Online research mentorship programs offer high school students a unique opportunity to explore specialized fields guided by experienced mentors who provide insights. These virtual platforms allow you to access tailored guidance and niche resources, regardless of your geographical location.
You can develop advanced skills in your areas of interest, such as data analysis, scientific methodologies, or project-based problem-solving. With options ranging from free, fully-funded programs to paid mentorships, you can find programs that suit your goals, making high-quality research experiences more accessible and diverse than ever.
Here are 12 online research mentorship programs for high school students in 2024–2025!
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs in areas like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and psychology. You can choose either quantitative or qualitative research methods. After selecting your track, you’ll collaborate one-on-one with a professor or PhD scholar from a leading university to develop a 20-page research paper suitable for journal submission. The program provides specialized field knowledge, expert guidance, a recommendation letter, and feedback to improve future projects and college applications. Apply now for this unique opportunity!
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, Data Science, and more
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts, including in the summer. Upcoming dates are:
- Winter seminar: December 2, 2024 onwards
- Spring seminar: March 3, 2025 onwards
- Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a few tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. November 10, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort, and February 9, 2025 for the spring cohort
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, created by Harvard and Oxford researchers, allows high school students to work one-on-one with PhD mentors on an independent research project. You’ll get guidance to develop a college-level research paper, with additional support from writing coaches. You can choose subjects like mathematics, biology, data science, economics, psychology, business, gender studies, linguistics, environmental studies, philosophy, astrophysics, and more. The program ends with a symposium where you can present your research, with the potential for publication.
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Location: Remote
Program Dates: June to August (summer). Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available
Cost: $2,990 (12 weeks) | $5,900 (16-20 weeks). Financial aid is available
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Application Deadline: Summer deadlines are usually in March, April, and May
3. Veritas AI
Veritas AI, established by Harvard graduates, offers two key programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program focuses on teamwork and practical AI applications, while the AI Fellowship pairs students with PhD mentors for personalized research guidance.
In the AI Fellowship, you'll explore how AI shapes industries like finance, healthcare, and gaming, with chances to publish or present your work. Past projects have included AI in medical diagnostics, educational tools, and gaming algorithms. The program is designed to help you build technical skills and apply AI to real-world challenges.
Subject areas: Artificial Intelligence, Finance, Medicine
Cost:
- $2,290 for the AI Scholars program (10-week bootcamp)
- $5,400 for the AI Fellowship (12–15 weeks, 1:1 mentorship)
- $6,900 for both AI Scholars + Fellowship
- Need-based financial aid is available
Location: Virtual
Application deadline: Varies according to cohort. December 1, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students. Students applying to the AI Fellowship program must complete the AI Scholars program or provide evidence of previous experience in AI and Python
The JHIBS virtual research program is a fully funded 5-week opportunity designed for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds, with a focus on increasing diversity in the neurological sciences. The program also has an in-person option. Throughout the virtual program, you will conduct research under the guidance of researchers and take part in lab training and professional development sessions. Interactions with neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins University offer insights into the field. You will also attend educational presentations and have the chance to learn from your peers.
Subject Areas: Neuroscience
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Virtual interns receive a $500 scholarship to support their education
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Program Dates: 5 weeks, typically between July and August for the virtual program
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from around the country from underrepresented backgrounds
This Stanford University SHTEM (Science, Humanities, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program provides high school students with the chance to engage in research across various fields, including science, engineering, art, and psychology. Working on projects aligned with your interests, you will conduct research in collaboration with your group and maintain regular communication with mentors. Guided by Stanford Compression Forum’s students, faculty, and staff, you will develop research, analytical, and writing skills. SHTEM emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating humanities with STEM to explore connections across fields and foster a comprehensive understanding of research topics.
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, Psychology, Neuroscience, Philosophy, Design, Linguistics, Biology, Computer Science, Philosophy, and more
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program). To be notified when Summer 2025 applications open, you can fill out this form!
Program Dates: June 17 – August 9, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: Students who will be in grades 11–12 at the time of application, including international students
SPINWIP is a three-week virtual free summer program designed to introduce high school girls to physics, with a focus on quantum physics and astrophysics. The program includes an introduction to Python coding and features online lectures by Stanford professors, group projects, and workshops on college planning and career exploration. Mentorship from Stanford students and faculty provides additional guidance and support, helping you navigate the program and deepen your understanding. SPINWIP’s goal is to encourage young women’s interest in physics, equipping you with foundational skills and knowledge relevant to future academic pursuits.
Subject Areas: Physics, Particle Astrophysics, Cosmology, Quantum Physics, Quantum Computing
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: May 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: July 8 – 26, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: Female and gender minority students in 9th to 11th grade, including international students. Preference will be given to first-generation students, those from underrepresented backgrounds in physics, and rising seniors
The University of Maryland’s MathQuantum Fellowships offer high school students the chance to explore quantum information science (QIS). The program is designed for two groups: mathematics students interested in QIS and those with existing knowledge who want to strengthen their mathematical skills. As a high school fellow, you will participate in a two-week online program featuring lectures, seminars, interactive activities, and a mini-project. Throughout the program, you will benefit from mentorship by experienced professionals, gaining insights into how to conduct research at the intersection of mathematics and quantum information science. Note: Selected students will also get the chance to participate in the Quantum Computing Summer Camp for High School and University students, free of cost.
Subject Areas: Mathematics, Quantum Information Science, Computer Science, Physics
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: February 14, 2025
Program Dates: July 25 – August 6, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: High school students
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging offers a two-week virtual internship that brings high school students into the realm of AI’s role in healthcare. Through a combination of lectures, one-on-one mentoring, research projects, social networking events, and Career Lunch and Learn sessions with renowned guest speakers, you will deepen your understanding of AI in medical contexts. The program is competitive, selecting only about 25 students each year. Through this internship, you’ll delve into the latest advances in AI-driven healthcare solutions, gaining useful knowledge that will equip you to explore medicine and AI further.
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Medicine
Cost: $850 + an application fee of $40
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
Program Dates: June 16 – 27, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: U.S. high school students over 14 years old. Preference is given to students with strong math and/or computer programming skills and/or experience with a healthcare project
This virtual pre-college program by Georgetown University is designed for students interested in medicine and medical research. Offered through multiple sessions, the program accommodates various learning paces and schedules. You will be introduced to topics like clinical research, research ethics, and cancer studies, along with guidance on writing a scientific article based on your project. The program includes a capstone research project that allows you to explore a medical topic of interest. With structured projects, mentorship from experienced researchers, and career guidance, this program offers valuable preparation for those interested in pursuing further medical research.
Subject Areas: Medicine, Medical Research
Cost: $1,795, scholarships available
Application Deadlines: Usually one week before the start of the course
Program Dates: Multiple 1, 2, and 4 week session options
Eligibility: Students aged 13 and older
10. Stanford AI4ALL
Stanford’s three-week online program, in collaboration with AI4ALL, offers students the chance to explore various aspects of artificial intelligence. The program includes lectures, research projects, and mentoring sessions, allowing you to engage with AI experts. You will examine the applications of AI in areas such as medicine, disaster response, and poverty alleviation. You will work on small-group research projects, guided by graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in computer science and AI, on using AI to tackle significant societal challenges.
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence
Cost: $4,000. Need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: March 25, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: June 8 – 26, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: Current 9th graders (rising 10th graders during the summer of the program)
If you are a high school student interested in advancing your mathematics skills, consider applying to Stanford University’s Mathematics Camp (SUMaC), a competitive summer program offered both in person and virtually. Established in 1994, SUMaC has welcomed participants from over 50 countries. The program includes a comprehensive curriculum featuring lectures, hands-on research, and team-based problem-solving activities. Previous topics for SUMaC online include Algebraic Topology and Abstract Algebra & Number Theory.
Subject Areas: Mathematics
Cost: $3,550 for the online program, financial aid available
Application Deadline: February 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: TBA for 2025. Two online sessions were offered in 2024:
- June 17 – July 5, 2024
- July 8 – 26, 2024
Eligibility: Students in 10th or 11th grade with experience writing and reading mathematical proofs
This program provides high school students the chance to work on an astrophysics research project alongside scientists from Harvard or the Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. Each year, 10–16 students are selected and organized into small teams of to focus on research projects. Offered both online and in person, the program includes monthly lectures and workshops designed to expand your knowledge and skills in astrophysics. At the end of the program, you will present your findings through posters and presentations at a symposium.
Subject Areas: Astrophysics
Cost/Stipend: A stipend is provided courtesy of the City of Cambridge
Application Deadline: Applications are currently closed, check here for updates
Program Dates: September – May
Eligibility: Students from Cambridge Rindge and Latin School
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.