognition systems or examining assumptions behind a learning model), while others may prefer to explore ideas during the first few days of the program. Both approaches are welcomed. 

With guidance from mentors, students will refine a research direction that is appropriate for a two-week academic program, aligns with their interests, and emphasizes sound research thinking. Given the limited timeframe, the focus is on learning how research begins: understanding existing work, identifying meaningful questions, and planning a feasible approach—rather than completing large-scale original experiments. 

In most cases, students will work toward developing a structured research proposal, supported by a literature review and, where appropriate, preliminary analysis using existing datasets or simplified models. For example, a student might outline a proposal that builds on prior studies in malware detection, or analyze an open dataset to motivate a future research question. The written work typically takes the form of a proposal-style document or extended review draft, rather than a finalized research paper. 

The emphasis is on clarity of thinking, academic integrity, and learning how researchers frame problems. Mentors break the process into manageable steps and provide continuous support. By the end of the program, students will have a well-developed piece of academic writing and a clear research plan—something they can confidently build upon in future research experiences. 

Ignite@Michigan is designed to prepare students for research, not to guarantee publication or competition outcomes. During the program, students learn how academic research progresses—from identifying a meaningful question and reviewing existing literature to outlining a clear research plan and communicating ideas effectively. 

While publication or competition submission is not part of the two-week program itself, students will be introduced to the research and review process and learn about common pathways that researchers (including high school researchers) may pursue after a project is further developed. Mentors may discuss examples of appropriate venues—such as student research journals or research competitions—and explain what additional work is typically required beyond an initial proposal. 

After the program, select students may choose to continue refining their research through additional independent work or future mentorship. In limited cases, mentors may be available for high-level guidance on next steps, such as clarifying a research direction or suggesting how a proposal might be extended into a more complete study. Any continued work or submission decisions are made individually and depend on the student’s initiative, available time, and the quality of extended research. 

Even if a project is not submitted to a journal or competition, students leave Ignite@Michigan with something highly valuable: a well-developed research proposal, experience with academic thinking, and a concrete example of intellectual curiosity and initiative—all of which can be meaningfully discussed in college applications and interviews. 

Participating in this research camp can significantly strengthen your college applications. Admissions officers love to see authentic research experience because it demonstrates intellectual curiosity, initiative, and the ability to handle college-level work. By completing our program, you’ll have a unique story to tell – writing about your research journey or findings can make for a compelling personal statement or supplemental essay. You’ll also develop skills (critical thinking, academic writing) that are valuable for college success. In terms of recommendation letters: If you engage fully and produce quality work, it’s very likely that our mentors will be willing to write you a strong recommendation for college or scholarships. (We’ve had many students receive glowing letters from their Ignite mentors.) We do not “guarantee” a letter, as it must be earned through your effort and respectful participation – it wouldn’t be ethical to promise one regardless of performance. But historically, mentors have been happy to endorse students who showed commitment and growth. Additionally, after the program, you’ll receive a certificate of completion and an evaluation report summarizing your achievements, which you can share with colleges. And remember the stat we mentioned: research experience is something many Ivy League admits have[1]. We believe that the confidence and credentials you gain at Ignite Achievers will serve you well in the competitive admissions process. 

International students are welcome to apply. Ignite@Michigan values global perspectives, and past participants have come from a wide range of countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. The language of instruction is English, so students should be comfortable reading, writing, and participating in discussions in English. While no formal English proficiency test (such as TOEFL) is required, an intermediate to fluent level is expected in order to engage fully with the academic curriculum. 

Visa Considerations: 
Ignite@Michigan is a short-term, non-credit, summer enrichment program. According to guidance from the U.S. Department of State, participation in a recreational or avocational course of study is generally permitted under a B-2 (visitor/tourist) visa or, where applicable, through the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA), provided the program is short in duration and does not confer academic credit. 
(See: U.S. Department of State – Visitor Visa Information: 
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html/visa) 

Ignite Achievers is not an accredited degree-granting institution and therefore cannot issue F-1 or other student visa documentation. However, upon acceptance, we can provide an official invitation and enrollment letter confirming participation in a short-term educational camp, including program dates, housing arrangements, and confirmation of return plans. This documentation may be helpful when applying for a visa or when presenting information to immigration officials. 

It is the responsibility of each student and family to secure the appropriate visa or travel authorization. We strongly recommend beginning the visa process at least three months in advance. While we cannot intervene in government visa decisions, we are happy to support families by providing timely documentation and answering program-related questions. 

Arrival & Transportation: 
Airport transportation is not provided. Most international students arrive via Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) and travel to Ann Arbor by shuttle, taxi, or rideshare (approximately 25 minutes). Detailed transportation guidance will be included in the pre-arrival materials. 

We are committed to supporting our international students and families throughout the preparation process. If you have questions or uncertainties about travel logistics or documentation, please feel free to contact our team. 

Your safety is our utmost priority. We maintain a round-the-clock supervision model: our staff and residential counselors live in the dorms alongside students and conduct regular check-ins (morning, evening, and night). There will be clear rules regarding curfew, leaving campus, and conduct (for example, students cannot leave the dorm at night except in emergencies, and any off-campus trips are always chaperoned). The University of Michigan’s campus itself has its own police and security services; our program liaises with campus security to make them aware of our group. The dormitory has secured entry (keycard access) and we group our students in adjacent rooms for a community feel. We also collect health information in advance (dietary needs, allergies, medications, emergency contacts) so we can accommodate and respond to any health issues. At least one staff member trained in first aid will be on site at all times. In case a student feels unwell, we have access to nearby clinics and the university health center. We enforce a buddy system during any outings – no student goes anywhere alone. Additionally, we conduct an orientation on Day 1 to go over safety guidelines, including who to call 24/7 for help (we have a program hotline parents can also use). All staff undergo background checks and are experienced in working with teens. Finally, we emphasize a culture of mutual respect and inclusion – bullying, discrimination, or any form of harassment is not tolerated, and any behavioral issues are addressed immediately. Parents will be promptly informed of any serious concerns. Our track record is excellent; we strive to create a warm, secure “home away from home” so you can focus on learning and having fun. 

We use rolling admissions, which means we evaluate applications as they come in until the program is full. There is no hard cutoff date, but we expect the cohort to fill up by late spring. We strongly encourage you to apply by March or April 2026 to have the best chance, as offers may start going out as early as January for strong candidates. If you apply later (May/June), you might be placed on a waitlist if all spots are tentatively filled. As for competitiveness, we anticipate around 15–20 spots and typically receive many more applications. We consider each application holistically – looking at your grades, essay, recommendation, and interview. We aren’t solely test-score driven; passion and willingness to learn weigh a lot in our decision. If you have a strong academic background (especially in STEM classes) and convey enthusiasm for research, you have a good shot. We also strive for a diverse cohort, including representation from different schools, regions, and backgrounds. If you’re worried about not having prior accolades, don’t be – we care more about potential. The best advice is: put effort into your application responses, be yourself in the interview, and apply early. We do our best to notify applicants of their status within a few weeks of each stage. If you ever need an expedited decision due to other program deadlines, let us know and we’ll try to accommodate. 

We will send a detailed packing list to enrolled students, but here are some essentials and tips: – Laptop Computer: Each student should bring a laptop for writing and research (this is crucial, as much of your work will be done digitally). Make sure it’s in good working order; we provide Wi-Fi and charging stations. If you don’t have a personal laptop, please inform us in advance so we can arrange a loaner. 
– Clothing: Late June/early July in Ann Arbor is warm (around 75–85°F / 24–29°C). Pack casual summer attire for class (T-shirts, shorts, jeans) and comfortable shoes for walking around campus. Include one or two nicer outfits if you want (we have a small closing ceremony where some like to dress up, though not formal). Also bring a light jacket or hoodie for air-conditioned rooms or cooler evenings, and maybe one set of workout clothes if you plan to do sports. Don’t forget pajamas and enough undergarments/socks for two weeks (laundry facilities are available if needed). 
– Bedding & Toiletries: We will provide basic linens (pillow, bed sheets, blanket) at the dorm, but you can bring your own favorite pillow or a extra blanket if you like. Bring your own towels, toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.), and any personal care items. Shower sandals and a caddy can be handy since bathrooms are shared. 
– School/Study Supplies: We’ll give you a notebook and pen, but you might want to bring your preferred notebook, stationery, or a textbook/reference if there’s something you use often. A calculator might be useful for any math in research. We will have printing access if you need to print drafts. 
– Medications: If you take any prescription medications, bring enough for the entire stay (in original pharmacy bottles if possible). Also pack any needed over-the-counter meds (like allergy medicine) that you commonly use. We have basic first aid and some OTC meds available, but it’s good to have your own in case. Make sure to note all this on your health form so staff can assist if needed. 
– Miscellaneous: A reusable water bottle (stay hydrated!), a backpack or tote bag for carrying your things around campus, and maybe a small amount of cash for incidental purchases (though cards are widely accepted in Ann Arbor). If you play a musical instrument (portable ones like a guitar or violin) and want to bring it, you can – we sometimes have talent shows or jam sessions! Likewise, if you have a favorite board game or something that can be enjoyed in a group, you’re welcome to bring it. Keep valuables minimal – expensive jewelry or unnecessary gadgets are best left at home. 
– For the Fireworks/outings: Bring a casual outfit in red, white, or blue if you want to be festive for the fireworks event (optional). Comfortable walking shoes are a must for museum trips. A small daypack or drawstring bag is useful on excursion days to carry your water, sunscreen, etc. 

Rest assured, if you forget something essential, stores are nearby and staff can help you obtain it. We want you to be comfortable, so we’ll double-check packing lists with everyone at orientation. 

Because our program is so short and intensive, we highly discourage any absences. Each day builds on the previous one, both academically and socially. Missing even one or two days means you might fall behind on your research or miss a key experience. That said, we understand emergencies or major conflicts can occur. If you have a known conflict (e.g., a required school exam or family event), please inform us as early as possible – we handle these on a case-by-case basis. In some instances, we might approve arriving one day late or leaving one day early, but you would be responsible for catching up on what you missed (and no discount can be given for partial attendance). Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate mid-program vacations or breaks; students are expected to remain in the program for the full duration once it starts. If an emergency or illness arises that causes you to miss time, our staff will work with you to provide notes or makeup work so you can continue your project. We do not have a remote participation option – it’s in-person only. In summary, plan to commit fully to June 28 – July 10, 2026. That’s part of the dedication to doing real research. If you foresee a significant conflict, it may be better to consider a different session or year. We’re happy to discuss your situation if you’re unsure. Our ultimate goal is for each student to have a complete and unfragmented experience. 

Have other questions not covered here? Feel free to reach out via email or phone (see below). We’re always ready to provide more information to help you make an informed decision! 

We understand that choosing a summer program is a big decision. Here are a few reasons you can trust Ignite Achievers to deliver a top-quality experience: 

• Proven Track Record: Ignite Achievers was founded by University of Michigan academicians with a mission to empower high school students through research. We have successfully run mentorship programs (both online and in hybrid formats) with excellent outcomes. Many of our alumni have gone on to attend Ivy League and top-tier universities, and credit their research experience as a key factor. Our approach has been validated by the achievements of our students and positive feedback from families over the years. 

• Academic Rigor and Integrity: Our curriculum is carefully designed by experts and is continuously updated to reflect the latest developments in AI and cybersecurity. We emphasize doing research the right way – with proper methods and ethics. You can be confident that you’re getting an authentic academic experience, not a watered-down camp. We also keep our student selection selective so that you’ll be surrounded by peers who are serious and passionate, creating an environment that pushes everyone to excel in a supportive way. 

• High Mentor-to-Student Ratio: With two professors and additional teaching assistants or camp staff for a small cohort, our mentor-to-student ratio is extremely favorable. This is not a massive lecture hall experience. It’s more like an honors seminar combined with an advising lab. Each student gets a lot of face time and personalized mentorship. We stake our reputation on providing individualized attention – something large programs can’t do. 

• Safety and Supervision: Parents can trust that students will be well looked after. From secure dorms to staff presence, we run the program with the same level of care as we would for our own children. We carry liability insurance and have emergency protocols in place. Ignite Achievers LLC is a registered organization, and we adhere to all required regulations for youth programs. We prioritize creating a safe, inclusive environment free from discrimination or harassment. Students consistently report feeling safe, welcomed, and supported throughout the program. 

• Recognition and Partnerships: Ignite Achievers has garnered attention in the education community. For instance, our Ignite Excellence Scholarship initiative (offering $180,000 in awards) was featured in industry news, highlighting our commitment to accessibility. We collaborate with education consultants and school counselors who recognize the value of our program. While relatively young, our brand is growing due to our quality – which means when you mention “Ignite Achievers” on an application or in an interview, it carries weight as a serious academic endeavor. 

• Continued Support: Our relationship doesn’t end on August 10. We offer alumni opportunities like advanced research internships, volunteer roles in future programs, and a network you can tap into. Need advice on a science fair? Want feedback on your college essays? Many students shoot us an email even a year later, and we gladly help. When you join Ignite Achievers, you’re part of our community for the long run. We genuinely care about each student’s journey beyond the program. 

Choosing Ignite Achievers means choosing a program that is deeply invested in your growth. We know you have many options, and we’re honored to be considered. Our promise is to deliver an experience that is enriching, rewarding, and inspiring – one that lives up to the trust you place in us.