SIREL Aims To Make STEM
Opportunities Accessible To
Every Student, Everywhere
Opportunities Accessible To
Every Student, Everywhere
Get started, it’s free
Why We Built SIREL —
From Us to You
Hi, we’re Lasya and Ridhi,
Two high schoolers who started SIREL because we saw a problem that hit too close to home and we 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 co-founder 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
were seeing:
Only 1 in 3 U.S. public high schools offer research mentorship or access to advanced STEM opportunities.
Students from high-income families are three times more likely to
attend a summer STEM program than low-income students.
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.
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?
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
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.
A Letter
From the Founders
Frustrated by invisible walls. We were two students — Lasya and Ridhi — in different schools but living
the same story: Bright classmates. Big dreams. No map. No access.
someone. Not for just one student. But for every student.
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.
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.
Our
Values
We challenge the status quo with tools that unlock opportunity for everyone.
only list opportunities we’ve
verified and trust.
We equip students with the clarity and confidence to take their next step.
No barriers. No fees. No gatekeeping. Access belongs to everyone.