STAR 2.0 Program

The STAR 2.0 Program is designed to immerse high school students in the world of medical research through a hands-on, six-week summer program. Located at the Children’s Mercy Research Institute in Kansas City, Missouri, students work closely with expert faculty on original research projects and gain in-depth knowledge in clinical and translational research processes, including ethics, statistics, and scientific writing. Participants benefit from networking opportunities within the medical research community and the chance to publish their work in respected peer-reviewed journals. This initiative is particularly supportive of students from underrepresented backgrounds in science, with a preference for attendees from public or charter schools in the Kansas City area. Providing a stipend to participants ensures that financial constraints do not hinder engagement in this career-launching experience.