Immersion-BEAM

Breakthrough Innovation in Biology Engineering, Al, and Medicine

For gifted high school scientists, innovators, and future-physicians ready to lead the next wave of discovery.

Program Highlights

Learning

2-to-8 weeks online research and development.

Research

Collaborate with UCI faculty and present research to experts and investors.

Collaboration

1 week of in-person immersion on Jeju Island.

Present to experts

Option to pitch startup ideas or submit research for publication.

BEAM is a selective, hands-on program designed for high-achieving high school students passionate about science, technology, and medicine. This unique experience immerses participants in cutting-edge research at top U.S. universities, providing exposure to biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and more.

Guided by renowned faculty, industry experts, and research mentors, students gain practical lab experience, industry insights, and personalized mentorship—all within a rigorous, innovation-driven environment. No prior research experience is required—just a passion for discovery, critical thinking, and pushing the boundaries of science.

🔬 Explore breakthroughs. Conduct real research. Build your future with BEAM Immersion.

Program Details

Program Dates

Regular
Online: Jul 21—Aug 4
In-Person: Aug 10—16

Comprehensive
Online: Jul 21—Aug 4
In-Person: Aug 10-16
Publication: Aug 18-Nov 10

Eligibility

Designed for high school innovators and future scientists. Gap year students may apply. Current undergraduate and graduate students are not eligible.

Outcome

Real-world research experience, college credit and/or certificate, research paper and publication (for comprehensive students)

Admissions

The Immersion—Biology, Engineering, AI & Medicine (BEAM) program is a highly selective opportunity for gifted high school students passionate about university-level STEM research and innovation. Admissions are based on a holistic review of each applicant’s ambition, motivation, interest in advanced research, and academic preparedness.

The program welcomes applications from all high school students, including international candidates. Given the limited number of spots, early applicants will receive priority consideration.

Students currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs are not eligible to participate. However, individuals who have completed high school but are in a gap year or have yet to begin their undergraduate studies may apply.

Participants will engage in cutting-edge research at UCI x GATI, gaining hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities and learning under the mentorship of distinguished faculty. With access to multidisciplinary research labs, students will explore fields such as:

  • Mechanical, Chemical, and Aerospace Engineering

  • Anatomy & Neurology

  • Physics & Microbiology

Beyond technical research, students will develop critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and entrepreneurship skills, preparing them to be future innovators in STEM.

Process

There are two admissions programs for the Immersion—BEAM program: Invite-Only Admission and Regular Admission. Both processes run simultaneously, and all applicants—regardless of the program—must complete an interview as part of the selection process.

Invite-Only Admission

This exclusive application track is available by invitation only and is reserved for alumni and members of partner organizations. Applicants in this track follow the same admissions process as regular applicants but receive priority consideration.

Regular Admission

The Regular Admission process is open to all eligible applicants and follows these steps:

  1. Submit an online application

  2. Receive an email invitation and sign up for an interview

  3. Interview with program directors and/or mentors

  4. Receive an admission letter via email

All applicants, including those in the Invite-Only track, must complete the interview process before receiving an admission decision.

Admissions decisions are issued on a rolling basis, with early applicants given priority consideration due to limited spots.

Interviews

As part of the Immersion—BEAM admissions process, students may be invited to participate in an interview. Interviews are conducted on Zoom and serve as an opportunity for candidates to share more about their interests, motivations, and aspirations in STEM research and innovation.

Interviews are informal conversations with a program director, admissions officer, or mentor and also provide applicants with the chance to ask questions about the program.

Receiving an interview request is not a requirement for admission, nor a guarantee of acceptance. Admissions decisions are based on a holistic review of each applicant’s passion for STEM, academic preparedness, and alignment with the program’s mission.

Timelines

Immersion—BEAM program is a blended online and in-person experience designed for gifted high school students passionate about STEM research and innovation. The program offers three distinct pathways:

  • Regular Research Track

    • 2 College Credit

    • Certificate of Completion

  • Comprehensive Research Track

    • 4 College Credit

    • Certificate of Completion

    • 6 Weeks Research Mentoring (for literature review)

  • Research Publication Track

    • Everything in the Comprehensive Research Track PLUS

    • Extended Research Mentoring Aimed at Publication within One-Year

Both tracks culminate in a one-week in-person immersion on Jeju Island, where students engage in hands-on research, innovation workshops, and mentorship from distinguished faculty.

Program Dates

Regular Research Track

  • Online: July 21 – August 4, 2025

  • In-Person (Jeju Island): August 10 – August 16, 2025

Comprehensive Research Track

  • Online: July 21 – August 4, 2025

  • In-Person (Jeju Island): August 10 – August 16, 2025

  • Research Mentorship: August 18 – August 26, 2025

Research Publication Track

  • Includes all Comprehensive Research Track dates

  • Extended research guidance for publication within one-year

Students in both tracks will work on cutting-edge research topics in biomedical engineering, neurology, micro-manufacturing, drug addiction research, and more under the mentorship of distinguished UCI faculty.

Pre-Program Activities

Before the official start date, all admitted students will complete preparatory coursework to ensure they are ready for research engagement.

Preliminary Scoping & Training (Self-Paced Online Modules)

  • Certification courses for handling advanced lab tools and equipment

    • Laboratory Safety Fundamentals

    • Bloodborne Pathogens

    • Formaldehyde Safety

    • Hazardous Waste Handling

    • Viral Vectors

    • Lab Animal Research Training (Mice & Rats)

  • Pre-requisite readings for assigned research projects and labs

Entrepreneurship & Innovation Pre-Work

  • Preparation for hands-on innovation workshops

  • Exposure to scientific problem-solving and commercialization strategies

Collaborative Research Preparation

  • Introduction to research methodologies and lab protocols

  • Group discussions on key scientific concepts related to each student’s assigned research project

Tuition

Immersion—BEAM program offers three tracks with different levels of research engagement and mentorship:

  • Regular Research Track: $6,595

    • 2 weeks online + 1 week in-person

    • 2 College Credit

    • Certificate of Completion

  • Comprehensive Research Track: $9,295

    • 2 weeks online + 1 week in-person + 6 weeks of mentoring for research publication

    • 4 College Credit

    • Certificate of Completion

  • 1-Year Research Fellowship: $18,995

    • Everything in the Comprehensive Research Track PLUS

    • Research guidance aimed for publication within 1-year

There is no application fee to apply.

Financial Aid

Immersion—BEAM program is committed to making STEM education accessible to talented students, regardless of financial background. A limited number of scholarships are awarded each year on a case-by-case basis to accepted high school students with demonstrated financial need.

Admissions to Immersion—BEAM are conducted on a need-blind basis, meaning a request for financial aid does not impact an applicant’s admission decision. Once a candidate is admitted, their financial aid request is reviewed separately. Scholarships are awarded based on multiple factors, including financial need, merit, and demonstrated commitment to STEM research and innovation.

Testimonials

"BEAM successfully prepares students for college and even further life. I owe my newfound interest in entrepreneurship and furthered pursuit of neuroscience research to BEAM."

Helen K, Brown University ‘25

"The BEAM Program was an experience like no other. I was able to gain a vast amount of knowledge that not only spurred my passion for research but also thoroughly prepared me for a career in the STEM field."

Sophia L, Cornell University ‘25

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Ivy Immersion is an intensive academic and leadership program designed for high-achieving students who aspire to gain acceptance into top universities and develop real-world skills. Our programs provide hands-on learning experiences, expert mentorship, and exposure to rigorous academic challenges.

  • Ivy Immersion is ideal for students who:

    • Aspire to attend Ivy League and other top universities

    • Want to develop leadership, critical thinking, and research skills

    • Are highly motivated and looking for an academic challenge

    • Need guidance on crafting a compelling college application

  • We offer a range of programs tailored to different academic and career interests, including:

    • Research & Publication: Work alongside professors to publish original research

    • Entrepreneurship & Leadership: Hands-on business development and leadership training

    • Professional Externships: Real-world experience in various industries

  • Ivy Immersion provides ALL the benefits of elite university summer programs like CTY, Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes, and Harvard Secondary School Program—but in Asia!

    As a university-affiliated program, we offer college credit and/or official certificates upon completion, ensuring students gain academically recognized credentials. Our programs go beyond traditional academic enrichment by integrating real-world experiences, professional mentorship, and hands-on projects that lead to tangible achievements—such as published research, startup experience, and professional externships.

    Ivy Immersion allows students to experience the same level of academic rigor, networking, and university preparation as top U.S. summer programs—without needing to travel overseas.

  • Students work directly with research mentors on cutting-edge topics. Through guided mentorship, they develop original research papers, which are then submitted to academic journals or conferences for potential publication.

  • Yes. Our programs help students build standout applications by providing unique academic and extracurricular achievements that admissions officers value. Students who complete our programs have a stronger profile compared to peers who only focus on GPA and standardized tests.

  • Admission to Ivy Immersion is highly selective. We seek students with strong academic backgrounds, leadership potential, and a commitment to personal and intellectual growth. Applications are reviewed holistically to ensure the best fit for our programs.

  • Program lengths vary depending on the track:

    • Short Intensives: 1–4 weeks

    • Semester-Long Programs: 8–12 weeks

    • Year-Round Mentorship: Ongoing support for research, externships, and leadership training

  • We offer both online and in-person programs, depending on the track. Online programs provide flexibility and access to global mentors, while in-person programs offer immersive, hands-on experiences in major cities and university settings.

  • Yes. We provide limited scholarships and financial aid for students with demonstrated need. However, as a highly specialized program, availability is limited, and we encourage early applications.

  • Due to the nature of our selective programs, tuition is generally non-refundable once a student is admitted. However, under extenuating circumstances, partial credit may be applied toward future programs.