If you’re a high school student in the United States (U.S.) looking to get involved in academic research, summer programs in the country can be a great way to start. Additionally, if you’re a high schooler looking to pursue your undergraduate degree in the U.S., the research programs below can serve as a good introduction to advanced academics!
These research opportunities — hosted by universities, hospitals, and national labs — allow you to work directly on research projects in fields like biology, engineering, computer science, environmental science, and more.
You can gain practical experience in labs, strengthen your technical and analytical skills, and often receive mentorship from faculty or graduate students. Many programs even culminate in final presentations or research papers, giving you a chance to showcase your work.
To help you find a strong fit, we’ve compiled 14 summer research programs for high school students interested in academic and scientific exploration that are hosted in the US.
1. Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: December 11
Dates: June 22 – August 2
Eligibility: High school juniors (11th grade students)
Hosted at MIT and run by the Center for Excellence in Education, RSI blends academic coursework with mentored research across science and engineering disciplines. Over six weeks, you’ll engage in advanced STEM classes and carry out a full research cycle — from proposal to experimentation to final presentation. The experience includes working alongside researchers at leading labs, with a final opportunity to present and publish your findings.
2. NYU Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, New York, NY
Cost: Free; $1,000 stipend provided
Application Deadline: February 21
Dates: June 2 – August 18
Eligibility: New York City high school students currently enrolled in the 10th or 11th grade
The NYU ARISE program, offered by the Tandon School of Engineering, is a free summer research opportunity focused on areas like biomedical, civil, urban, mechanical, and aerospace engineering. You’ll start with four weeks of online instruction in research methods and technical skills, followed by six weeks of full-time lab work alongside NYU researchers.
Throughout the program, you’ll also receive training on communicating your work effectively through public speaking and presentations. The experience culminates in a final event where you’ll share your research with peers and faculty. This is a strong option to gain early exposure to the research process in a university setting.
3. Princeton University’s Laboratory Learning Program
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 15
Dates: 5-6 weeks over the summer (varies by project)
Eligibility: See Princeton’s official guidelines for complete eligibility criteria
This highly selective summer research program places you directly into an active lab at Princeton, where you’ll contribute to ongoing projects in the natural sciences or engineering. Each placement is guided by Princeton faculty or research staff, and timelines vary depending on the scope of the project.
You will participate in data collection, analysis, and scientific exploration, receiving early insight into the research process within a university environment. The program concludes with a brief written report summarizing your findings and experience.
4. UC Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program
Location: University of California – Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $12,474 (residential), $5,175 (commuter); financial aid available, with priority for CA residents
Application Deadline: Different deadlines based on session. See here
Dates: Typically between June to August. See session dates here
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–11 with a weighted GPA of 3.8 or higher
UCSB’s six-week Research Mentorship Program allows you to work closely with university researchers on projects across various subjects — from environmental science and psychology to media, arts, and technology. You’ll spend up to 50 hours per week doing fieldwork, accessing academic resources, and collaborating with mentors.
The program also includes instruction in research writing, culminating in a formal paper and a presentation at a research symposium. Along the way, you’ll earn college credit and develop a strong understanding of how to structure and communicate independent research.
5. Sanford Research High School Research Scholars Program
Location: Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD
Cost: No tuition; $4,000 scholarship awarded
Application Deadline: January 10
Dates: May 27 – August 1
Eligibility: Must be 16 years old by May 27 and entering the senior year of high school
The PROMISE Scholars Summer Internship at Sanford Research is a 10-week immersive research experience in biomedical science. With the guidance of laboratory scientists, you will engage in original research, develop scientific questions, and examine ethical aspects of experimental design. Weekly seminars offer exposure to different research careers, and the program concludes with a scientific poster presentation at the Sanford symposium.
6. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost: $25 application fee; $750 stipend
Application Deadline: March 15
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Eligibility: Students at least 17 years old by the program start date and graduate within the next two years; international students may apply
The Clark Scholars Program is an intensive seven-week research experience at Texas Tech University that matches high-achieving students with faculty mentors across disciplines, including STEM, social sciences, and the humanities. You’ll design and carry out a research project, attend seminars and discussions, and engage in weekly enrichment activities such as field trips and guest lectures.
The program emphasizes self-direction, making it especially valuable if you’re preparing for independent research or looking to build an academic foundation for competitive college applications. Admission is extremely selective, with past scholars often ranking in the top percentile nationally.
7. Rockefeller University’s Summer Science Research Program
Location: The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost: Stipend provided (need-based)
Application Deadline: January 3
Dates: June 23 – August 7
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; must be at least 16 years old
At Rockefeller University, you’ll spend 6–7 weeks immersed in biomedical research through this lab-based summer program. Working roughly 35 hours per week at the RockEDU Laboratory, you’ll be paired with researchers to investigate real scientific questions using professional tools and techniques.
This is a highly focused experience that helps you build lab proficiency, understand experimental design, and gain exposure to a leading biomedical research environment. The program is designed for students serious about pursuing science in college and beyond, and includes mentorship, skill-building workshops, and a final presentation of your research.
8. University of Utah High School Summer Research Internship
Location: University of Utah – John and Marcia Price College of Engineering, UT
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 18
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students graduating in the next two years
This eight-week engineering-focused internship introduces you to research across disciplines like mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering. You’ll work closely with a faculty mentor and spend about 30 hours a week on a hands-on research project.
The experience includes technical workshops, site visits, and field trips that explore the application of engineering in real-world settings. By the end of the program, you’ll present your work at the Utah Science and Engineering Fair, building both technical and communication skills.
9. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; a stipend is provided
Application Deadline: February 7
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: Students at least 16 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and nominated by a partner high school in the Simons database
This seven-week research program places you in an academic lab at Stony Brook University, where you’ll work alongside faculty and graduate students on active research projects across science, engineering, and mathematics. You can gain hands-on experience with lab methods, contribute to real datasets, and develop a deeper understanding of how research is conducted in a university setting.
The program highlights teamwork, critical thinking, and self-reliance — essential skills for any budding researcher or STEM entrepreneur. You will also attend seminars and networking events that provide context for your work and exposure to various STEM careers.
10. Pathmaker Scholars
Location: University of Utah – Huntsman Cancer Institute, UT
Cost: Free; stipend provided
Application Deadline: February 1
Dates: May 26 – July 31
Eligibility: High school juniors from underrepresented backgrounds who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or green card holders
This 10-week program supports students from historically underrepresented groups in exploring biomedical cancer research. You’ll receive lab training, engage in independent research under expert mentorship, and participate in weekly meetings on professional development and ethics.
The program includes a final research symposium, where you’ll present your work to peers and faculty. Successful participants are eligible to return the following summer without reapplying, allowing you to deepen your research experience over time.
11. Secondary Student Training Program (SSTP) – University of Iowa
Location: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Cost: $7,500 (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Opens December 16; deadline February 14
Dates: June 18 – July 26
Eligibility: High school students currently in grades 10–11
SSTP is a six-week immersive research program in which you will collaborate with University of Iowa faculty from various disciplines such as genetics, psychiatry, chemistry, and mechanical engineering. You’ll join a small research group, participate in weekly workshops, and complete a poster presentation of your findings.
Beyond lab work, the program emphasizes personal growth through seminars and campus activities, and you’ll earn college credit for your participation. Facilities include full access to university resources like libraries and study spaces.
12. Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program
Location: University of Illinois, Champaign, IL (in-person, hybrid, or virtual)
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Dates: May 29 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders from IL, IN, KY, MI, MO, IA, or WI
In this 6-week program, you’ll join a university research team focused on cutting-edge work in fields such as AI, quantum mechanics, neuroscience, and cancer immunology. Designed for high school students in the Midwest, this program combines 30–35 hours per week of lab research with weekly seminars and mentorship from faculty and graduate students. You’ll present your work at a closing symposium in the form of a research poster. Past participants have worked in specialized research groups like SpHERES and GEnYUS.
13. Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS) – University of Chicago
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $14,490; need-based financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: January 18
Dates: June 14 – July 12
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors who have completed at least one year of high school biology
RIBS is a four-week immersion into molecular, microbiological, and cellular biology research. You’ll spend most of your time in the lab conducting experiments and developing individual research projects, supported by lecture content that reinforces lab work. The program culminates with presentations where you’ll share your findings with peers and faculty.
14. Discover Biomedical Research Summer Program – Vanderbilt University
Location: Vanderbilt University, TN
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: April 1
Dates: June 9 – June 20
Eligibility: Students in grades 10–12 who are at least 16 years old; no prior lab experience required
This two-week program gives you an introduction to biomedical research through lab work, group discussions, and mentorship from Vanderbilt graduate students. You’ll explore core topics in biomedical science and develop your ability to analyze data and make evidence-based decisions.
The program closes with a research showcase, where you’ll present your work to faculty and peers. It’s designed for students considering a future in scientific research or health-related fields.
Virtual research opportunities for high school students in the US:
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
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.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
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!
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June).
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.
Image source – Vanderbilt University