If you are a high school student, joining a paid university research program can be one of the smartest steps you take before college. These programs are hosted by universities and offer a stipend, making them competitive and selective.
Through these programs, you can learn how to collect data, analyze information, write reports, and understand how academic research is done in complex projects. It’s a good way to build skills in research methods, critical thinking, and teamwork. It also adds real experience to your resume, which can be useful for college applications and future internships.
In this blog, we’ve rounded up 15 paid university research opportunities for high school students! Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change, but generally similar from year to year.
15 Paid University Research Opportunities for High School Students
1. MIT Think Scholars
Stipend: Up to $1,000 in research funding
Location: Remote + 4-day campus visit to MIT, if won (Cambridge, MA)
Program Dates: February – June
Application Deadline: Opens November 1; Deadline January 1
Eligibility: U.S. high school students (Grades 9–12)
MIT THINK Scholars Program gives you one-on-one mentorship from MIT undergraduates to help you design and complete a STEM research project. You learn how to develop a hypothesis, conduct a literature review, collect and analyze data, and revise your work after feedback. You also build skills in technical writing, structured critiques, and academic poster presentations. Finalists are invited to MIT’s campus to present their research and connect with the academic community.
2. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Stipend: $500
Location: Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors and seniors (ages 16+)
Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an 8-week program where you join a Stanford lab to work on real biomedical research with faculty and graduate mentors. You choose a focus like cancer biology, neurobiology, immunology, or bioengineering, and take part in lab meetings, weekly science talks, and workshops on ethics and science communication. You also get guidance on college and career planning. At the end, you write a research report and present your work in a scientific poster session.
3. The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS)
Stipend: Hourly wage + transportation funds
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Program Dates: June 17 – August 2
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from Baltimore City public schools
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Neuroscience Program lets you conduct lab-based research on topics like neurodegenerative diseases, neural engineering, or sensory processing. You will work with mentors, follow lab protocols, analyze data, and learn neuroimaging techniques. The program includes lectures on brain structure and function, safety training, and workshops on scientific writing and presentation. You also get college advising and present your research at a formal symposium.
4. University of Chicago – Data Science Institute (DSI) Summer Lab
Stipend: $5,600
Location: University of Chicago campus, Chicago, IL
Program Dates: June 16–August 8
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: High school students in the Chicago area
DSI Summer Lab is an eight-week paid research program where you work on applied data science projects in areas like climate policy, biomedical science, AI, or public policy. You’re paired with a faculty or graduate mentor and gain hands-on experience with research methods, programming, and data analysis. You join a diverse cohort, attend weekly talks and workshops, take part in social events, and present your project at a final symposium while building both technical skills and a strong peer network.
5. University of Kentucky – Summer Research Training Fellowship
Stipend: $2500
Location: University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY
Program Dates: June 3–August 2
Application Deadline: April 6
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ with advanced coursework in Biology and Chemistry
The Summer Research Training Fellowship gives you hands-on lab experience in microbiology, immunology, and molecular genetics. You join an active research lab and work closely with a graduate student, postdoc, or research scientist while learning lab techniques, reading scientific literature, and contributing to experiments. You present your research to faculty and peers at the end. Admission is selective and needs a transcript, two recommendation letters, and a virtual interview.
6. Texas Tech University – Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Stipend: $750 upon successful project completion
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Program Dates: June 22–August 7
Application Deadline: February 24
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents at least 17 years of age
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a fully funded seven-week summer research opportunity at Texas Tech for twelve high school juniors and seniors. You work one-on-one with a faculty mentor on an independent project in fields like biology, cancer research, chemistry, physics, computer science, or history. You also attend weekly seminars and social events. The program is for students with strong academic records and a clear interest in research. You must apply through the program office only, direct contact with faculty is not allowed.
7. Duke University Neuroscience Experience (DUNE)
Stipend: Paid
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC
Program Dates: June 16–August 8
Application Deadline: February 9
Eligibility: Public or charter high school students in Durham
Duke University Neuroscience Experience (DUNE) is an eight-week full-time research program for Durham high school students, placing you in neuroscience labs to work on rotation-style projects with a mentor. You learn lab techniques, improve scientific communication, and don’t need prior research experience. Alongside lab work, you attend neuroscience seminars, join career development workshops, and present your project in a final poster session.
8. NYU ARISE Program
Stipend: $1,000
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Program Dates: June 2–August 8
Application Deadline: February 21 (Recommender letters due February 28)
Eligibility: Rising 11th–12th graders who attend NYC public or charter schools and are full-time NYC residents
NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) is a 10-week summer program for New York City high school students. You start with four weeks of training in lab safety, research methods, and college-level writing and then you join one of 80+ NYU labs for six weeks of hands-on research. You spend around 120 hours in a lab, build writing and public speaking skills, and present your work at NYU and the American Museum of Natural History. You also get college prep support and join a larger STEM network.
9. Harvard Medical School’s Project Success
Stipend: Paid
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Program Dates: July–August (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies; typically opens in early spring
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors residing in Boston or Cambridge, with a GPA > 2.7
Harvard Medical School’s Project Success is a six-week paid research internship for Boston and Cambridge high school students interested in biomedical careers. You work in a Harvard lab under a senior researcher or physician and take part in real biomedical research. The program supports students historically underrepresented in medicine. You also attend hospital visits, seminars, writing workshops, and college prep sessions. By the end, you present your research and get one-on-one career guidance.
10. Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University
Stipend: Paid
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: Varies; nomination and application required
Eligibility: U.S. citizens/permanent residents currently in 11th grade
The Simons Summer Research Program is a six-week intensive research experience at Stony Brook University for high school students. You work full-time in a university lab under faculty supervision, contribute to research, and present your work with a formal abstract and poster at a closing symposium. The program includes weekly lectures from researchers, writing workshops, and behind-the-scenes lab tours. You gain skills in lab techniques, scientific writing, and data presentation. You must be nominated by your school to apply, and admission is highly competitive.
11. Summer Focus – Young Scientist Program (YSP)
Stipend: $4,500
Location: Washington University
Program Dates: June 2 – July 25
Application Deadline: January 27
Eligibility: High school juniors (11th grade) attending school in the Greater St. Louis area (MO or IL); must be rising seniors by summer.
Summer Focus is an eight-week fully funded biomedical research program for St. Louis area high school juniors. You work on a lab project with a Washington University scientist and get one-on-one support from a graduate student tutor. You take a writing course, learn to read scientific papers, and practice science communication. You also join the NextUp Course for help with college applications, scholarships, and science careers. Weekly tutor meetings, professional development workshops, and a final public symposium are also part of the program.
12. UCSF Summer Student Research Program
Stipend: $3,000–$4,300
Location: Oakland, CA
Program Dates: June 2 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school juniors/seniors or undergraduates; age 16+ by June 1; from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds
UCSF Summer Student Research Program is a full-time, 9-week research opportunity for high school and undergraduate students from groups underrepresented in science. You work in a UCSF basic science or clinical lab, paired with a mentor, and contribute to an ongoing project. You get training in lab techniques, scientific writing, and research communication. Weekly MD/PhD-led seminars, journal clubs, and group activities support your work. You submit a personal statement, abstract, and proposal, and present your research at both oral sessions and a final symposium.
13. STEM Research Academy (CUNY College Now Program)
Stipend: Competitive stipend + MTA MetroCard
Location: CUNY campuses, New York City
Program Dates: Spring course + 6-week Summer lab experience
Application Deadline: Varies by CUNY campus
Eligibility: NYC public school students in grades 10–11 (motivated 9th graders considered)
The STEM Research Academy is a two-part program for NYC public high school students interested in science careers. In spring, you take a CUNY College Now course on scientific research. In summer, you join a CUNY lab and work on a STEM research project with faculty and undergrad mentors. You build lab skills, connect with other students, and present your project at a citywide symposium at the American Museum of Natural History. The program supports students from schools without access to research opportunities.
14. Northwestern University Research Program for High Schoolers (NURPH)
Stipend: $4,000
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Program Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current sophomores and juniors from Chicago Math and Science Academy, Northwestern Academy, and Holy Trinity High School
NURPH is a 7-week full-time research internship for high school students in Northwestern University’s Materials Science and Engineering labs. You work on hands-on projects in areas like renewable energy, biomedical engineering, or structural materials, guided by a research mentor. Each week includes professional development and technical training to build lab skills and materials science knowledge. The program ends with a formal poster session where you present your research to Northwestern faculty, students, and families.
15. Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Stipend: Paid. Specific amount is not specified.
Location: Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Program Dates: June 23 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 3
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (must be age 16+ by June 23)
SSRP is a seven-week, full-time research program for high school students hosted by Rockefeller University with Memorial Sloan Kettering and Weill Cornell Medicine. You’re placed on a team of eight students led by a scientific trainee and spend around 35 hours per week learning lab techniques, forming research questions, analyzing data, and presenting your work in a poster session. You also attend elective courses, guest lectures, workshops, and networking events.
BONUS –
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Full financial aid is available!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
Founded by researchers from Harvard and Oxford, this 12-week program matches you with a PhD mentor to complete an independent research project. You can choose from a wide range of disciplines in STEM, humanities, and social sciences—including economics, computer science, psychology, biology, and international relations.
With weekly 1-on-1 mentorship, you’ll develop a research question, build a methodology, and write a formal paper. Upon completion, you’re eligible to earn three post-baccalaureate credits and a digital transcript from UC San Diego Extended Studies.
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. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
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!
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