If you’re a high school student in Philadelphia looking to explore research opportunities, you’re in the right place! Philadelphia has a ton of organizations and universities that offer research programs for high school students across STEM and non-STEM fields.
Why should I pursue research as a high school student?
Here’s why – research programs allow you to explore and learn about topics you’re passionate about, from STEM and social sciences to the humanities, all while you’re still in high school.
Whether you’re interested in building lab skills, learning new software, or tackling real-world problems, these programs help you gain hands-on experience and work on relevant skills in the field that you’re interested in.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of 12 research programs in Philadelphia!
12 Research Programs for High School Students in Philadelphia
1. Biomedical Engineering STEM Summer Academy at Drexel University
The BIOMED Summer Academy at Drexel University is a one-week program designed for high school students interested in biomedical engineering. Throughout the program, you’ll get hands-on experience with lab techniques and research methods, working on experiments like creating nanoparticles and measuring brain waves.
You’ll also attend seminars, visit industry sites, and hear from professionals in the field. These activities will help you explore the academic and career paths in biomedical engineering, giving you a deeper understanding of what the field offers.
Subject Area: Biomedical Engineering, STEM
Location: Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $1,200; Need-based scholarships available
Application Deadline: Rolling basis, applications open on January 1, 2025
Program Dates:
- Session I: July 7–11, 2025
- Session II: July 14–18, 2025
- Session III: July 21–25, 2025
- Session IV: July 28 — August 1, 2025
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who have completed at least one year of biology.
2. The Wistar Institute High School Program in Biomedical Research
The Wistar Institute High School Program in Biomedical Research is a four-week summer program that introduces you to biomedical research and career paths in the field. You will learn how to analyze scientific literature, work on research projects, and present your findings at the end of the program.
The program includes hands-on laboratory work and mentorship from researchers. You’ll also gain practical skills in research techniques and data analysis while exploring topics in biomedical science.
Subject Area: Medicine, Biology, Biomedicine
Location: The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Students will receive a stipend of $1,000
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: July – August 2025, specific dates TBA
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years of age and have completed one high school science course.
3. The Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP)
The Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP) is an 8-week full-time internship designed to introduce high school students to biomedical research. It focuses on encouraging interest in science and research careers, particularly among underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic and racial minorities, and economically disadvantaged students.
As a participant, you’ll work 35 hours per week alongside Monell scientists on research projects. These projects might involve cloning olfactory receptors, developing non-lethal repellents, or studying air quality chemistry. Alongside your hands-on research, you’ll attend educational lectures and present your findings at a Capstone Symposium at the program’s conclusion.
Subject Areas: Biomedicine
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: No cost; this is a paid internship, however housing and transportation are not provided
Application deadline: January 15, 2025
Program Dates: June 23 – August 15, 2025
Eligibility: High school students eligible to work in the U.S. from the greater Philadelphia area, including Camden, NJ.
4. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of Navy (DoN)
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of Navy (DoN) allows you to work in Navy laboratories across the United States. Throughout the program, you’ll be involved in real research projects related to engineering. You’ll work alongside experienced scientists and engineers, with lab placements tailored to your specific interests. With around 300 positions available across more than 38 labs nationwide, SEAP offers a competitive opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a professional research environment.
Subject Areas: Engineering
Location: There are several locations across the country. Students in Philadelphia can select one of two options — Naval Surface Warfare Center and Naval Information Warfare Center.
Cost: No registration fees, but housing, meals, transportation, and medical expenses are not covered. You’ll receive a stipend of $4,000 (new participant) or $4,500 (returning participant).
Application Deadline: November 1, 2024. TBA for 2025.
Program Dates: Eight weeks in the summer, exact dates vary depending on the lab.
Eligibility: High school students, including graduating seniors, who have completed at least grade 9, are at least 16 years old when the internship begins, and are solely U.S. citizens. Each lab may have specific requirements.
5. Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science (TREES)
The TREES program is a summer opportunity where you’ll conduct environmental research with guidance from mentors. Each year, about eight students join the program and work on self-chosen, self-designed projects. The program starts with two weeks of training to teach you essential lab techniques, setting you up for the research phase. It’s a great way to explore environmental science while gaining hands-on experience.
After the training, you’ll spend the rest of the program working independently on your project. Your research will focus on studying an environmental issue, conducting library research, applying scientific methods, and performing lab work, with some fieldwork included when applicable. In some cases, you may also collaborate on team-based projects. The program ends with a research report and a public presentation of your work to an audience of peers and guests.
Subject Areas: Environmental Science
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
Program Dates: July 8 – August 5, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: Students must have completed grades 9-11, have a strong interest in environmental science, maintain a GPA of 3.0/4.0, live in Philadelphia or nearby, and provide parental consent.
6. Teen Research Internship Program (TRIP)
The Teen Research Internship Program (TRIP) at Fox Chase Cancer Center offers you hands-on experience in scientific research, with a focus on science and medicine. The program is divided into three phases. In the first phase, you’ll explore research questions related to diet, environmental stress, and genetics while learning basic lab skills. The second phase involves hands-on lab work, where you’ll use lab equipment, design experiments, and analyze data. The final phase focuses on developing your presentation skills, culminating in a symposium where you’ll share your findings.
Subject Areas: Medicine
Location: William Tennent High School, Warminster, PA (January – May) | Temple University, Philadelphia, PA (July – August)
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: Students generally apply in October for the spring session, and in March for the summer session.
Program Dates: Two options: Consecutive Saturdays from late January to early May | Tuesdays and Thursdays from July to August.
Eligibility: All high school students from Philadelphia and the surrounding communities.
7. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Internship for Scholars and Emerging Scientists (CHOP-RISES)
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Internship for Scholars and Emerging Scientists (CHOP-RISES) is a program that lets you explore STEM fields through research and hands-on learning. You will develop lab skills, learn research methods, and conduct experiments while analyzing data. At the end of the program, you’ll present your findings to mentors.
The internship also includes opportunities to observe clinical settings and work on independent research projects. You’ll participate in career development activities to prepare for academic and professional goals.
Note: Students must be nominated by partner schools or community-based agencies.
Subject areas: STEM and medicine
Location: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend is provided, but information on the exact amount is not available.
Application Deadline: There is no information available at the moment.
Program Duration: CHOP-RISES I takes place over 6 weeks in the summer, and CHOP-RISES II over 8 weeks in the summer.
Eligibility: Rising juniors can apply to CHOP-RISES I and rising seniors can apply to CHOP-RISES II.
8. Engineering Summer Academy at Penn (ESAP)
The Engineering Summer Academy is a three-week program at the University of Pennsylvania that introduces high school students to college-level engineering. You’ll choose from six specialized tracks: Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Complex Networks, Computer Graphics, Nanotechnology, or Computer Science.
During the program, you’ll work on hands-on projects, collaborate with Penn faculty, and live on campus. It’s also a chance to meet other students with similar interests from across the country and around the world.
Subject Areas: Engineering
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $85 application fee + $8,500 program fee
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Program Dates: July 6 – 26, 2025
Eligibility: Applicants must have completed their freshman year of high school, be at least 15 years old by the program’s start, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and not be high school seniors.
9. Penn Arts and Sciences Social Justice Research Academy
The Social Justice Research Academy offers you a chance to explore the sociological, historical, and political dimensions of inequality and resistance. The program follows a liberal arts-style curriculum, with lectures and workshops designed to build skills in leadership, research, and analysis.
You will also have the opportunity to complete a capstone project, developing a research question related to the program’s themes. These projects can take various forms, from traditional academic papers to more creative approaches. Past topics have included AAPI representation in Hollywood, redlining, gun violence among Black men, and the impact of COVID-19 on minority communities.
Subject Areas: Sociology, Political science
Location: University of Pennsylvania, PA
Cost: $9,949
Application Deadline: April 27, 2025
Program Dates: July 5 — July 26, 2025
Eligibility: Current 9th — 11th grade students are eligible to apply!
10. University of Pennsylvania Neuroscience Research Summer Academy
The Neuroscience Research Academy introduces you to the biological foundations of the brain, starting with neurons and moving to sensory systems and cognitive functions like memory, emotion, and morality. The program is taught by faculty from Penn’s undergraduate neuroscience program and covers both research and medicine, focusing on the brain in health and disease.
You will attend lectures and discussions, review peer-reviewed research in a journal club, and explore ethical issues in a neuroethics club. The program includes out-of-class activities like film screenings, group discussions, and visits to the Mütter Museum and the Franklin Institute. It is fully residential with no commuter or online options.
Subject Areas: Neuroscience
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $9,949
Application Deadline: April 27, 2025
Program Dates: July 5 – July 26, 2025
Eligibility: Current 9th – 11th grade students are eligible to apply! Students must have completed one year of high school biology and one year of high school chemistry before the program begins.
11. University of Pennsylvania Chemistry Research Summer Academy
The Chemistry Research Academy at Penn is a residential program focused on modern chemistry and research. You will gain hands-on lab experience with techniques like spectroscopy, gas chromatography, and optimizing synthetic methods. The program includes lectures on topics such as nanoscale materials and chemical protein modification, as well as classroom sessions on chemical bonding and materials science.
You will visit research facilities like the Science History Institute and the Singh Center for Nanomaterials. Throughout the program, you will build skills in independent research, including analyzing research articles and planning projects. The program ends with a capstone project, where you will outline your research idea.
Subject Areas: Chemistry
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $9,949
Application Deadline: April 27, 2025
Program Dates: July 5 — July 26, 2025
Eligibility: Current 9th — 11th grade students are eligible to apply! Students should have completed at least one year of high school chemistry before the program begins.
12. University of Pennsylvania Economics Summer Academy
The University of Pennsylvania Economics Summer Academy introduces you to key economic concepts using real-world examples. You’ll explore topics like scarcity, market structures, and global economic policies, learning how economic models apply to everyday life with minimal math.
The program’s highlight is the capstone project, where you’ll work in groups to analyze an economic challenge faced by a country. Using the concepts you’ve learned, you’ll propose a solution and present your findings in a poster format during the final week.
Subject Areas: Economics
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $9,949
Application Deadline: April 27, 2025
Program Dates: July 5 — July 26, 2025
Eligibility: Current 9th — 11th grade students are eligible to apply!
Bonus:
If you’re looking for remote research opportunities that are open to high school students based in Philadelphia, here are two bonus programs.
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students, covering topics such as data science, machine learning, psychology, and political theory. You can choose between quantitative or qualitative research based on your interests and will be paired with a professor or PhD scholar to guide you throughout the process.
The program involves developing a 20-page research paper, which you can submit for publication in reputable journals. You will also receive a letter of recommendation and feedback to support your future academic and research endeavors, helping to strengthen your research skills and academic growth.
Subject Areas: STEM, Social sciences, humanities
Location: Virtual
Application Deadlines: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. The Spring Cohort deadline is February 16, 2025.
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. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week, intensive research opportunity for high school students, offering 1-on-1 mentorship from Ph.D. mentors. You can choose from a variety of subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and international relations.
During the program, you will work on an independent research project, developing your research skills and gaining practical experience. By the end of the program, you will have a completed research paper, demonstrating your ability to conduct scholarly research. The program provides personalized mentorship, fostering deeper knowledge in your chosen field and helping you refine your research skills in an academic setting.
Subject Areas: STEM, Social sciences, humanities
Location: Remote – you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Individual Research Program ($2,990), Premium Research & Publication Program ($5,900), the Research Fellowship ($8,900), Professor Premium Publication Program ($8,900)
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, demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4), and no previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
Image source – Drexel University logo
