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    Online Programme

    Junior Explorer Program

    by Lumiere Education

    An online one-to-one research mentorship where middle school students explore an academic interest and build an original project with PhD-level guidance.

    Last verified: 18 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
    Junior Explorer Program

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    Junior Explorer Program at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Applications open

    Eligibility

    Students in Grades 6-8

    Age range / Year group

    Grades 6-8

    Location / Region

    Online

    Cost

    $2,690

    Duration

    8 weeks

    Format

    One-to-one online mentorship

    Application deadline

    Rolling

    Save programme
    BiologyBusiness & EconomicsComputer ScienceEngineeringMathematicsResearch Methods

    Sessions / cadence: 8 mentor; 2 writing-coach sessions

    Mentor model: One-to-one PhD mentor

    Main deliverable / output: Research paper or case study

    Weekly commitment: At least 5 hours

    Selectivity: Highly selective

    Junior Explorer Program summary

    Students explore an academic interest through individual mentorship, then turn one chosen direction into an original project.

    The programme moves from broad topic exploration to project definition and development, with dedicated mentor and writing-coach support.

    It suits curious, ambitious students taking an early step into independent research and academic writing.

    What is Junior Explorer Program?

    The Junior Explorer Program is Lumiere Education’s introductory research mentorship for younger students. Founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, Lumiere matches each participant with a PhD mentor to explore an academic interest and develop an original project.

    The experience follows a clear progression: students investigate possible topics, choose one area for deeper study and build their project with individual guidance. The final format is flexible and may be a research paper, case study or another suitable independent project.

    Why Succeed highlights Junior Explorer Program

    • The one-to-one format gives each student space to pursue a genuinely personal academic interest.

    • Eight mentor sessions provide a clear support structure for a first independent research experience.

    • Two writing-coach sessions add focused help with communicating the final project.

    • The flexible output makes the programme suitable for different subjects and research approaches.

    • The published eight-week timeline moves logically from exploration to project development.

    Who is Junior Explorer Program for?

    Best for

    Curious, ambitious students who want to explore a subject beyond school and are ready to manage an independent project with adult guidance.

    Not ideal if

    You prefer a peer-led group class, want a fixed school-style syllabus or cannot commit at least five hours each week.

    Is Junior Explorer Program worth it?

    The programme can be valuable for a motivated middle school student who needs expert structure to move from curiosity to a serious independent project. Individual mentor and writing support may offer more personal direction than a conventional online class.

    Its value depends on the student’s willingness to work independently between sessions and respond constructively to feedback. Admission is selective, and families should weigh the commitment against less intensive ways to explore a new subject.

    A practical overview of cost, time commitment, provider details, student outcomes and online support to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $2,690; includes Eight individual sessions with a PhD mentor, Two individual sessions with a writing coach, Topic exploration and project definition support, Individual support while building the final project.

    Dates and time commitment

    8 weeks; 8 mentor; 2 writing-coach sessions.

    Provider details

    Review the Lumiere Education provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    What the student gains

    Potential output: The main output is flexible, ranging from a high-school-level research paper to a Harvard Business School-style case study.. Check whether feedback, certificate, recommendation or application evidence is included.

    Online support and safeguarding

    Each student works one-to-one with a PhD mentor and receives eight individual mentor sessions. Selected students are matched with a mentor in their chosen track.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, session schedule, payment terms, cancellation rules, support expectations and what output or certificate is included with the provider.

    Compare this programme with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programmes

    How much preparation does Junior Explorer Program need?

    Effort level

    High for a first middle-school research project.

    Best started

    Begin two to four weeks before applying to choose a track and draft the written responses.

    Main challenge

    Turning a broad academic interest into a focused, workable project.

    Typical preparation

    • Review the available exploration tracks and choose one or two genuine interests.

    • Write down questions you would like to investigate within those areas.

    • Prepare concise examples of relevant coursework, projects or self-directed learning.

    • Plan how the weekly workload will fit alongside school and other commitments.

    Useful if

    You enjoy asking questions, reading independently and acting on detailed feedback.

    What do students do on Junior Explorer Program?

    Students begin with broad academic exploration, narrow their focus and then build an original project with individual mentor and writing support.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Choose one or two academic tracks that genuinely interest you.

    2. 2

      Explore different topics with your one-to-one mentor during Weeks 1-4.

    3. 3

      Deepen your knowledge in one area and define the project during Weeks 5-6.

    4. 4

      Build the project with individual mentor support during Weeks 7-8.

    5. 5

      Use two writing-coach sessions to strengthen the written output.

    Junior Explorer Program dates and deadlines

    Applications

    Rolling admissions

    Multiple cohorts run throughout the year.

    Date not confirmed

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Students must be in Grades 6-8.

    • Applicants should be motivated to explore an academic interest.

    • Students must commit at least five hours each week.

    • Applicants must be available for their selected cohort.

    • Shortlisted students must complete an interview.

    How much does Junior Explorer Program cost?

    Programme fee

    $2,690 — Need-based financial aid is available.

    Funding or discounts

    • Financial aid: Need-based aid — Income thresholds and competitive selection apply.

    What's included

    Eight individual sessions with a PhD mentor, Two individual sessions with a writing coach, Topic exploration and project definition support, Individual support while building the final project

    How to apply to Junior Explorer Program

    1. 1

      Complete the online application with your personal, school and parent or guardian details.

    2. 2

      Select a cohort, programme and one or two academic exploration tracks.

    3. 3

      Submit the required short responses about your interests, experience and suitability.

    4. 4

      Explain how you will manage at least five hours of programme work each week.

    5. 5

      Complete an interview if the admissions team shortlists your application.

    6. 6

      If selected, confirm your place and receive a mentor match in your chosen track.

    Learning format

    The programme is delivered fully online through one-to-one meetings with a PhD mentor, supported by two individual writing-coach sessions. Students also complete independent work between meetings, with the application requiring a commitment of at least five hours per week.

    Applicants choose a cohort and confirm that they are available for its start.

    Mentorship and feedback

    • Eight individual sessions with a PhD mentor

    • Two individual sessions with a writing coach

    • Topic exploration during the first four weeks

    • One-to-one help defining the research project

    • Individual project-building support during the final weeks

    • Mentor matching in the student’s selected track

    Time-zone considerations

    • Applicants provide their current time zone on the application.
    • Students select one cohort when applying.
    • Applicants confirm availability for the selected cohort start.
    • The fully online format removes the need for travel.

    Assessment style

    Progress is project-based, with individual mentor guidance and writing-coach feedback rather than a published exam or grading structure.

    • Explore possible topics with the mentor.
    • Define a focused research project.
    • Develop the project through one-to-one support.
    • Use writing-coach feedback to improve the output.

    Portfolio and outputs

    Main deliverable / output

    The main output is flexible, ranging from a high-school-level research paper to a Harvard Business School-style case study.

    • A focused research topic developed with a PhD mentor

    • A structured independent project

    • A written output shaped with writing-coach support

    Junior Explorer Program FAQs

    The programme is designed for motivated students in Grades 6-8. Applicants must also be able to commit at least five hours of work each week.

    Applicants can choose tracks spanning areas such as business, computer science, economics, mathematics, physics, psychology, biology, engineering, history, international relations and environmental studies.

    Each student works one-to-one with a PhD mentor and receives eight individual mentor sessions. Selected students are matched with a mentor in their chosen track.

    The output is flexible and may range from a high-school-level research paper to a Harvard Business School-style case study.

    Yes. Junior Explorer students receive two individual sessions with a writing coach alongside their mentor sessions.

    Applicants must confirm that they can complete at least five hours of work each week. The programme expects independent work as well as participation in mentor sessions.

    Students submit a detailed application about their interests and achievements. Top applicants are invited to interview before selected students are matched with mentors.

    Need-based financial aid is available through a competitive application pool. Published household-income thresholds apply.

    Alternatives to Junior Explorer Program

    Compare these online research programmes if you want a different subject focus, age range or level of depth.

    Alternatives to Junior Explorer Program

    Physics Online Research Programme

    Online physics research built around an independent project

    Space & physics
    Deadline: Not announced
    From £2995
    13-18
    Online
    Online

    Best for

    Students motivated by physics or astrophysics questions

    View details

    Save this programme in Succeed to compare it with similar programmes, dates, costs and formats in one place.

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • 10 Online STEM Programs for Gifted Middle School Students
    • Programs | Lumiere Education
    • Junior Research Scholar Program Application
    • FAQS | Lumiere Education
    • Student Application | Lumiere Education
    • Junior Explorer Program | Lumiere Education

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 18 Aug 2026)

    • Official programme page checked

    • Application form reviewed

    • Eligibility confirmed

    • Programme structure verified

    • Fees and aid reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.