Most students study STEM in the classroom. But few take the next step and apply what they’ve learned to complex problems in a practical setting outside of school. If you’re a high school student in Virginia, several research programs in the state let high school students do exactly that. You can spend a few weeks working on projects in fields like computer science, environmental science, engineering, or biology, using the same tools and methods professionals use.
You’ll build practical skills like coding, data analysis, writing research reports, and using lab equipment. Some programs focus on independent work, while others include group projects or mentorship from faculty. Either way, these experiences help you move beyond theory and show that you’re ready for more advanced academic work or future careers in STEM.
To help you find a program that fits, here’s a list of 15 STEM research programs for high school students in Virginia.
15 STEM Research Programs for High School Students in Virginia
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts. The summer regular II deadline is 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 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. Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) Governor’s School
Location: Gloucester Point, VA
Cost: Free
Program dates: July 6 – 26
Application deadline: January – February (varies by division/school)
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders with a demonstrated interest in marine science
The VIMS Governor’s School is a four-week summer program for high school students in Virginia who want to explore marine science through real research. You are matched with a faculty mentor at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and work as an apprentice on an active research project. This might involve collecting field samples, analyzing data, or running experiments in the lab.
You learn how research is done step by step , from forming questions to presenting findings. The program also includes workshops on scientific methods and writing, helping you build skills that are useful in both STEM research and college-level coursework. You stay on the Christopher Newport University campus during the program, giving you a sense of what college life is like while connecting with other students who are also focused on marine science.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June).
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Open to current high school students with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.3.
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.
4. Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS)
Location: Online with optional in-person academy for selected students.
Cost: Free
Program dates: Week 1: June 21 – 27; Week 2: July 12 – 18; Week 3: July 26 – August 1
Application deadline: October 26
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens residing in VA and have a minimum GPA of 2.7 are eligible to apply.
The Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) program gives high school students in Virginia a chance to explore space science through a NASA-based curriculum. It starts with a free online course from December to May. You study topics such as space systems, planetary science, and mission planning, all designed by NASA experts.
If you complete the course with strong performance, you may be invited to a fully funded week at NASA’s Langley Research Center. There, you join other students to plan and design a human mission to Mars. You work in teams, apply engineering and science concepts, and get direct exposure to how NASA approaches complex problems.
5. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Remote, hybrid, and in-person at George Mason University
Cost: Free
Program dates: June 18 – August 8
Application deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Students must be over 15 for remote internships and 16 for in-person or hybrid wet-lab internships.
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) is an 8-week research program where you work in a lab at George Mason University or one of its partner institutions. You join a research team and contribute to real projects in areas such as neuroscience, molecular biology, environmental science, or data modeling.
During the program, you learn how to collect and analyze data, follow lab protocols, and communicate research findings. You also attend seminars where scientists talk about their work and share insights into careers in STEM.
6. Virginia Tech’s Pathways for Future Engineers Program
Location: Blacksburg, VA
Cost: Free
Program dates: Rising seniors: June 15 to 28; Rising sophomores and juniors: June 23 to 28
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th, or 12th graders who are potential first-generation college students.
Virginia Tech’s Pathways for Future Engineers is a multi-year program for first-generation high school students who are thinking about studying engineering. As a participant, you take part in summer sessions that focus on core engineering concepts and real-world problem-solving.
You learn how to approach technical challenges and explore how engineering is applied in different fields. The program also supports your path to college. You get help with admissions, visit campus, and meet faculty and current students. If you go on to study engineering at Virginia Tech, the program continues to support you through your first year of college.
7. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) Online Academic Enrichment
Location: Online
Cost: $3,580 (+ additional course material not exceeding $100)
Program dates: Session One: June 16 – July 4; Session Two: July 7 – 25
Application deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Students in grades 10th and 11th with exceptional interest in mathematics
The Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) is a three-week summer program where you study advanced topics like abstract algebra, number theory, and algebraic topology. You take live online classes, solve complex problems with other students, and work on guided research projects. The program includes discussions, problem-solving sessions, and lectures from mathematicians. You also explore how these areas of math connect to research and real-world questions.
8. Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) Program
Location: Online followed by an in-person component at NASA’s Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA
Cost: Free
Program dates: Week 1: July 5 – 11; Week 2: July 19 – 25
Application deadline: October 26
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens residing in VA and have a minimum GPA of 2.7 are eligible to apply.
The Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) program lets you explore climate science by analyzing Earth’s systems using data from NASA satellites. Over the course of the academic year, you’ll work through online modules and a capstone project, where you interpret real environmental data and propose solutions to pressing Earth science challenges.
If you successfully complete the program, you’ll attend a week-long summer academy at NASA’s Langley Research Center. There, you’ll help design satellite missions and interact with NASA scientists and engineers. The program also offers up to five dual-enrollment college credits.
9. Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS)
Location: Online and in-person at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, VA
Cost: Free
Program dates: Week 1: July 5 – 11; Week 2: July 19 – 25; Week 3: August 2 – 8
Application deadline: October 26
Eligibility: High school sophomores who are U.S. citizens residing in VA (Maryland residents may apply if a parent is a NASA Wallops Flight Facility civil servant or contractor employee) and have a minimum GPA of 2.7 are eligible to apply.
The Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) program offers high school students the chance to dive into the science and engineering behind NASA projects at Wallops Flight Facility. The program starts with 5 online modules covering topics like suborbital and orbital missions, aerodynamics, Earth science, and flight physics.
If you excel in the online coursework, you’ll be invited to a week-long residential summer academy at Wallops Island. There, you’ll work on mission-based challenges and interact with NASA scientists and engineers, gaining real-world insight into space missions and space-related technologies. This program gives you a unique opportunity to connect theory with practical applications in space science.
10. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Program dates: 5 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors residing in North America (U.S. or Canada) who are enrolled full-time toward a high school diploma
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) offers high school students a chance to explore neuroscience research before college. This five-week virtual summer program includes mentored research projects, professional development sessions, and hands-on lab techniques essential to brain science. You’ll work closely with faculty and researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, participate in educational sessions, and present your findings at the end of the program.
11. Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology (BLAST)
Location: Students may apply to attend any one session at either William & Mary, Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia, Radford University, or Old Dominion University campuses.
Cost: Free
Program dates: William & Mary: June 22–25, Virginia Tech: July 20–23, Radford University: July 20–23, Old Dominion University: July 27–30, University of Virginia: July 30–August 2.
Application deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school freshmen who are U.S. citizens residing in VA, have a minimum GPA of 2.7, and have not previously attended BLAST are eligible to apply.
If you’re a 9th grader interested in STEM but haven’t had much exposure yet, the Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology (BLAST) program is a great way to start. This free, three-day residential program in Virginia takes place on a college campus, where you’ll stay in dorms and participate in hands-on STEM activities led by university faculty and staff.
During the program, you’ll work on experiments and projects that focus on real-world STEM applications. You’ll learn basic research methods, data collection techniques, and how to analyze and interpret results.
12. NOVA’s Bridge Program
Location: NOVA campuses
Cost: Free (Students are awarded a stipend of $200 upon program completion)
Program dates: Late June through mid-August
Application deadline: Not specified. Applications open late January!
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors (preference will be given to applicants based on their proximity to a local campus and career interests)
NOVA’s Bridge Program offers high school students the chance to explore fields like engineering technology, IT, computer science, and data center operations. Through hands-on activities, you’ll build essential skills like cybersecurity, computer assembly, and engineering simulations.
You’ll also have the opportunity to visit industry partners such as AWS and Micron Technology, gaining exposure to real-world applications in the tech field. In addition to practical experience, the program familiarizes you with NOVA’s campuses and support services. You may also earn college credit or industry certifications.
13. NOVA’s Engineering Technology (ET) Career Scholars Program
Location: NOVA Fab Lab at the NOVA Manassas Trailside (MTS) campus
Stipend: $500
Program dates: Year-long program
Application deadline: Not specified. Applications open late January!
Eligibility: Graduating or graduated high school students
If you have an interest in technology and engineering, NOVA’s Engineering Technology (ET) Career Scholars Program offers a pathway into high-demand fields such as data center operations and semiconductor manufacturing. Throughout the program, you’ll focus on real-world engineering technology applications, improve your math readiness, and gain insights into careers that are growing rapidly. With guided coursework and a cohort-based learning approach, you’ll build practical knowledge and develop the foundational skills needed to succeed in engineering and technology fields.
14. UVA Advance Pre-College Program
Location: University of Virginia campus
Cost: Virginia residents: $6,995; Non-Virginians: $14,651
Program dates: July 12 – August 8
Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.5
The UVA Advance Pre-College Program – STEM Focus is a four-week, fully online program designed for rising high school juniors and seniors eager to dive into college-level STEM academics. Hosted by the University of Virginia, this virtual experience lets you earn six transferable college credits while engaging with UVA faculty and a global cohort of peers.
You’ll enroll in two courses. One is a core STEM course, Introduction to Computational Modeling, tailored for advanced participants, where you’ll use Python to model real-world phenomena like climate systems or disease spread. The other is an elective from UVA’s Summer Session, such as Data Science for Engineers, Biomedical Engineering Principles, or Calculus for Machine Learning.
15. Virginia Commonwealth University’s Dental Careers Exploration
Location: VCU School of Dentistry, Richmond, VA
Cost: Free
Program dates: July 14 – 18
Application deadline: May 2
Eligibility: Rising 10th to graduating seniors in the Greater Richmond area with a 3.0+ GPA who are U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents
The VCU Dental Careers Exploration program offers high school students a chance to explore a future in dentistry through a five-day hands-on summer experience. During the program, you’ll work with real dental tools and learn techniques such as tooth carving, taking dental impressions, and practicing suturing. You’ll also explore digital imaging systems and learn to use dental instruments in a clinical setting. In addition, you’ll observe demonstrations, engage in lab simulations, and interact with current dental students and faculty.
Image source – Virginia Commonwealth University