Top 20 Research Opportunities for High School Students
The best research opportunities for high school students go beyond textbooks, allowing you to work alongside scientists, engineers, and scholars on real-world challenges. Many of the programs on this list are highly competitive and offer unique benefits, from working on real-world projects to presenting your research at symposiums. Some are even paid internships or provide stipends, making them accessible regardless of financial background.
Whether in biomedical research, computational sciences, or astrophysics, these research opportunities for high school students provide a chance to explore academic interests, strengthen college applications, and build lifelong professional connections.
To help get you started, we’ve put together a list of the top 20 research opportunities for high school students!
1. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
Cost: Free
Location: Cambridge, MA
Application Deadline: December 11
Program Dates: June 22 – August 2
Eligibility:
High school juniors with strong academic ability and backgrounds
Recommended scores: PSAT (740 or higher), Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score (700 or higher), ACT Math (33 or higher), ACT Verbal (34 or higher)
Acceptance Rate: 2-5%
RSI is a highly selective program that focuses on a blend of academic coursework and hands-on research. You’ll start with an intensive week of STEM classes taught by MIT professors, where you’ll learn about current STEAM research topics. The remaining 5 weeks are focused on the research cycle for your individual project — you’ll conduct literature reviews, write and execute a detailed research plan, and present conference-style oral and written reports, all under the mentorship of experts in the field.
Cost: $9,800 (100% need-based financial assistance available)
Location:
Astrophysics: Georgia College & State University, New Mexico State University, UNC Chapel Hill, University of Colorado Boulder, Colby College, Knox College
Biochemistry: Purdue University, Indiana University
Genomics: Pacific University, Lehigh University, Purdue University
Synthetic Chemistry: Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Application Deadline: February 21
Program Dates: 6 weeks; exact dates vary by program
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are completing or have completed the relevant coursework for their research project by June:
Acceptance Rate: ~10%
The Summer Science Program offers an immersive, hands-on research experience in four fields: astrophysics, biochemistry, bacterial genomics, and synthetic chemistry. You’ll work an intensive 60 hours a week for 6 weeks on your research project while receiving mentorship from graduate students and STEM professionals. In addition, you’ll engage in field trips, social activities, and guest lectures where you can meet and ask questions to world-renowned experts.
3. Veritas AI - AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Cost: $5,400
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines depending on cohort
Program Dates: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students who have a basic understanding of Python and AI concepts or have completed the AI Scholars program
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
This AI-focused research opportunity will provide you with mentorship and guidance as you explore artificial intelligence through independent research projects. The Veritas AI Fellowship program is designed for students with a foundational understanding of Python who are eager to apply AI to fields such as medicine, finance, environmental science, and more.
Over the course of 12-15 weeks, you’ll work on personalized research projects with one-on-one mentorship from Harvard graduate students and alumni, after which you’ll have developed your research paper.
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available).
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on cohort
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Ladder Internships offers a unique research-driven internship experience for high school students looking to gain hands-on exposure to the startup world. You’ll be paired with high-growth startups across industries such as AI, health tech, journalism, and consulting. Over an 8-week virtual internship, you’ll work on real-world projects under the guidance of both a startup mentor and a dedicated Ladder Coach, after which you’ll present your results to the company.
Cost: None; most interns receive a stipend
Location: NASA centers nationwide / Virtual
Application Deadline: Fall: May 16; Spring: September 12; Summer: February 27
Program Dates:
Fall: 16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December
Spring: 16-week program, from mid-January to early May
Summer: 10-week program, from late May or early June to August
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old at the time of application and have a cumulative 3.0/4.0 GPA
Acceptance Rate: 4-6%
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers one of the most prestigious research opportunities for high school students, providing hands-on experience in cutting-edge fields like aerospace engineering, robotics, space science, and computer science. You’ll work alongside NASA scientists and engineers on real-world research projects, gaining valuable technical skills with mentorship from top professionals and the chance to contribute to NASA’s ongoing research.
6. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Cost: Starting at $2,990 (financial aid available).
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Varies depending on cohort
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students with a high level of academic achievement. It is recommended to have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program provides high school students with a rigorous, 1-on-1 research experience guided by Ph.D. mentors. Over a 12-week program, you will independently explore a research topic of your choice in fields such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, engineering, and more. By the end of the program, you will have developed a formal research paper.
7. University of Chicago’s Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS)
Cost: $14,490
Location: Chicago, IL
Application Deadline: December 3
Program Dates: June 14 – July 12
Eligibility: High school students who have completed biology. Students who have completed at least one year of advanced biology and have a strong grade are preferred
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
This program is a four-week intensive lab experience where you gain hands-on training in molecular biology, microbiology, and cell biology techniques. After two weeks of foundational lab work, you will start your independent research projects, keeping detailed lab notebooks and presenting your findings at a research forum. The program also includes faculty-led seminars, scientific writing assignments, and group presentations.
8. Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics (YSPA)
Cost: $8,000 (financial aid available)
Location: New Haven, CT
Application Deadline: March 8
Program Dates: June 23 – July 4 (online self-study), July 6 – August 3 (residential program)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors who are at least 15.5 years old at the start of the on-campus program. It is recommended that you complete all math and physics classes available in your high school
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective; each cohort hosts 32 students
The Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics (YSPA) is a rigorous research opportunity for high school students with a strong interest in astrophysics. You’ll take advanced coursework, analyze real astronomical data, and use observatory telescopes for your research projects. You will also gain hands-on experience in computer programming, data analysis, and scientific writing, culminating in a research paper and presentation at the YSPA mini-conference.
9. Boston University’s RISE Internship/Practicum
Cost: $5,700
Location: Boston, MA
Application Deadline: February 14
Program Dates: Residential: June 29 – August 8; Commuter: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: High school juniors
Acceptance Rate: 7-9%
The RISE program at Boston University offers two tracks—Internship and Practicum—where you can engage in advanced research under expert mentorship. The Internship track provides a full-time, hands-on research experience in fields like biology, engineering, computer science, neuroscience, and more.
If you prefer a more structured environment with a set syllabus, go for the Practicum track. It combines morning lectures with afternoon group research projects. Both Internship and Practicum students will get to present their research at a Poster Symposium.
10. Texas Tech University’s Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Cost: None; students who complete the program will receive a stipend of $750
Location: Lubbock, TX
Application Deadline: February 24
Program Dates: June 22 – August 7
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 17 by the start of the program and are set to graduate this year or the next. Students must be U.S. citizens
Acceptance Rate: Less than 3%
The Clark Scholars Program is a highly competitive, intensive research opportunity for high school students and one of the few programs that offers research disciplines in both the sciences and humanities. You’ll work closely with faculty over 7 weeks as you engage in hands-on research, weekly seminars, discussions, and field trips.
Topics include Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, History, Mechanical Engineering: Cancer Bioimaging, and Physics.
11. Scripps Student Research Internship Program
Cost: None; students may receive a stipend
Location: La Jolla, CA
Application Deadline: April 4
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8; June 16 – August 22
Eligibility: Highly motivated high school students who are at least 16 at the start of the program and have an interest in genomics or mHealth translational research
Acceptance Rate: 2-3%
In this program by the Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI), you will work under the mentorship of experts at Scripps Research Translational Institute, gaining hands-on experience in study design, genomic research, and mobile health monitoring. Most interns work in a dry lab setting, but there are limited wet lab spots, making this program ideal if you want to pursue medical and health technology advancements for a career in translational medical research.
12. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Cost: None; students will receive a minimum stipend of $500
Location: Stanford, CA
Application Deadline: February 22
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years old at the start of the program
Acceptance Rate: Less than 3%
SIMR is an 8-week research opportunity where you can conduct hands-on biomedical research under the mentorship of Stanford faculty and researchers. You’ll work in top-tier labs within Stanford’s Institutes of Medicine in areas such as genetics, bioengineering, cancer biology, immunology, neurobiology, and more. The program provides direct exposure to the scientific research process, so you can develop lab skills, analyze data, and explore medical and biological sciences in a professional research setting.
13. University of California, Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program (RMP)
Cost: $5,175 (commuter), $12,474 (residential)
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Application Deadline: March 17
Program Dates: June 16 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students in the 10th or 11th grade with a minimum 3.80 academic weighted GPA
Acceptance Rate: 4-6%
This is a six-week summer program where high-achieving high school students conduct university-level research under the guidance of graduate students, postdocs, or faculty mentors. With nearly 30 interdisciplinary research areas, you’ll be able to engage in hands-on projects, take courses in research methods and presentation techniques, and present your findings at a final symposium.
14. Wolfram High School Summer Research Program
Cost: $4,500 (need-based scholarships available)
Location: Boston, MA
Application Deadline: May 30
Program Dates: June 25 – July 12
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-17
Acceptance Rate: ~5%
The Wolfram High School Summer Research Program is an intensive two-and-a-half-week program where students explore advanced STEM topics through computational thinking and research. You’ll learn Wolfram Language, attend deep-dive lectures on subjects like machine learning, AI, and data science, and engage in hands-on projects ranging from computational art to facial recognition models. Under the guidance of expert mentors and Stephen Wolfram, you’ll develop an independent research project that culminates in a computational essay and interactive research paper.
15. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program
Cost: $2,360 (residential); students receive a stipend at the end of the program
Location: Stony Brook, NY
Application Deadline: February 7
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: Students must be high school juniors at the time of applying and at least 16 years old at the start of the program
Acceptance Rate: ~8%
The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University offers high-achieving high school students hands-on research experience in science, math, and engineering. You’ll work closely with faculty mentors, join active research teams, and develop independent projects.
Throughout the program, you’ll attend faculty talks, participate in workshops, and gain exposure to advanced laboratory techniques across fields like computer science, biochemistry, geosciences, and pharmacological sciences, among others. At the end of the program, you’ll participate in a poster symposium where you’ll showcase your findings.
16. Jackson Lab Summer Student Program (SSP)
Cost: None; students receive a $6,500 stipend
Location: Bar Harbor, ME and Farmington, CT
Application Deadline: April 7
Program Dates: May 31 – August 8
Eligibility: High school seniors
Acceptance Rate: Selective; accepts around 40 students annually
The Jackson Laboratory’s SSP is an immersive research opportunity for high school and undergrad students who are interested in genetics and genomics. You’ll get the chance to work closely with experienced scientific mentors to design and execute independent research projects in fields like bioinformatics, cancer, immunology, and neurobiology. Over the course of the summer, you’ll gain hands-on lab experience, analyze data, and eventually present your findings to researchers and peers.
17. American Chemical Society—Project SEED
Cost: None; students receive a $4,000 stipend
Location: Multiple institutions
Application Deadline: April 7
Program Dates: Typically June – July/August
Eligibility: Students whose family's annual income is not 300% over the Federal Poverty Guidelines based on family size.
Acceptance Rate: Selective; accepts around 30 students annually
Project SEED is a long-running research program that provides economically disadvantaged high school students with hands-on summer research experiences in the chemical sciences. Over 8–10 weeks, you’ll conduct independent or small-group research projects under the mentorship of professional scientists in academia and industry.
You will also gain exposure to chemistry-related careers, lab preparedness, and college readiness through virtual summer camps. At the end of the program, you’ll be able to present your findings through written reports or poster presentations.
18. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internships
Cost: None; interns receive a stipend
Location: Various locations across the country
Application Deadline: Rolling. Applications open on December 4 and remain open throughout the year.
Program Dates: Summer (specific dates vary by project and lab)
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens
Acceptance Rate: Selective
With AEOP research internships, you’ll get to conduct hands-on research in university labs or U.S. Army Research Laboratories under the mentorship of professional scientists and engineers. You’ll get exposure to cutting-edge technology, high-tech equipment, and real-world problem-solving in STEM fields. With formal mentorship and networking opportunities, you’ll be able to develop valuable research skills while contributing to projects that address national challenges.
19. University of Maryland’s WIE RISE! A Summer Research Program
Cost: None
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; final date is May 15
Program Dates: July 28 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th grade students
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
The WIE RISE program, hosted by the Women in Engineering Program at the University of Maryland, is a free virtual summer research opportunity designed for high school students, especially women (but open to all), interested in exploring engineering. You’ll engage with Maryland Engineering research labs, learn to read and write scientific research papers, conduct at-home experiments, and interact with undergraduate engineering students.
20. Stony Brook University’s Garcia Program
Cost: $4,000 (laboratory usage fee), $2,507 (room), plus meal plan and health services
Location: Stony Brook, NY
Application Deadline: March 3
Program Dates: June 26 – August 8
Eligibility:
Students must be at least 16
Have an unweighted GPA of 3.8/4.0
Have at least 3 of the following subjects: English, Chemistry, Mathematics or Calculus, Physics, Biology (optional)
PSAT/SAT/ACT and/or Regents must be 60% or above
Acceptance Rate: 10-15%
The Garcia Center for Polymers at Engineered Interfaces offers the Garcia Summer Research Program — a seven-week experience where gifted high school students conduct independent research in polymer science and technology.
Garcia faculty and researchers will mentor you as you design original projects, gain hands-on lab experience, and contribute to cutting-edge research.