January 12, 2025

10 Research Programs for High School Students in Alabama

Alabama offers various research-focused summer programs designed for high school students interested in expanding their knowledge and developing skills in diverse fields.

Alabama offers various research-focused summer programs designed for high school students interested in expanding their knowledge and developing skills in diverse fields. These programs provide you with opportunities for hands-on learning, collaboration with professionals, and in-depth exploration of subjects like STEM, environmental science, medicine, and more. By participating, you will gain experience in conducting research, analyzing data, and presenting findings, which can strengthen your academic portfolios and support future career exploration or college applications.

Below are 10 research programs for high school students in Alabama.

1. Residential Marine Science Class

The Residential Marine Science Class is a 4-week program that introduces high school students to research in marine biology and oceanography. Participants engage in a variety of research-focused activities, including fieldwork, laboratory investigations, and independent projects. The program covers topics such as marine ecology, plankton biology, barrier island geology, hands-on experiences, and critical thinking. Students work with instructors on research assignments, culminating in oral presentations and written examinations. Opportunities to earn high school or undergraduate credit add academic value to this program.

Location: Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Alabama

Program Dates: June 22–July 18

Program Cost: $3,000

Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders. Admission is based on academic performance, essays, and demonstrated interest.

Credit: High school elective credit or 1 undergraduate credit hour in biology from the University of West Alabama (additional fees apply).

2. Auburn University Summer Science Institute

The Auburn University Summer Science Institute is a week-long program for rising 11th and 12th graders with a passion for science and mathematics. Participants are paired with Auburn University’s Science and Math research faculty to engage in topics not typically covered in the high school curriculum. The program focuses on research-oriented learning through hands-on projects, mentorship, and collaborative experiences. In addition to exploring specialized topics, students can develop leadership skills through personal essays, teacher recommendations, and community engagement activities. This residential program offers high school students an opportunity to immerse themselves in science and math research.

Location: Auburn University, Alabama

Program Dates: June 1–7

Program Cost: Free

Eligibility: Rising 11th–12th graders from Alabama or Georgia with strong academic performance in science and math. Minimum ACT score of 28 or SAT combined score of 1300. Applicants must demonstrate leadership abilities and social maturity through essays, resumes, and teacher recommendations.

Application Deadline: January 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM

3. ChemBridge Summer Program

ChemBridge is a week-long, non-residential summer program designed to introduce rising 9th-grade students to the world of chemistry. Participants engage in hands-on laboratory experiments and seminars led by University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) faculty and staff. The program emphasizes the principles, methods, and applications of chemistry research, helping students build foundational knowledge and prepare for high school science. Through partnerships between the UAB Department of Chemistry and the Center for Community OutReach Development (CORD), ChemBridge encourages curiosity and engagement with chemistry in an interactive environment.

Location: University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Alabama

Program Dates: July 8–12

Program Cost: Free

Eligibility: Rising 9th-grade students (8th-grade graduates) with an interest in chemistry.

Application Deadline: Check back in February 2025 for updates.

4. Summer Science Institute (SSI)

The Summer Science Institute (SSI), hosted by the UAB Center for Community Outreach Development (CORD), offers a multi-summer research program for high school students passionate about pursuing careers in science. Participants begin their journey with Fundamentals of Cellular and Molecular Biology, engaging in short introductory experiments to build foundational knowledge. In subsequent summers, students progress to Advanced Principles of Biology and Neurobiology, focusing on biochemical investigations of biologically significant proteins. By the final summer, participants transition into Student Research Interns, working on original projects under the mentorship of UAB faculty in cutting-edge research labs.

Location: University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Alabama

Program Dates: Check back in February for updates.

Program Cost: Free (supported by CORD, Birmingham City Schools, and private donors)

Eligibility: High school students (freshman through senior year) with an interest in science.

Application Deadline: Check back in February for updates.

5. QuantHub Alabama Data Scholars Internship Program

The QuantHub Alabama Data Scholars Internship Program is a paid summer program designed to provide high school juniors and seniors with data literacy and hands-on experience in data science. Participants engage in an 8-week internship at Alabama-based companies that leverage AI and data, gaining exposure to industry-relevant tools in a professional setting. The program supports Alabama’s growing innovation ecosystem by introducing high school students to potential careers in tech and data-driven fields.

Location: Alabama (Hybrid or Remote Options Available)

Program Dates: June–July (8 weeks)

Program Cost: Free (Interns receive a stipend for participation)

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in Alabama who are at least 16 years old by June 1. No prior experience is required.

Application Deadline: March 1

6. UAB-CORD Central Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair (CARSEF)

The Central Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair (CARSEF) offers middle and high school students an opportunity to present original research projects to compete for advancement to the Alabama State Science Fair and the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Organized by the UAB Center for Community OutReach Development (CORD), CARSEF is a platform for students to explore and demonstrate their research in diverse categories, such as biology, engineering, and environmental science. Participants can compete individually or in teams of up to three, with the chance to engage with professional judges and refine their scientific communication skills.

Research projects are evaluated based on creativity, scientific thought, and adherence to rigorous research protocols, including ethical guidelines for animal and human subjects. Students gain valuable feedback, expand their network within the scientific community, and earn eligibility for state and international fairs.

Location: University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, Alabama

Program Dates: March 1 (Competition Day)

Eligibility: Middle and high school students from specified Alabama counties; individual or team projects (up to three members). Prior placement in a school or district fair is required unless a teacher recommendation is provided.

Application Deadline: January 31 (via STEM Wizard portal)

7. Alabama Youth Institute

The Alabama Youth Institute offers high school students an opportunity to engage with local experts, develop research on global challenges, and propose solutions to critical issues like hunger, poverty, and food security. Hosted at Tuskegee University, this event connects students with mentors from across the state and beyond. Participants will present their research in speeches and small group discussions, explore practical solutions, and interact with professionals working towards sustainable solutions. Through this experience, students earn recognition as Borlaug Scholars, which can qualify them for internships and further opportunities in the field of global development and food security.

Location: Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama

Event Date: June 27

Registration Deadline: June 20

Eligibility: High school students interested in researching and proposing solutions to global issues related to hunger, poverty, and food security.

How to Participate: Students must research a global challenge, write a paper, and submit it for review by The World Food Prize Board of Reviewers. Detailed guidelines and resources will be available closer to the event date. For more information, visit the event’s website (when available).

8. 2025 ASA Aerospace Internship Program

The ASA Aerospace Summer Internship Program offers high school and college students the opportunity to explore careers in the aerospace industry. With a focus on students from rural and underserved areas in Alabama and Colorado, this program provides participants with hands-on experience in STEM fields, as well as in other areas such as business, program management, and communications. The program is divided into two weeks: the first week is virtual, followed by a second week in person at aerospace facilities in Alabama or Colorado. Students will engage with industry experts, explore aerospace projects, and gain insights into a variety of career paths within the aerospace sector.

Location: Virtual and in-person (Alabama or Colorado)

Dates: To be announced

Eligibility: High school and college students, particularly from rural or underserved areas in Alabama and Colorado. Students from other states may apply if space is available.

Cost: Students are free to participate but are responsible for any expenses related to attending the in-person week. Scholarships may be available for those who need financial assistance.

9. Alabama Colon & Gastro, PC Summer Internship Program

Alabama Colon & Gastro, PC offers a paid Summer Internship Program designed for high school and college students interested in medical careers, particularly in the field of gastroenterology. Students in this program will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a medical office setting, shadow healthcare providers, and learn about the medical field. The program also focuses on research, with interns potentially assisting in research projects related to gastroenterology, providing exposure to medical research methods and practices.

Location: Alabama Colon & Gastro, PC (Alabama)

Dates: May to August

Hours: Minimum 15 hours per week

Eligibility: High school and college students interested in healthcare and research

Program Structure: Paid internship with shadowing opportunities and involvement in research-related tasks.

10. Veterinary Science Training, Education, and Preparation Institute (VET STEP) – Tuskegee University

VET STEP is a one-week residential program at Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine that introduces minority high school students to veterinary medicine. The program offers academic classes, hands-on laboratory exercises, research discussions, and field trips, providing an opportunity to explore veterinary careers in an engaging and research-focused setting. Participants also develop presentations and engage in discussions on scientific topics related to animal health and medicine.

Location: Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified

Dates:

VET STEP I (Rising 9th-10th graders): June 9 – June 13
VET STEP II (Rising 11th-12th graders): June 23 – June 27

Application Deadline: March 1

Eligibility: Open to rising 9th-12th grade students with an interest in veterinary medicine and research.

Also, if you’re a high school student in Alabama looking for virtual research programs, check out the bonus programs below!

1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)

Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the 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, Horizon pairs you 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 prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.

The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.

Location: Virtual

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.

2. Veritas AI – AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase

Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI with a suitable environment in which to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. 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 allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. You can find examples of previous projects here.