Turn Your Ideas Into Outcomes
Transform ideas into apps, video games, websites, research publications, and even patent-pending projects. Middle and high school students, guided by mentors from top-25 universities such as Harvard, Stanford, and MIT achieve outcomes they can publish, present, and showcase with confidence.
Students are different, and that’s the point
Every student’s journey looks different: whether they dream of coding an app, building a video game, publishing research, or competing, Nova provides a pathway that fits.
No matter where they start, Nova mentors from top universities build relationships with students and guide them step by step, developing skills, confidence, and momentum along the way.
Every experience leads to something meaningful: an app, video game, project, or paper that students can proudly share and carry into future opportunities and college applications.
By the numbers
500+
$120K+
25,000+
350+
Nova mentors are from top-25 universities
You deserve world-class support to reach your full potential.That’s why every Nova mentor is a graduate candidate, professor, or alumnus of a top-25 university, including Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. We want middle and high school students to create meaningful work that showcases their best selves.
Guaranteed Outcomes, Every Time
At Nova Scholar, students build, create, and showcase real work, guided by mentors who know what it takes to succeed. Every Nova Scholar develops a tangible outcome, such as:
- A mobile app or video game, prepared for App Store release, with the option to pursue a patent.
- An undergraduate-level research paper, with guaranteed guidance and editing support for journal submission.
- A competition-ready project for science fairs, essay competitions, and national challenges.
Each outcome is built to matter in portfolios, on college applications, and in fueling a lifelong love for learning.
Find the right program for you
Formerly Nova Patent
For middle and high school students ready to bring their ideas to life: learn design thinking to identify a real problem and solve it with your app, video game, or other software project, and publish your solution on the App Store.
Learn about Nova App Development
For middle and high school students eager to craft exceptional papers: work with leading experts to identify a meaningful research question, conduct guided research, prepare your paper for publication experts for journal submission, and even compete at the highest levels. Learn about Nova Research
For middle school students ready to explore and uncover what excites them: fun, collaborative, and structured pathways that lead to their first tangible projects artificial intelligence, healthcare, and business, preparing them to launch into future opportunities with confidence. Learn about Nova Project Labs
Nova offers multiple programs to support students in exploring their passions
Build a mobile application or 3D printed invention in that makes a positive impact on your community and the world. Your novel innovation will achieves 'patent pending' status.
Engage in advanced research and write a ~5,000-word, college-level research paper. Students learn essential research methodologies, gain in-depth knowledge in their field, receive support for paper for publication.
Dive into AI fundamentals and essential computer science skills, building a strong foundation in transformative technology and gaining practical experience through a hands-on AI project.
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Three reasons why students and parents choose Nova
The best of the best instructors
Our mentors are professors and graduate candidates—PhDs, JDs, and MDs—from leading universities. We exclusively hire experienced educators from the top universities, with a mentor acceptance rate of just 15%.
A personalized approach for each student
We identify each student's areas of passion and recommend research projects they can pursue. For example, a student interested in robotics might design a prosthetic arm with an MIT PhD, while another focused on political science could research voter participation with a Yale JD.
All the extracurriculars you need to stand out
Everything you need—projects, research, internships, and courses—on a single platform. Explore your interests and showcase your passions through various interconnected activities, all of which tie together a compelling narrative.
Hear from our students
Divya
I used to think AI was just for engineers, but Nova showed me how AI intersects with business, law, and even social justice.
Grace
I never imagined I’d be working on an app that people might actually want and even pay for as a student. Thanks to my team and mentor, I learned how to refine my ideas and transform them into something truly impactful
Anna
Maya was amazing - she knew a lot about AI and convinced me that electrical engineering was the path I wanted to explore next!
Elena
I’ve always loved problem-solving, and AI opened up a whole new way to approach challenges.
Kate
Learning AI at Nova helped me see connections to fields I never expected—like environmental science, policy, and social impact.
Raj
I really liked it - I learned so much! I'm excited to do research next
Priya
I'm glad I did something productive over break! I also liked my cohort
Brianna
Learning AI at Nova helped me see how it connects with my passion for healthcare. I now understand how AI can be used for medical diagnostics and research.
Taylor
The mentorship at Nova Research is unmatched. My mentor took the time to challenge my ideas, refine my methodology, and help me develop as both a thinker and a scientist.
Druv
Despite not having a programming background, Nova Patent provided enough instruction, support, and an incredible team to help me succeed. I loved working on the app design and I felt that I was truly contributing to something meaningful.
Sia
All the hands-on projects made learning computer science and AI fun and exciting
Cassie
AI is changing the world, and Nova helped me understand how I can be part of that change. Now, I want to explore AI in environmental science!
Jessica
My mentor at Nova Research was more than just a guide—they were a true collaborator. Their expertise and encouragement pushed me to think deeper, work smarter, and grow as a researcher.
Jess
I thought I needed a strong programming background to understand AI, but Nova’s structured approach made it easy to learn, no matter my starting point.
Keshav
We learned really cool things - from coding to GenAI. I wanted to learn about AI do this was a great experience.
Bella
My mentor went above and beyond, providing personalized feedback, thoughtful discussions, and invaluable career advice. Their passion for research was contagious.
Proven Outcomes, Recognized Everywhere
Students need to clearly demonstrate their passions to stand out in college admissions. With admissions officers increasingly prioritizing advanced projects, those with expert mentorship are best positioned to channel their energy into meaningful work that gets noticed.
- 500+ students have launched apps, published papers, developed video games, and more.
- National recognition and awards across science fairs (WSSEF, CSSEF, ISEF), journals (JEI, Curieux), and 15+ other
competitions nationwide.
- College acceptances to all Ivy League schools, MIT, Stanford, Oxbridge, and other top-tier universities
Nova students are recognized by leading competitions and organizations, from science fairs and Olympiads to top journals, startup accelerators, and creative festivals.
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