If research interests you and you want to go beyond textbooks as a high schooler, a summer research program is worth considering! Summer research programs offer hands-on training in research methods, data analysis, coding, and lab work while building critical thinking and communication skills. Unlike highly selective research programs, these options have higher acceptance rates (of more than 10%), and are more accessible, all while providing a solid research experience.
You’ll get early exposure to fields like medicine, engineering, cybersecurity, astronomy, forensic science, business, and history, helping you explore potential college majors and careers. While some of the research programs below have a fee, they provide structured mentorship and a chance to work on real-world problems.
To help you get started, here is a list of 20 summer research programs for high school students that have a high acceptance rate!
Note: While some of these programs have published their acceptance rates online, we have taken the liberty to eyeball/estimate acceptance rates for others using average applicant pool + acceptance stats.
20 Summer Research Programs for High School Students with a High Acceptance Rate
1. Research Scholars at UC San Diego
Location: University of California, San Diego, CA (hybrid/online options are available)
Cost: $1,300–$4,800
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates: Multiple sessions are offered throughout the year
Eligibility: Open to students entering grades 9–12 in the fall, who will be at least 15 by the program start date, with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Subject Areas: Bioengineering, Business Research, Engineering, Life Sciences, Marine Science, Medicine
The Research Scholars program at UC San Diego, run by the Division of Extended Studies, gives high school students hands-on experience in real-world research projects. You will explore research tracks such as Engineering in Medicine, Bioengineering, Medicine, Business Research, Life Sciences, and Marine Science. You’ll work on projects, run experiments, and analyze data using lab techniques.
In the Life Sciences track, for example, you’ll explore molecular biology and modern lab techniques. You’ll design experiments, conduct fieldwork, collect and process samples, and analyze data. The program wraps up with a poster session, where you’ll present your research findings to scientists and industry professionals.
2. Brown Environmental Leadership Lab (BELL)
Location: Anchorage, AK
Cost: $7,306 + a $100 application fee
Application Deadline: Priority Enrollment: March 31; Final: May 9
Dates: July 6 – July 16
Eligibility: Open to students entering grades 10–12 in the fall, aged 16–18 by June 15
Subject Areas: History, Climate Change, Research, Fieldwork
The Brown Environmental Leadership Lab (BELL) in Anchorage takes you into Alaska’s history, ecosystems, and cultures through hands-on learning and field visits. You’ll explore the Anchorage Museum, Alaska Native Heritage Center, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and Matanuska Glacier, gaining insight into Alaska’s history from an Alaska Native perspective. During the program, you will choose a local issue that interests you and develop an action plan with guidance from instructors and peers.
You’ll study Alaska’s Native history, cultural preservation, and diverse ecosystems, from arctic and marine to terrestrial environments. The program blends classroom learning with fieldwork, helping you examine how climate change impacts culture, the economy, and the environment. You’ll receive a Course Performance Report and a Digital Certificate of Completion.
3. NSLC’s High School Forensic Science Summer Program
Location: American University, Washington, D.C. | Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $4,395 (Residential program)
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.
Dates: American University: June 12 – June 20 | June 24 – July 2; Columbia University: June 13 – June 21 | June 25 – July 3 | July 8 – July 16 | July 20 – July 28
Eligibility: Students aged 14–18 who have completed at least one year of high school can apply. They may also participate in NSLC during the summer after high school graduation.
Subject Areas: Forensic Science, Biology, Chemistry, Criminal Investigation, Research
The NSLC Forensic Science High School Summer Program puts you in the role of a crime scene investigator. Working as part of a team, you’ll document, measure, photograph, and collect evidence from a simulated crime scene, then analyze your findings to solve the case. Through hands-on workshops, you’ll explore how biology, chemistry, and criminal investigation come together in forensic science.
You’ll learn forensic techniques like blood spatter analysis, fingerprinting, DNA analysis, and forensic anthropology and pathology. You’ll also take on the role of an expert witness, presenting your findings just like a professional. The program also covers medical examiner procedures for clinical autopsies and includes guest lectures, immersive trips, and tours to see forensic science in action. Applications are open to all interested students and reviewed on a rolling basis until full.
4. Cornell Engineering High School Outreach Program
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Cost: The cost is $1,900, which includes room, meals, and research supplies. Scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: February 15
Dates: July 13 – July 19
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA and strong performance in math and science can apply. Additional requirements for CURIE and CATALYST academies are available here.
Subject Areas: Engineering, Research, College Preparation
The Cornell Engineering High School Outreach Program offers two one-week residential academies, CURIE and CATALYST, for high school students interested in engineering and college life. Held in July at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, each academy admits 35–50 students.
You’ll explore different engineering fields through faculty-led sessions and hands-on activities. The program covers areas like mechanical engineering, AI, robotics, biomedical devices, environmental engineering, and data science. In the afternoons, you’ll work on research projects with faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates, ending with a final presentation. Past projects have included developing AI models, designing medical devices, and programming autonomous systems.
5. REACH (Research Experiences in Astronomy at CIERA for High School Students) Program at Northwestern University
Location: Northwestern University, Cook County, IL
Cost: Core: $2,500; REACH Further: $1,500; Need-based aid available
Application Deadline: March 3
Dates: Core Program: June 16 – July 3 | July 7 – July 25; REACH Further: July 7 – July 25 | July 28 – August 15
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors can apply. No prior experience in programming or astronomy is required for the Core Program, but participation in the Core Program is required to join REACH Further.
Subject Areas: Astronomy, Python Programming, Research
Northwestern University’s REACH Program gives high school students the chance to work on astronomy research alongside professional scientists. The program starts with a three-week Core session, where you’ll learn Python, build research skills, and explore astronomy topics. If you complete the Core session, you can apply for REACH Further, a selective three-week research project guided by a mentor.
In the Core session, you’ll work with CIERA astronomers, use astronomy-related programming tools, and complete mini-research projects. Activities include a college and career panel, solar observations at Dearborn Observatory, and social events. REACH Further participants take on independent research under a mentor, but spots depend on mentor availability. The program had an acceptance rate of 32% for domestic applicants last year.
6. TCR History Camp at Hoover History Lab
Location: Hoover Institution, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Boarding Students: $4,950–$5,250; Commuter Students: $3,950–$4,100
Application Deadline: Early deadline: December 31; Final deadline: February 28
Dates: July 21 – August 1
Eligibility: Open to current 9th–12th graders.
Subject Areas: Historical Research
The TCR History Camp at Hoover History Lab helps high school students build research and writing skills in history. You will start with a research topic, ideally, something you have already explored or drafted, and refine it with guidance from experienced instructors. You will have access to the Hoover Institution’s Library and Archives and Stanford’s Cecil B. Green Library, using primary sources to develop your work.
The program partners with The Concord Review, which publishes top history papers by high school students. By the end of the program, you will complete a research paper between 4000 and 8000 words. This is a long-term project that usually takes two to six months. You can also submit your paper for possible publication in The Concord Review. Research topics are flexible, and you will work with rare materials from Hoover’s collections and Stanford’s libraries.
7. Astronomy and Astrophysics Science Summer Academy at Rutgers University
Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick campus, NJ
Cost: $1,899 (Commuter program)
Application Deadline: The deadline is April 14 for international students and May 16 for domestic students.
Dates: July 28 – August 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors aged 16–18
Subject Areas: Astronomy, Planetary Science, Astrophysics, Cosmology
The Astronomy and Astrophysics Science Summer Academy at Rutgers University is a commuter program where high school students get to explore space science through hands-on activities and discussions. You’ll learn about planetary science, cosmology, and astrophysics while building practical skills in data analysis and observation techniques.
You’ll also create star maps, analyze telescope data, and work on your research project. Graduate students in astrophysics will share advice on studying astronomy or physics in college, and you’ll hear about real research happening at universities across the country.
8. California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS)
Location: University of California campuses—Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, San Diego, or Santa Cruz, CA
Cost: The program costs $5,256 plus a $44 application fee, with all payments being non-refundable. This fee includes housing, meals, orientation, activities, field trips, and on-site support. Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: February 7
Dates: UCI, UCSD: July 6 – August 1; UCD, UCLA, UCSC: July 6 – August 2
Eligibility: Primarily for California residents; out-of-state students may apply.
Subject Areas: Engineering, Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy, and more.
COSMOS is a four-week residential program designed for high school students serious about STEM. You’ll work alongside faculty, researchers, and scientists on hands-on, lab-based projects that go beyond the typical high school curriculum.
Each UC campus hosts specialized clusters, covering areas like computational modeling, biomedical engineering, quantum physics, robotics, materials science, marine ecology, and astrophysics. You’ll analyze real-world data, apply mathematical and programming concepts, and tackle open-ended research problems in state-of-the-art labs.
9. Fordham University’s New York Exploration of Art History Program
Location: Fordham University Rose Hill Campus, Bronx, NY
Cost: Cost: Commuter: $3,673 (includes course, materials, lunches, excursions); Residential: $4,800 (includes course, materials, housing, meals, excursions).
Application Deadline: Commuter program: May 15; Residential program: April 15
Dates: July 21 – July 31
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least one year and have a minimum 3.0 GPA are eligible to apply. No prior experience in the subject is required.
Subject Areas: Art History, Writing, Research
Fordham University’s New York Exploration of Art History Program gives high school students a chance to study art history through firsthand experiences at museums and galleries across the city. You’ll visit The Met and other major institutions to examine paintings, sculptures, and architecture from Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa, exploring why and how art is created.
The program focuses on building key art history skills like observation, research, and analytical writing. You’ll develop visual literacy by closely analyzing artworks, participating in discussions, and practicing writing about art. Writing workshops and guided exercises will help you articulate interpretations and historical connections. The program is open to all students, with rolling admissions until spots are filled.
10. The Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy Summer Program
Location: Champlain College, Burlington, VT
Cost: $4,500; limited financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Dates: July 7 – July 18
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10–12 and recent high school graduates between the ages of 15 and 18
Subject Areas: Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics, Steganography, and more.
Cyber Security and Digital Forensic Academy is a hands-on program where high school students learn to examine cybercrime and analyze digital evidence. Working in teams, you will face real challenges as to how law enforcement agencies are treated, showing how hackers work and how to track digital footprints.
From cracking the messages hidden with steganography to analyzing malware and understanding how social engineering tricks people to inform people. There is also a deep dive into cyber security laws and how digital evidence is used in court. The program involves a cyber security firm’s visit, where you will meet professionals working in the area.
11. Suffolk Unforensics’s Summer Public History Institute for High School Students
Location: Suffolk University, Boston, MA
Cost: The cost is $4,500, covering accommodations, meals, evening activities, transportation, and admission for site visits.
Application Deadline: April 30
Dates: July 6 – July 18
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Subject Areas: Historical Research
Summer Public History Institute of Safok University is a two-week residential week, where high school students explore the colonial and revolutionary history of Boston through site visits, museum tourism, and projects on hand. You are going to historical sites such as Paul Revere House, Black Heritage Trail, USS Constitution Museum, Old North Church, and revolutionary places, and learn from historians and professionals of the museum directly.
You will develop skills in historical research, museum studies, and digital storytelling. By the end of the program, you will create your digital exhibition using a meta-quest virtual reality technology, which you get to keep. You will also meet alumni of Safok working in cultural institutions in Boston, which will give you information about careers in history, museums, and public heritage.
12. The Lawrence Hall of Science Summer Teen Research Programs – Biotech Engineering and Innovations in Genetics
Location: University of California, Berkeley (San Francisco Bay Area), CA
Cost: The program tuition is $1,465. The optional residential add-on costs $1,255 and includes on-campus housing, meals, and additional activities.
Application Deadline: June 16 (Session 1) | June 29 (Sessions 2 & 4). Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.
Dates: Session 1: June 23 – June 27; Session 2: July 7 – July 11; Session 4: July 21 – July 25
Eligibility: Bay Area high school students (grades 10–12). Session 1: Open to all, beginner-friendly. Sessions 2 & 4: Require biology background, faster-paced with extra experiments.
Subject Areas: Biotech Engineering, Genetics, Genomics, Research
Lawrence Hall of Science runs a week-long UC Berkeley program where high school students explore real-world science work in university laboratories. You will work with faculty and colleagues, and gain hands-on experience in areas such as biotechnology, genetics, AI, climate data analysis, field ecology, and marine biology.
If you choose Biotech Engineering and Innovations in Genetics, you will explore biotechnology and gene editing using CRISPR. You will modify the bacterial genes, practice sterile laboratory techniques, analyze DNA with gel electrophoresis, and discuss the morality of genetic engineering. The program runs from 9 am to 5 pm on Monday to Friday, wrapping with a final presentation where parents are invited to see your work.
13. Biotechnology for Science & Health Academy at Georgetown University
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Cost: $6,455 (Residential) | $4,495 (Commuter)
Application Deadline: Early: January 31; Final: April 15
Dates: June 29 – July 11
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–12 during the academic year before the summer program who are at least 15 years old and have a minimum 2.0 GPA
Subject Areas: Biotechnology, Healthcare, Forensics, Agriculture, Scientific Research
Georgetown University’s Biotechnology for Science & Health Academy introduces high school students to the role of biotechnology in medicine, research, and industry. You will run experiments such as cloning a gene, analyzing DNA and protein, and discovering biotech applications in forensics and agriculture.
Beyond the lab work, you will connect with faculty and industry professionals, and learn about various career routes in biotechnology. By the end, you will get a certificate of laboratory experience, presentation skills and participation.
14. University of Chicago’s Pre-College Summer Immersion Program – Economics from an Experimental Perspective
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $8,900 (Residential) | $5,850 (Commuter). Need-based financial aid is available for the 3-week Immersion program, ranging from $500 to $6,600.
Application Deadline: Priority: Jan 22, Regular: Mar 5, Extended: Apr 9.
Dates: Session 1: June 14 – July 4, Session 2: July 7 – July 26.
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors at least 14 years old
Subject Areas: Economics, Market Operations, Resource Conservation, Research
The University of Chicago’s Pre-College Summer Immersion Program gives high school students a chance to take real college courses. These are graded, credit-bearing classes led by faculty, researchers, and professionals. Over three weeks, you’ll join lectures, discussions, hands-on projects, and research in fields like biology, neuroscience, economics, public policy, law, and data science. Each course earns 100 units of credit, the same as a quarter-long undergraduate class.
In the Economics from an Experimental Perspective course, you will learn economic principles and experimental methods to study how markets and exchange systems work and what influences economic decision-making. You’ll explore why people donate money, how resource conservation works, and what influences economic decisions. This course is for students who like to break down complex systems and figure out what drives them.
15. Harvard University’s Pre-College Summer School Program for High School Students – The Physics of Light
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee. Need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Early: Jan 8, Regular: Feb 12, Late: Apr 9
Dates: Session I: June 22 – July 3, Session II: July 6 – 18, Session III: July 20 – Aug 1
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors aged 16–19 who will graduate high school in the next two years.
Subject Areas: Physics, Optics
Harvard’s Pre-College Program is a two-week summer experience where high school students take college-level courses while living on campus. You’ll choose from over 30 non-credit courses taught by Harvard-affiliated instructors, with small class sizes of 12 to 18 students. Beyond class, the program offers lectures, academic workshops, social events, and trips around Cambridge, Boston, and Southern New England.
The Physics of Light course explores how light behaves as an electromagnetic wave and how optics shape the world. You’ll study metrology tools that rely on light, investigate optical phenomena, and connect concepts to real-world applications. Expect interactive demos, inquiry-based learning, and plenty of problem-solving. Harvard doesn’t release official acceptance rates for the program, but estimates suggest they fall between 30 and 40 percent.
16. Michigan Math and Science Scholars
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: Tuition: $1,300; Residential: $1,100 (includes lodging, linens, supervision, meals); Non-refundable application fee: $100. Need-based aid is available.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: Session 1: June 22 – July 4, Session 2: July 6 – 18, Session 3: July 20 – Aug 1.
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors, or students who have completed at least one year of high school but have not yet completed their senior year
Subject Areas: Research, Biology, Computer Science, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Astronomy
The Michigan Math and Science Scholars (MMSS) program is a two-week summer experience where you’ll dive deep into a single STEM course. Along the way, you’ll pick up real skills like analyzing data, building computational models, using microscopes and spectrometers, coding, and making sense of statistics through hands-on projects. Courses cover astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, physics, psychology, and art and music.
You will work on gene sequencing, chemical synthesis, algorithm design, neural network training, and experimental physics simulations through lab research, fieldwork, and problem-solving exercises. Evenings include group discussions, sports, and cultural activities. On weekends, you can explore the University of Michigan’s botanical gardens, visit Cedar Point, or attend a baseball game. MMSS has a 50% acceptance rate.
17. Columbia University’s Pre-College Summer Programs—Introduction to Neuroscience: Understanding the Brain
Location: Offered in person at Columbia University, New York, NY, or online
Cost: Residential ($12,750), Commuter ($2,825–$6,300), Online ($2,810–$3,960). See website for details.
Application Deadline: Early: February 2, General: March 2 (residential), April 2 (commuter, online).
Dates: Residential June 30–July 18, July 22–August 8; Commuter June 30–July 18, July 22–August 8, August 11–15; Online July 7–18, July 21–August 1, August 11–15.
Eligibility: Domestic and international students entering grades 9–12 in the fall, as well as current 12th graders, are eligible to apply. For the NYC Residential Summer Program, students must be at least 16 years old by the start date.
Subject Areas: Neuroscience Research, Computational Neuroscience, and Neuropharmacology
Columbia University’s Pre-College Summer Programs let you explore college-level courses in subjects like neuroscience, psychology, economics, international relations, and more. In the Introduction to Neuroscience: Understanding the Brain course, you’ll trace how brain science has evolved from ancient Greece to today.
You’ll break down the brain’s structure, from neurons to the central nervous system, and explore how perception and decision-making work at a biological level. The course covers research techniques like brain imaging, computational neuroscience, and neuropharmacology. You’ll also build brain models, analyze real neuroscience papers as a peer reviewer, and work with neural data.
18. University of Alaska Anchorage’s Della Keats Program
Location: University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), Anchorage, AK
Cost: This program is fully funded, covering food, travel, and accommodations.
Application Deadline: Early: January 31; Standard: February 21
Dates: July 6 – August 4
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, including incoming and current students, recent graduates, and high school-aged students completing their GED
Subject Areas: Biomedical Research, Health Careers, Medicine, Health Science
The Della Keats is a four-week residential experience at UAA Anchorage for high school students interested in healthcare, biomedical research, and medicine. In the name of Iñupiaq healer Della Keats, the program promotes medical education for Alaska natives and rural communities through UAA WWAMI School of Medical Education.
You will experience university life, take health science courses, conduct health-related research, and shadow at least four medical or healthcare professionals. The program offers intensive summer coursework to strengthen college readiness and introduce you to healthcare careers.
19. University of Maryland’s WIE Rise Summer Research Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free for all accepted participants
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled or until the final deadline of May 15.
Dates: July 28 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th grade students
Subject Areas: Engineering, Research, Scientific Communication
The WIE Rise Summer Research Program, led by Maryland Engineering students, is part of the RISE Program and the Women in Engineering Program. While primarily for female high school students, it is open to all gender identities. This week-long online course, held from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, will introduce you to engineering through research.
Each day, you will explore different engineering disciplines and learn about research labs at the University of Maryland. You will also develop skills in reading and writing scientific research papers, conducting at-home experiments, and interacting with Maryland Engineering undergraduates. The application includes questions about your interest in engineering, the WIE RISE program, and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field.
20. Boston Leadership Institute’s Three-Week Biomedical Engineering Program
Location: Olin College, Greater Wellesley, MA (Session 1) | The Newman School | Boston, MA (Session 2)
Cost: $4,597
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Dates: Session 1: June 23 – July 11; Session 2: July 14 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students in 10th grade or higher
Subject Areas: Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, Materials Chemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology
The Boston Leadership Institute’s Biomedical Engineering Program gives high school students hands-on experience with medical technology and device development. You’ll work on DNA extraction, bacterial transformation, 3D design, and printing while learning about biochemistry, materials chemistry, and scientific reasoning.
The program also explores biophysics, biotechnology, and biomedical engineering, along with real-world ethical debates. You’ll wrap up with a group project, where you identify a medical problem, come up with a solution, design an experiment, and present your findings. Past projects have included 3D-printed prosthetics, glaucoma treatments, roadside THC tests, insulin pump designs, and bioplastics for medical use.
Another competitive summer research 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 California San Diego
