Are you a high school student in Delaware interested in gaining professional experience in academia or doing college-level research programs?
Participating in a research program allows students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills while working alongside professionals and mentors. Whether you’re interested in exploring neurology in a medical setting, learning courtroom procedures with federal judges, or conducting scientific research in a lab, these programs offer in-depth exposure to potential career paths and prepare you for future academic opportunities.
To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 10 research programs for high school students in Delaware!
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Subject Area: STEM, humanities, and social sciences
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June).
Eligibility:
- You must be currently enrolled in high school
- 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!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler.
The program pairs high-school students 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. Edge Summer College Program | University of Delaware
Location: University of Delaware North Campus
Cost: $5,495
Subject Area: College Courses of one’s choice
Application Deadline: May 1
Program Dates: July 20 – August 9
Eligibility: Applicants to this program must be a rising high school junior or senior by the summer of 2025 and possess a 3.0+ cumulative GPA
While not a traditional research program, the Edge Summer College Program at the University of Delaware provides high school students with an opportunity to engage in college-level coursework that can serve as a foundation for future academic research. Participants can earn up to six transferable credits by taking 1–2 courses across a variety of disciplines, gaining exposure to advanced concepts that can inform future independent studies or research projects.
The program emphasizes practical skill development through workshops on college readiness, including essay writing and application strategies, guided by admissions experts.
3. ECO Camp | College of Earth, Ocean & Environment | University of Delaware
Location: University of Delaware Newark Campus or Lewes Campus
Cost: Not mentioned. Write to [email protected] for more info
Subject Area: Marine Science, Biology, Environmental Science
Application Deadline: Not mentioned. Write to [email protected] for more info
Program Dates:
- Tech and Environment – July 22 – 26
- Marine Science – August 12 – 16
Eligibility: Students must be rising 10th, 11th and 12th graders (must be entering 10th grade fall)
ECO Camp, hosted by the University of Delaware, offers high school students hands-on learning experiences in environmental science, focusing on Delaware Bay’s ecosystems and climate challenges. You can explore two tracks: Technology in the Environment, emphasizing robotics, drones, and engineering solutions like building and testing underwater ROVs, and Marine Science, featuring activities such as kayaking, trawling, and marsh exploration. The program combines classroom instruction, lab visits, and fieldwork to study topics like beach erosion, habitat loss, climate adaptation, and alternative energy. You get to develop practical skills in data collection, robotics, and drone piloting while collaborating on projects addressing real-world environmental issues.
4. Governor’s School for Excellence – University of Delaware Div. of Professional and Continuing Studies
Location: University of Delaware’s Newark campus
Cost: No cost
Subject Area: Government, Law, Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts
Application Deadline:
- Registration Date for Academic Program – February 10
- Registration Date for Visual and Performing Arts Program – February 10
Program Dates: July 13 – 18
Eligibility: Delaware residents in their sophomore year at a Delaware high school are eligible to be nominated by their principals.
The Delaware Governor’s School for Excellence is a week-long residential program at the University of Delaware for high school sophomores transitioning to junior year, focusing on academic and artistic excellence. You get to engage in one of two tracks: the academic program, which includes discussions, debates, and lectures on pressing societal issues like climate change and racial inequality, or the arts program, offering intensive tutorials with professional artists and culminates in public performances or displays. Participants will cultivate critical thinking, communication, and creative abilities while engaging collaboratively with peers and experts.
5. Forensic Science Pre-College Summer Program – University of Delaware Div. of Professional and Continuing Studies
Location: University of Delaware’s Newark campus
Cost: $1,995
Subject Area: Forensic Sciences, Biology, Medical Sciences, Criminal Justice
Application Deadline: June 13
Program Dates: June 23 – 27
Eligibility: High school students (rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors) with an interest in biomedical sciences, laboratory medicine, biotechnology, criminal justice, and crime scene investigation and having credit for at least one high school-level biology or general science course.
The Forensic Science Pre-College Summer Program at the University of Delaware offers high school students a hands-on introduction to forensic techniques in real-world contexts. You get a chance to explore crime scene documentation, DNA profiling, toxicological analysis, and fingerprinting in state-of-the-art labs, guided by UD faculty and field experts.
You will also gain proficiency in chemical assays, genetic analysis, and ballistics while preparing a “court-ready” report to present before forensic professionals. The program includes site visits to crime labs and crime scene units, offering practical exposure to criminal justice processes.
6. College Readiness Scholars Institute | University of Delaware
Location: University of Delaware’s North campus
Cost: Free
Subject Area: College Preparation, Writing, Research Skills, Leadership
Application Deadline: April 15
Program Dates: June 22 – 27
Eligibility: Applicants must be
- Rising high school freshman, sophomore, junior or senior by next summer (programming differs for 9th–10th grade students and 11th–12th grade students)
- With a 2.5+ cumulative GPA
- first-generation college student (first in your immediate family to attend college) OR
- Be from a low-income family (qualify for free or reduced lunch)
While not a traditional research program, the College Readiness Scholars Institute (CRSI) at the University of Delaware provides students with essential academic and analytical skills that form the foundation for success in higher education and research-driven fields. Through interactive academic seminars and structured workshops, you’ll develop critical thinking, essay writing, and organizational strategies — all crucial skills for conducting research at the college level.
7. High School Fellowship Program | District of Delaware | United States District Court
Location: United States District Court for the District of Delaware
Stipend: $400 per week ($1,600 total for four weeks)
Subject Area: Law, Legal Profession, Political Science
Application Deadline: April 15 (Tentative, based on previous years)
Program Dates: July 8 – August 2 (Tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Students who will be juniors or seniors in a New Castle County, Delaware high school in the current school year (i.e., students who are currently sophomores and juniors), and who are either U. S. Citizens or Green Card holders, are eligible to apply to the program
The High School Fellowship Program at the United States District Court for the District of Delaware offers juniors and seniors from New Castle County a unique, four-week paid internship focused on the legal system. You will work directly with judges and federal employees in court chambers, assist with administrative tasks, and observe court proceedings in both civil and criminal cases.
Fellows gain insight into the judicial process through presentations by legal leaders, including federal judges, attorneys, and court officials, as well as tours of correctional facilities and law offices. You shall also receive one-on-one mentorship from legal professionals, fostering a deeper understanding of career paths in law. You can view the program brochure here.
8. Delaware Health Career Collaborative | ChristianaCare
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Subject Area: Community Health, Neurology, Oncology, Public Health
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Program Dates: TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th and 12th grade high school students
The Delaware Health Career Collaborative is a free, two-week virtual program offering rising 10th-12th graders an in-depth exploration of healthcare careers. You will get to engage in sessions covering diverse disciplines, including neurology, cardiology, behavioral health, public health, and oncology, while also learning about trauma-informed care practices. Through hands-on activities and virtual learning, participants gain insight into both clinical and non-clinical roles in healthcare.
The program emphasizes foundational skills such as critical thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration, helping students prepare for future academic and professional pursuits in health-related fields. This initiative is supported by ChristianaCare, iLead, and other key organizations focused on health equity and education.
9. Trail Ambassadors Team – Delaware Nature Society
Location: DuPont Environmental Education Center, Wilmington, DE
Cost:
- Summer stipends are $275/week, paid monthly.
- School year stipends are $275/month.
- There is a bonus of $850 for completing the program
Subject Area: Nature Conservation, Land Preservation, Wildlife Protection, and Watershed Stewardship
Application Deadline: Applications are ongoing now. Apply here
Program Dates: October 15 – August 19, 2026 (Tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: 9th-grade to 11th-graders
The Trail Ambassadors Program is a year-round work-study initiative for high school students in grades 9-11 with a focus on environmental education, community engagement, and leadership development. You will gain hands-on experience through outdoor work, leading nature walks, and learning activities such as kayaking, cycling, and community service projects. The program emphasizes professional and life skills, including teamwork, problem-solving, and environmental advocacy.
Ambassadors work closely with the Wilmington community, introducing residents to local trails, waterways, and environmental centers. Training sessions, field trips, and mentorship under DelNature staff provide career exploration opportunities in conservation and advocacy. A stipend is provided, and bus passes are available for commuting to the DuPont Environmental Education Center.
10. Veritas AI – AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Subject Area: AI, Coding, Computer Science
Application deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
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.
If you’re a student in Delaware looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs!
This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from.
You can find the application link here!
Image source – University of Delaware logo
