09/13/2026
Amazing opportunity for students in grades 7-12!
🌟 CALLING ALL NEXT-GEN SCIENTISTS IN GRADES 7–12! 🌟
Yesterday, we told you that massive new opportunities were heading to Burpee. Today, the doors swing wide open.
Applications are officially OPEN for the 2026–2027 Burpee Emerging Scientists Cohort!
We aren't looking for flawless report cards or an elite science résumé. We're looking for young people who can't stop asking how, why, or what if.
If you have raw curiosity, persistence, and a passion for discovery, we want to hear from you.
Being selected as one of Burpee's 20 Emerging Scientists means joining a year-long cohort at the new Burpee Institute.
🦴 Real Paleo Lab Prep: Train alongside the Burpee team to document and prepare genuine fossil discoveries.
🧬 Biology & Collections Work: Participate in hands-on skeletal preparation, specimen work, and biological data collection.
🚌 Behind-the-Scenes Experiences: Travel with your cohort to partner museums and meet scientists doing active research.
🔬 Mentorship & Independent Discovery: Explore your own scientific interests with guidance from Burpee scientists and research partners.
🎒 Commitment: Participants must live close enough to Rockford to realistically participate in hands-on activities at least once a month.
⏰ Application Deadline: Friday, October 23, 2026
Parents and teachers: Nominate a curious young scientist or their family in the comments please!
Students: If you're always asking questions, investigating things, collecting things, building things, or wondering why, this might be for you!
👉 Learn More & Apply: https://burpee.org/emerging-scientists/