Alpha Scholars is a rigorous social science research program that teaches college-level research, writing and presentation skills to high school students in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students work one-on-one with Harvard undergraduate mentors in advanced study and research of a topic related to their chosen SDG, culminating in a 12-page research paper and 15-minute presentation.
Final papers are evaluated by the Harvard International Relations Council and the Harvard International Review, which features the best papers on its website. We use a scaffolded 10 step approach that combines live lectures and workshops, recorded seminars, one-on-one meetings, and individual supports to teach students how to conduct academic research and guide them through the writing of the paper. Each week students learn about a part of the research and writing process and complete deliverable products that contribute to the writing of their paper and its defense at our convention. Alpha Scholars enrolls highly motivated students from around the world. In addition to the United States, students from Brazil, Peru, Vietnam, China, South Korea, Tanzania, Nigeria, India, U.A.E., Poland, and the United Kingdom have participated in the program this past year. After learning about the UN SDGs, students select a related topic that they are passionate about and spend 14 weeks researching and writing. The curriculum and supports ensures that students are able to develop the skills needed to research and write an academic paper and present/defend it.
