Applications for the Spring 2026 CCOP Opportunities in Research Engagement (CORE) internship program at Stanford University are open! Students interested in applying can find more information and submit applications at ccop.stanford.edu/apply-now. The application deadline is January 15, 2026.
This fall, MESA biology student Joncarlo Estrada completed a transformative semester through the CCOP Opportunities in Research Engagement (CORE) internship program at Stanford University. The program offers paid, 10-week research internships designed explicitly for Bay Area community college students, creating valuable connections between community colleges and leading research institutions.
According to CCOP, the program “provides community college students with their first hands-on research experience… as they explore scientific fields, develop technical skills, and build confidence through mentorship from Stanford trainees and faculty.”
Last Wednesday, November 19th, Estrada shared his internship journey with fellow students during a CCOP application workshop, offering both practical advice and honest reflections about his experience. He described his first week at Stanford as overwhelming, admitting he struggled with “major imposter syndrome” while listening to researchers discuss their work. “I didn’t understand anything the first week,” he recalled.
What made the difference was the mentorship built into the CCOP program. His mentor provided patient support, answering his questions and helping him realize he wasn’t alone in his doubts. He reflected on the realization that everyone there had imposter syndrome at some point, including his mentors and researchers.
Within a few weeks, he found himself understanding more of the discussions and felt increasingly welcomed into his lab community. The progress was deeply satisfying. By the end of the internship, he had gained both technical knowledge and something equally important: a sense of confidence and belonging. He now hopes to return to Stanford for another semester as a CCOP intern.
During the workshop, Estrada also offered practical tips for applying: be open-minded about research topics, submit well before the deadline, and don’t be discouraged by rejection. He highlighted that students should be open-minded in their applications and avoid being hyper-focused on a single research topic. Most importantly, he encouraged applicants to let their personalities shine through and convey their genuine excitement about research and participating in the program.
Students interested in applying for the Spring 2026 CORE Internship can find more information and submit applications at ccop.stanford.edu/apply-now. The application deadline is January 15, 2026.
MESA – Math, Engineering, Science Achievement – is an academic enrichment program that helps educationally underrepresented students excel in math and science and graduate from college with degrees in math-based fields. Founded in 1970, the MESA program serves pre-college, community college, and university students at over 90 sites throughout California. Skyline College’s MESA Program is part of the MESA California Community College Programs (MCCP).
To learn more about or apply for the Skyline College MESA program, please visit www.skylinecollege.edu/mesa or email skymesa@smccd.edu.
Article by Stephanie Wells
Photo by Emilie Hein
