About

Stanford’s Inspiring Future Scientists through Shadowing (IFSS) is a two-week summer laboratory shadowing program hosted by the Department of Chemistry. Designed for local high school students, IFSS provides rising juniors and seniors the opportunity to observe cutting-edge chemical research by shadowing graduate student mentors. The 2026 session runs from June 15 to June 26, with daily activities scheduled from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Unlike project-based internships, IFSS emphasizes breadth of exposure, allowing students to visit a variety of research groups across materials chemistry, physical chemistry, and molecular biology. Unlike programs that emphasize individual research projects, IFSS stands out by allowing participants to shadow multiple researchers. This approach enables a broader understanding of the field and fosters a well-rounded scientific perspective.

Eligibility is strictly limited to students who will be entering 11th or 12th grade and are at least 16 years old by June 15, 2026. Applicants must both live and attend school in Alameda, Santa Clara, San Francisco, or San Mateo counties. Because the program is free and focuses on high-impact mentorship, admission is competitive and requires full availability for all 10 days of instruction. The application process includes an online form and a formal recommendation letter submitted by a teacher or mentor, both of which are due by March 1, 2026.

Over the two-week program, participants follow graduate students through active laboratories, engage in discussions about scientific experimental design, and observe professional-grade instrumentation. This panoramic view of modern chemical research helps students clarify their scientific interests while experiencing academic life at one of the most respected university chemistry programs in the country.