Free and online STEM research programs offer high school students a solid chance to dive into hands-on projects and develop advanced skills in various subjects in an accessible format. These programs let you explore complex topics, apply research methods, and tackle real-world problems — skills that are typically taught at the college level.
By getting involved, you can deepen your knowledge of a specific STEM field, sharpen your data analysis abilities, and strengthen your problem-solving skills, all of which are valuable for your academic and future career. With no tuition or travel costs, you can take full advantage of these opportunities without the extra financial stress.
Here are 10 free + online STEM research programs for high school students!
1. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation is a non-profit program designed for gifted students from low-income backgrounds, offering access to independent research opportunities at no cost. Built from the successful Lumiere Research Scholar Program, which is known for providing extensive one-on-one research experiences for high school students, the foundation provides similar opportunities for students to work on research projects with expert mentors.
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program mirrors the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In this program, you’ll be paired with a Ph.D. mentor who will guide you through a 12-week independent research project. At the end, you’ll develop a research paper on a topic of your choice, which could range from subjects like psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. If you’re interested in interdisciplinary research and want to create an individual research paper, this program is a great fit. You can apply here!
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: The program is fully funded!
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall. Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4). No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
2. Horizon Academic Research Program
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in fields like data science, machine learning, biology, chemistry, psychology, and more. You’ll have the option to work on either quantitative or qualitative research projects, giving you the flexibility to explore topics in STEM, social sciences, or the humanities. The program also provides a letter of recommendation and feedback on your project, which can be useful for your college applications. For eligible students, full financial aid is available to help make the program more accessible. Apply here!
Location: Virtual
Cost: Financial aid available!
Application Date: Feb 16 (spring cohort)
Program Dates: Multiple sessions in summer, spring, fall, and winter!
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.
3. Harvard-Smithsonian Science Research Mentoring Program
This selective program, with an acceptance rate of under 5%, gives high school students the chance to engage in virtual, no-cost research opportunities in astrophysics, working alongside experts from Harvard and the Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). Every year, 10–16 students are grouped into smaller teams of 5–8, where they collaborate with CfA astrophysicists and contribute to real research projects.
The program includes both virtual and in-person activities, such as workshops, lectures, and a final research symposium. However, you can opt for a completely virtual program with online mentorship. During the symposium, students present their research findings in poster format, gaining valuable experience in public speaking and research communication. This combination of hands-on research and mentorship provides a strong foundation for developing essential skills and boosting your college applications.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: Applications for each year’s cohort tentatively open in May that year.
Program Dates: September — May
Eligibility: Must ideally be a Cambridge Rindge and Latin School student.
4. Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging offers a competitive 2-week virtual internship for high school students interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and healthcare. This program includes lectures, mentorship, and collaborative research projects, giving you hands-on experience in applying AI to medical challenges.
Throughout the internship, you’ll work on technical tasks, learn research methods, and develop problem-solving and communication skills. You’ll also take part in virtual Career Lunch and Learn sessions, where you can engage with guest speakers and professionals in the field. While the acceptance rate is not specified, around 50 students are selected each year.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Full financial aid available (program typically costs $850)
Application Deadline: February 28
Program Dates: June 16 – 27
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents, entering grades 9–12, over 14, with preference for those with math, programming, or healthcare experience.
5. University of Maryland MathQuantum Fellowship
The University of Maryland’s MathQuantum Fellowships offer high school students the opportunity to explore quantum information science (QIS) through a two-week online program. This program is designed for both students new to QIS and those with some background, helping you strengthen your mathematical skills. Throughout the program, you will engage in lectures, seminars, interactive activities, and a mini-project.
You’ll also receive mentorship from professionals in the field, gaining valuable insights into research that merges mathematics and QIS. Additionally, selected students will have the chance to attend the Quantum Computing Summer Camp at no cost. This program provides practical learning and mentorship, offering a solid foundation for anyone interested in pursuing further studies in QIS. Although the acceptance rate isn’t specified, around 10 students are selected each year.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: February 14
Program Dates: 2 weeks, July — August
Eligibility: High school students interested in mathematics, computer science, physics, and/or quantum science can apply.
6. The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS): Project Pipeline Baltimore
The JHIBS 5-week virtual research program offers high school students from underrepresented communities a free opportunity to explore neurological sciences. Each year, only 5–6 students are selected for the program. During the program, you’ll work on research projects under the guidance of experienced neuroscientists, gaining hands-on experience in research and data analysis.
Along with conducting research, you’ll attend scientific seminars and take part in mentorship and personal development sessions. The program also gives you the chance to present your findings through oral or poster presentations, helping you improve your communication skills. This experience lets you collaborate with professionals, contribute to ongoing neuroscience research, and build a stronger foundation for your academic and professional future.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: July — August
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from around the country are eligible to apply to the 5-week, virtual program.
7. MIT THINK Scholars
The MIT THINK Scholars program offers high school students who have developed a research proposal in science, technology, or engineering the chance to receive mentoring and support. As a finalist, you will receive weekly guidance, technical assistance, and up to $1,000 in funding to help bring your project to life. The program also includes a four-day immersive visit to MIT’s campus in Cambridge, MA, with a virtual option available.
Throughout the program, you’ll develop skills in research design, project management, and technical communication while working closely with experts in your field. You’ll have the opportunity to present your project and interact with professionals, further enriching your experience. This program provides a great platform to showcase your work, helping you demonstrate your dedication to STEM and innovation in your college applications. With an acceptance rate of less than 6%, being selected for this program is notable!
Location: Virtual
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: January 1
Program Dates: Finalists are announced in February, and projects are completed by the summer of that year in June.
Eligibility: All high school students can apply as individuals or in teams of two.
8. Mary S. Easton Center at UCLA — Neuroscience High School Scholars Program
The UCLA Neuroscience High School Scholars Program offers high school juniors and seniors the chance to explore neuroscience with a focus on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD). You can choose between a six-week in-person summer session or a virtual option, both designed to introduce you to neuroscience research and public health.
In the virtual program, you’ll attend seminars on a range of neuroscience topics, learn how to start an Alzheimer’s Awareness Club at your school, and engage with faculty and staff. There may also be opportunities to participate in research projects, giving you practical experience in the field.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: March 3
Dates: June 16 — July 24
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, especially from underrepresented communities, with an interest in neuroscience.
9. Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)
SPINWIP is a 3-week virtual summer program aimed at encouraging high school girls to explore physics. The program covers advanced topics like quantum physics and astrophysics and introduces you to Python coding, which requires no prior experience. Throughout the program, you’ll participate in online lectures, group projects, and workshops on college planning and career development, all designed to give you a deeper understanding of physics and related fields.
You’ll also receive mentorship from Stanford students and professors, who will provide guidance and support as you work through the program. SPINWIP is focused on helping you build skills and confidence for future academic and professional success in physics. Each year, 8–10 students are selected per counselor.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Please check the program page for regular updates.
Program Dates: July 7 — 25
Eligibility: Female and gender minority students in 9th to 11th grade are encouraged to apply, regardless of their country of residence. Preference will be given to first-generation students, those from underrepresented backgrounds in physics, and rising seniors.
10. GirlsWhoCode’s Summer Immersion Program
Girls Who Code offers programs designed to help close the gender gap in technology by providing hands-on experience and opportunities for professional networking. Their summer programs include a 2-week immersion option and a 6-week self-paced program. The 2-week immersion program, for beginners and intermediate learners, covers fundamental computer science concepts, the iterative design process, and basic UX design while giving you a glimpse into the tech industry.
The 6-week self-paced program lets you choose between web development (using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) or intermediate Python with applications in cybersecurity or data science. Both programs are free, and eligible U.S. students can apply for a $300 need-based grant. Nearly half of the participants come from underrepresented backgrounds, including Black, LatinX, and low-income students who identify as girls, women, or non-binary.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Applications open by mid-January. Early acceptance is due by mid-February. General application deadline in late March.
Program Dates: 2 weeks, typically, in July but may vary depending on the program.
Eligibility: All female and non-binary high school students are eligible.
Image source: Stanford Unviersity
