If you’re a high school student looking to sharpen your STEM skills this summer, an online research program can let you engage in hands-on projects, get personal guidance, and explore a topic that interests you, all while being an accessible option to explore.
You’ll tackle complex problems through experiments, simulations, data analysis, and data modeling. Along the way, you’ll learn how research happens and how to present your work in a clear, refined format.
Many universities and research centers run fully funded, selective virtual programs that extend learning beyond regular coursework. Such programs offer technical training, mentorship, and early exposure to specialized knowledge, while building a portfolio that can strengthen college applications.
Depending on the project, you might learn how new technology is developed in AI, robotics, or biotechnology; how to design and build structures or electronic devices; or how to use math to find patterns and solve real-world problems.
Because everything is online, you can balance school responsibilities, skip commuting costs, and still gain hands-on experience in your chosen field.
Here are 15 free online STEM summer research programs for high school students!
1. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship Programs
Subject Areas: Astronomy, Technology, Ecology, Robotics, Space Science, Communications, Aeronautics, Outreach, Engineering, Space Microbiology
Location: Offered remotely or in person at any of NASA’s ten field centers located nationwide.
Cost/Stipend: Participation is free, and interns may qualify for a stipend based on their academic level and internship duration.
Application Deadline: The deadline for the summer session is February 27.
Dates: The internships run in the fall, spring, and summer. For summer, they’re typically 10 weeks, from late May or early June to August.
Eligibility: U.S. high school students who are at least 16 years old and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) gives high‑schoolers a chance to gain hands-on training, mentorship, and solid career prep in science, finance, IT, engineering, and business. You’ll get to explore fields such as robotics, space microbiology, space science, aeronautics, astronomy, ecology, and science communication.
During the internship, you might help design experiments, sift through mission data, or help build new tech. You could team up with a researcher or join a small NASA project crew, using telescopes to track planets and asteroids, logging and analyzing data, or backing up mission prep work. You’ll also get to sit in on virtual chats with astronauts and other space experts. This program can help you with college applications or your future career plans. You can find internships for high school students by using the ‘Filter’ option on the NASA website.
2. ASPIRE by Johns Hopkins University
Subject Areas: Environmental Science, Data Analysis, Cybersecurity, Aerospace Engineering
Location: Available online or on‑site at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab in Laurel, MD
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Applications are due by February 15. Summer interns can stay on through the school year if their mentor agrees; no separate academic‑year application.
Dates:
- Summer session: June 24 – August 21
- Academic-year session: September 15 – May; seniors need to finish 60 hours by December 31, and juniors need to complete 30 hours.
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors, 15 or older by June 1, with at least a 2.8 GPA and permanent residency in designated Maryland counties
Johns Hopkins University’s ASPIRE program allows you to explore STEM careers before deciding on a college major. You’ll work with mentors from APL on projects that help you build technical and interpersonal skills in a professional environment. The program offers both virtual and in-person internships. If you opt for a virtual internship, you will work remotely, except for required in-person activities like onboarding, IT troubleshooting, and equipment returns.
You can choose two areas of interest, but the program assigns mentors and projects. Available fields include Environmental Science, Data Analysis, Cybersecurity, Aerospace Engineering, STEM Communications, Life Sciences, AI and Machine Learning, Mathematics, Programming, and Space Engineering. Besides picking your areas of interest, you can select up to three project types, such as experimental lab work, research and development, public relations, or social impact. The program is competitive, with about a 10% acceptance rate.
3. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Subject Areas: Data Science, Political Theory, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Psychology, Physics, Neuroscience, History, and more!
Location: Virtual
Cost: Both Horizon Labs and Seminar courses cost $5,950. Need-based financial aid is available for Seminar courses and can cover up to 90% of the cost.
Application Deadline: March 23 (priority), April 20 (regular-I), May 18 (regular-II)
Dates: The summer cohort starts on June 16. Lab course schedules are flexible, but you should apply at least four weeks before your desired start date.
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.67 or higher are eligible to apply. Most applicants are in 10th or 11th grade, though some tracks have specific prerequisites; you can check here.
Horizon offers trimester‑long research programs for high school students, covering 600‑plus topics in fields like Data Science, Biotechnology, Psychology, Machine Learning, Biophysics, Neuroscience, and more. You can choose between qualitative or quantitative work. STEM‑focused options include Computational Neuroscience, Formulation Chemistry, Environmental Health and Engineering, Psychology and Emotion Regulation, AI, Machine Learning, & Data Science, and Protein Biophysics.
Once enrolled, you’ll pick a topic and method, then team up one‑on‑one with a mentor, usually a professor or PhD student from a top university. You’ll finish the term with a 20‑page research paper ready for journal submission, plus detailed feedback, guidance, and a recommendation letter to boost your college or research plans. You can apply here.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Psychology, Environmental Science, Medicine, Economics, Chemistry, Biology, Data Science, Physics, International Relations, Business, Engineering, and more.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,990. Full financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary with each cohort; the upcoming summer cohort deadline is June 23.
Dates: The program runs in four cohorts: summer (June–August), fall (September–December), winter (December–February), and spring (March–June).
Eligibility: High school students who hold an unweighted GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale are encouraged to apply.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12‑week experience where high‑school students explore a topic of interest by completing an independent research project under a PhD mentor’s guidance. You can choose from a wide mix of STEM, humanities, and social‑science subjects, and you’ll join workshops designed to strengthen your research skills. By the program’s end, you’ll have a finished research paper.
Alongside your mentor, you’ll also work with a writing coach to shape and polish your topic. STEM options span Mathematics, Astrophysics, Computer Science, Biology, Physics, Neuroscience, Medicine, Chemistry, Data Science, Engineering, and Architecture. If your interest isn’t on the list, you can tailor a project that is. You can find application details here.
5. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Subject Areas: Biochemistry, Forensic Science, Engineering, Geography, Physics, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Astronomy, Mathematics, Data Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, and more.
Location: Offered in remote, hybrid, and in-person formats at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA
Cost/Stipend: The program is free, with a $25 application fee that can be waived for those with financial need. The internship is unpaid, and participants cover their own travel and housing.
Application Deadline: February 2
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Eligibility:
- Interns must be at least 15 years old by the start of the program to qualify for remote, in-person, or hybrid computer lab internships.
- Interns must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program to be eligible for in-person or hybrid wet-lab internships.
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) lets high‑school students team up with George Mason University researchers for an eight‑week experience in real lab work. You’ll get hands‑on time with advanced tech and equipment, sharpen your scientific writing and presentation skills, interact with STEM professionals about career paths, and build the problem‑solving skills every researcher needs.
Projects can be remote, in‑person, or hybrid, depending on the requirements of the mentor. Your findings might even get published in a journal or presented at a conference. Research areas span Chemistry, Neuroscience, Bioengineering, Astronomy, Physics, Environmental Science, Computer Science, and more. You can check out past projects here. Last year, 292 of 2,821 applicants were accepted, making the acceptance rate roughly 10%.
6. Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)
Subject Areas: Quantum Computing, Astrophysics, Python Coding, Cosmology, Quantum Physics
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 1
Dates: July 7 – July 25
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 at the time of application are eligible to apply. Priority is given to rising seniors and students from under-resourced backgrounds.
SPINWIP is a three‑week program for high‑school girls who want to explore physics and coding. Hosted by the Stanford Physics Department and the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, the program includes lectures from Stanford professors and researchers, small‑group work led by Stanford undergraduates, and workshops on college planning and career development.
Topics covered are quantum physics, light, optics, quantum computing, lasers, and cosmology, such as dark matter, black holes, and exoplanets. Each lecture comes with worksheets and homework that reinforce the core ideas. You will learn Python and apply your coding skills to physics projects, emphasizing Matplotlib, NumPy, and Boolean logic. The program also outlines career paths in physics and astronomy. The full syllabus is available for review here.
7. NASA and UT Austin’s STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer High School Intern Program
Subject Areas: Data Analysis, Engineering, Planetary Science, Astronomy, Climate Science, Research
Location: Offered virtually or in person at the University of Texas, Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: February 22
Dates: SEES distance learning modules run from May 19 to July 1, followed by remote project work with mentor guidance from June to July 5 and virtual projects from June to July 19. The program concludes with the SEES Virtual Science Symposium on July 21 and 22.
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors who are at least 16 years old, U.S. citizens, and applying to SEES for the first time
The SEES High School Summer Intern Program is a partnership between NASA and the University of Texas at Austin that offers students practical experience with NASA research. You will work on data analysis and visualization alongside NASA experts. Project topics change each year, and virtual internships follow the schedules described in the project details. Researchers at UT’s Center for Space Research lead studies in fields like engineering, astronomy, Earth systems, remote sensing, and planetary science.
For virtual internships, projects include tackling AI challenges in deep space travel, studying air quality, detecting exoplanets, using NASA satellite data and digital tools to monitor environmental changes, applying astronomy software to analyze data and measure star brightness, and determining the age and distance of an open star cluster.
8. NASA’s GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS) Program
Subject Areas: Space Biology, Omics-based Research, Data Analysis, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology
Location: Virtual (asynchronous)
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: April 9
Dates: June 2 – August 29
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0, and have completed a college‑prep biology course
NASA’s Ames Research Center runs GL4HS, a 12‑week virtual program that will allow you to explore space‑biology research, bioinformatics, omics studies, computational biology, and data analysis. You will also strengthen your formal presentation skills and understand how bioinformatics supports NASA Space Biology.
The Basic Level offers recorded lectures with JupyterLab Notebooks for self‑paced study, supplemented by optional live Open Office Hours for five to six hours each week. After finishing the Basic Level, you may enter the Capstone Project, forming teams of four or five to analyze bioinformatics datasets, create hypothesis‑driven research proposals based on original work from the Open Science Data Repository, and present your results at a full‑day competitive symposium. The eight highest‑scoring teams proceed to a written‑proposal round, and the top three win an all‑expenses‑paid trip to present at the annual American Society for Gravitational and Space Research conference.
9. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)
Subject Areas: Robotics, Engineering, Electronics, Cybersecurity, AI, Machine Learning
Location: Offered virtually or in person at MIT in Cambridge, MA
Cost: The program is free for students from lower‑income households, whereas those whose family income is above $150,000 pay $2,350.
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: July 7 – August 3
Eligibility: U.S. high school students in grades 9–11 can apply, but most admitted students are usually 11th‑graders.
The Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) at MIT Lincoln Laboratory and MIT’s School of Engineering is a hands‑on STEM program where you’ll tackle real‑world problems in robotics, engineering, AI, cybersecurity, and related fields. You will learn from MIT Lincoln Laboratory instructors, sharpen your programming abilities, and collaborate with classmates.
Online courses include Autonomous Cognitive Assistance (CogWorks), Cyber Operations, Remote Sensing for Disaster Response, Basics of ASICs, Medlytics, Quantum Software, MicroElectronics and Hardware Development, and Serious Games Development with Artificial Intelligence. You might study human factors, networking, cryptography, software reverse‑engineering, design semiconductors at the nanometer scale, practice quantum computing through coding exercises, and create or test quantum algorithms. Current course listings are available here.
10. University of Maryland’s WIE Rise Summer Research Program
Subject Areas: Engineering, Research, Scientific Communication
Location: Virtual (synchronous)
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 15; rolling admissions
Dates: July 28 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th grade students
The WIE Rise Summer Research Program, offered through Maryland Engineering’s RISE and Women in Engineering initiatives, is a free, week‑long online experience that will introduce you to engineering research. Although its main focus is supporting female students, the program welcomes participants of all gender identities. Sessions run daily from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Throughout the week, you will explore various engineering disciplines and discover research laboratories at the University of Maryland. You will also perform at‑home experiments, practice reading and writing scientific papers, and interact with current Maryland Engineering undergraduates. WIE Rise does not award academic credit, and taking part does not guarantee admission to the University of Maryland.
11. Camp Zon by Zon Lab
Subject Areas: Cancer Biology, Research, Coding
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Participation is free; students get paid, but the amount is undisclosed.
Application Deadline: April 27
Dates: July 14 – July 25
Eligibility: High school students or rising college freshmen who are at least 16 years old and live in Massachusetts
Camp Zon is a two‑week virtual research program focused on studying anemia with zebrafish. You will work with a team to design a research project, develop a hypothesis, and plan experiments. The lab’s scientists will then perform the experiments live while you watch online. At the program’s end, you will present your findings. You will gain knowledge about cancer biology and blood development, along with skills in critical thinking and presenting.
During the program, you will attend lectures from experts covering basic biology and how research is used in clinical settings. You will also learn to create graphs using basic coding, analyze scientific papers, and receive career guidance from Zon Lab scientists through mentoring sessions and a career panel Q&A. A sample schedule is available to review here.
12. The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS): Virtual Experience
Subject Areas: Neuroscience Research
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: The virtual JHIBS program lasts five weeks, running from July to August.
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors living in the U.S. or Canada can apply. Students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply.
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a summer research program for high school students interested in pursuing clinical careers like psychiatry or psychology, or brain-related fields such as neuroscience, neurology, or neurosurgery. It provides mentoring and hands-on research experience, focusing on students from underrepresented backgrounds. You’ll gain early exposure to academic research and clinical environments, along with educational support, long-term mentorship, and guidance.
JHIBS is available both in person and virtually. The virtual option includes mentorship training, professional development workshops, networking opportunities, college preparation classes, and an introduction to basic lab techniques. You will also engage in collaborative projects, group discussions, and present your work at the program’s end. You will receive a certificate after completing the program. Past student projects can be viewed here.
13. Kode with Klossy Summer Camps
Subject Areas: Machine Learning, Mobile App Development, Web Development, Data Science
Location: Offered virtually or in person at multiple locations
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: April 7
Dates: June 2 – June 13 | July 7 – July 18 | July 21 – August | August 4 – August 15
Eligibility: Girls and gender-expansive teens between the ages of 13 and 18 can apply. No prior coding experience is needed.
Kode with Klossy offers free, two-week coding camps for students who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM. You will be assigned to one of four courses based on availability and your previous experience with Kode with Klossy camps: Machine Learning, Mobile App, Web Development, or Data Science.
The Machine Learning course covers basic ideas in artificial intelligence and machine learning. The Mobile App course focuses on creating fully working iOS apps with Xcode and Swift. The Web Development course teaches how to build responsive websites using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. In the Data Science course, you will work with data using SQL, Python, and visualization tools, and build a chatbot using Python. You will also have chances to connect with women in tech through speaker sessions that share industry insights.
14. UChicago Medicine’s SHE in Oncology
Subject Areas: Biomedical Research, Cancer, Medicine
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Participation is free, and students earn a $500 taxable stipend after completing the program.
Application Deadline: March 3
Dates: SHE is a part-time program lasting two weeks, typically scheduled in the second half of July.
Eligibility: Full-time high school students can apply, especially those who identify as female and belong to groups underrepresented in biomedicine.
SHE (Summer Healthcare Experience) in Oncology is a virtual program for high school students interested in science and medicine, especially those who identify as women and are underrepresented in science fields. The program focuses on careers in biomedical areas related to cancer and accepts up to 20 students each year.
You will work on a genetics research project and a patient case study to learn about cancer science and treatment. The program offers daily lectures by faculty, panel discussions, and workshops to help build skills and make professional connections for careers in biomedicine. You will gain hands-on research experience using a home lab kit and participate in career development activities with experts from different areas of cancer research and care. At the program’s end, you will present your research to mentors and peers and learn from other participants’ projects.
15. Joint Science Education Project (JSEP) — Remote Program
Subject Areas: Physics, Engineering, Arctic Ecosystems, Ecology, Climate Change
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: January 31
Dates: The remote program, lasting one week, will take place in late July or August.
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens
The Institute of Arctic Studies at Dartmouth College offers the Joint Science Education Project (JSEP)for high school juniors. You will study polar science through hands‑on activities, carry out a group research project with guidance from Dartmouth graduate students or faculty, and present your findings at a final symposium. Possible topics include snow and ice physics, Arctic ecosystems, cold‑climate engineering, animal life, soil and plant ecology, and the human effects of climate change.
You will be spending three to four hours daily in live sessions, with additional work completed on your own or in small groups. You will join the global discussion on the changing Arctic, learn to frame strong scientific questions, virtually tour polar research stations, and talk with leading polar scientists from around the world.
16. Internships at the American Psychological Association
Subject Areas: Psychology, Education, Research, Training
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: It’s free to join, and internships can be either paid or unpaid (for academic credit).
Application Deadline: Varies based on the opportunity.
Dates: APA offers internships throughout the year—spring, summer, fall, and winter—with dates varying by opportunity.
Eligibility: To qualify for an APA internship, you must be enrolled in school at least part-time, live in a state where APA is registered as an employer, and be authorized to work in the U.S. through E-Verify. If you’re under 18, you’ll also need to include a D.C. Work Permit with your application.
The American Psychological Association (APA) offers remote internships year-round for students interested in psychology. You’ll use what you’ve learned in class to do real-world work that supports society, with roles in areas like research, policy, communications, education, publishing, and operations. Your tasks will depend on the department you’re placed in, the office’s needs, your skills, and what you’re interested in. You might help with research, work on web projects, write content, or support administrative and special projects. You’ll report to a supervisor who’ll guide your work day-to-day.You can also join group discussions, workshops, and other optional events focused on early career development in psychology.
17. Girls Who Code Summer Programs
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Data Science, Web Development, Cybersecurity, AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Both programs are free. Additionally, the Summer Immersion Program offers a $300 need-based grant for eligible students in the United States.
Application Deadline: February 26 (early deadline) | April 11 (general deadline)
Dates:
- Summer Immersion Program: July 7 – July 18 (US students only) | July 28 – August 8 (US and international students)
- Pathways: June 30 – August 8 (US and international students)
Eligibility: Girls and non-binary students in grades 9–11 can apply for the Summer Immersion Program, and those in grades 9–12 are eligible for the Pathways Program. International students aged 14–18 may also apply.
Girls Who Code offers free virtual programs for high school students to build computer science skills for tech careers. You will learn about various tech roles and interact with industry professionals. The program also provides access to financial grants, networking opportunities, and technical support.
The 2-week Summer Immersion Program (SIP) covers Game Design, teaching beginner to intermediate computer science concepts, rapid prototyping, user experience design, playtesting, and more using p5.js, a JavaScript library. In the Pathways Program, you can select from three tracks: Cybersecurity (Python), Data Science + AI (Python), and Web Development (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript). You can complete self-paced coursework to earn beginner, intermediate, and advanced certificates. These programs teach you to create apps, websites, and games that address topics like cyberbullying, climate change, and illiteracy.
Image source – NASA
