In addition, it removes students from discouraging home environments and allows students who live beyond commuting distance to participate. Students may also receive up to 10 units of college science credit. Students also present some course material to each other to develop and practice their oral presentation skills. Laboratory and field experience provide students with hands-on learning opportunities. Field trips include Stanford University's Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, Hopkins Marine Station in Monterey, and the Big Basin Redwood Forest.
Students work in small groups on environmental research projects.
Each program counselor supervises one project and meets with participants formally at least three times a week. To further expose students to the professional fields, as part of their project, students also conduct interviews and take field trips to meet community members and professional researchers associated with their area of study. Program participants have access to Stanford University libraries and other on-campus resources. One of Quest's main educational strengths is an extensive public speaking program taught by professional public speakers who volunteer to teach two 3-hour sessions per week at no cost. In addition, students practice their speeches several times per week in private tutorials and group exercises.