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Stanford REAP*SustainBridge Youth Research & Innovation For Sustainability (YRIS-SS)

Program Overview

In an era marked by climate change, social challenges, and rapid technological advancement, the young generation is not only the inheritor of the future but also a driving force for sustainable transformation. The  Youth Research and Innovation for Sustainability Program (YRIS–Stanford) is dedicated to breaking generational barriers, inspiring youth to take local action while connecting with a global vision, and together building a sustainable future.

Rooted in the vision of SustainBridge Lab (SBL):

Enhance the sense of intergenerational responsibility — understanding that sustainable development is not only a contemporary issue but a shared mission across generations;

Promote localized learning and action — encouraging young people to start from their own communities, identify challenges, conduct research, and design solutions;

This program brings together the innovative energy of youth and the wisdom of established leaders to explore pathways toward a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive world.

Within the immersive environment of the Stanford University campus and the Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem, students participate in a two-week program that integrates foundational coursework, academic research training, and social practice.
Through lectures, research projects, mentorship, and design workshops, participants will gain:

• System Thinking
  Understand the principles of sustainable development, social innovation, climate systems, and environmental policy, and the interconnections between environment, economy, and society.

• Research and Analytical Skills
  Learn frontier knowledge and research methods in sustainability, develop critical thinking, and participate in designing and executing meaningful research projects.

• Social Innovation Drive
  Through exchanges with global youth scholars, Stanford mentors, and industry experts, develop long-term motivation for social impact and innovation.

• Global Youth Sustainability Network
  Stay connected with alumni, mentors, and entrepreneurs, gaining long-term access to learning, research, and social innovation resources.

• Opportunities for Advancement
  Outstanding teams will have the opportunity for continued mentorship from Stanford faculty or industry experts to transform research outcomes into real academic projects or social innovation practices. Get into an accelerator!(need to think about setting up)! 

This is not merely a summer program — it is a journey of exploration and growth, turning curiosity into purpose, research into action, and potential into impact.

Graduates will not only become young scholars but also future leaders who drive change with creativity, empathy, and vision.

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Program Schedule

Location: Stanford University Campus, California
Session 1: July 12 – July 25, 2026
Session 2: July 26 – August 8, 2026
Accommodation: Stanford dormitories
Meals: Three daily meals at campus dining halls; optional Friday local cuisine
Class Size: Approx. 35 students per session (U.S.–China cohort)
Language of Instruction: English

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Admissions and Application

Eligibility:

• Students in Grades 8–12

• Strong English and academic performance
   

Application Materials:

• Online application form

• Personal essay (motivation & research interests)

• Latest academic transcript

• Optional recommendation letter
   

Application Deadline: March 31, 2026

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Certificates and Honors

All students completing the program will receive a
🎓 Certificate of Achievement — Stanford Youth Research & Innovation for Sustainability.

Outstanding teams may receive:

• Extended research mentorship under Stanford guidance.

• Social innovation incubation and competition opportunities.
   

 

Program Fee

💰 USD $9200
Includes tuition, accommodation, meals, insurance, materials, campus transportation, and visits.
(Excludes international airfare and visa fees.)

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Notes

• After submitting your application, successful applicants will receive an official admission offer.

• A USD $2,000 deposit is due within 7 days of receiving the offer. Remaining tuition must be paid 60 days before the program start date.

• If a student cannot attend due to visa issues or unforeseen circumstances, they may request a full refund or defer to a future session.

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Application Form: