In a world that often rewards neat resumes and predictable trajectories, the Non-Trivial Fellowship stands out by embracing bold, early-stage curiosity and turning it into meaningful research impact. This isn’t just another summer program—it’s a launchpad for young thinkers (ages 14–20) to tackle real-world problems with guidance, community, and actual funding. (non-trivial.org)
A New Kind of Opportunity
At its core, the Non-Trivial Fellowship is an online research accelerator designed to help high-school-aged participants transform ambitious ideas into structured research projects. Through the program, fellows get:
- Expert mentorship and weekly guidance
- A global cohort of passionate peers
- Access to tailored resources and discussions
- Flexible schedules that respect personal commitments
- Scholarships and project funding of up to $10,000 for top-ranked research outcomes. (non-trivial.org)
Crucially, there are no application or participation fees—everything is entirely free and remote, making this a truly accessible opportunity for motivated young researchers worldwide. (non-trivial.org)
Who Is This Fellowship For?
The Non-Trivial Fellowship is for young people who:
- Are aged 14–20
- Have not yet started university
- Are driven to explore pressing global issues
- Want to develop real research skills before college
- Imagine solutions rather than just talk about problems. (non-trivial.org)
It doesn’t matter if you haven’t published before—what matters is curiosity, analytical thinking, and a drive to make a difference. (non-trivial.org)
What Does the Program Cover?
The fellowship experience typically includes:
🔬 Flexibility & Structure
- A part-time, 8-week online program
- Minimum commitment of ~10 hours/week, adaptable to your schedule
- Mix of guided activities, independent research, group events, and facilitator calls. (non-trivial.org)
🧠 Mentorship & Learning
Fellows work closely with facilitators and connect with world-class experts—past speakers include leading philosophers, economists, and AI researchers. (non-trivial.org)
🌍 Real Research Projects
Whether it’s a policy proposal for future pandemics, a computational model for climate resilience, or an ethical framework for AI, the projects are substantial and diverse. The emphasis is on research that matters. (non-trivial.org)
💸 Scholarships & Funding
All fellows gain educational value and mentorship, but the select few—called Research Scholars—can receive scholarships based on project progress, presentation quality, and real-world potential. Top awards go up to $10,000, with additional smaller awards for other impactful projects. (non-trivial.org)
What the Fellowship Isn’t
This isn’t:
- A corporate internship
- A competition focused on winning prizes
- A resume booster with superficial tasks
The non-trivial approach is about deep engagement, genuine exploration, and community learning. There’s no gimmicky “startup hustle”—the goal is research and insight. (non-trivial.org)
A Community That Matters
Being part of Non-Trivial means belonging to a global cohort of curious, ambitious young minds. Participants share ideas, critique research frameworks, and collaborate across time zones. Many alumni have gone on to:
- Present work in international forums
- Publish at respected venues
- Get accepted into top-tier universities. (Every.org)
The community is not just about networking—it’s about growing intellectually with peers who care about impact. (non-trivial.org)
Why This Fellowship Is Relevant Now
As education and careers become more multidisciplinary and impact-oriented, programs like Non-Trivial are breaking the mold. They offer young people early exposure to:
- Rigorous research habits
- Critical problem-solving
- Real feedback from experts
- A runway to pursue meaningful questions before university. (non-trivial.org)
For students who have ever wondered, “Can I do something important now?”, the Non-Trivial Fellowship answers with a resounding yes.