The summer application windows are open. Register for an information session today: Pioneer Research Institute | Global Problem-Solving Institute
In the Pioneer Research Institute, you’ll join the world’s first and only fully accredited online research program for high school students. Work directly with leading professors to conduct original research projects and earn four college credits.
You will begin with research group seminars and a literature review before formulating your independent research project, then work 1:1 with your professor to develop an original, undergraduate-level research paper.
This advanced research experience lets you explore research skills, preparing for the college application process to top universities. Recognized as the gold standard, Pioneer validates your academic caliber with rigor colleges trust. Begin your research journey today.
Earn 4 transferable college credits. Learn more
June ― August/September
February ― July
Details (Financial aid available)
High school: 9-12th grade
Online, globally accessible
In the Global Problem-Solving Institute, you’ll tackle the world’s most complex challenges alongside high school students from around the globe in a 12-week virtual innovation lab.
Guided by four university professors, you’ll apply design- and systems-thinking to real-world problems, collaborate in interdisciplinary teams, and earn college credits through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
This program gives you hands-on experience solving global issues to sharpen your leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking skills that will set you apart in college and beyond. Solve problems around the rise of artificial intelligence, chronic disease, access to clean water, and food insecurity. Be the change-maker the world needs for an unpredictable future.
Earn college credit from The University of North Carolina
Late January ― late April
Early June ― late August
Mid September ― mid December
Pioneer researchers are 5x likelier to get into a college with a less than 8% admit rate
Number of countries represented by Pioneer scholars
College credits awarded for completing the Research Institute
All our mentors are professors, offering one on one mentorship.
Need-based scholarship amount granted since 2014
Pioneer Academics founds the world’s first online research program for high school students in 2012
Pioneer Academics offers the only fully accredited online research program for high school students, ensuring the highest level of academic rigor and institutional accountability.
Our institutes combine rigorous internal oversight with independent, college-led governance of academic standards and credit approval by Oberlin College and UNC–Chapel Hill.
“The Pioneer Research Institute is transformational in that you learn how to interact with professors in a way that you wouldn’t otherwise, and the experience definitely helped me in college.”
“GPSI pushed my boundaries to tackle complicated challenges. It helped me see the world from different perspectives… I can analyze problems from multiple angles and develop appropriate solutions.”
“Pioneer made me feel like I really did something — like this was my first step in my academic professional career and that it was opening doors for me and for my future career in biological sciences.”
A student team from Ethiopia investigates domestic and industrial pollution in the Beressa River and develops strategies to improve safe water access.
“Being the gold standard, Pioneer helps students understand that the goal isn’t just getting into the best college, but having an experience that develops them as problem solvers.”
“Pioneer is one of very few selective summer undergraduate research opportunities, and that’s something that’s known among college admissions officers at top universities.”
“The more we saw the quality of the work, Pioneer has become, simply, a trusted entity in the admissions market.”
A ProPublica investigation exposed the “pay-to-play” research industry — but singled out Pioneer Academics as the ONLY legitimate program, noting Pioneer’s research program “far exceeded” college-level standards.
“Pioneer Academics… provides motivated students with an introduction to the skills and practices associated with conducting original research.”
“It immediately struck me as an opportunity that would push our most intellectually curious students to a level beyond what our high school could offer.”
Pioneer Academics provides parents of driven, gifted students a way to further challenge their child through a research project that transforms their learning beyond the classroom.”
Beyond the numbers, it is their intellectual drive and dedication that fill us with the greatest pride.
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Thank you for your interest in Pioneer’s Global Problem-Solving Institute (GPSI). The application for the Fall 2025 terms is now available. Please select your country/region below:
