If you are a high school student looking to build an advanced skillset in tech this summer, tech-focused summer research programs are a great option!
These programs offer hands-on experience in software engineering, machine learning, hardware design, data analysis, and more. Whether you’re aiming to learn Python for scientific computing or want to tinker with robotics platforms, these programs help you go beyond your high school curricula, explore the world of research labs, academic mentors, and focus on real-world impact.
Through mentored research projects, collaboration, and deep dives into advanced topics, you can strengthen your academic profile and resume early on.
We’ve curated a list of 15 tech summer research opportunities, ranging from fully-funded residential programs to online research mentorships. Many also offer stipends or financial aid.
1. Horizon Academic Research Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $ 5,950
Application Deadlines: Multiple deadlines based on cohorts. The summer cohort deadline is on April 20
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. The summer cohort is from June 16 and July 14. Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply at least 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA above 3.67 on a 4.0 scale are eligible. Most tracks don’t require prerequisites, though a few do—details are available on their website.
Horizon Academic offers trimester-long research programs designed for high school students interested in pursuing college-level research. You can choose from a wide range of subjects including data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, neuroscience, chemistry, psychology, and more. Programs are available in both quantitative and qualitative formats.
After selecting your subject area and research type, you’ll be matched with a professor or PhD researcher who will mentor you one-on-one. Throughout the program, you’ll develop a 20-page, university-quality research paper that can be submitted to journals for publication. In addition to feedback on your work, you’ll receive a letter of recommendation that can support your college applications.
2. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/ Stipend: Free, there is a $25 application fee. Upon completion of a successful research project report, the Scholar will receive a $750 stipend.
Application Deadline: Not specified — contact [email protected] for details.
Program Dates: June 22 – August 7
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a fully funded seven-week summer research experience at Texas Tech University. Selected high school students work one-on-one with university faculty on advanced research projects across a wide variety of academic disciplines.
Research areas include computer science, electrical and computer engineering, history, mechanical engineering: cancer bioimaging, and physics. Beyond hands-on lab and research work, the program features seminars, guest lectures, and field trips designed to enhance your understanding of research and professional pathways. Admission is selective, past participants have demonstrated academic excellence, clear career goals, and exceptional recommendations.
3. Veritas AI – AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Virtual
Cost: $5,400.
Application Deadlines: Multiple deadlines based on cohorts. The summer cohort deadline is April 27
Program Dates: Multiple 15-week cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students worldwide who have either completed the AI Scholars Program or can demonstrate prior experience with AI concepts and Python
The Veritas AI Fellowship is a rigorous and personalized research program for high school students passionate about artificial intelligence. Over 15 weeks, you’ll work 1-on-1 with a mentor to develop and complete an independent AI research project that may culminate in a publication or public showcase.
The fellowship encourages interdisciplinary exploration. You can apply AI to virtually any field, from healthcare and finance to climate science and art. You’ll also gain exposure to real-world problem-solving, data analysis, and machine-learning tools, all while building a project portfolio that reflects your interests and technical growth. You are expected to have a foundation in Python; if not, you’re encouraged to complete the AI Scholars program first.
4. Memorial Sloan Kettering Summer Student Program (HOPP SSP)
Location: Upper East Side, Manhattan, New York City, NY
Stipend: $1,200
Application Deadline: February 7
Program Dates: June 30 – August 22
Eligibility: Open to high school students (including seniors) who live in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut within 25 miles of the Main Campus of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center on the Upper East Side in Manhattan with at least a 3.5 GPA in science courses. Applicants must be 14 or older by June and able to commit to a full-time, 40-hour workweek.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) hosts a competitive eight-week internship for high school students in biomedical and computational research. You’ll be matched with a dedicated research mentor and contribute to ongoing projects in fields such as cancer biology, molecular biology, chemical biology, pharmacology, computational genetics, engineering, immunology, and structural biology.
Beyond the lab, you’ll also attend research seminars, lab meetings, and career development sessions, gaining exposure to a professional research environment in a leading cancer centre. This program is an opportunity for you to explore the field if you’re interested in pursuing careers in medicine, research, or biomedical science.
5. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) – Department of the Navy
Location: Varies by lab placement (nationwide)
Stipend: $4,000 for new participants; $4,500 for returning participants
Application Deadline: Opens in August, closes November 1
Program Dates: June – August (8 weeks)
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens currently in high school (Grade 9+), aged 16 or older by the program start date
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) offers high school students an opportunity to gain hands-on research experience in Navy laboratories across the U.S. Over eight weeks, you’ll work side-by-side with professional scientists and engineers on real-world STEM projects aligned with the Department of the Navy’s mission.
With placements available in over 38 labs nationwide, your assignment will be customized to your interests in fields such as engineering, chemistry, computer science, physics, and materials science. You will also receive direct mentorship from experienced Navy researchers, helping you build technical skills and explore career paths in science and defence innovation.
6. Spark Summer Internship Program
Location: Varies depending on the internship provider
Cost: Free (some projects offer stipends)
Program Dates: May-August (8–12 weeks, depending on the project)
Application Deadline: April 22 (tentative)
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents in grades 9–12
The Spark SIP program connects high school students with mentors across academia, industry, and community organizations for immersive summer internships in STEM. Spanning 8 to 12 weeks, the program offers hands-on research and professional experience in fields such as computer science, engineering, biology, and more.
In 2024, Spark SIP introduced a mentor-matching system, where mentors directly select interns to guide them through personalized research projects. This structure fosters deeper collaboration and personalized learning experiences. If you’re looking to explore STEM careers, this program offers real-world exposure and a chance to build meaningful mentor relationships.
7. University of Florida Student Science Training Program (UF SSTP)
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $5,500 (includes housing, supervision, supplies, activities, and field trips) + $ 50 application fees
Application Deadline: April 1 for international students and April 15 for domestic students
Program Dates: June 8 – July 26
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are at least 16 years old by the program start date
UF SSTP is a rigorous seven-week residential research program that offers high school students the chance to participate in active research within the University of Florida’s labs. You will work at least 30 hours per week under the mentorship of faculty researchers in disciplines such as medicine, engineering, computer science, and biology.
The program also includes daily science lectures, academic seminars, and small-group discussions. One-on-one mentor meetings help you develop research methodologies, understand scientific literature, and refine your technical writing and communication skills.
8. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $60 application fee; no program fee
Application Deadline: December 11
Program Dates: June 22 – August 2
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors. Recommended scores include PSAT Math ≥ 740, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing ≥ 700; ACT Math ≥ 33, Verbal ≥ 34
RSI is one of the most prestigious STEM research programs for high school students, hosted by MIT and the Center for Excellence in Education. Over six weeks, you will experience a combination of theoretical instruction and independent research in fields such as mathematics, computer science, and engineering.
You’ll begin with a week of intensive STEM coursework taught by MIT professors, followed by five weeks of mentored research in cutting-edge labs. The program culminates in a symposium where you’ll present both an oral and written version of your research findings. This opportunity is best suited for students seeking a research-oriented experience at the university level.
9. BLDAP: Interdisciplinary Pathways to Machine Learning and Data Science (IPMLDS)
Location: Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research (BAIR) Lab, Berkeley, CA
Stipend: $500/week (total $3,000)
Application Deadline: Opens February 3, Closes March 21 (recommended), final deadline March 23
Program Dates: June 17 – July 25
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–12 from Alameda, San Francisco, or Contra Costa counties
BLDAP: IPMLDS is a six-week summer apprenticeship program hosted by the BAIR Lab that introduces high school students to foundational concepts in AI, machine learning, and robotics. You’ll participate in project-based learning under the mentorship of UC Berkeley faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers.
The program also includes guest lectures, lab tours, and career workshops. After completing the internship, you’ll retain access to further learning opportunities at Berkeley Lab throughout the academic year. If you are a Bay Area student looking to explore the intersection of AI and science through real-world projects and expert mentorship, you can consider applying to this program.
10. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: NASA centers or remote
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipends available depending on academic level and session duration
Application Deadlines:
- Summer: February 28
- Fall: May 16
Program Dates:
- Summer: Late May/Early June – August (10 weeks)
- Fall: Late August/Early September – Mid-December (16 weeks)
- Spring: Mid-January – Early May (16 weeks)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens aged 16+, full-time high school students with a minimum 3.0 GPA
NASA’s OSTEM Internships offer high school students a chance to work alongside scientists and engineers on active NASA projects. Areas of research include aerospace engineering, chemistry, robotics, data analysis, and planetary science.
Whether remote or in-person, your internship may involve contributing to mission planning, analyzing real spacecraft data, or designing components for space exploration. You will also attend seminars led by NASA astronauts and top researchers. This program is for students with a strong academic background and a passion for space science and technology.
11. George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Remote, hybrid, or in-person at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost/Stipend: Free (except $25 application fee; waivers available); unpaid
Application Deadline: December 2 – February 2
Program Dates: June 18 – August 8
Eligibility: Remote or Computer Labs: Minimum age 15 and Wet Labs: Minimum age 16
ASSIP is a seven-week research-intensive internship where you’ll work directly with faculty researchers in areas such as environmental science, molecular biology, engineering, and chemistry. You’ll gain hands-on experience with advanced laboratory instruments and analytical software while conducting independent research.
The program also includes workshops on career development and scientific communication. Your internship concludes with a research symposium where you’ll present your work to peers, mentors, and university faculty. If you are looking to strengthen your STEM research skills in a flexible format, this program may be worth considering.
12. Northeastern University’s Young Scholars Program
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 20
Program Dates: June 23 – July 31
Eligibility: Current high school juniors entering 12th grade in the fall who are permanent Massachusetts residents who live and attend school in MA year-round, U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Young Scholars Program (YSP) at Northeastern University is a competitive six-week summer research opportunity for high school juniors in Massachusetts. You’ll work alongside Northeastern faculty, graduate students, and peers in real research labs within the colleges of engineering, science, and health sciences.
Hands-on experience is central to the program, with research topics ranging from robotics and nanotechnology to chemical analysis and microwave materials. In addition to lab work, you’ll attend the “Introduction to Engineering” seminar series, which exposes you to various engineering fields and emerging technologies. The program also includes field trips, career exploration sessions, and opportunities to build your STEM network.
13. NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; $1,000 stipend upon completion
Application Deadline: February 21
Program Dates: June 2 – August 18
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who reside in New York City
NYU’s ARISE program is a seven-week summer research initiative for NYC high school students entering grades 11 or 12. The experience starts with two weeks of training workshops focused on STEM research methods, ethics, and communication.
For the next five weeks, you’ll be placed in an NYU research lab and work closely with faculty mentors on active projects in fields like biomedical engineering, robotics, and environmental science. The program also includes weekly seminars, guest panels, and professional development sessions. You’ll present your work at a formal research symposium by the end of the program.
14. UC San Diego’s Research Experience for High School Students
Location: University of California, San Diego (UCSD), CA + Virtual option
Cost: $1,500 for students participating in a research project. Free for students not participating in a research project
Application Deadline: March 15
Program Dates: June 16 – August 8
Eligibility: Rising 10th graders. While the program prioritizes students from San Diego County, applications are also accepted from students outside the region who can arrange for summer housing.
UC San Diego’s Research Experience for High School Students (REHS), hosted in partnership with the San Diego Supercomputer Center, offers an 8-week experience in computer science, data science, and artificial intelligence. The program provides opportunities to work on independent projects under the guidance of UCSD faculty mentors.
You’ll engage in hands-on computational research—formulating hypotheses, analyzing large datasets, and running experiments using real-world tools and platforms. The curriculum also features weekly workshops, faculty-led lectures, and opportunities for peer collaboration, helping you build both academic knowledge and practical skills. Whether you join in-person or virtually, REHS bridges theory and application in a dynamic, research-oriented environment.
15. Yale Social Robotics Lab High School Internship
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: 6 weeks; typically scheduled between June and August
Eligibility: High school students entering 11th or 12th grade; applicants must be at least 16 years old by the start of the internship
The Yale Social Robotics Lab High School Internship offers a rigorous six-week research experience for students fascinated by robotics, AI, and human-robot interaction. As an intern, you’ll join a team of Yale researchers, faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates to contribute directly to ongoing projects in cutting-edge robotics research.
You’ll explore areas like machine learning, behaviour modelling, and sensor integration, applying your skills to real-world challenges in human-centred robotics. The program emphasizes hands-on experimentation, problem-solving, and collaboration, helping you gain both technical skills and a deeper understanding of how robots interact socially with people. With its competitive admissions and hands-on research setting, this program could be useful for you if you’re an aspiring engineer or researcher interested in emerging technologies.
Image source – Yale University