Suppose your interest isn't a typical fit for traditional research. Whether it is the economics of esports, the sociology of fashion, or the environmental impact of community festivals, you might be asking yourself how you will ever find the time to learn more about it all? Take a breath - don't worry, you're not the only one, and your inquisitiveness is more precious than ever!
Here’s what most students ask:
“Can I do serious research in high school if my interests aren’t science or math related?”
This post enlightens readers on how RISE Research enables high schoolers to take up research that reflects a bit of their own interests, even if those interests are not within the normal academic tracks. From sports analytics to climate justice, RISE offers full and structured mentorship to guide students through investigating big questions in meaningful ways.
Why Unusual Passions Deserve Serious Attention
Scholarship committees and review panels desire original thought and intellectual danger from potential applicants. A very good project in a relatively weird topic is always more memorable than a run-of-the-mill science fair experiment. However, establishing a strange idea into credible research calls for organization, support, and expert evaluation, all of which most students lack in a conventional classroom setting.
That's where RISE Research makes all the difference.
What Is RISE Research?
RISE Research is an initiative operated by RISE Global Education that enables high school students to perform in-depth research in any area they are interested in. It is a simple formula -- every student is partnered with a qualified mentor (generally a researcher or academic), who will help them formulate a specific research question, carry out a study or investigation, and complete the project.
Unlike most research programs, which only focus on STEM or economics, RISE clearly states that it covers research across all topics. If you are motivated by creative arts, sociology, sports science, cultural studies, climate activism, or any other challenging but accessible form of inquiry, RISE offers a flexible path.
Key features of the RISE Research program include:
One-on-one mentorship with domain experts
Flexibility in scheduling and project timelines
Support with writing, publishing, and presenting your findings
A focus on originality, creativity, and critical thinking
Accessibility to students from diverse academic backgrounds
Real Examples: Students Who Pursued Unconventional Research
RISE students have taken on an apparent vast number of projects, so much so that many do not fit within conventional academic boundaries. Below are just a few examples of the ways high schoolers have leveraged RISE to explore research that incorporates their personal interests in rigorous and creative ways.
A Study on Sports Psychology and Performance
A student with a background in competitive basketball developed a research project examining the effects of stress and crowd behavior on decision making in basketball players behavior on the court. Using the support of a mentor in sports psychology, the student constructed surveys for other athletes, conducted interviews, and applied statistical analysis in order to determine performance trends. The final research paper was submitted to a youth psychology journal and added significant value to her college application.
Research on Fast Fashion and Sustainability
Another student interested in fashion and environmental activism focused on fast fashion and its environmental demerits. The project involved fieldwork in local markets, analysis of consumer behavior, and interviews with textile workers. With the support of a mentor specializing in environmental policy, the student prepared a full-length case study with a set of recommendations for teenagers on how to shop in a more environmentally friendly manner.
Designing a Game to Teach Ethical Reasoning
The other student was also a junior in high school, and he was developing the educational game that uses ethical dilemmas in the health and AI spaces. The mentor, a professor of philosophy and technology at a university, helped him to tie the game to real cases. The game was entered into a student innovation competition, and it was recognized for it's unique and interdisciplinary nature.
Urban Heat Islands and Environmental Justice
A single student, from a very urbanized district in India, investigated urban heat islands in low-income neighborhoods. By combining satellite imagery analysis with local interviews, the student presented how disordered urban environments affected low-income households the most. A local environmental NGO saw the student's project and incorporated it into their education campaign for the community.
These projects highlight that there is no level of passion that is too niche or too strange to study serious. What matters is how you take the subject area seriously, with purpose, and a desire to truly make an impact.
Why RISE Encourages Non-Traditional Topics
For many of the top summer research programs, students are forced to pick from a given list of approved STEM or economics projects. Though such programs are excellent, they tend to miss the larger scope of student interests.
RISE Research is predicated on an alternative philosophy: that research done with passion tends to be the most meaningful type. By allowing students to pursue the areas that resonate most deeply with them, the end product is not merely a research report, it's an educational experience of transformation.
RISE welcomes research topics that are:
Interdisciplinary (e.g., combining science and art, or psychology and technology)
Culturally grounded (e.g., focusing on language, traditions, or local history)
Socially relevant (e.g., examining inequality, mental health, or activism)
Personally meaningful (e.g., based on lived experiences or community challenges)
By supporting this range of topics, RISE helps students see themselves as creators of knowledge, not just consumers of textbooks.
How RISE Compares to Other Research Opportunities
Many research programs are tied to universities or labs and tend to be highly competitive, expensive, or limited in the types of topics they support. RISE Research is designed to be more inclusive and flexible.
Instead of conventional summer research camps which conclude when the summer is over, our RISE program offers mentorship continuous throughout the year and has a rolling application process. Projects can be individualized in terms of length, depth, and output - whether you want to research, write a paper, develop a prototype, or create a local awareness campaign.
RISE has the added benefit of providing mentorship that is personalized and responsive. Rather than be one in a cohort of students, you will be able to work one-on-one with a mentor who gains an appreciation of your interests and development every step of the way.
How to Start Your Passion Project with RISE
Getting started on your research journey with RISE is easy, even if you don't (yet) have a solid idea. These steps will get you underway:
Choose a topic that inspires or frustrates you. Maybe it's something you read about, had experience with, or simply thought about over the years.
Consider the importance of this topic for you, your community, or the world. What questions do you want to answer?
Visit the RISE Global Education site to learn more about current mentorship opportunities and research pathways.
Apply to the program with a short description of your interests. RISE will help you match with a mentor who fits your goals.
Meet your mentor, develop a research plan, and begin building your project step by step.
What Students Gain from the RISE Experience
RISE Research is not just about producing a paper. It’s about learning how to think critically, communicate clearly, and explore ideas that matter to you. Students who complete a RISE project gain:
Real-world research experience
Confidence to pursue their interests beyond school
A deeper understanding of complex social, scientific, and cultural issues
Improved academic writing and presentation skills
A unique portfolio piece that can strengthen college applications
For many, the project also opens doors to publishing, conference presentations, or leadership roles in their communities.
Key Takeaways
You don’t have to limit yourself to traditional STEM or humanities topics. If you're passionate about something unusual, you can turn it into research with the right support.
RISE Research offers high school students personalized mentorship, flexible project timelines, and support for non-traditional topics.
Past RISE students have worked on diverse topics including sports psychology, environmental design, fashion sustainability, and game-based ethics.
RISE makes research accessible and meaningful by centering your interests and guiding you through the process from start to finish.
Take the First Step with RISE Research
If you’re ready to turn your passion into a powerful research project, RISE Research is here to help. The good thing is that you do not need to wait until college. With the right mentoring and mindset, the research journey can be embarked upon right now.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Research offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Research’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!
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