<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I'm working on a programming project, and I'm planning to do a new project later. I'd like to work with a member of faculty at the nearby university, but I'm not affiliated with any school (I'm homeschooled, and applying to college this autumn). </p>
<p>My question is: how do I ask faculty if they'd be willing to, basically, help a pre-college student for free? Should I only ask them for help if I can't find out about something on the Internet, especially research sites? And would a member of faculty usually want to work with a student on an entirely new project, like the one I'm planning later?</p>
<p>Any advice would be much appreciated.</p>