Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)

Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) is a selective online research mentorship programme for high school students. Students work 1:1 with professors, PhD scholars, and postdoctoral researchers from leading universities to conduct independent research and produce a college- or graduate-level research paper. Horizon was founded by Columbia University researchers in 2016.

Individual 1:1 mentorship with PhD/postdoctoral researchers and professors. Opportunity to choose a specific research specialization. Access to 600+ research specializations, according to Horizon. Choice between quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Development of a substantial ~20-page research paper. Development of academic writing, data analysis, literature review, and research methodology skills. Detailed feedback on the research project. Opportunity to submit research to academic journals and conferences. Alumni can submit papers to the Horizon Academic Research Journal, which Horizon says accepts approximately 10% of submissions. Opportunity to receive a letter of recommendation. Horizon states that 70% of its mentors come from the Ivy League, Stanford, Oxford, or Cambridge. Selective admissions: historically approximately 26% of applicants have been accepted. Merit scholarships are available for selected cohorts, including opportunities covering 20–100% of tuition through the essay competition.

High school students. Strong academic standing; Horizon materials generally specify a GPA above 3.67/4.0. Most accepted students are in Grades 10–11. Strong interest in the selected research field. Ability and willingness to complete substantial independent work. Some research tracks may have specific prerequisites. Applicants must provide academic information, including GPA/grades. An interview may be part of the selection process.