If you’re a high school student interested in STEM and want to spend your summer learning without spending a ton of money or moving too far from home, online research opportunities are a great option.
An online research program lets you see how scientists form questions, gather information, and interpret results. Working through these tasks helps you understand which STEM areas feel right for you as you think about your next steps. You will find opportunities in fields like chemistry, robotics, neuroscience, mathematics, artificial intelligence, and environmental science.
Online research opportunities also give you flexibility. You can take part from home, and most programs are designed to work alongside your school schedule. Joining a STEM program can also help you strengthen your resume and college applications. You show initiative by learning outside of school, and the experience can help you speak confidently about your interests in future interviews or essays.
To help you explore your options, we have curated a list of 23 online STEM research opportunities (Programs + Internships) for high school students!
1. MIT PRIMES USA
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Program Dates: January 1 – December 31
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (or homeschooled equivalents) residing in the U.S. outside the Greater Boston area with strong mathematical backgrounds.
PRIMES-USA is a selective, year-long online research program by MIT that enables high school students to conduct original mathematics research under the mentorship of MIT faculty and graduate students. You’ll work on advanced problems in number theory, combinatorics, graph theory, and other mathematical fields using formal proof systems and symbolic computation tools. The program unfolds in four phases, from advanced readings and literature reviews to mentored research, independent study, and paper writing, culminating in a presentation at the PRIMES conference. By the end of the program, you will produce publishable research papers and gain mastery in mathematical writing and reasoning using LaTeX and computational modeling frameworks.
2. Dartmouth Precollege Online Program
Cost: $1,895 per course (need-based scholarships available)
Location: Fully online (available worldwide)
Application Deadline: Rolling (no deadline; apply anytime)
Program Dates: Year-round; multi-length courses available
Eligibility: Ages 13 and up; no transcripts or recommendations required
Dartmouth’s online program allows you to take college-level STEM courses from Dartmouth faculty without leaving home. Course options include “Transforming the Future of Science” in biology, “Healing with Science” in regenerative medicine, and other STEM topics. Each course has 20 to 30 hours of instruction with flexible video lessons that you can watch on your own schedule. You work with an expert mentor throughout the course and complete a capstone project at the end. There are no strict deadlines, so you can start and progress at your own pace. You also earn a Dartmouth Certificate of Completion, which can support your college applications.
3. CrowdMath (MIT PRIMES + Art of Problem Solving)
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Program Dates: March – August (ongoing collaboration model)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to high school and college students worldwide with strong backgrounds in mathematics.
CrowdMath is an online research project run by MIT PRIMES and the Art of Problem Solving, enabling high school students to tackle original, unsolved problems in modern mathematics. You will join large-scale problem-solving groups working on topics like graph theory, combinatorics, number theory, and algebraic structures, often contributing to publishable mathematical results. Work takes place entirely online through shared documents, discussion threads, and virtual mentoring sessions. Past cohorts have produced papers in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing high-level reasoning and collaboration across time zones.
4. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) – George Mason University
Cost: Free (with a non-refundable $25 application fee; waivers available)
Location: Online, Hybrid, or In-Person (Fairfax, Virginia)
Program Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students aged 15+ (16+ for wet-lab placements) who demonstrate strong STEM aptitude.
The ASSIP program connects students with George Mason University faculty and research mentors to conduct advanced scientific research across dozens of STEM fields. You may engage in computational or experimental work in disciplines like neuroscience, nanoscience, machine learning, bioengineering, data science, and environmental studies, using tools such as MATLAB, Python, R, and GIS platforms. You will participate in full-time research, scientific writing workshops, and final poster presentations. The remote format allows online interns to collaborate through digital lab meetings and shared datasets.
5. EnergyMag Virtual Internship
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Program Dates: Flexible; offered year-round in 2–8 week (half-time) or 1–9 month (quarter-time) sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors (GPA 3.25+ preferred; honors science or English recommended).
EnergyMag’s virtual internship immerses students in the global energy storage and renewable energy sectors through hands-on research and analysis. You’ll investigate technologies such as lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, grid-scale storage systems, and emerging clean-energy markets, developing both scientific and business research skills. You will work remotely under the mentorship of an industry expert, conduct interviews with professionals, analyze data from multiple sources, and produce publishable reports featured on EnergyMag’s website.
6. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Cost: $850 (financial aid and full fee waivers available)
Location: Online
Program Dates: June 16 – June 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–12 (must be over 14 years old and U.S.-based). Strong math, computer science, or healthcare interests are preferred.
Offered by Stanford’s Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging (AIMI), this two-week virtual internship introduces students to cutting-edge AI applications in healthcare. You will attend lectures on machine learning, computer vision, and biomedical data processing, while collaborating on small-scale AI projects guided by Stanford mentors. The program includes daily virtual sessions, guest lectures from researchers and industry leaders, and peer-based problem-solving workshops. You’ll gain hands-on exposure to coding with Python, basic model training, and data analysis for medical imaging. By the end of the program, you will complete a team project and receive a Certificate of Completion.
7. Green Scholars Program – Seaside Sustainability
Cost: Free for individual participants (school partnerships available)
Location: Online / Hybrid (nationwide participation)
Program Dates: Flexible (semester or year-long)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Middle and high school students interested in environmental science, sustainability, or applied STEM.
Seaside Sustainability’s Green Scholars program engages students in project-based environmental research and leadership. You’ll explore core domains like environmental literacy, project management, and sustainable innovation, then apply your learning to real-world impact projects such as energy audits, water conservation, aquaponics systems, or pollution reduction initiatives. You will develop professional and research skills through mentorship in sustainability practices, communication, and teamwork. The curriculum is experiential, integrating environmental science with civic engagement.
8. Medicine Encompassed Virtual Internship
Cost: Free
Location: Online (global participation)
Program Dates: Year-round (flexible schedule)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 with an interest in biology, medicine, or STEAM.
Medicine Encompassed is a fully student-led nonprofit offering high school students the chance to contribute to medical education and awareness through research, writing, and resource development. You will join specialized committees, ranging from cardiology and neuroscience to genetics and public health, where you will conduct background research and create educational content such as articles, infographics, and study materials. You will also collaborate across departments like marketing, design, and partnerships, building real-world experience in communication and scientific literacy.
9. PHC Group – Mary Miller Summer Program
Cost: Free. A stipend is paid
Location: Online
Program Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: Early Spring (applications currently closed for this cycle)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors with strong communication, research, and technology skills.
Hosted by PHC Group, LLC, the Mary Miller Summer Program is a paid virtual internship designed to introduce students to public health, data research, and digital engagement. You will collaborate online with PHC’s Public Health Division, conducting social marketing research, analyzing online trends, and contributing to community health awareness initiatives. You’ll attend planning meetings, create digital communication strategies, and learn to evaluate campaign performance using data-driven tools.
10. Cambridge Centre for International Research (CCIR) – Future Scholar Programme
Cost: Tuition-based; scholarships available
Location: Online (with optional in-person research at CCIR Lab, Boston)
Program Dates: Spring (March–April), Summer (June–August), Fall (October–December)
Application Deadlines: Early: March 1 (Summer); Regular: May 15 (Summer)
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic preparation in STEM, business, social sciences, or humanities.
The Future Scholar Programme by CCIR offers an elite online research experience for high school students worldwide. Taught by faculty from Cambridge, Oxford, MIT, Harvard, and other top institutions, the 13-week program combines lectures, supervision, and a mentored research project designed to mirror first-year undergraduate study. You will explore advanced topics such as computational genetics, robotics, AI, and quantum computation, producing a publishable paper and receiving mentorship from university-level instructors. You’ll benefit from Oxbridge-style supervision, a faculty evaluation report, and the option to request a recommendation letter from your mentor. Selected students may also conduct in-person lab research in Boston under PhD-level supervision.
11. Harvard University – 7-Week Secondary School Program (SSP) Online
Cost: $4,180 (4 credits) / $8,160 (8 credits); financial aid available for U.S. students
Location: Online (global)
Program Dates: June–August (7 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling until May (applications open December 1)
Eligibility: High school students completing grades 10–12 from anywhere in the world.
The Harvard 7-Week Secondary School Program Online allows high school students worldwide to take for-credit college-level courses taught by Harvard faculty. You can enroll in four or eight credit hours from a broad range of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, computer science, and mathematics. Each course mirrors the rigor of a Harvard undergraduate class, with graded assignments, group discussions, and access to Harvard’s virtual resources such as libraries and tutoring.
12. Emory University – Pre-College Program (Online Option)
Cost: Tuition-based; varies by course type. Limited financial aid available.
Location: Online or in-person (Atlanta, GA)
Program Dates: June 14–June 27; June 28–July 11; July 12–July 25 (Noncredit); or May 15–June 26 / June 29–August 7 (Credit)
Application Deadline: May 1 (Noncredit) / April 24 or June 5 (Credit)
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (grades 10–11).
The Emory University Pre-College Program allows high school students to explore advanced topics through both credit-bearing and noncredit summer courses. You can choose from 100+ courses, including neuroscience, computer science, physics, human genetics, and biomedical ethics, all taught by Emory faculty. Online sessions combine synchronous seminars, virtual lab simulations, and interactive discussions, giving you insight into college-level research methods and analytical reasoning in STEM. Students who opt for credit-bearing courses complete graded assessments equivalent to first-year university coursework.
13. Johns Hopkins University – Internship in Brain Sciences (Virtual Program)
Cost: Free
Location: Online (virtual format offered by Johns Hopkins School of Medicine)
Program Dates: June–August (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: Typically,y March
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors from underrepresented backgrounds in health-related sciences.
Hosted by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) offers a virtual summer research and mentorship experience for high school students interested in neuroscience, medicine, and biomedical research. Under the guidance of Johns Hopkins faculty, you will explore topics in neurobiology, neuroimaging, and behavioral science, while developing essential skills in data interpretation, scientific communication, and responsible research conduct. You will engage in lectures, online mentorship sessions, and collaborative projects focused on brain science research and careers in STEM. The virtual format allows students nationwide to access the program’s resources and mentorship opportunities without traveling to Baltimore.
14. U.S. Department of State – Pathways Internship Program
Cost: None. Paid (hourly, federal pay scale)
Location: Online, hybrid, or in-person (varies by office)
Program Dates: Year-round opportunities (duration varies by position)
Application Deadline: Rolling (applications posted as needed on USAJobs.gov)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, age 16 or older; high school, undergraduate, or graduate students enrolled at least half-time in an accredited institution.
The U.S. Department of State Pathways Internship Program offers paid opportunities for high school and college students to gain hands-on experience in federal service, with positions spanning STEM, data analysis, cybersecurity, and public health policy. You will work under federal mentors on real-world projects that may include environmental modeling, information systems development, or data visualization for global programs. Depending on department needs, many positions are available virtually or in hybrid mode, making them accessible nationwide. Participants can also qualify for conversion to competitive federal service roles upon successful completion.
15. Seaside Sustainability Virtual Internship Program
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Program Dates: Rolling (5-month sessions)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to high school, college, and postgraduate students worldwide. Applicants must commit a minimum of 15 hours per week for five months.
The Seaside Sustainability Virtual Internship Program offers high school students the chance to collaborate on real-world environmental and STEM projects within a global, cross-functional team. You will work remotely on initiatives in marine science, renewable energy, waste management, environmental policy, and sustainability innovation, gaining exposure to research, project management, and scientific writing. The program emphasizes independent problem-solving, communication, and leadership development, with guidance from senior staff. You may earn course credit through over 1,500 affiliated universities and, upon completion, receive complimentary membership in the National STEM Honor Society.
16. CS@Mines High School/Community College Summer Research Internship
Cost: Free for general research track; $100 nominal fee for Computing for the Good (C4G) internships (fee waivers available)
Location: Online or in-person (Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO)
Program Dates: June–July (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Open to high school and community college students with an interest in computer science; no prior CS experience required.
Hosted by the Colorado School of Mines Department of Computer Science, this internship offers 6 weeks of guided research and applied learning in computing. You’ll work in small teams led by Mines undergraduate mentors on projects that explore areas such as data science, AI for social good, and computational modeling. Participants in the Computing for the Good (C4G) track focus on using technology to address real-world social and environmental challenges. The program emphasizes coding fundamentals, algorithmic thinking, and teamwork, making it ideal for students beginning their journey into CS research.
17. MITES Semester (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Cost: Free (students cover travel for the in-person conference only)
Location: Online (with optional in-person conference at MIT, Cambridge, MA)
Program Dates: June–December (six-month program)
Application Deadline: Fall of junior year
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently in 11th grade.
Hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the MITES Semester is a nationally recognized six-month online STEM and college-preparation program for high school juniors. You’ll engage in rigorous, project-based courses such as Machine Learning, Computational Biology, Astrophysics, Thermodynamics, and Neuroscience, paired with a supplemental course in Calculus, Physics, Computer Science, or Science Writing. The program also features weekly webinars, workshops, and mentorship from MIT faculty and STEM professionals. You will participate in collaborative research, gain deep technical knowledge, and receive college admissions guidance in the fall semester.
18. The Intern Group – Remote STEM Internship Program
Cost: $1,990–$2,490 (depending on session length and season)
Location: Online (remote from anywhere worldwide)
Program Dates: Year-round, with new start dates every two weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to students aged 16+ with an interest in STEM; suitable for high school, college, and early-career participants.
The Remote Internship Program by The Intern Group connects students worldwide to professional work placements in STEM-related fields, including Computer Science, Engineering, IT, Environmental Science, and Research. You will work with global companies and mentors to complete real-world projects, gaining professional skills and industry exposure. The program offers flexible scheduling (10–40 hours/week, 4–24 weeks), global networking events, professional development modules, and 1:1 advising. Interns also receive access to career training, virtual community events, and post-program alumni coaching, preparing them for university or early STEM careers.
19. STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Internship Program – University of Texas at Austin
Cost: Free (housing, meals, and transportation provided for on-site portion)
Location: Online, with a short on-site component at the University of Texas at Austin, TX
Program Dates: May–July
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: U.S. high school students with strong academic records and an interest in STEM.
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Internship, hosted by the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research and funded by NASA, offers one of the most rigorous and nationally competitive STEM experiences for high school students. Over several months, you will work with NASA scientists and engineers on projects in Earth and space systems, remote sensing, climate science, planetary research, and data visualization. The program begins with distance learning modules and online mentor-led research before culminating in a two-week on-site internship at UT Austin.
20. Summer Research Program with Columbia University – The Coding School
Cost: Not specified; partial and full scholarships available
Location: Online
Program Dates: Not specified (five-week intensive)
Application Deadline: May 31 (for scholarship consideration)
Eligibility: Incoming 10th–12th graders and recent high school graduates
The Summer Research Program with Columbia University, hosted by The Coding School, is a five-week virtual research experience focused on data science and computational research. You will be trained in R programming, data visualization, cleaning, and analysis, before applying these skills as research assistants to PhD candidates at Columbia’s Data Science Institute. Under the mentorship of university faculty, you will develop an independent research project and present your findings at the program’s conclusion.
21. NASA GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS)
Cost: Free
Location: Fully online (asynchronous with optional live office hours)
Program Dates: June 2–August 29
Application Deadline: April 9
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents entering grades 11–12 or college freshmen; must have completed at least one high school biology course and hold a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Hosted by NASA’s Space Biosciences Division, the GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS) program offers a 12-week online experience in space biology and bioinformatics. You will gain hands-on training in omics data analysis, computational biology, and NASA research methods, using real datasets from the Open Science Data Repository (OSDR). The program is largely self-paced, with optional live office hours and an advanced Capstone Project for teams analyzing biological data related to spaceflight. Top student teams may be invited to present at the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research (ASGSR) conference. Participants who complete the course earn a NASA certificate of completion and may advance to further research opportunities.
22. ACS Project SEED
Cost: Free. A stipend is paid
Location: Both virtual and in-person options available
Program Dates: 8–10 weeks in the Summer
Application Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: U.S. high school students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds (must meet ACS eligibility and income requirements)
The American Chemical Society’s Project SEED program provides high school students with immersive summer experiences in chemical and physical sciences research. Over 8–10 weeks, you’ll engage in hands-on or virtual research projects under the mentorship of university professors or industry professionals. Students who join the virtual SEED summer camp gain training in college readiness, professional development, and lab preparedness, while exploring chemistry-related careers. The program includes webinars and networking opportunities with leading scientists, and all selected students receive a stipend to support their participation.
23. University of Pennsylvania Pre-College Online Program
Cost: Tuition-based (varies by course and credit load)
Location: Fully online (no campus attendance)
Program Dates: Session I: May 26 – July 1; Session II: July 2 – August 7
Application Deadline: Rolling (early application recommended)
Eligibility: Current 10th–11th grade students; international applicants welcome
The Pre-College Online Program at the University of Pennsylvania allows high school students to earn official undergraduate credit by enrolling in rigorous, college-level courses across disciplines such as math, science, economics, linguistics, and philosophy. You will study alongside Penn undergraduates and are evaluated by the same academic standards, with opportunities to take one or two credit-bearing courses per session. Many STEM courses, such as Earth Systems Science, Calculus, and Philosophy of Science, emphasize data analysis, scientific reasoning, and independent research projects, helping you build early research experience in your chosen fields. Courses are taught live and asynchronously by Penn faculty, offering a true Ivy League academic experience from anywhere in the world.
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!
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.
Image source – Dartmouth College Logo