Top 15 STEM Research Opportunities for High School Students
For high school students curious about STEM, research programs and internships offer a practical way to explore their interests beyond the classroom. These research opportunities often come at a lower cost than pre-college academic options and may even offer a stipend. They provide experience, industry exposure, and opportunities to work alongside professionals. You will develop valuable skills such as data analysis and critical thinking while building relationships with mentors and peers who share your goals.
We’ve reviewed a range of options—selective summer programs, lab-based internships, and even virtual offerings—and narrowed them down to the top 15 STEM research opportunities for high school students in the U.S. Many of these programs offer guided mentorship, structured research projects, and the chance to contribute to ongoing scientific work. You may also get to present your findings or publish your work.
1. Idaho National Laboratory’s High School Internship Program
Location: Idaho National Laboratory (Idaho Falls, Idaho)
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Mid-June to early/mid-August (6–8 weeks)
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: At least 16 years old, is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident; rising junior, rising senior, or recently graduated high school student with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Stipend: Paid
Idaho National Laboratory’s High School Internship Program offers high school students a paid, six- to eight-week summer opportunity to engage in STEM research. You will work alongside scientists and engineers on challenges in areas such as nuclear energy, cybersecurity, and environmental science. You will contribute to ongoing projects, gaining skills in scientific research, data analysis, and problem-solving. Mentors provide guidance throughout the internship, helping you develop confidence and a better understanding of scientific inquiry.
2. AI Fellowship by Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple 12–15 week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, & Winter
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students worldwide with prior experience in AI or Python
Cost: $5,400
The AI Fellowship by Veritas AI is a 12–15 week online research opportunity for high school students with prior experience in artificial intelligence or Python. Designed for students ready to go beyond the basics, this fellowship offers one-on-one mentorship with AI researchers and practitioners from leading universities. Each student works independently on a unique AI project, from framing a research question to model design and coding. The structure follows three phases: foundational learning, data exploration, and project execution. In the final weeks, you must present your findings in a virtual showcase.
3. Jefferson Lab High School Summer Honors Program
Location: Jefferson Lab, Newport News, Virginia
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: At least 16 years old, attending a local high school within 60 miles of Jefferson Lab, with good academic standing and a minimum 3.3 GPA
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
The Jefferson Lab High School Summer Honors Program offers academically strong students the chance to engage with scientific research at a national laboratory. The program emphasizes learning through practical tasks and mentorship. As a participant, you will assist in research or technical assignments and contribute to data analysis, equipment preparation, or documentation. You will gain exposure to lab protocols and scientific tools that are rarely accessible at the high school level. Though responsibilities may differ, all roles offer insight into large-scale research. Additionally, you will interact with lab professionals across departments, encouraging collaboration.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Full financial aid is available!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
5. Microsoft Discovery Program
Location: Redmond, Washington State OR Atlanta, Georgia (on-site only)
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July – August
Application Deadline: Applications open in February and are reviewed on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors entering a bachelor’s degree program; Must live and attend high school within 50 miles of Redmond, Washington State, or attend schools in Atlanta Public Schools, Dekalb, Fulton, Cobb, or Gwinnett County (Georgia)
Stipend: Paid; no cost to participate
The Microsoft Discovery Program is a four-week summer research opportunity for high school students. No prior technical experience is required, but you must have completed pre-calculus or equivalent coursework. In this program, you will work in small teams on product development projects. Throughout the program, you will explore key areas of the tech industry—software engineering, UX design, and product management—through a structured design challenge. You will identify user problems, study customer needs, and create early-stage product ideas with guidance from Microsoft employees. Each group focuses on a single product area. In addition to project work, you will participate in learning sessions, skill-building workshops, and mentorship conversations with Microsoft professionals.
6. Laboratory Learning Program at Princeton University
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
Cohort Size: Not explicitly stated, but highly selective
Dates: Varies by project; typically 5–6 weeks during summer (between June and August)
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old and must be enrolled in a U.S. high school, residing in the U.S., or a legal permanent resident.
Cost/Stipend: Free
The Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) at Princeton University offers high school students a full-time, in-person summer program that runs for 5–6 weeks. As a participant, you will be placed in an active research lab under the guidance of Princeton faculty and staff. Research schedules vary by lab but take place during standard weekday hours. Each student may apply to two research opportunities, and selection is competitive.
7. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of the Navy (DoN)
Location: Department of the Navy (DoN) laboratories across the United States (38+ labs nationwide)
Cohort Size: Approximately 300
Dates: 8-week summer internship (with possible 2-week extension)
Application Deadline: November
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen, currently enrolled in high school (sophomore, junior, or senior), and must be 16 years old
Cost/Stipend: Stipend is $4,000 for new participants & $4,500 for returning participants
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) provides high school students with the opportunity to work alongside scientists and engineers in the Department of the Navy (DoN) laboratories. Over eight weeks, you will contribute to research projects in fields such as cybersecurity, engineering, environmental science, and robotics. You will develop technical and problem-solving skills while gaining exposure to research methods and tools used in defense-related research. You will be matched with a mentor, and projects vary by lab but often involve data analysis, modeling, or experimental design. Some labs may also offer tours or site-specific activities that provide a broader view of naval science and its applications. This program is highly competitive, with around 300 placements across 38+ labs.
8. Columbia Engineering's Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE)
Location: Columbia University, New York City, New York
Cohort Size: Approximately 450 students (18 classes, ~25 students per class)
Dates: July
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: Rising sophomores to seniors and recent high school graduates who will be 16 or older by the start of the program
Cost/Stipend: Need-based scholarships available
Columbia Engineering’s Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) offers a structured introduction to college-level engineering through two intensive three-week sessions. SHAPE focuses on project-based learning led by faculty from Columbia University. You must choose one course per session, covering subjects like electrical, biomedical, or computer engineering. Classes include lab work, design challenges, and collaborative projects, giving you a practical understanding of STEM concepts.
9. BioBus Junior Scientist Internship
Location: BioBase Harlem, Manhattan, New York (available to NYC students city-wide)
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June – July
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade at a New York City high school. Cost/Stipend: Paid hourly stipend
The BioBus Junior Scientist Internship is a year-long paid research and teaching program for New York City high school students in grades 9–11. Based in Harlem, this 12-month internship begins in the summer and continues through the school year. It offers lab work in fields such as neuroscience, biology, plant biology, and optics. It begins with full-time research in the summer, where you’ll gain experience in experimental design, microscopy, and laboratory techniques. During the school year, you will meet weekly to develop your research projects and co-teach younger students through BioBus programs.
10. Biorocket Research Internship Program
Location: Genspace, New York City, New York
Cohort Size: 12
Dates: Spring Session: February – May; Summer Session: June – August;
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Must be 16 years or older, must live in or attend a NYC public or charter school within 45 minutes of Genspace
Cost/Stipend: $2,000 stipend
The Biorocket Research Internship Program is a six-month research experience for New York City public and charter high school students aged 16 and older. Hosted by Genspace, this internship blends lab training with science communication. You will learn genetic engineering and biology lab techniques, design a summer research project, and work with scientist mentors in a small cohort of 12 peers. The program begins with spring workshops focused on lab skills and public speaking, followed by an intensive summer session. Additionally, you will receive improv training to enhance your ability to communicate complex science topics to diverse audiences. You will also attend field trips to other research labs and biotech companies, gaining insight into scientific careers.
11. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR) Program
Location: Stanford University, California
Cohort Size: Approximately 50
Dates: June – July
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years old, are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and live in and attend high school in the U.S
Cost/Stipend: $40 application fee (waivable based on financial need); Stipend (minimum $500; up to $2,500+ based on financial need)
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week, paid research opportunity for high school students interested in biomedical research. You will work in labs across Stanford's medical institutes, engaging in projects under the mentorship of Stanford graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. You will be paired with a mentor to conduct medical research, gaining experience in laboratory techniques and data analysis. You can choose from eight research areas and may also opt for a bioengineering bootcamp focused on practical design challenges rather than lab work. The experience emphasizes day-to-day lab engagement and professional collaboration, offering an introduction to academic medicine and science.
12. Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, California
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Start date in June
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Must be a full-time 9th or 10th grade student in an SFUSD school with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, with a grade of C or better in science and math, and must be able to obtain a valid work permit
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; no cost to participate
The Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program is a paid, multi-year internship for San Francisco public high school students from groups underrepresented in STEM. Hosted by the California Academy of Sciences, the program begins in the 9th or 10th grade and continues through graduation, with participation opportunities available after school, on weekends, and during the summer. During your internship, you will assist with fieldwork, facilitate learning experiences in the museum, and support Academy events. Additionally, you will attend regular training sessions to develop your science communication skills and explore STEM careers through guest speakers and mentorship opportunities. The program may also cover financial literacy and college applications.
13. Research Science Institute (RSI) at the Center for Excellence in Education
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cohort Size: Approximately 100
Dates: Approx. June to July
Application Deadline: January
Eligibility: U.S. citizens and permanent residents entering the final year of high school with strong academic performance in math, science, and verbal skills
Cost/Stipend: Free; RSI is fully funded
The Research Science Institute (RSI), hosted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is one of the most selective STEM research opportunities for high school students. It brings together 100 students from around the world for a six-week summer experience focused on original research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. RSI begins with a week of academic seminars in disciplines like biology, physics, and mathematics. You will then spend four weeks conducting research under the guidance of mentors, often in MIT labs or nearby institutions. You will read advanced scientific literature, use professional computing tools, and engage in data analysis. Towards the end, you will write a research paper and present your findings to peers and faculty in a conference-style setting. RSI includes lectures by scientists, including Nobel laureates and tech innovators.
14. Geosciences Program at the University of Maryland
Location: University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), Princess Anne, Maryland
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July - August
Application Deadline: May
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors, U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents with a minimum 2.7 GPA
Cost/Stipend: $500 per week, paid bi-weekly. (Travel, housing, meals, and tuition for two college courses covered)
The Geosciences Bridge Program at the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore is a six-week paid summer internship for graduating high school seniors interested in geoscience-related fields. Funded by the National Science Foundation and NOAA, the program combines coursework with practical learning in oceanography, atmospheric science, marine biology, and GIS/remote sensing. You will take two for-credit college courses—College Algebra or Calculus I and a Freshman Seminar—before entering your first year of college. You will participate in field trips, lab-based activities, and lectures led by faculty and professionals. Through site visits and projects, you will explore topics like environmental science and marine geology.
15. LSMS Software Development Intern Under NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement
Location: Langley Research Center (LaRC), Hampton, Virginia
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Varies by session
Application Deadline: May
Eligibility: U.S. citizen of 16 years of age or older and a full-time student (high school through graduate level) with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Cost/Stipend: Paid
The LSMS Software Development Internship under NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement allows high school students to work on robotic systems for lunar construction. You will contribute to migrating software from a small-scale prototype of the Lightweight Surface Manipulation System (LSMS-L35) to a larger version (LSMS-L1000). This involves engineering challenges such as verifying dynamic models in simulation, developing control software, and integrating motion and sensing systems. If you are skilled in C++, Git, Linux, ROS 2, and simulation tools like Gazebo Ignition, you are a good match for this internship!
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!