Scholarly Viewpoint Challenge

About the program

The Scholarly Viewpoint Challenge (SVC) is designed to help students develop a sophisticated understanding of scholarly communication while building the research, argumentation, and presentation skills emphasized in the AP Seminar program and essential to stand out on university applications.

Students learn how to identify meaningful questions, evaluate evidence, construct defensible arguments, and communicate their conclusions to academic audiences.

There are two pathways in the program

A flexible, extracurricular Self-Paced Pathway focused on capacity building, and an intensive, in-person Instructor-Led (AP) Pathway designed to provide a structured classroom experience aligned with advanced academic programs such as AP Seminar.

Self-Paced Pathway

A flexiblIdeal for independent learners who want flexibility while receiving online support.

Participants will:

Explore a STEM topic they are passionate about and craft a scholarly viewpoint essay.
Improve their writing through interactive workshops, self-paced e-modules, and mentor support.
Receive peer and expert feedback to refine and elevate their work.
Compete for publication in the STEM Fellowship Journal, strengthening their academic portfolio.
Join a national network of students, mentors, and educators dedicated to STEM communication.

This pathway provides an accessible introduction to scholarly writing and scientific argumentation while allowing students to work at their own pace.

Instructor-Led (AP) Pathway

Designed specifically for students preparing for highly selective university admissions and AP Seminar, AP Capstone.

Participants will:

Direct PhD Mentorship
One-on-one guidance from a senior researcher.
Two Weeks of Intensive Instruction
Monday to Thursday in-person classes (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) and Friday online sessions.
AI-Enhanced Workflow
Training in professional AI tools to map the frontiers of science and accelerate research.
Scholarly Writing
Progress from AI-assisted ideation to literature review and drafting a publication-ready viewpoint manuscript.
University Preparation
Publication in a scholarly journal and development of a portfolio aligned with AP Seminar expectations and competitive admissions criteria.

Students in this pathway gain hands-on experience with the core components of AP Seminar:
‍
Collaborative Inquiry: Working with peers to investigate real-world or academic issues, evaluate multiple perspectives, and propose evidence-based solutions presented through multimedia.
Independent Research: Developing a research question from stimulus materials, analyzing and synthesizing evidence, constructing an argument, and defending conclusions in a formal presentation.

By the end of the program, students will have produced a polished scholarly manuscript, strengthened their academic communication skills, and built a portfolio that demonstrates readiness for AP Seminar, AP Research, and undergraduate-level scholarship.

firsthand feedback

Youth fEedback about program

Neil Zhang

Abbey Park High School

"The SVC was a really great opportunity for me to explore my scientific interests. I was able to connect with an amazing mentor who helped stoke my scientific curiosity, and I learnt so much during the competition. I would definitely recommend participating in the SVC if you want to challenge yourself academically!"

Ignacio G. Lopez

Westmount Charter School

"Overall, I found my SVC experience excellent! The mentors were extremely knowledgeable and I learned a lot about science and scientific writing, allowing me to continue through my academic journey with a stronger understanding of logic, writing, and the scientific environment!"

Harsimranjit N.

Turner Fenton Secondary School

"This experience as a whole was both challenging and exhilarating. It provided me with a unique experience where I was given the creative freedom to learn more about a topic that interested me in a manner that challenged my prior beliefs. I am thankful to the team that organized this competition for providing me with this opportunity."

Choose Your Path

There is a capacity building, extracurricular activity and intense, in-person classroom pathways of the program

Self-Paced Registration

Ideal for independent learners who want flexibility while receiving online support

June-July, 2026 / Online

Explore a STEM topic they are passionate about and craft a scholarly viewpoint essay

Improve their writing through interactive workshops, self-paced e-modules, and mentor support

Receive peer and expert feedback to refine and elevate their work

Compete for publication in the STEM Fellowship Journal, strengthening their academic portfolio.

Join a national network of students, mentors, and educators dedicated to STEM communication

*All prices in Canadian dollars

*Grades 9–12; 1-st, 2–nd year undergraduates

$45

per person

Apply Now

Instructor-Lead Registration

Designed specifically for students preparing for highly selective university admissions and AP Seminar, AP Capstone.

August 17-28, 2026 / Hart House, UofT

Direct PhD Mentorship:
1-on-1 guidance from a senior researcher

2 Weeks of Intensive Instruction:
Monday to Thursday in-person classes (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) and Friday online sessions.

AI-Enhanced Workflow:
Training in professional AI tools to map the frontiers of science and accelerate research

Scholarly Writing:
Progress from AI-assisted ideation to literature review and drafting a publication-ready viewpoint manuscript

University Preparation:
Publication in a scholarly journal and development of a portfolio aligned with AP Seminar expectations and competitive admissions criteria

*All prices in Canadian dollars

*Grades 9–12; 1-st, 2–nd year undergraduates

$975

per person

Apply Now

Why Participate?

Explore a STEM topic you’re passionate about and develop a scholarly viewpoint essay that showcases your research and critical thinking

Strengthen your writing through interactive workshops, self-paced e-modules, and personalized guidance from graduate student mentors

Receive constructive feedback from peers and experts to refine your ideas and elevate your writing.

Compete for cash prizes and publication in the open-access, peer-reviewed STEM Fellowship Journal

Build your academic and professional portfolio with a published piece that demonstrates your voice and vision in STEM

Join a national network of students, mentors, and educators passionate about scientific communication and innovation

Schedule and Registration

Registration Deadline: July 4, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET

Challenge Dates: July 6 to August 20, 2025 (entirely online; includes both synchronous and asynchronous elements)

Participants: High School (Grades 9-12) and 1st-2nd Year Undergraduate Students

Registration Fee: $30

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Questions? We've got answers!

viewpoint.challenge@stemfellowship.org

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