If you’re looking to build real skills and gain experience beyond the classroom, research programs should definitely be on your radar. These programs give you the chance to dive deep into subjects you’re curious about, whether it’s coding, biology, environmental science, or engineering. Instead of just reading about concepts in a textbook, you’ll work with real data, apply professional tools, and tackle real-world questions—just like actual researchers do.
If you live in Minnesota, you have access to some strong local options. The University of Minnesota offers a bunch of great high school research programs across a wide range of STEM fields, including neuroscience, computer science, cancer research, and more.
You’ll get the opportunity to collaborate with university researchers, sharpen your problem-solving and technical skills, and start building a foundation that will serve you well in college and beyond. If you’re serious about exploring a future in STEM, these Minnesota-based research programs are a great place to start.
To help you get started, here are 15 University of Minnesota research opportunities for high school students!
15 University of Minnesota Research Opportunities for High School Students
1. Lillehei Heart Institute Summer Research Scholars Program
Cost: Free. All scholars will get a stipend.
Program Dates: June 2-July 25
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years of age and U.S. citizens
The Lillehei Heart Institute’s Summer Research Scholars Program lets you work on real cardiovascular research alongside university scientists. You’ll be placed in a lab and matched with a faculty mentor. Your work may focus on molecular biology, biochemistry, or clinical research related to heart disease.
You’ll learn how to run lab experiments, analyze data, and use research tools. The program also includes seminars, field trips, and medical experiences that show you how research connects to patient care. Only two high school students are selected each summer, so the program is highly competitive.
2. Go4Brains
Stipend: $400
Program Dates: July 21-25
Application Deadline: March 10
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-11 who come from underserved communities
Go4Brains is a week-long summer program at the University of Minnesota for students who face barriers to opportunities in science and medicine. The program introduces you to neuroscience through demonstrations, experiments, and time in a research lab.
You’ll have the chance to hold a human brain, get an EEG print of your brain, and interact with undergraduate students and mentors. The program also offers support with college applications and provides insights into career paths in science and medicine.
3. BME High School Internship Program
Stipend: A stipend is provided but the amount is not specified
Program Dates: Not specified but the program will take place during the summer months
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising seniors
The BME High School Internship Program is a six-week opportunity in the university’s Department of Biomedical Engineering. As an intern, you’ll work on hands-on research projects with guidance from graduate students.
The program helps you explore biology and engineering topics and develop skills like scientific writing and communication. You’ll also go on lab tours, network with faculty mentors, and present your work at a poster session.
4. M-ASCEND Internship Program
Stipend: Students are paid $15 per hour
Program Dates: The school-year component takes place between November and March. The summer internship takes place from June to August and the community internship runs from September to May
Application Deadline: October 14
Eligibility: High school students in the 10th and 11th grade at one of the partner metro area public high schools. Students should either be underrepresented in science or have a disability or be from a disadvantaged background. More details here.
University of Minnesota M-ASCEND: Advancing Science, Enhancing Diversity is an enrichment program focused on cancer research and healthcare. The program begins with a school-year component, including online meetings and Saturday seminars on topics like cancer biology, health disparities, and clinical trials.
Afterward, rising juniors and seniors can apply for a paid internship. This includes a summer research internship followed by a community health internship during the school year. You’ll work 30 hours a week, develop a group research project, and present your work at the end of the program.
5. Minnesota Youth Institute
Cost: Free. Participants receive a $1,000 scholarship to study in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota and recognition as a Borlaug Scholar
Program Dates: Paper submissions are due by April 4. The one-day event takes place on May 14
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: All high school students
Organized by the World Food Prize Foundation, the Minnesota Youth Institute is a one-day event where high school students explore global challenges in science, agriculture, and policy. To participate, you must submit a research paper on global issues such as clean energy, water scarcity, sustainable agriculture and more.
At the event, you will present your paper to a panel of experts, take part in small-group discussions, and join hands-on activities related to food security and global development. You will also hear from researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders. Top students will also be selected to attend the Global Youth Institute or other internships.
6. Minnesota 4-H Youth Development Program
Cost: Depends on the specific program
Program Dates: Depends on the specific program
Application Deadline: You can look for a program at any point in the year
Eligibility: All students from kindergarten to one year after high school
Minnesota 4-H is a youth development program that offers hands-on learning opportunities across the state. You can take part in camps, clubs, competitions, immersions, and year-long projects in areas like science, agriculture, health, photography, and civic engagement.
The program also includes distance-learning options. You’ll get practical experience by working on real projects and have chances to connect with other students and professionals in your field of interest.
7. Discover STEM
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Session 1 from July 28–August 1, Session 2 from August 4-8, Session 3 from August 11-15
Application Deadline: April 25
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
Discover STEM is a free pre-college program for high school students to learn about STEM and explore career pathways in the field. You will take part in presentations, lab tours, science experiments, technology demonstrations, and Q&A sessions.
The program includes interactive activities and an overview of current STEM research. Presenters include faculty members, graduate researchers, alumni, and undergraduate students.
8. Rooted in STEM
Cost: Free
Program Dates: One session per month (on Saturdays) followed by enrichment programs during the summer
Application Deadline: The deadline is generally in the first week of December
Eligibility: Current 10th-grade students. Students from communities that have been historically excluded from STEM are encouraged to apply
Rooted in STEM is a multi-year program meant for high school students to learn about STEM while also receiving mentorship and community support. The program will run from December of your 10th grade till the end of high school.
It includes one session every month and enrichment opportunities during the summer, like camps, conferences, and research assistantships. If you consistently attend the program until the end of your 12th grade and are admitted to the university’s College of Science and Engineering, you will be eligible for a $40,000 scholarship.
9. Crime Scene Investigation Camp
Cost: Ranges from $200 – $225, depending on when you enroll
Program Dates: June 16-18
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: All rising high school students
The University of Minnesota’s Crime Scene Investigation Camp offers a unique hands-on experience for high school students interested in forensic science. As a participant, you will take on the role of a CSI investigator and investigate a mock crime scene.
You and your team will interview witnesses, learn different investigation techniques, and work with evidence like fingerprints, fiber, and hair samples. This program offers a good way to get a taste of a career in forensic science or law enforcement.
10. Girls Inc. Eureka!
Stipend: A stipend is provided but the amount is not specified
Program Dates: Various sessions are held through the school year. The summer component takes place from June 23-July 18
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students who are girls and are entering grade 8 and above
The YWCA and the University of Minnesota run a five-year program for high school girls interested in STEM careers. During the school year, you’ll join sessions that build career readiness and teach skills like communication, business etiquette, and time management.
Each summer, you’ll take part in an internship where you’ll shadow staff, work on projects, and connect with professionals. Some internships may also include research. This program helps you explore STEM fields while building practical skills and experience over several years.
11. IMA-MathCEP Math Modeling Camp
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 23-27
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Current high school students who have completed a year-long course in single variable calculus
The IMA-MathCEP Math Modeling Camp teaches high school students about mathematical models and how they can be used to solve real-world problems. As a participant, you will explore how mathematical models can help analyze the effects of traffic on a bridge, predict population trends, calculate the impact on natural resources, and analyze potential routes for a train system. This is a commuter program that is free of cost and offers a few virtual positions as well.
12. Summer Computing Academy
Cost: $75 for the one-week program, $125 for the two-week program
Program Dates: The two-week camp runs from June 9-20, the one-week camp runs from June 23-27
Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Students completing grade 6 or above
The University of Minnesota’s Summer Computing Academy offers high school students an intensive course in programming. You will learn the fundamental programming concepts and get experience working with Python in computer labs.
You will get plenty of hands-on experience by working on projects like developing programs for small robots or image processing. On the final day of the program, you will get the chance to present your projects. Additionally, the program also includes sessions on career planning.
13. Analytics U
Cost: Free
Program Dates: August 4-8
Application Deadline: June 2
Eligibility: Rising high school students. Students from historically underrepresented identities are encouraged to apply
The University of Minnesota’s Analytics U is a free data science program that teaches high school students how the field plays a critical role in solving real-world problems. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to collect and analyze real data.
You will learn about data visualizations, tools of data analysis, and how businesses use data analysis to grow. The program includes industry site visits, workshops, Q&A sessions, and culminates in a group presentation of your work.
14. Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve’s Field Trips
Cost: $210 per classroom for half-day trips, $330 per classroom for full-day trips. Scholarships are available
Program Dates: You can choose between a full-day trip and a half-day trip
Application Deadline: Your teacher can sign up any time
Eligibility: All high school students
The Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, run by the College of Biological Sciences, offers field trip programs where you can explore real ecological research. If your class joins a full-day trip, you’ll go on a hike, visit long-term experiments, and take part in hands-on investigations.
You’ll collect data, analyze it, and learn how scientists study ecosystems. Half-day trips focus more on observing and learning about nature. These trips give you a chance to experience the full scientific process in the field. You can find more details on the field trips here.
15. National Summer Transportation Institute
Cost: Free
Program Dates: July 14-25
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students in grades 7-9 who have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and are qualified to enroll in pre-algebra
The University of Minnesota’s National Summer Transportation Institute is a free two-week day camp where you learn how transportation systems work. You’ll visit places like airports, construction sites, and transit centers to see different parts of the industry in action.
In the lab, you’ll take part in hands-on activities and build a model bridge. The program also includes campus tours and sessions that help you explore career paths in transportation, engineering, and planning.
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!
Image source – University of Minnesota
