For high school students looking to build research skills during the school year, winter programs offer a focused and accessible alternative to summer opportunities. These short-term experiences provide hands-on exposure to subjects like science, technology, engineering, and the social sciences.
Because they’re often flexible and fully funded, winter research programs are a great way to test the waters before committing to more intensive summer opportunities. Whether you’re interested in lab work, data analysis, or policy research, these programs can help you build confidence, skills, and insight into potential career paths.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve curated 12 free winter research programs for high school students that combine academic rigor with accessibility.
1. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
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).
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
- 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!
Stemming from the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation stands as a non-profit research program tailored for gifted students from low-income backgrounds. The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In the flagship program, talented high-school students are paired with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can apply here!
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Winter (November).
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Founded by Harvard graduate students, Veritas AI offers specialized programs in artificial intelligence for high school students. The AI Scholars program is ideal for beginners seeking to understand machine learning and data science through 10 structured sessions. Participants will explore foundational theories and apply them to real-world projects. You’ll also receive support in getting your work published in a high school research journal. To view past projects and get inspired, click here.
3. Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute
Location: Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: Flexible depending on the applicant’s preference
Eligibility: Students must be 16 years of age or older
The Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute offers research opportunities for high school students interested in biomedical science. You can gain hands-on experience in laboratory techniques while exploring possible career paths in medical research. Opportunities are available in various labs throughout the year, and you can browse available labs using the institute’s lab search tool or Science page. Once you find a lab that interests you, you’ll need to email the Principal Investigator with an introduction, your background in science coursework, and your availability. The number of available labs may vary depending on timing and availability.
4. Burke Neurological Institute’s Introduction to Neuroscience
Location: Virtual
Cost: $500; a full scholarship is offered
Application Deadline: January 31
Dates: February 4 – March 27
Eligibility: High school students who have completed the NYS Regents Living Environment or equivalent Biology class
Burke Neurological Institute offers the Introduction to Neuroscience program, an online course held twice a week for high school students eager to explore the mammalian nervous system. Sessions emphasize brain function across various areas, including movement control, sensory processing, memory, and learning. You will investigate the structure of the nervous system, the changes that occur after a stroke, and the impact of conditions like Alzheimer’s on brain function. It also introduces topics relevant to ongoing research, potentially opening doors to future lab opportunities.
5. Penn State Research Internships and Observation
Location: Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
Stipend/Cost: No cost; Paid and unpaid internships are offered
Application Deadline: Varies depending on availability
Dates: Dates are flexible depending on the mentor selected
Eligibility: High school students who are residents of the United States and are sponsored/supervised by a member of the College of Medicine faculty; must be at least 16 years old by the start date
At Penn State College of Medicine, high school students can explore biomedical research through internships and observational roles. You can apply for a short-term shadowing experience or a more extended internship that spans weeks or months. These roles involve observing lab experiments, data collection methods, and the daily workflow of research professionals. Students are expected to find a faculty supervisor beforehand using the Penn State Research Database. During your time, you can gain insight into experimental design and lab safety procedures.
6. Internships at the American Psychological Association
Location: Virtual
Stipend/Cost: No cost; Paid and academic credit internships are offered
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the internship you apply for
Dates: Internships are offered year-round; exact dates vary based on the internship selected.
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled at least part-time in an academic institution; For students under the age of 18, an official District of Columbia Work Permit must be submitted with the application.
The APA Internal Internship Program places students in departments aligned with their interests, from operations and policy to education and publishing. Based in the Education Directorate, this internship connects you with APA’s broader mission to improve psychology education and support. You’ll report directly to a supervisor, contribute to ongoing research projects, and take part in workshops or office-wide discussions. The experience is not treatment-based or accredited, but provides practical exposure to psychology in institutional contexts. Additional activities are available for interns who want to expand their engagement.
7. Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Immersion Science Program
Location: Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Early to mid-October into early November
Dates: 11 weeks from early January through mid-March
Eligibility: Participants must be at least 16 years of age and have completed both biology and chemistry; Residing in the Philadelphia-Tri-State area
Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Immersion Science Program is designed for high school students who are eager to engage in real cancer research. As a participant, you’ll explore how specific dietary nutrients influence molecular signaling pathways involved in cancer. The program includes hands-on lab work, data collection, and collaboration with professional scientists on ongoing projects. Your research will help map nutrient effects in fruit fly models across different genetic backgrounds.
8. Georgetown Pre-College Programs
Location: Virtual
Cost: (Need-based scholarships are offered)
- Enrichment Course Fees: $1,795
- College Credit Course Fees: $3,995
Application Deadline: Depends on the session you apply for
Dates: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Eligibility: Students must be at least 13 years old
Georgetown’s Pre-College Programs invite high school students to explore subjects like medical research, entrepreneurship, and psychology through flexible online courses. You can choose between enrichment and college credit options, or mix both to tailor your learning experience. Courses are taught by Georgetown faculty and include engaging video lessons, as well as academic support. With a self-paced format, you can begin at any time and study wherever it suits you.
9. The Met High School Internship Program
Location: The Met Fifth Avenue, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; $1,100 stipend
Application Deadline: October 28
Dates: January 11 – June 13
Eligibility: 10th–11th-grade students in NYC with no prior Met internship completed
The Met High School Internship Program provides paid internships for students who either live in or attend school in New York City. Interns explore careers in art, museums, and creative industries through mentorship and project-based learning. Roles span various departments, including editorial, marketing, education, conservation, and scientific research. Interns participate in both one-on-one and cohort-based activities with museum professionals. The program aims to promote diversity in museum careers and provides a platform for professional growth while exploring new career opportunities.
10. NASA’s OSTEM Internships
Location: Virtual / Multiple in-person locations
Cost/Stipend: Free; Most interns receive a stipend, but volunteer opportunities are also available
Application Deadline: Spring: September 12 | Fall: May 22
Dates:
- Spring: Mid-January – Early May for 16 weeks
- Fall: Late August/Early September – Mid-December for 16 weeks
Eligibility: Full-time high school student with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale; Must be 16 years old at the time of application
NASA’s OSTEM Internships give high school and college students the chance to take part in real-world space research and innovation. You can work on meaningful projects alongside NASA engineers, scientists, and professionals across fields like IT, finance, and business. The internships offer hands-on experience and skill development while supporting NASA’s mission in space exploration, aeronautics, and technology. Internships are paid and may be full-time or part-time, depending on your availability and the NASA center. Click here to explore available opportunities.
11. Dolphin Research Center Internships
Location: Dolphin Research Center, Marathon, FL
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: October 1
Dates: 16-18 weeks from January through April (Winter term)
Eligibility: High school students
Internships at the Dolphin Research Center give you the chance to work behind the scenes at a marine mammal facility. Spanning 16 to 18 weeks, these full-time internships involve four days in a chosen department and one day assisting with broader center operations. Open to college and non-college students, all internships are unpaid and include departments like Animal Care, Education, Research, and Medical Services. Interns also undertake supplemental projects based on their personal interests and the needs of the DRC. An independent study component is required, which may include coursework if college credit is sought.
12. OHSU School of Medicine Partnership for Scientific Inquiry (PSI)
Location: Virtual + Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, if selected for an internship
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: November 24
Dates: January 22 – May 28; Could be extended till mid-August if selected for the OHSU Internship
Eligibility: High school Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors who are at least 16 years old
The Partnership for Scientific Inquiry (PSI) at OHSU introduces high school students to the research process through a 16-week spring course. You’ll attend weekly two-hour sessions from January to May, guided by mentors such as medical students, postdocs, and graduate researchers. During the course, you’ll analyze published research, present journal articles, and develop a full research proposal. Summer internships in OHSU labs are optional but competitive, requiring students to be in good academic standing. Participants must complete at least 250 hours and may showcase their work at a poster symposium.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re 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 – Oregon Health & Science University