15 Free Research Opportunities for High School Students
If you’re curious about a subject and want to explore it beyond the classroom, a research program can be a good way to dive deeper. While many research opportunities open to high schoolers can come with a significant cost, several programs are either fully funded or offer 100% financial aid. These opportunities are designed to give motivated high school students access to college-level research, mentorship from university faculty or industry experts, and exposure to advanced tools, labs, and ideas at no cost. Such programs also let you collaborate with professionals, explore advanced topics, and develop tools like data analysis, critical thinking, and communication.
Whether you’re interested in biology, computer science, psychology, or policy, research opportunities help you apply your classroom knowledge in a practical setting. Because they’re free, these programs are highly selective and look for students with clear interest, academic strength, and motivation. A solid application, including essays, transcripts, and recommendations, can go a long way.
In this article, we’ve curated a list of the top 15 free research opportunities available to high school students, spanning topics like artificial intelligence, environmental science, biomedical engineering, and more.
1. Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program
Location: Salk Institute, La Jolla, California
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will receive a stipend
Dates: June 17 – August 9 (30–40 hours per week)
Application Deadline: April 5
Eligibility: Open to San Diego County residents who are at least 16 years old by June 26 and have completed at least one year each of high school biology and chemistry
The Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program is an 8-week summer internship that gives students the opportunity to conduct hands-on scientific research at the Salk Institute. You’ll work alongside professional scientists on projects in biology, neuroscience, genetics, and other STEM fields, developing practical lab and research skills. The program includes structured mentorship, skill-building workshops, and exposure to the latest techniques in molecular biology and bioinformatics. You are expected to commit full-time and will present your findings at a final symposium.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on program type
Dates: Multiple cohorts (8–12 weeks), including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year; varies with cohort
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students; requires a 10–20 hours/week commitment
Ladder Internships provides students with mentored, project-based internships at fast-growing startups in industries such as biotech, environmental science, and AI. You’ll collaborate directly with a startup team while being supported by a dedicated Ladder Coach, working on research or product development projects. In addition to weekly check-ins, the program includes communication coaching and cohort-wide seminars to build professional skills. The experience concludes with a final presentation to startup leaders, helping you build a tangible portfolio.
3. Washington University’s Young Scientist Program
Location: Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A $4,500 stipend is provided
Dates: June 2 – July 25
Application Deadline: January 27
Eligibility: Open to rising high school seniors from the Greater St. Louis area, with preference for students from under-resourced schools or underrepresented backgrounds in STEM
The Young Scientist Program’s Summer Focus offers high school students a full-time, paid opportunity to conduct biomedical research in university labs. You’ll be paired with a faculty mentor and contribute to real scientific investigations while building lab skills, analyzing data, and practicing science communication. The program includes one-on-one tutoring, structured workshops, and college readiness support. It culminates in a final symposium where you will present your research findings.
4. Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: No cost, fully-funded
Dates: Year-round cohorts; Summer (June–August), Fall (September–December), Winter (December–February), Spring (March–June)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort (typically 1–2 months before start date)
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic records, 3.3+ GPA recommended
Lumiere offers a highly personalized research experience where students are paired one-on-one with Ph.D. mentors to explore topics in neuroscience, biology, chemistry, and more. You’ll conduct in-depth research, produce a publication-ready academic paper, and receive structured guidance from both mentors and writing coaches. The program includes literature reviews, research planning, and workshops that build college-level analytical and communication skills.
5. Johns Hopkins University Internship in Brain Science (JHIBS)
Location: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland | Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $15/hour stipend for in-person participants | $500 stipend for virtual participants
Dates: In-person: June – August (8 weeks) | Virtual: July – August (5 weeks)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors residing in Baltimore City (for the in-person program), and across the U.S. (for the virtual program)
JHIBS offers a neuroscience research experience for high school students in Baltimore, combining lab work, clinical observation, and mentorship from Johns Hopkins faculty. You’ll investigate topics such as neurodevelopment, neuroimaging, and clinical neurobiology while learning lab techniques and research methods. The program includes weekly seminars, a capstone presentation, and in-person hospital rotations to observe real-world clinical practice. Both virtual and in-person tracks provide mentorship and collaboration with peers and scientists.
6. UCSD’s OPTIMUS Outreach Program
Location: Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend is provided
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: Early Spring
Eligibility: San Diego high school students in grades 10–11 from select schools
The OPTIMUS Outreach Program provides an intensive summer experience in cancer research and clinical medicine for students from underrepresented backgrounds. You’ll conduct research in UCSD labs, shadow doctors, and participate in clinical training sessions, like suturing workshops led by medical residents. The curriculum combines lab-based research with hands-on exposure to clinical environments, offering a dual perspective on science and healthcare. Throughout the program, you’ll receive mentorship from faculty and structured support in developing professional skills.
7. Rockefeller University’s Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Location: Rockefeller University, New York City, New York
Cost/Stipend: No cost; travel expenses covered; need-based stipends may be available
Dates: June 23 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 3
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old at the start of the program
The SSRP at Rockefeller University offers a prestigious, hands-on biomedical research experience for high school students. You’ll be matched with a research mentor and conduct original lab-based investigations in molecular biology, genetics, immunology, or neuroscience. Alongside conducting daily research, you’ll participate in elective seminars, lectures, and peer discussion groups to deepen your scientific understanding. The program concludes with a research symposium where you will present your findings to faculty and peers.
8. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience Summer Research Internship
Location: Jupiter, Florida
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will be paid $13/hour
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 4
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors aged 16+ residing in Palm Beach or Martin County with U.S. work authorization
The MPFI Summer Research Internship gives students hands-on experience in neuroscience, scientific programming, or mechanical engineering through full-time lab work. You’ll work with expert mentors on experimental design, data collection, and advanced imaging techniques while participating in lab meetings and collaborative projects. The program concludes with a formal presentation, allowing you to communicate your research to the MPFI community.
9. Genomics Research Internship Program for High School Students (GRIPS)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, California
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 16 – August 7
Application Deadline: December – February 28
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ from Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz counties; minimum 3.0 GPA; prior coursework in biology, chemistry, or programming required
GRIPS offers a rigorous introduction to biomedical and genomic research through an 8-week internship in Stanford University laboratories. You’ll assist with real-world experiments in areas like molecular biology, bioinformatics, and human genetics, all under the mentorship of Stanford faculty and researchers. The program also includes professional development through seminars, career panels, and research skill workshops..
10. Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP)
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend varies year on year
Dates: June 23 – August 15
Application Deadline: December 31
Eligibility: High school students from the Greater Philadelphia area, including Camden, NJ
MSAP provides students with the opportunity to conduct research in sensory science, neurobiology, or biomedical fields at a leading research institute. You’ll work closely with Monell scientists on experimental projects while learning essential lab techniques and gaining insight into professional research environments. The program also includes seminars on ethics, scientific communication, and advanced topics, and culminates in a final presentation of your findings.
11. MD Anderson Cancer Center’s High School Summer Program
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a $6,800 stipend is provided
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Texas high school seniors aged 18 or older by the program start date
This 10-week internship offers an in-depth research experience in biomedical science at one of the top cancer centers in the world. You’ll conduct full-time research on cancer-related topics such as molecular diagnostics, immunology, or therapeutics under the guidance of MD Anderson faculty. The program includes lectures, career panels, and collaborative learning opportunities, all designed to prepare you for a future in healthcare or research. It concludes with a formal research presentation to faculty and peers.
12. Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Training Program
Location: Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington State
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a $2,000 stipend is provided
Dates: July 14 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: Current 10th-grade students (rising juniors) residing within commuting distance of downtown Seattle; SSN or ITIN required
The Research Training Program (RTP) at Seattle Children’s offers a four-week, in-person experience for students interested in biomedical science. You’ll participate in lab-based workshops on gene editing, biochemistry, and immunoassays, as well as college and career prep sessions, facility tours, and a final research presentation. The curriculum emphasizes core lab techniques, research communication, and independent project development. Priority is given to students seeking their first research experience, especially those from underserved backgrounds.
13. Harvard Medical School’s Project Success
Location: Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals in Boston, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: No cost, stipend amount varies by placement
Dates: June 30 – August 15
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from Boston or Cambridge who are at least 16 years old and have a minimum 2.7 GPA; preference given to students underrepresented in medicine or from low-income backgrounds
Project Success places high school students in biomedical research labs across Harvard Medical School and its partner institutions. You’ll engage in hands-on lab work, learn core techniques in scientific research, and receive mentorship from leading physicians and scientists. The program also includes career development workshops, site visits to hospitals and biotech firms, and networking sessions focused on diversifying the medical and research fields.
14. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, California
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will be paid $1,250
Dates: June 23 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 17
Eligibility: Current high school juniors from Northern California who are low-income and first-generation college-bound
SMYSP is a five-week, residential summer program that empowers underserved students to pursue careers in medicine and public health. You’ll conduct a collaborative public health research project, shadow healthcare professionals, and explore subjects like epidemiology, anatomy, and health disparities. The program includes personalized mentorship from Stanford faculty, as well as college advising and workshops on financial aid and applications.
15. Harvard-Smithsonian’s Student Research Mentoring Program (SRMP)
Location: Virtual with optional in-person meetings
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a stipend is provided
Dates: September – May
Application Deadline: May 1 to May 10
Eligibility: Open only to students from Cambridge Rindge & Latin School (CRLS)
SRMP provides a year-long astrophysics research experience for students interested in space science and data-driven research. You’ll work in a small group mentored by professional astronomers, investigating topics like exoplanet detection, stellar dynamics, or galactic structures. The program focuses on building skills in Python coding, data visualization, and scientific communication, with regular mentorship meetings and monthly workshops. You will conclude the program with a formal presentation at a research symposium.