As an NIH BRAIN Initiative funded project, the LINC center is implementing a Plan to Enhance Diverse Perspectives, with the goal of engaging promising junior researchers from diverse backgrounds and/or under-resourced schools in our cutting-edge imaging and neuroscience research.
About
The LINC Camp is a 7-week virtual program that will immerse high school students in the fields of neuroscience, neuroimaging, and coding through scientific seminars and hands-on activities, while also offering guidance on college readiness and STEM career opportunities.
LINC Camp scholars will take a 6-week introductory coding course, while also participating in neuroscience seminars. They will then spend a week applying their coding skills to help map the wiring of the brain.
Eligibility
For the 2025 program, we have partnered with institutions in Michigan and Puerto Rico. At the end of the 7-week virtual program, the students will be invited to attend a local open house, where they will have the opportunity to network and meet fellow camp participants in person. Thus applicants must be attending a high school in either Michigan or Puerto Rico at the time of application. We anticipate enrolling 15 students in each of these two locations.
We encourage applications from students who bring diverse perspectives, as defined by the BRAIN Initiative PEDP. This includes, but is not limited to, women, students from underrepresented minority groups, and individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
No previous coding or neuroscience experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn! Applicants should have completed (and enjoyed) Algebra I.
Joy of Coding Partnership
We have partnered with Joy of Coding, a fully online, six-week introductory Python course developed at the University of Michigan to introduce high-school students to coding. Through this online program, students will develop essential programming skills. Learn more about Joy of Coding.
Exploring Neuroscience & More
In the final week of the LINC Camp, after completing the Joy of Coding course, the students will have the opportunity to apply their new coding skills to analyze brain imaging data. This will give students a unique experience at the intersection of coding and neuroscience.
Throughout the LINC camp, participants will also engage in lectures and discussions led by experts. Some topics include:
– Neuroanatomy
– Basic and clinical neuroscience
– Scientific communication
– Entrepreneurship
– The college admissions process
They’ll also benefit from insights shared by undergraduate and graduate student panels, connecting their learning to future pathways in STEM.
Program Dates
- Camp Duration: June 18 – August 8, 2025
- Open House: Will take place on a single day between August 11–15, with the exact date to be announced.
Cost
If selected for the LINC Camp, the Joy of Coding participation fee will be waived. The entire program will be free of charge.
How to Apply
- Complete the application here. You will be asked to answer several questions about your interest in the program. Once you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email.
- Email notifications regarding your selection as a finalist for the program will be sent by late March or early April. Please check your spam/junk folders as well.
- Students who are chosen as finalists will receive detailed instructions to complete the Joy of Coding application and pre-screening module. This module includes basic algebra exercises and an enrollment form. Finalists will have one week to complete the Joy of Coding application, module, and enrollment form and must submit them by the specified deadline in order to participate in the program. Students who do not submit everything by the specified deadline will be ineligible to continue with the program.
- Please note that some applicants may be placed on the waitlist. Students who are not accepted into the LINC Camp are still welcome to apply independently for the Joy of Coding course. However, financial aid associated with the LINC Camp will not be available in this case.
Application Deadline: All LINC Camp applications are due by 11:59 PM EST on March 5th, 2025.
Questions?
If you are interested in applying to the LINC Camp, and have any questions, please use the form below to contact us.