Tyler Coker (’25 Political Science and History), presenting his research at the 2024 Southern California Conference for Undergraduate Research.

»Social Science Summer Pre-College Research Experience

The Summer Research Program is a transformative academic opportunity for high school students. It is carefully designed to give participants an edge when applying to college. It provides hands-on experience in the world of social sciences. Fellows will engage in real research projects, developing skills in data analysis, critical thinking, academic writing, research poster development, and public speaking.

In the program, students will:

Get familiar with current research practices in political science and sociology
Get personalized guidance and mentorship
Work with faculty advisors to complete a research project
Work with current Chapman University students and learn about their journey in social science
Utilize the nationally renowned Chapman Survey of American Fears to explore a unique research question and make discoveries
Learn how to design a research poster and evaluate social scientific literature critically
Practice presenting research findings in a professional setting
Receive a certificate of completion

This program is suggested for students with a 3.5+ GPA who are genuinely interested in research and/or social sciences. Participants are expected to actively participate in all in-person activities.

Registration for 2026 will open in the spring.

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TBD

When is the 2026 program?

The program will run on weekdays (Monday-Friday) from July 6-24, 2026, from 9am—12pm.

Who are the 2026 faculty advisors?

In 2026, the inaugural year of the program, the advisors will be Drs. Ann Gordon and Karen A. Snedker. We anticipate having a rotating group of talented faculty members leading the summer program. Student mentors will be current Chapman students working in the Henly Research Lab

Do participants need to be in high school to participate?

Participants must enter grades 10-12 in the fall following the summer program.

What do I need to prepare?

Participants need to bring a laptop running Windows 10/11 (64-bit), or macOS 10.15 or higher). Students will need to purchase and download SPSS grad pack (approximately $34.95).

For questions or assistance, please contact program director Dr. Ann Gordon at agordon@chapman.edu

Registration for 2026 will open in the spring.

Total Cost for 2026: $1,500

Cost included:

Access to social science research lab
In-person learning sessions
End-of-program presentation materials, including a reception for your guests
Certificate of completion

Registration for 2026 will open in the spring.

Cancellation and Refund Policy:

TBD

»Social Science Summer Pre-College Research Experience

Program Schedule

FAQ & Participation Requirements

Costs & Registration