If you’re a high school student wanting to build an advanced skillset in a field of your choice, consider research programs! Specifically, free virtual research programs that accept applications from high school students.
Why should you apply to an free online research program as a high school student?
An online program can help you engage in impactful research without any of the logistical challenges that an in-person program located in another state/country may bring, and can give you a lot more time to focus on any other activities you might be a part of! With a virtual research program, you can conduct original investigations or studies under mentorship, and foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical abilities, all while working on a passion project or internship.
Additionally, free online programs add another layer of prestige to your participation, considering the competitive nature of the application process! Most free online research programs also offer a stipend!
Here are online research programs and internships for high school students that are free to attend!
Free Online Research Programs for High School Students
1. Horizon’s Research Program
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 is one of the very few research programs for high school students that 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 (from a top university) 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 prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top 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 college applications. Apply here!
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, Social Sciences
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines. The next is September 25, 2024, for the fall cohort!
Program Dates:
- Summer seminar — June 24, 2024 — September 2, 2024
- Fall seminar — October 23, 2024 — February 19, 2025
- 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. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation is dedicated to fostering the academic growth of talented, low-income high school students. Known for its expansive 1-on-1 research initiatives, the foundation extends independent research opportunities free of charge. Central to its mission is the Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program.
In this flagship online program, gifted students are paired with esteemed Ph.D. mentors, and work on research for a total of 12 weeks. Participants delve into the cutting-edge of their chosen fields, culminating in the development of an original research paper.
Spanning disciplines such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and beyond, the program is quite inclusive for students interested in varied fields, and want to do super niche research in a subject of their choiceYou can learn more about the Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program and the Lumiere Research Scholar Program.
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, Social Sciences
Cost: Fully-funded
Application Deadline: There are 4 annual cohorts — summer, spring, winter, and fall (You can apply here!)
Program Dates: 12 weeks starting from when you and your mentor start the project
Eligibility:
- Must be currently enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall of 2024.
- Students must have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4.
- Past scholars have typically come from households earning less than $50,000 annually (for a typical household of 4) with minimum assets.
If you’re a high school student interested in advanced mathematics, consider applying to Stanford University’s Mathematics Camp (SUMaC), a prestigious and cost-free summer program. Since its inception in 1994, SUMaC has welcomed students from over 50 countries. Designed for students in grades 11 and 12, the program offers a rigorous curriculum that includes lectures, guided research, and group problem-solving. Participating in SUMaC provides a valuable academic experience that can significantly enhance your resume and strengthen your college applications.
Location: Residential at Stanford University, CA or Online
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Usually at the beginning of February. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: Between June and July each year. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Students who are in 10th or 11th grade at the time of application, and who demonstrate genuine interest in mathematics are encouraged to apply.
The MITES Semester Program offers high school students a \six-month hybrid learning experience focused on STEM education and college preparation. Scheduled from June to December, this national program combines rigorous online courses with weekly virtual webinars, encompassing social events, workshops, and meetings designed to enhance students’ skills and confidence.
Participants undertake two science and engineering courses covering diverse disciplines like Machine Learning, Thermodynamics, and Astrophysics. Additionally, they engage in a project-based course alongside a foundational core course in subjects such as Calculus, Physics, Computer Science, or Science Writing and Communication. This comprehensive curriculum aims to equip students with the foundational knowledge necessary for future research endeavors and success in the college application process.
The program features live online classes held in the evenings, facilitating flexibility for students to manage their other commitments. During the fall semester, particular emphasis is placed on college application support through tailored weekly webinars and networking opportunities with STEM professionals.
Subject Areas: STEM
Cost: Free of charge. Students may only pay for the transportation to and from MIT for the conference.
Application Deadline: The deadline for the 2024 MITES semester was February 1, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program dates: Six months from June to December
Eligibility: High school juniors; underrepresented, underserved, and first-generation students are especially encouraged to apply.
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging offers an esteemed 2-week virtual internship designed to immerse participants in the intricate world of AI applications in healthcare. This intensive program features a blend of lectures, mentoring sessions, social activities, collaborative research projects, and virtual Career Lunch and Learns featuring distinguished guest speakers.
Open to freshmen and other high school students, this competitive program admits approximately 50 students annually. Tailored for those with a fervor for health and technology, it aims to push the boundaries of AI research in medicine, contributing to societal well-being. Participants can expect to gain profound insights and hands-on experiences in this rapidly evolving field, preparing them for future endeavors at the intersection of AI and healthcare.
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded. This is an unpaid internship. Students will receive a certificate upon completion and the potential to extend their internship.
Application Deadline: The application deadline for the 2024 internship was March 31, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: June 17–28, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: U.S. high school students over 14 years old with strong math and/or computer programming skills and/or experience with a healthcare project.
PRIMES-USA offers a prestigious, year-long research program tailored for high school students across the nation, focusing on the realm of mathematics. Under the guidance of mentors from leading universities such as MIT, participants will engage in a rigorous, tuition-free journey structured into four distinct phases spanning the academic year.
Phase 1 initiates with intensive advanced readings, laying the groundwork for deeper exploration. In Phase 2, students transition into active research under the mentorship of graduate students and faculty members, delving into complex mathematical inquiries. Phase 3 emphasizes independent study, allowing students to further develop their research projects autonomously.
The culmination of the program unfolds in Phase 4, where participants finalize their projects with mentor support, preparing for presentation at the prestigious Fall-Term PRIMES conference in mid-October. Alongside their presentations, students compose comprehensive final papers summarizing their research findings. These papers may subsequently be submitted to professional research journals and competitions!
Subject Areas: Mathematics
Cost: None
Application Deadline: The deadline for receiving applications and letters of recommendation for the 2024 cycle was November 30, 2023! For the 2025 cycle, a new problem set will be posted and admissions will open on October 1, 2024.
Program Dates: Year-round!
Eligibility: High school juniors and sophomores (including home-schooled) residing in the United States are eligible if they live no closer than 50 miles from Boston (Students residing within driving distance from Boston should apply to the MIT section of PRIMES).
Program Dates: Year-Round, from January 1 to December 31 of the calendar year.
With an acceptance rate of under 5%, this exclusive program offers high school students a rare opportunity to embark on a year-long astrophysics project in collaboration with scientists from Harvard or the Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. Each year, a select cohort of 10–16 students is meticulously chosen and organized into 5–8 groups, engaging intensively in their research endeavors.
Whether in-person or virtual, participants delve into rigorous scientific inquiry under expert guidance. Interns benefit from monthly workshops and lectures meticulously crafted to enhance their knowledge and sharpen their skills in astrophysics. At the program’s culmination, students present their findings at a symposium through posters and presentations, showcasing their significant achievements and contributions to the field of astrophysics.
Subject Areas: Astrophysics
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded. A stipend is provided courtesy of the City of Cambridge.
Application Deadline: Applications for the 2024 SRMP Cohort are closed but expected to open in May 2024 for the 2025 SRMP Cohort.
Program Dates: September — May
Eligibility: Must be a Cambridge Rindge and Latin School student, but they are looking to broaden the scope of their program.
The JHIBS 5-week virtual free research program is tailored for talented high school students from underrepresented communities, aiming to foster inclusivity in the neurological sciences. Participants will engage in research guided by prominent researchers, gaining hands-on experience through projects, scientific seminars, and personal development sessions. Interactions with leading neuroscientists at JHU enrich the experience. The program culminates with students presenting their research findings through oral or poster presentations, providing a platform to showcase their contributions to the field.
Subject Areas: Neuroscience
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded. Virtual interns receive a stipend of $500.
Application Deadline: March 1, every year.
Program Dates: 5 weeks, July 2024 — August 2024 (virtual)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from around the country are eligible to apply to the 5-week, virtual program.
If you’ve already crafted a research proposal and seek expert guidance to bring it to fruition, look no further than the MIT THINK Scholars program. This distinctive competition invites submissions in science, technology, or engineering, culminating in the selection of six finalists.
In this online program, selected scholars benefit from weekly mentoring sessions, technical support, funding up to $1,000, and an immersive four-day visit to MIT’s renowned campus in Cambridge, MA (virtual participation is also available). Despite its overlap with the school year, this program offers a rare opportunity to see a research project through from inception to completion.
Participation in this prestigious program not only showcases your talents but also significantly bolsters your college applications, highlighting your commitment to scholarly inquiry and innovation in STEM fields.
Subject Areas: STEM
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded. A $1,000 budget will be awarded to 6 finalists with weekly mentoring, and a paid trip to MIT’s campus.
Application Deadline: January 1 of each year
Program Dates: Finalists are announced in February and projects are completed by that year’s summer in June.
Eligibility: All high school students can apply as individuals or in teams of two.
Free Online Research Internship Programs for High School Students
The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers high school students an opportunity to participate in ongoing research within the agency through its internship program. Participants collaborate directly on NASA’s current projects under the guidance of seasoned NASA mentors. Internship placements can be in-person or virtual and span diverse subjects and disciplines, encompassing space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, space microbiology, ecology, and outreach and communications.
This program enables students to collaborate with some of the foremost minds in science, engineering, finance, information technology, and business globally. Interns may engage in designing experiments, analyzing data from space missions, or innovating new technologies, thereby gaining real-world experience and profound insights into NASA’s pioneering work. Additionally, the program emphasizes personal and professional development, ensuring interns grow both academically and personally during their tenure.
Subject Areas: STEM
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded
Application deadline: Varies from internship to internship. Internship applications are due in August for spring sessions, October for summer sessions, and January for fall sessions.
Program dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions — Fall (16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December) | Spring (16-week program, from mid-January to early May) | Summer (10-week program, from late May or early June to August).
Eligibility: Internships are available for full-time high school students who meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.
Note: These internships are offered across NASA facilities, along with several virtual options.
As part of this research internship, you can engage in research across fields such as the science of information and communication, engineering, arts, linguistics, psychology, biology, neuroscience, computer science, technology, philosophy, and design, among others. You’ll also be mentored by Stanford Compression Forum’s students, faculty, and staff, alongside affiliated organizations.
The program’s core objectives include providing high school and community college students with early exposure to advanced research within an academic setting and nurturing crucial research, analysis, and writing skills. The program places a strong focus on \integrating humanities with STEM research, highlighting their inseparability and promoting a holistic approach to learning and inquiry.
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded, or stipend provided.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January and are closed for 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program dates: June 17, 2024 — August 9, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Students who will be in grades 11–12 at the time of application, OR full-time community college students (within the first 3 years of community college), are eligible to apply.
The Smithsonian offers a range of internship opportunities, including the prestigious APAC. This program is ideal for high school students fascinated by Asian-Pacific American history, art, and culture, providing a chance to immerse themselves in museum work of significant cultural impact.
Open to both undergraduate and high school applicants, the internship selection process is notably competitive. As an intern with the Smithsonian APAC, you’ll engage in the development and execution of public programs and events, contribute to research and the creation of exhibitions, assist with marketing and outreach initiatives, and support administrative tasks specific to your chosen department within APAC.
Subject Areas: Cultural Studies, History
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded, stipend and college credits offered. Additionally, the Smithsonian Office of Fellowships and Internships also offers funded opportunities to interns through several scholarship programs.
Application Deadline: The application deadlines for each of the three cohorts are as follows:
- Spring Cycle 2025: October 4, 2024
- Summer Cycle 2025: February 7, 2025
- Fall Cycle 2025: May 9, 2025
Program Dates: Vary from cohort to cohort, internships usually last about 10 weeks, with interns dedicating about 20 hours per week.
Eligibility: All high school students can apply.
APA internships cater to students passionate about applying psychological knowledge for societal benefit, spanning roles in policy, communications, operations research, IT, and financial services. Interns undertake diverse responsibilities aligned with office needs and individual interests and skills. This includes engaging in research, writing, web-based projects, and supporting staff with administrative tasks and special projects.
Interns gain hands-on experience in their chosen office, applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios and gaining insights into professional psychology environments. Direct supervision ensures daily task management and supports overall learning objectives. Additionally, interns participate in workshops, discussions, group projects, and various tasks that contribute to their professional development and understanding of psychological practices in real-world contexts.
Subject Areas: Psychology
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded, stipend may or may not be provided. Students can receive academic credit for their contributions.
Application Deadline: Rolling, see the application portal for open opportunities
Program Dates: Year-Round
Eligibility: High school student, specific details vary based on the internship
SPARK SIP offers an exclusive internship opportunity for students deeply interested in computer science and related fields, boasting an acceptance rate of less than 5%. This intensive summer program allows participants to engage in cutting-edge research projects selected from a diverse array. For the 2023 cohort, projects included developing a detection tool for tick-borne infections or breast cancer, classifying DNA sequences based on electrical signatures, and exploring 2D materials as potential conductors and semiconductors.
Although it mainly offers in-person opportunities, some roles are remote! The program emphasizes real-world applications of concepts in machine learning, computer programming, computer vision, and neural networks. It provides a unique platform for students to interact with and learn from industry leaders, university professors, and mentors. Beyond gaining practical experience, SPARK SIP equips participants with valuable resources that support their academic and professional growth during and after the internship.
Subject Areas: STEM
Cost/Stipend: A $500 stipend is offered. For in-person internships, students are expected to manage their own boarding, lodging, and local transportation.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May (tentatively based on previous years’ dates).
Program Dates: 6–12 weeks in the summer.
Eligibility: All high school students (grades 9–12) who are US citizens or permanent residents, can apply.
The FPRI offers internships tailored for high school students across three main verticals: Research, Operations, and Special Events. Each vertical presents unique responsibilities and learning opportunities. In the Research vertical, interns engage in independent research projects, with the potential for their work to be published on FPRI’s Intern Corner, contributing to scholarly discourse in foreign policy.
Operations interns assist with administrative tasks and logistical operations, gaining practical experience in organizational management within a nonprofit setting. Special Events interns play a crucial role in the planning and execution of FPRI’s events, supporting the coordination of conferences, seminars, and other significant gatherings that promote dialogue on global issues.
Throughout their internship experience, students participate in weekly seminars focused on foreign policy and career development, featuring insights from guest speakers. These internships require a strong commitment and genuine interest in international affairs. Applicants are expected to submit a cover letter detailing their motivations and preferred internship vertical, along with a 3–5 page research writing sample for certain positions.
Subject Areas: Foreign Policy, International Relations, Political Science, Economics
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded. The stipend provided varies from vertical to vertical, you also get the chance to apply for FPRI grants for your research.
Application Deadline: Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis!
Program Dates: Fall Cohort runs from September — December | Spring Cohort runs from February — May | Summer Cohort runs from June — August
Eligibility: All high school students can apply!
16. Building U High School Internship (Research and Development Role)
Building-U is a fully remote non-profit dedicated to guiding high school students in their educational journey. Currently seeking interns, the organization focuses on the administrative and business aspects. This three-month internship offers a wide range of responsibilities.
While it isn’t a research program, once onboarded, interns join specialized teams such as marketing, research and development (R&D), and business development, each offering diverse experiences and opportunities to contribute to the organization’s overarching objectives. More details on specific roles can be found here.
Subject Areas: Marketing
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded, or stipend provided.
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines, it is recommended that you apply as soon as possible.
Program Dates: Usually 3 months from June to August. If the intern is keen, the internship can be extended!
Eligibility: All high school students can apply. International students can apply too!
SPINWIP is an exciting 3-week virtual summer outreach program crafted to spark the enthusiasm of high school girls for physics. Delving into cutting-edge research areas like quantum physics and astrophysics, the program also introduces participants to Python coding, requiring no prior experience in either field. Engaging in online lectures, collaborative group projects, and workshops on college planning and career development, students gain invaluable insights.
Mentorship opportunities with Stanford students and professors enrich the learning experience, providing guidance and support throughout the program. SPINWIP aims to inspire young women to explore the frontiers of physics, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge for future academic and professional pursuits.
Subject Areas: Physics
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: Application for the 2024 program has closed. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: July 8 to July 26, 2024. TBD for 2025
Eligibility: Female and gender minority students in 9th to 11th grade are encouraged to apply, regardless of their country of residence. Preference will be given to first-generation students, those from underrepresented backgrounds in physics, and rising seniors.
18. Crowd Math
CrowdMath, a collaboration between MIT PRIMES and the Art of Problem Solving, is an expansive online research initiative spanning an entire year. This exceptional program welcomes high school and college students globally to partake in advanced research opportunities.
Participants at CrowdMath delve into individual and group research projects, alongside engaging in reading groups that explore various mathematical concepts such as number theory, linear algebra, and more. Each year, PRIMES introduces a new CrowdMath project, fostering collaboration between high school students and undergraduates worldwide to pursue independent research ventures.
For 2024, the project was on Generalizations of the Notion of Primes. These projects provide students with a firsthand glimpse into the rigors of college-level research, particularly beneficial for those aspiring to delve into mathematical and computational research in the future.
Subject Areas: Mathematics
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: November 30
Program Dates: Year-long program
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible
The EnergyMag Research Internship program offers an ideal opportunity for students passionate about renewable energy and the dynamic energy storage industry. Available in both half-time and quarter-time formats, these internships accommodate different availability and commitment levels to suit varying schedules.
During these internships, participants delve into activities centered on renewable energy and energy storage. This includes conducting research on emerging technologies, analyzing market trends, and contributing to articles and reports published by EnergyMag.
The half-time internships, designed for a more immersive experience, span 2 to 8 weeks during the summer, requiring approximately 20 hours of work per week. Conversely, quarter-time internships are available year-round, lasting 1 to 9 months with a commitment of around 8 hours per week. Interns often culminate their experience with a substantial research project or a series of smaller projects aimed at advancing knowledge in these critical fields.
Subject Areas: Renewable Energy, Environmental Engineering
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded, or stipend provided.
Application Deadline: Applications are open all year round, you can apply here.
Program Dates: Flexible. Students may request lengthening an internship by a week or two because of conflicting time pressure from school.
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have taken at least one honors science or honors English class, with a minimum GPA of 3.25, can apply.
20. Veritas AI — AI Fellowship
Veritas AI provides a specialized platform tailored for high school students with a fervor for artificial intelligence. Their programs highlight collaborative learning, hands-on project development, and personalized 1-on-1 mentorship. Guided by Harvard graduate students and alumni, participants can expect an immersive educational experience characterized by intellectual rigor and deep engagement.
At the heart of Veritas AI’s offerings lies the AI Fellowship program, inviting students to embark on a 12–15-week journey devoted to their independent AI research projects. Proficiency in Python is preferred, with an alternative recommendation to complete the AI scholars program beforehand. The fellowship encourages interdisciplinary exploration, empowering students to fuse AI with various fields of interest.
Historically, students have undertaken some great research in AI applications across diverse domains such as medicine, finance, environmental science, and education. Find examples of previous projects here.
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Computer Science
Cost: Need-based financial aid is available. You can apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis.
Program dates: Various according to the cohort
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit prior experience with AI concepts or Python.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.