Find Ivy League Extracurriculars

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Find Ivy League Extracurriculars
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Find Ivy League Extracurriculars
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SIREL Aims To Make STEM
Opportunities Accessible To
Every Student, Everywhere

Get started, it’s free
Vector
Why We Built SIREL —
From Us to You
Hi, I'm Ridhi,

Now the CEO and proud co-founder of SIREL, I was once a high schooler who saw a problem that hit too close to home and couldn’t ignore it.
I still remember the day I realized just how unfair the system was. I was talking to a student from a private school not far from mine. They were casually listing the STEM programs they were applying to RSI, MIT THINK, Polygence, even research positions I didn’t know high schoolers could access. It felt like they were speaking a different language. Their school had counselors, alumni networks, and even dedicated newsletters for STEM opportunities. Meanwhile, at my public school, most of us were just trying to figure things out on our own. We didn’t have anyone handing us a list of opportunities. In fact, we didn’t even know where to begin looking.

I brought this up with my friend, Lasya (the second part of our founding team), who had a similar story. Different background, same issue. We both saw that the system isn’t broken because students aren’t trying. It’s broken because the opportunities
are invisible especially if you don’t go to a school with a fancy name or
private guidance.
The Numbers Made It Worse
When we started digging deeper, we found the stats confirmed everything we
were seeing:
01
Only 1 in 3 U.S. public high schools offer research mentorship or access to advanced STEM opportunities.
02
Students from high-income families are three times more likely to
attend a summer STEM program than low-income students.
03
Globally, millions of talented teens miss out on life-changing
experiences—not because they aren’t capable, but because no
one told them what’s out there.

We kept asking ourselves: “Why should your future in STEM be decided by the zip
code you were born in?” We couldn’t accept that. So we decided to build
something that we wished we had.

BEGINS HERE

SIREL Was Born

We created SIREL—short for STEM Internships, Research, and Extracurriculars Locator—as a free, accessible platform
made for students, by students.
SIREL is now a growing home for hundreds of verified STEM programs:
Research internships
National & international competitions
Summer programs
Scholarships
Online fellowships

...All organized in one place, with smart filters
for grade level, deadline, topic, cost, and more.
And the best part?

We knew from the beginning that SIREL had to stay free, because cost should never be
a barrier to discovery.

This Isn’t Just a Database
It’s A Movement

Since we launched, hundreds of students have used SIREL to find opportunities. Some told us it was their first time ever applying to a STEM competition. Others got accepted into programs they never thought they’d qualify for. One student said:
I didn’t think people like me could do this but SIREL showed me I can.

That message stuck with us. Because that’s exactly why we built this.
We’re still in high school ourselves but we believe that students like us deserve better. We shouldn’t have to pay to find opportunities. We shouldn’t have to rely on luck or privilege to get into programs. Talent is everywhere. Opportunity should be, too.

Where We're Headed

SIREL is still growing. We’re adding new programs every week. Soon, we’ll be rolling
out features like:

Personalized recommendations

Email alerts for deadlines

Scholarship and financial aid filters

Community reviews from students who’ve actually done the programs

But our mission won’t change. We’re here to make sure every
student, no matter where they live, what school they go to, or what
resources they have, can explore STEM and dream big.

  • If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t have the same shot as others, this site is for you.
  • If you’ve ever searched for hours and still found nothing useful, this site is for you.
  • If you’re curious, ambitious, and just need a starting point, SIREL is for you.
We made this because we believe in you. And we’re just getting
started.
THE SIREL TEAM

A Letter From the Founding Team

We started SIREL because we were frustrated. Frustrated by silence.
Frustrated by invisible walls. Ridhi conceived the idea for SIREL and approached Lasya because they were living
the same story: Bright classmates. Big dreams. No map. No access.
We kept hearing the same thing: “I just wish someone had told me sooner.” So we decided to be that
someone. Not for just one student. But for every student.
I didn’t even know those kinds of STEM programs
existed. I thought those were only for kids with
private tutors and college consultants. I felt
behind before I’d even started.

So We Built SIREL
A place where discovery doesn’t require privilege.
A site where access is free, organized, and built by
students who get it.

You’ll find research programs, internships, scholarships, and competitions — curated, verified, and filterable by what
actually matters: age, deadline, cost, topic, and location. Just real opportunities — one click away.
We’re still in high school. But we’re building what should’ve existed for all of us. Because...
“Talent is everywhere. Opportunity should be, too.” We made this for you. And we’re not stopping here with graditude.
No paywalls
No "request access."
No subscriptions.

Our Values

Innovation

We challenge the status quo with tools that unlock opportunity for everyone.

Integrity
We say what we mean, and we
only list opportunities we’ve
verified and trust.
Empowerment

We equip students with the clarity and confidence to take their next step.

Accessibility

No barriers. No fees. No gatekeeping. Access belongs to everyone.

Meet the team

The students helping SIREL grow.

Behind SIREL is a student team creating the posts, videos, research, and storytelling that help more high schoolers find opportunities early.

Ravya Senthil

Ravya Senthil

Social Media Manager - TikTok and Instagram

As a core member of the SIREL Admin Team and as the Social Media Manager, Ravya leads the creative and strategic direction for our Instagram and TikTok platforms. Experienced in leadership and communication, she is an FBLA national winner and public speaker.

Ravya is determined to bring excellence to her team by fostering a collaborative environment. Beyond SIREL.org, she actively pursues her career goals in the business and healthcare field.

"Luck is where preparation meets the right opportunity."

LeadershipSIREL Admin Team
SchoolIndependence High School, VA
Handle@ravyasenthil

Instagram Creators

Agastya Anil

Agastya Anil

Instagram

Content Creator - Instagram

Agastya Anil is a sophomore at Independence High School. He has been part of SIREL's content and Instagram team for almost a year now. He aspires to become a prosthodontist when he grows up. He is active in debate and loves hanging out with his friends.

Independence High School, VA
Anay Gathani

Anay Gathani

Instagram + TikTok

Content Creator - Instagram and TikTok

Anay Gathani is a sophomore at Independence High School with a keen interest in business and economic development. As a passionate member of the team, Anay is dedicated to driving the growth and impact of SIREL.org.

Looking toward the future, he plans to pursue a degree in finance in college, aiming to combine his academic interests with practical leadership experience to build meaningful initiatives.

Independence High School, VA
Tanuvi Doddapaneni

Tanuvi Doddapaneni

Instagram

Content Creator - Instagram

Tanuvi Doddapaneni is an ambitious and multifaceted student with interests spanning psychology, entrepreneurship, computer science, and digital platforms. With experience assisting others through tutoring and collaborative online projects, she has developed strong interpersonal, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

She is particularly interested in careers involving psychology and human behavior, with a focus on helping individuals grow and succeed. Recognized for her creativity, adaptability, and initiative, she consistently seeks opportunities to learn, contribute, and make meaningful impacts within her community.

Independence High School, VA
Nysha Nijhawan

Nysha Nijhawan

Instagram

Content Creator - Instagram

Nysha is a junior at Lightridge High School with a deep interest in the medical field. She has been an active member of the SIREL team for almost a year and hopes to continue contributing and helping SIREL grow even further.

Nysha aspires to pursue a career in dentistry as an oral surgeon. She possesses problem-solving skills, is a quick learner, and is passionate about helping others.

Lightridge High School, VA
Karthik Malla

Karthik Malla

Instagram

Content Creator - Instagram

Karthik Malla is a junior at Independence High School with a strong interest in cybersecurity. He hopes to pursue a future in cyber defense and aerospace-related security. Karthik enjoys hands-on problem solving, learning new technologies, and exploring ways technology can make a positive impact.

Independence High School, VA
Eliana Bhimanpalli

Eliana Bhimanpalli

Instagram

Content Creator - Instagram

Eliana Bhimanpalli is a sophomore at Rock Ridge High School. As a content creator for SIREL, she has a passion for growing the organization and creating a supportive platform for high school students.

Aspiring to pursue a career in medicine, Eliana spends much of her time exploring science and healthcare while balancing academics and community involvement. In her free time, she enjoys playing the piano and guitar, combining creativity with her dedication to STEM.

Rock Ridge High School, VA

TikTok Creators

Sameed Rahman

Sameed Rahman

TikTok

Content Creator - TikTok

Sameed Rahman is a student focused on investing, finance, economics, technology, and market research. He is passionate about analyzing businesses, studying financial markets, and building knowledge in wealth creation, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies.

Atholton High School, MD
Aritra Barua

Aritra Barua

TikTok

Content Creator - TikTok

Aritra Barua is an aspiring student focused on technology, computer science, AI engineering, and enjoys taking part in leadership opportunities and competitions.

West Potomac High School, VA
Jai Patel

Jai Patel

TikTok

Content Creator - TikTok

Jai is an aspiring finance and AI data analytics major. He aspires in business, economics, entrepreneurship, and investment. As an executive board leader in FBLA and President of Business Honors Society, Jai uses his leadership skills to establish a collaborative and clear environment.

Atholton High School, MD @jaiip.18
Srihitha Gandham

Srihitha Gandham

TikTok

Content Creator - TikTok

Srihitha Gandham is a student creator passionate about art, creativity, and healthcare advocacy. Through digital storytelling and creative expression, she shares insights on student life, personal growth, and topics related to science and medicine.

Aspiring to pursue a career in the medical field, she is especially interested in using creativity and communication to make complex ideas more engaging, accessible, and impactful.

Independence High School, VA