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Polygence Pods

Beginner-friendly group courses where students learn foundational concepts and practice thinking through real ideas.

Students collaborating and learning together

What are Polygence Pods?

6 Sessions

A condensed timeframe allows students to fit a Pod into their busy schedules while still building their foundational knowledge in a topic they're curious about.

Group Learning

Learn in a small group with other students who share your interest, guided by an expert who helps you understand the material and think through it.

Apply Your Knowledge

Each Pod ends with a final deliverable, where students apply what they’ve learned and work through the material in their own way.

Test Your Interests

Pods are a way to explore new subjects, understand how they work, and decide what you want to learn more about.

Are Pods Right For You?

Polygence Pods are great for students who need more experience or topic exploration before embarking on a 1-on-1 research project. This might be a starting point for research if you:

Magnifying glass icon

Want to learn foundational concepts in cutting-edge subjects

Puzzle

Are curious about a field and need to explore more to find a specific topic of interest

Books and apples

Need a lower commitment option but want to get started as soon as possible

Graduation hat

Are looking to do a course, rather than a unique project.

Choose Your Pod

Browse the available topics before and click “Learn more & Apply” to see all the available summer start dates. Our fall schedule will be released in the coming weeks — signup for the waitlist for the topic you're interested in, and you’ll be the first to know when new dates are released!

Select a category

Join the waitlist and be the first to hear about our new Pods!

Submit your interest for a Pod, and we’ll reach out as soon as it launches. We'll also let you know if a related Pod becomes available.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch new Pods.

Pod topic
Graduation year
How did you hear about Pods?

Why Polygence?

Student exploring their passion

Prepare for your future

In addition to learning the research process, gain confidence, improve your communication and writing, and practice independence.

Student success through group learning and collaboration

A learning experience that’s designed for you

Polygence allows you to explore for the sake of exploring. There are no grades; success is what you define it.

Collaboration of mentor and a group of students

Dive into what excites you

Choose a topic that ignites a spark in you and see the amazing things you can create. You’ll be guided by a mentor that is perfect for your interests.

Polygence Pods FAQs

1. What are Polygence Pods?
Polygence Pods are small-group courses where students learn the basics of a subject over 6 sessions. Each Pod focuses on a specific topic and is led by an expert who guides students through key concepts and discussions.

2. Who are Pods designed for?
Pods are a good fit for students who are curious about a subject but are not ready to commit to a full project. They work well for students who want to explore new areas, build foundational knowledge, or figure out what they’re interested in.

3. What do students actually do in a Pod?
Students attend live sessions, learn core ideas in the subject, and take part in discussions and activities. By the end, they complete a final deliverable that reflects what they’ve learned.

4. What kinds of skills do students build in a Pod?
Students practice understanding new concepts, asking questions, and explaining their thinking. They also build communication skills by participating in discussions and sharing their ideas with others.

5. How are Pods different from traditional classes?
Pods are smaller, more focused, and centered on discussion and exploration. Instead of working toward grades or tests, students focus on understanding the material and engaging with the topic.