If you’re a high school student in Michigan and want to dive deeper into a topic you’re interested in, a research program or internship is a great way to do that. These programs will allow you to explore your interests, build useful skills, and connect with others in the field. Many Michigan universities and research centers offer opportunities to work on collaborative projects that tackle practical issues using simulations, experiments, data analysis, and modeling.
Some of the projects range from building a machine learning model to recognise handwritten digits using Python, measuring how urban runoff affects local water quality, and surveying how social media use relates to teen anxiety, to comparing how two authors from different eras explore identity or resistance, or testing which study methods work best.
Early exposure to practical work and specialized knowledge can help you explore career options and make informed decisions about your future. You’ll also gain technical training, mentorship, and experience that can strengthen your academic portfolio, highlighting your skills and ability to handle challenging work.
In this blog, we’ve listed 15 research opportunities for high school students in Michigan that you can explore:
1. Wayne State University’s Discovery To Cure Program
Subject Areas: Oncology, Reproductive Biology, Precision Medicine, Immunology, Toxicology, Prenatal Medicine
Location: C. S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Detroit, MI
Cost: The program is free, but you’ll need to arrange your own housing and transportation.
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: June 23 – August 15
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are at least 16 years old, as well as undergraduate students from Wayne State University or any other college or university
The Discovery to Cure Program gives students hands-on research experience in labs at the C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development at Wayne State University School of Medicine. You’ll be matched with a mentor and take on an individual research project where you’ll come up with hypotheses, run experiments, and analyze your results. Over eight weeks, you’ll train in areas like immunology, reproductive biology, oncology, prenatal medicine, toxicology, and precision medicine.
You’ll work about 40 hours a week in a lab with guidance from a faculty mentor, postdoc, or research assistant, and you’ll attend weekly research seminars. On the final day, you’ll give a 10-minute oral presentation about your project during Research Presentation Day, which is scheduled in advance. You can check out what past interns have accomplished here.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Subject Areas: Psychology, Biophysics, History, Political Theory, Chemistry, Machine Learning, and more
Location: Virtual
Cost: $5,950. Need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: March 23 (priority), April 20 (regular-I), May 18 (regular-II)
Dates: The summer cohort begins on June 16. Lab course schedules are flexible, but you need to apply at least four weeks before the start date you want.
Eligibility: High school students with a 3.67 GPA or higher can apply. Most applicants are in 10th or 11th grade, but some tracks have specific prerequisites you can check out here.
Horizon runs trimester-long research programs for high school students in areas like History, Political Science, Philosophy, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Data Science, and more, offering over 600 topics to choose from. You can focus on either qualitative or quantitative research. Some of the course options include Computational Neuroscience, Ancient History, AI, Machine Learning, & Data Science, Psychology and Emotion Regulation, Political Theory and Philosophy, Formulation Chemistry, and Protein Biophysics.
During the program, you’ll pick a research topic and method, then work one-on-one with a mentor, usually a professor or PhD student from a top university. By the end, you’ll write a 20-page research paper that you can submit to journals. You’ll also get personalized feedback, guidance, and a recommendation letter to support your college or research goals. You can apply here.
3. University of Michigan’s BioMed Focus
Subject Areas: Biology, Biomedical Science, Research
Location: University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: No cost to participate. You will receive $4,000 on completing the program.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors who are planning to apply to a college or university
BioMed Focus is a paid, 8-week summer internship where high school students get hands-on research experience in biomedical labs at Michigan Medicine. You’ll work with a mentor on a hypothesis-driven independent research project, take a science communication course, and join a college prep course. You’ll work in the lab from around 9 am to 5 pm with a mentor, usually a PhD student or postdoc, who will guide you through your project.
Throughout the program, you’ll build lab skills, learn to read and understand scientific papers, improve your writing and presentation abilities, prepare for college applications, and hear from current college and grad students about their paths. You’ll also get the chance to collaborate with professional scientists in a real research setting. By the end, you’ll write a research manuscript and give a talk about your project at a symposium for friends and family.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Subject Areas: Medicine, International Relations, Physics, Biology, Business, and more
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,990. Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Application deadlines vary by cohort. The summer cohort is scheduled for June 23.
Dates: Multiply cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students with an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) are encouraged to apply.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week opportunity for high school students to dive into a topic they’re interested in by doing an independent research project with guidance from a Ph.D. mentor. The program offers a wide range of subjects in STEM, Humanities, and Social Sciences, and includes workshops to help you build strong research skills. By the end of the program, you’ll complete a full research paper.
You’ll work with a mentor and also get support from a writing coach to help develop and refine your topic. If none of the listed topics fit what you’re looking for, you can also customise your project. For more information on how to apply, you can check out this link.
5. University of Michigan’s Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship Program
Subject Areas: Life Sciences–Based Research
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: The program is free, but interns need to arrange their transportation. A stipend is provided and will be paid out in three parts during the program.
Application Deadline: February 16
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Eligibility: Michigan rising high school seniors who will be at least 16 years old by the program’s start
The Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship Program at the University of Michigan gives high school students from under-resourced areas a chance to explore basic science through hands-on lab experience. As an intern, you’ll spend six weeks on the Ann Arbor campus working with a research team in the life sciences. You’ll run your own project and collect data that contributes to ongoing research. At the end, you’ll share your findings with peers and mentors. This year’s cohort will include at least six high school interns.
During the program, you’ll take part in both social and professional activities with students from other summer programs and get to know the U-M campus. You’ll also have access to campus resources like recreation centers and health services. The program includes professional development and enrichment activities, such as one-on-one mentor meetings, college advising, standardized test prep, networking with scientists, and various cultural and social events.
6. Michigan Math and Science Scholars
Subject Areas: Astronomy, Physics, Biology, Art & Music, Computer Science, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Psychology
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: The program costs $2,500. Limited need-based financial aid is available. A full breakdown of costs, including any optional or additional fees, can be found here.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: June 22 – July 4 | July 6 – July 18 | July 20 – August 1
Eligibility: Students who have finished at least one year of high school but haven’t graduated yet, including rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The Michigan Math and Science Scholars (MMSS) program lets high school students explore current topics in math and science through two-week courses focused on a single subject. You’ll dig into topics like Forensic Physics, Brain and Behavior, the Gale-Shapley algorithm, and Intro to Quantum Computing through lectures, lab sessions, field trips, and hands-on problem-solving.
In the evenings, there are group dinners along with organized academic, social, and recreational activities, like sports or cultural events. You’ll also have free time to work on projects or use the computer labs. On weekends, you can relax or join optional trips with counselors to places like the U-M Botanical Garden, Cedar Point, or a baseball game. About half of the applicants are accepted into the program.
7. Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN) by JINA-CEE @ Michigan State University
Subject Areas: Astrophysics, Nuclear Physics, Cosmology, Atomic Nuclei
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 5
Dates: July 20 – July 25
Eligibility: Current high school students who are U.S. citizens
Michigan State University’s Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN) is a free, week-long program for U.S. high school students to explore the atomic nuclei field and see how it connects to big-picture topics like astrophysics and cosmology. You’ll take part in hands-on activities led by faculty, staff, and students from the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), a top research center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science.
Throughout the week, you’ll learn about cutting-edge research in rare-isotope science, explore topics in cosmology, astrophysics, and nuclear science, and even run your own nuclear physics experiments. You’ll get an introduction to precision measurement, meet researchers working on a range of scientific questions, experience college life, and find out about different careers in science.
8. Michigan Tech University’s Women in Engineering (WIE) Pathway Program
Subject Areas: Mechanical, Environmental, Civil, Chemical, Materials Science, Geohazards, Robotics, and Aerospace Engineering.
Location: Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI
Cost: $425
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: June 15 – June 20
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11
Michigan Tech University’s Women in Engineering (WIE) is a week-long program for high school students to explore careers in science and engineering. While the program is open to everyone, it’s especially focused on encouraging young women to pursue engineering. You’ll take part in engineering sessions, group projects, and special presentations alongside a diverse group of students from across the country and around the world.
Through hands-on, project-based learning in two engineering areas of your choice, you’ll get real experience and insight from professionals in the field. You’ll also work on team projects, compete in group challenges, build important collaboration skills, and enjoy outdoor activities in Michigan’s scenic Keweenaw Peninsula.
9. Wayne State University’s Summer High School Research Program
Subject Areas: Engineering, Energy Technology, CAD/3D Modeling, Fuel Cells
Location: James and Patricia Anderson College of Engineering, Detroit, MI
Cost: $100
Application Deadline: June 20
Dates: July 7 – July 31
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12
Wayne State University’s Summer High School Research Program gives students the chance to explore areas like CAD/3D modeling, energy technology, and fuel cells over four weeks. The program is designed to show how STEM applies in real life and help you stay interested in engineering as a major and career. You’ll be on campus four days a week throughout July, with each week focused on a different theme. In the final week, you’ll tour labs and present your work to faculty and mentors.
You’ll get to join a faculty lab and work on projects related to soft robotics and smart materials while developing your own ideas and learning how to test them. You’ll get experience with 3D printing, circuitry, electronics, and programming. The program aims to help you build skills in research, teamwork, and problem-solving.
10. ArcStart at Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning
Subject Areas: Architecture, Design, Urban Planning, History
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: $4,950; need-based scholarships are available
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: July 14 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, or rising college freshmen
The University of Michigan’s ArcStart is a pre-college residential program for high school students who are interested in architecture. It will introduce you to the built environment, basic design concepts, and what it’s like to study at the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. You’ll get a feel for how design education works in a college setting, see how studio classes are run, and take part in hands-on workshops focused on analytical and creative problem-solving.
The program will allow you to explore different aspects of architecture. You’ll learn how to use drafting, drawing, and modeling tools, visit an architecture firm, study architectural history, come up with your own design ideas, and put your work together in a digital portfolio. You’ll also hear from the Taubman College Admissions team about applying to college programs in architecture and urban technology.
11. NSLC’s Medicine & Health Care Program
Subject Areas: Healthcare, Internal Anatomy, Emergency Medicine, Clinical Diagnostics, Medicine
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: $4,095 (Residential Program)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: June 16 – June 24 | June 29 – July 7 | July 12 – July 20 | July 25 – August 2
Eligibility: Students who are aged 14–18 and have finished at least one year of high school can apply. You can also join NSLC the summer after you graduate.
NSLC’s High School Summer Medical Program gives high school students a chance to step into the role of a physician. You’ll practice surgical techniques, work with medical teams to figure out patient diagnoses, and talk about public health issues. With hands-on simulations, you’ll learn from medical professionals and build skills and knowledge that can help you explore a future in medicine through real-world experiences like tours and site visits.
You’ll take part in hands-on workshops that cover topics like new medical treatments, medical ethics, and how to care for patients with empathy. Activities include suturing, surgical knot tying, and studying internal anatomy. The program includes anatomy workshops, where you’ll examine body structures, create a public service announcement, and design a public health project. You’ll also explore clinical diagnostics and emergency medicine through multi-day simulations.
12. Multicultural Apprenticeship Program (MAP)
Subject Areas: Agriculture and Natural Resources-related fields
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost/Stipend: The program is free, but participants are responsible for their transportation. They’ll also receive a weekly stipend during the program.
Application Deadline: April 18
Dates: July 6 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 or 11
Michigan State University’s Multicultural Apprenticeship Program (MAP) is a four-week summer program that gives high school students a chance to explore college life while learning about careers in agriculture, natural resources, food science, and related fields. You’ll get hands-on experience in areas like food science, forestry, horticulture, animal sciences, crop and soil sciences, agricultural engineering, environmental management, and veterinary medicine.
You’ll be paired with a faculty member from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) to work on a research project and take part in daily research or programming. Throughout the four weeks, you’ll also participate in leadership seminars, field trips, and a mix of social, educational, and cultural activities. The program will give you practical experience in labs and fieldwork, let you work with computers and technical tools, and allow you to connect with students, faculty, and professionals.
13. Wayne State University’s MI-AHEC Biomedical Career Advancement Program (BCAP)
Subject Areas: Biomedical Research
Location: Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
Cost/Stipend: The program is free.
Application Deadline: April 7
Dates: June 23 – August 15
Eligibility: High school students currently in grades 10–12 with a GPA of 2.75 or higher can apply. Priority is given to students who live in Wayne County, attend Detroit Public Schools, or come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Wayne State University’s MI-AHEC Biomedical Career Advancement Program (BCAP) is a 6-week summer research experience that gives high school students the chance to explore careers in research and health sciences. You’ll work closely with senior research and clinical faculty, their teams, and other students in a hands-on, engaging environment. You’ll also get one-on-one mentorship from health professionals and collaborate with peers on independent research projects, which you’ll present at the program’s annual research symposium.
The program runs Monday through Thursday for up to 5 hours a day. On Fridays, you’ll take part in special events from 9 am to 3 pm, which include lab safety training and hands-on experiences like microscopy, pipetting, gel electrophoresis, phlebotomy, CPR, and checking blood pressure and heart rate. You’ll also attend panels with students and professionals, work on professional development, and network with others in the field.
14. University of Michigan’s Harper Academy 4 Future Nuclear Engineers
Subject Areas: Nuclear Engineering
Location: University of Michigan North Campus, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: The program is free, and participants will receive a stipend.
Application Deadline: January 31
Dates: July 6 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who attend Michigan-designated schools within 500 miles of the Ann Arbor campus and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Harper Academy 4 Future Nuclear Engineers program is a four-week residential experience that introduces rising high school seniors to nuclear engineering and helps them get ready for college. The program focuses on preparing you for careers in nuclear engineering to help tackle global greenhouse gas emissions. It’s run in partnership with the Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences (NERS) department and Detroit Second Chance/Charles Harper Charities, LLC.
You’ll learn key nuclear engineering concepts from NERS faculty, UM staff, and industry experts who will offer mentoring and guidance to support your transition into a Nuclear Engineering undergraduate program. The program includes a mix of activities and lectures covering topics like nuclear fission, fusion, and neutron interactions. You’ll also hear from faculty about their research, join discussions with current undergrads, and listen to Michigan Engineering alumni talk about their careers in the field.
15. The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy
Subject Areas: Business, Market Research, Career Development
Location: Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: The program costs $5,500, plus a $75 non-refundable application fee. Full and partial need-based scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: January 21
Dates: June 13 – June 27
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy is a two-week program for high school students who are interested in exploring a business career. You will learn how businesses operate, market research, problem-solving strategies, and what it’s like to be a business student at Michigan Ross. The program accepts only 72 students each year.
Throughout the program, you’ll learn about business operations, career paths, and college life while working with your peers. You’ll also have the chance to interact with Ross faculty, industry professionals, and corporate partners, which will help expand your knowledge and network. The program focuses on ethical leadership and encourages you to think about the role of purpose-driven business leadership. You’ll complete college-level work through classes and workshops, but no college credit is given, and participating won’t affect your chances of being admitted to the Michigan Ross BBA program.
Image source – Wayne State University
