Research Opportunities for High School Students at the Ocean Research College Academy

Providing opportunities for students to engage in undergraduate research is well supported as a high-impact educational practice. Shifting research experience earlier in the undergraduate career provides opportunities for more students to yield gains (both personal and professional) earlier in their career. At the Ocean Research College Academy (ORCA), undergraduate research starts when students are in their third year of high school. As part of a dual credit/enrollment program in Washington state, students earn an associate of arts and science degree when they graduate from high school. With 17 years of data and more than 500 graduates who have compelling matriculation rates and baccalaureate degree attainment, ORCA provides a model for program and course-based undergraduate research replicable by others.