What does “applied research” really mean—and why does it matter for students before they ever step foot on a college campus?
Applied research is designed to solve practical problems in the modern world, rather than to generate knowledge for its own sake. Its goal is to improve the human condition by applying ideas, testing solutions, and responding to real-world challenges. At the college level, applied research plays a critical role in shaping how students learn, collaborate, and prepare for careers.
Applied Research 101 (High School Edition) introduces high school students to this way of thinking early—before they arrive on campus. Through hands-on, real-world learning, the course helps students understand how classroom concepts translate into practical outcomes, while building confidence, curiosity, and an awareness of what postsecondary learning can look like beyond lectures and textbooks.
By engaging with applied research in high school, students gain valuable insight into problem-solving, innovation, and career-connected learning, helping them make more informed decisions about their academic pathways and future goals.
What Is Applied Research 101 (High School Edition)?
Applied Research 101 (High School Edition) is a self-paced, online learning experience that demystifies applied research and shows students how ideas move from questions to real-world solutions.
Through interactive modules, short lessons, and creative assignments, students explore:
- What applied research is and how it differs from traditional academic research
- How real-world challenges are identified, explored, and addressed
- The role of innovation, testing, collaboration, and iteration
- How applied research connects to careers, industries, and postsecondary pathways
The course is designed to be engaging, practical, and accessible—no prior research experience required.
A Gateway to College-Level Innovation
For many students, the term applied research is unfamiliar before college, even though it plays a central role in how real-world challenges are addressed across industries. Introducing applied research in high school helps students understand that learning is not just about absorbing information, but about asking questions, testing ideas, and creating solutions with real impact.
Applied Research 101 (High School Edition) acts as a gateway to college-level innovation by giving students early exposure to the kinds of hands-on, career-connected learning they can expect in postsecondary education. Through practical activities and real-world examples, students begin to see how applied research supports fields such as technology, health, sustainability, manufacturing, and community development.
By exploring applied research before college, students build confidence in problem-solving, develop curiosity about innovation, and gain a clearer picture of how their interests can translate into meaningful academic and career pathways. This early exposure helps demystify college-level learning, empowers students to make more informed decisions about their future, and encourages them to see themselves as active contributors to innovation rather than passive learners.
“This program gives high school students an early, accessible introduction to applied research and innovation, something many don’t realize is possible at the college level. Applied Research 101 helps students build confidence, curiosity, and awareness of the kinds of hands-on, career-connected learning they can expect at Mohawk College.”
Cherish Gibson
Manager, Recruitment at Mohawk College
What Students Will Learn
When enrolled in Applied Research 101 (High School Edition), students engage in a structured learning experience designed to fit alongside existing coursework and busy schedules. The course is delivered over several weeks through interactive modules and bite-sized lessons that encourage exploration, reflection, and experimentation.
Students complete creative assignments that challenge them to test ideas, think critically, collaborate with others, and reflect on real-world applications of applied research. By balancing theory with practice, the course helps students understand not only what applied research is, but how it is used to solve problems and inform decision-making in real-world contexts.
Designed for Educators, Guidance Counsellors, and Students
Applied Research 101 (High School Edition) was intentionally designed to be flexible and easy to integrate into a variety of learning environments. Educators can incorporate the course into classrooms, project-based learning activities, or enrichment programs, while guidance counsellors can use it as a tool to introduce students to college pathways and experiential learning opportunities.
Students may also explore the course independently to build research literacy, confidence, and awareness of new interests. The flexible structure allows schools and learners to adapt the course to their needs, making it a practical resource for a wide range of educational settings.
Enroll Today
Applied Research 101 (High School Edition) is available now for high school students who want to explore applied research and innovation before college. Whether used in a classroom, guidance setting, or as an independent learning opportunity, the course provides a meaningful introduction to college-level thinking and real-world problem solving.
Visit the Applied Research 101 | High School Edition Website