The R.E.A.L. Experience

R.E.A.L. Student Internship Requirements

The R.E.A.L. (Research, Experiment, Analyze, Learn) program is for high school student researchers (age 16 and over), and has served as an initiative of the GIFT Summer Program since 2004. Participating students are from underrepresented populations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. During a 5-week period, students experience and conduct research with their respective GIFT teachers in various university laboratories. Over 400 high school students have participated in R.E.A.L., with 75% of them pursuing STEM careers in postsecondary education.

This year’s program dates are Wednesday, June 11–Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS/LEGAL GUARDIANS

• High school students must be 16 years of age or older on or before the start date of the R.E.A.L. program.
• Students are eligible only when paired with a teacher from their respective high school who has been accepted into the GIFT program.
• Students must be available to work 20 hours per week for the entire duration of the R.E.A.L. experience and available to work the same hours as their GIFT teacher.
• Students, their parents/legal guardians, and GIFT teachers must attend an in-person orientation session on May 21, 2025.
• Students must complete online Lab Safety Training and submit proof of completion prior to the start of the R.E.A.L. program.
• Parents or legal guardians must register their students online prior to the start of the R.E.A.L. program.

**Failure to meet any of the above requirements will result in students being ineligible to participate in the R.E.A.L. Program.

FOR TEACHERS

In addition to GIFT fellow requirements, teachers hosting a student team must also:

• Identify and select high school student team (two to three students).
• Provide GIFT program team with students’ parent or legal guardian names and contact information.
• Be willing to supervise student team at all times while students are on Georgia Tech’s campus.
• Determine students’ internship schedule with input from students and sponsor (all students working on a single research team must have the same schedule).
• Students, their parents/legal guardians, and GIFT teachers must attend an in-person orientation session on May 21, 2025.
• Complete Protecting Youth training and submit proof of completion by April 15, 2025.
• Complete a background check form facilitated through Georgia Tech Human Resources (GTHR) by April 15, 2025.
• Submit a signed code of conduct to GIFT Team by April 15, 2025.

**Failure to meet any of the above requirements will result in students not being placed in labs with their teachers.

FOR SPONSORS

• Complete sponsor application by February 21, 2025. 
• Interview candidates between March 3-28, 2025.
• Complete and submit GIFT offer letter to selected teacher no later than April 4, 2025.
• Submit completed and signed (by sponsor and teacher) offer letter to GIFT team no later than April 15, 2025. 
• Meet with teacher to determine weekly internship schedule days (for teacher and student team).
• Discuss research opportunities.
• Complete the Application for Authorization of Minor to Participate in Youth Programs and submit to Environmental Health and Safety by April 15, 2025.
• For ALL Georgia Tech employees and/or students working directly with high school students in the lab/research space:
  • Complete Protecting Youth training, and submit proof of completion.
  • Complete a background check form (facilitated through GTHR), 
  • Submit a signed code of conduct to GIFT team.
  • Note: Students will not be placed in your lab if all of the above are not submitted by April 15, 2025.
• Attend Virtual Meeting May 15, 2025. 

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