Non-Trivial Research Fellows Program
by Non-Trivial
$1,000 Scholarship
An 8-week online fellowship for high school students aged 14-20 to lead impactful research, policy, or entrepreneurial projects with expert mentorship and scholarship opportunities.
Mode
Online
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual
Duration
8 weeks
Time needed
At least 10 hours a week
Eligibility
Open to high school students aged 14-20 globally, who have not yet started university. Key requirements include demonstrating curiosity, critical thinking, and a strong drive to make a positive impact on the world. The program is accessible to students from almost anywhere in the world, with exceptions for countries under UK sanctions.
- Age range
- 14 to 20 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Applicants must be high school students and not yet enrolled in university or tertiary education. Students taking a gap year before university are eligible.
- Prerequisites
- A strong foundation in academic subjects and a keen interest in research or problem-solving.
- To be eligible for the Non-Trivial Research Fellows Program, students must first complete the Research Foundations Program.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
$1,000 Scholarship
All accepted fellows in the 8-week summer program receive a $1,000 scholarship to support their project work. Additionally, top projects are eligible for significant grant awards up to $10,000.
Certificate
Certificate of Completion
A certificate of completion is provided, recognized for academic and professional pursuits, validating participation in a highly selective global program.
Opens doors to
Participation in this highly selective program enhances university applications. Over half of university-admitted alumni have received offers from top-tier institutions like MIT, Harvard, and Stanford.
Career pathways
Fellows gain a significant advantage in their career paths, with alumni going on to co-author reports for the UN and secure funding for impactful projects. The program accelerates professional development in high-impact areas like AI safety, biosecurity, and climate change.
Recognition
Prestigious International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opens
- 1 Nov 2026
- Registration closes
- 4 Jan 2027
- Dates
- 15 Jun 2027 to 10 Aug 2027
Online · Discord, Online Collaboration Tools (e.g., Google Docs, Miro)
How to apply
- 1The application process involves an initial online application with brainteasers and problem-solving quizzes.
- 2Selected applicants are invited to a semi-finalist stage where they discuss their aspirations and answer critical thinking questions.
- 3The final stage includes a video interview to delve deeper into their thoughts on global problems and project ideas.
Rules and guidelines
- Participants must not be enrolled in university at the time of the fellowship.
- All work submitted must be original and adhere to academic integrity standards.
- Participants are expected to commit a minimum of 10 hours per week to the program.
- Projects can be undertaken individually or in small teams.
- All communication and collaboration should occur within the designated online platforms.
- Final projects must be presented at the Demo Day.
- Participants must be between 14 and 18 years of age at the start of the program.
Technology requirements
- Reliable internet connection
- Access to a computer or laptop for project work and online tools.
- Ability to use online collaboration tools like Discord for communication and discussions.
About this opportunity
The Non-Trivial Research Fellows Program is an intensive 8-week online fellowship designed for talented young individuals aged 14-20 who are passionate about solving pressing global problems. Operating under the Effective Ventures Group, this program provides participants with expert guidance and one-on-one mentorship from facilitators, often from top universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Stanford. It aims to empower the next generation of leaders to make a significant difference in the world through impactful research, policy, or entrepreneurial projects.
Participants will engage in focused work, either individually or in teams, developing a comprehensive research toolkit, learning interdisciplinary academic concepts, and fostering critical thinking skills. The program emphasizes practical research experience, accelerating career prospects, and contributing to meaningful solutions for global challenges.
Fellows also benefit from a world-class community of like-minded peers and exclusive Q&A sessions with globally impactful speakers.
This fellowship is designed to be flexible, allowing participants to complete it part-time alongside their other academic commitments. The program is entirely online, making it accessible to students worldwide, including those across India. It offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience and make a real-world impact before entering university.
What your child will do
- Individual or team-based research projects
- Weekly one-on-one mentorship sessions
- Guided worksheets for project development
- Learning interdisciplinary academic concepts
- Discord discussions with peers
- Introductory calls with other fellows
- Exclusive Q&A sessions with expert speakers
- Final project presentation (Demo Day)
Mentors and faculty
Facilitators from top universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Stanford, along with expert speakers.
Languages
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The curriculum includes weekly step-by-step worksheets for project planning, one-on-one mentorship sessions, and a research toolkit for interdisciplinary academic concepts. Participants engage in active Discord discussions, introductory calls with other fellows, and exclusive Q&A sessions with expert speakers. The program guides participants from deep dives into problem identification to establishing a proof of concept for their projects, culminating in a final presentation at Demo Day.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of projects do fellows typically work on during the program?
Fellows engage in impactful research, policy, or entrepreneurial projects. These often address global challenges such as AI safety, biosecurity, or climate change, allowing participants to explore areas of deep personal interest and contribute to meaningful solutions.
How much time commitment is expected from participants each week?
The program requires a minimum commitment of 10 hours per week. This flexible structure allows participants to balance the fellowship with their academic studies and other commitments, with many activities being asynchronous to accommodate diverse schedules.
What kind of mentorship and support is provided throughout the fellowship?
Participants receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced facilitators, often from leading universities. This includes weekly check-ins, project guidance, and access to a community of peers and expert speakers for Q&A sessions, fostering a supportive learning environment.
How competitive is the selection process for this fellowship?
The program is highly selective, attracting tens of thousands of applications globally. The multi-stage application process, including brainteasers, puzzles, and interviews, ensures that only the most curious, critical-thinking, and motivated individuals are selected for the fellowship.
What happens after the fellowship concludes? Are there alumni opportunities?
Alumni join a global network of impactful individuals. Many continue to develop their projects, secure grants, or pursue further academic and career opportunities in high-impact fields, often with ongoing support and connections from the Non-Trivial community.
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