15 Free Science Programs for High School Students
Explore 15 fully funded STEM research programs for high school students—gain hands-on lab experience, mentorship, and real-world experience at no cost.
Dreaming of running your own experiment, coding a breakthrough idea, or working in a real lab before college? If you're a high school student passionate about science, getting real-world research experience can be one of the most exciting, and transformative, steps in your academic journey. There are a variety of programs that let you explore real scientific questions, collaborate with mentors, and experience what research is really like.
For those looking for fall-specific programs, look at our blog here, and for those interested in summer-specific programs, check out our blog here.
Why should you do a free program in high school?
The best part: You don't need to worry about the cost. Many programs are fully funded – covering tuition, housing, and even provide stipends – so you can focus entirely on learning and discovery. Some are virtual, some on campus, and others are hybrid. Whether you want to build your coding skills, conduct experiments, or explore new research fields, these programs open the door to real-world experience at no cost.
Below is a curated list of 15 incredible free science programs for high school students.
1. Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program
Acceptance rate / cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Location: Virtual / Online
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded
Dates: 12 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: High school students globally, with strong academic performance and financial need
Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program gives high school students an opportunity to take their curiosity to the next level through one-to-one PhD mentored research. Over 12 weeks, you will work closely with mentors from top universities to conduct independent research in fields such as biology, data science, economics, engineering, and more. Students receive regular mentorship, coaching sessions, and help with writing and publication, gaining both academic depth and confidence. By the end of the program, you’ll have produced a research paper or project that reflects your own interests. The program is free to selected participants via the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, which offsets the cost for talented students from under-resourced backgrounds.
2. MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI)
Acceptance rate / cohort size: Extremely selective — around 80 students each year
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded
Dates: Around 6 weeks in summer
Application Deadline: December
Eligibility: High school juniors with strong academic record, prior science interest/research preferred
The Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT is a six-week free summer program for high school students passionate about research and innovation. The program begins with advanced coursework in scientific theory, led by world-class scientists and professors. Once you build a strong foundation, you’ll transition into independent research – designing and executing independent research under the guidance of a MIT-affiliated faculty. The program culminates in a research symposium, where you'll present your findings to experts and other students.
3. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR)
Acceptance rate / cohort size: Highly selective
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
Cost/Stipend: Free participation; interns earn a stipend (around US$500)
Dates: Around 8 weeks
Application Deadline: Usually December
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is a free science program for high school students that allows them to conduct real biomedical research under the guidance of Stanford University faculty and researchers. Students are matched with labs based on their interest, and explore areas such as immunology, neuroscience, cardiovascular medicine, bioinformatics, and more. You’ll attend lectures, seminars, and perform hands-on experiments, learning research techniques and contributing to research. The program culminates in a poster presentation, where you’ll share your findings with faculty, mentors and other students.
4. Carnegie Mellon Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Acceptance rate / cohort size: Selective; mostly targeted to underrepresented students
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Cost/Stipend: Free with modest additional costs for supplies or travel in some cases
Dates: Around 5 weeks
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors, especially from underrepresented or disadvantaged communities
The Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) at Carnegie Mellon University gives high school students an opportunity to experience college-level STEM learning while building the skills and confidence needed to succeed in higher education. SAMS combines coursework in advanced science and mathematics with research, professional development, and mentorship from Carnegie Mellon faculty and staff. The goal of SAMS is to empower students who may not have access to resources at their home schools.
5. Wistar High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research
Acceptance rate / cohort size: Accepts around 15 students per session
Location: The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Cost/Stipend: Free program; students receive a stipend and transit passes to defray commuting costs
Dates: Around 4 weeks
Application Deadline: Often in spring
Eligibility: High school students, at least age 16 by program start, completion of at least one high school science course
The Wistar High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research gives high school students an opportunity to work side-by-side with scientists in Wistar’s state-of-the-art biomedical research labs. You’ll learn biomedical techniques, read scientific literature, and contribute to real research projects in areas such as cancer biology, genetics and vaccine development. Throughout the program, you’ll develop key skills in data analysis, laboratory methods, and scientific communication, under the mentorship of Wistar researchers. The experience culminates in a presentation of your research, giving you the confidence and practice to share your scientific findings professionally.
6. Summer Science Program (SSP)
Acceptance rate / cohort size: About 36 students per session in each track
Location: Various U.S. university campuses
Cost/Stipend: Immersive program costally covered by scholarship; strong financial aid available
Dates: Around 39 days in summer
Application Deadline: Late February
Eligibility: High school juniors with strong science and math performance
The Summer Science Program (SSP) is a summer experience for high school students who want to do real science, not just study it. Over several intensive weeks, you’ll work in small, collaborative teams to conduct hands-on research in fields such as astrophysics, biochemistry, or genomics. Guided by the faculty and mentors, you’ll experience the entire scientific process, from designing experiments and collecting real data, to analyzing results, and presenting your findings.
7. NASA High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS)
Acceptance rate / cohort size: Competitive selection based on performance in online modules
Location: Online modules + in-person NASA center summer residency
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: Yearlong online then summer residency for top scorers
Application Deadline: Around October
Eligibility: High school juniors with interest in aerospace & STEM
The High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) program gives high school students an opportunity to explore the world of space sciences, engineering, and innovation—all while connecting directly with NASA. The experience begins with a series of online STEM learning modules, where you’ll study topics such as space exploration, physics, engineering, and mathematics. Students who excel in the virtual phase are then invited to a NASA center for an on-site residency, where they take part in hands-on design challenges, lab tours, and collaborative projects with NASA engineers and scientists. HAS aims to inspire future leaders in aerospace science and engineering.
8. MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES)
Acceptance rate / cohort size: Very competitive
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: Around 6 weeks in summer
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors (U.S. citizens) with strong backgrounds in math and science
The MITES Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a residential program designed to challenge and inspire high school students who are passionate about STEM fields. Over the summer, you’ll take advanced courses in subjects such as math, life sciences, physics, and engineering, thereby gaining a taste of academics at MIT. You’ll also engage in problem-solving, attend lectures and connect with other students.The goal of the program is to attract students, especially those from underrepresented groups, into STEM.
9. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Acceptance rate / cohort size: Very small, around 12 students
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
Cost/Stipend: Free participation; stipend provided
Dates: Around 6 weeks in summer
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: Students at least 17 by start date, in their last or upcoming year of high school
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University offers high-achieving high school students an opportunity to conduct original research alongside faculty mentors in a wide range of academic disciplines—from STEM and social sciences to humanities and the arts. Students undertake research projects under guidance of faculty, attend seminars, and present their findings at the program. With a small cohort size, mentorship is intense – allowing each student to receive personalized guidance and academic support.
10. Harlem Children Society (HCS) Lab Intern Program
Acceptance rate / cohort size: Varies (serves around 60 students per cycle)
Location: Partner research labs in New York / affiliated institutions
Cost/Stipend: Students receive a stipend; program arranges free lab placements
Dates: Around 8 weeks over summer
Application Deadline: Usually in spring
Eligibility: Students from under-resourced / underserved communities interested in lab research
The Harlem Children’s Society (HCS) offers high school students an opportunity to conduct hands-on research in top institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NYU, and Columbia University. You’ll be matched with a mentor scientist and work on an independent research project, contributing to studies in fields such as biology, chemistry, engineering, computer science, and medicine. Alongside your lab work, you’ll attend seminars, professional development sessions, and community outreach events. The program culminates in the signature “Street Science Fair,” where students present their findings to the public.
11. National Youth Science Forum (NYSF)
Acceptance rate / cohort size: 140 international and national students across cycles
Location: Australia (residential at Canberra, Brisbane)
Cost/Stipend: Fee-free for selected students (housing, program costs covered)
Dates: Two weeks in January
Application Deadline: Typically mid-year prior
Eligibility: Students finishing Year 11 or equivalent, interested in STEM
The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) brings together high school students from across the country for an experience in science, technology, and engineering. The program combines lectures by leading scientists, practical workshops, and lab sessions designed to spark curiosity and build confidence among the participants. Outside of science, you’ll develop your communication and leadership skills, and be able to connect with scientists and other students. You’ll gain a firsthand look at cutting-edge research while exploring what a future in STEM might look like.
12. Professor Harry Messel International Science School (ISS)
Acceptance rate / cohort size: Around 140 students across about 10 countries including Australia
Location: University of Sydney, Australia
Cost/Stipend: Fee-free
Dates: 2 weeks in July
Application Deadline: January
Eligibility: Senior high school science students (excellence in science) from Australia and select international countries
The Professor Harry Messel International Science School (ISS) is a two-week residential program that brings together some of the world’s brightest high school science students for an experience of cutting-edge research and discovery. Hosted by the University of Sydney, Australia, the program features lectures by eminent scientists, lab sessions and collaborative problem solving challenges that encourage creativity and problem solving. Students also explore global scientific issues and discuss how science is connected with society and innovation. All costs—including tuition, accommodation, and meals—are fully covered through the Messel Endowment and supporting grants.
13. Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP)
Acceptance rate / cohort size: Around 450 students per cycle, with a subset in STEM majors
Location: Georgia, USA
Cost/Stipend: Free to participants
Dates: 4 weeks in summer
Application Deadline: Spring
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors in Georgia public or private high schools, nominated by their schools
The Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) is a four-week residential summer experience that brings together Georgia’s high school students for study, research, and collaboration across multiple disciplines, including STEM. Students take challenging courses and electives, engage in research, attend seminars and electives, guided by expert instructors. The State of Georgia covers all the educational and residential costs of the program, so that the students can participate in the program irrespective of their background .
14. New Jersey Scholars Program (NJSP)
Acceptance rate / cohort size: 39 students selected annually from approximately 450 nominations
Location: Lawrenceville School campus, New Jersey, USA
Cost/Stipend: No tuition; room, board, academic costs covered through donations
Dates: Around 5 weeks in summer
Application Deadline: Nomination and application processes in springEligibility: Rising high school seniors from New Jersey, nominated by their schools
The New Jersey Scholars Program (NJSP) is an interdisciplinary residential program that challenges high school students to think deeply and explore complex topics from multiple perspectives. While not exclusively a “science” program, NJSP seminars offer themes that connect science, mathematics, history, and philosophy – helping students to see how different disciplines shape the world we live in. With a small cohort, you’ll have the benefit of close mentorship and establish connections with all the participants.
15. FSU Young Scholars Program (YSP)
Acceptance rate / cohort size: 40 students admitted yearly
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
Cost/Stipend: Free to participants
Dates: 6 weeks in summer
Application Deadline: Spring
Eligibility: Students who have just completed 11th grade with strong math/ science track record
The Florida State University Young Scholars Program (YSP) is a 6-week residential program for high school students who have a strong passion for mathematics, science, and computer programming. As a young scholar, you’ll take specially designed courses that go far beyond what’s offered in typical high school or introductory college classes. Each student also conducts an independent research project under the mentorship of FSU faculty, and present their work at the end of the program. YSP’s mission is to nurture students who have a high potential for STEM careers.
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