If you’re in high school and thinking of productive ways to spend your summer, then research programs should be on your radar!
Why should you participate in research programs in high school?
You will -
- Go beyond the classroom and gain practical experience in a field you are passionate about.
- Develop practical skills like critical thinking, data analysis, evidence-based writing, team collaboration, and leadership.
- Build a strong network.
- Boost your profile for college applications.
- Earn scholarships and awards (potentially)
- Contribute to a body of knowledge or help solve an existing problem through research.
If this sounds like a good way to spend your summer, then take a look at this comprehensive list of 35 summer research programs that we’ve curated for you.
Whether you're interested in STEM, social sciences, or humanities, we’ve got you covered!
Cost: No Cost.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) campus, Cambridge, MA.
Dates: 6 weeks during the summer. Dates for 2025 to be announced.
Application Deadline: December 13, 2024. Dates for the next cohort are to be announced.
Eligibility:
- Current high school juniors (third year of high school).
- Strong academic record and demonstrated potential in mathematics and science.
- Recommended PSAT Math Score: ≥ 740, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score: ≥ 700.
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a research-based summer program sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) and hosted by MIT every summer. Throughout the 6-week, fully-funded program, you can conduct independent research in computer science (or other STEM subjects) and take college-level coursework.
Within the first week, you will have the opportunity to experience extensive STEM Classes by accomplished faculty. However, the heart of RSI is the 5-week research internship, where you can choose to pursue projects in STEM under the mentorship of experienced scientists and researchers! The program culminates with delivering your research in conference-stye oral and written reports.
If you’re interested in learning more about RSI, you can check out our comprehensive guide to getting into RSI!
What we like about this program: It is one of the most prestigious programs for high school students so getting into this program will give your profile a very significant boost!
Cost: No cost.
Location: New York University Campus, NY (Specific Area depends on subject area/ lab choice)
Dates: June 3 - August 9, 2025 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: March 6, 2025 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility:
- Rising juniors and rising seniors.
- Must be based in New York City.
ARISE at NYU is a free seven-week summer program for 10th and 11th graders residing in New York City. Throughout the program, you will work under the guidance of NYU’s top research faculty to gain hands-on research experience in disciplines such as computer science, machine learning, robotics, and more!
The program has two components: your first 2 weeks are spent in workshops, while the latter 5 weeks are spent in the lab alongside your mentor. Through ARISE, you can train in college-level research, professional development, and colloquium and contribute substantially to their laboratories.
If you are interested in applying to ARISE, check out this complete guide to the program!
What we like about this program: This program offers unparalleled opportunities for high school students to conduct real-world scientific research at a variety of NYU STEM labs.
Cost: Free
Location: Texas Tech University
Dates: June 16 to August 1, 2024
Application Deadline: February 15, 2025 (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates).
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 17 years of age by the program start date and should graduate in 2024 or 2025 (U.S. and International)
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University is a seven-week summer research program for highly qualified high school juniors and seniors. Running from June to August, this program offers an immersive research experience with experienced faculty across various disciplines.
As a Clark Scholar, you'll have hands-on research opportunities, participate in social activities, and attend weekly seminars. The program covers on-campus meals, room and board, and weekend activities, though you’ll need to cover your travel, personal, and medical expenses. A bonus is the $750 stipend you will receive after successful completion!
If you are interested in applying, you can look at our blog, which covers it in detail here!
What we like about this program: The one-on-one research opportunity that Anson L Clark scholars will be very helpful when conducting any future research. You will not only get help with refining your research, but you can also benefit from your mentors' connections as they might help you with future research opportunities with other professors.
Cost: Free
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Dates: Late June to Early August
Application Deadline: February 15, 2025 (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates).
Eligibility: High school juniors are eligible to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
MITES Summer, a six-week on-campus program at MIT. From late June to early August, you’ll take five rigorous math, science, and humanities courses, and participate in lab tours, social events, and college admissions counseling. All program-related costs are covered except for transportation to and from MIT.
You’ll engage in daily classes, recitations, workshops, and tours, and spend evenings and weekends exploring the Greater Boston area. Past electives have included topics like architecture, engineering design, and machine learning.
By the end of the program, you’ll gain firsthand insights into STEM careers, develop academic and personal skills, and receive a written evaluation from your instructor.
We’ve covered this blog in detail which you can check out here!
What we like about this program: Among their variety of programs, the MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES) provides transformative experiences that bolster confidence, create lifelong community, and build an exciting, challenging foundation in STEM for highly motivated 7th–12th grade students from diverse backgrounds.
Location: Virtual
Application Date: May 21, 2024, for the summer cohort, and 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.
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! You note that Horizon is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research! Once you select a particular subject track as well as the type of research you wish to carry out, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar from a reputed universities who act as mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page 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. Apply here!
Cost: None.
Location: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Plainsboro, New Jersey.
Dates: June 2 to August 9, 2025 (tentatively, based on the previous year’s dates).
Application Deadlines: March 1, 2025 (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates).
Eligibility:
- Must be at least 16 years old.
- Must be graduating high school seniors when the internship begins.
- Must have U.S. citizenship
Note: For Academic Year Internships, students must:
- Intern during regular business hours only.
- Arrange a schedule with their school for sufficient release time.
- Obtain an email confirmation of academic credits from your school administrator or Guidance Counselor to science-education@pppl.gov.
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) internship spans approximately 8 to 10 weeks and is an opportunity for students to collaborate on projects with esteemed research and engineering teams.
Participants will work on cutting-edge research projects related to plasma physics and fusion energy, gaining invaluable experience in a real-world laboratory setting. The applicants are encouraged to have a solid background in physics, chemistry, advanced mathematics, engineering, computer languages, and coding to fully engage with the complex projects and tasks.
What we like about this program: Working directly with Princeton researchers and scientists who are pioneers in the field of plasma physics during an internship at PPPL is an incredible opportunity. There are no better people to learn from if this is the kind of work you want to do in the future.
Cost: Need-based scholarship available
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Dates: The summer cohort runs from June to August, the Fall cohort from September to December, the Winter cohort from December to February, Spring from March to June
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Main summer deadlines are March 15, April 15, and May 15, 2025 (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates)
Eligibility:
- You must be currently enrolled in high school
- Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note. students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
- No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project.
At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here!
What we like about this program: The 1-on-1 opportunity lets you work on an area that you are specifically interested in, and Lumiere offers a very wide range of subjects, including fine arts!
Cost: Free
Location: Stanford University
Dates: June 10 to August 1, 2024
Application Deadline: February 24, 2025 (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates)
Eligibility: Current juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years of age are eligible.
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week summer internship at Stanford University. Running from June to August, SIMR offers hands-on research experience under the mentorship of Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers.
You’ll get to choose from eight different research areas within the Institutes of Medicine and potentially participate in a bioengineering boot camp. While there are no program fees, you must cover your travel and personal expenses. Do note that the selection process favors local Bay Area students.
You can learn more about this program through this blog!
What we like about this program: At one of the top medical schools in the world, this program offers an unmatched opportunity for students like you to explore the frontiers of medical knowledge.
Cost: Free
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York
Dates: June 27 to August 22, 2024
Application Deadline: February 9, 2025 (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates)
Eligibility:
- Completion of at least the 9th grade by June 2024
- Must be 14 or older by June 27, 2024
- A genuine interest in science and laboratory research
- 3.5 GPA in science subjects
The Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center offers an eight-week summer research opportunity for high school students passionate about science. Running from June to August, this program lets you engage in hands-on laboratory techniques and conduct independent research projects under the mentorship of experienced scientists.
During the program, you’ll delve into translational research, attend training sessions and tours, and present your findings at a poster session. Upon completion, you’ll receive a stipend.
You can learn more about this program through this blog!
What we like about this program: The program is designed to help students understand the nature of laboratory work and better understand what careers in translational cancer research may entail.
Cost: No cost, stipend is between $2,300–2,530 for students currently in high school and $2,570–2,840 for students who have graduated high school.
Location: An NIH laboratory, one of which is The Framingham Heart Study of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in Framingham, MA.
Dates: Minimum 8 weeks in summer; specific dates are not available.
Application deadline: Feb 1, every year.
Eligibility: Students who are high school juniors or seniors at the time of application (or have recently graduated), and are 17 years or older on June 15, 2023, may apply. Please review all eligibility requirements before applying. Additional criteria apply for HiSTEP and HiSTEP 2.0.
The NIH’s HS-SIP presents a distinctive opportunity for students to immerse themselves in hands-on biomedical research, collaborating alongside esteemed scientists and mentors. Within the HS-SIP framework, there are two programs, namely the High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP) and HiSTEP 2.0.
HiSTEP aims to inspire future scientists and promote diversity in STEM. Partnering with top research institutions, it offers a blend of scientific, professional, and personal skills training with leadership development, wellness programs, and STEM-M career exploration. HiSTEP is not a hands-on, full-time research program but prepares students for future scholarships and internships.
HiSTEP 2.0 is an advanced program for those who have completed HiSTEP or similar experiences. It focuses on independent research projects in biomedicine, guided by mentor scientists. As a participant, you will also attend weekly workshops and seminars to further develop their skills.
Both programs offer an introduction to essential scientific, professional, and personal skills, leadership training, wellness initiatives, and an in-depth exploration of STEM-M (science, technology, engineering, math, and medically related) careers.
What we like about this program: With the exception of the HiSTEP program, these are full-time research positions within one of the NIH Institutes and Centers (IC) in the NIH Intramural Research Program. The program is designed to help students understand the nature of lab.
Cost: $4,000
Location: Michigan State University
Dates: June 16 – August 3, 2024
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025 (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates).
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from across the U.S.
The High School Honors Science/Mathematics/Engineering Program (HSHSP) at Michigan State University is a seven-week summer research program. This program allows you to conduct intensive research while living on a major research university campus.
HSHSP allows you to engage in research across various scientific, engineering, and mathematical disciplines. During the program, you'll work on independent research projects under the guidance of experienced mentors. The final output will be a fully developed research project on a topic of your choice!
We’ve covered this blog in detail which you can look at over here!
What we like about this program: The HSHSP is one of the most prestigious research opportunities in the country. It only admits 24 students per cohort and has a selection rate of 4-5%, making it extremely selective.
12. Veritas AI - AI Fellowship
Cost: $1790
Location: Online
Dates: June 9 to August 11, 2024, with sessions every Sunday
Application Deadline: May 19, 2025 (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates).
Eligibility: Open to any student from Grades 8-12 who has either completed the AI Scholars program or has had experience in coding.
The Veritas AI Deep Dive is a 10-week online course designed for ambitious students like you who are interested in the intersection of AI and medicine. The program runs from June to August, with sessions every Sunday from 11 AM to 1:30 PM EST. In this program, you will learn how AI transforms healthcare, work on projects diagnosing diseases, and sharpen medical scans using AI models.
Over the first two weeks, you’ll be introduced to AI and its applications in medicine. Weeks 3 to 5 cover key topics such as medical data preparation, exploratory data analysis (EDA), and Convolutional Neural Networks. In the final weeks, you’ll delve into more complex subjects like image segmentation, regularization, transfer learning, and the fundamentals of clinical evaluation.
What we like about this program: Instead of going wide, it is focused on subjects/areas like computer science, data science, robotics, and their intersection with other subjects.
Cost: None; Stipends may be awarded to students experiencing financial hardship, and who meet all the attendance and research requirements of the SSRP.
Location: RockEDU Science Outreach Laboratory, The Rockefeller University campus
Dates: June 24 to August 8, 2024
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January
Eligibility: To be eligible for SSRP participation, students must be enrolled as a junior or senior in high school and must be at least 16 years old at the start of the program
SSRP is a mentored biomedical research program for current high school juniors and seniors to design and conduct their research projects as part of a themed research track. As an SSRP scholar, you will be expected to spend up to 35 hours per week (M - F) for seven weeks engaging in the scientific process.
The topics of each SSRP Research team are based on the expertise and scientific interests of the research team leader. Previous tracks include topics such as RNA Virus Discovery and Bioinformatics, Coronavirus Immune Response, and Ant Social Biology.
What we like about this program: The SSRP team experience is enhanced by elective scientific courses, guest lectures, and social events.
Cost: Free
Location: New Haven, CT.
Dates: 6 weeks between June - August (tentatively, based on the previous year’s deadline)
Application deadline: March 2025 (tentatively, based on the previous year’s deadline)
Eligibility: High school students entering their junior and senior years who are at least 16 years of age at the start of the internship.
Yale Social Robotics Lab offers high school students an opportunity to participate in special projects for six weeks in the summer. In this program, you will work alongside a lead scientist, students, and staff at Yale Social Robotics Lab and gain real-world skills and in-depth knowledge.
What we like about this program: his summer internship is an educational opportunity that includes training/orientation and a focus on learning and developing new skills and gaining a deeper understanding of concepts through hands-on application.
Cost: No Cost; Stipend provided ($500)
Location: Greater Seattle Area
Application Deadline: Varies based on the project, but expect it to be between March and May.
Program Dates: 6-8 weeks, June to August 2025 (tentatively, based on the previous year’s dates)
Eligibility:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or have permanent resident status.
- Can commit to working for 40 hours/week for 8-12 weeks.
SparkSIP is a high school internship program where students work on projects that match their interests and career goals. Students pick 5-6 projects and get paired with a mentor who guides them. Past projects have included engineering sales and marketing, data interfacing and visualization with West Virginia University, developing Python scripts for crossbar architecture, and software internships in frontend web development, mobile development, and customer usage analysis.
The SPARK Summer Internship Program lets students dive into cutting-edge research, offering hands-on experience in advanced science and tech fields. Projects can range from developing tools for detecting tick-borne infections or breast cancer to classifying DNA sequences by their electrical signatures and exploring 2D materials for future tech.
During the internship, students get deeply involved in their projects, applying their knowledge to research, data analysis, and problem-solving. They receive guidance from experienced professionals, gaining insights into the research process and STEM careers. The program wraps up with a presentation or demo of their project, such as a poster, report, or tech demo.
What we like about this program: The SPARK SIP is an initiative designed to connect motivated high school students with industry experts, university professors, and mentors to work on cutting-edge STEM projects.
Cost: No cost; Stipend is provided to the students
Location: Columbia University campus
Dates: 5 weeks during the summer between June and August (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates)
Application Deadline: January 2025 (tentatively, based on the previous year’s dates)
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be sophomores or juniors in high school nominated by BRAINYAC’s partner programs.
- Applicants must reside in New York City, but preference is given to students in Upper Manhattan and the South Bronx.
The Zuckerman Institute’s Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC) provides high-schoolers with an immersive, hands-on summer research experience in a Columbia laboratory. During your internship, you will be paired with a mentor from Columbia's neuroscience department, who will oversee your involvement in a specific research project.
By the end of the program, you will have a deeper appreciation for how lab research catalyzes groundbreaking discoveries, insight into an academic research career, and a stronger foundation in neuroscience principles.
What we like about this program: They place a strong emphasis on chances to interact with expert scientists, acquire the critical skills needed to operate in a research setting, and integrate into the Columbia University community.
Cost:
- Commuter: $8,000
- Residential: $11,250
- Virtual: $7,500
- Materials fee: $200
Location: Tufts University
Dates: Jul 1 - Aug 9, 2025 (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates)
Application Deadline: May 1, 2025 (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates)
Eligibility: Must be high school students
The summer research program runs from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm ET daily. Students join research groups, participate in meetings and presentations, and interpret journal articles with mentors. They develop research skills, interpret data, and may complete a self-designed project, culminating in a virtual poster session.
Afternoon activities include weekly Journal Clubs to analyze scientific research, Library Seminars that teach database research, data illustration, and poster design skills, Guest Presentations from faculty and researchers with Q&A sessions, and Networking Sessions for informal research discussions with peers and assistants.
What we like about this program: Tufts University is recognized among the premier universities in the United States, known for its rigorous and innovative research and educational programs.
Cost: $2,781.50 (Includes meal plan and health service fee)
Location: Stony Brook University campus
Dates: July 1 to August 9, 2024
Application Deadline: February 7, 2025 (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates)
Eligibility: Applicants must currently be in their junior year (11th grade) of high school at the time of applying; must be US citizens and/or permanent residents; and must be at least 16 years of age by the start of the program.
The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University provides high school students with the invaluable chance to engage in direct research across an array of fields, including science, math, and engineering.
For the duration of the program, students will learn how to conduct scientific research, effectively communicate mathematics and computational science principles, and will gain an improved understanding of how they can pursue a career in applied mathematics and computational science. Participants will integrate into research teams, work alongside faculty, familiarize themselves with laboratory tools and methods, and immerse themselves in the research university environment.
What we like about this program: The Simons Summer Research Program is an excellent opportunity for students interested in science, mathematics, and engineering to gain hands-on experience and explore potential career paths.
Cost: None
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Program dates: Multi-year, year-round participation
Application deadline: February 2, 2025 - April 1, 2025 (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates)
Eligibility:
- Be currently enrolled full-time as a 9th or 10th-grade student in an SFUSD school
- Maintain a GPA of 2.5 and a grade of C or higher in science and math
- Be able to obtain a valid work permit (US citizens and others authorized to work in the US)
- Commit to all attendance requirements for 2 or 3 years, through high school graduation
- Be able to commute to the Academy and nearby locations after school and on Saturdays during the school year, and on weekdays in the summer (some remote work may be required)
- Demonstrate interest and enthusiasm for learning, teaching, and doing science
The Careers in Science (CiS) internship program offers an opportunity for high school students to get paid above minimum wage while gaining valuable experience in science education and research. Starting as rising sophomores or juniors, interns join the program in June and can continue until they graduate from high school.
Interns engage in fieldwork outdoors and facilitate learning experiences for visitors at the California Academy of Sciences. They attend interactive training twice a month to enhance their science communication skills, learn about STEM careers from professionals, and receive guidance on financial literacy and college applications. The program also includes college tours, presentations at STEM conferences and festivals, and contributions to the design of Academy exhibits and educational materials.
As interns progress, they join project groups to work on science research or environmental action projects led by Academy researchers or partners. They can also serve on the CiS Leadership Council and receive individualized mentorship from Academy experts.
What we like about this program: The CiS program helps interns develop critical thinking skills, tackle complex problems, and prepare for successful careers. This opportunity is ideal for students passionate about science and eager to make a difference in their communities.
Cost: $2,800. Financial aid is available.
Location: Stony Brook University, New York, and virtual. There is no residential option; you must commute to and from Stony Brook University if you select the in-person program.
Dates: June-August, 2025 (tentatively, based on previous years dates)
Application Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school students studying and residing in the United States.
Computer Science and Informatics Summer Research Experience Program (CSIRE) is a 6-week research experience program on computer science and informatics for high school students.
Students work in a lab mentored by a faculty or a Ph.D. student on a hands-on research project in various computer science and informatics areas, such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, software engineering, and human-computer interaction. Do note that this program assumes that you already have good skills in programming or data analytics.
What we like about this program: CSIRE is a summer program that provides opportunities for high school students to participate in research and motivates the students to pursue a career in the field.
Cost: $4,700 (commuter option), $6,599 (housing option)
Location: On Campus
Dates: June to August
Application Deadline: March 18, 2025 (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates)
Eligibility: High school students in the 10th or 11th grade and have a minimum GPA of 3.8 and must have completed a minimum of 12 academic semester courses (or the equivalent in UC a–g requirements)
UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program is a competitive summer program for high school students where they work closely with mentors to work on a research project of their choice while learning about research techniques and gaining insight into professional research-based opportunities.
This program's research topics currently include but are not limited to:
Astronomy • Anthropology • Art • Biochemistry • Biology • Chemistry • Chicano Studies • Computer Science • Ecology • Economics • Engineering • Environmental Policy • Feminist Studies • Film Studies • Geography • Geology • History • Mathematics • Media & Technology • Music • Neuroscience • Psychology • Sociology
What we like about this program: RMP is a competitive, six-week summer program that brings high-achieving high school students from around the globe to learn about interdisciplinary, university-level research.
Cost: $5,500 program fees, including use of academic facilities, on-campus housing, on-campus meals, extracurricular trips, and student supervision. This does not include the $75 application fee, travel to/from campus, airport transfers, gym access, class materials, medical expenses, and laundry.
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Dates: July 6 to 27, 2025 (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates).
Application Deadlines: February 15, 2025 (tentatively, based on the previous year’s dates).
Eligibility:
- High school students.
- Minimum 3.3 high school GPA.
- TOEFL scores required are 100 (iBT), 250 (CBT), or 600 (PBT), an IELTS score of 7, and a Duolingo English Test (DET) score of 120.
Engaging with contemporary physics, UPenn’s Experimental Physics Research Academy is a summer program designed to immerse students in key areas such as mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum dynamics, and astrophysics.
At UPenn’s Experiment Physics Research Academy, over the course of three weeks, students can learn current physics (which includes mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum dynamics, and astrophysics) through lectures, discussions, and projects. Faculty members will give talks regarding their research in the field with live Q&A with the students.
What we like about this program: Ranking among the world's best research universities, Penn produces significant new information in the fields of social science, business, medicine, technology, and the humanities, among others, and uses this knowledge to enhance people's lives locally as well as globally.
Cost: No cost; stipend provided ($6,000)
Location: University of Chicago Campus, IL
Application Deadline: January 16, 2025 (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates)
Program Dates: June 12 - August 18, 2025 (tentatively, based on the previous year’s dates)
Eligibility: Open to all high school students. Familiarity with at least one programming language and relevant coursework (e.g., computer science, statistics, and math) is preferred.
The DSI Summer Lab at the University of Chicago is a 10-week, paid research program for high school and undergraduate students focused on interdisciplinary data science. Students work with a mentor, honing research skills and methodologies in areas like computer science and climate policy.
The program culminates with students creating and presenting videos summarizing their research in a professional conference setting, providing a comprehensive culmination of their experience.
For more information, check out this blog!
What we like about this program: The DSI Summer Lab is structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience. You will get to work on diverse projects spanning computer science, social science, climate and energy policy, materials science, and even biomedical research.
Cost: Free
Location: University of California, Irvine
Dates: Typically 6 weeks from June to July. The 2024 program will run from June 17 to July 25.
Application Deadline: Dates TBD for 2025. Applications typically close in April.
Eligibility: Applicants must currently be high school students and not graduate in spring 2024.
This 6-week program in mathematical biology pairs students with college UC Irvine undergraduates to collaborate on a computational biology research project alongside a principal investigator. There will also be weekly skill development events, such as how to deliver presentations or how to write math on the computer.
Participants will be expected to attend workshops in skill-building to prepare them for mathematical research, modeling, giving presentations, and crafting a research paper.
What we like about this program: The program is free to apply and participate in.
Cost: No cost
Location: Johns Hopkins University
Program Dates: June to mid-August, 2025 (tentatively, based on the previous year’s deadline)
Application Deadlines: April 7, 2025 (tentatively, based on the previous year’s deadline)
Eligibility: Open to high school students in the Baltimore City area.
The Biophysics Research for Baltimore Teens (BRBT) program at Johns Hopkins University offers Baltimore City high school students an immersive biophysics and biomedical research internship. This program is specifically designed to immerse students in the fields of biophysics and biomedical research, providing hands-on experience and foundational scientific knowledge directly applicable to real-world challenges.
Participants engage in lab activities such as preparing reagents and mastering microbiology, DNA, and protein engineering techniques.
What we like about this program: The program offers an opportunity to explore biophysics. Biophysicists are at the forefront of solving problems raised by the sequencing of the human genome—from understanding how diseases work on the molecular level to developing new biofuels and methods to clean the world’s water supply to designing new drugs to cure malaria, HIV, and cancer. Hence, it can be a very useful program for those interested in the field.
Cost: None. This is a fully funded merit-based program. Participants must fulfill the criteria for demonstrated financial need.
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh.
Dates: June 22 - August 3, 2024.
Application Deadlines: March 1, 2025 (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates).
Eligibility:
- Must be at least 16 years old by the program start date.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Must be a junior in high school at the time of application submission.
- Students from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply!
Carnegie Mellon’s SAMS program is divided into two segments. Part 1 is a virtual jumpstart designed to build quantitative and computational skills pertinent to the core STEM subject chosen. Part 2 is a 6-week in-person pre-college experience, where students engage in full-day on-campus activities, including attending courses, participating in meetings, and culminating in a symposium.
You can explore more details on the SAMS program and its benefits here.
What we like about this program: Students from underrepresented areas can pursue STEM-related fields through the Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS). Students enrolled as SAMS Scholars follow a rigorous program taught by their renowned instructors and staff members who have a strong passion for achieving academic success.
Cost: $2000 with limited financial aid available to students with a demonstrated need
Location: Bar Harbor, ME
Program Dates: July 15 to 19, 2025 (tentatively, based on the previous year’s dates)
Application deadline: April 19, 2025 (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates)
Eligibility: Participants must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and must be entering their junior or senior year in September 2025, or graduating in June 2025.
Students will get a practical introduction to biomedical research at MDI Biological Laboratory during this boot camp. Essential scientific competencies, including data analysis, bioinformatics, experimental design and testing, state-of-the-art laboratory techniques, and scientific communication, will be taught to participants.
Participants in the program will be assisted in exploring career prospects in biomedicine, research, and entrepreneurship in Maine and beyond, as well as scientific ethics in general, by scientists and bioentrepreneurs at the facility.
What we like about this program: This in-person course will equip you with essential scientific skills such as experimental design, cutting-edge laboratory techniques, data analysis, bioinformatics, and scientific communication.
Cost: Free
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Program Dates: Typically four weeks from July 15 - August 8, 2025 (tentatively, based on the previous year’s dates)
Application deadline: March 31, 2025 (tentatively, based on the previous year’s dates)
Eligibility:
- Be at least 16 years of age;
- Have successfully completed at least one high school science course; and
- Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including booster
The Wistar Institute, a prominent biomedical research institution, provides an excellent environment for students to acquire research skills. While receiving instruction in the laboratory of the principal investigator, participants will finish their own research project. They will also give a final presentation on their work, attend seminars, and be mentored.
Participation from students is required Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. They will not tolerate absences lasting longer than two days in a row. Upon program completion, students will receive a $1,000 stipend to cover any personal expenses or costs associated with transportation.
What we like about this program: Students will also learn to read scientific literature, explore multiple careers in biomedical research, and present their work at the end of the program
Cost: $3,000
Location: University of Minnesota
Program dates: May 30, 2025 – July 28, 2025 (tentatively, based on the previous year’s dates)
Application deadline: February 1, 2025 (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates)
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old
This program offers students specifically interested in cardiovascular medicine the chance to do independent research within the field. You will be allotted a lab as well as a faculty mentor who will guide you with your research project. Field trips and seminars by industry leaders will also expand your overall field knowledge.
This program offers the opportunity to do independent research in the field of cardiovascular medicine, making it a perfect choice for students with a specific interest in that area. You will be assigned a faculty mentor who will assist you with your research project in addition to a lab. Your general understanding of the topic will also be increased by field visits and seminars hosted by prominent industry figures.
What we like about this program: The major focus will be intensive basic or clinical research, as each scholar will be assigned a laboratory and a faculty mentor.
Cost:
- Program with research project - $1,500
- Program without research project - Free.
Location: On Campus (UC San Diego, California) & Virtual
Dates: June 19 - August 11, 2024
Application Deadline: March 15 (tentatively, based on previous year’s deadline)
Eligibility: Rising 10th grader
The UC San Diego and San Diego Supercomputer Center offer an 8-week research program for students to engage in advanced computer science and artificial intelligence projects. Participants work with UC San Diego faculty mentors to select and develop a research project aligned with their interests.
Students learn essential research skills such as hypothesis formulation, computational experimentation, and data analysis. This hands-on approach helps apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges, enhancing their understanding and skills in real-world applications.
What we like about this program: Students gain exposure to career options, hands-on computational experience, work readiness skills and mentoring by computational research scientists.
Cost: No cost; stipend provided
Location: MGH Main Campus, Charlestown Navy Yard, Assembly Row in Somerville, MA, or another lab location within Boston, Cambridge, or Somerville.
Program Dates: Jul 1 — Aug 9, 2024
Application Deadline: Mar 1, 2025 (tentatively, based on the previous year’s deadline)
Eligibility:
- The applicant must be a rising high school senior or high school graduate at the time of the program.
- Be living or studying in Massachusetts at the time of the program.
- Have an interest in learning more about neurology-related career fields and topics.
- Be available to work full-time for the duration of the program.
- Be willing to comply with Mass General Brigham’s occupational health requirements including vaccinations.
The Mass General Youth Neurology Education and Research Program actively engages young individuals in neurology. The program aims to inspire participants by exposing them to leading neurologists and neuroscientists from diverse backgrounds. It offers paid summer internships with a commitment of 40 hours per week, lasting 6 to 8 weeks for high school and undergraduate students, respectively.
At the program’s onset, students are divided into pairs [one high school intern and one undergraduate intern] and matched to a mentor from the MGH Neurology faculty.
Then, for six weeks, you follow an 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule, attend sessions by top neurologists, complete lab assignments, and even attend lab meetings. For your final presentation (presented to peers, mentors, faculty, and family at the end of the program) you work in your assigned pair. This end-to-end structure encourages deep study, preparing you for undergraduate research.
What we like about this program: Program learn and work alongside esteemed clinicians, researchers and peer mentors, giving them the chance to explore future career options in neurology.
Cost: No cost; stipend provided
Location: CUNY Campus
Dates: 6 weeks during the summer months (tentatively, based on the previous year’s deadline)
Application Deadline: usually in the fall (tentatively, based on the previous year’s deadline)
Eligibility:
- Be a NYC public high school sophomore or junior in good academic standing:
- CUNY Eligibility Benchmarks (75+ ELA Regents and/or 80+ Math Regents)
- Primarily high school juniors; however, it is open to all high school students.
The STEM RA program allows NYC high school students to participate in a 2-semester program. The program's first section is a pre-college ‘College Now’ science course in the spring; the other half is the chance to conduct hands-on research with CUNY faculty in the summer. Upon completing this course, you can participate in a 6-week summer research experience with CUNY research faculty.
What we like about this program: The program allows high school scholars to explore their interest in STEM, fostering a collaborative network and building a robust resume for their postsecondary plans.
Cost: No cost
Location: Northeastern University, Boston
Application Deadline: Not specified, but applications opened in January 2024!
Dates: June 26, 2024 - August 3, 2025 (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates)
Eligibility:
- Students must be permanent Massachusetts residents (live and go to school in MA throughout the year).
- Must enter 12th grade in the fall (current juniors when applying).
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
This program allows students to engage in cutting-edge research at Northeastern University's Colleges of Engineering, Science, and Health Sciences. Participants work alongside professors in research labs, assisting with ongoing projects' practical and theoretical aspects.
The program also features an 'Introduction to Engineering' seminar series, covering topics like robotics, chemical analysis, and microwave materials. Additionally, it includes field trips and career counseling sessions from the Department of Cooperative Education!
What we like about this program: The YSP offers students a chance to explore STEM through hands-on research experiences at Northeastern University. The program provides valuable exposure for students who plan to or have an interest in pursuing the STEM field.
Cost: $4,000 (new participants) | $4,500 (returning participants)
Location: Varies based on lab locations.
Dates: Typically June-August (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: Applications open in August and close on November 1 every year.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old, have completed Grade 9, and are U.S. citizens can apply.
This research-focused apprenticeship program gives high school students the chance to work in Department of Navy laboratories across the country. With approximately 300 placements across over 38 laboratories nationwide, SEAP is fairly competitive.
In this program, you will work with top researchers and engineers at Navy facilities on actual Naval research, while being mentored by expert Navy scientists and engineers. Your lab choice is based on your subject of interest. You can choose one or more of the following subjects for example Algebra, Anatomy, Applied Mathematics, Astronom, Behavioral, Statistics and Probability etc
What we like about this program: SEAP gives academically talented sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in STEM the opportunity to learn about Naval research and technology while receiving first-class mentoring by top scientists and engineers.
Cost: Free, $700 stipend upon successful completion
Location: New York, NY
Dates: July 9 – August 15, 2025 (tentatively, based on the previous year’s dates)
Application Deadline: April 7, 2025 (tentatively, based on the previous year’s dates)
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be entering grades 10, 11, or 12, and live in the New York City metro area.
Note: This opportunity is unpaid for most participants, but some interns with demonstrated financial need can potentially receive a stipend.
The New-York Historical Society's Student Historian Program, designed for history-loving youths, offers participants the chance to undertake historical study on a chosen topic; 2024's theme is Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass' America. Participants in the program will lead gallery tours, visit history archives throughout New York City, collaborate with historian mentors, and hone their digital media, historical thinking, and communication skills.
What we like about this program: The Student Historian Internship Program at the New York Historical Society is a solid opportunity if you're passionate about a career in historical research or museum management.
Cost: Tuition may apply, but financial aid is available for eligible students
Location: UC Davis campus in Davis, California
Program Dates: The program operates during the summer months, spanning several weeks
Application Deadline: Typically in March (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates)
Eligibility: Open to California residents in grades 8-11 who demonstrate academic excellence and a passion for STEM subjects
The UC Davis Young Scholars Program gives students a chance to dive into hands-on research guided by UC Davis faculty. You’ll explore fascinating topics in biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science. Imagine studying how climate change affects ecosystems, investigating genetic mutations in fruit flies, or analyzing local water quality. Through these real-world projects, you'll build your research, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills, all while making a real impact.
What we like about this program: The program strives to engage approximately 40 academically talented students in a variety of research experiences.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.