STEM subjects—science, technology, engineering, and math—are best understood through hands-on experience, not just textbooks and classroom labs. To truly explore how these fields work in real-world settings, research programs for high school students can be a valuable step.
In Arizona, several programs offer resident high school students the chance to engage directly with research with some of the best universities, hospitals, and organizations in the state. Some take place in university labs, while others connect students with engineers, scientists, or field researchers at hospitals and organizations across industries. Depending on the program, you might design experiments, code for real-world applications, study biological samples, or analyze environmental data.
To help you get started, here’s a list of 15 STEM research opportunities for high school students in Arizona.
15 STEM Research Opportunities for High School Students in Arizona
1. Barrow Neurological Institute
The Barrow Neurological Institute offers a Summer High School Internship Program that lets you get real experience in a research lab. You’ll learn how to use lab equipment, explore basic biology, and understand how neurological diseases are studied.
During the program, you’ll read scientific papers, practice explaining research, and apply what you learn to real-world questions. You might also work on your own research project and have the chance to present it at academic events. Alongside the lab work, you’ll get a look at how other departments contribute to research efforts.
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Cost: Fully funded, with scholarships available.
Application Deadline: February 14
Program Dates: May 30 — July 3
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old and enrolled full-time in high school.
2. KEYS Research Internship at the University of Arizona
The KEYS program at the BIO5 Institute gives high school students in Arizona a chance to explore real research in bioscience, biomedical science, data science, and environmental health. It runs for seven weeks in the summer and covers topics like science ethics, lab techniques, and how to communicate research clearly. These are areas most students don’t get to learn much about in school.
The program starts with a week of hands-on training where you pick up core skills in bioscience and data science. Then you’re paired with a University of Arizona researcher and work on a real project. At the end, you present what you worked on to scientists, other students, and your family.
Location: BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Cost: No cost; financial assistance is available for costs like meals and transportation
Application Deadline: December 13
Internship Dates: June 2 — July 18
Eligibility: Students must be at least 16 years old by June 2 and a U.S. citizen or legal resident with a minimum of one-year Arizona residency
3. Mayo Clinic CARES
The Mayo Clinic’s CARES Program gives high school students in Arizona a chance to explore what it’s like to work in healthcare. You’ll spend time in a hospital setting, meet healthcare professionals, and get long-term mentorship that continues after the program ends. The program also includes sessions on college prep, resume writing, and interview tips. It’s especially focused on supporting students from underserved communities and helping them take the next step toward a healthcare career.
Location: Mayo Clinic, Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ, or virtual
Cost: Fully funded, with a stipend provided
Application Deadline: February 1
Dates: In-Person Program: June 4–27 (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays); Virtual Program: July 8–12 (Monday — Friday)
Eligibility: Open to Arizona high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.
4. Summer Scrubs at College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona
Summer Scrubs at the College of Medicine-Phoenix is a STEM-focused program for high school students who want early experience in healthcare. You’ll learn how to take vital signs, perform CPR, practice basic suturing, and explore human anatomy through guided labs. Clinical simulations give you a chance to step into the role of a healthcare provider and respond to real-life scenarios using medical tools and decision-making strategies.
The program also includes rotations through different medical specialties, so you can see how fields like emergency medicine, surgery, and pediatrics work in practice. You’ll attend workshops on medical ethics, case studies, and patient communication, along with sessions on how to prepare for college and apply to medical school.
Location: College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ
Cost: Residential Camp: $500 (includes meals, room, and board) | Day Camp: $300 (includes meals, camp activities, scrubs) | The Healthcare Team: $250 (includes meals, camp activities, scrubs)
Application Deadline: March
Program Dates: Residential Camp: June 1–7 | Day Camp: June 9–13 | The Healthcare Team: June 16–20
Eligibility: The Residential Camp is for rising seniors (current 11th graders), while the Healthcare Team is for freshmen and sophomores.
5. The Burton Family Foundation’s Summer Health Institute
The Burton Family Foundation’s Summer Health Institute is a one-week program at Arizona State University’s downtown Phoenix campus that gives high school students hands-on exposure to healthcare. You’ll explore careers in fields like medicine, dentistry, optometry, physical and occupational therapy, and healthcare administration.
Throughout the week, you’ll practice skills such as suturing, starting IVs, giving injections, and performing intubations. You’ll also visit clinics and hospitals in Arizona’s health corridor and talk with professionals about what their day-to-day work looks like.
Location: Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ
Cost: Free. The program covers food and lodging, materials, and classes. However, participants will be expected to travel to and from the program at their own expense.
Application Deadline: April 6
Program Dates: June 15–21 | June 22–28
Eligibility: Rising seniors in high school expected to graduate the following year are eligible to apply!
6. TGen Bioscience Leadership Academy
The TGen Bioscience Leadership Academy is a two-week program for high school juniors and seniors in Arizona, focused on bioscience and precision medicine. You’ll work with TGen scientists and learn about lab techniques, clinical trials, bioethics, and how research studies are designed.
The program covers topics like cancer, neurological disorders, diabetes, and infectious diseases. Along the way, you’ll build skills in science communication, leadership, and professional networking. Each student who completes the program also receives a $1,000 scholarship.
Location: Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, AZ
Cost: Free. A $1,000 scholarship is awarded to all program graduates.
Application Deadline: February 5
Dates: June 16–27
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors at an Arizona high school; must be at least 16 years old.
7. Summer Institute on Medical Ignorance (SIMI) — High School Student Research Program
The Summer Institute on Medical Ignorance (SIMI) gives high school students a chance to gain real lab and clinical research experience at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. As part of the NIH High School Student Research Programs, you will work full time, 40 hours a week, in labs within the Arizona Health Sciences Center.
You will be involved in basic and clinical research on topics like cardiovascular disease, neuroscience, cancer, genetics, and preventive medicine. At the end of the program, you will present your findings in an oral presentation and submit a brief research report summarizing your work.
Location: The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ
Cost: There is no cost to participate. Students who are financially, educationally, or socially disadvantaged will be paid the minimum federal hourly wage for 40 hours per week throughout the program.
Application Deadline: January 17
Dates: June 2 — July 18
Eligibility: High school students, especially juniors, with a minimum 3.0 GPA, can apply. Priority will be given to students who are financially, educationally, or socially disadvantaged.
8. STAR Lab
STAR Lab, a mentoring program by SARSEF in partnership with the University of Arizona, lets high school students take on independent research projects. You will be matched with a mentor based on your interests and work on your project individually or in a small group. You’ll meet with your mentor regularly to design and complete your project.
At the end of the program, you will present your research at a regional science or engineering fair, like the SARSEF Fair or the Arizona Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. You’ll also be enrolled in a University of Arizona course where you’ll create a research proposal, write a final paper, and give a presentation. Completing the program earns you three units of college credit.
Location: Virtual or in-person at the University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Cost: The tuition for enrolling in MCB103B is $176.50. Need-based scholarships are available through SARSEF.
Application Deadline: September 1 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program). Check for updates here.
Dates: The STAR Lab program runs each year from late September to early March. Check for updates here.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program in late September.
9. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of Navy (DoN)
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) gives high school students the chance to intern in STEM fields with the U.S. Navy. Over eight weeks, you’ll work alongside scientists and engineers in Navy labs, contributing to real research projects and gaining hands-on experience in a professional environment. There are around 300 internship placements across 38 locations nationwide.
In Arizona, you can intern at the United States Naval Observatory in Flagstaff, where you’ll assist with research on celestial motion, Earth’s rotation, and timekeeping. Selection is based on your academic performance, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and research interests.
Location: Several lab locations across the country including in Arizona
Cost/Stipend: No cost; new participants receive a stipend of $4,000 while returning participants are provided with $4,500.
Application Deadline: November 1 (tentative, based on previous year’s program).
Dates: The internship lasts eight weeks during the summer, with the option to extend by up to two additional weeks.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least 9th grade, are at least 16 years old, and are U.S. citizens are eligible to apply. Graduating seniors may also participate. Students should check if their chosen lab has any additional requirements or exceptions.
10. Arizona State University’s SCENE High School Program
Arizona State University’s SCENE High School Program gives you the chance to dive into your own science or engineering project. You’ll work one-on-one with an ASU researcher to pick a project that matches your interests. You’ll start with 6 to 12 hours a week, and that time will increase once you begin your experiment.
In the fall, you’ll focus on doing background research, learning lab techniques, and planning your experiment. By December, you’ll have a solid research question, and from January to March, you’ll get hands-on with your experiment. At the end of the program, you’ll share your results with the SCENE group and at the state science fair. Your schedule will be flexible and coordinated with your mentor based on your project’s needs.
Location: Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Cost: The program cost is not listed on the website.
Application Deadline: July 31 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program).
Dates: The program runs from September to April. Students may continue working with their mentors after April by arrangement.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–12 can apply.
11. Midwestern University’s Health Careers Institute for High School Students
Midwestern University’s Glendale campus offers a free 8-day Health Careers Institute for Arizona high school students interested in exploring healthcare careers. Throughout the program, you’ll learn about fields like osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, dental medicine, and more.
You’ll work alongside university faculty and students, engaging in hands-on activities and discussions that give you a closer look at various healthcare roles. Some sessions will introduce you to basic research methods and explore how research connects to clinical and biomedical fields.
Location: Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ
Cost: Free. Students must arrange transport to and from the event location at Midwestern University’s Glendale Campus in Arizona.
Application Deadline: April 1
Program Dates: July 10, 11, and 14–19
Eligibility: Open to all Arizona high school students.
12. The University of Arizona’s Med-Start Summer Program
The University of Arizona’s Med-Start Summer Program is an academic enrichment opportunity that lets you explore various healthcare careers while earning college credit. Throughout the program, you’ll visit healthcare facilities, attend lectures on different health professions, and take introductory courses in subjects like English, Math, and Chemistry.
You’ll also stay in a university residence hall, giving you a taste of campus life. Some parts of the program include tours of research settings and discussions on how research shapes healthcare practices, helping you see how science, education, and clinical work are connected.
Location: The University of Arizona, Tucson campus, AZ
Cost: $6,000, with financial scholarships and tuition waivers available.
Application Deadline: February 1
Program Dates: 6 weeks, begins the 1st Sunday in June and ends mid-July.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their junior year, are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, one-year Arizona residents, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and complete the interview process are eligible to apply.
13. TGen Bioscience Leadership Academy
At the TGen Bioscience Leadership Academy in Phoenix, you’ll spend two weeks exploring real science in action. You’ll learn about topics like cancer, neurological disease, diabetes, and infectious disease while seeing how research in bioscience and precision medicine works.
You’ll shadow scientists in the lab, learn how clinical trials are run, and explore the ethics behind science. You’ll also build important skills like how to communicate science clearly, how to network in the STEM world, and how to think like a researcher.
Location: TGen Headquarters, 445 N. Fifth St., Phoenix, AZ
Cost: None, each graduate can receive a $1,000 scholarship if they attend the entire program.
Dates: 10 days, from June 16 to June 27
Application Deadline: February 5
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old, rising juniors or seniors at an Arizona high school, and not graduated by program start.
14. Horizon Academic Research Program
Horizon offers research programs that run for a trimester and are open to high school students interested in areas like data science, biology, psychology, political theory, and machine learning. You get to choose between quantitative or qualitative research, depending on what fits you best. Once you pick a topic, Horizon pairs you with a mentor, usually a professor or PhD student, who helps guide your project from idea to final paper.
During the program, you’ll work on developing a research paper of about 20 pages. You’ll receive feedback on your work, and you’ll have the option to submit your paper to academic journals if you choose. The program also includes a letter of recommendation, which can be useful for future academic applications. Apply here!
Location: Virtual
Cost: You can find the exact cost by submitting an interest form. Full financial aid is available.
Application Deadlines: Priority: March 23; Regular I: April 20; Regular II: May 18
Program Dates: The cohort starts June 16. Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply at least four 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.
15. Veritas AI
Veritas AI, created by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students interested in computer science and artificial intelligence. You learn topics such as Python programming, neural networks, image classification, natural language processing, and sentiment analysis. In the 10-week AI Scholars program, you work in a group of three to five students on a project that applies the concepts you’ve learned.
If you already have experience in the subject, you can apply for the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. In that program, you work one-on-one with a mentor on a research or applied project that combines AI with a field you’re interested in, such as healthcare, finance, sports, or the environment. Find more details in the program brochure here.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2290 for the scholars program.
Application Deadline: April 27 for the upcoming summer cohort!
Program Dates: 10 weeks from June to August for the summer cohort.
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply!
Image source – Barrow Neurological Institute