Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Youth Research Council (YRC)?

The Youth Research Council (YRC) is a research collaborative and community-based experiential learning innovation designed to give high school students experience in conducting and analyzing social science research data. Becoming a YRC fellow gives students the opportunity to conduct research about issues they choose as a group and be mentored and advised by GMU faculty on how to conduct research that speaks to the needs and builds on the strengths of youth. Launched in the Fall of 2021, the Youth Research Council is a partnership of the Sociology and Anthropology Department’s Center for Social Science Research (CSSR), Mason’s Early Identification Program (EIP), Johns Hopkins School of Education Center for the Social Organization of Schools and the University of the District of Columbia Division of Arts and Humanities. For additional information on the purpose and goals of the project, visit www.cssr.gmu.edu/initiatives/yrc.

Where is YRC held?

YRC meets on the George Mason University campus located in Fairfax, VA.

When is YRC?

The YRC 2024-2025 session will run from late September 2024 through May 2025.

How can I participate in YRC?

YRC fellows are selected through an application process. Applicants must apply through YRC’s application portal, which for the 2024-2025 session, will open in August 22, 2024. Applications will close September 5, 2024. After carefully reviewing applications, the leadership team will select fellows to participate in the program.

Who should apply?

Youths who will be in grades 9-12 during the 2024-2025 academic year at a Northern Virginia high school are eligible to apply to be a YRC fellow. High school students interested in social science research and being a part of and gaining experience in the research process are encouraged to apply. No experience in data collection or analysis is required.

Is the program competitive?

While we wish we could admit everyone who applies, we are only able to accept a limited number of fellows. Because of this, applicants should take special attention to fully complete the application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  

What questions are on the application?

The YRC application begins by asking applicants to provide contact information and availability followed by a short essay question. For applicants' review and preparation, the short essay prompt is as follows:

Please discuss why you are interested in taking part in the Youth Research Council and becoming a YRC Fellow. Feel free to address any or all of the following questions in your response: What experience do you have conducting research? What do you think research can be used to accomplish? How have you supported your community? Are there ways you wish youth were involved in research that they are not now? Please note that answers to this question will be a major deciding factor in determining eligibility for the YRC. 

Optional question:

Previous experience: Please include relevant experiences here. Feel free to include any of the following categories or others as appropriate: Education, Work Experience, Volunteer Activities, Achievements/Awards/Certifications, Extra Curricular Activities, Additional Skills, Hobbies, Previous Research Conducted, Relevant Career Aspirations, etc. This question is optional. Prior experience is not required.

How much does it cost to participate?

Participation in YRC is free. Travel to and from GMU’s campus is not included.

What is the time commitment?

All fellows must commit to attending four face-to-face meetings at Mason's Fairfax campus and participating in approximately 20 additional hours of virtual research and presentation preparation (September 2024- May 2025)

What else should I know about participation in YRC?

At the end of the year, YRC fellows will receive a letter documenting the total number of community service, volunteer, or internship hours completed. All YRC Fellows participate in the annual YRC exhibition (held on campus) where they have an opportunity to present their research findings to school administrators, teachers, family and friends, as well as members of their community and the university community.  YRC Fellows may also have opportunity to present their research findings at an academic conference and to co-author research papers and policy briefs. In the 2023-2024 academic year, several YRC fellows had the opportunity to attend and present the YRC’s research findings at regional and national academic research conferences. . It is likely that similar opportunities will be available to YRC fellows during the upcoming year, although these cannot be guaranteed.

What if I cannot attend all the meetings?

We do ask that applicants commit to the full schedule of 4 meetings. Because we can’t admit all who apply, we ask that applicants not commit to the program unless they are able to attend the minimum number of meetings. If you are not able to commit to this schedule, we ask that you consider applying in a future year.

How do I apply to be a fellow with the 2024-2025 Youth Research Council?

To apply to be a fellow with the 2025-2026 Youth Research Council, please visit https://cssr.gmu.edu/initiatives/yrc in August 2025.