While summer is the most popular time to work on an extracurricular (like research), not every student can commit to an in-person summer program or a research opportunity. If research is something you’d like to pursue during the school year, an online research opportunity is the most accessible way to do so. A growing number of research programs now run online, after school or on weekends, from fall to spring, and allow you to carry out research during the school year.
You can do research in biology, chemistry, computer science, psychology, engineering, math, law, or international relations. You might write research papers, run experiments, build models, or code in Python. The research opportunities below focus on specific skills like academic writing, data analysis, 3D design, coding, reading scientific papers, and managing long-term projects.
To help you get started, here are 14 online research opportunities for high school students during the school year!
14 Online Research Opportunities for High School Students During the School Year
1. PRIMES-USA – MIT
Cost: Free
Dates: January – December
Application Deadline: October 1 – November 18
Eligibility: U.S.-based high school sophomores and juniors (outside the Greater Boston area)
PRIMES-USA is a year-long, intensive math research program for high school students with a strong foundation in theoretical mathematics. You’ll work alongside MIT graduate students and faculty, tackling advanced math problems through a mix of independent and collaborative research.
The program is divided into four phases: research preparation, mentored investigation, summer independent work, and final paper and presentation development. Throughout the program, you’ll write proofs, apply abstract math concepts, and prepare your work for publication or competitions, gaining experience similar to that of an undergraduate researcher.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program – Horizon
Cost: $2,490. Financial aid available
Application Deadlines: Priority: March 23; Regular I: April 20; Regular II: May 18
Program Dates: The summer cohort starts June 16. Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply at least four weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA above 3.67
Horizon offers trimester-long virtual research opportunities in fields like data science, machine learning, international relations, and political theory. You’ll work one-on-one with a professor or PhD researcher to produce a 20-page research paper.
The program focuses on either qualitative or quantitative research methods, depending on your subject area. You’ll develop skills in data analysis, theoretical modeling, or textual interpretation. Horizon also provides detailed feedback on your project and a recommendation letter.
3. Student Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) – Harvard – Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
Cost: Free, stipend provided
Dates: September – May
Application Deadline: May 1 to May 10
Eligibility: High school students from Cambridge Rindge & Latin School (CRLS) only
The Student Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) allows selected students to collaborate with astrophysicists on real-world research projects in areas like stellar dynamics, exoplanets, and cosmology. You’ll work in a small team with a CfA scientist mentor and meet weekly to conduct original research.
The program focuses on data analysis, coding (often in Python), and scientific communication. Monthly advisory sessions help you develop project management and presentation skills. It concludes with a formal research symposium and offers both in-person and virtual mentorship options.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Cost: $2,800 (need-based financial aid available)
Program Dates: Summer: June – August, fall: September – December, winter: December – February, spring: March – June.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The regular admissions deadline for the Summer Cohort I is May 11
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.3 or higher
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week opportunity for high school students to complete an independent research project in a field of their choice with guidance from a Ph.D. mentor. During the program, you will work with your mentor and a writing coach to select and refine your research topic while attending workshops on research methods.
The program includes various fields such as history, data science, engineering, physics, sociology, chemistry, anthropology, economics, and gender studies. You can customize your research focus if none of the available topics align with your interests. For details on the application process, you can check here.
5. EnergyMag Virtual Internship Program – EnergyMag
Cost: Free
Dates: Quarter-time internships, year-round (1–9 months)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.25
EnergyMag Virtual Internship gives you a chance to research and write about clean energy markets and technologies. You will analyze companies, follow trends in energy storage, and write reports that may be published on the EnergyMag website.
The program focuses on communication, research, and critical thinking. You will work with mentors and peers to understand both the science and economics behind renewable energy. You’ll explore topics like sustainable energy, new technologies, and policies.
6. Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) Internship Program – FPRI
Cost: Free
Dates: Spring: February – May; Fall: September – December. Virtual cohorts available during the academic year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with an interest in international relations or research
FPRI Internship Program offers virtual research opportunities with a leading foreign policy think tank. You will be paired with a scholar or fellow and work on research related to global topics like geopolitics, security, or diplomacy.
The program includes weekly seminars with foreign policy professionals, giving you insights into global issues and career paths. You will produce a research paper and may have the chance to contribute to the FPRI blog or the Intern Corner publication.
7. Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program – California Academy of Sciences
Cost: Free, Paid internship
Dates: Year-round (after school and weekends)
Application Deadline: February 1 – April 1
Eligibility: 9th or 10th graders enrolled in SFUSD schools with a GPA ≥ 2.5 and valid U.S. work permit
CiS Internship is a long-term, research-focused program for students underrepresented in STEM, with a focus on community and professional growth. While the core program is in-person, some remote and hybrid options may be available.
You’ll engage in research, science communication, and environmental fieldwork while collaborating with scientists and educators. You’ll build skills in public engagement, data collection, and team-based research, with support for your college applications.
8. MITES Semester – MIT Office of Engineering Outreach Programs
Cost: Free
Dates: June – December
Application Deadline: November – February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors, especially from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds
MITES Semester is a six-month hybrid STEM program that combines online coursework with virtual seminars and projects. You will take two advanced courses in subjects like Machine Learning or Thermodynamics, along with a capstone project and foundational classes in areas like calculus or scientific writing.
Weekly webinars include social events and mentorship from STEM professionals, and fall sessions focus on college prep. The program is designed to deepen your academic knowledge while giving you professional exposure.
9. APA Internship Program – American Psychological Association
Cost: Free. Stipend availability varies
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
The APA Internship Program introduces students to psychology through real-world research, communications, and policy-related work. You will support ongoing projects in departments like psychological science, IT, or finance, often contributing to publications or web-based content.
Throughout the program, you’ll receive structured mentorship and participate in skill-building workshops and discussions. Remote options are available, and the program may also be eligible for school credit.
10. NASA OSTEM Internships
Cost: Free , paid internship
Dates: Late August – Mid-December (Fall)
Application Deadline: May 26
Eligibility: U.S. citizens with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
The NASA OSTEM Internship Program offers high school students the chance to work on research and engineering projects at NASA centers, with both virtual and in-person options available. You will explore fields like artificial intelligence, aerospace systems, robotics, and virtual reality technologies.
You will develop specific skills in data analysis, software development, 3D modeling, and prototype testing. The program covers areas such as machine learning, robotics engineering, spacecraft design, and satellite technology.
11. Smithsonian Science Education Center Internship – Smithsonian Institution
Cost: Free, Paid internship
Dates: August – October (8–10 weeks)
Application Deadline: June 27 (Fall cohort)
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and older
The SSEC Internship provides high school students with hands-on experience in STEM education, digital media, and science communication. You will help create educational resources, manage social media engagement, design visual content, and assist in the development of interactive digital tools.
The internship focuses on communication strategies, content creation, graphic design, data analysis, and project management. It’s ideal for students interested in combining science with media and outreach. You will gain skills in video editing, social media marketing, and science communication techniques
12. CrowdMath
Cost: Free
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
CrowdMath is an international, online research program in pure mathematics that focuses on collaborative exploration of unsolved problems. You will work with a community of peers to tackle an annual research topic, like the current focus on Goldbach semi-domains.
You will receive mentorship from researchers and Fellows from institutions such as MIT and UC Irvine. The program emphasizes proof development, mathematical writing, and problem-solving. Depending on your project’s outcome, there may be opportunities for publication.
13. CCIR Academy – Cambridge Centre for International Research
Cost: Varies by program. Financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the academic year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic performance
CCIR Academy offers virtual research programs led by faculty from Oxford, Cambridge, and Ivy League institutions. Through the 1-on-1 Research Mentorship and the Future Scholar Programme, you will work independently with expert mentors to produce a research paper in subjects like engineering, international law, and more.
You may have the opportunity to publish in journals such as IEEE and the Columbia Undergraduate Research Journal. The program helps you develop skills in scholarly writing, theoretical analysis, and subject-specific methodologies.
14. THINK Scholars Program – MIT
Cost: Free, includes up to $1,000 in project funding
Dates: February – June
Application Deadline: January 1
Eligibility: High school students
MIT THINK Scholars Program helps high school students turn their own STEM research ideas into real projects. You will meet weekly online with MIT students and faculty who guide you through your work. Projects can include building prototypes, writing code, running simulations, or doing experiments at home or in school labs.
You will learn how to plan research, solve technical problems, write reports, and manage a full project from start to finish. You also get a paid trip to MIT to present your work, meet other students, and tour research labs.
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