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62 Best Research Opportunities for High School Students

June 2, 2024

Hands-on laboratory-based research experiences are coveted by just about every STEM-oriented teenager on the planet. Of course, this level of demand renders research opportunities for high school students a valuable and rare commodity. Fortunately, there are a number of reputable summer programs run by universities, government agencies, and private research laboratories that afford young scientists this highly sought-after experience. Research opportunities during the actual school year are more challenging to locate as colleges are, at that time, catering to their own students, and the rigidity of the high school calendar makes participation a further challenge.

What type of research opportunities can a high school student have, anyway?

Research opportunities for high school students can range from introductory to highly advanced. Some programs focus on teaching students the fundamental skills required for research while others place students with a real working research group and allow them to contribute to legitimate experiments and papers. Your level of involvement will depend on the university or organization’s policies, your mentor, your lab team, and the type of research being conducted.

What types of research experiences look best on college applications?

Authentic, laboratory-based research experiences that you get paid for are the hardest types of positions to nail down, primarily because very few of these spots are available. Moreover, such research groups are conducting serious work—consequently, they’re looking for serious, high-achieving students who will positively enhance their dynamic. Additionally, these positions typically require a longer time commitment, with students working full-time (or close to full-time) hours for several months or even years. As such, accepting one of these positions may limit the other types of summer opportunities that you can participate in. Finally, due to safety concerns and restrictions, you will likely need to be at least 16 years old to participate in many types of lab-based research.

On the flip side are research opportunities that you pay to be involved in, with some being more selective than others. Many families wonder if these programs offer legitimate research experience or are simply another way to capitalize off of the college admissions craze, and the answer is that you have to do your homework.

Although some research opportunities offer little in the way of experience, others are truly authentic opportunities to work with a mentor and delve into an area of interest for academic enrichment—no different than any other cost-based summer program. In these cases, the fact that a student prioritized their intellectual curiosity and spent several months seriously pursuing a topic of interest will be an excellent addition to their application. We’ve gone ahead and done the hard work for you—any one of the opportunities listed below is legitimate and worthy of investing your time and resources into.

How do I decide what types of research opportunities to apply for?

If conducting research is important to you, we recommend applying to a mix of highly selective and lesser selective programs to maximize your chances of being accepted to at least one. Beyond selectivity, it’s important to consider additional several factors:

  • Time commitment —Some programs may require a multi-week, full-time commitment over the summer. Others may require nights and weekends during the school year.
  • Time frame —Some programs are only available in the summer while others run year-round (sometimes for multiple years).
  • Cost/stipend —Do you have to pay for the program, or does the program pay you? Research whether the program will be a good fit for your financial situation, including how much it costs and if you’ll receive compensation for your work, either via academic credit or a paycheck. Note that many residential programs are cost-based while commuter programs that only accept local students are more likely to be fully funded and/or offer a stipend.
  • Location —Evaluate whether you’d like to attend a local program, are willing to travel to a residential program, or would prefer a virtual option.
  • Level of mentor interaction —During some programs, you’ll be closely supported by PhD faculty members, while others may be run by graduate or postdoc students and require students to be more independent.
  • Opportunity to publish or enter research competitions —If publishing research or submitting your project/paper to a research competition is important to you, you’ll want to look into whether the program prepares you for that venture.

Our list includes a bevy of summer program choices as well as year-long internships and apprenticeships. We’ve divided the list into three sections: Virtual, Residential/Multi-Location, and Location-Specific.

For each entry, we list the geographic location of the program, the time frame and length of the program, any associated costs or stipends, and the eligibility criteria for participation.

Virtual Research Opportunities for High School Students

Virtual research opportunities for high school students offer ultimate flexibility, in regard to time commitment as well as subject matter.

1) Polygence

  • Location : Virtual
  • Timeframe : Academic year and/or summer
  • Length: 2-6 months
  • Cost : $495-$3,695
  • Eligibility: No age restrictions

For high school students who want to showcase authentic passion on their college applications, Polygence offers the most personalized and flexible online research program that helps students turn their interests into unique research projects. Accordingly, they pair intellectually curious students with PhD-level mentors to design experiments, build robots, create podcasts, write original screenplays, and publish in peer-reviewed journals in all fields from the humanities to STEM. All 1:1 programs include ten meetings with a mentor in your chosen field as well as a self-selected project topic and outcome, which could include a research paper, a prototype, or a creative piece of work.

A multitude of personalized options are available, including additional brainstorming sessions, time with a specialist who will guide the student through the publishing or research competition process, and academic credit through UCI x GATI. Moreover, Polygence’s Pods program allows students to work with like-minded peers in a group setting.

Sound like a good fit? College Transitions readers can save $50 on their Polygence package.

Research areas available include:

  • Computer science, engineering, AI, & game design
  • Biology, biotech, chemistry, neuroscience, and physics
  • Medicine, surgery, dentistry, and public health
  • Business, finance, and economics
  • Math, statistics, sports analytics, and quantitative analysis
  • Psychology, psychiatry, cognitive science, and social sciences
  • Creative writing, history, philosophy, and literature
  • Animation, the arts, fashion, photography, and dance

Residential/Multi-Location Research Programs

In the following section, we’ve outlined programs that are residential or offer opportunities in multiple locations, making them more accessible to a wider array of students.

Programs are organized alphabetically by discipline.

Biology Research Opportunities for High School Students

2) university of chicago research in the biological sciences (ribs).

  • Location : Chicago, IL
  • Timeframe : Summer
  • Length: 4 weeks
  • Cost : $14,000
  • Eligibility: Current sophomores and juniors

In UChicago’s highly selective RIBS program, students practice a range of molecular, microbiological, and cell biological research techniques. The goal? To prepare them to work in a research laboratory. Accordingly, for the first two weeks, students undergo basic training in lab skills and techniques. Then, they spend the final two weeks of the course immersed in an independent research project. At the end of the course, they present the project during a research forum. Moreover, students can expect weekly writing assignments and seminars. To be competitive, students should have a demonstrated interest in science as well as top grades in those classes.

Biomedical Research Programs for High School Students

3) rosetta institute of biomedical research molecular medicine workshops.

  • Location : Berkeley; San Diego; Columbia; London; virtual
  • Length: 2 weeks
  • Cost : $3,580-$4,180 (residential); $2,280-$2,480 (commuter); $430-1,050 (online)
  • Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18

Curious about biomedical research but not ready to pursue a full-blown lab internship? Rosetta Institute offers a number of residential and online two-week programs that introduce high schoolers to topics in medicine, drug development, pharmacy, and nursing. For example, current workshops include Medicinal Chemistry, Neurological Bioinformatics, and Molecular Biology of Cancer. All students are taught by PhD-level instructors and complete an original research project.

Chemistry Research Opportunities for High School Students

4) american chemical society — project seed.

  • Location : Multiple
  • Length: 8-10 weeks
  • Cost : Free, and students receive a $4,000 stipend
  • Eligibility: All high school students whose families meet annual income requirements, but preferably current sophomores, juniors, or seniors

Having been operational for more than fifty years, Project SEED (Summer Experiences for the Economically Disadvantaged) runs programs at over 350 institutions and has served over 12,000 students. The goal of the program is to empower a diverse cohort of high school students to conduct hands-on research experience in the chemical sciences. Accordingly, all students work full-time on meaningful independent or small group projects, are closely guided by a mentor, and either write a report or do a poster presentation at the end of their fellowship.

Genetics Research Opportunities for High School Students

5) jackson lab summer student program.

  • Location : Bar Harbor, ME or Farmington, CT
  • Length: 10 weeks
  • Cost : Free, and students receive a $6,500 stipend plus funded room, board, and travel
  • Eligibility: High school seniors can apply to the Bar Harbor program, while eligible undergrads can apply to either program.

Hoping to design and execute an original independent research project? You’ll be able to do just that through Jackson Lab’s Summer Student Program, which immerses students in one of seven areas: bioinformatics and computational biology, cancer, developmental biology and aging, genomics, immunology and infectious disease, metabolic diseases, and neurobiology and sensory deficits. Moreover, students are closely guided by a mentor and present their research at the end of the summer. Finally, the application process is intense and competitive, requiring two letters of recommendation, a transcript, a resume, evidence of a strong interest in genetics and genomics, and four essay responses.

Pre-Health Research Opportunities for High School Students

6) national institutes of health high school summer internship program.

  • Location : Research groups are available at many of NIH’s 27 institutes and centers , including the main campus in Bethesda, MD
  • Cost : Free; all students receive a stipend
  • Eligibility: High school seniors age 17+

Through their HS-SIP Program, the National Institutes of Health places high school students in full-time research positions within their many active research groups. Subject areas include biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences, and are geared toward students who are interested in pursuing research and healthcare. Moreover, students can take part in Summer Poster Day, where they present their research to the NIH community. They also have access to professional development programs and educational/career advising.

Note that this research opportunity for high school students is extremely competitive; approximately 7% of applicants are ultimately accepted. Finally, if you are under the age of 18 when you participate in the program, you will need to live within 40 miles of the campus that you’d like to intern at.

STEM/Humanities Research Opportunities for High School Students

7) army educational outreach program—high school internships.

  • Location : Various
  • Timeframe : All Year
  • Length: 3 months
  • Cost : Free, and all interns receive a stipend
  • Eligibility: All current high school students. Some sites may have additional eligibility requirements.

With programs currently available in twenty states, the Army Educational Outreach Program places high school students in university research labs or at a US Army Research Laboratory/Center. Each site has its own technical focus, from biology and materials science to cybersecurity and AI. Regardless of specialty, all interns receive formal mentorship from a professional scientist or engineer, have access to high-tech equipment, and work on relevant research that addresses a current major challenge.

8) Boston University RISE

  • Location : Boston, MA
  • Length: 6 weeks
  • Cost : $5,350 plus room & board
  • Eligibility: Current high school juniors

A residential program located on the Boston University campus, RISE offers high school students the opportunity to conduct laboratory research in one of two tracks: Internship or Practicum. Students in the Internship track work full-time on a research project that aligns with their interests, and are mentored by a faculty member, postdoc fellow, or grad student. 15 subject areas are available, including astronomy, mechanical engineering, medical laboratory research, and nutrition. Alternatively, Practicum students work in small groups on structured research related to systems neuroscience and neurobiology.

Research Opportunities for High School Students—Continued

9) michigan state high school honors science, math and engineering program.

  • Location : East Lansing, MI
  • Length: 7 weeks
  • Cost : $4,000

HSHSP is a highly selective, residential program where students can pursue research opportunities in science, engineering, and mathematics. After learning more about the research process, students deeply explore a problem of interest while engaging in an authentic (not “fail-proof”) research experience. Along the way, they’ll work with professionals and peers in their field of interest. Finally, many students have gone on to publish their work or be recognized at prestigious research competitions.

10) MIT Research Science Institute

  • Location : Cambridge, MA
  • Cost : Free
  • Eligibility: High school juniors

With a combined focus on academic coursework and hands-on research, RSI students first take one week of STEM coursework with MIT professors. Here, they’ll learn about current research topics in biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, physics, and the humanities. Then, for the remaining five weeks, students “experience the entire research cycle start to finish.” During this time, they participate in an intensive, mentored individual project experience that culminates in a written and oral presentation.

The program looks for students who are exceptionally academically talented. As such, the application process is quite intensive. PSAT Math scores must be over 740 and ACT Math scores must be over 33. In addition, students must write several essays, acquire teacher recommendations, and provide transcripts. Ultimately, only 100 students are accepted.

11) NASA Internship Programs

  • Location : Various; there are 15 centers and facilities in the US. Remote opportunities may also be available.
  • Timeframe : Available during the fall, spring, and summer
  • Length: 10-16 weeks, depending on session
  • Cost : Free; the majority of interns receive a stipend, but some are unpaid
  • Eligibility: High school students aged 16+

NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers a number of internship opportunities for high school students. Available projects change each year and are location-specific, and not every NASA center will offer internship opportunities every session. That said, current projects span a range of subject areas, including Climate Change in the Hudson Estuary and Characterizing the Urban Land Surface Temperature. During the research internship, students will be closely mentored by a research scientist, engineer, or other professional. Note that you will need to make your own housing arrangements if you are not a local student.

Are you an undergraduate student? Check out NASA Pathways , which can provide a direct transition into full-time employment at NASA.

12) Smith College Summer Science and Engineering Program

  • Location : Northampton, MA
  • Length: 2-4 weeks
  • Cost : $4,745 (2 weeks); $8,082 (4 weeks)
  • Eligibility: Female high school students in grades 9-12; some programs have specific prerequisites

Fun fact: Smith was the first women’s college to create a program in engineering science. As such, their summer programs are an excellent place for young women to participate in hands-on, introductory research experiences. Two-week sessions are offered, and students can take one or both. Each session offers six distinct course choices. For example, the first session offers Chemistry of Herbal Medicine, Designing Intelligent Robots, and Novel Bacteriophage Discovery. Second session courses include Where the Body Meets the Mind, Supercontinents, Rocks, and Fossils, and the Art and Science of Microcontrollers. Students spend five days a week in class, attending lectures and conducting experiments & fieldwork. Additionally, the program is team-based, allowing students to learn from each other’s ideas and perspectives.

13) Stony Brook University Garcia Center Research Experience for High School Students

  • Location : Stony Brook, NY
  • Timeframe : Summer (with possible academic year continuation)
  • Cost : $4,000 plus room & board

At the Garcia Center for Polymers at Engineered Interfaces, high school students can design an original research project in polymer science and technology during an intensive seven-week summer program. Uniquely, the research can then be continued during the academic year under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Students should be highly motivated and high-achieving, with at least three upper-level science courses under their belt. Finally, past participants have regularly published their research and won recognition in national competitions.

14) Stony Brook University Simons Summer Research Program

  • Cost : Students need to cover transportation costs (if commuting) or room/board (if residential). Room/board is $2,781. Stipends are also awarded at the end of the program.

After being matched with a mentor and research team, students are fully immersed in the research process. Placement availability varies from year to year, but typically about thirty projects are available across over a dozen disciplines. These include biochemistry, computer science, geosciences, and pharmacological sciences, among others. Moreover, some have prerequisites, such as specific AP courses or previous programming experience.

All students participate in weekly faculty research talks, workshops, events, and a culminating poster symposium.

15) Summer Science Program

  • Location : Astrophysics: UNC Chapel Hill, University of Colorado, Georgia College & State University, New Mexico State University; Biochemistry: Purdue, Indiana University; Genomics: Georgetown, Purdue, New Mexico State; Synthetic Chemistry : Southwestern Oklahoma State University
  • Cost : $8,800 max; all program fees are scaled according to what each family can afford
  • Eligibility: Current high school juniors and exceptional sophomores

The Summer Science Program offers four different immersive research programs that take place on different college campuses around the country. These include programs in astrophysics, biochemistry, genomics, and synthetic chemistry. Each program has its own research focus. For example, astrophysics students will dive into Asteroid Orbit Determination while genomics students explore Antibiotic Resistance and Directed Evolution.

Students spend six days a week in class deeply investigating their research topics and learning more about general experimental science. They also take part in guest lectures and other special programming.

16) Texas Tech University Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

  • Location : Lubbock, TX
  • Cost : Free; all students receive a $750 stipend upon completion of their projects
  • Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors aged 17+ by the start of the program

The Clark Scholars Program is one of the only programs on this list with research disciplines in the sciences as well as the humanities. For example, current research areas include everything from nutritional sciences and mechanical engineering to history. Over the course of seven weeks, students work closely with a faculty member to complete a research paper in their discipline. They also participate in weekly seminars, discussions, and field trips.

17) University of California Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program

  • Location : Santa Barbara, CA
  • Cost : $11,874 (residential); $4,975 (commuter)
  • Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors

During this intensive program, students work 35-50 hours per week on an interdisciplinary research project of their choice. Nearly thirty research areas are available in both the STEM disciplines and humanities; current topics include biochemistry, computer science, history, music, and anthropology, among others. Over the course of the program, they also take two courses: Introduction to Research and Presentation Techniques. Finally, students occasionally continue their research remotely during the academic year, depending on their mentor’s availability.

18) University of California Santa Barbara Summer Research Academies

  • Cost : $8,224 (residential); $2,575 (commuter)
  • Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors

Running for four weeks, the UCSB Summer Research Academies allow students to earn up to four credits. While taking a university-level course that teaches fundamental research concepts, students spend the first two weeks of the program developing a research question & framework via hands-on labs. They’ll then spend the final two weeks of the course analyzing their results and building presentations. Overall, they’ll spend about 25-40 hours per week working. Finally, twelve different tracks are available; each involves multiple disciplines. For example, “Bionic Creatures” combines mechanical engineering, materials science, soft robotics, biomanufacturing, and collective motion.

19) University of California Santa Cruz Science Internship Program (SIP)

  • Location : Santa Cruz, CA
  • Length: 9 weeks (two weeks virtual, seven weeks in-person)
  • Cost : $4,750 plus room & board
  • Eligibility: High school students aged 14+, although some research groups require students to be 16+

UCSC’s SIP Program offers a wide range of research focus areas, including science and engineering as well as social science, humanities, and art. For example, over 100 projects are currently offered that include everything from “Eating Insects in Silicon Valley: Cultural Gaps Between Food-Tech and Tradition” and “Future Projected Changes in the Distribution and Variability of Ocean Chlorophyll in Climate Simulations.” Before you dive in, you’ll spend two weeks doing online research prep (this part is conducted remotely) followed by seven weeks of in-person, mentored research. Students get to engage in authentic, open-ended projects that fully immerse them in the academic research experience. Moreover, they’ll present their findings at a symposium at the end of the program.

20) University of California Davis Young Scholars Program

  • Location : Davis, CA
  • Cost : $6,750
  • Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who will be 16+ by the start of the program

Interested in biological, agricultural, environmental, or natural sciences? If so, UC Davis is a stellar place to explore those interests through research. All students have the opportunity to work on independent, original projects while receiving one-on-one faculty mentorship. Moreover, they each produce a journal-quality paper and symposium presentation. In addition to research, students also participate in a lecture series presented by UC Davis faculty; past topics have included forensic entomology and nutrition, among others. Finally, field trips to educational facilities like the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Bodega Bay Marine Laboratory round out the experience.

21) University of Florida Student Science Training Program

  • Location : Gainesville, FL
  • Cost : $5,200
  • Eligibility: Rising seniors aged 16+

Thinking about a career in science, medicine, math, computer science, or engineering? UF’s Student Science Training Program could be the right fit. For thirty hours per week, you’ll work with a faculty mentor and lab team on university-level, ongoing research. Moreover, you’ll participate in a science lecture series as well as a UF Honors Program seminar class. Over the course of the program, you will write a research paper, present a poster, and give two oral presentations. Finally, social programming is included.

22) University of Iowa Secondary Student Training Program

  • Location : Iowa City, IA
  • Cost : $7,500

During this intensive and competitive program, students conduct research within small groups that are supported by a University of Iowa faculty member. There are twenty current active research areas, including chemistry, geography, neurology, orthopedics & rehabilitation, and religious studies. You’ll be working on your project approximately seven hours per day, attending classes in the evenings, and participating in structured activities on the weekend. Moreover, all groups will create and present a poster at the culmination of the program.

23) University of Massachusetts Amherst Summer Programs

  • Location : Amherst, MA
  • Cost : $3,636 (residential); $2,167 (commuter)
  • Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors

UMass Amherst offers two introductory, research-focused opportunities for high school students. These are Antibiotic Resistance: A Global Health Crisis, which allows students to join the Department of Microbiology in researching new antibiotics, and Energy Without Borders, which delves into climate change, infrastructure, and green energy. In both courses, you’ll learn research methods, complete multiple lab experiences, and present a research poster. Finally, students can earn two college credits upon successful completion of the program.

Location-Specific Research Opportunities for High School Students

The following programs are not residential and only offered in a specific location. Many also only accept local students, although some do allow out-of-state students to apply. If that’s the case, you will need to secure your own living accommodations and transportation. Moreover, if you are under the age of 18, you will need to be supervised by a parent or guardian.

Programs are organized alphabetically by state.

24) California Academy of the Sciences—Careers in Science Intern

  • Location : San Francisco, CA
  • Focus: STEM
  • Length: Multi-year (2-3 years)
  • Eligibility: 9 th or 10 th grade student enrolled in an SFUSD school with a GPA of 2.5 or higher

25) Cedars Sinai INSPIRE High School

  • Location : Los Angeles, CA
  • Focus: Pre-Health
  • Cost : Free; all students are paid
  • Eligibility: High school students age 16+

26) City of Hope Summer Student Academy

  • Location : Duarte, CA
  • Focus: Biomedicine
  • Cost : Free; all students receive a stipend of $4,000

27) Sandia National Laboratories—Internships

  • Location : Livermore, CA
  • Focus : STEM
  • Timeframe : Academic year and summer internships available
  • Length: Academic year or 10-12 weeks (summer)
  • Cost : Free; all positions are paid

28) Scripps Student Research Internship Program

  • Location : La Jolla, CA
  • Focus : Translational science/genomics
  • Cost : Free; stipends are typically offered

29) UCSF SEP High School Intern Program

  • Focus : Biomedical research
  • Length: 8 weeks
  • Eligibility: High school juniors enrolled in an SFUSD high school, SF charter school, or College Track San Francisco

30) UCSF Summer Student Research Program

  • Location : Oakland, CA
  • Length: 9 weeks
  • Cost : Free; all students are given a stipend between $3,000-$4,300
  • Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors, aged 16+

Connecticut

31) jackson lab academic year fellowships.

  • Location : Farmington, CT*
  • Focus: Genetics
  • Timeframe : Academic year
  • Length: 1 school year
  • Cost : Free; students must be able to receive academic credit for their work
  • Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors age 16+ within commuting distance of the lab

*Some fully remote opportunities are available

32) Yale School of Medicine Discovery to Cure High School Internship

  • Location : New Haven, CT

33) Yale University Social Robotics Lab High School Internship

  • Focus: Robotics and human social behavior
  • Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors aged 16+

34) Argonne National Laboratory — Exemplary Student Research Program

  • Location : Lemont, IL
  • Focus: Engineering
  • Eligibility: Application must be completed by participating teacher

35) Chicago EYES on Cancer

  • Focus : Biomedicine
  • Timeframe : All year, with two 8-week summer research experiences
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost : Free; all students receive $3,100 stipend
  • Eligibility: High school sophomore, junior, or senior aged 16+

36) University of Kansas Biotech Research Apprentice Program

  • Location : Overland Park, KS
  • Focus : Biotech
  • Length: Semester

37) Jackson Lab Academic Year Fellowships

  • Location : Bar Harbor, ME*

38) National Cancer Institute Werner H. Kirsten Student Internship Program

  • Location : Frederick, MD
  • Timeframe : Academic year & summer
  • Length: 1 year
  • Cost : Free; academic credit available during school year, stipend provided in summer
  • Eligibility: High school junior age 17+ who attends an eligible school located within a 30-mile radius of campus

39) University of Minnesota Lillehei Heart Institute Summer Research Scholars Program

  • Location : Minneapolis, MN
  • Focus: Cardiovascular medicine
  • Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors age 16+ as well as undergraduate students

40) Coriell Institute for Medical Research

  • Location : Camden, NJ
  • Eligibility: High school student aged 17+

41) Princeton Laboratory Learning Program

  • Location : Princeton, NJ
  • Focus : Natural Sciences or Engineering
  • Length: 5-6 weeks

42) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory High School Internship

  • Location : Princeton, NJ*
  • Focus : Physics
  • Eligibility: High school seniors (program takes place summer after graduation)

*Remote projects may be available.

43) Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science Summer Research Program (RITMS)

  • Location : Rutgers, NJ
  • Focus : Translational medicine/science

44) Rutgers Waksman Institute Summer Experience Program

  • Location : Piscataway, NJ*
  • Focus : Molecular biology/bioinformatics
  • Cost : $2,000
  • Eligibility: High school students who have completed a high school-level biology course

*Online version of the program is also available

45) Los Alamos National Laboratory High School Internship Program

  • Location : Los Alamos, NM
  • Length: 11 weeks
  • Eligibility: New Mexico high school seniors aged 16+

46) Sandia National Laboratories—Internships

  • Location : Albuquerque, NM

47) Baruch College STEM Research Academy

  • Location : New York, NY
  • Timeframe : Spring/summer
  • Cost : Free, but all students receive a stipend of $1,575
  • Eligibility: Must be a NYC public high school sophomore junior to apply

48) Burke Neurological Institute NeuroAcademy

  • Location : White Plains, NY
  • Focus: Neuroscience
  • Eligibility: Completion of NYS Regents Living Environment or equivalent Biology class; cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher

49) City Tech College STEM Research Academy

  • Length: Two semesters (January-August)
  • Eligibility: NYC public school sophomore or junior

50) Columbia Zuckerman Institute—BRAINYAC Program

  • Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors from select partner programs/schools in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx

51) HOPP Summer Student Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

  • Focus: Biomedical or computational research
  • Eligibility: High school students aged 14+

52) University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics Summer High School Research Program

  • Location : Rochester, NY
  • Focus: Laser energetics
  • Eligibility: Rochester-area high school students who have completed their junior year

53) Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute

  • Location : Cleveland, OH
  • Timeframe : Varies; depends on lab
  • Length: Varies; depends on lab

54) OHSU School of Medicine Partnership for Scientific Inquiry (PSI)

  • Location : Portland, OR
  • Focus: Biomedical research
  • Timeframe : Academic semester + summer
  • Length: 16+ weeks
  • Eligibility: Oregon-based high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors aged 16+

Pennsylvania

55) fox chase cancer center high school research programs.

  • Location : Philadelphia, PA
  • Timeframe : During school year
  • Length: 2-3 months; depends on program
  • Eligibility: Philadelphia-area high school students; students must be 16+ for some programs

56) Penn State College of Medicine Research Internships

  • Location : Hershey, PA
  • Length: Varies; could be weeks to months depending on lab
  • Cost : Paid and unpaid internships available

57) University of Pennsylvania GRASP Lab High School Internships

  • Focus: Robotics
  • Cost : Free; stipend typically available
  • Eligibility: Rising high school senior

58) George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Internship Program (ASSIP)

  • Location : Fairfax, VA*
  • Eligibility: High school students aged 15+ or 16+, depending on program

*Some fully remote and hybrid opportunities are available, depending on the lab.

59) Jefferson Lab High School Summer Honors Program

  • Location : Newport News, VA
  • Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ who live within 60 miles of the lab

60) Virginia Tech Fralin Biomedical Research Institute Summer Research Program

  • Location : Roanoke, VA
  • Focus: Health behaviors research
  • Cost : Free; all students receive a stipend of $4,800
  • Eligibility: Rising high school junior or senior in the Roanoke Valley

61) Pacific Northwest National Laboratory High School Research Programs

  • Location : Richland, WA
  • Timeframe : Summer & academic year programs available
  • Length: Academic year or 10 weeks (summer)
  • Eligibility: High school students aged 16+; some labs may require students to be 18+

62) Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Training Program

  • Location : Seattle, WA
  • Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors within commuting distance of downtown Seattle

Final Thoughts—Research Opportunities for High School Students

If gaining research experience is important to you, it’s in your best interest to explore a number of different programs, evaluating whether their structure, length, cost, and outcomes are in line with your goals. Finding the right opportunity may take some time, but it will be well worth the effort required.

  • Research Programs

Kelsea Conlin

Kelsea holds a BA in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from Tufts University, a graduate certificate in College Counseling from UCLA, and an MA in Teaching Writing from Johns Hopkins University. Her short fiction is forthcoming in Chautauqua .

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  • 11 min read

26 Summer Research Programs for High School Students in 2024

Research is becoming one of the most important ways for high school students to spend their time during the summer. Often considered a tier 1 or tier 2 extracurricular, using College Vine’s ranking system , research experience is a distinctive advantage in the college admission process, and has become an important activity on college applications. A research project has an even higher impact for high school students if the program that they attend is selective, or the research they do is published or reaches a broader audience.

In this post, we outline 25 summer research programs that high school students can apply to this summer. Some of these are free and some of them charge tuition.

25 High School Summer Research Opportunities in 2023:

1.   Lumiere Research Scholar Program

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program stands as a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. Stemming from the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, renowned for its extensive one-on-one research opportunities for high school students, the foundation provides the same access to independent research experiences at zero cost.

In our flagship program, we pair talented high-school students with world-class Ph.D.   mentors  to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project . At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can  apply  here !

Cost : Need-based scholarship available

2. Veritas AI   - AI Fellowship

Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI a suitable environment to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship.  These programs are designed and run by Harvard graduate students and alumni and you can expect a great, fulfilling educational experience. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. 

The   AI Fellowship  program will have students pursue their own independent AI research project. Students work on their own individual research projects over a period of 12-15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. In the past, students have worked on research papers in the field of AI & medicine, AI & finance, AI & environmental science, AI & education, and more! You can find examples of previous projects here . 

$1,790 for the 10-week AI Scholars program

$4,900 for the 12-15 week AI Fellowship 

$4,700 for both

Need-based financial aid is available. You can apply here . 

3. Horizon 

Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! You note that Horizon is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research!  Once you select a particular subject track as well as the type of research you wish to carry out, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar from a reputed universities who act as mentor throughout your research journey.  As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. 

This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar.  The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects. Apply here !

Location : Virtual 

Application Date: May 21, 2024, for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024, for the fall cohort 

Program Dates: 

Summer seminar - June 24, 2024 - September 2, 2024

Fall seminar - October 23, 2024 - February 19, 2025

Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.

Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here .

4. Spark Summer Internship Program (Spark SIP)

A program for students interested in computer science and related fields, Spark SIP offers students the opportunity to learn from and connect with prominent industry professionals, while undertaking research in real-world settings through the internship program. The program requires a student to be able to work full-time (30-40 hours per work) for 8-12 weeks throughout the summer to be eligible to participate. The program offers a maximum stipend of $500.

5. Research Science Institute (RSI)

RSI is generally considered the most selective research program for high school students in STEM. This program, hosted jointly by MIT and CEE, accepts about 80 students each year. In the program, students work with a Boston-based researcher on an independent project. At the end of the program, students then present their research to the broader community in a conference style. In 2019, there were about 1600 applicants for 80 spots or around a 5% acceptance rate for the program.

6. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

This program combines college-level workshops and lab research in subjects such as civil and urban engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering, and robotics. It is open to high school sophomores and juniors. Students can get supervision from graduate or postdoctoral students at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering over the course of seven weeks. Students will also receive presentation and public speaking training from ARISE's partners at Irondale Ensemble Project, and will present their research findings to NYU faculty and graduate students, ARISE peers, other academic experts, family members, and friends at the program's concluding colloquium. A stipend of at least $750 is provided to each participant.

7. California Academy of Science Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program

This long-running program, which began in 1996, allows San Francisco students from underrepresented populations in STEM professions to learn about science and sustainability while also receiving mentorship, building professional skills, and more – all while being compensated for their efforts. Throughout the program, students also participate in seminars and conferences.

8. Simons Summer Research Program  

Conducted from June 27th to July 29th this year, the Simons Summer Research Program gives high school students the opportunity to undertake hands-on research in a variety of disciplines, ranging from science and math to engineering. Students can join research teams, collaborate with faculty members, learn about laboratory equipment and methodologies, and get to fully experience life at a research university. Students must be 16+ to be eligible for application, and obtain 2 letters of recommendation. The program has an acceptance rate of about 8%. Students receive a stipend for their participation.

 Cost: None

9. Secondary Student Training Program (SSTP) (University of Iowa)

Designed for advanced students in their sophomore and junior years, this program is highly selective, and offers students the chance to conduct research in a wide list of fields ranging from Biochemistry to Religious Studies. Participants are placed under the guidance of a faculty mentor, and get to work in the laboratories of the University of Iowa campus. The length of the program is 5 weeks. Applications for this program close on February 18th.

Cost: $6395

10. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

The Clark Scholars Program is a 6 week long comprehensive research program, giving students the opportunity to conduct research in practically every field, from accounting to dance to philosophy and everything in between. One-on-one research with academics, as well as weekly seminars, discussions, and field visits, are all part of the curriculum. With just 12 students selected each year, the Clark Scholars Program is very competitive. Applicants must be 17+ by the program start date. The program offers a stipend of $750. The application for this year closes on February 16th.

11. Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)

PROMYS offers a 6 week long program for mathematically gifted students. The curriculum emphasizes exploration and discovery. Students in this program, which is open to all high school students above the age of 14, attend lectures, advanced seminars, conduct mathematical research, and work on problem sets alone or in groups. Each year, about 80 applications are accepted. The application deadline for PROMYS this year is March 15th.

Cost: $5,150 (financial aid is available for families earning under $60,000 per year)

12. University of Illinois High School STEM Research Program

This program is for rising high school juniors and seniors. Students are offered research experience in areas of various STEM fields, such as cancer immunology, pharmacogenomics of anticancer agents, physics, biophysics, bioengineering, and electrical engineering. Those accepted into the program are matched with another student and a teacher from the field of their choice. The program is 6 weeks long, with a required time commitment of 30-35 hours per week.

13. The Summer Science Program (SSP)

SSP is a research-based, intensive program that has been running since 1959 and is administered and maintained by alumni. Students participate in classroom work, lab sessions, guest lectures, and field trips in one of three available programs: Astrophysics, Biochemistry, or Genomics. Admission to SSP, which is open to current sophomores and juniors, is competitive, with a 10% acceptance rate.

Cost: $7,450 (financial aid is available for families earning under $70,000 per year)

14. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Students at SIMR collaborate with Stanford academics and researchers to conduct medical research. Students select one of eight study fields and are then allocated to a lab where they receive one-on-one mentorship. The program is open to current juniors and seniors, and is 8 weeks long. Each year, about 50 students are accepted. Students must be 16 years or older at the start of the program. Participants are given a minimum stipend of $500.

15. Memorial Sloan Kettering Summer Student Program

Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) offers a Summer Student Program for students to conduct independent research projects, while participating in extracurricular activities, training, and other possibilities. Students are guided by a postdoctoral fellow, graduate student, or research technician during the 8 week program. Once the program concludes, students present their projects at a poster symposium. Applications for the 2023 program are open till January 6, 2023.

16. Research in Materials Science Program (RIMS)

RIMS, which is hosted by the City University of New York’s Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC), allows students to conduct research in ASRC facilities. They also attend professional development workshops during the 8-week program. Students earn a stipend for their participation, and admission is very competitive.

17. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program

The Jackson Laboratory Student Summer Program is a 10 week genetics and genomics research program for undergraduates and high school students who are 18 years old and have finished grade 12 at the time of enrollment (current seniors can apply). Only around 40 students, or about 3% of those who apply, are accepted each year. Students spend the summer engaged in an independent research project under the guidance of a mentor, with the goal of presenting their findings at the conclusion of the program. The program offers a stipend of $6000.

18. Perimeter Institute International Summer School for Young Physicists (ISSYP)

ISSYP is a summer program for current juniors and seniors who are interested in theoretical physics and want to pursue it in college. Students attend Perimeter Institute experts' talks on the newest theoretical physics issues, as well as short courses, keynote speeches, and mentorship sessions. ISSYP is a very competitive program that only accepts 30–40 students each year. While ISSYP used to be hosted at the Perimeter Institute in Waterloo, Ontario, it is now an entirely online program.

19. Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)

Offered by Carnegie Mellon University, SAMS is for current sophomores and juniors from underrepresented backgrounds who want to earn college credit while "developing mastery of fundamental ideas in higher-level collegiate math and science." Classroom training, hands-on research projects, and professional and academic development courses are all part of SAMS. The program is 6 weeks long. Students engage in a rigorous curriculum taught by Carnegie Mellon University faculty.

20. National Institute of Health High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)

HS-SIP provides high school students with the opportunity to do full-time biomedical research at NIH facilities, working alongside world-renowned professionals. Applicants must be juniors or seniors at the time of application and 17 years old at the commencement of the program to be considered. HS-SIP is extremely competitive, with only around 15% of candidates being accepted. The program length is 8 weeks, and offers a stipend of $2080 per month.

21. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program

The Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship is an 8 week-long, full-time internship for rising high school senior students. The program is specifically designed for students from underrepresented communities, who are interested in the field of biomedical science. Along with receiving hands-on training on laboratory safety techniques and skills in the Fred Hutch Training Labs, students also participate in research education seminars, attend professional development workshops, and receive mentorship from Fred Hutch research groups. Applications for 2023 will open on February 1st. Students receive a stipend for their participation.

22. Rockefeller Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)

This summer program takes place at the Rockefeller University and is a full-time in-person research program from June 27 - August 11 (tentatively). Students must be 16+ at time of application to be eligible and must be a current high school junior or senior. The program requires a letter of recommendation. Applications close early for this program (usually the fall of the summer before), so be sure to apply early!

23. Coriell Institute For Medical Research Summer Experience

The Coriell Institute is a leader in stem cell research and genetic discoveries. Select students are invited to participate in the four-week Summer Experience, which allows them to work with world-renowned scientists and researchers. Students attend staff lectures, conduct independent research, learn data analysis, attend a resume-building session, and present their findings in a final presentation. The program gives participants the opportunity to work in Coriell's Cytogenomics and Stem Cell labs while also receiving a $1,000 stipend. Before beginning the program, students must be 17 years old.

24. Howard Hughes Medical Institute Jump Start Program

This STEM program selects a group of 50 students to the University of Maryland campus for a week-long summer program focusing on biomedical science research. Seminars and professional development sessions are available to students. Junior and senior students who have completed AP Biology and Chemistry curriculum before enrolling are eligible to participate in the program. Transcripts and a letter of reference from a scientific instructor are required, as well as a personal statement describing an event or person that sparked the student’s interest in science.

25. City Of Hope Cancer Center Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy

This 10-week program selects 100 students each year from a field of over 2000 applicants. Selected students are compensated for their time with a $4,000 stipend. Alongside attending seminars and laboratory sessions with the staff, students can create their own research biomedical projects under the recognized mentoring of the City of Hope facilitators. The curriculum ends in the completion of a research paper, which is then presented at the end of the program. Students must be 16 years old before their first day on campus and have completed chemistry and biology classes in high school before applying.

Bonus options:

BioResearch Academy is a fully residential program that takes take place at Emmanuel College in Boston (July 5th - 18th). The program is designed for high school students who are interested in biological sciences. The program has been developed by Dr. Sam Kunes who has been on the faculty of Harvard University for 30 years where he teaches cell biology and neuroscience.

Cost: $5,500 (including housing, meals and other activities)

How to find research opportunities:

Consider applying to multiple research programs or reaching out to faculty members by cold-emailing/calling them for a research project. The key is to stay wide and open to a variety of areas.

Most research programs do not have a path to then publish your research. Publications can be a long and difficult process, but if it’s of interest, you can learn about the path to publication here.

25. UC San Diego Academic Connections Research Scholars

This summer program selects 25 students to work on research, individually with a UCSD faculty researcher, in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or Nanotechnology. Students receive access to laboratories on campus. The program is available to rising sophomore, junior, and senior students. The program lasts 6 weeks.

Cost: $4200

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

Handsonresearch

Hands-On Experience

World

World-Class Research

mentor

Field Trips and Events

Stanford institutes of medicine summer research program, program description.

The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week program in which high school students with a broad range of experiences, interests and backgrounds are invited to perform basic research with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students and researchers on a medically-oriented project. The goals of the program include increasing interest in biological sciences and medicine in high school students and helping students to understand how scientific research is performed.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS  

ALL 3 of the following requirements must be met (no exceptions):

1) Students must currently be juniors or seniors at the time of application (as of the spring of 2024).  Students must be in the graduating class of 2024 or 2025.

2) Students must also be  16 years old or older  by the start of the program.

3)  Students must currently be living in and attending school in the U.S. AND must be  U.S. citizens or permanent residents  with a green card in order to apply.

Important Note:  Please read the MISSION link on the lefthand panel.  The selection process will heavily favor local (Bay Area) students. Please visit the FAQ for more information.  Also, students must be able to start the program on June 10, 2024.  

SUMMER 2024 UPDATE:

  • The current plans are to have an in-person program for the summer of 2024.  
  • Summer 2024 Program Dates:  June 10- August 1, 2024 (8 weeks)
  • The online application and program information document will be available on our website on Wednesday, Dec. 20th, 2023 (at 5pm PST) .  Applications will be due Saturday, February 24th, 2024.

simrstudent

SIMR Student at the Bench

Back to Research-Based Educational Programs

Wolfram High School Summer Research Program

Formerly known as the Wolfram High School Summer Camp

Bentley University , Boston, MA June 25–July 13, 2024

summer research program for high school

A project-based research opportunity for motivated high-school students to move beyond the cutting edge of computational thinking and artificial intelligence.

summer research program for high school

The Wolfram High School Summer Research Program is an intensive two-week program designed to advance high-school students' programming and problem-solving skills. Through a curriculum of active-learning activities, hands-on workshops and lectures, students explore the power of modern computation and deep dive into STEM fields while gaining mastery of Wolfram Language, computational thinking and research skills.

Under the guidance of expert mentors, students research and implement solutions to cutting-edge problems selected in collaboration with Stephen Wolfram. Projects are novel contributions to the field and are personalized to the students' interests and skill sets. Each student writes a computational essay and an interactive research paper and publishes their work at the end of the program. Successful projects can be submitted to STEM competitions, turned into academic papers or presented at the Wolfram Technology Conference.

This program was brilliant for research, and I got to meet so many great, qualified people here at Wolfram. From selecting my project topic with Stephen Wolfram to talking with my mentor about technical concepts and my college trajectory, I gained so much knowledge from this program.

summer research program for high school

Hyunjae Chung

This was not only an academically enriching experience but also an introduction to an incredibly bright community of dedicated, driven and kind people. Perhaps even more important than the practical skills gained and excellent work that each student came away with from their projects, this program was an opportunity to connect like-minded and truly passionate students and experts from around the world and develop lasting connections.

summer research program for high school

Victor Zhou

I'm so glad I was given this experience. I now know that it's very possible to explore on your own and make your own projects. We were given the opportunity to talk with so many knowledgeable people who answered so many of our questions, no matter how technical or philosophical.

summer research program for high school

Arianna Cao

After the summer, successful students enter our ecosystem of education opportunities. This may include doing an advanced project at the Wolfram Emerging Leaders Program , joining our teaching team, connecting with professional mentors or engaging with fundamental physics and metamathematics research at the Wolfram Institute . Particularly successful students are invited to complete internships at Wolfram Research.

We are seeking motivated high-school students interested in solutions-driven research and creating innovative technology. As we are committed to enabling ambitious students, regardless of background or resources, we provide needs-based scholarships and offer a pre-programming workshop for students with limited coding experience.

Featured Projects

summer research program for high school

Generating animated guitar tutorials

My project uses chords or MIDI files as input and creates an animated tutorial video. My implementation finds the pitches that match a chord on the fretboard in a localized area. To account for some commonly used patterns, I use the CAGED system on guitar. This project also includes an implementation of major scale patterns and tab sheet implementation.

summer research program for high school

Nikhil Mani

Class of 2023

summer research program for high school

Multiway sequential cellular automata

The study of cellular automata is useful for modeling many evolving systems. In my project, I examine a novel variant of cellular automata that uses sequential updating with multiple sets of rules, resulting in multiway sequential cellular automata. This structure has the potential for modeling many aspects of quantum mechanics, including possibly quantum spin chains. A deeper exploration highlights the impact of specific subsets of multiway circular sequential cellular automata rules on the directionality, behavior, symmetry and causal invariance of the resulting states graphs.

summer research program for high school

Margaux Wong

Class of 2022

summer research program for high school

Generate Super Mario Bros. levels

Super Mario Bros. is one of the top-selling video games of all time and is known for its excellently designed platforming levels, which pioneered the platforming video game genre. My project uses a convolutional neural network to help determine whether an array is a Mario level and to generate them using levels from Super Mario Bros. and its sequel Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels.

summer research program for high school

Samion Suwito

summer research program for high school

Implementing counter machines

The objective of this project was to implement counter machines in Wolfram Language and establish which counter machine was the most unpredictable. I designed a general counter machine function and used this function to demonstrate five types of counter machines. I determined which counter machines were unpredictable and explored complexity by adding more registers.

summer research program for high school

Samikshaa Natarajan

Class of 2021

summer research program for high school

Building a graph-based reaction network

When performing syntheses in a lab, it can be challenging to find the shortest path and to avoid exceptions and pitfalls. A computational system for predicting synthesis pathways can help take the burden off of a chemist and can allow for more consistent results. By transcribing common reactions computationally and applying them recursively, a network can be generated to inform decisions in the lab. My project focused on building the groundwork for this in Wolfram Language, providing informative and computationally significant results and paving the way for comprehensive computational synthesis design.

summer research program for high school

Joseph Stocke

summer research program for high school

Automatic Metrical Scansion of Latin Poetry in Dactylic Hexameter

Many significant works of Latin poetry follow the format of dactylic hexameter, meaning that each line is composed of some combination of six metrical feet, each of which is either two long syllables or a long syllable followed by two short syllables. Scansion is the process of identifying the pattern of syllable lengths. Through this project, I use machine learning to scan lines of Latin poetry in dactylic hexameter.

summer research program for high school

Class of 2019

summer research program for high school

Colorful Fraud: Exposing Vulnerabilities in Neural Networks

In a day and age where many consider deep learning an off-the-shelf solution to any and all classification/prediction problems, it's important that people examine whether their neural network models are vulnerable to targeted attacks. This project implements a framework for generating adversarial examples: input data crafted to cause the neural network to produce unexpected or targeted incorrect behavior.

summer research program for high school

Projects From the Wolfram Summer Research Program

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Summer Programs for High School Students: Tufts Summer Research Experience

Enrollment Closed

summer research program for high school

We welcome high school juniors and seniors with prior research experience to join us for a semester at Tufts under active mentorship by one of Tufts' world-class researchers to learn hands-on laboratory techniques and/or data and processing skills. Students will work with Tufts research groups, actively participating in the rigorous research being explored at Tufts. Students will gain proficiency in authentic research practices as they work side-by-side with the faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and students at Tufts University. Although the particular techniques and areas of research will depend on the research team that hosts each student, all students will actively contribute to ongoing research projects and learn about research ethics and how to evaluate information objectively. Research time will be supplemented with various afternoon sessions and the opportunity to experience life on the Tufts University campus. Students may be virtual, or choose to commute or live on campus during the program depending on research choice. Residential students will live in dormitories and share meals in campus dining halls throughout the six-week program.

Each student selected to participate in this competitive program will be paired with a Principal Investigator and mentor in one of Tufts' many outstanding research groups. The majority of time in the program will be mentored research. Students will be fully integrated into the research team including team meetings and presentations, an incredible opportunity to interact with world-class researchers.

Program Details

Pre-college summer program outcomes.

  • Improved ability to interpret, use, and analyze real experimental data
  • Increased understanding of and comfort working with a rigorous laboratory and research team
  • Research poster and lab notes for future applications
  • Refined verbal and written communication skills by participating in a poster session and in-depth conversations with other researchers
  • Enhanced understanding of college-level research

Program Format

Orientation

Residential orientation will take place Sunday evening and be hosted by our housing staff. All program orientations will begin on the Monday of the program start. During this required orientation, we will review the overall program schedule, discuss policies and safety, and answer questions. Staff will be on-hand to address any issues.  Check-in for residential students is on Sunday preceding program start - please see the 'Residential Student' dropdown for more information.

The morning block of time in the program (9:00am-3:00pm ET each day) will be mentored research  with the student’s home research group. During this time, students will be introduced to and participate in research happening in the group, and will be fully integrated into the research team with activities including team meetings and presentations - an incredible opportunity to interact with world-class researchers. Mentors will guide students in understanding the ongoing scientific inquiry and will work with the students on interpreting journal articles related to that research. Throughout the program, students will work with their mentors and PIs to build their research skills and interpret and extrapolate on real experimental data. Where possible, each student will be able to complete a research project they design with their mentor. All of this learning will culminate in the student producing a poster about their lab’s research to be presented at the program’s virtual poster session at the end of each term.

In the afternoons, students will participate in a variety of activities to supplement and prepare them for their mentored research:

  • Problem - what is the problem? why is this needed?
  • Significance - why do we/public care?
  • Approach - what technique(s) did they use?
  • Results - what were their major conclusions?
  • Analysis - what did you think about the results, techniques etc.? do you find them reliable?
  • Figure Interpretation - what was the best figure that helped you come to this conclusion?
  • Library Seminars:  learn the practical skills necessary for conducting database research, illustrating data, poster design tips and tricks … and more! Students may also use this time to conduct database research on their own and begin working on their research posters.
  • Guest Presentations:  hear from Tufts faculty, post-doctoral scholars, and senior members of Tufts' administration about their research, career path, experience in the field of research and their current research. Plenty of time will be allowed for Q&A.
  • Networking Sessions:  students will have the opportunity to informally discuss their ongoing research with their peers and program CAs.

Poster Session & Closing Ceremony

One of the highlights of our program is the opportunity for each student to develop a poster on a research question being investigated in their research group. The student's mentor will help them develop this poster, a critical skill for any researcher. At the end of each term, all of our students will display their posters at a Poster Session with the opportunity to explain their research and answer the questions of their peers, researchers, and scientists from across the University. Parents and/or guardians will be invited to attend the Closing Ceremony. The Ceremony will occur on the last day of the program, and will conclude by 2pm. Exact details and invitations will be forthcoming.​​​​​​​

Pre-College Summer Program Sample Schedule

P​​​​​​lease note: The below represents a sample schedule based on our best expectations for the in-person iteration of this program. The schedule is subject to change as we continue to develop the program to be as meaningful as possible for our students.

The Tufts Summer Research Experience will conclude by 2pm on 8/11/2023 with a Final Research Symposium for students, parents, guardians, and participating lab personnel. 

summer research program for high school

Pre-College Summer Program Student Work

Student poster describing chemistry research.

2024 Pre-College Summer Program Research Placements

Check out this link for full research placement descriptions.

2024 Research Placements

  • PI: Professor Amanda Martinot
  • PI: Professor Dariush Mozaffarian 
  • PI: Professor Tama Leventhal

summer research program for high school

Program at a Glance

Program dates Jul 1 – Aug 9, 2024 

Eligible students

  • Entering grades 11-12 or a Spring 2024 high school graduate
  • Must be at least 16 by program start
  • F-1 eligible program
  • Tufts Virtual Campus (available from anywhere)
  • In-Person (campus location will vary based on lab assignment)

Housing Tufts dormitory with AC (or commute if local)

Application dates

  • Open: Dec 1, 2023
  • Priority deadline: Feb 15, 2024
  • Final deadline: May 1, 2024

Application requirements

  • Academic transcript and history
  • 1 letter of recommendation
  • Parent permission form
  • Personal statement including experience and interest in research
  • Statement of interest for each preferred lab

Credit Not for credit

Program fee

  • Commuter: $8,000
  • Residential: $11,250
  • Virtual: $7,500
  • Materials fee: $200

Financial aid Limited need-based scholarships available

Disclaimer: This program is not related to Tufts University Undergraduate Admissions. Participation in this program does not result in admission to a Tufts University degree program. Tufts reserves the right to admit as requested, to deny admission, or to offer provisional admission. The program will not provide feedback to applicants if admission is denied.

Meet Your Program Staff

Program Lead will be announced soon! 

Application & Policies

Pre-college summer program application materials & deadlines.

Tufts Research Experience is a highly competitive program that fills up quickly. We highly recommend applying as early as possible. This program also offers F-1 Visas for eligible students -- please see the 'International Students' section below for more information.

Priority deadlines may apply. Admission granted on a rolling basis.

Note: all dates are as of 11:59PM ET

Program Application Opens Deadline: All Materials* Deadline: Deposit^ Deadline: Payment Deadline: Enrollment Forms

Fall

August 31

10 days after acceptance

September 1

September 15

Spring

January 6

10 days after acceptance

January 15

January 15

December 1

Priority Deadline:
February 15, 2024

Final Deadline:
May 1, 2024

10 days after acceptance

May 15

June 1

*Applications submitted after the payment deadline will require payment in full on admission to hold their seat.

* Admission is granted on a rolling basis and a wait list for seats may begin before Deadline for All Materials. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in this program. ^ Includes weekends and holidays.

* NOTE: Application and materials are due by February 15 or May 1 for TSRE and AVM. Applicants will be notified of their admission decision within 10 days of those dates. If application materials (i.e. transcript or recommendation/evaluation letter) are submitted after these dates, you may be notified of your admission decision at the next application deadline. All other programs have rolling admissions, with a final application deadline of May 1.

Program Eligibility

General Requirements

  • Current high school grades 11-12, OR a recent Spring 2024 high school graduate
  • Must be age 16 by the first day of the program

Residential Students

Students electing to live in the dorms or to attend a residential program must be at least 15 at the start of the program and no older than 19 before the program end date.

International Students

International students are welcome to apply to and attend. Tufts Summer Research Experience is F-1 eligible. Upon admission, you will be able to request a Form 1-20 to begin your visa application process. More information here .

Non-Native English Speakers

If you indicate that English is not your primary language, you will be asked to submit evidence of English Language proficiency. Please see our " How to Apply " page for details.

Application Requirements

Step 1: Complete an Online Application

The online application will ask you for the following information:

  • Basic personal information, including parents/guardians and emergency contact (if you are under 18, we will contact a parent for permission to enroll)
  • Program preferences (e.g., whether you would like to be a residential or commuter student)
  • Please note that students indicating only 1 lab are not typically considered for additional labs if their first choice is unavailable
  • For each lab preference, you will need to submit one 250-word statement describing your interest in that specific lab
  • One 250-word Personal Statement describing your research experience and your interest in research
  • Contact information for 1 individual to submit a Letter of Recommendation - this individual can be a teacher, counselor, or mentor. We will contact this individual on your behalf
  • Test scores - optional, unless you must submit scores as evidence of English proficiency
  • Warrants and signatures

If you need to log back into this application after starting, click here: return to my application .

Step 2: Upload Your High School Transcript

During your application process, you will be asked to provide us with contact information for an official from your high school. They will receive an email with further instructions to upload your transcript. Transcripts must be submitted by a school official .

Step 3: Parental Consent and Letter of Recommendation

As a part of your application, you will be asked to provide contact information for both a parent/guardian and a recommender. Once you submit your application, our systems will automatically email the parent/guardian and recommender you listed in the application with instructions for how to fill out the online permission or recommendation form.

Please note your application will not be considered submitted and review of your application will not begin until the materials from Step 2 and Step 3 have been received by Tufts Pre-College Programs.

Pre-College Admissions Decision

Once an applicant has submitted an application and all required admissions documents are received, the applicant will be considered for admission by the Tufts Pre-College Programs review committee for the specific program(s) to which they applied.

For the majority of our programs (aside from Tufts Summer Research Experience and Adventures in Veterinary Medicine), decisions are made on a rolling basis and students will typically receive an official email informing them of their admissions status within 10 business days of Tufts receiving all required materials. If you do not receive your email within two weeks of all materials being submitted, please contact us at [email protected] or 617-627-2926.

For Tufts Summer Research Experience (TSRE) and Adventures in Veterinary Medicine (AVM) programs, application and materials are due by February 15 or May 1. Applicants will be notified of their admission decision within 10 days of those dates. If application materials (i.e. transcript or recommendation/evaluation letter) are submitted after these dates, you may be notified of your admission decision at the next application deadline. All other programs have rolling admissions, with a final application deadline of May 1.

Post-Enrollment Materials

Admitted students must do the following prior to the start of the program:

  • ^ Days count includes weekends and holidays
  • Complete all enrollment forms and/or follow-up requests prior to the stated deadline

Should the above not be completed prior to the stated deadlines, the student will be automatically withdrawn from the program.

Pre-College Summer Program Tuition & Fees

Other key financial policies.

Refund Policies

Billing & Payment Policies

All Policies

Program Fees - Summer 2024

Commuter Program Fee:  $8,000

  • Includes:  all program activities, use of select campus facilities, included program and residential excursions and daily activities, staff-accompanied airport transfer during specified windows.
  • Excludes:  residential accommodations, breakfast/dinner/weekend meals, airfare/transportation to and from home city or residence, courses and activities shown to have an extra fee, laundry, spending money, souvenirs, meals eaten away from program, trip cancellation insurance, medical insurance, required vaccinations, medical and dental expenses, any non-program-related transportation needs, and anything not explicitly stated above.

Residential Program Fee: $11,250

  • Includes:  all program activities, various materials for use in labs and skills-building activities, room, 3 meals per day (brunch / dinner on Sundays), use of select campus facilities, included program and residential excursions and daily activities, bed linens, pillow and towels, 24-hour residential care and support, staff accompanied airport transfer during specified windows.
  • Excludes:  airfare/transportation to and from home city, courses and activities shown to have an extra fee, laundry, spending money, souvenirs, meals eaten away from program, airport transfers outside of specified windows, trip cancellation insurance, medical insurance, required vaccinations, medical and dental expenses, any non-program-related transportation needs, and anything not explicitly stated above.

Virtual Program Fee:  $7,500

  • Includes: all program activities, PI mentorship, opening/closing events, poster session, lab notebook, included daily activities
  • Excludes: anything not explicitly stated above.

Non-Refundable Program Deposit:  $550

  • A pre-payment on program fees is required to reserve space in the program within 10 business days of admission to the program
  • This deposit will be applied toward program fees and is not an additional fee
  • The balance of payment for program fees is due upon notification of charges, and no later than May 15
  • This deposit is non-refundable in the event of withdrawal from the program

Materials Fee:  $200

Health Fees - TBA

Health Insurance:  TBD, only if evidence of U.S.-based health insurance valid for the entire duration of the program is not presented  (Summer 2023: $174.25)

  • Coverage Dates: TBD
  • Students carrying sufficient, U.S.-based health insurance valid for the entire duration of the program  do not need to pay this fee
  • All high school students enrolled in Tufts Pre-College Programs must carry U.S.-based health insurance valid for the entire duration of the program
  • Students will be asked to provide evidence of sufficient insurance during the enrollment process. If your student has sufficient insurance, no further action will be necessary
  • Those who do not have sufficient insurance will be automatically enrolled in and billed for a qualifying plan for the duration of the program. If evidence of qualifying insurance is presented by June 15, we will reverse the insurance enrollment and charges.

Vaccinations:  TBD, only if evidence of required vaccinations is not presented  (Summer 2023: $50-$185 per vaccine)

  • Students who can demonstrate that all required vaccinations were received prior to the program start date  do not need to pay these fees
  • All high school students enrolled in Tufts Pre-College Programs must show evidence of required vaccinations during the enrollment process. If your student has all required vaccinations, no further action will be necessary
  • Those who do not have all required vaccinations will be asked to provide further documentation or will be required to receive the vaccination, with parental consent, while on campus. If a student receives the vaccination while on campus the student will be responsible for the associated fee and grades / transcripts will be with-held for non-payment. If a student does not provide appropriate documentation or agree to receive the vaccination while on campus, Tufts reserves the right to remove the student from the program
  • Those who do not have sufficient insurance, and are an international student, will be automatically enrolled in and billed for a qualifying plan for the duration of the program. If evidence of qualifying insurance in presented by June 15, we will reverse the insurance enrollment and charges.

Availability of Awards

Tufts Pre-College Programs are committed to aiding students from all backgrounds. Although we have only limited need-based financial aid available, we do our best to distribute the funds to students for whom it can make the greatest difference in their ability to attend.

Financial Aid awards are made on a rolling basis to students with demonstrated need. We aim to provide enough aid to eligible students so that they are able to successfully enroll and participate in the program. Seasonal aid awards are as follows:

  • Fall: We currently do not offer aid for the Fall term
  • Spring: We currently do not offer aid for the Spring term
  • Summer: We will typically distribute awards monthly beginning in February and will continue until the enrollment deadline or until aid is fully distributed.

If financial assistance is essential to your ability to attend the program, we recommend that you wait to pay the $550 non-refundable deposit until you have received your financial aid decision. Award decisions will be issued twice per month.

Students with undocumented status are considered for financial aid like any other U.S. citizen or permanent resident. If you are undocumented or have DACA status and want more information about how to apply for financial aid, please call our office at 617-627-2926.

Please note:

  • International students are not eligible for financial aid at this time. Families should expect to contribute to the remaining portion of the program cost as well as other expenses like travel, books, etc.
  • We currently do not offer aid for students participating in our Leadership for Social Change Intensive.
  • Complete the Admissions Application for the pre-college program you would like to attend.
  • During the application process, you will be asked to indicate whether you are interested in being considered for financial aid.
  • After submission, you will have the option of completing a financial aid application in your student portal .
  • We will review your financial aid application. Your financial aid application will be considered for the next monthly aid award(s). Award decisions will be issued twice per month.
  • You will be notified by email of the amount of the award.
  • You will have 10 days (including weekends and holidays) to accept the award by completing your Financial Aid Award Form and submitting your deposit. If you have received a full financial aid scholarship you are not required to pay your deposit, as it is covered by your scholarship.
  • Tufts Pre-College Programs will then credit your student account with the amount of financial aid you received.
  • Please note: Your enrollment in the program is still contingent on payment of any remaining balance after the award is applied to your account, and on receiving your enrollment forms.
  • If you do not receive an award you will be notified via email.

Please see the Policies section of this website for a complete list of applicable policies.

summer research program for high school

Life at Tufts

Whether you commute to our program, live with us on-campus, or participate virtually, we strive to make each moment of the student experience at Tufts memorable. From our dorms to our dining halls, and our athletic facilities to our check-in and orientation, all aspects of our programming are designed to inform and enable students to have a healthy, fulfilling, and safe summer.

Just five miles northwest of Boston, Tufts University’s Medford/Somerville tranquil campus sits on a hill overlooking the city. Our location offers a relaxed and safe campus environment with easy access to Boston.

Guidelines & Access

University facilities.

Students will have full access to the university’s facilities including the libraries, computer lab and student center. Students will also have full access to Tufts’ Steve Tisch Sports and Fitness center, featuring racquet courts, a swimming pool and cardio and weight-training equipment.

In addition, SMFA Studio Art Intensive students will have access to supervised studios and resources including, the W.Van Alan Clark Library, the media stockroom (where you can borrow any equipment necessary for your art), the School Store, the computer lab.  See more details about our studios.

Health & Wellness

Tufts works hard to ensure the health and well-being of all of its students. Once accepted to the program, Tufts will ask all students to submit information related to their health and will collect details regarding allergies and accessibility concerns. Tufts and Residential Life staff will work together to ensure students’ routine medical needs are met.

Tufts also has procedures in-place for students with urgent or emergency needs, illnesses, or injuries. Our procedures combine on-campus and hospital-based care depending on the nature and severity of the issue. A student’s emergency contact will be notified, if one is provided, in the event of an issue. Please see our Health & Wellness Services page for additional information.

Please note that the Pre-College Program does not offer onsite mental health counseling for participants. Participants are encouraged to stay in touch with their local provider as needed.

In any type of health & wellness emergency, students should immediately contact Tufts University Police at (617) 627-6911.

Please note:  medical fees of any kind will be billed to the student and are not included in program fees.

Campus Security

Tufts University is considered very safe among U.S. college campuses. Although crime on campus is unusual, we do have an open campus in a major metropolitan area and we expect our students to exercise good judgment and responsibility as they navigate the campus. Tufts University maintains its own police department, on the job 24 hours a day, if an emergency arises. Each location is equipped with an emergency blue light phone system and residence halls require a current and valid Tufts ID card for entry and a mechanical key for access to bedrooms. Emergency processes and protocol will be reviewed during orientation.

For more information, please visit our  Campus Safety  page

To ensure the safety of our Pre-College students, we are closely monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, and following local, state, and federal guidance as it pertains to our Pre-College programming.

Please visit  Tufts' COVID-19 page for specific information regarding Pre-College COVID-19 policies and procedures.

Tufts University is not only a leading institution of higher education and academic research, but it is leading the nation in terms of higher education's response to our public health crisis .

For more information about Tufts' response and action planning regarding COVID-19: Please visit Tufts University's COVID-19 information .

Tufts takes the safety of its students seriously. All programs are staffed with resources appropriate to care for the size and nature of the program. Tufts makes reasonable efforts to secure background checks and provide Title IX training to every staff person responsible for students in its Pre-College Programs.

Students are required to attend all elements of the program schedule, and any expected absences must be communicated to program staff in advance. Tufts takes the safety of its students very seriously. As such, our current policy for Pre-College students states that students cannot be in a lab or leave campus during their program without the supervision of a staff member or explicit parental permission received through official processes.

Some elements of our supervision plan vary depending on how the student is interacting with our campus. Below is a brief overview of where to find information about this. Please note that not all programs offer residential/commuter/virtual options, but the below applies when they do:

  • Residential Students: Safety in the dorms is also paramount. Please see the Residential Students section below for more information about how our Residential Life program is staffed.
  • Commuter Students: The commute to campus and time outside of the program will not be monitored by program staff, although the Tufts University Police Department and other safety protocols (in which students will be trained) are available to Tufts community members at all times. Detailed information about traveling to each of our campuses, including details on parking, can be found here . Please check the course list if you do not know the campus on which your course meets. Please note: Commuter students are not permitted to enter any residence halls on campus.
  • Virtual Students: Students are required to attend all elements of the program schedule, and any expected absences must be communicated to program staff in advance. Tufts takes the safety of its students very seriously, even in the virtual environment. Students who enroll will receive more information about our virtual safety protocols.

Pre-College Program Residential Students

Check-in will begin at 9 am on the first Sunday of the program (or Monday, 7/1, for Tufts College Experience & Tufts Summer Research Experience). Students are welcome to arrive on campus and check in on Sunday between 9 am and 5 pm, and between the hours of 12 pm and 3 pm if arriving by car. During check-in, room assignments will be distributed and students will have the opportunity to meet their Residential Coordinator (RC) and roommates and unpack.

For students arriving from out of town on their program's arrival day between 9 am and 5 pm, there is a shuttle service from the airport and train/bus station for students arriving from out of state. All details about arrival and departure travel will be communicated after you have been admitted to the program.

Students arriving outside of the specified window should be in touch with us to discuss what accommodations can be arranged. While we make reasonable efforts to accommodate students who need to arrive early or depart late, we cannot guarantee the same services will be available to students arriving or departing outside of the specified windows.

Residential Life

Residential students will get the full Tufts University experience by living on-campus in one of Tufts' undergraduate dorms! Rooms are air-conditioned with 24/7 security and hospitality; accessible rooms may be available upon request.

Bedrooms will be doubles in a common hall. Halls are divided by gender and age, and students are grouped into smaller communities known as Resident Advisor groups. Roommates and RA groups are determined based on the pre-program housing questionnaire, taking into account age and geographic diversity. Full bedding and towels will be provided and replaced weekly. Wi-Fi is available throughout campus.

Resident Coordinators (RCs) will live in each hall and work to create a strong, supportive residential community. A Resident Coordinator's role is to support students in every aspect of their summer experience while serving as a mentor and active leader.

The residence hall is secured at all times, and students are required to use a current, valid Tufts ID card for entry into the building. Each individual dormitory room is secured with either a mechanical or digital lock.

A dedicated residential staff oversees student safety during the entirety of the program. Students are honor-bound to follow clear safety protocols, whether on campus or in the city, and are required to use the buddy system during free time. Tufts takes the safety of its students seriously. All programs are staffed with resources appropriate to care for the size and nature of the program. Tufts makes reasonable efforts to secure background checks and provide Title IX training to every staff person responsible for students in its Pre-College Programs.

See our policy section for additional information, and please do not hesitate to contact us with questions and concerns.

Residential Staff

Residential staff will support students as they adjust to living in a dormitory and being responsible members of a summer program community. The residence staff will include a director, senior staff, and one resident advisor for every ten students. Prior to the program, residence staff will be trained to lead student groups, manage student conflict and resolution, and oversee all safety aspects of the program. They will begin the program well-prepared to meet the needs of all Tufts Pre-College Program students.

Residential program fees include three meals per day and brunch/dinner on Sundays. All meals on the Medford/Somerville campus will be at Dewick-MacPhie Dining Center, conveniently located a few minutes from student housing. Dewick-MacPhie provides a wide variety of menu choices, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and an organic salad bar. All meals on the Boston Fine Arts (SMFA), Boston Health Sciences, or Grafton campuses will be provided through boxed lunches or by Tufts staff. Tufts staff will also provide meals for program-related activities taking place off-campus. Tufts Dining is able to accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences. Please advise us of dietary needs during the application process.

Activities & Trips

We want your summer to be fun too! It is summer after all! Residential Life staff will be planning trips and activities throughout the summer that will allow students to make friends, build relationships, and relax from the world-class academic work they will be doing in the classroom.

Daily Activities

Daily activities might include ice cream socials, midnight pancakes, trips to local coffee houses for poetry readings, lectures around campus, visits to Davis Square, etc. The cost of most of these activities will be included, however, incidentals like coffee at the coffee house or public transportation fares for an optional activity will not be covered by the program.

Many programs are also planning their own program-specific activities, often thematically relevant to the program content itself. Look out for these activities in the program description above and in the information provided after you enroll!

Examples of past weekend trips include excursions to Six Flags New England, Crane Beach in Ipswich, Downtown Boston, the Museum of Fine Arts, Duck Boat tours, Charles River Cruises, and more! Please note that weekend trips vary from year to year and these are only examples of the kinds of trips this program might include. The cost of any such excursions (including transportation, entrance fees, regularly scheduled meals, and supervision) is included in the cost of the program, although souvenirs, extra food, and other incidentals are not.

High School Summer Program for Commuter Students

Commuting to the Program

We know that for some students, living on campus is not the best option. We welcome you to our program! For commuter students, the program will begin at 9:00am on the first Monday of the program with an orientation and end at 2:00pm on the last Friday of the program with a closing event. Saturdays and Sundays are not program days and commuter students are not expected on campus on these days.

Medford/ Somerville: For more information on commuting to the Medford Campus click here .

SMFA:  During each day of the program, commuter students should arrive on the Fenway (SMFA) campus at 9:30am, and proceed directly to their program's location. Students must depart from campus at 4:30pm. Students remaining on campus past 4:45pm, arriving before 9:15am, or on non-program days will not be under the care of program staff (parents accept responsibility). Detailed information about traveling to the Fenway (SMFA) campus, including details on parking and public transportation, can be found here . Alternatively, commuter students may opt to take the bus with residential SMFA Studio Art participants travelling between Tufts Medford/Somerville campus and the SMFA Fenway campus. Commuter students opting for this option must arrive at the Somerville/Medford campus by 8:45am and be picked up at the Somerville/Medford campus at 5:15pm. No alternative transportation will be provided for students who arrive to campus after the bus departs. Specific meeting location and updated times (as needed) to be provided closer to program start.

AVM: During each day of the program, commuter students should arrive on the Grafton campus at 9:00am, and proceed directly to their program's location. Adventures in Veterinary Medicine students have the option to meet at Medford and take the bus to the Grafton campus, or meet at the Grafton campus. Students must depart from campus by 6:00pm at the latest, though students may leave at the end of their afternoon sessions at 5:00pm on most days. Students remaining on campus past 6:00pm, arriving before 8:45am, or on non-program days will not be under the care of program staff (parents accept responsibility)

Commuter students and their parents are responsible for ensuring their student travels to and from campus safely and on time each day. Detailed information about traveling to the Medford / Somerville campus and the Grafton campus, including details on parking, can be found here .

Please note: commuter students are not permitted to enter any residence halls on campus. Breakfast / dinner are not provided for commuter students.

Students can purchase breakfast or dinner onsite at the Medford / Somerville campus with credit card, debit card, cash, or JumboCash. All meals on the Medford/Somerville campus will be at Dewick-MacPhie Dining Center, conveniently located a few minutes from student housing. Dewick-MacPhie provides a wide variety of menu choices, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and an organic salad bar. All meals on the Fenway (SMFA), Boston Health Sciences, or Grafton campuses will be provided through boxed lunches or by Tufts staff. Tufts staff will also provide meals for program related activities taking place off-campus. Tufts dining is able to accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences. Please advise us of dietary needs during the application process.

Technical Needs and Support - Virtual

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the unique nature of each of our Pre-College Programs, virtual opportunities for our programs will vary and this program has not yet defined its specific Virtual opportunities. We have outlined below what a sample version of the Virtual experience would be like. Please check back for updates regarding the details of your Pre-College Program's Virtual options.

Technical Needs

Students will need access to the following in order to participate in this program:

  • Mac - running at least OS 10.6 (Snow Leopard) 
  • PC - running Windows 7/8/10. Users on Windows 10 will have to download the Windows 10 Anniversary Update.
  • Smart Phone : any phone capable of accessing social media platforms like Instagram
  • If you do not have reliable access to the internet, programs may have internet hotspots available for students with demonstrated financial need. While this cannot be guaranteed, and supplies may be limited, please check with your program for availability. 
  • Web Camera:  either integrated into your computer or external, set up and working
  • Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Edge, and Safari.
  • ​ Reading and creating Word documents, spreadsheets, or powerpoint files (e.g., Microsoft Office, Open Office , or  Google Docs )
  • Reading PDFs (e.g.,  Adobe Acrobat Reader )

              *software may vary by program

We will provide you with access to other software that is required for your program for the duration of your program. As long as you have technology that meets the above requirements, you should have no trouble accessing the software. Depending on the program, this software may include Zoom and Canvas.

Trial Run: Getting Connected

Most programs will send software in advance with instructions to complete a trial run before the program begins. We will also use orientation time to ensure everyone is connected and comfortable! 

Getting Help/Support

First, please try contacting the Pre-College staff at 617-627-2926.

If they cannot answer your question, they will pass you along to our technical support team who is available 24x7 to students who are actively enrolled in a program .

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Rockefeller University

Summer science research program, summer science research program (ssrp) 2024, applications for ssrp 2024 are closed., program at a glance.

  • Mentored biomedical research program at The Rockefeller University
  • Monday, June 24 – Thursday, August 8, 2024
  • SSRP scholars will be on campus up to 35 hours per week during normal business hours
  • Applicants must be current high school juniors or seniors
  • Accepted students must be age 16+ at program start — no exceptions — and must commit to the entire program.

Program Overview:

SSRP Scholars will participate on a research team designed and guided by Rockefeller trainees. SSRP teams mirror the structure of a Rockefeller laboratory, where one trainee serves as team lead with support from dedicated scientist-mentors. Each team will have their own space in the RockEDU laboratory.

The SSRP team experience is enhanced by elective scientific  courses, guest lectures, and social events.

Additional Details

SSRP Cohort Structure:  

The SSRP cohort is composed of 32 SSRP Scholars.

Research teams:

The topics of each SSRP Research team are based on the expertise and scientific interests of the research team leader. Approximately 8 SSRP scholars are assigned to each research team. We attempt to match scholars to a team that aligns with their scientific interests. 

While the daily schedule of each team will be unique, the general weekly flow of the program is as follows:

Week 1 – Introduction to the team topic; getting familiar with research techniques and laboratory norms Week 2 – SSRP Scholars choose a research question related to the team topic to explore Weeks 3- 5 – Explore research questions guided by team leader and scientist-mentors 

Weeks 6 & 7 – Analyze data and design a poster to present findings at the end of program symposium.

Application Process

Step 1: Complete the online application . Applications were due on Friday, January 5, 2024 at 11:59pm Eastern Time. No exceptions will be made to accommodate late applications. 

Step 2: Selected SSRP applicants will be invited for an interview, to take place over Zoom. The final cohort will be selected after the interview process is complete.

Eligibility and Expectations

To be eligible for SSRP participation, students must be enrolled as a junior or senior in high school, and must be at least 16 years old at the start of the program.

In order to participate in the SSRP, students must commit to the entirety of the seven-week program — we can not accommodate attendance gaps. Please be aware: students are prohibited from using any aspect of work performed during the SSRP for science competition submissions.

Applications were due on Friday, January 5, 2024 at 11:59pm Eastern Time. Letters of recommendation are due on Monday, January 8, 2024 at 11:59pm Eastern Time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Please refer to our updated SSRP 2024 FAQ page for more information about the program.

Douglas Heigl Program Administrator

Summer Science Research Program The Rockefeller University 1230 York Ave, Box 53 New York, NY 10065

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  • Research Training

High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)

This program is available to:

  • High School Students

An opportunity for high school students to spend a summer working in the Intramural Research Program at the NIH.

On this page

About this program, diversity and inclusion, hs-sip cohort programs, eligibility criteria, stipend and other compensation, before you apply, how to apply, selection process.

This program is for 11th and 12th graders interested in exploring careers in research and healthcare. With the exception of the HiSTEP program , these are full-time research positions within one of the NIH Institutes and Centers (IC) in the NIH Intramural Research Program. Research groups are located on all NIH campuses, including the main campus in Bethesda, MD.

High school summer interns are selected by a central committee in each Institute/Center and placed in a research group to work under the supervision of a Principal Investigator (PI). HS-SIP applicants should not contact NIH investigators directly to explore possible positions.

We offer research opportunities in biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences with opportunities to explore basic, translational, and clinical research. Students interested in biology, engineering, epidemiology, psychology, mathematics, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, nursing, physics, computer science, bioinformatics, and other health-related fields are invited to apply. Summer interns may not work in administrative offices or outside of the NIH IRP.

All NIH summer interns have access to:

  • professional development programs focused on core competencies needed for success in science careers
  • educational and career advising
  • a comprehensive well-being and resilience program

We also sponsor Summer Poster Day , where our interns share their research with the NIH community.

Diversity strengthens our community. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and strongly encourage applications from:

  • people from racial and ethnic groups that have been underrepresented in biomedical research and healthcare fields
  • people with disabilities
  • people who identify as LGBTQ+
  • people disadvantaged by life circumstances that have negatively impacted their educational opportunities.

Our goal is to support diverse students to enter careers in research and healthcare. To help us achieve this, we sponsor two cohort programs for high school students. Interns in these cohort programs have access to all resources of the broader HS-SIP program and also participate in orientation, leadership, professional development, and well-being programs as part of a learning community. The curriculum of each cohort program is tailored to the educational needs of the groups and includes a focus on science, professional, and personal skill development. The OITE sponsors two HS-SIP cohort experiences:

  • HiSTEP for current high school juniors who will be rising 12th graders in the summer; this is a part-time program and interns do not work in NIH research groups.
  • HiSTEP 2.0 for current high school seniors; this is a full-time program and interns are placed in an NIH research group.

To apply for the NIH HS-SIP, and HS-SIP cohort programs, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. In addition, you must:

  • Be 17 years of age or older on June 15, 2024.
  • Be enrolled in high school as a junior or senior when you submit your application. U.S. citizens may apply if they are enrolled at least half-time in high school. U.S. permanent residents must be enrolled in a high school in the U.S. to be eligible.
  • If you are under 18 years old by June 15, live within 40 miles of the NIH campus on which you will intern when you submit your application.

Applicants with a family member working at NIH should be aware of the strict nepotism policy , which may limit your ability to work in certain NIH institutes, centers, or research groups.

Stipends for summer interns are adjusted annually and are based on educational level. There is free parking on each NIH campus; summer interns on some campuses may be eligible to participate in the Transhare program .

All summer interns must present proof of health insurance to participate in the program.

The decision to come to the NIH as a summer intern is an important one.  In most cases these are full-time research positions, and it is not possible to take summer classes or tend to other responsibilities during work hours.

Research groups are located on several different NIH campuses, including the main campus in Bethesda, MD. Before you begin your application, we encourage you to learn more about:

  • the NIH IRP and the mission of each Institute and Centers
  • the various NIH campuses and the specific focus of the work performed there

Watch this important video before applying. It talks about the program and provides a framework for deciding if the program is right for you. It also discusses the application process and provides information on finding appropriate research groups.

Opening and closing dates

The HS-SIP application is currently closed.

The HS-SIP application closed on Friday, February 16, 2024 at noon ET. Reference letters are due before Friday, February 23, 2024 at noon ET.

Complete your application

You must use the NIH Application Center to apply for this program:

  • After you complete the required sections of your profile, you will be asked to select a preferred program. Choose 'Summer internships for high school students'.
  • You must select 'Apply' next to ‘High School Summer Internship Program’ for your application to be considered for this program.
  • Ensure that you are eligible for this program before clicking 'Start Application.'
  • To complete your application, import any relevant information from your profile. You must also submit:
  • Coursework & Exams - a list of coursework and grades
  • CV/Resume - a list of your education, experience, and other relevant history ( see an example resume )
  • References - the names and contact information of two references
  • Letter/Statement - a cover letter broadly describing your prior research experiences, your current interests and career goals.

5. Review all of your materials carefully before you submit your application

HS-SIP applicants should not reach out directly to NIH Principal Investigators since HS-SIP selections are made centrally by the HS-SIP summer coordinator in each Institute/Center (IC). Reach out to the HS-SIP coordinator in the NIH IC you want to work. Follow the guidance they provide, as the application process differs in each IC.

Applications are reviewed by the NIH Institute/Center (IC) who select their own summer interns and provide the funding to support them. Successful candidates will be informed by the hiring IC. Many NIH research groups are unable to accommodate high school students due to safety concerns, and the acceptance rate of HS-SIP is ~7%. Therefore, we strongly encourage applicants to seek other internship and employment opportunities.

Have questions?

Check out our extensive frequently asked questions list to support you in the application process.

Reach out to us with questions at [email protected] .

Lori Conlan

summer research program for high school

  • Deputy Director, Office of Intramural Training and Education

Alexis Schirling

summer research program for high school

  • Program Specialist

External Website Policy

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This external link provides additional information that is consistent with the intended purpose of this site. NIH cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal site.

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summer research program for high school

Experiences in Research

Applications for einr 2024 are now closed., experiences in research offers paid internships for stem-oriented students to hone their skills in a professional setting .

summer research program for high school

Experiences in Research in Action

Application

Experiences in Research 

What is einr.

Experiences in Research (EinR) is an internship program for high school students to gain hands-on experience with professionals at Berkeley Lab. Students spend six weeks over summer working directly on cutting edge projects alongside experts in STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) and STEM ad jacent careers. Projects are focused around different aspects of STEM professions such as administration, science communication, data science, experimental research, and more. 

Students will be able to express their interests and project preferences in the application process to develop skills in their preferred field. Students will NOT be allowed to directly contact mentors during the application submission process. 

2024 internship projects will be hybrid or virtual depending on the office and scope of work. 

Who should Apply?

This program is for current 10th, 11th and 12th grade students enrolled in Northern California with experience in independent work. Interns will be working app roximately 3 0 -35 hours a week over the course of six weeks. This is a paid internship program. Students will recieve $500 per we ek. Applicants must be at least 16 years old by June 17, 2024. Students must me BOTH age and grade requirements to be eligible. 

For students looking for more of an introduction to STEM fields, we recommend applying to the Berkeley Lab Director's Apprenticeship Program . 

Internship dates are from June 17 - July 26, 2024.

Please note: Students are only allowed to complete the program once. Former interns are not eligible to apply. 

202 4 Application

Student applications are now closed. For more information, visit the Application Page .

Applications closed at 11:59 pm on April 1, 2024.

Program O bjectives

Form connections with Berkeley Lab mentors 

Build professional skills pertinent to higher education and careers in STEM  

Gain experience in science communication and collaboration

Internship Project Areas

Administration and Communication 

Coding-dependent  

Data science (coding and non-coding)

Experimental research and data collection 

Program Sponsors 

This program is sponsored by:

Berkeley Lab Director Dr. Mike Witherell and Deputy Director for Research, Dr. Carol Burns

The Alameda County Office of Education 

The Berkeley Lab Foundation 

202 4 EinR Project Descriptions 

Read through the booklet of available projects and decide on your three top choices before applying. .

View the booklet on Google Docs

summer research program for high school

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Stony Brook University

  • Campus Life
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  • Recent Announcements
  • Science Talent Search (STS)
  • Siemens Competition
  • HS Research Opportunities

The  Simons Summer Research Program  gives academically talented, motivated high school students the opportunity to engage in hands-on research in science, math or engineering at Stony Brook University. Simons Fellows work with distinguished faculty mentors, learn laboratory techniques and tools, become part of active research teams, and experience life at a research university.  

Learn More We are no longer accepting applications for Summer 2024.

July 1, 2024 - August 9, 2024

Science Outreach

Home

Laboratory Learning Program

IMPORTANT: ALL LLP ASSIGNMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE. Students who are not selected will NOT be contacted individually by email . The website will be updated accordingly. 

Due to the large volume of applications, please do not call or email the LLP program to inquire about the status of your application. If you are accepted into the program, you will receive an acceptance email. We are still working to update the website to close projects. Students who are not selected will NOT be contacted individually by email. Please DO NOT CONTACT Science Outreach to check on the status of your application. Please do not contact faculty. We had over 3,000 applications and it is taking longer to process all acceptances. Thank you for understanding. 

The LLP Team

  • Applications are closed . Only the applications submitted prior to the deadline will be reviewed for program consideration (no exceptions) .
  • Acceptances will be communicated on a rolling basis between late March and April 30, 2024 once decisions have been made for a particular research opportunity.
  • Please do not email or call for the status of your application. 
  • The Summer 2024 program is now closed for applications. Applications closed March 15 midnight EST. 
  • Please read all info & FAQ on this page. 

Summer Internships for High School Students

The Laboratory Learning Program is a full-time,  free  research experience in the sciences or engineering for New Jersey high school students. Students are included in ongoing research programs where they are closely supervised by Princeton faculty and research staff. The participation dates are customized according to the schedules of the research personnel and the specifics of the project. Internships typically span 5-6 weeks during regular 'office hours' over the summer (no evening or weekend activities). Each research opportunity has its own schedule. There are no virtual projects.  The Laboratory Learning Program is not a summer camp. The Laboratory Learning Program does not include housing, transportation, social activities or entertainment. LLP students are not eligible to lease or sublease Princeton University housing. NOTE: All research experiences are in-person. There are no virtual experiences. 

Participants 

  • Sixteen years old or more by June 15, 2025.  No exceptions .
  • Enrolled in a New Jersey high school (No exceptions). Graduates who have not yet turned 18 by June 15, 2025 may apply.  
  • New Jersey resident , US citizens, legal permanent residents, or international students currently in the United States attending a New Jersey high school. No exceptions .
  • Once accepted, parental consent forms, evidence of health insurance, and a high school teacher nomination form (references) are required before attending the program, not during the application process.
  • All participants must strictly adhere to Princeton University COVID-19 policies, which may include vaccination, face coverings, and testing or other requirements.  No exceptions.
  • Safety training is required prior to beginning laboratory work.
  • Two-page research summary report is due at the conclusion of the program.
  • NOTE: The LLP program is for New Jersey residents only, attending a high school in New Jersey. NO exceptions. 
  • NOTE: This is not a residential program. Accepted students must provide proof of housing and transportation. 

Research Opportunities

Student applications are open from February 14 to March 14 midnight EST 2025.

Research Opportunity*Title of ProjectApplication Deadline

Development Piezoelectric Soft Robots3/15/24

Development of a Bio-Inspired Soft Robot3/15/24

Large Language Model Applications in Environmental Sustainability3/15/24

Determining Copolymer Composition by Multidetector Gel Permeation Chromatography3/15/24

A new twist on kirigami sheets3/15/24

Characterizing and engineering thermophilic enzymes for biofuel production3/15/24

Molecular Modeling and Machine Learning of Smart Polymeric Materials3/15/24

Materials Characterization for Insights Into Production of High Performance Cathodes for Lithium Ion Batteries3/15/24

Exploring lung development in birds and lizards3/15/24

Hydrogels for environmental remediation3/15/24

A Live Map of Radiative Cooling Potential of the World3/15/24

Hurricane Risk Forecasting System3/15/24

PFAS Impact on Freshwater microbial activity and Nitrogen Cycle3/15/24

Fast hardware for multiplexed quantum sensing3/15/24

Safe Robotics for Coral Reefs Conservation: Using Machine Learning to Navigate Ocean Currents3/15/24

Imaging airflow3/15/24

Sensing and Classification using Silicon Photonic Neural Network Chips3/15/24

Re-creation of Joseph Henry's Historic Scientific Devices3/15/24

High temperature plasma assisted ammonia synthesis3/15/24

Ammonia combustion and NOx emission control3/15/24

Machine learning and molecular dynamic simulations of high-pressure combustion for green power generation and propulsion using H2/NH3 3/15/24

Ferroelectric materials for plasma assisted chemical synthesis3/15/24

Electrified non-equilibrium ammonia synthesis 3/15/24

Biofuel and E-fuel oxidation at supercritical pressure3/15/24

The Electric Propulsion and Plasma Dynamics Lab3/15/24

The 3D Audio and Applied Acoustics (3D3A) Lab3/15/24

*Click on the code for more information for each research opportunity. 

Research Opportunity*Title of ProjectApplication Deadline

Sustainable Catalysis3/15/24

Novel Proteins with Novel Functions3/15/24

Photoredox-Catalyzed Cross Coupling of Alkyl Chlorides Via Silyl-Radical Mediated Chlorine Atom Abstraction3/15/24

NMR data analysis to identify metabolic inflammatory markers3/15/24

Photothermally induced cobalt-mediated radical polymerization3/15/24

Fossil Size Database: Analyzing the Animal Size Response to Past and Ongoing Climate Variability3/15/24

Mapping Metabolism Through Computational Mass Spectrometry3/15/24

Single-Nucleus transcriptome database3/15/24

Modeling disease dysregulation using large genomic datasets3/15/24

Decoding human genetic variation in human health and disease3/15/24

Antibiotic discovery  3/15/24

Translational regulation of chemokine Cxcl12 in mouse mammary epithelial cells3/15/24

Examining sexual dimorphism in response to stress in a Drosophila model3/15/24

Biophysics: Custom Projects in Experiment and Computational Modeling3/15/24

 *Click on the code for more information for each research opportunity. 

Applications - read all instructions carefully

  • The application period is open from February 15 to March 15, 2024.  
  • Application Deadline: online applications: March 15, 2024 midnight U.S. eastern time. No mail in applications will be accepted.
  • One application accepted per student; no supplemental materials accepted.
  • All applications will be reviewed at the end of the application period, and not on a rolling basis. 
  • Projects will be marked as closed on this site, once the accepted students are notified by email. Students who are not selected will not be contacted individually by email. Please DO NOT CONTACT Science Outreach to check on the status of an application.
  • Due to the volume of interest in this program, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries by email or phone.
  • Do NOT contact faculty to request placement into the program.
  • Parental consent forms, evidence of health insurance, and a high school nomination form are not required at the time of application but will be requested once the student has been offered a place in the program. These forms will only be accepted via email.  

What is the application process?

  • Applications are accepted online only. No mail in applications will be accepted. 
  • Each student may submit only one application in which up to two opportunities of interest are indicated. 
  • Accepted students will be notified by email using the email address provided in the application. 
  • Projects will be marked as closed once students have been selected.
  • Students who are offered an opportunity will be required to submit additional forms and information in order to enter the program, including a parental consent form and a high school nomination form. 
  • Approvals will be communicated to the mentoring faculty member and the participating student by email.   

What are the application deadlines and program dates?

  • Application – Applications are accepted between February 15 to March 15, 2024. 
  • Application Deadline – March 15, 2024. Online applications must be submitted by midnight U.S. eastern time; no mail in applications will be accepted. No exceptions.
  • Admission Decisions – Accepted participants will be contacted on a rolling basis as the selections are made for each opportunity. Projects will be marked as closed once students have been selected. 
  • Program Dates – Research activities take place during normal business hours daily. Most opportunities require a commitment of at least 5 weeks during the summer. Review individual opportunities for details.  

What fields of study will be offered? 

Natural sciences and engineering.

Is there a fee for the program?

There are no fees for participation in the program. 

Who is eligible?

  • Students must be 16 years of age or older by June 15. No exceptions.
  • Students must be enrolled in high school.  Students who have graduated from high school but have not yet turned 18 by June 15 may apply. No exceptions.
  • Students must be US citizens, Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs), or international students currently in the United States attending a U.S. high school. 
  • Specific research opportunities may have additional eligibility criteria.

At Princeton University, we believe that the highest levels of research, scholarship, and teaching are obtained only through the combined participation of people with a diversity of viewpoints, backgrounds, and experiences. For this reason, the University welcomes under-represented and socio-economically disadvantaged students and provides an environment that embraces all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and physical abilities.

Are there exceptions to the eligibility criteria?

How many applications do you receive each year.

During each of the past three years when the program was active, over 700 applications were received.  

Was my application received?

When you submit your application, the message you will see is "Your submission has been received".  If required fields are left blank or incorrectly filled out at the time of attempted submission, the application will not progress to the completion screen.

You will  not  receive an additional email message. Acceptances will be communicated on a rolling basis between late March and April 30 once decisions have been made for a particular research opportunity. If you are selected, you will receive a follow up email at that time. Due to the high volume of applications, we are not able to look up and confirm the status of individual submissions. Please do not call or email to confirm the status of your application.

After my application is submitted, can I change my selections or other information?

No. Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to change the selections listed in your application or any other information. No exceptions.

Can I submit supplemental materials, such as letters of recommendation and transcripts?

No. Do not send in any supplemental materials, they will not be accepted.

Does the program provide housing or transportation? 

The Laboratory Learning Program is not a summer camp-style program.  Students must have their own housing and reliable transportation to and from Princeton University; students are not eligible to lease or sublease University housing. The majority of program participants come from the surrounding communities. Students and families who are from outside the immediate region should have identified appropriate housing and transportation arrangements prior to submitting an application. Housing arrangements will be verified.

Is academic credit offered to participants in the Laboratory Learning Program?

The Laboratory Learning Program is an educational program for the benefit of the student. Students do not receive academic credit or other Princeton University credentials following participation in this program. Participation in the Laboratory Learning Program will not increase a student's chances of being accepted into Princeton University as an undergraduate.  

When is the final report due?

Students must submit a 2-page research summary of their summer project to [email protected] by August 20 of the academic year in which the research is completed. The research report should summarize the research question, methods, data, and conclusion of the study. 

What are the COVID-19 health and safety requirements?

All participants will be required to strictly adhere to Princeton University COVID-19 policies, which may include vaccination, face coverings, and testing - see our Visitor Policy . 

Contact 

Laboratory Learning Program Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544 [email protected]

Due to the volume of interest in this program, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries. Projects will be marked as closed on this site once accepted students have been notified by email. 

No mail in applications will be accepted.

Laboratory Learning Program :  [email protected]

*Please do not call or send emails to Science Outreach. 

Application Instructions

The online application period is from  february 14 to march 14, 2025 . no mail-in applications will be accepted.  applicants are limited to  one application  per year. you must be a resident of new jersey attending a high school in new jersey to apply. no exceptions..

Application

Neurology High School Scholars Program

The Neurology High School Scholars Program is resuming in 2024!

About the program

The Neurology High School Scholars Program offers the opportunity for high school students to complete a five-week paid internship ($1,000 stipend). The internship involves working closely with a neurologist or neuroscientist on a basic science or clinical research project, shadowing physicians in clinic, and attending a weekly educational session with the cohort. Work hours will be determined between the student and mentor based on project needs. At the end of the five weeks, students will prepare a poster presentation outlining their project results and present the poster at a conference.

The program will run for 5 weeks from July 7, 2024 to Aug 9, 2024 with a poster presentation showcasing the work set for Aug 15, 2024.

Application details

The application period for the 2024 season will open on February 2, 2024 and will close on March 1, 2024. THERE WILL BE NO EXTENSIONS. The application involves writing 2 short essays (500 words) and submitting information to obtain two letters of recommendation from mentors. Top candidates for the program will be invited for an in-person interview before final selection.

Anyone applying must be a current high school sophomore, junior, or senior and must be 16 years of age by the start of the program. Applicants are not required to live in Philadelphia, however, they must have the means to travel to and from CHOP up to 5 days per week. Selected students will be required to pass non-traditional personnel clearances (including, but not limited to: immunizations, FBI fingerprinting, child abuse clearances, and other background checks). There may be research and other training requirements, depending on the student project. Eligible students will be required to attend the program at CHOP's Main Campus during scheduled work hours. Students must be sophomores, juniors or seniors, and must be 16 years of age at the start of the internship.

Applications can be submitted here starting on Friday, February 2, 2024.

If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to contact the Administrative Director for Neuroscience Research, Samantha Ferrante, at [email protected] .

Past high school scholars projects

  • Owen Oliver, Alexandra J Borst, MD, Allison Britt MS LCGC, Elizabeth Goldmuntz MD, Shih-Shan Lang Chen MD, Stephanie Fuller MD, Arastoo Vossough MD PhD, Lauren Beslow MD MSCE: “Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia-like Phenotypes of Children with GDF2 Mutation.”
  • Sarmarth Mannikeri, Shiva Ganesan, Ingo Helbig: “Decoding the Exome: Unveiling Genetic Insights through Computational Analysis.”
  • Venkat Devabhakthuni, Brenda Banwell, Phil Kaplan, Eleonora Grasso: “Quantitative Assessment of Choroid Plexus Volume in Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Patients.”
  • Aarohi Deshpande: “Telemedicine is a Preferred Patient Care Modality for Spanish-Only Speaking Families Seen in the Pediatric Neurology Outpatient Clinic.”
  • Zoe Heifetz, John Brandsema, MD: “Efgartigimod Alfa-Fcab (Vyvgart™) and General Myasthenia Gravis.”
  • Prima Rao, David R. Lynch MD, PhD: “Friedreich’s Ataxia Progression Between Siblings.”
  • Emiola Enakhimion, Ashley Bach MD, Sonika Agarwal MD: “Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum: Outcomes, Associated Malformations & Trends in Diagnosis Over Time.”

Contact the Division of Neurology

Students and their teacher pose for the picture in front of a car

Programs for High School Students

Main navigation.

For additional camps, see the Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE) list of summer camps  here .

Advanced Science Exploratory Program

Advanced Science Exploratory Program is a non-profit 501(c)(3) offering educational seminars aimed to ignite excitement about science, scientific research, and scientific career paths. Each series offered aims to equip students with the knowledge to incite their curiosity, and make informed decisions as they take their next steps in their education towards their career pursuits. A number of different types of seminars are currently open for enrollment, including 1) Mentorship Series such as "think like a scientist" (equip students with the knowledge, insight and skills required for success in their career pursuits); 2) Foundations Series such as "how scientists study the brain" (inspire interest, and both inform and expand student’s scope of career opportunities through exposure to various fields) 3) Focused Series such as "understanding emotion and its relationship with the brain" (use specific topics as a vehicle to exemplify the range of methods and approaches one can use to study within a field). 

See available seminars here!  https://www.asciencepro.org/upcomingseminars  

A significant part of our mission is to actively diversify the field of scientific research by extending opportunities to students whom wouldn’t otherwise have the resources required to pursue transformative scientific opportunities. Please contact us if you are interested in an income-based scholarships for one of our seminars.

AI in Medicine Summer Programs (by the Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging)

Applications for Stanford AIMI's Summer Programs for high school students are now live! Explore healthcare's future through our AI in Medicine Summer Research Internship and Bootcamp! During the two-week virtual programs, we aim to spark interest and empower the next generation of AI leaders in medicine. Our hope is to inspire students to develop innovative AI solutions to advance human health for all.

Summer Research Internship: Dive into AI's impact on healthcare through expert-led sessions, a hands-on project, & mentorship from Stanford researchers. Open to ambitious high school students entering 9th-12th grade in Fall 2024 who want to apply their technical skills to real-world clinical problems. Learn more and apply here: https://aimi.stanford.edu/education/summer-research-internship

Summer Bootcamp Program: Designed for high school learners of all technical levels, this free virtual bootcamp offers a curated curriculum that covers the fundamentals of machine learning in healthcare settings. Discover the intersections through this series of virtual lectures led by Stanford’s leading health AIexperts.  Learn more and apply here: https://aimi.stanford.edu/education/aimi-summer-bootcamp

Key Dates: Applications Due: March 31, 2024, 11:59pm PT Program dates (internship & bootcamp): June 17-28, 2024 (Mon-Fri,9am-12pm PT)

Campus Walking Tours

The Stanford Visitor Center offers a range of no-cost tours, exploring the highlights of Stanford’s beautiful campus.

Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills Summer Internship

This two-week course is designed to educate high school students considering careers in science and medicine in cardiothoracic surgical anatomy and physiology. It is an intensive course that will provide knowledge of and exposure to basic and advanced   cardiothoracic surgery and technical skills (e.g., knot tying, tissue handling, suturing, and coronary artery bypass and valve replacement surgery). Lectures and skills sessions are conducted by Stanford University faculty and surgical residents. Currently, we are planning two virtual on-line sessions during Summer 2024.  There is a program fee, and financial assistance is available for applicants in need.  Check the program page for detailed information:  https://med.stanford.edu/cssec/summer-internship.html . Please check the website for the application due date.

Clinical Anatomy Summer Program (CASP)

The Clinical Anatomy Summer Program (CASP) offers high school students the unique opportunity to explore anatomy and health careers in a week-long, non-residential, in person program. Summer program students engage with virtual modalities of learning anatomy, hands-on suturing and dissection workshops, and the opportunity to interact with human cadaveric specimen! In 2024, CASP is offering both an in-person and virtual program. For more information, please visit: https://med.stanford.edu/anatomy/education/virtual-casp.html . The last day of registration for this program is April 19, 2024.

Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X)

The Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) is an intensive summer program that generally follows a student’s sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school. During a two-week session either online or on the campus of Stanford University, participants are exposed to the breadth of research found in the Stanford Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Three sessions will be offered in 2024: Session 1 (June 17- June 28) will be held virtually via Zoom. Sessions 2 (July 8-July 19) and 3 (July 22-August 2) will be held in-person at the Stanford campus. There is a program fee and financial assistance is available for applicants in need. Learn more and apply on the website: https://med.stanford.edu/psychiatry/special-initiatives/CNIX.html . Applications will be accepted until March 1, 2024.

Educational Studies Program/Splash!

ESP/Splash! offers a Saturday or Sunday on campus full of academic and non-academic classes taught by Stanford students. ESP invites students to attend classes that could vary from completely “non-academic” stuff like cookie baking and origami, to complicated and challenging classes on machine theory or quantum mechanics. 

Farm to Table Summer Camp

Our Farm to Table Camp, offered for the 12th summer in collaboration with Santa Clara Unified School District, provides students in kindergarten through 8th grade with engaging and empowering learning experiences on our organic 11-acre suburban farm located in Santa Clara.

Future Advancers of Science and Technology

FAST is a program in which Stanford University graduate students mentor Future Advancers of Science and Technology (FAST) toward achieving their goals of answering open questions in science and engineering clever solutions to problems in their society. High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors of Andrew P Hill High School and James Lick High School meet with Stanford PhD students during afternoons of two Saturdays each month. The goal is to brainstorm projects and carry out experiments / build prototypes between September and February. In late January through March, high school students present their work at local science fairs, state science fairs, and at a Symposium at Stanford University.  FAST also offers a series of online workshops to help high school students navigate the college process.

Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS)

The Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS) brings summer internship opportunities in  computational  genetics and genomics to Bay Area high school students. GRIPS offers highly talented high school students a unique research experience, professional development, and community building opportunities. GRIPS is a twenty hour, eight week long research intensive experience for high school students. Program participants will be placed in a research laboratory for the summer and conduct genomics research under the supervision of a lab mentor. Application deadline is February.

Health Career Collaborative (HCC)

The Health Career Collaborative is a student-driven health career exposure & mentorship program that connects 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students from East Palo Alto Academy to undergrads, medical and graduate students, and faculty at Stanford. The HCC's goal is to expose students from disadvantaged and/or underrepresented backgrounds to the exciting field of healthcare in aims of making the future workforce of medicine more representative, and its delivery more equitable. If you are interested, please reach out to the contacts listed on the HCC webpage . 

High School Chemistry Outreach

Beginning in 2009, the Stanford Chemistry department teamed up with American High School in Fremont to bring in novel hands-on guided inquiry lab experiences. In these labs, students work together in small groups to carry out an exciting activity that would otherwise not be possible with the minimal equipment and supplies available to most high schools. The lab topics fit within the California Curriculum Standards, presented with an emphasis on how these concepts apply in the real world.  

Inspiring Future Scientists through Shadowing (IFSS)

IFSS is a two-week program hosted each summer by the chemistry department to give rising juniors and seniors in high school an opportunity to experience cutting edge chemical research while shadowing a graduate student mentor as they work in the laboratory.

Introduction to Logic High School Summer Camp 

The Introduction to Logic High School Summer Session is a two-week, non-residential program offering an introduction to logic from a computational perspective. With applications in mathematics, science, engineering, business, law, a Stanford Computer Science professor and logician and an award-winning high school instructor jointly teach this workshop. The 2024 session will take place on the Stanford campus. Scholarships are available. For more information, see  http://intrologic.stanford.edu/studentcamps/logicisfundamental.html .

MRS Outreach Ambassadors

MRS Outreach Ambassadors are graduate students in the Stanford Chapter of the Materials Research Society who offer in-class demonstrations and lectures on the materials of our world, materials of the future, and careers in science and engineering. Teachers may request a school visit at no charge. 

Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS)

The Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS) is a 6-week program in which high school students from diverse backgrounds are invited to learn about science, medicine, and research with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students and researchers on a medically-oriented project. The goals of the program include increasing interest in biological sciences and medicine in Bay Area high school students, helping students to understand how scientific research is performed, and increasing diversity of students and researchers in the sciences. Students will spend 30 hours per week in the program (Monday through Friday, approximately 6 hours/day) .There is no cost associated with participation in this program – priority will go towards students underrepresented in medicine (racial/ethnic minority, first-generation college, low-income, etc)

Pre-College Opportunities within Energy Research (POWER)

POWER is a Stanford Energy Club program that offers hands-on workshops to introduce local high school students from historically marginalized communities to topics in sustainability and energy research. We are motivated by the goal of diversifying the pipeline of future energy leaders. To find out more about POWER’s past workshops, please visit  https://www.stanfordenergyclub.com/past-workshops

Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics Courses

These online courses are designed for motivated and academically advanced high school students to explore their intellectual passions, develop analytic reasoning and creative thinking, and study directly with expert instructors. Courses are offered for credit throughout the summer and academic year, and give students the opportunity to take a broad offering of math and physics courses not typically offered in secondary schools.

Science Accelerating Girls' Engagement (SAGE)

SAGE (Science Accelerating Girls' Engagement) is a one-week summer camp for public high school students (age 14-17) hosted by scientists and engineers to share what life is like in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professions.

This program aims to foster innovation, grow the STEM community, and engage intelligent, creative, and passionate young women in the everyday life of scientists and engineers. Throughout the week, students will participate in job shadowing, hands-on projects, professional development, networking activities and more!

Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Summer Internship Program

Each year, the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery hosts 15-30 talented high school and undergraduate students in our research laboratories.  The program is free to participants. STARS interns spend 7 weeks mastering basic lab techniques, participating in research projects, and presenting their work all under the mentorship of experienced researchers. Typically the internship begins in late June and extends to the first week in August, exact dates to be determined.

Seeds of Change

Seeds of Change partners Stanford undergraduates in technology disciplines with high school students interested in advancing the participation of women and girls in STEM, and provides an integrated curriculum of mentoring, training and skills development. The program’s goal is to establish and retain young women in technology fields, and create future women STEM leaders.

SHTEM Summer Internship Program

The Stanford Compression Forum hosts its annual SHTEM internship program every summer. This internship is intended to provide early exposure to research transcending traditional disciplinary boundaries. Students will be grouped to multifaceted projects that will benefit from their existing interests and strengths, while exposing them to new areas. Projects will be mentored by students, faculty and staff of the Stanford Compression Forum and its affiliated organizations. Themes will span and combine the science of information and communication, engineering, the arts, linguistics, psychology, biology, neuroscience, computer science, technology, philosophy, and design, among other areas. There is no fee to participate, but students must commit to attending the duration of the program. The 2024 program will be virtual. Applications are being accepted until February 23rd, 2024.

SIMR - Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program

SIMR is for high school juniors and seniors interested in hands-on research in immunology, stem cell, cancer, neuroscience, bioinformatics or cardiovascular medicine. This eight week program enables students to take part in research, attend introductory lectures and present their work at a poster session open to the Stanford community. There is no cost to participate; interns earn at least a $500 stipend.

SMASH Academy on Stanford Campus

SMASH is a state of the art Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) summer enrichment program for high school students at Stanford, and other colleges.  High potential Black, Latino/a, Native American, Southeast Asian or Pacific Islander high school students participate in this three-year 5-week summer math and science enrichment program. There is no cost to participate.

SLAC Summer Internship Program

Participants in this program include high school (ages 18 and older), undergraduate and graduate level college students. Our internship programs are designed to provide students with stimulating, real-world work experiences. Interns can work up to twelve weeks from May until September, depending upon department needs and student school schedules. All students must be authorized to work in the U.S. and must pass a basic background check.

Stanford AI4ALL

Stanford AI4ALL aims to increase diversity in the field of Artificial Intelligence. During this three-week online program, students are immersed in AI through a combination of lectures, hands-on research projects, and mentoring activities. Participants engage with professionals in the field to learn about cutting-edge ideas, such as how AI can be applied in medicine, disaster response, and combatting poverty. The program also aims to build a close-knit community and encourage interest among underrepresented populations in the field.  

Stanford Clinical Science, Technology and Medicine Sumer Internships

This program is designed for high school (rising juniors and seniors) and pre-medical undergraduate students interested in pursuing careers in medicine, STEM, medical research and development, or health care design, with a specific focus on Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine. Three sessions will be offered in 2024: Session 1 June 24 - July 5, 2024, Session 2 (Clinical Skills) July 15-July 19, 2024, Session 3 (Virtual) July 29-August 9, 2023. Tuition varies depending on session.

Stanford Clinical Summer Internship

The Stanford Clinical Summer Internship brings together curious learners from differing backgrounds to actively engage in the exploration of the art and science behind world-class medicine. Discover, contribute, and make meaningful connections and friendships while working alongside dedicated and dynamic Stanford medical students, residents, and faculty, who are all eager to share the joy they have found in medicine.

Stanford High School Summer College

High School Summer College allows high-achieving students between 16-19 years to access undergraduate courses at Stanford University. This eight- or nine-week experience provides academic, social, and intellectual opportunities not found in a high school classroom. Rolling admission is open until May 1st for Summer 2024.

Stanford EXPLORE: A Lecture Series on Biomedical Research

The Stanford Explore Lecture Series covers the basic fundamentals and current research areas in Immunology, Neuroscience, Regenerative and Stem Cell Medicine, Cancer Biology, Bioengineering and Bioinformatics. Students must be in 9th-12th grade at the time of registration. This will be a 3-week virtual program in July.  

Stanford Math Circle

Math circles are weekly online gatherings of high school, middle school, and elementary school students working on problems involving complex and advanced mathematical topics, guided by mathematicians and educators.

Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)

The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program offers five weeks of intensive science and health training each summer. Participants are mentored throughout the five-week program by medical professionals, faculty, and college students with a passion for science. There is no cost to participate. The program is open to low-income, underrepresented high school juniors who live in Northern and Central California. 

Stanford Medicine Art & Anatomy Summer Program 

The Art & Anatomy Program is a 2-week summer immersion in visual storytelling. We offer both an in-person, and a virtual program. The program will include a speaker series from leading anatomists, physicians, and creatives whose work blend art and medicine. This will be followed by a week of drawing mentorship to develop a resolved final illustration. Students will present their final projects to a panel of artists, museum curators, and physicians. The program will take place June 17-28, 2024. No prior drawing or anatomy experience is required. Apply by March 18, 2024.

Stanford Medicine Clinical Summer Internship (MEDCSI)

MEDCSI is a rigorous 2 week program in Medicine that is open to highly motivated high school rising juniors and seniors, and premed students. Workshops and sessions are taught by Stanford faculty and include hands-on experiences such as performing bedside ultrasounds, dissections, suturing, splinting and visits to the Stanford emergency life flight station and free clinics. There are two identical sessions each summer, and both virtual and in-person sessions are available. There is a fee to participate. Applications are due February 25, 2024.

Stanford Online

Stanford Online offers free online courses taught by Stanford faculty to lifelong learners worldwide, and a variety of professional education opportunities in conjunction with many of the University’s schools and departments.

Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies (SPCS)

Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies offers online and residential academic enrichment opportunities for academically motivated youth, both in the summer and during the academic year. 

Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics

Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics offers 13 courses throughout the year, giving students an advanced offering of math and physics courses not typically available in secondary schools.

These online courses bring motivated and academically talented high school students together to allow them to explore their intellectual passions, develop analytic reasoning and creative thinking, and study directly with expert instructors. Courses in the University-Level Online Math & Physics programs are largely self-paced. Expert instructors are available for optional office hours to meet with students online and offer assistance as they progress through the course material. All courses carry Stanford University Continuing Studies credit, and students earn a Stanford Continuing Studies transcript. 

Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)

The Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP) is a virtual summer outreach program hosted by the Stanford Physics Department, designed to get high-school girls excited about physics. This 3-week program is completely free to participants, and is held through video chat.  First-generation students and students from underrepresented backgrounds in physics are particularly encouraged to apply. Absolutely no prior knowledge of physics or coding is required.

Students will learn about cutting edge research in physics in fields such as quantum physics, quantum computing, astrophysics, and cosmology. They will learn how to code in Python, and then apply their coding skills to physics-based projects. Students will attend lectures by Stanford professors and researchers and work in small groups led by Stanford undergraduates, as well as attend college planning and career development workshops. Students will have the opportunity to form mentorship relationships with Stanford students and professors. Applications will be accepted until May 1, 2024

Stanford seeME

Stanford seeME is an outreach event to introduce young students to engineering! The Mechanical Engineering (ME) department at Stanford opens its doors to high school and middle school students in Spring 2022, where they will learn hands-on engineering from current Stanford students. By connecting middle- and high-school students with little or no background in Engineering, to diverse graduate students who are passionate and eager to teach it, we hope to create meaningful experiences that encourage every participant to explore a potential academic or professional career in Engineering. seeME lets students explore hands-on classes such as: wind energy, driverless cars, predicting the spread of disease, industrial engineering, fire, and data science.

Stanford School of Medicine Art & Anatomy Summer Program

This is a 2-week virtual program for rising 9th to 12th grade students that will combine lectures and drawing mentorship, led by Stanford Lecturer Lauren Toomer, who is jointly appointed in the Clinical Anatomy and Art & Art History Departments. For more information, visit our website . Applications for this program are open until until March 18th, 2024.

Stanford Science Penpals

Stanford Science Penpals connects 6th-12th graders across the U.S. to Stanford scientists. The goal is to expose kids to diverse scientific careers, answer science questions, and share a love of science! Penpal exchanges start in September and end in June. We encourage students to get in touch with us.

Stanford Summer Humanities Institute

Stanford Summer Humanities Institute is a summer enrichment program where rising high school juniors and seniors explore the big questions at the heart of the humanities in seminars led by distinguished Stanford professors.

Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)

SUMaC leads participants on a journey in advanced mathematics through lectures, guided research, and group problem solving. In an environment centered on mathematics, participants explore current lines of mathematical research, the historical development of important areas of mathematics, and applications across scientific disciplines. Online and residential options are available.

Stanford ValleyCare Clinical Academy Program

The Stanford ValleyCare Clinical Academy Program is a two-week program in Pleasanton, CA for high school juniors and seniors with a strong interest in medicine as a career. Students will participate in an enriched curriculum consisting of hands-on activities, interactive lectures, and simulation experiences .   Students must be   16 years old to participate. There is a $50 application fee and a $4,000 fee to participate. Applications close March 8, 2024.

Stanford Young Investigators

At the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, high school scholars spend the summer working in research groups and laboratories on the main Stanford campus. Since 2004, over 300 high school students have worked in our research labs and learned about the process of science first hand. We offer several   different options , with different areas of focus and time commitments. Students are supervised directly by graduate scholars, post docs and lab managers. Once a week we have talks, lab tours, and field trips as a group.

Unpaid Internships for High School Students

In addition to formal internship programs for high school students, Stanford labs sometimes host high school interns on an informal basis, usually in unpaid internships. The Office of Community Engagement is not able to help individual students identify a host lab or project, but if you click on the red title above, you will find some information and tips.

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30 Summer Research Programs for High School Students in 2024

summer research program for high school

By Eric Eng

a young man thinking what to write on his essay

As the academic landscape continues to evolve, the quest for knowledge and innovation remains at the forefront of education, particularly within the STEM fields. In this vein, the array of summer research programs for high school students in 2024 offers a diverse and enriching palette of opportunities.

From the immersive scientific inquiries at the Research Science Institute to the creative problem-solving at the National High School Game Academy, each program offers a unique blend of learning, exploration, and personal growth.

1. Broadcom MASTERS Competition

  • Cost : Not specified.
  • Important Dates : Not specified.
  • Eligibility : Middle school students passionate about STEM​​.

The Broadcom MASTERS competition stands out among summer research programs for high school students 2024, aiming to inspire the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians.

Group of students smiling at the camera.

Unlike many other programs that focus solely on direct research experiences, Broadcom MASTERS emphasizes a comprehensive approach to STEM education, challenging participants to engage in rigorous research projects that showcase their understanding and innovative solutions in math, applied science, technology, and engineering fields.

This competition provides a platform for middle school students to demonstrate their scientific understanding, offering a unique pre-high school opportunity to dive into research and innovation. As participants progress through the competition, they can present their findings to esteemed judges, connect with mentors in their fields, and join a vibrant community of peers who share their enthusiasm for discovery and innovation.

2. Research Science Institute (RSI)

  • Important Dates : Applications for RSI 2024 are now closed.
  • Eligibility : Exceptional high school students interested in scientific research and collaboration.

The Research Science Institute (RSI) is distinguished as a cornerstone among summer research programs for high school students in 2024. It is designed to cultivate the next wave of scientific leaders by immersing them in a rigorous research environment.

four students lounging on the steps outside

Hosted by the Center for Excellence in Education, RSI brings together an exceptional cohort of students from across the globe, offering them a unique blend of research, education, and collaboration. This intensive, six-week program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) exposes participants to the entire research cycle—from conceptualization to presentation.

Students have the extraordinary opportunity to conduct individual research projects under the mentorship of prominent scientists and scholars, spanning fields as diverse as biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering.

3. Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology

  • Eligibility : High school students in STEM fields.

The Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology has historically stood as a hallmark among summer research programs for high school students. However, it’s important to note that the competition was discontinued after its 2017-2018 cycle.

Hands using laptop with mathematical formulas.

However, when it was active, it played a crucial role in motivating students to pursue excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The competition encouraged high school students to engage in individual or team research projects that pushed the boundaries of their knowledge and creativity.

Participants had the opportunity to present their groundbreaking findings to a panel of expert judges, competing for scholarships and national recognition. This platform highlighted the remarkable capabilities of young scientists and fostered a culture of innovation and inquiry among high school students.

4. World Science Scholars

  • Important Dates : All application materials must be submitted by April 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM US Eastern Time. Applicants will be notified of the results before the end of June 2024.
  • Eligibility : High school students passionate about science​.

The World Science Scholars program is a transformative initiative among summer research programs for high school students in 2024, designed to extend the horizons of exceptionally talented young individuals with a deep interest in mathematics and science.

Group of students walking in the campus.

This unique program partners with the World Science Festival to offer a curriculum that transcends traditional educational boundaries, providing students with coursework and a comprehensive experience that includes mentorship and direct engagement with leading scientists from around the globe.

This approach exposes participants to advanced scientific concepts and challenges and encourages them to apply their knowledge innovatively, bridging gaps between various disciplines. The program’s focus on online courses and interactive sessions ensures that students from diverse locations can participate, making it a globally accessible platform for fostering scientific excellence and curiosity.

5. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

  • Cost : Free, with a stipend provided.
  • Important Dates : June 10 – August 1; Application Deadline: February 24.
  • Eligibility : All domestic high school juniors and seniors, with priority to Bay Area students​​​​.

The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) stands out among summer research programs for high school students in 2024, offering an immersive experience that delves deep into biomedical research.

portrait of attractive african female nurse in modern office

This eight-week initiative invites high school juniors and seniors to engage in basic research across various medical fields, including immunology, stem cell and regenerative medicine, cancer biology, and neuroscience.

Hosted at the prestigious Stanford University, SIMR offers students the rare opportunity to work alongside Stanford’s esteemed faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers on medically-oriented projects. This hands-on experience is complemented by introductory lectures, enhancing participants’ understanding of scientific inquiry and its impact on medicine and health.

6. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program

  • Cost : Free, with a $1,250 clinical research stipend.
  • Important Dates : June 4 – July 26; Application Deadline: March 15.
  • Eligibility : High school juniors in Northern California from low-income and first-generation families.

The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP) emerges as a pivotal initiative within the landscape of summer research programs for high school students in 2024, designed to bridge the gap between academic potential and career aspirations in the medical and health sciences fields.

Nurse Discussing Records With Senior Female Patient During Home Visit

This five-week, fully immersive program is specifically tailored for high school juniors residing in Northern California, targeting those from low-income, first-generation families. SMYSP distinguishes itself by providing a comprehensive curriculum encompassing lectures and mentorship by Stanford faculty and health professionals, hands-on research projects, professional development workshops, and networking events.

The program’s commitment to fostering diversity in biomedical research is evident through its selective admission process, aiming to cultivate a cohort of underrepresented medical students. By offering this program at no cost and including a clinical research stipend, SMYSP removes financial barriers, making it accessible to students who might otherwise not have the opportunity to explore their interests in such depth.

7. Science Internship Program (SIP) at UC Santa Cruz

  • Cost : $4,000.
  • Important Dates : June 10 – August 10; Application Deadline: March 31.
  • Eligibility : High school students in grades 9 through 12.

The Science Internship Program (SIP) at UC Santa Cruz is a prime example of innovative summer research programs for high school students in 2024. It offers an unparalleled opportunity for young minds to immerse themselves in authentic scientific inquiry.

a male student using his laptop

This nine-week program is uniquely designed to match high-achieving students with projects that span the vast landscape of academic research, including but not limited to science, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.

What sets SIP apart is its commitment to providing participants with a real-world glimpse into the life of a research scientist, allowing them to work alongside UCSC’s faculty, graduate students, and post-doctoral researchers on cutting-edge projects.

8. Economics for Leaders (EFL)

  • Cost : $2,300.
  • Important Dates : Varies; Application Deadline: Rolling.
  • Eligibility : Not specified​.

The Economics for Leaders (EFL) program is an influential component within summer research programs for high school students in 2024, particularly those interested in economics and leadership.

Group of students walking in the campus.

EFL is designed to combine teaching economic principles with developing leadership skills, providing a unique blend of academic and practical experiences to prepare the next generation of leaders. This program typically spans one week and is hosted at various prestigious universities across the United States, offering students the chance to delve into complex economic concepts, understand the significance of economic thinking, and apply these insights in leadership scenarios.

Participants engage in simulations, workshops, and discussions led by experts in the field, fostering an environment where theoretical knowledge meets practical application. The focus on leadership alongside economics empowers students to emerge as informed citizens capable of contributing to economic policy and strategy discussions.

9. Summer Science Program (SSP)

  • Cost : $7,700 for 4-week residential; $14,250 for 7-week residential.
  • Important Dates : 4-Week Program: July 14 – August 9; 7-Week Program: June 22 – August 10; Application Deadlines vary.
  • Eligibility : Not specified.

The Summer Science Program (SSP) is a premier educational opportunity among summer research programs for high school students in 2024, offering a rigorous academic experience beyond traditional classroom learning.

Liberal Arts students talking while walking.

This program, known for its selectivity and intensive curriculum, brings together talented teenagers worldwide to tackle complex scientific research projects in astronomy, biochemistry, and physics. Over six weeks, SSP participants engage deeply with experimental and theoretical projects, working closely in small teams under the guidance of experienced educators and researchers.

What sets SSP apart is its emphasis on hands-on, collaborative research, encouraging students to apply mathematical and scientific principles to solve real-world problems. This immersive approach enhances participants’ understanding of scientific methodologies and fosters critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills—essential for success in any academic or professional path.

10. NYU Precollege

  • Cost : Charged by credit.
  • Eligibility : High school students from around the globe.

NYU Precollege emerges as a standout program in the panorama of summer research programs for high school students in 2024, offering an enriching academic and college readiness experience. Hosted by New York University, a leading global institution, this program invites high school students worldwide to immerse themselves in the vibrancy of college life while exploring academic interests through college-level courses taught by NYU faculty.

Group of students walking together and smiling.

Beyond the classroom, NYU Precollege provides a comprehensive suite of workshops and events designed to equip students with the skills necessary for college success, including writing, research, and critical analysis.

This program is distinguished by its dynamic curriculum that allows students to earn college credits in various subjects, from the sciences to the humanities, enhancing their academic profiles and giving them a taste of undergraduate study in a real-world context.

11. Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP)

  • Important Dates : Varies; Acceptance rates vary from 50 – 12%.

The Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP) stands as a significant opportunity within the array of summer research programs for high school students in 2024, offering a distinctive platform for students to engage in meaningful scientific inquiry.

A female student smiling at the camera.

This program is characterized by its commitment to providing students, many of whom hail from the Bay Area. It also includes those who participate remotely, with hands-on research experiences across various scientific disciplines. ASDRP distinguishes itself by facilitating research opportunities , actively nurturing the next generation of scientists and researchers through mentorship, and developing a scholarly community.

Participants in ASDRP benefit from a structured environment where they can pursue their scientific interests under the guidance of experienced mentors, enabling them to produce research that contributes to their academic and professional growth.

12. Clark Scholars Program

The Clark Scholars Program is a prestigious and integral part of summer research programs for high school students in 2024, hosted by Texas Tech University. This selective program is designed to provide a comprehensive research experience, allowing participants to work closely with faculty on meaningful projects spanning a wide range of academic disciplines.

Group of students walking together in the campus.

The program emphasizes the importance of scientific and academic research and incorporates community service and personal development elements, providing a well-rounded experience for ambitious students.

The Clark Scholars Program is particularly notable in its commitment to creating a collaborative and supportive environment where students can explore their interests, challenge their abilities, and contribute to ongoing research efforts.

13. Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering

  • Cost : Not specified; participants receive a stipend.
  • Important Dates : 8-week program; specific dates not provided.

The Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) is a notable entry among summer research programs for high school students in 2024, specifically tailored for those interested in the cutting-edge fields of oncology and pathogenesis.

summer research program for high school

This program is distinguished by its focus on providing students with hands-on research experiences in one of the world’s leading cancer research and treatment facilities. Participants have the unique opportunity to conduct independent research projects guided by the mentorship of MSKCC’s esteemed scientists and researchers.

The program’s structure is designed to immerse students in the complexities of cancer biology, offering insights into theoretical underpinnings and practical approaches to understanding and treating cancer.

Over the course of eight weeks, students not only learn laboratory techniques and gain valuable research experience but also attend training sessions and tours that broaden their understanding of clinical work in the oncology field.

14. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program

  • Cost: The program covers transportation, room and board, $6,000 stipend.
  • Important Dates: 10-week program; specific dates not provided.
  • Eligibility: Students at least 18 who have completed 12th grade.

The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program is a distinguished highlight within the scope of summer research programs for high school students in 2024, especially those interested in genetics and genomics research.

Students walking in the school campus.

Hosted by The Jackson Laboratory, an internationally recognized research institution, this program offers a remarkable opportunity for students to dive into biomedical research. Over the course of ten weeks, participants engage in independent research projects under the guidance of the laboratory’s esteemed staff, gaining firsthand experience in cutting-edge scientific investigation.

This immersive program is tailored to students at least 18 years old and who have completed their 12th grade by the program’s start, ensuring that participants are ready for a deep dive into sophisticated research topics.

15. MIT Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES)

  • Eligibility : Rising high school seniors, particularly from underrepresented or underserved communities.

The MIT Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES) program is an exemplary initiative among summer research programs for high school students in 2024, aimed at empowering underrepresented and underserved communities within the STEM fields.

summer research program for high school

This six-week residential program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) provides a rigorous academic experience designed to prepare rising high school seniors for careers in engineering and science. By offering courses across mathematics, science, engineering, and humanities, MITES allows students to explore multiple disciplines, encouraging a holistic approach to STEM education.

MITES is committed to diversity and inclusion, providing students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds in STEM with academic enrichment, mentorship, community, and inspiration. Participants engage in hands-on projects, laboratory experiments, and team-based problem-solving, which fosters a deep understanding of complex concepts and real-world applications.

16. MIT Women’s Technology Program (WTP)

  • Eligibility : Young women in the summer between junior and senior high school.

The MIT Women’s Technology Program (WTP) is an influential cornerstone in the spectrum of summer research programs for high school students in 2024, specifically designed to address the gender disparities in engineering and computer science.

Three happy students smiling

This four-week residential program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology targets young women in the summer between their junior and senior years of high school, providing an environment that fosters growth, learning, and an interest in technology fields. WTP distinguishes itself by offering a curriculum focused on electrical engineering, computer science, and mechanical engineering, tailored for students with little to no prior experience in these areas.

Through classroom instruction, hands-on experiments, and team projects, WTP participants are introduced to engineering and computer science fundamentals, challenging them to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems.

This immersive experience is not just about academic enrichment; it’s about building a community of like-minded individuals who support and inspire each other, breaking down stereotypes, and encouraging young women to pursue careers in technology.

17. National Institutes of Health High School Summer Internship Program (NIH HS-SIP)

  • Eligibility : High school students interested in biomedical research​.

The National Institutes of Health High School Summer Internship Program (NIH HS-SIP) is a pivotal program among summer research programs for high school students in 2024, designed to introduce the next generation of researchers to the forefront of biomedical research.

Group of students walking in the campus.

This program, hosted by one of the world’s foremost medical research centers, offers high school students the extraordinary opportunity to spend their summers working with leading health and disease research scientists. Over the course of the program, students engage in hands-on projects in NIH labs, gaining exposure to the intricacies of scientific investigation and the latest advancements in medical research.

NIH HS-SIP is distinguished by its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where students from various backgrounds are encouraged to apply, particularly those from underrepresented communities in the sciences.

18. Summer High School Research Academy at UT Austin

  • Cost : $3,500.
  • Important Dates : Five consecutive weeks during summer; specific dates not provided.
  • Eligibility : Texas residents, 15 years or older, rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors.

The Summer High School Research Academy at UT Austin represents a significant milestone in the array of summer research programs for high school students in 2024. Hosted by one of the leading universities in the United States, this program offers high school students an authentic glimpse into the world of scientific research within a university setting.

Group of students sitting on the stairs.

Participants can work directly in UT Austin’s state-of-the-art laboratories, engaging in ongoing research projects alongside faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate research assistants. This hands-on experience is invaluable, allowing students to delve into STEM fields through practical, real-world applications.

This program fosters a deeper understanding of the scientific process, from hypothesis formation to experimental design and data analysis. This immersive approach equips students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills and inspires a passion for discovery and innovation.

19. Wake Forest University School of Medicine Programs

  • Important Dates: Not specified.
  • Eligibility: Middle and high school students interested in regenerative medicine science.

The Wake Forest University School of Medicine Programs stand as a beacon within the realm of summer research programs for high school students in 2024, offering diverse opportunities to introduce young scholars to medical research and healthcare.

Students working with their teacher in the classroom.

These programs are specially designed to expose students to the multifaceted nature of medical science, including regenerative medicine, healthcare innovation, and public health sciences. By providing virtual and hands-on learning experiences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine ensures that participants understand the challenges and opportunities in today’s medical field.

A distinctive feature of these programs is their commitment to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals by offering immersive experiences across various medical disciplines. Students can work alongside esteemed faculty, delve into cutting-edge research, and develop skills crucial for their future medical careers.

20. Neuroscience Research Academy at the University of Pennsylvania

  • Cost : Not specified; financial aid available for select students.
  • Important Dates : July 6 – July 27.
  • Eligibility : Current 9th-11th grade students.

The Neuroscience Research Academy at the University of Pennsylvania stands out among summer research programs for high school students in 2024, offering an intensive and immersive educational experience in neuroscience.

Group of high school students walking together.

This program, hosted by one of the leading universities in the United States, provides students with a unique opportunity to delve into the complexities of the brain and nervous system. Over the span of several weeks, participants are engaged in a rigorous curriculum that includes lectures, hands-on laboratory experiences, and discussions led by experts in neuroscience.

What makes the Neuroscience Research Academy particularly appealing is its focus on both the biological foundations of the brain and the application of this knowledge to understand human behavior, cognitive processes, and neurological disorders.

21. Houston Methodist Summer High School Research Internship

  • Eligibility : High school interns with outstanding academic records and an interest in research and medicine.

The Houston Methodist Summer High School Research Internship is a distinguished part of summer research programs for high school students 2024, designed to immerse participants in translational research and medicine.

Group of students talking in a room.

Hosted by the renowned Houston Methodist Hospital, this program selects a small group of high-achieving high school students with a demonstrated interest in research and medicine. It offers them an unparalleled opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a leading healthcare setting.

During the program, students work on projects under the guidance of Houston Methodist’s top scientists and researchers, allowing them to explore complex medical questions and contribute to meaningful scientific discoveries.

22. Seeds of Change

  • Eligibility : High school students interested in advancing the participation of women and girls in STEM.

The Seeds of Change program at Stanford University marks an innovative approach within summer research programs for high school students in 2024, emphasizing the advancement of women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Three students looking at each other.

This program is specifically designed to bridge the gender gap in STEM by partnering Stanford undergraduates with high school students and facilitating a mentorship that enriches the educational experience of the latter through hands-on projects, training, and skills development. The initiative focuses not just on technical knowledge but also on inspiring confidence and leadership in young women, empowering them to pursue careers in technology and related fields.

Seeds of Change stands out for its commitment to creating future leaders in STEM by providing a supportive and collaborative environment that encourages exploration, innovation, and personal growth. The program’s unique structure leverages the resources and expertise of one of the world’s leading universities to offer a challenging and inclusive curriculum, ensuring participants receive a comprehensive introduction to the possibilities within STEM disciplines.

23. SHTEM Summer Internship Program

  • Cost : No fee; virtual program.
  • Important Dates : Applications are accepted until February 23, 2024.

The SHTEM Summer Internship Program, hosted by the Stanford Compression Forum, is a groundbreaking initiative within the realm of summer research programs for high school students in 2024, focusing on transcending traditional disciplinary boundaries to foster innovation and discovery.

Group of students walking in the campus.

This program is ingeniously crafted to provide early exposure to research that combines science, humanities, technology, engineering, and mathematics (SHTEM), offering students a unique opportunity to engage in multifaceted projects.

Participants are grouped into teams that leverage their existing interests and strengths while introducing them to new areas of inquiry under the mentorship of Stanford’s distinguished faculty, students, and staff.

24. SMASH Academy at Stanford

  • Cost: Free.
  • Eligibility: High potential students from underrepresented communities.

The SMASH Academy at Stanford is an integral component of summer research programs for high school students in 2024, designed to level the playing field for high-potential, underrepresented high school students interested in STEM fields.

View of students walking in the campus.

This comprehensive, three-year summer enrichment program is dedicated to building a strong foundation in STEM for students who are Black, Latino/a, Native American, Southeast Asian, or Pacific Islander, offering them not only academic enrichment but also college preparatory workshops, exposure to real-world STEM applications, and access to a supportive community of peers and mentors.

Hosted on the prestigious Stanford University campus, SMASH Academy provides an immersive residential experience that emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Participants engage in a rigorous curriculum that covers a wide range of STEM subjects, from computer science and engineering to mathematics and science, all taught by experienced educators and industry professionals.

Beyond the classroom, students receive guidance on the college application process, financial aid, and career exploration, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future academic and professional journeys.

25. SLAC Summer Internship Program

  • Important Dates : May until September; specific dates depend on department needs and student schedules.
  • Eligibility : High school (ages 18 and older), undergraduate and graduate students.

The SLAC Summer Internship Program, affiliated with the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) National Accelerator Laboratory, is a premier choice among summer research programs for high school students in 2024.

Group of students walking in the campus.

This program offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in cutting-edge research in physics, engineering, chemistry, and computational science. Designed to provide high school and undergraduate and graduate students, with real-world research experiences, the SLAC program immerses participants in projects that contribute to the laboratory’s mission of advancing our understanding of the universe at its most fundamental level.

26. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

  • Cost : The program is free, and students receive a stipend. This approach makes it accessible to many students and reduces financial barriers to participation​.
  • Important Dates : For the summer of 2024, the program runs from June 10 to August 1. The application deadline was set for February 24, indicating the importance of planning and early application for prospective participants​.
  • Eligibility Requirements : The program is open to all domestic high school juniors and seniors. However, priority is given to students from the Bay Area. This regional preference is likely due to the program’s location and the ease of access for local students.

The SIMR program allows students to engage in basic research across various medically oriented projects. Participants work alongside Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students, and researchers, gaining hands-on experience and insight into the scientific research process. The goals of SIMR include increasing interest in the biological sciences and medicine among high school students and helping them understand how scientific research is performed.

Two students walking in the campus.

In addition to the research experience, the program includes introductory lectures and culminates in a poster session where students present their work to the Stanford community. This presentation allows students to develop their communication skills and share their findings, further enriching their research experience​.

27. National High School Game Academy at Carnegie Mellon University

  • Cost : Not specified in the provided details. Typically, programs like this have a tuition fee that covers the course, materials, and sometimes housing. It’s advisable to check the official website for the most current information.
  • Important Dates : Specific dates for the 2024 program were not provided. Interested participants should look for updates on the Carnegie Mellon University website or contact the program directly.
  • Eligibility : High school students passionate about game design and development. The program is open to students nationwide and focuses on hands-on project learning.

The National High School Game Academy at Carnegie Mellon University is a standout initiative among summer research programs for high school students in 2024, particularly for those interested in the burgeoning game design and development field.

Group of students walking in the stairs.

Hosted by one of the most prestigious institutions known for its innovative approach to education, this program offers students a deep dive into the multidisciplinary gaming world. Participants are not passive learners; they actively engage in the game creation process, from the initial concept to the final coding and design stages.

This hands-on approach is supplemented by the guidance and expertise of Carnegie Mellon’s renowned faculty and industry professionals, ensuring a learning experience that is both comprehensive and cutting-edge.

28. Smithsonian Internship Opportunities for High School Students

  • Cost : Information on the cost needed to be more detailed. Smithsonian internships may vary, with some positions unpaid and others offering a stipend. Checking the Smithsonian’s official internship website for specifics is recommended.
  • Important Dates : The application periods and program dates vary by department and internship. Applicants should review the Smithsonian Internship Opportunities webpage for the most accurate deadlines.
  • Eligibility : High school students interested in art, science, history, and culture. The program encourages applications from students eager to gain hands-on experience in their chosen field.

The Smithsonian Internship Opportunities for High School Students is a prestigious component of summer research programs for high school students in 2024. It offers an unparalleled platform for young scholars to immerse themselves in various disciplines, from art and science to history and culture.

Group of students walking in the school.

This program is distinguished by its comprehensive approach, enabling students to work closely with Smithsonian experts, contributing to meaningful projects, and gaining firsthand experience in their fields of interest. Such an opportunity is rare, providing interns with insights into the operations of one of the world’s most esteemed cultural and research institutions.

Interns at the Smithsonian are not just observers but active participants in ongoing projects and initiatives across the institution’s numerous museums and research centers. This immersive experience is invaluable for students interested in exploring diverse career paths and academic disciplines, offering a unique blend of practical work experience and scholarly research.

29. Pharmacy Summer Research Program at Chapman University

  • Cost : Not specified. Programs of this nature typically have a participation fee that covers materials, lab access, and sometimes meals or housing. For the most accurate cost details, visiting Chapman University’s official site or contacting the program directly is suggested.
  • Important Dates : Registration for the summer 2024 session opens in spring 2024. Participants should prepare to apply by late May 2024.
  • Eligibility : Participants must enter grades 9-12 in the fall following the summer program. The program targets students interested in exploring pharmacy research and practices​.

The Pharmacy Summer Research Program at Chapman University represents a significant opportunity within summer research programs for high school students in 2024, specifically tailored for those interested in the pharmaceutical sciences.

Young woman working in pharmacy looking for medicine in shelf standing behind counter

This immersive program is designed to give participants a head start in understanding the pharmacy field, combining hands-on research experience with exposure to the latest policies, practices, and technological advancements in pharmaceutical science.

Over the course of the program, students work closely with faculty advisors on a research project, gaining firsthand experience in a laboratory setting and learning how to navigate the complexities of pharmaceutical research.

30. UC Riverside STRIDE Program

  • Cost : Funded by a grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, indicating there may be minimal to no cost for participants. It’s best to consult the STRIDE program’s official webpage for the most detailed and updated information regarding potential costs.
  • Important Dates : The program is scheduled to run from June 24 to July 26, 2024. Recruitment starts in Fall 2023 for the summer session.
  • Eligibility : High school students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from the Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The program emphasizes diversity and inclusion, aiming to increase and diversify the STEM workforce to address unmet medical needs.

The UC Riverside STRIDE Program is a notable highlight within the constellation of summer research programs for high school students in 2024, aiming to cultivate diversity and inclusion in the STEM workforce.

Group of students smiling at the camera.

This innovative program focuses on stem cell research and regenerative medicine, offering a comprehensive 5-week summer research training designed to inspire and engage high school students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from the Inland Empire region.

STRIDE is characterized by its mission to address unmet medical needs in a medically underserved area, showcasing a commitment to improving access to healthcare through the advancement of scientific knowledge and workforce diversity.

The summer of 2024 promises to be a pivotal time for high school students keen on exploring science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The 30 summer research programs listed here are but a glimpse into the vast opportunities available for young minds eager to push the boundaries of their understanding and make meaningful contributions to the world of research .

Each program’s unique focus, structure, and community offers a stepping stone to higher education and beyond, academically and personally preparing students for the challenges and opportunities. As the landscape of education and research continues to expand, these programs stand as testaments to the enduring value of curiosity, hard work, and collaboration in shaping the future of science and society.

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30 Most Prestigious Summer Programs for High Schoolers in 2024

What’s covered:.

  • What Makes a Summer Program Prestigious?
  • 30 Most Prestigious Summer Programs for High Schoolers

For many high schoolers, summer vacation means sleeping in, lazy days on the couch catching up on Netflix, and hanging out with friends. While these activities sound good, they, unfortunately, don’t do much to improve a student’s chances of getting into a top school.  

Luckily, summer programs allow talented young students to explore their fields of interest, get a taste of college life, and make new friends while enriching their minds and improving their application profile. Lasting anywhere from a week to a month (or longer), the majority of these programs still leave time for those traditional summer vacation activities, too. 

What Makes a Summer Program Prestigious? 

Just as summer programs encompass a wide variety of subjects, run for varying lengths, and cost different amounts, the prestige of summer programs also differs. The most prestigious summer programs are selective and free, like the Anson L. Clark Scholars Program which accepts just 12 students annually and rewards participants with a stipend. 

Less impressive summer programs accept most students and often require paying a hefty fee. Some of these summer programs are held at selective colleges and universities, which has led to the misconception that attending one can bolster your odds of admission at the school. Attending a summer program at a selective college will not really help your chances of admission to the school, though it will help you to get a feel for what the campus and the surrounding area are like. 

The Four Tiers of Extracurricular Activities are useful for understanding the prestige differences between summer programs. The highest tiers—Tiers 1 and 2—are reserved for uncommon and attention-grabbing summer programs (highly selective and usually free), while the lower tiers—Tiers 3 and 4—are for more common and less impressive summer programs (less selective and typically pricey).

CollegeVine’s free chancing engine is another great tool for gauging the prestige of summer programs. It can help you assess the strength of your extracurricular profile and organize your activities outside the classroom, like summer programs, into Tiers. 

Most Prestigious Summer Programs for High Schoolers 

1. telluride association summer seminar (tass).

Dates: June 23 – August 3

Location: Cornell University, University of Maryland, and University of Michigan

Application Deadline : January 3 

Cost: Free 

The Telluride Association Summer Seminar is a six-week program that allows rising high school juniors and seniors with diverse backgrounds from around the world to study how power and privilege shape social structures through courses in humanities and social sciences. Attendees are intellectually curious and motivated learners who commonly go on to attend some of the country’s finest colleges and universities. 

TASS is completely free, including the cost of tuition, books, room and board, and even travel if necessary—eliminating any financial barriers that may prevent the brightest minds from attending. 

2. Research Science Institute (RSI)

Dates: June 23 – August 3 

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Application Deadline : N/A

The Research Science Institute gathers 100 of the world’s most outstanding high school students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for a free, five-week program where they can experience the research cycle in its entirety. Combining on-campus coursework in scientific theory with off-campus work in science and technology research, RSI students produce individual projects guided by experienced scientists and researchers, culminating in written and oral presentations of their projects.

3. Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES)

Dates: Late June – Early August

Application Deadline : February 15 

MITES is a residential program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) aimed at students interested in pursuing a degree—and subsequently a career—in the STEM fields. Program participants are academically talented and come from diverse, underrepresented, or underserved backgrounds. 

Throughout this six-week residential program, high school juniors develop the skills necessary for success in STEM fields while learning about the value and reward of acquiring advanced technical degrees. 

4. Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)

Dates: June 30 – August 10

Location: Boston University 

Application Deadline : March 1

Cost: $6,100

Founded in 1989, PROMYS is a six-week residential program enrolling approximately 80 carefully chosen, mathematically gifted high school students who are at least 14 years old and have completed ninth grade. 

Attendees of PROMYS are not treated as students; rather, PROMYS participants are thought of as mathematicians. Throughout the program, these young mathematicians explore the field supported by their peers, counselors, research mathematicians, and research scientists.

PROMYS does have a higher price tag, however, the program is free for domestic students whose families make under $80,000 per year. Financial aid is also provided based on demonstrated need. 

5. Research in Science & Engineering (RISE)  

  • Residential: June 30 – August 9 
  • Commuter: July 1 – August 9

Application Deadline : February 14

  • Tuition: $5,350
  • Room and board: $3,120 – $3,426

RISE is a six-week summer program at Boston University (BU) for the nation’s best and brightest scientifically minded high school juniors. Participants in the RISE program are afforded two tracks: internship and practicum. 

Students opting for the internship track will gain hands-on experience with research projects and work under the mentorship of distinguished faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and graduate students with opportunities in fields such as astronomy, biology, biomedical engineering, chemistry, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, medical laboratory research, neuroscience, physics, psychology, and public health.  

The practicum track is focused on computational biology and follows a set syllabus, making it an ideal choice for students who prefer more structured study.

6. The Summer Science Program (SSP)

Dates: Varies 

Location: New Mexico State University, University of Colorado-Boulder, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Purdue University,  and Indiana University 

Application Deadline : February 16 

Cost: Up to $8,800 (the program fee is scaled to what a student can afford) 

The SSP is a 60+-year-old program designed to help future scientists, doctors, engineers, and entrepreneurs realize their full potential. By providing the role models, intellectually-equivalent peers, challenges, and inspiration that SSP participants often find lacking in their schools, the program immerses talented rising seniors from across the globe in experimental science. 

Throughout the intensive 39-day program, students conduct a research project from beginning to end, take field trips, listen to guest speakers, and, most importantly, partake in a life-changing experience. 

The SSP practices need-blind admissions—an applicant’s ability to pay for the program isn’t factored into admission decisions. The cost of the program is scaled based on family income, with students from more affluent families paying more and those from lower-income families paying less, if anything at all.

7. Boys State / Girls State

Dates: Varies

Location: Varies 

Application Deadline : Varies 

Cost: Generally free 

Boys State was founded in 1935 by two Illinois Legionnaires and the first Girls State was held three years later in 1938—these two summer programs teach high school juniors about the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of U.S. citizens, along with the structure of city, county, and state governments. 

This intensive one-week program divides students into parties, elects officials, and works to carry out basic functions such as writing, proposing, and passing bills. Other Boys/Girls State activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses, and recreational programs.

8. Boys Nation / Girls Nation

  • Boys Nation: July 19 – 26
  • Girls Nation: July 20 – 27 

Location: Washington D.C. 

Since 1946, Boys Nation has convened each summer to form a Senate in Washington, D.C., made up of representatives from the 49 Boys States (every U.S. state is represented except Hawaii). The first Girls Nation gathered the following year in 1947. 

Each state sends two students (who have completed their junior year and have at least one semester of high school remaining) to act as Senators representing their state. Throughout the week-long program, students gain first-hand experience of the inner workings of government, listen to lectures, participate in forums, and visit notable D.C. sites. The highlight of the program for many Boys/Girls Nation senators is the opportunity to meet with elected officials from their home states.

9. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)

  • Session1: June 17 – July 5
  • Session 2: July 8 – 26 

Location: Stanford University 

Application Deadline : February 1 

  • Online: $3,550
  • Residential: $8,250

SUMaC is offered as both a residential program at Stanford University and online. The program is for high-achieving high school juniors and seniors seeking to be challenged in mathematics and with a desire to learn about the latest in mathematical research and the application of mathematics across scientific fields.

Throughout the program, participants learn about advanced mathematics through lectures, guided research, and group problem-solving. SUMaC also provides students with a sample of a college-level workload—delivering rigorous coursework along with challenging assignments to complete outside of meeting times.

10. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Dates: June 10 – August 1 

Application Deadline : February 24 

Students are invited to perform basic research on a medically focused project through the eight-week-long SIMR. The program aims to help students gain a deeper understanding of how scientific research is conducted, introduce them to careers in the biological sciences and medicine, and increase diversity in the field. 

There are eight areas of research available for students to participate in: immunology, neurobiology, cancer biology, bioengineering, stem cell and regenerative medicine, cardiovascular biology, bioinformatics, and genetics and genomics. 

The program is open to all domestic high school juniors and seniors, however, priority is given to Bay Area students. Students from groups underrepresented in biomedical research are encouraged to apply. Not only is SIMR free, but students receive a stipend for their participation.

11. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program

Dates: June 4 – July 26

Location: Stanford University

Application Deadline : March 15

This selective five-week program—only about 24 students are selected—is open to high school juniors in Northern California from low-income and first-generation families. The program aims to help students develop academically and empower them to begin their college and medical careers. Throughout the program, participants engage in lectures, take part in professional development workshops, attend networking events, and conduct research projects while being mentored by Stanford faculty and health professionals.

Not only is the Stanford Medical Youth Science Program free, but participants receive a $1,250 clinical research stipend.

12. Science Internship Program (SIP)

Dates: June 10 – August 10 

Location: University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC)

Application Deadline : March 31 

Cost: $4,000

The SIP at the University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC) gives high-achieving and driven students the rare chance to work and learn at a premier research institution. Projects are available in fields such as science, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and art.  

For more than a decade, this nine-week program has allowed students to spend their summer working on authentic open-ended science research projects while being mentored by UCSC faculty, graduate students, and post-doctoral researchers. The program is open to high schoolers in grades 9 through 12 and presents a fantastic opportunity for students interested in pursuing a career in a STEM field to see scientific research “in action.”

13. Economics for Leaders (EFL)

Application Deadline : Rolling 

Cost: $2,300 

This week-long program occurring at colleges and universities across the country (as well as virtually) gives future leaders hands-on experience using economics in the decision-making process. EFL seeks to make budding leaders more effective by showing them how to use economic analysis when considering public policy choices while also creating a deeper understanding of leadership and building leadership skills.

EFL is open to high school sophomores and juniors and is competitive—just 25 to 40 students are accepted at each site. 

14. Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)

Dates: June 22 – August 3 

Location: Carnegie Mellon University 

SAMS is a six-week residential program at Carnegie Mellon University for current high school juniors age 16 or older interested in pursuing an undergraduate STEM degree. Participants in SAMS develop a deeper knowledge and a better understanding of a variety of STEM fields through classroom instruction, hands-on learning, and consistent engagement with faculty and staff mentors. 

SAMS strongly encourages students from backgrounds underrepresented in STEM to apply.  

15. The Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics (HCSSiM)

Dates: June 30 – August 10 

Location: Hampshire College 

Cost: $5,882  

Entering its 52nd year, HCSSiM is a residential six-week advanced mathematics program held at Hampshire College in which talented students from around the world spend a large portion of their days engaged in mathematics—not just the results of math problems. 

HCSSiM’s mission is to prepare and motivate high school students to pursue degrees, and ultimately careers, in mathematics. HCSSiM offers participants unparalleled access to faculty in classrooms, at mealtimes, and in the dorms. HCSSiM attracts a diverse group of students—typically the number of girls and non-binary students equals the number of boys. 

The cost of the program is $5,882, although the program is free for domestic students from families with household incomes less than $68,000.

Dates: August 3 – 9 

Location: Austin, Texas 

Application Deadline : March 2 

Founded in 2001 to address the lack of diversity in the media, JCamp brings high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors from a wide variety of cultural, racial, religious, and political backgrounds (to name a few) together for six days of intense journalism training. 

Participating in sessions and workshops led by journalists employed by top media companies, students get hands-on training in broadcasting, print journalism, photojournalism, and online media—and produce media packages for the program’s news site. 

JCamp is free if selected to attend; the program covers the cost of everything from airfare to housing to meals.

17. MathILy

Dates: June 30 – August 3

Location: Bryn Mawr College

Application Deadline : April 30 

Cost: $5,300

Serious mathematics infused with levity, MathILy is a marvelous five-week residential program at Bryn Mawr College. Led by mathematicians possessing PhDs and supported by graduate and undergraduate students, MathILy participants learn to improve their problem-solving ability, hone their critical thinking skills, meet other incredibly talented young mathematicians, and work on lots of advanced math problems. 

When not tackling topics such as combinatorial optimization, generating functions, information theory, knot theory, and Markov chain modeling, students will participate in program-wide discussions about college choices and career possibilities inside and outside of mathematics. 

Only about 30 students are selected to participate in MathILy annually.

18. High School Honors Science, Math and Engineering Program (HSHSP)

Dates: June 16 – August 3

Location: Michigan State University 

Application Deadline : March 1 

Since 1988, HSHSP has given students entering their senior year of high school the opportunity to gain first-hand research experience in a university environment. Drawing talented and driven students from across the United States and its territories to Michigan State University, this seven-week residential program allows students to make connections with like-minded students from diverse backgrounds, build friendships, and increase their knowledge of science and mathematics while fostering a passion for the field.

19. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program  

Dates: June 16 – August 1

Location: Texas Tech University

Application Deadline : February 15

The distinguishing characteristic of the Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is that it’s open to students in a wide range of fields—from biology to computer science to history. This extremely competitive program attracts applicants from across the globe to Texas Tech University and acceptance to the program is a feather in the cap of any college-bound student.

Participants are afforded the unique opportunity to gain hands-on research experience in their field while working one-on-one with faculty over the program’s seven intense weeks. Many Clark Scholars use the experience to shape their future college and career goals. The Clark Scholar Program is free for chosen applicants—the only cost students are responsible for is their transportation to and from the program. In fact, a stipend is awarded upon the student’s completion of a research project report.

This program is open to rising and graduating high school juniors; only 12 students are chosen each summer.

20. Notre Dame Summer Scholars

  • Session 1: June 8 – 22
  • Session 2: June 29 – July 13

Location: University of Notre Dame 

Application Deadline : February 20 

Cost: $4,725

During an intense two weeks, rising juniors and seniors enrolled in the Summer Scholars program are given a taste of life on a college campus. Participating in one of 31 fields of study ranging from accounting to world politics and power, Summer Scholars get a preview of college academics while earning one college credit for completing the program. 

Of course, there is much more to college than just the classroom—summer scholars are encouraged to work together on coursework outside of class and ample time is provided to sample the social side of college life.

21. Hk Maker Lab

Dates: July 8 – August 13 

Location: Columbia University 

Application Deadline : February 2

This free four-week summer program at the Columbia University School of Engineering allows students to tackle a hands-on design project under the guidance of the university’s renowned faculty and present it to the community. The program is for New York City high school juniors and seniors from economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. 

22. Tufts University Biomedical Engineering Research Scholars (TUBERS) Program

Dates: July 1 – August 16 

Location: Tufts University 

This six-week program for academically talented students teaches research techniques, experimental protocols, making predictions, and testing hypotheses. Participants will leave the program with a completed research project that they can enter in local and national science competitions. 

The program is open to students age 16 and older and is free, however, participants must arrange their own transportation to and from the Tufts campus in Medford, Massachusetts, and housing is unavailable to out-of-state students. 

23. Pomona College Academy for Youth Success (PAYS)

Dates: June 23 – July 19

Location: Pomona College

Application Deadline : February 26

Cost: Free  

PAYS helps prepare talented local high schoolers—rising sophomores through rising seniors—for admission to some of the country’s best colleges and universities. Over 90 students (roughly 30 sophomores, 30 juniors, and 30 seniors) are selected annually to participate in the four-week residential program, where they engage in a variety of activities, including classwork, cultural events, workshops, projects, and field trips. 

PAYS is free and aimed at students traditionally underrepresented in higher education, such as students who are the first in their family to attend college, from low-income families, and from racial/ethnic groups like African American, Latino, Native American, and Pacific Islander. 

24. Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement  

Dates: June 17 – July 19

Location: University of Southern California (USC) 

Application Deadline : March 22 

Just 26 students from the communities surrounding the USC University Park and Health Science Campuses are selected to participate in this prestigious summer program. The program exposes participants to college-level work while helping them develop a better understanding of the role that media communications and journalism play in fashioning civic-minded thought leaders and innovators. 

Program participants also build valuable skills like writing, critical thought, public speech and debate, multimedia production, interviewing, and ethnography while exploring career paths in media and journalism.

25. Broad Summer Scholars Program

Dates: June 3 – August 2 

Location: Broad Institute 

Application Deadline : January 10 

This six-week program is perfect for rising Massachusetts high school seniors with an interest in science. Participants are paired with scientists to conduct original cutting-edge research projects in fields like cancer biology, psychiatric disease, chemical biology, computational biology, and infectious disease. 

In addition to performing research, participants will present their findings at a scientific poster session, attend a college fair, meet like-minded students, and have fun! Not only is the Broad Summer Scholars Program free, but participants receive a $3,600 stipend at its conclusion.

26. Ross Mathematics Program

  • Otterbein University: June 9 – July 19
  • Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology: June 16 – July 26

Location: Otterbein University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Cost: $7,000

The Ross Mathematics program traces its roots to the launch of the Sputnik satellite in the 1950s and the surge of interest it spurred in science education. Today, this six-week residential program encourages students to explore mathematics—such as careers where math plays a vital role, like research, science, and finance—and discover how it’s used for critical thinking and informed citizenship.

Admission to the Ross Mathematics Program is competitive. Only about 60 students are accepted at each location and in 2023 just ≈15% of applicants were accepted.

27. Simons Summer Research Program

Dates: July 1 – August 9

Location: Stony Brook University

Application Deadline : February 7

Established four decades ago as an outreach program for local students, today the Simons Summer Research Program attracts high-achieving students from across the country. The program is aimed at rising juniors and provides them with the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience in science, math, or engineering.

Participants are matched with faculty mentors, join a research team, and are responsible for the project. They’ll also attend workshops, listen to lectures, take tours, and attend special events. The program concludes with participants producing a written research abstract and research poster.

Not only is this program free, but students are awarded a stipend for their participation in the program.

28. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program

Dates: June 1 – August 10

Location: Bar Harbor, Maine, and Farmington, Connecticut

Application Deadline : January 29

High school and college students from across the nation compete for a spot in this competitive summer program—just 40 students are selected. Participants immerse themselves in genetics and genomics research while gaining a deeper understanding of laboratory work, building communication skills, and experiencing personal growth.

Participants develop an independent research project, implement their plan, analyze the data, and report the results. The program concludes with students presenting their findings to their parents, peers, and researchers.

Students are awarded a $6,500 stipend for participating in the program.

29. Princeton Summer Journalism Program

Dates: July 26 – August 5

Location: Princeton University and online

This free program for aspiring journalists is open to high school juniors. This hybrid program begins with online workshops and lectures and concludes with a 10-day residential institute at Princeton—giving participants a taste of college life at a world-renowned university. The program culminates with the publication of a newspaper, The Princeton Summer Journal.

In addition to journalism-focused activities, students will also prepare for college—learning about the college application process, crafting essays, discovering how to find best-fit schools, gaining an understanding of how applications are evaluated, and meeting with college admissions representatives.

30. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio

  • Session 1: June 16 – 29
  • Session 2: July 14 – 27

Location: University of Iowa

Application Deadline : February 4

Cost: $2,500

The Iowa Young Writers’ Studio is a two-week summer residential program that gives promising high school writers the chance to study and live at the home of one of the country’s oldest and most renowned writing programs. Students can select from one of five core courses, each with a seminar and workshop component to them. The five core courses are:

  • Creative Writing
  • TV Writing/Writer’s Room
  • Playwriting

Participants in the program will meet other aspiring young writers, get to share their writing, receive constructive criticism, and ultimately hone their craft.

As you can see, there are prestigious summer programs for high schoolers across the country in a wide array of fields and subjects. Make sure you thoroughly research the options available to you and look into the details of each program you are considering. Also, remember that while it’s fantastic to participate in one of these highly selective and impressive programs, it’s not the end of the world if you don’t get in. There are plenty of enriching ways you can spend your summer that can still look just as impressive on a college application.

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UC Santa Barbara Summer Sessions offers a suite of opportunities for pre-college students to expand horizons, fuel curiosity, and hone independence! Our unparalleled research programs provide unique opportunities to earn college credit while in high school. Designed to shape each student's academic, professional, personal, and social development, our programs challenge high school students by exposing them to the academic excellence of UC Santa Barbara while immersing them in the university’s social environment. 

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The programs we offer are designed to appeal to students with a wide range of interests. The Research Mentorship Program and the Summer Research Academies allow participants to deep-dive into an interdisciplinary subject while discovering new knowledge through university-level research. For those less research-oriented, open enrollment  in Summer Sessions allows students to learn alongside the undergraduate population by partaking in UC Santa Barbara courses. Each of these transformative summer experiences help students get ahead while honing skills that prepare them to excel in higher education.

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Broad Summer Scholars Program

The application for the 2024 Broad Summer Scholars Program is now closed. We will begin accepting applications for the 2025 Broad Summer Scholars Program in mid-November.

2023 Scholars

summer research program for high school

The Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP) invites highly motivated high school students with a strong interest in science to spend six weeks at the  Broad Institute.  We match students with Broad scientists to conduct original, cutting-edge research projects in areas such as: cancer biology, psychiatric disease, chemical biology, computational biology, infectious disease, and more. In addition to original research, students will get to explore scientific careers; attend interesting scientific talks; present their research to the Broad community in a scientific poster session; attend a college fair; participate in fun social events; and meet other students who share similar interests.

Additional program benefits

  • No cost to apply or attend
  • $3,600 stipend
  • Partial reimbursement for transportation costs
  • Access to an on-staff tutor to review scientific concepts related to student projects
  • Trainings focused on creating scientific posters and best practices for presenting
  • Exposure to both computational and experimental techniques
  • Social and team-building activities

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply to BSSP, applicants must:

  • Be a rising senior in high school (i.e. students can apply their junior year)
  • Attend a high school in MA within commuting distance to the Broad
  • Have earned a B or better in science and math classes
  • Demonstrate excitement for science!​ No previous research experience is required.
  • Be a US citizen, permanent resident, or non-US citizen with employment authorization (i.e. DACA)
  • Be available for the entire 6-week duration of the program. Students cannot be enrolled in other courses or programs, or commit to other employment, during program hours.

We especially encourage applications from students who meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Underrepresented in the sciences—these groups include Native Americans or Alaska Natives, Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinxs, Native Hawaiians or Other Pacific Islanders, as well as individuals with disabilities.
  • Underserved, as indicated by qualifying for free or reduced lunch.
  • Could be the first person in their family to attend college.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to issues of diversity and inclusion through extracurricular and/or community activities that address social, educational, or economic disparities in the United States.

Important dates

  • Application deadline: January 22, 2024 at 11:59PM ET
  • Notifications: mid-March 
  • Program dates: June 24 - August 2, 2024

For more information about the Broad Summer Scholars Program, please visit our FAQ page or email [email protected] .

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  • Alumni of the Broad’s summer research programs discuss the personal and professional impact of their time at Broad
  • Broad’s summer research programs for high school and college students have helped shape the careers of more than 300 young scientists

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Stoodnt

Best Summer Research Programs for High School Students 2023

Tanmoy Ray

  • March 3, 2022
  • Career Guidance , College Admission Guidance , Parents Must Read , Under Graduate

Summer is an extremely important time as colleges want to know what the student is doing during their spare time. Based on your own interest, you can do just about anything. The sky is the limit – online courses, summer programs, internships, etc. Another great option is a research project; especially if you are aiming to get into the Ivy and elite colleges from India and other Asian countries . Here are some of the best-in-class   in-person and online summer research programs for high school students in 2023.

Summer Research Programs for High School Students

College is a giant academic leap from high school, and as such, it requires careful preparation, often beyond what high school can provide. Thus,  students (and their parents) often spend the summer after senior year  brushing up on skills that will give them the competitive edge they need to succeed in college and in their future careers.

A research program is one of those critical extracurricular activities that can demonstrate that you willingly take on challenging material and that you thrive amid competition. Your activities list will tell colleges that not only are you ready for college, but you also have experience in the research field.

The opportunity to have your scientific findings from a summer program published or presented in the scientific community is the ticket to sending your college applications to the next level .

Since many summer research programs themselves are selective, they provide you with experience as they mimic the college application process. They can range anywhere from one week to last the majority of your summer break (and even 6 months).

The prices range greatly too, with some free options alongside programs that cost thousands of dollars . A few of them (e.g. Lumiere and SHRM) also provide financial aid for deserving candidates with financial constraints.

How does a Research Project Help in College Admissions?

A research project on your resume can help you to demonstrate:

  • Self-motivation and Initiative
  • Long-term commitment
  • Consistency and Depth within Interests
  • Connection to Academics
  • Creativity and Originality

Best Online and Summer Research Programs for High School Students

You can use this list as a starting point for finding an online research program or summer pre-college program that matches your intended major. Read more about how research publications can help with college admissions .

Best Online Summer Research Programs for High School Students 2022

Why Undertake Online Research Programs in 2022?

The pandemic is still around. We are not 100% sure if there is going to be any other variant in the near future. So, we have prioritized online research programs for high school students. After all, safety is more important.

Summers in 2020 and 2021 showed us that students will be able to find activities that work in a virtual environment, and in doing so, they’ll learn a little more about themselves. With some creativity, they can find new ways to engage in their interests and develop new skills. Bonus points if they make a positive impact on others in their community in the meantime.

Online research programs for high school students offer a unique opportunity to demonstrate their skills in research and pursue the possibility of having their findings published. 

Lumiere Education

Founded by Harvard & Oxford researchers, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective research program for high school students. Students work 1-1 with a research mentor from a top university to develop a full-length, undergraduate-level research paper. The program offers the opportunity to do research in any academic field of your choice, ranging from machine learning and economics to physics and history.

In the 2020-2021 school year, over 1500 students applied to the program. An analysis of ED/EA admissions of former Lumiere students showed that alumni were 26% more likely to be accepted to the top ten universities in the US .

Lumiere also helps students with the publication process for their research. Students’ past research projects have gone on to be finalists at MIT Think, published in journals like the Cornell Undergraduate Economic Review, and have won competitions like Regional ISEF Regeneron fairs.

Lumiere also provides scholarships to students whose families make less than $35,000 per year (US applicants) or 15 lakh rupees per year (Indian or non-US applicants).

Interested in the Lumiere Research Scholar Program 2022?

Application Deadline: March 13, 2022.

Research Areas at Lumiere:

  • Data Science
  • Computer Science
  • Gender Studies
  • Business & Entrepreneurship
  • International Relations

Horizon Academic

Horizon Academic (HARP) is a trimester-long online research program for extraordinary high school students to refine their interest in an academic subject. Students will develop a college-level research project under the individualized guidance of a professor from a globally renowned university.

Students choose their own subject area and work with a professor, post-doc, or Ph.D. student to develop a unique research proposal. After a trimester of reading, writing, and exploring, students finish their final projects, most often a 20-25 page research paper.

By showcasing a student’s very best work, Horizon gives students the opportunity to get letters of recommendation, seek outside recognition of the quality of their work, and demonstrate their exceptional talent to universities.

Research Areas:

  • Machine Learning and Biotechnology
  • Cancer Biology (CRISPR)
  • Neuroscience
  • Protein Physics
  • Formulation Chemistry
  • Ancient Greek-Roman History

SHRM Biotechnologies

SHRM Biotech is an affiliated training institute under the Life Science Skill Sector Council, Govt. of India. It is dedicated to providing training to students coming from life science backgrounds and high school students passionate about science. They provide a wide range of services including Research Projects, Training (both offline and online), contract research facilities, assistance in the development of project reports, and so on.

Research projects are usually of longer tenure, like 12-16 weeks, and involve the participation of the students in gathering data, analyzing it, and then coming to a fruitful conclusion. There are other reasons why students must opt for dissertation projects, they are mentioned here:

  • Performing investigation while dealing with a research problem and simultaneously collecting and organizing information (or data).
  • Checking the validity of the data by performing required experiments in the laboratory under experienced faculty
  • Application of data analysis by application of technology and intellect to critically evaluate information
  • Showcase the findings of the dissertation as a well-explained report by aligning it with the present scientific knowledge
  • Present the research in your institution or an audience.

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Pioneer Academics

It’s a great option to do a research project online and earn credits from a US college. Pioneer is well respected for its rigorous academic standards which apply to both the faculty members and the students.

The Pioneer Research Program provides undergraduate-level research opportunities to talented, intellectually motivated high school students (and college students) from around the world. It is the only online credit-bearing research program for high school students that offers STEM, social sciences and humanities disciplines.

In the Pioneer Research Program, selected students to work one-on-one with leading US university professors in advanced study and research of a topic of their interest, culminating in a full-length research paper. The program is conducted entirely online, allowing high school students from all over the world to participate.

It’s another platform that provides opportunities to high school students to conduct research projects online. The platform allows students to connect with an expert mentor online and develop a college-level research project. The projects allow students to showcase their work through a publication, conference presentation, or creative piece.

Students need to have a solid idea of what they want to study and preferably some research ideas as well. Here are some of the  projects done by previous students .

CrowdMath (a joint program by the Art of Problem Solving and MIT Primes)

It’s a massive online collaborative year-long research project open to all high school (and college) students around the world.

Students get a unique opportunity to collaborate on a large research project with top-tier research mentors and an exceptional peer group. MIT PRIMES and Art of Problem Solving are working together to create a place for students to experience research mathematics and discover ideas that did not exist before.

Click here for more information on Project 2022 .

Recommended Articles:

Free Online Courses for High School Students

Other Top Online Summer Research Programs for High School Students

  • International Research Institute of North Carolina (IRI-NC)
  • ScholarLaunch
  • BioChemCoRe
  • J Craig Venter Institute
  • Apple World Wide Developers Conference
  • Congressional App Challenge
  • Google Code Jams
  • InternWorks
  • UCI Summer Premed Program
  • Anson L Clark Scholar Program
  • Cambridge Future Scholar Programme

Best Summer Research Programs for High School Students

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Summer Student Program
  • Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program
  • Research Science Institute (RSI)
  • Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
  • Simons Summer Research Program
  • Research in Materials Science Program (RIMS)
  • Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Internship

Summer Research Programs for High School Students on Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

  • Center For Disease Control Disease Detective Camp  – Atlanta, Georgia
  • Coriell Institute For Medical Research Summer Experience  – Camden, New Jersey
  • City Of Hope Cancer Center Eugene And Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy  – Duarte, California
  • Wistar Institute Summer Fellowship Program In Biomedical Research  – Philadelphia, PA
  • Howard Hughes Medical Institute Jump Start Program  – College Park, Maryland
  • McLaughlin Research Institute For Biomedical Sciences Summer Internship  – Great Falls, Montana

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Preparing for MIT: Summer programs

We often get asked if there are particular summer programs students should do to prepare for applying to MIT, and our answer is always to spend your summers in the way that best suits your personal needs and goals . Similar to the way we look at a student’s extracurricular activities , there are absolutely no “right” or “wrong” answers.

But, if a STEM-focused summer program is what you’re looking for and you’re not sure where to start, here’s an incomplete list of summer programs that MIT students have found enriching and fun. These are selective summer programs, at MIT and elsewhere, that offer compelling intellectual content and a rigorous educational approach, a great community of like-minded peers, and are either free to attend or ( like MIT ) offer generous need-based financial aid.

MIT summer programs

MIT does not offer open-enrollment summer programs where any high school student can come to campus to take courses and live in the residence halls. However, several partner organizations run small, specialized programs on campus. If studying the human genome, building a robot, or scoping out the stars sound like a fun way to spend your summer, then you might try one of these:

MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES)

MITES Summer is an intensive six-week residential academic enrichment program for high school juniors who intend to pursue careers in science, engineering, and entrepreneurship, especially those from underrepresented or underserved communities. The program is free of charge to participating students, not including transportation.

MITES Semester is a six-month, hybrid learning STEM and college preparation experience for high school juniors that runs June through December. The program is free of charge to participating students and provides engaging, rigorous online courses and weekly virtual webinars, social events, and workshops.

Mathroots (a joint program with MIT Admissions) is a free two-week mathematical talent accelerator residential summer program hosted by MIT PRIMES for nationally selected high-potential high school students from underrepresented backgrounds or underserved communities.

Research Science Institute (RSI)

Research Science Institute (RSI) is a program of the Center for Excellence in Education hosted in partnership with MIT. This rigorous academic program brings together high school students each summer for six stimulating weeks of advanced research and intellectual enrichment, with a focus on mathematics, science, and engineering. Participants attend college-level classes taught by distinguished faculty members and complete hands-on research. Open to high school juniors, the program is free of charge for those selected.

Women’s Technology Program (WTP)

Women’s Technology Program (WTP) is a women-focused program aimed at empowering students from groups that are historically underrepresented in engineering by providing a rigorous four-week summer academic experience that introduces 20 high school students to Mechanical Engineering (ME) through hands-on classes (taught by MIT graduate and undergraduate students), labs, and team-based projects in the summer after 11th grade.

Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)

Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) is an intensive four-week program where high school juniors can get a taste of the MIT experience while working on college-level curriculum with other students from around the country. There are a range of courses—from Autonomous Underwater Vehicles to Quantum Software and to Serious Game Design with AI—with concentrations in programming autonomous systems and more! While this program is only open to high school juniors, there are also online programs offered for younger high school students.

Summer Science Program (SSP)

While the Summer Science Program (SSP) is not on campus, MIT co-sponsors this residential program, and many MIT students are among the program’s alumni. The curriculum is organized around a central research project in either Astrophysics, Biochemistry, Genomics, or Synthetic Chemistry. The programs are six weeks long and offered at locations in Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Washington D.C.

Other selective summer programs

Most summer programs admit all or most students who can pay the (often high) tuition. However, a number of competitive-admission summer programs select only the best students on the basis of merit and are often free or comparatively affordable. Here are a few of these from other, non-MIT organizations (in alphabetical order):

Science & research summer programs

  • BU Research in Science & Engineering (RISE)
  • Clark Scholar Program
  • Garcia Summer Scholars
  • High School Honors Science, Math and Engineering Program (HSHSP)
  • International Summer School for Young Physicists (ISSYP)
  • Secondary Student Training Program (SSTP)
  • Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
  • Student Science Training Program (SSTP)
  • Summer Program on Applied Rationality and Cognition (SPARC)

Math summer programs

The American Mathematical Society maintains a large list of math summer enrichment programs , as does the the Mathematics Foundation of America’s Summer Mathematics Program Consortium .

In general, some summer math programs that our applicants seem to especially like include:

  • AwesomeMath
  • Canada/USA Mathcamp
  • Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics (HCSSiM)
  • Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)
  • Prove It! Math Academy
  • The Ross Program
  • Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
  • Texas State Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC)

Interdisciplinary or broader summer programs

  • The nonprofit Davidson Institute maintains extensive lists of both residential and day summer programs across the United States that provide for the intellectual and social enrichment of students.
  • The National Conference of Governor’s Schools (NCoGS) supports development and growth of summer residential governor’s school programs across 25 states , dedicated to finding and cultivating students with special academic, creative, artistic, and/or leadership talents.
  • The QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program partners with some institutions to send high-achieving, underserved, low-income students to residential and virtual summer programs —with scholarships that cover the full cost of travel, tuition, housing, meals, and supplies.

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Summer Research Opportunities

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Every summer, WashU students learn and contribute to research by working closely with faculty or participating in research projects at the university.

summer research program for high school

Advanced Summer Program for Investigation and Research Education (ASPIRE)

ASPIRE is an intensive summer research opportunity for undergraduates from any institution who are interested in clinical research. Coursework, mentored research, and professional development programming all take place on the Medical Campus.

Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences Summer Research Programs

DBBS offers opportunities for undergraduates to experience the outstanding cutting-edge research at WashU and in the St. Louis area.

Institute for Informatics Summer Research Program Internships

The Institute for Informatics offers summer internships to undergraduate and graduate students from various backgrounds. Students will have the opportunity to work under the guidance of faculty mentors and research scientists in a program that focuses on the support and elevation of biomedical informatics through research translation and practice.

Institute for Public Health Summer Research Program

The Institute for Public Health offers a summer research program that exposes undergraduate, graduate, and medical students to public or global health research in a lab or field-based setting.

Siteman Cancer Center Summer Research Program

The Leah Menshouse Springer Summer Opportunities Program is designed to provide students with hands-on cancer research experience for 10 weeks over the summer. Opportunities range from basic science research to clinical research to prevention/control and population research.

Summer Research Program for Medical Students

The EMERGE program at the WashU School of Medicine is a six-week program that provides an introduction to emergency care research and emergency medicine careers for medical students. Participants will be paired with emergency medicine faculty to complete an emergency care research project. Didactics focused on emergency care methodology and career pathways will be combined with shadowing opportunities. 

TL1 Predoctoral Clinical Research Program

TL1 is an intensive two-month summer research opportunity, beginning June 1 and ending July 31, for allied health graduate students from any institution who are interested in clinical research. Coursework, mentored research and professional development programming all take place on the Medical Campus.

WashU ENDURE

The ENDURE program is a two-year opportunity consisting of both summer and academic year activities that prepare undergraduates from diverse backgrounds for neuroscience PhD programs. We combine outstanding research training, a rigorous curriculum, and an empowering support system so participants thrive on their path to graduate school and beyond. With support from the NIH Blueprint ENDURE initiative and WashU, accepted students are funded for up to two years and for trips to the annual Society for Neuroscience meeting.

summer research program for high school

Additional research opportunities

WashU faculty are distinguished for their research and creative activities. Summer research funding is available through the Office of Undergraduate Research, and the office also provides a list of additional summer research opportunities you can explore.

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CS K-12 Outreach

Research program for hs students – summer 2025.

Summer 2024: Papers & Presentations

Summer 2023: Papers & Presentations

Program dates: June 9 – August 1, 2025 (8 weeks) Application site: TBD

Summer 2025 program will be updated by January 1, 2025. Please check back here at that time. Following details are for Summer 2024:

All Summer Research offerings @ Google sheet utd.link/csr24

We believe that learning coding skills and understanding new technologies is the most productive way to spend summer months for the most high school students. Main challenge with research for HS students is that the advanced level of knowledge is required to understand the research that goes on in our labs & to make any meaningful contribution in short 2 months of Summer.

Scholarship for low income families is made possible by financial support from

State Farm.

Learning to code is like learning to play a musical instrument! It takes a lot of time, patience and practice. Please, please, please do NOT skip the introductory material covered in our summer camps and sign up directly for the research workshops – it will have the opposite effect – your child will lose the self-confidence and decide that Computer Science is not for him/her.

We have decided to offer 2 types of research opportunities this Summer:

  • Intensive Research Internship in CS labs – typically meet in-person for multiple days per week – capacity in each lab is very limited – so we will be extremely selective! Selection process & goals are managed by individual labs. We expect each intern to work 20-40 hours per week – it will vary greatly depending on the project or lab. Actual work can vary a lot too: reading research papers, conducting simulations, develop app for specific functionality, etc.

There will be $500 fee to cover the logistics and compensation for the instructors (we will accommodate the low income families with discounted fees). Once you are selected for Internship, you are expected to register within a week to keep your spot. There will be $50 cancellation fee. Warning: We expect the lab intern selection to be highly selective. Do not be disappointed if you don’t get selected. We don’t mean to discourage you, rather we want you to be realistic about the chances. Best wishes!

  • Summer Research Workshops – Each workshop is run like informal college courses that meets at least twice per week – students can attend IN-PERSON or ONLINE (all sessions will be recorded to help the attendees to catch up if any sessions are missed due to other summer commitments) – typical goal of each workshop is to end with a final project or paper related to the research area. However, we will NOT push the students to do them – we will enable them by providing the necessary support & guide them towards their goals. There will be $500 fee to attend these Summer Research workshops. Once you are selected for this Summer Research program, you are expected to register within a week to keep your spot. There will be $50 cancellation fee. However, if you are admitted to a lab later, we will be happy to transfer you to the lab. We also have 8-week Deep-dive AI workshop which runs for the whole day for 8 weeks! Registration fee is $1200. See the details below.

Who can apply?

These research opportunities are ONLY for passionate & highly motivated advanced level high school students (ideally students finishing 10th and 11th grade) who are thrilled to dig deep and gain more knowledge with minimal guidance. If you are hoping for a lot of hand-holding along the way, these opportunities are not for you! 🙁 Especially for lab internships, we expect you to have good background knowledge in the research areas you are interested in.

Google sheet utd.link/csr24 contains the listing of current Summer Research offerings. You can also visit UTDCS department research page to understand research that goes on in our research labs/institutes/centers. BTW, professors’ schedules are extremely busy – please do NOT email them directly – reach out to Dr. Jey at [email protected] if there are any questions.

8 week Deep-dive AI Workshop – June 3 to August 2, 2024 (with July 1-5 break)

Application process through https://k12.utdallas.edu/research

UTD CS is thrilled to offer Artificial Intelligence Workshop for 8 weeks for College Students & Advanced Level High School Students. This camp actually runs Monday to Friday for all 8 weeks (9:30am-4pm) with lunch break for an hour. In-person attendance is strongly recommended. Supervision will be provided from 8:30am to 5pm. We will send a camp completion certificate to each camper. We will also send a write-up/recommendation letter based on the student’s performance.

Pre-requisites: Familiarity with Python programming, and high school level math. Willing to invest time & energy to learn advanced level coding, data analysis skills and apply them to a real life project.

Instructors

UTD CS graduate students, with Dr. Anurag Nagar & Dr. Anjum Chida as the faculty leads.

Registration fee is $1200, very reasonable for 8 week intense program like this one, we understand that the low income families may find it hard to pay it – as a public state institution, our goal is never to turn away any interested Texas students due to money. We offer 50% discount for low-income families. Send any meaningful documentation to [email protected] to apply. See the bottom of utdallas.edu/k12 for more details.

In case you change your mind later & decide not to attend this program, there is just $50 cancellation fee – remaining amount will be refunded back to you. Also, pro-rated amount will be refunded if you decide to quit in the middle of the program.

List of Topics

  • Introduction to Python programming, tools for data analysis such as NumPy, pandas, graphics.
  • Getting started with data processing – various file formats, loading into data frames and performing basic statistical operations.
  • Introduction to machine learning, with examples and real life scenarios.
  • AI/ML model building – decision trees, neural networks, etc.
  • Deep Neural Nets using TensorFlow
  • Convolutional Neural Nets (CNN) and Recurrent Neural Nets (RNN)
  • Model Evaluation – accuracy, error, ROC curve
  • Project Activities

The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living and working environment that is welcoming, respectful and inclusive of all members of the university community. The University  prohibits unlawful discrimination against a person because of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. Participation in our Coding Camps/Workshops/Webinars is open to all interested parties.

Summer Research Scholars Programs

The University of Texas at Austin hosts a number of undergraduate research programs on campus each summer. These programs select academically talented and motivated students to participate in exciting research in a variety of disciplines. The Office of Undergraduate Research supports these programs through social networking events and professional development.

Programs may be open to UT and non-UT students. Please contact each program directly for more information about eligibility, application, and deadlines.

  • Frontier Research and Training in Astronomy for the 21st Century

Biomedical Engineering

  • BME CUReS Cancer NSF REU
  • BUILD ing SCHOLARS Summer Research Program

Cellular and Molecular Biology

  • Summer Undergraduate Program for Experiential Research ( SUPER ) – REU
  • Frontiers in the Chemistry of Materials

Civil Engineering

Cockrell School of Engineering

  • LSAMP : Louise Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation
  • UT Austin Summer Research Academy

College of Liberal Arts

  • Population Research Center

College of Natural Sciences

  • CNS LSAMP Summer Research Academy
  • Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship

Electrical and Computer Engineering

  • Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure ( NHERI ) – Cyberinfrastructure and Data Management
  • Environmental Science Institute

ICES : Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences

  • Moncrief Undergraduate Summer Internship

Integrative Biology

  • Summer research in switchgrass ecology and genetics
  • Inclusive Student Training in Collections and field-based Topics

Jackson School of Geosciences

  • Research Traineeship Experience

All Disciplines

  • McNair Summer Research Institute

Microelectronics Research Center

  • National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure

Nanotechnology

  • NASCENT REU Program

Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering

  • Summer Undergraduate Research Internship

Texas Advanced Computing Center

  • Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure
  • Cyberinfrastructure (CI) Research for Social Change

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  1. The 15 Best Summer Research Programs for High School Students

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  2. Summer 2020 High School Research Program

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  3. Applications now being accepted for 2023 summer research program for

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  5. 10 Summer Research Opportunities For High School Students [2022

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  6. 2024 IMD Summer High School Research Program

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COMMENTS

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    Horizon Academic. Horizon Academic (HARP) is a trimester-long online research program for extraordinary high school students to refine their interest in an academic subject. Students will develop a college-level research project under the individualized guidance of a professor from a globally renowned university.

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    Summer Research Program for Medical Students. The EMERGE program at the WashU School of Medicine is a six-week program that provides an introduction to emergency care research and emergency medicine careers for medical students. Participants will be paired with emergency medicine faculty to complete an emergency care research project.

  26. Research Program for HS Students

    Summer 2025 program will be updated by January 1, 2025. Please check back here at that time. Following details are for Summer 2024: All Summer Research offerings @ Google sheet utd.link/csr24. We believe that learning coding skills and understanding new technologies is the most productive way to spend summer months for the most high school ...

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    Overview: The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program is tailor-made for high school students with a passion for biomedical research. This program offers a hands-on experience in cutting-edge laboratories, allowing participants to explore various aspects of biomedical research under the guidance of experienced mentors.

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    Find Us. Undergraduate Research Peter T. Flawn Academic Center (FAC) Room 33 2304 Whitis Ave. Austin, Texas 78712 512-471-7152

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