Cornell’s Write a Researcher outreach program matches current Cornell scientists in STEM fields with high school students from around the world to write pen pal letters throughout the year in order to show students what a scientific career looks like. This program is completely free to participants and all supplies (envelopes, stamps, etc.) are supplied by Cornell. This is a fantastic opportunity to prepare students for college and beyond!

Additionally, participating high school students of any grade level will have their undergraduate application fee to Cornell University ($80) waived when and if they decide to apply to any Cornell undergraduate program. Since its inception, Write a Researcher has supported hundreds of participants from across North America, facilitated the exchange of nearly 1,000 letters each academic year, and potentially saved high school participants tens of thousands of dollars in Cornell undergraduate application fees.

To ensure this program is conducted safely, all Cornell participants must complete training with the Cornell Children and Youth Safety Office, all high school participants must return a signed parental/guardian permission slip, and all letters are screened and archived.

If you are a graduate student, postdoctoral fellow or other STEM employee and are interested in being a mentor and supporting the next generation of scientists, please fill out the interest survey by October 9th. You will then be emailed instructions for completing trainings with the Cornell Children and Youth Safety Office, due by October 16th.

Cornell Interest Survey

Please visit the website if you’d like to learn more about our program and its impact:

https://cornell.campusgroups.com/war/home/