Summer research programs offer high school seniors the opportunity to explore advanced academic work, develop specialized skills, and gain hands-on experience in their field of interest. These programs provide a glimpse into college-level coursework and research, helping you build a strong foundation before transitioning to higher education.
By working on real-world projects, collaborating with experts, and exploring advanced topics, you can enhance your academic profile, all while working on your college applications for the coming year!
To help high school seniors find the perfect opportunity, we’ve compiled a list of 15 of the best summer research programs. This carefully curated selection includes a variety of experiences, from immersive research programs and pre-college research initiatives to hands-on internships and one-on-one mentorship opportunities:
1. Horizon Academic Research Program
Location: Virtual
Application Date: May 21 for the summer cohort, and September 25 for the fall cohort
Program Dates:
- Summer seminar – June 24 – September 2
- Fall seminar – October 23- February 19
- Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. 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, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more. It also offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is an opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and on college applications. Apply here.
2. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University
Cost: Free of cost
Application Deadline: Not provided. Contact [email protected] for additional information.
Program Dates: June 22 – August 7
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University offers a seven-week research experience where high school students work closely with faculty members on advanced projects. This immersive program goes beyond traditional coursework, incorporating weekly seminars, discussions, and field trips to deepen your understanding of research methodologies.
Admission is highly competitive, with selection based on academic excellence, teacher recommendations, and well-defined career goals. The program consistently attracts top-performing students— in 2019, the average SAT score of the 12 selected participants ranked in the 99th percentile.
3. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program
- Location: The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
- Cost: Stipend provided
- Application Deadline: January 3
- Program Dates: June 23 – August 7
- Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors who are at least 17 years old by the program start date.
The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program offers high school students an immersive, hands-on experience in biomedical research at the RockEDU Laboratory. Over 6–7 weeks, you will dedicate approximately 35 hours per week to conducting research under the mentorship of scientists.
As the oldest biomedical research institute in the U.S., Rockefeller University attracts researchers and provides you with an advanced learning environment. This program also offers need-based stipends to support participants.
4. Memorial Sloan Kettering Summer Student Program
Location: Upper East Side, Manhattan, New York City, NY
Stipend: $1,200
Application Deadline: 7 February
Program Dates: June 30 – August 22
Eligibility: Open to high school students (including seniors) with a 3.5 GPA in science subjects. Applicants must be 14 or older by June and commit to working 40 hours per week.
The HOPP Summer Student Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) is an eight-week internship designed for high school students interested in biomedical and computational research. You will engage in projects across various fields, including cancer biology, molecular biology, chemical biology, computational genetics, engineering, immunology, pharmacology, and structural biology.
You will be paired with a mentor who guides the program. In addition to hands-on research, you will attend lab meetings and program sessions, gaining exposure to a network of professionals within MSKCC’s research community.
5. 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 and must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities across a broad range of subjects that you can explore.
You will be paired 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.
6. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) – Department of the Navy
Location: Varies based on lab placement
Stipend: $4,000 (new participants) | $4,500 (returning participants)
Application Deadline: Opens in August, closes November 1
Program Dates: June – August (8 weeks)
Eligibility: Open to high school students (Grade 9+), at least 16 years old, and U.S. citizens.
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) is a highly competitive, research-focused apprenticeship that offers high school students the opportunity to work in the Department of Navy laboratories across the United States. With around 300 placements in 38+ labs nationwide, SEAP provides hands-on experience in Naval research, allowing you to collaborate with scientists and engineers in cutting-edge STEM fields.
You will engage in real-world projects within disciplines such as engineering, physics, chemistry, and more while receiving mentorship from expert Navy researchers. Lab assignments are determined based on your areas of interest.
7. Berkeley Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY) – Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley
Location: University of California, Berkeley
Cost: $6,292 (California residents) | $7,332 (Out-of-state residents)
Program Dates:
Session I: July 5 – July 19
Session II: July 19 – August 2
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Open to high school students (including seniors)
The Berkeley Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY) is a two-week intensive business program at the Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley. Designed for high school students, this program provides hands-on experience in teamwork, communication, research methods, and business strategy.
You will work in teams to develop a business plan, which you will present at the program’s conclusion. In addition to coursework, you will attend guest lectures, engage in social activities, and interact with UC Berkeley students, gaining insights into the world of business and entrepreneurship. The program is selective, admitting only 50 students per session.
8. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University campus
Cost: Students receive a stipend of $500
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old by the program start date. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently living in and attending school in the United States.
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to engage in biomedical research alongside Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers. Designed to spark interest in biological sciences and medicine, the program provides hands-on experience in scientific research while allowing you to choose from eight specialized research areas.
Each year, only 50 students are selected for this highly competitive program, and participants receive a minimum stipend of $500.
9. Spark Summer Internship Program (Spark SIP)
Location: Varies based on the internship provider
Cost: To be announced
Program Dates: To be announced
Application Deadline: April (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9–12 who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
The Spark Summer Internship Program (Spark SIP) provides high school students with the opportunity to work alongside industry experts, professors, and community leaders on hands-on research projects. This 8–12-week internship allows you to gain real-world experience in various STEM disciplines, preparing you for future careers in scientific research.
In 2024, the program adopted a new model where mentors could directly select you as an intern, guiding you through your research projects.
10. University of Florida’s Student Science Training Program (UF SSTP)
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $5,500 (includes accommodation, field trips, activities, supervision, and supplies)
Application Deadline: April
Program Dates: June 8–July 26
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors at least 16 years old by the start of the program
The UF Student Science Training Program (UF SSTP) is a seven-week residential research program designed for students passionate about science, medicine, math, computer science, and engineering. You will contribute to ongoing faculty-led research projects, working at least 30 hours per week in research labs. Beyond research, you will attend daily lectures on scientific topics, engage in honours seminars, and participate in small group discussions led by academic mentors.
Additionally, you will have weekly one-on-one meetings with faculty mentors to review scientific articles, discuss research methodologies, and receive feedback on your work. This program can give you hands-on experience in scientific research while helping you develop leadership, technical writing, and communication skills.
11. LHI-AHA Summer Research Scholars Program
Location: Lillehei Heart Institute
Cost/Stipend: Scholars receive an hourly wage
Program Dates: June 2 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old and U.S. citizens at the time of application.
The Lillehei Heart Institute (LHI) Summer Research Scholars Program is a competitive opportunity for high school students passionate about cardiovascular research and medicine. This experience allows you to engage in hands-on research under the mentorship of faculty in a specialized lab setting. The program takes a multidisciplinary approach, exposing you to both basic and clinical research in cardiovascular science.
You will attend weekly seminars led by industry experts, participate in field trips to clinical, industrial, and academic institutions, and explore diverse career pathways in cardiovascular medicine. If you’re interested in pursuing medical or scientific careers, this program can serve as a solid foundation for you.
12. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: AFRL internship opportunities are available at multiple sites across the U.S. Check locations here
Stipend: $492 per week
Program Dates: Start dates vary based on AFRL sites and project assignments. End dates depend on student availability and funding.
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Must be willing to work full-time (40 hours per week) for summer internships at the assigned work location
The AFRL Scholars Program offers stipend-paid internships for upper-level high school students, providing hands-on research experience in STEM fields. You will work alongside AFRL scientists and engineers on research projects and gain practical skills in advanced technology with real-world applications. The program fosters mentorship, professional development, and exposure to innovative research with opportunities for you to present your work.
Some AFRL locations also extend internship opportunities to university students pursuing education-related degrees and K–-12 professional educators. If you’re interested in STEM careers within a dynamic, research-driven environment, you can explore with program.
13. Monell Science Apprenticeship Program
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: Paid internship (exact amount not specified)
Program Dates: June 23 – August 15
Application Deadline: December 31
Eligibility: Must be a current high school student from the greater Philadelphia area, including Camden, NJ
The Monell Science Apprenticeship Program is a competitive, research-intensive internship designed for high school students interested in biomedical science, medicine, and STEM fields. With a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, the program actively seeks students from underrepresented backgrounds, including women, ethnic minorities, and economically disadvantaged communities.
Over seven weeks, you will gain hands-on laboratory experience, working closely with scientists on research projects. You will work on developing scientific and professional skills, such as public speaking, technical writing, and ethical research practices.
14. Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program – California Academy of Sciences
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Stipend: Paid internship (above minimum wage)
Program Dates: Multi-year, year-round participation
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Open to 9th – 12th grade students in San Francisco
The Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program is a multi-year, paid internship for San Francisco high school students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM, including girls and students of colour. Hosted by the California Academy of Sciences, this program provides hands-on experience in scientific research, environmental fieldwork, and public science communication.
You will engage in real-world research projects, science education, and career development, all while earning a stipend. The program fosters critical thinking, leadership, and professional skills, but its year-round, intensive schedule will require you to balance your academic and personal responsibilities.
15. University of Florida’s Research Explorations (REx) Program
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $2,500 (includes accommodation, meals, activities, and supplies); non-refundable $35 application fee; need-based scholarships available for Florida residents
Application Deadline: March 1 (tentative)
Program Dates: July 6–July 18 | July 20–August 1
Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors and seniors
The Research Explorations (REx) Program at the University of Florida provides high school students with an introduction to scientific research across various fields, including biomedical science, environmental science, toxicology, epidemiology, and DNA science. Through hands-on lab activities, faculty-led discussions, and real-world research projects, you will gain insight into how scientists and engineers develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.
If you’re looking to explore research careers while working alongside faculty and graduate students in state-of-the-art UF research labs you can explore this immersive, two-week summer program.
Image source: University of Florida
