CLIP Student Program - Character Lab

Para español, haga clic aquí

CLIP is a remote, year-round educational program for high school students interested in research about youth well-being. CLIP participants will learn about research methods, contribute to research on student well-being, and engage in the research process from start to end while receiving a scholarship for their participation.

Applications are now closed.

What is Character Lab?

Character Lab is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing scientific insights that help kids thrive. By connecting researchers with educators, Character Lab seeks to create greater knowledge about the conditions that lead to social, emotional, academic, and physical well-being for young people throughout the country. To learn more, go to www.characterlab.org/about.

Who is eligible to apply?

All students who will be in grades 9-12 in the 2023-2024 school year are encouraged to apply. There are no academic or GPA requirements to be part of the CLIP program; we encourage students in nontraditional school programs to apply. We encourage all students to apply, particularly those who are neurodiverse, identify as people of color, and/or identify as LGBTQIA+.

What will I do in CLIP?

CLIPsters will receive training on how to give feedback effectively, have opportunities to speak with researchers about their recent or upcoming work, and learn from Character Lab staff about their roles in the organization and professional pathways.

CLIPster’s main responsibility is to represent student voice in the research process. Your role is to ensure that the research is relevant, applicable, and interesting to students at schools like yours. As such, you will give feedback on every study that runs on CLRN.

Through CLIP, you’ll have the opportunity to test activities, participate in focus groups and interviews, and give written feedback on researchers’ studies. The best part about this program is that it’s flexible! Students are free to choose their level of engagement.

What are you looking for in applicants?

Successful CLIP applicants will demonstrate:

An interest in research, education, and/or psychology
Responsibility and enthusiasm about a professional learning opportunity
Time management skills
Candor and a willingness to speak honestly with researchers
Clarity in written and verbal communication

If I am accepted into CLIP, when will I find out?

You will receive an email by May 30th with the results of your application.

What are the requirements over the summer?

The 2023-2024 CLIP summer orientation will take place remotely in July. During this training period, CLIPsters will get to know each other, learn about design thinking and the scientific method, and receive training on how to give feedback to researchers.

During the virtual summer orientation, CLIPsters will engage in approximately 20 hours of learning. Students are expected to attend all sessions during the summer program. The schedule for the 2023-2024 CLIP summer orientation is as follows:

Monday, July 10 – Thursday, July 13. Please plan to be available from 11am EST to 5pm EST.

Do CLIPsters get paid?

All CLIPsters receive a generous quarterly scholarship for their participation. Scholarships start at $50 per quarter and increase based on your level of participation in the program. This scholarship is disbursed once in the summer, and then at the beginning of each quarter, from August 2023 to April 2024.

Because the stipend is a non-qualified scholarship, and is considered taxable income, there are no restrictions on how the money can be spent.

Students may also receive additional benefits, such as Character Lab swag or opportunities to connect with our partner organizations.

How much time will I need to dedicate to CLIP?

Throughout the year (from the July orientation through May 2024), CLIPsters can choose their level of engagement. On average, students should expect to participate in 2–3 activities each month. However, the CLIP program is designed to be flexible and allows students to participate in the activities they find the most interesting when they have time available. We warmly welcome students who are balancing other jobs, home responsibilities, extracurricular activities, or other commitments.

Will I have the opportunity to change my level of participation during the school year?

Yes. CLIPsters are welcome to choose the level of participation that makes sense for them at any time. However, since CLIP is an educational program, you will be required to attend quarterly check-ins. These check-ins will help you build your knowledge about user experience, research design, and other topics. Plus they’ll help you build relationships with other students in the program!

Who will I meet through CLIP?

CLIPsters will interact with Character Lab team members and Character Lab Research Network (CLRN) researchers. You will also join a strong community of students with similar interests from around the country!

Testimonials from the 2022-2023 CLIP Cohort

“As a CLIPster, I have gained access to knowledge about the world of research and was able to be a voice for students so that researchers can better recognize the challenges students face. Character Lab has also connected me with other communities of students and mentors who have knowledge of and experience in my interests.” – Zahnette, 12th grade

“I loved having the opportunity to contribute my ideas and perspectives on topics that are relevant to my life as a teenager! Everyone was so warm and open and I would totally do it again!” – Onyeka, 10th grade

“Imagine meeting a community who is always there to support you no matter what. That is precisely what CLIP has allowed me to do, and now I have close friends all over the country! Not only that, but I was able to help researchers gather data which will allow policy decisions to be better suited to other teenagers like me!” – Nathan, 12th grade

“Participating in CLIP gave me the chance to advocate for myself and my peers in studies where our voices would normally be absent. I was able to delve into a practical application of the psychology and sociology with students who share my passion and willingness to learn.” – Roman, 12th grade

“Being a part of the CLIP team has introduced me to research and opened up career interests and pathways for me that I would have never foreseen myself in! From the people I have met to the studies and activities I participated in, I would consider my time as a CLIPster invaluable.” – Shadrack, 12th Grade

How many CLIPsters will there be in 2023-2024?

We expect the 2023-2024 cohort to include approximately 150 students from across the country. Approximately half of the cohort will come from schools that participate in CLRN activities, while the other half will be chosen from other schools across the country.

If accepted, what documents will you need from me?

We will collect a signed acceptance letter, where you will also share your preferred payment information with us. This also requires a signature from your parent or guardian. More details will come upon acceptance into the program.

We don’t always have access to a strong internet connection at home. Will that impact my participation?

No! We are committed to ensuring equitable access for all students who are selected into the program. If you need support with technology or internet access, please reach out to the Character Lab team.