If you’ve watched your teenager’s eyes light up during a science experiment but struggle to see that same spark in traditional classroom settings, you’re noticing something important. That disconnect between school learning and real-world application is exactly what a new program in Idaho Falls is designed to bridge.
Idaho National Laboratory has launched SparkLab, a mentor-guided research experience connecting high school juniors and seniors with working scientists—and the opportunity to discover what STEM careers actually look like up close.
SparkLab Brings Real Science to High School Students
Starting March 20 through May 30, students will work directly with INL researchers at the Critical Materials and Energy Systems Innovation Center in Idaho Falls. The program runs Fridays from 1 to 3 p.m., giving participants a chance to develop their own research projects alongside professionals in energy and technology fields.
“By giving students hands-on experience and the opportunity to work alongside INL experts, we help them see what STEM looks like beyond the classroom,” said McKenzie Duncan, STEM communications specialist with Idaho National Laboratory. “These experiences help students build confidence, gain practical skills, and see how their interests could turn into future careers.”
The program isn’t just about observation—students will learn research methods, strengthen problem-solving skills, and design complete projects addressing real scientific challenges. At the end of the session, participants present their work during a public research showcase where INL experts evaluate their projects.
High school students in Idaho can now work alongside real scientists doing actual research. Here's why that matters for your teen's future.
Why Experiential Learning Matters
Research consistently shows that hands-on research experiences transform how students understand science and their own potential in STEM fields. When teenagers work on genuine problems alongside professionals, they develop not just technical skills but also a deeper understanding of what scientists actually do—and whether those careers might fit their interests and strengths.
This matters because traditional classroom science often can’t capture the messy, iterative nature of real research. Students who only experience controlled experiments miss the excitement of discovery—the moment when months of work reveal something new. SparkLab gives participants a front-row seat to that process.
Quote: By giving students hands-on experience and the opportunity to work alongside INL experts, we help them see what STEM looks like beyond the classroom. These experiences help students build confidence, gain practical skills, and see how their interests could turn into future careers. Attribution: McKenzie Duncan, STEM Communications Specialist, Idaho National Laboratory
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Building Skills While Exploring Careers
Beyond the immediate experience, SparkLab offers practical benefits that extend into students’ futures. The experience can support senior projects, strengthen college applications, and help students take meaningful steps toward STEM education and careers while still in high school.
Top-performing participants will have the opportunity to earn scholarships based on the quality of their research and presentations—adding concrete rewards to the intrinsic value of real-world learning. The program also helps strengthen the region’s future workforce by connecting local students to opportunities close to home.
Key takeaways
- Program Launch: Idaho National Laboratory's SparkLab offers high school juniors and seniors mentor-guided research experience in Idaho Falls.
- Career Exploration: Students work directly with INL scientists on real energy and technology projects, exploring STEM careers beyond the classroom.
- Application Deadline: Students can apply through February 27, 2026, with the program running March 20 through May 30.
How to Get Involved
Students from regional high schools who are curious about science, interested in research, or considering careers in technology, engineering, or science communication are encouraged to apply. The program specifically welcomes students who want to explore beyond traditional classroom boundaries.
Applications are due February 27, 2026. Students and parents can contact Cait McGraw, K-12 STEM Education and Outreach, via email at caitlin.mcgraw@inl.gov or at (208) 526-9399 for additional details.
Here’s what matters most: your teenager’s brain is primed for exactly this kind of experiential learning. When students engage with real challenges alongside working professionals, they’re not just memorizing facts—they’re building the neural pathways that support scientific thinking, persistence, and creative problem-solving.
The system that often fails to capture student interest isn’t the students themselves—it’s the disconnect between classroom learning and real-world application. Programs like SparkLab bridge that gap by giving young people a chance to see what they’re actually capable of creating.
If you’re ready to help your teenager discover how their interests can become their future, the Learning Success All Access Program offers a free trial that includes a personalized Action Plan—and you keep that plan even if you decide it’s not the right fit.
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