Each applicant needs to create their own Zintellect account using their name (not their parent's/guardian's name) and permanent email address. Note: Siblings cannot share a Zintellect account. 

A complete application consists of:

• An online application form
• A reference – you will be asked for the name and email of your reference. We will send a link directly to your reference to complete the confidential reference form. Please tell your reference to look for an email from Zintellect@orau.org. If not found, your reference should check their junk or spam folder. You may check your application using your username and password to determine if the reference has been submitted.

*IMPORTANT NOTE: On the question asking about your degree, please enter the following on the indicated questions*

• Education Status - enter "In Progress" 
• Degree - enter "High School Diploma/GED"
• Institution - enter your current school name without any abbreviations
• Dates - enter the approximate dates you began and will finish at your current school
• GPA - enter your current GPA

*If you are homeschooled: For any question asking for your school name, please enter "Homeschool" or the name of your homeschool organization or co-op. 

For more information, please reference the FAQ's at https://orise.orau.gov/jstieast/faq.htm.

If you have questions, send an email to JSTI@orau.org. Please include “JSTI-MS” in the subject line.

The Joint Science and Technology Institute for Middle School Students (JSTI-MS) is a one-week, fully-funded, residential science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) research program that provides middle school students the opportunity to solve and complete STEM challenges and projects. The hands-on projects provide students with opportunities to develop problem-solving and collaboration skills. The purpose of the program is to provide students with an opportunity to solve STEM challenges while working as a member of a small team and to inspire them to become lifelong STEM learners.

There are two locations for JSTI-MS. JSTI West will be held at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM from June 14-20, 2025. JSTI East will be held at Towson University in Towson, MD from July 19-25, 2025. For more information on the specific locations, visit https://orise.orau.gov/jsti/.

• Must be a U.S. citizen. 
• Must be EITHER 11 or older by June 6, 2025 for JSTI West OR by July 11, 2025 for JSTI East.
• Must be entering the 6th, 7th, or 8th grade in the 2025-2026 academic year.
• Must have a submitted reference contact’s email address on the application to be considered. Requests for a reference are sent automatically from your application submission.
• Must be willing to follow all program and safety instructions.
• Must be able to participate in all activities for the full-program period, EITHER June 14-20, 2025 (JSTI West) or July 19-25, 2025 (JSTI East).
• Must be able to reside on-site throughout the full program (lodging and supervision provided).
• Must attend a public, private, charter, or homeschool in the United States.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Currently pursuing a High School Diploma/GED.
• Minimum Overall GPA: 2.00
• Discipline(s):
  • Business (11 )
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (6 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Engineering (27 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
  • Other Non-Science & Engineering (13 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (2 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (30 )
• Age: Must be 11 years old by 7/19/2025

I certify that I am a U.S. citizen, will be at least EITHER 11 or older by June 14, 2025 for JSTI West OR by July 19, 2025 for JSTI East, will be entering the 6th, 7th, or 8th grade in the 2025-2026 academic year, have submitted a reference contact’s email address; am willing to follow all program and safety instructions; am able to participate in all activities for the full-program period, June 14-20, 2025 (JSTI West) OR July 19-25, 2025 (JSTI East); am able to reside on-site throughout the full program; and attend school or am homeschooled in the United States.