PEAR Summer Research Program 2025 – Fully‑Funded STEM Experience for Nigerian Students 

Greensprings School (Anthony Campus), Lagos.

The Program for Excellence in African Research (PEAR) is a fully funded 9-day STEM bootcamp hosted by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) student volunteers. This year, it will be held August 18–27, 2025, at Greensprings School (Anthony Campus), Lagos. The initiative brings together 30 Nigerian secondary school students (SS1–SS3) to design and build impactful tech projects using Raspberry Pi kits, alongside mentorship from MIT students Tony Odhiambo and Emmanuela Ilok 

Who Should Apply? 

To be eligible, applicants must: 

    Be a current senior secondary school student (SS1–SS3; equivalent to Year 10–11). 

    Reside in or near Lagos to commute daily for the program. 

    Demonstrate proficiency in high-school mathematics and physics. 

    Show genuine interest in STEM, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving. 

    Commit fully to attend all nine sessions during August 18–27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sundays off) 

What You’ll Gain 

Participants can expect: 

    Zero cost: all tuition, materials, and Raspberry Pi kits are covered. 

    Hands-on STEM: build real tech projects with guided mentorship. 

    Mentorship and networking: direct interaction with MIT students, including program leads Tony Odhiambo and Emmanuela Ilok. 

    Innovation spotlight: gain exposure and possibly even showcase your project. 

    . 

How to Apply 

    Visit the Opportunity Desk PEAR page to begin your application 

    Prepare required materials: 

        Academic transcripts or school records. 

        Short essays describing: 

            Your STEM interests and achievements, 

            A real-world problem you’d like to solve, 

            Why are you excited about Raspberry Pi tech. 

    Submit before the deadline, July 26, 2025. 

    Check your email for responses or requests for interviews. 

“PEAR aims to inspire a new generation of African problem‑solvers through practical learning, mentorship, and innovation.” 

    — Tony Odhiambo & Emmanuela Ilok, student organizers from MIT 

Maximizing Your Experience 

To fully benefit from PEAR, here’s what you can do: 

1. Start early on essays—reflect deeply on your passion for STEM and your long-term goals. 

2. Sharpen fundamentals, especially in math and physics, to keep pace during hands-on sessions. 

3. Conceptualize a project idea—think of a tech-based solution to a local problem you care about. 

4. Embrace collaboration—you’ll work in teams, so practice clear communication. 

5. Follow up post-program—stay in touch with peers and mentors; build on your 

 project or use it to strengthen future applications (e.g. university admission, internships). 

The PEAR Summer Research Program 2025 is more than a summer camp—it’s a gateway into the STEM world, offering Nigerian students’ mentorship, innovation experience, and a platform to launch future opportunities. Make the most of it by preparing thoughtfully, engaging wholeheartedly, and staying curious. Apply before July 26, 2025, and take the first step toward becoming part of the next generation of STEM leaders. 

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