The Center for Materials Innovation (CMI) offers a Research Experience for Youth Program for 11th-grade Michigan residents, providing research opportunities to encourage participation in science and engineering. The program acts as a pathway to increase the number of underrepresented students entering college and gives students a head start on the college application process.

The CMI MRSEC Research Experience for Youth Program collaborates with other UM summer research programs in engineering and other areas of the university. This partnership exposes students to a wider breadth of UM research and gives them the chance to work with a diverse group of peers. The MRSEC High School Research Program emphasizes the integration of research and education, with a focus on attracting and retaining a diverse body of next-generation materials researchers.

Participants spend 7 weeks performing materials science research focused on Semiconductors & 2D Materials or Sustainable Polymers, with a range of approaches including computational, statistical, theoretical, and experimental. The program also includes professional development and social activities for a well-rounded experience. Applications are evaluated based on academic achievement, research interest, and letters of recommendation.