For high school students interested in STEM, participating in a structured research program can be a valuable experience. These programs provide exposure to real-world scientific research, allowing you to work closely with mentors, use advanced lab equipment, and tackle complex problems. Research programs for high school students are offered in fields ranging from engineering and computer science to environmental science and biomedical research.
By participating in a STEM research program, you will learn experimental design, data analysis, and critical thinking, which are essential for future studies and careers in science and technology. Many programs also focus on developing communication skills, giving you the chance to present your research findings in formal settings. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
Below is a curated list of the 11 best STEM research programs for high school students:
1. Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP)
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a few tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs in areas like data science, machine learning, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and psychology. You can choose either quantitative or qualitative research methods. After selecting your track, you’ll collaborate one-on-one with a professor or PhD scholar from a leading university to develop a 20-page research paper suitable for journal submission. The program provides specialized field knowledge, expert guidance, a recommendation letter, and feedback to improve future projects and college applications. Apply now for this unique opportunity!
2. Department of Navy Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Various Department of Navy laboratories across the United States
Application Deadline: November 1
Program Dates: Eight-week summer program, with the possibility of extending up to two additional weeks
Subject Areas: Behavioral Science, Geology, Physics, Statistics and Probability, Robotics, Oceanography, and more
Cost: Free, Stipends provided ($4,000 for new participants, $4,500 for returning participants)
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least grade 9 and are currently enrolled; graduating seniors are eligible. Applicants must be solely U.S. citizens and 16 years of age or older by the program start date (some labs may have exceptions regarding grade and age)
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) provides high school students with an eight-week summer internship at Department of Navy laboratories. As an intern, you will gain hands-on experience in STEM fields under the mentorship of Navy scientists and engineers. Designed to inspire interest in science and engineering careers within the Navy, SEAP allows you to explore cutting-edge naval technology and research. You will develop skills in research, data analysis, and critical problem-solving.
3. Veritas AI
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Finance, Medicine
Location: Remote
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including the summer
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Eligibility: High school students. Students applying to the AI Fellowship program must complete the AI Scholars program or provide evidence of previous experience in AI and Python
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Veritas AI, founded by Harvard graduates, offers two programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program focuses on collaborative learning in AI applications, while the AI Fellowship provides personalized mentorship from PhD experts for independent research projects.
The AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase gives students a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on an individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. The fellowship encourages students to explore interdisciplinary approaches, enabling them to merge AI with various fields such as finance, medicine, sports, environmental science, and more! You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
4. University of Pennsylvania Biomedical Research Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Application Deadline: Applications will open on December 1
Program Dates: July 5 – 26
Subject Areas: Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biomedical Research
Cost: $9,949 (financial aid available for students who attend a School District of Philadelphia public or charter school)
Eligibility: Current 9-11 grade students who have taken one year of high school biology
The Biomedical Research Academy at the University of Pennsylvania is a three-week program for high school students interested in biomedical sciences. This program combines intensive coursework with hands-on laboratory experience in molecular biology and genetics. You will engage in laboratory experiments that use advanced techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and bacterial transformation. You will explore the real-world applications of these techniques, such as studying gene expression in bacteria and analyzing disease mechanisms.
The program also includes a Journal Club where you will be introduced to primary research articles, learning to interpret and critique scientific literature under the guidance of faculty. You will attend lectures from leading Penn researchers on topics such as CRISPR, antibiotic resistance, and bioethics, providing a comprehensive view of contemporary biomedical research.
5. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Application Deadline: December 11
Program Dates: June 22 – August 2
Subject Areas: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Humanities
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school juniors
The MIT Research Science Institute (RSI) is a six-week summer program hosted at MIT designed for high school juniors with exceptional STEM talent. This program combines advanced theoretical coursework and a hands-on research internship. The program starts with a week-long intensive in STEM fundamentals taught by MIT professors, followed by a five-week individual research project where you work under the guidance of a mentor on real-world scientific challenges. You will engage in extensive literature review, develop and execute a detailed research plan, and present your findings in both written and oral formats at a final symposium.
RSI’s curriculum includes experience with the full research cycle, giving you practical skills in scientific communication, critical thinking, and experimental design. With only 100 participants selected worldwide, RSI is highly competitive and offers you a unique opportunity to conduct university-level research free of charge, making it one of the most prestigious STEM programs available for high school students.
6. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Application Deadline: February 22
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31
Subject Areas: Biomedical Research, Immunology, Neurobiology, Cancer Biology, Genetics, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Biology, Bioinformatics
Cost: Free (with a $40 application fee; students receive a stipend of at least $500)
Eligibility: High school students who:
- Are current juniors or seniors
- Will be at least 16 years old by the start of the program
- Are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Live and attend high school in the U.S.
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week summer program designed for high school juniors and seniors interested in biomedical research. You will work in Stanford research labs, selecting one of eight available tracks, including immunology, neurobiology, cancer biology, and genetics. With Stanford faculty and graduate students as mentors, you will gain practical research experience, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and engaging in scientific problem-solving. In addition to lab work, you will attend lectures and training sessions focused on research methodologies and lab safety.
A unique component of SIMR is its bioengineering boot camp, an option for students interested in hands-on engineering projects. SIMR culminates in a poster session where you will present your research to faculty, peers, and family members, developing communication and presentation skills. The program offers financial assistance through stipends, with priority given to underrepresented students.
7. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost: Free; participants receive a $750 stipend upon completion
Application Deadline: February 15
Program Dates: June 16 – August 1
Subject Areas: Nutritional Sciences, Biology/Cellular Microbiology, Computer Science, Neurobiology, Mechanical Engineering, History, Chemistry, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who will be at least 17 years old by the program start date and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University is a competitive, seven-week summer research program designed for high-achieving high school juniors and seniors. This program allows you to work closely with faculty mentors in a variety of academic disciplines, including chemistry, history, and computer science. You will engage in hands-on research, gaining practical experience in your chosen field and exposure to advanced research methodologies.
The program also includes weekly seminars, discussions, and field trips, providing an environment that fosters critical thinking and intellectual growth. You will also have the opportunity to connect with peers who share your academic interests while developing valuable skills for future academic and professional pursuits. All program-related expenses, including meals, room, and board, are covered.
8. Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Application Deadline: February 7
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Subject Areas: Atmospheric Science, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Biochemistry, Biomedical Informatics, Chemistry, Geosciences, and more
Cost: Free; participants receive a stipend upon completion
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (11th grade) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and will be at least 16 years old by the start of the program. Students must be nominated by their high school to apply
The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University provides high school juniors with a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on research across science, mathematics, and engineering disciplines. You will be paired with faculty mentors and integrated into a research team where you will gain practical experience in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and research methodologies. The program includes weekly lectures, workshops, and special events to deepen your understanding of scientific research and its applications.
Throughout the experience, you will develop your curiosity, critical thinking, and professional skills. The program culminates in a poster symposium, where you will present your research findings. This program is ideal for students with a strong interest in STEM, as it offers a preview of university-level research and fosters a community of young scholars.
9. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) Program at NYU
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Application Deadline: March 6
Program Dates: June 3 – August 9
Subject Areas: Molecular Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning
Cost: Free; participants receive a stipend of at least $750 upon completion
Eligibility: Current 10th or 11th-grade high school students residing in New York City
The Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) program at New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering is a free, 10-week summer research program for New York City high school students. ARISE provides you with the opportunity to work under the mentorship of NYU faculty across a variety of STEM fields, including engineering, computer science, and robotics. Throughout the program, you attend workshops that cover essential research topics like data analysis, scientific writing, and the ethics of scientific research. Aimed at underrepresented groups in STEM, ARISE tries to create a strong foundation in science and engineering for students interested in pursuing STEM careers.
10. University of Chicago Data Science Institute (DSI) Summer Lab
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Application Deadline: January 12
Program Dates: June 16 – August 12
Subject Areas: Data Science, Machine Learning, Social Science, Biomedical Research, Climate Policy, Computer Science, Energy Policy, Public Policy, Materials Science
Cost: Paid internship (students receive a stipend of $4,800 for participation)
Eligibility: High school students in the Chicago area
The DSI Summer Lab at the University of Chicago is an 8-week paid research program designed for high school and undergraduate students in the Chicago area interested in data science and its interdisciplinary applications. This program pairs you with a data science mentor, allowing you to work on projects in areas such as computer science, climate policy, biomedical research, and public policy. You will hone skills in data handling, machine learning, and research methodologies. The program emphasizes collaborative research, and you will prepare a final video that demonstrates your learning and application of data science techniques.
11. UCLA Nanoscience Lab Summer Institute
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Application Deadline: June 1
Program Dates:
- Mandatory Housing A: July 21 – 27
- Mandatory Housing B: July 28 – August 3
- Commuter A: July 22 – 26
- Commuter B: July 29 – August 2
Subject Areas: Nanoscience, Chemistry, Bio-toxicity, Photolithography, Supercapacitors, Biology, Physics
Cost: $2,470 (scholarships available for students from California)
Eligibility: High school students who will be in 10th-12th grade in the spring and will be at least 15 years old by the program start date
The UCLA Nanoscience Lab Summer Institute is a five-day program that introduces high school students to the study of nanoscience. The program covers topics such as bio-toxicity, photolithography, and supercapacitor technology. You will work with advanced microscopy techniques and learn nanofabrication. You will engage in experiments that bridge chemistry, biology, and physics, exploring the interdisciplinary nature of nanoscience. Additionally, the program includes seminars on real-world applications of nanoscience and group projects that simulate professional research experiences.
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