Brookhaven High School Research Program (HRSP): A Complete Guide

If you’re a high schooler with a passion for science, the Brookhaven National Laboratory High School Research Program (HSRP) might be exactly what you’ve been looking for. Think hands-on research inside a national laboratory, one-on-one mentorship with professional scientists, and the opportunity to contribute to STEM projects like computational drug discovery, energy research, and environmental studies.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Brookhaven HSRP: what it is, who it’s for, how to apply, and what makes it worth the effort.

• What Is the Brookhaven HSRP?
• Brookhaven HSRP Acceptance Rate
• Brookhaven HSRP Application Deadline
• Brookhaven HSRP Requirements
• How to Get into Brookhaven HSRP
• Why Join Brookhaven HSRP?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is the Brookhaven HSRP?

The Brookhaven HSRP is a highly competitive, six-week educational program for students interested in pursuing STEM studies. Hosted at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, New York, the program gives selected students direct access to a real-world scientific community and a genuine hands-on research experience.

Participants join active research teams and engage directly in hands-on projects alongside Brookhaven’s scientific, engineering, and technical staff, contributing to work that supports the lab’s and the Department of Energy’s mission. The program concludes with the chance to present your findings through a poster session and/or oral presentation.

For the 2026 iteration, the Brookhaven HSRP runs from Monday, July 6 to Friday, August 14, 2026, at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The program operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There are no vacation days, and full attendance for the entire six-week session is required.

This is a commuter program, meaning transportation and housing are not provided by the laboratory. Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from the campus.

Note: The 2027 program schedule has not yet been announced. Check the official Brookhaven National Laboratory website for updates on dates and application openings.

Brookhaven HSRP Acceptance Rate

Brookhaven HSRP’s acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed, but by every measure, the program is highly selective. Each year, a large pool of students from across the region applies, with only a limited number of spots available for the six-week session.

The selection committee is looking for students who bring strong academics, demonstrated STEM interest, and the maturity to thrive in a professional lab environment.

Because notifications are issued on a rolling basis, with decisions possible as late as early June, you should not interpret silence as rejection. However, submitting a complete and polished application as early as possible works in your favor.

Brookhaven HSRP Application Deadline

For the 2026 program, the Brookhaven HSRP application window opens on January 12, 2026, and closes on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

Do not wait until the final days. Applications that are incomplete, especially those missing one or both letters of recommendation, will not be considered.

Notification and other key dates

Here are the key dates to keep on your radar for the 2026 HSRP:

Plan to have your application fully submitted, including both recommendation letters, well before the March 20 deadline. Since recommendation requests are sent separately after you submit your application, give your recommenders at least four to six weeks of lead time.

Brookhaven HSRP Requirements

Before you apply to Brookhaven HSRP, make sure you meet all eligibility criteria and have gathered everything needed for a complete application.

Eligibility

To qualify for Brookhaven HSRP, you must meet all of the following:

• Be at least 16 years of age by the start of the program (recommended for students who have completed 11th grade; rising seniors are the ideal candidates)
• Be a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident/Green Card holder (for more details on identification requirements, visit the BNL ID and access Guest, User & Visitor Center page)
• Have active health insurance for the full duration of the program
• Be able to commute to the lab independently, as housing and transportation are not provided
• Be available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., for the complete six-week session with no vacation days

Note: Due to Brookhaven National Laboratory’s safety regulations, students under the age of 18 may not be allowed to perform certain tasks within the lab.

Required documents

A complete application for Brookhaven HSRP includes:

• Online application form
• Your personal email address (not a school email)
• Parent or guardian contact information
• Your school district’s superintendent name and email address
• Two recommendation letters from a teacher or mentor (STEM teachers preferred)

The instructions and link for requesting recommendations are provided after you submit your application form. Recommendation requests go directly to your chosen recommenders. A complete application requires both letters to be submitted before the deadline.

Program costs

There is no tuition or participation fee for Brookhaven HSRP. The program is fully funded by the Department of Energy through Brookhaven National Laboratory. Students are responsible only for their own transportation to and from the Upton, New York campus each day.

How to Get into Brookhaven HSRP

Getting into Brookhaven HSRP requires preparation, strategy, and follow-through. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the application process with tips to help you put your best foot forward:

Step 1: Check your eligibility early.

Before anything else, confirm you meet every eligibility requirement: age, citizenship, academic standing, health insurance, and transportation. The program has firm requirements, and incomplete or ineligible applications are not considered.

If you’re a current 11th grader, the summer after your junior year is your prime window. Current 12th graders may still apply, but timing can be tighter.

Step 2: Set up and start your application early.

The application opens January 12, 2026. Access the official HSRP Online Application Form and begin filling in your information as soon as the portal goes live. You will need:

• Your personal (non-school) email address
• Parent or guardian contact details
• Your school superintendent’s name and email address

Save your progress as you go and review each section carefully before moving forward.

Step 3: Select and brief your recommenders.

You need two letters of recommendation, ideally from STEM teachers or mentors who know your work well. Choose people who can speak specifically to your curiosity, problem-solving ability, collaboration skills, and commitment.

Ask your recommenders at least six weeks before the application deadline. Give them context: explain what the program is, why you’re applying, and share a list of your relevant accomplishments so they can write targeted, specific letters. After you submit your application, the system will send them the recommendation link, reminding them to complete it promptly.

Step 4: Craft a strong personal statement.

The application asks about your interest in STEM and your reasons for applying. This is your opportunity to show the selection committee who you are beyond your grades. Be specific. Instead of saying you “love science,” describe a moment or project that sparked your curiosity, then connect it to what you hope to explore at Brookhaven.

Highlight science fair projects, research experiences, coding clubs, math competitions, or any independent study that reflects your passion. If you have coursework in AP sciences, chemistry, biology, physics, or computer science, make sure that’s visible in your application.

Interviewers and selection committees care about research mindset, collaboration, and commitment. Frame yourself as someone who is ready to contribute to a team, learn from experts, and handle a full-time professional schedule.

If you want to strengthen your application, it may be worth getting expert guidance. Our Summer Program Applications Program can help you craft a compelling personal statement, refine your narrative, and boost your overall application.

Step 5: Submit before the deadline and follow up.

Aim to submit at least one to two weeks early. After submission, follow up with your recommenders to confirm they’ve received and completed the recommendation request. A missing letter means your application is incomplete and will not be reviewed.

Check your personal email regularly after submitting, as both acceptances and declination notifications are sent on a rolling basis through early June.

Why Join Brookhaven HSRP?

Brookhaven HSRP is a professionally structured research experience inside one of the country’s leading federal science institutions. Here’s why it’s worth pursuing:

1. Real research experience

Most summer programs offer simulations or structured lab activities. Brookhaven HSRP puts you on an actual research team, working on projects tied to national priorities in energy, environmental science, and nuclear technology. You’ll analyze data and develop the kind of scientific thinking that college programs look for.

This experience is especially valuable if you’re planning to study a STEM field in college, where prior research experience can distinguish you during admissions, research lab applications, and scholarship competitions.

2. Mentorship from working scientists

At Brookhaven HSRP, you’re working alongside engineers, scientists, and technical staff who do this work professionally. These mentors guide your research, help you navigate the professional norms of a national lab environment, and provide insight into what STEM careers actually look like.

The relationships you build during six weeks can extend beyond the program through professional references and ongoing research opportunities.

3. Communication and presentation skills

HSRP participants do research and communicate it. At the conclusion of the program, you’ll present your work in a poster session attended by your parents, guardians, and school administrators. This mirrors the format of real scientific conferences and builds skills in scientific writing, visual presentation, and public speaking that will serve you well into college and career.

4. A standout college application

Completing the program demonstrates academic seriousness, real-world competence, and the ability to commit to a rigorous full-time schedule. It is the kind of credential that signals genuine STEM engagement.

When your college application lists six weeks of hands-on research at a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory, with a poster presentation to show for it, admissions readers take notice.

5. No cost to participate

Brookhaven HSRP is fully funded. There is no tuition, registration fee, or program cost. The only financial consideration is daily transportation to the Upton, New York campus, which participants are responsible for arranging independently.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Brookhaven HSRP’s acceptance rate?

The exact acceptance rate is not published, but the program is highly competitive. A limited number of spots are available each summer, and only complete applications are reviewed. Strong academics, demonstrated STEM interest, and a compelling application all improve your chances.

2. Can students from outside Long Island apply to Brookhaven HSRP?

Yes, as long as you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident and can commute to the Upton, New York campus Monday through Friday for the full six weeks. The program does not provide housing or transportation, so your ability to commute daily is a practical eligibility factor.

3. How many recommendation letters does Brookhaven HSRP require?

The program requires two letters of recommendation, preferably from STEM teachers or mentors. Instructions and the recommendation request link are provided after you submit your application form. Both letters must be submitted before the application deadline for your application to be considered complete.

4. What kind of research will I do in Brookhaven HSRP?

Projects vary by year and are assigned based on available mentors and research needs at the laboratory. Past participants have worked on topics ranging from computational drug research to environmental science.

5. When will I find out if I’m accepted to Brookhaven HSRP?

Notifications are sent on a rolling basis and can come as late as early June. Both accepted and declined applicants are notified. Check your personal email regularly after submitting your application, particularly after the March 20 deadline.

Takeaways

• Brookhaven HSRP 2026 runs July 6–August 14, 2026, at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, New York.
• Eligibility requires being at least 16 years old, having completed 11th grade, and being a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder with active health insurance.
• Brookhaven HSRP is highly competitive. A compelling personal statement, strong recommenders, and demonstrated STEM engagement all matter.
• Participants commit to six full weeks onsite, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no vacation days and a final poster presentation at the end.
• Brookhaven HRSP is the kind of experience that can set the trajectory of your academic and professional career. If you’re serious about standing out, talking to a college admissions consultant can help you fine-tune your application and give you the edge you need.