These programs offer a great opportunity to build advanced skills, explore a subject of interest, and gain practicaly experience – without the financial and logistical challenges that may come with in-person programs. Research programs allow you to collaborate with top researchers, develop independent projects, and sharpen critical thinking, communication, and analytical abilities – skills college admissions officers love.
If you’re looking for a way to challenge yourself in a subject of your choice, participate in a science fair, or just see what research looks like, the paid research programs in the list below can give you a head start with the added benefit of a stipend. We’ve compiled a list of 10 paid online summer research programs that you can explore:
1. MIT THINK Scholars
Location: Virtual; finalists are invited to an all-expenses-paid, four-day trip to MIT in Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate; each finalist receives up to $1,000 to carry out their proposed project
Application Deadline: January 1
Program Dates: Finalists are announced in February, and projects are completed by June
Eligibility: Open to all high school students, either applying solo or in teams of two
If you’ve already outlined a research idea and are seeking support to bring it to life, the MIT THINK Scholars program is an opportunity you can explore. This initiative is structured as a proposal-based competition—students submit innovative project ideas in science, engineering, or technology for review.
Up to six finalists are selected to receive dedicated weekly mentorship from current MIT students, technical assistance, and up to $1,000 in funding to execute their research. The program also fully funds the finalists’ visit to MIT’s campus for four days.
Though the project work overlaps with the academic year, THINK Scholars offers a rare chance to carry out a full research project independently. Earning a finalist spot not only gives you real-world research experience but also adds a strong credential to your college application.
2. The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS): Project Pipeline Baltimore
Location: Hybrid — virtual and in-person options available
Dates: In-person: 8 weeks (June–August) | Virtual: 5 weeks (July–August)
Stipend: In-person interns receive an hourly wage (amount may vary); virtual interns are awarded a $500 stipend
Eligibility: Open to high school students
Application Deadline: March 1 annually
The JHIBS Project Pipeline Baltimore program is a summer research internship hosted by Johns Hopkins University specifically designed for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds with an interest in neuroscience. Whether participating virtually or on campus, you’ll gain experience in scientific research, working alongside neuroscience experts in an immersive and supportive environment.
Throughout the program, you’ll take part in structured lab research, attend seminars led by Johns Hopkins faculty, and join weekly professional development workshops. The experience culminates in a final research presentation—either an oral or poster session—giving you the chance to showcase your work to peers and professionals alike. With fewer than 10 students selected each year, JHIBS is competitive and offers mentorship, exposure to real-world scientific careers, and paid support, including transportation coverage for in-person participants.
3. Spark Summer Internship Program (Spark SIP)
Location: Varies depending on the internship; includes both in-person and remote options
Dates: Typically 6–8 weeks between June and August
Stipend: Some projects offer a stipend of $500
Eligibility: Open to high school students who can commit to full-time work (40 hours/week) for 8–12 weeks
Application Deadline: May 1
The Spark SIP program offers competitive, full-time summer internships to high school students interested in computer science and related fields. With an acceptance rate under 5%, it’s an opportunity for motivated students seeking hands-on experience in cutting-edge tech fields.
As a participant, you’ll select 5–6 projects aligned with your interests in areas like machine learning, neural networks, computer programming, and computer vision. Internships are hosted by academic institutions, tech companies, and research centres across the country, and many offer remote options. In addition to gaining real-world exposure to CS research, you will benefit from mentorship, professional development resources, and support for future college applications.
4. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Dates: June 30-August 1
Stipend: Paid; specific amount not disclosed
Eligibility: U.S.-based graduating high school seniors who are at least 16 years old
Application Deadline: March 1
Hosted by a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory, the PPPL Internship Program gives graduating seniors the chance to work alongside top researchers in plasma physics and fusion energy. Whether your interests lie in theoretical modelling or experimental design, this internship will immerse you in scientific inquiry.
You’ll collaborate with Princeton scientists on projects related to plasma physics, fusion energy, and engineering applications. Internships are conducted remotely and require a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week. With mentorship from leading researchers and exposure to national lab environments, the program can be useful for you if you’re planning a career in physics, engineering, or energy research.
5. Internships at the American Psychological Association (APA)
Location: Remote or onsite at APA headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Program Length: Year-round opportunities
Stipend: Varies by role; some positions are paid, others unpaid
Eligibility: Open to high school students; specific requirements may vary depending on the internship
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis—check the portal for current openings
The APA Internship Program offers high school students a chance to gain real-world experience at the nation’s leading organization for psychologists. Whether your interests lie in research, technology, policy, communications, or organizational operations, this program provides a variety of placements that apply psychological knowledge in diverse, practical settings.
You may work on research and data analysis, assist in communications or web development projects, or contribute to policy writing and administrative initiatives—depending on the department and your skill set. You are assigned a supervisor and receive mentorship throughout the internship. Opportunities are available both remotely and in person, and while some roles are paid, others offer experience on a volunteer basis. A resume, cover letter, and writing sample are typically required to apply.
6. Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) Internship
Location: Virtual
Dates: Numerous cohorts
Stipend: Paid
Eligibility: Open to all students, including international applicants. However, participants must have legal authorization to work in the U.S.
Application Deadline: Varies per cohort, you can check them here
The FPRI Internship offers high school students interested in foreign affairs an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international relations and policy research. You can choose from one of three tracks—Research, Special Events/Development, or Operations—depending on your interests and goals.
You will be paired with an FPRI scholar or staff member who provides mentorship and guidance throughout the program. You’ll also develop practical skills relevant to your area of focus, such as policy analysis, event coordination, or nonprofit administration. A key highlight of the program is the chance to write a research article, which could be published in the organization’s “Intern Corner.” You will also attend weekly virtual seminars led by experts in foreign policy and global affairs, offering insight into the field and future career paths.
7. City Limits Accountability Reporting Initiative for Youth (CLARIFY)
Location: Virtual (with occasional local travel for interviews)
Dates: 10 days in July (exact dates vary yearly)
Stipend: $500
Eligibility: Open to current juniors, seniors, and graduating high school students in New York City
Application Deadline: TBA – Applications will open soon; check the City Limits Apply page or reach out via email for updates
The CLARIFY internship, hosted by City Limits—the longest-running nonprofit news organization in NYC—offers high school students a program in investigative journalism and research-based reporting. Over 10 days, a selective cohort of 10–15 students will explore how journalism drives civic engagement and public accountability. You work on both team and individual reporting projects, building a strong foundation in journalistic research, interviewing techniques, and ethics.
You’ll develop investigative skills by researching local issues, identifying credible sources, and using data to back your stories. While most activities are conducted virtually, some local travel may be required for on-the-ground interviews and story development. If you’re interested in public affairs, journalism, or social impact, this program can offer exposure to the process of turning research into published reporting.
8. Camp Zon by Zon Lab
Location: Virtual (with potential for in-person lab tours at the end)
Dates: July 14 – July 25 (2 weeks)
Stipend: Paid (exact amount not specified)
Eligibility: High school students or rising college freshmen who are at least 16 years old and live in Massachusetts
Application Deadline: April 27
This is a two-week virtual biomedical research experience centred on using zebrafish as model organisms to study human diseases like anaemia. This hands-on, team-based program is designed for students curious about experimental design, data analysis, and lab procedures.
You collaborate in teams to develop a hypothesis, design experiments, and analyze data related to zebrafish and anaemia. While the physical experiments are conducted live by Zon Lab scientists, you’ll be actively involved in all other aspects—from forming the research question to interpreting results. You’ll also attend daily seminars led by researchers, learn to read and analyze scientific literature, and practice basic coding to visualize your data. An optional in-person tour of the lab may be offered at the end of the program.
9. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Location: Online or Residential at Stanford University, CA
Dates: Dates vary as per session
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; unpaid
Eligibility: Students currently in 10th or 11th grade with a strong interest and background in mathematics
Application Deadline: February 3, 2025
The Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) is a summer math program for high school students. At SUMaC, you’ll dive into advanced mathematical topics—such as abstract algebra, number theory, and combinatorics—through a mix of intensive lectures, collaborative problem-solving sessions, and guided research projects.
Whether you attend in-person or online, the program cultivates critical thinking and mathematical creativity in a fast-paced, immersive environment. You have the opportunity to investigate complex mathematical ideas and work on long-form problems and proofs, often resulting in a final research paper or group project.
10. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; unpaid. Participants receive a certificate of completion, with the possibility of extending the internship.
Program Dates: June 16–27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: U.S. high school students (ages 14+) with strong skills in math, programming, or prior experience with a health-related project
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) offers a two-week virtual research internship that introduces students to the powerful intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare. The program focuses on real-world applications of machine learning and data science in medical contexts. You take part in research-driven group projects, guided by mentors and experts from Stanford’s AI and medical communities. The program includes interactive lectures, skill-building workshops, and “Career Lunch & Learn” sessions with prominent guest speakers working at the frontier of AI in medicine.
Each year, the program selects around 50 students nationwide, making it highly competitive. By the end of the experience, you’ll gain exposure to emerging technologies, sharpen your analytical and programming skills, and contribute to research that explores how AI can solve critical healthcare challenges.
BONUS ITEMS: Although these programs are unpaid and not free, full financial aid is available
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world
Cost: Starts from $2,990. Financial aid available
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students who 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
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a research program tailored for high school students. The program offers 1-on-1 research opportunities for you across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler.
The program pairs you with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper. You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Financial aid available
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
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.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more. Horizon also offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track, you will be paired with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
Image source – Massachusetts Institute of Technology
