11 Fall Research Programs for High School Students
As a high school student, participating in research programs will give you the chance to explore the practical applications of science, technology, and social studies while developing valuable skills. You’ll get to strengthen your problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and independent learning while working on projects with guidance from mentors. These programs also help you improve skills in data analysis, communication, and teamwork, providing a strong foundation for college and future careers.
In the United States, you have access to an extensive network of universities, research centers, and industry organizations that offer programs for high schoolers. Whether the program is held at a national laboratory or a nonprofit organization, you'll gain access to specialized facilities, guidance from professionals, and the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge projects. You’ll also have the chance to connect with academics and professionals, giving you insight into fields like aerospace, medicine, technology, and public policy.
Here are 11 fall research programs for high school students that you can explore.
11 Fall Research Programs for High School Students
1. Harvard-MIT Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP)
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Paid
Program Dates: September – May
Application Deadline: May
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from the U.S. and abroad
SRMP is a year-long research program where you will work on projects in astrophysics or climate science with guidance from researchers at Harvard and MIT. As a participant, you will join a small group of students and will be paired with a mentor. You’ll get access to research tools and a laptop to support your work. Each week, you will meet for research check-ins, seminars, and talks with scientists. Over the year, you will practice research methods, data analysis, and scientific writing. At the end of the program, you will give a formal presentation at a symposium hosted at Harvard. Only about 15 students are selected each year.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by program (financial aid available)
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including fall
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students
Ladder Internships offers selective start-up internship programs for ambitious high school students. As a participant, you will get to work with a high-growth start-up that, on average, raises over a million dollars. Many of these start-ups offer internships that range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. As an intern, you will work closely with your managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects, eventually presenting your work to the company. One of the programs offered is the Combination Program: CEO Internship Program + Mentored Research Program, which gives you the option to gain work experience while also working on a college-level research paper. Here is the application form.
3. Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP)
Location: Fremont, CA (in-person and remote options available)
Cost: $1,070
Program Dates: September 1 – January 15 (tentative)
Application Deadlines: August 15 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12
ASDRP is a year-round research program where you will work on projects in areas such as cancer biology, artificial intelligence, drug discovery, psychology, urban sustainability, and radio astronomy. During the program, you will be paired with mentors from universities and industry and take part in research that can lead to publications, conference talks, or patents. The program includes weekly research meetings, guided mentorship, and workshops to build professional skills. You can join in person or online and will be expected to follow a clear research process. You’ll also get to work as part of a community of student researchers.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; Financial aid offered
Program Dates: Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including fall
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.3+
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers rigorous research opportunities to high school students. As a participant, you will be paired with a PhD mentor who will offer 1-on-1 guidance and support as you work on an independent research project. You can choose a topic from fields like physics, international relations, engineering, data science, humanities, and more. By the end of the program, you will have developed a research paper that you can send out for publication or present at the Lumiere Research Symposium. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) Internships
Location: Remote or in-person in Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Limited stipends offered
Program Dates: Fall: October – December; Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with U.S. work authorization
The FPRI internship gives you the chance to work on research about global affairs, diplomacy, and national security. You will collaborate with scholars on tasks including policy analysis, writing, editing, and research. Additionally, you will gain insight into the role that think tanks play in shaping foreign policy discussions. Each week, you will join seminars with experts in international affairs and learn about areas like defence strategy and geopolitical risk. If you do well, you may get the chance to co-author pieces for FPRI’s Intern Corner.
6. United States Department of the Treasury: Headquarters Student Internship Program
Location: United States Department of the Treasury, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None
Program Dates: Fall: September – December; Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Apply in June
Eligibility: U.S. high school students
During this internship, you will work in offices like Domestic Finance or Legislative Affairs. You will help with research, write briefing materials and memos, and manage data. The internship is unpaid but very selective and gives you the chance to work closely with policy experts and take part in real projects. You’ll also get the chance to build professional relationships and networks. It is a good choice if you plan to study economics, political science, or international relations in the future.
7. MIT PRIMES
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA; Virtual options available
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Year-long, organized in four research phases (January – December)
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: High school students; Specifics vary based on the program
MIT PRIMES is a year-long research program where you will work on problems in math, computer science, or computational biology with guidance from MIT researchers. Depending on your track, you may do individual or group research, check and edit work, develop algorithms, and solve theoretical problems. The program has several parts, including in-person research for local students, remote research through PRIMES-USA, math learning in PRIMES Circle, and group projects in CrowdMath. You will present your research at a yearly conference and may also contribute to published papers.
8. Alley Pond Environmental Center: Field Biology Internship
Location: Alley Pond Park, Douglaston, NY
Cost: $150; Need-based financial aid may be provided
Program Dates: September 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25 & November 1
Application Deadline: August 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 14 years or older
This program takes place outdoors in Alley Pond Park and in nearby habitats in Queens. As a participant, you will learn research skills such as soil and water sampling, identifying species, and observing wildlife. Over six Saturday sessions, you will practice designing field experiments, keeping clear scientific notes, and sharing your findings. You will also work with environmental experts and get direct experience in field biology and conservation in a city ecosystem.
9. California Academy of Sciences: Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: None; Paid
Program Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: February 1 – April 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th-11th graders in SFUSD who have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and a C or above in science and math
The CiS Intern Program gives San Francisco public school students early experience in environmental science and research at the California Academy of Sciences. You will take part in fieldwork, help with sustainability projects, and support public science education. You will receive training in science communication, data collection, and basic financial literacy, along with workshops on preparing for college. You may also work with scientists and educators and share your work at local STEM events or conferences. This program is a long-term commitment that helps you build skills in science and outreach.
10. City Limits CLARIFY
Location: Virtual with in-person field trips in NYC
Stipend: Paid
Program Dates: Not specified; Click here for more information
Application Deadline: Not specified; Click here for more information
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors enrolled in a NYC school and living in one of the five boroughs
CLARIFY is an eight-week journalism internship run by City Limits, New York City’s oldest nonprofit investigative news outlet. During the program, you will learn about journalistic research and public service journalism by reporting on local issues. You will practice skills like interviewing, finding sources, fact-checking, developing stories, following media ethics, editing, and photojournalism. You will also work with professional reporters and help produce real news stories for City Limits and a student newsletter. The small group of 12 to 15 students gives you a close mentorship experience while you explore journalism and civic reporting.
11. Georgetown University’s Pre-College Course in Medical Research
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,895; Scholarships available
Program Dates: Multiple 1-2 & 4-week sessions
Application Deadlines: Varies based on session
Eligibility: High-school students
This pre-college program is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in medicine and medical research. You can choose from 1-week, 2-week, or 4-week sessions and explore clinical research. As a participant, you will study medical ethics, learn about cancer research, and write a scientific article based on your project. You will also work on guided projects and get mentorship from experienced researchers. The program gives you the chance to build skills in research, critical thinking, and scientific writing. You will also complete a capstone research project that shows your skills and dedication for college applications.
Image Source - Harvard University Logo