15 Research Programs for High School Students
If you’re a high school student who wants to learn more about a specific subject, consider participating in a research program. Research programs offer high school students an opportunity to engage with their academic interests, apply classroom knowledge to challenges, and build critical thinking and analytical skills. These experiences typically provide mentorship and exposure to professional research labs and equipment.
Across the U.S., universities, research centers, and organizations host programs designed for high schoolers who want to conduct research. Whether you're interested in genetics, data science, history, or environmental research, these programs give you a chance to collaborate with experts and produce tangible work in the form of a research abstract, poster, or full paper. Below, we’ve selected 15 research programs for high school students that stand out for their depth, accessibility, and mentorship quality.
1. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/ Stipend: $25 application fee; $750 stipend
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors (grades 11–12); must be at least 17 years old by start date; only 12 students are selected each year
The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program at Texas Tech University is a seven-week summer research opportunity for high school students. Under the guidance of faculty mentors, participants engage in projects spanning disciplines such as biomedical sciences, technology, humanities, and the arts, working alongside a diverse cohort of peers. The program features weekly seminars, workshops, and field trips designed to expand academic insight and strengthen research capabilities. Through hands-on collaboration and mentorship, students develop practical skills and contribute to ongoing studies.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective program that enables high school students to gain practical experience by interning with fast-growing start-ups. Conducted remotely, it offers placements across diverse industries such as technology, AI/ML, deep tech, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. Many partner companies are Y Combinator-backed and led by founders with backgrounds at organizations like Google, McKinsey, and Microsoft. Interns work closely with a start-up manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach, contributing to real projects and presenting their outcomes at the end. Additionally, the Combination Program adds a CEO internship element, allowing you to work with startup founders alongside the mentored research. All available roles are listed on the program’s application form.
3. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $40 application fee; Minimum $500 stipend
Dates: June 8 – July 30
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Stanford’s SIMR is an eight-week summer program that immerses high school juniors and seniors in biomedical research. Under the guidance of expert mentors, students gain hands-on experience in fields such as molecular biology, bioengineering, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence. They design experiments, analyze data, and contribute to ongoing research initiatives. Complementing the lab experience, lectures and workshops enhance students’ knowledge of scientific methods and medical research. The program concludes with a final symposium where participants present their findings, and all receive a stipend recognizing their research contributions.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available | None
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June)
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in high school demonstrating a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a research-focused initiative lasting from 12 weeks to one year, created for high school students seeking individualized mentorship from PhD researchers. Through the program, participants design and execute independent research projects in fields such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and international relations. With personalized support at every stage, students gain hands-on research experience aligned with their academic goals. The program concludes with the completion and submission of a full research paper. Application information and additional details are available here.
5. UChicago's ResearcHStart
Location: The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Stipend: Taxable stipend of $3,000
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: January 20
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors; Must be a resident of Illinois or Lake County, Indiana; At least 16 by the start of the program
UChicago’s ResearcHStart is a full-time summer program that immerses high school students in hands-on cancer research across multiple partner institutions. Working alongside faculty mentors, participants contribute to projects in fields such as immunology, cancer disparities, and drug discovery. In addition to lab work, students attend workshops and lectures focused on career development and scientific understanding. The program highlights mentorship, technical training, and analytical thinking while exploring cancer’s broader effects across Illinois. It concludes with a formal symposium where students showcase their research to faculty, peers, and the wider scientific community.
6. UChicago's Research in Biological Sciences (RIBS)
Location: The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $14,490; Financial aid available
Dates: June 14 – July 12
Application Deadline: January 22 (Priority); March 5 (Regular); April 15 (Extended); April 15 – May 15 (Rolling)
Eligibility: 10-11 graders who have completed high school biology and are at least 15 years old
UChicago’s Research in Biological Sciences (RIBS) is a four-week intensive program in molecular and cell biology that emphasizes hands-on laboratory experience. During the first two weeks, students develop essential lab techniques before advancing to independent research in fields such as cancer biology, genetics, or microbiology. Complementing the lab work, participants engage in lectures, scientific writing, and journal discussions to enhance analytical and communication skills. Weekly seminars led by faculty provide insight into current research developments. The program concludes with a research forum where students formally present and discuss their findings.
7. Stanford’s Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X)
Location: Virtual (CNV-X) or in-person at Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Virtual: $1,595; In-person: $2,895
Dates: Virtual: June 16 – 27; In-person Session 1: July 7 – 18, Session 2: July 21 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18 years
Stanford’s Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) is a two-week program designed for high school students interested in neuroscience, psychiatry, and psychology. Guided by Stanford faculty, participants attend interactive lectures and discussions that introduce key concepts in brain science and mental health. Students explore real-world neuroscience research and gain exposure to careers in medicine, psychology, and related fields. Working in small, collaborative teams, they design innovative solutions to neuroscience challenges through a capstone project. The program emphasizes critical thinking, teamwork, and a comprehensive understanding of the brain and its functions.
8. UChicago's DSI Summer Lab
Location: The University of Chicago, Data Science Institute, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $5,600
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: High school students in the Chicago area; International undergraduate students are eligible to apply, but must be authorized to work in the United States
The University of Chicago’s DSI Summer Lab is an eight-week paid research program that introduces high school and undergraduate students to real-world data science applications. Open to beginners, it pairs each participant with a mentor from disciplines such as computer science, materials science, biomedical research, social sciences, climate policy, and public policy. Students gain hands-on experience analyzing data and solving complex problems across diverse domains. The program also includes near-peer mentoring, social gatherings, and group work on projects. By the end, participants can build foundational research skills and insight into long-term career opportunities in data-driven fields.
9. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: Virtual / NASA centers across the country
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend varies based on academic level and session length
Dates: Spring: Mid-January – Early May for 16 weeks | Summer: Late May/Early June – August for 10 weeks | Fall: Late August/Early September – Mid-December for 16 weeks
Application Deadline: Spring: September 12 | Summer: February 27 | Fall: May 22
Eligibility: Full-time high school student with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale; Must be a U.S. citizen; Must be 16 years old at the time of application
NASA’s OSTEM Internship Program provides paid placements for students to engage in real-world NASA research and mission work. Interns collaborate with experts in areas like science, engineering, technology, and aeronautics, contributing meaningfully to NASA’s goals. Depending on center requirements, positions may be full-time or part-time, offering flexible scheduling options. While OSTEM internships vary in focus, many placements involve research-oriented tasks such as data analysis, modeling, and experimentation in scientific and engineering contexts. Participants build technical skills, expand their professional networks, and explore potential career paths in space science and exploration.
10. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: In-person: Johns Hopkins Department of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Virtual option available
Stipend: $15/hour for in-person interns; No stipend for virtual program
Dates: In-person: June – August (8 weeks) | Virtual: July – August (5 weeks)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors living in Baltimore City for the in-person program; Current high school juniors or seniors for the virtual program
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a five- to eight-week summer program that introduces high school students to neuroscience through research and clinical experience. Under the mentorship of neuroscientists, clinicians, and faculty, participants conduct lab projects, attend seminars, and explore topics related to brain function, neurological disorders, and patient care. The program highlights experiential learning, mentorship, and scientific presentation skills. It concludes with a formal research showcase where students share their findings. In-person participants receive a stipend and transportation assistance, making this an accessible and enriching opportunity for aspiring neuroscientists.
11. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: Free; stipend is provided
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: Students in their junior year of high school at the time of applying; Must be at least 16 years of age by the start of the program
The Simons Summer Research Program is an eight-week opportunity at Stony Brook University that allows high school students to engage in faculty-mentored research. Working as part of active lab teams, participants assist with ongoing projects while developing technical and analytical skills. Weekly lectures by distinguished scientists and collaborative group activities broaden their academic experience. The program culminates in the submission of a research abstract and a poster presentation at a final symposium. All students receive a stipend in recognition of their research contributions.
12. Harvard-Smithsonian Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP)
Location: Virtual or in person at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) in Cambridge, MA
Stipend: Stipend provided (courtesy of the City of Cambridge)
Dates: September – May
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12 attending Cambridge Rindge and Latin School
Harvard’s SRMP is a year-long research program that immerses high school students in original astrophysics projects guided by Smithsonian scientists. Working closely with mentors in small teams, participants gain hands-on experience in data analysis, scientific writing, and presenting research findings. Regular meetings help students strengthen their understanding of research methods and develop key academic and communication skills. The program offers a firsthand look at how professional scientists conduct research. It concludes with a symposium where students share their results with peers and experts in the field.
13. Princeton University’s Laboratory Learning Program (LLP)
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free
Dates: 5 – 6 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Students who are sixteen years or older by June 15; Must attend a local high school in the U.S.; Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Princeton’s Laboratory Learning Program offers local high school students a summer research experience in science and engineering. Working under faculty mentorship, participants join active labs to conduct experiments, collect data, and perform analyses throughout the week. Each placement aligns with the lab’s specific objectives and schedule, giving students insight into real-world research practices and lab environments. The program also includes safety training and instruction in research methods. At the conclusion, students submit a two-page summary of their work. As a non-residential program, participants are responsible for their own travel and arrangements.
14. Boston University's RISE Internship / Practicum
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Cost: Tuition: $5,700 | Service Fees: $485 | Room & Board: $3,276 (14 meals/week) or $3,600 (19 meals/week) | Application Fee: $60 (non-refundable). Limited need-based financial aid is available
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Boston University’s RISE program is a six-week summer research experience that allows high school students to explore laboratory or computational research under faculty mentorship. It offers two distinct tracks: the Internship track, where students conduct full-time research across various disciplines, and the Practicum track, which combines daily lectures with collaborative projects in data science or computational neurobiology. Participants also attend academic workshops and connect with professionals in biotechnology through networking events. The program concludes with a Poster Symposium, where students showcase their research and refine their presentation and collaboration skills.
15. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, New York, NY
Stipend: $1,000
Dates: June 2 – August 18
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors, attending NYC schools; NYC residency required
NYU’s ARISE is a 10-week summer program that integrates research training with an immersive lab experience. Over the first four weeks, students learn essential skills in lab safety, academic writing, and research design. The following six weeks are spent in NYU labs, where participants complete about 120 hours of hands-on work in areas such as computer science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Throughout the program, students strengthen their communication, critical thinking, and networking abilities. It concludes with a formal research presentation at NYU and a poster symposium at the American Museum of Natural History.
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