Chemistry programs for high school students typically combine concept-based instruction with applied lab work. You can expect short lectures on topics such as reaction kinetics, molecular structure, and environmental chemistry, followed by lab sessions where you test these concepts through experiments and data analysis. You also work on small research projects, which include designing experiments, maintaining lab notebooks, and interpreting results.
Some programs simulate real research environments by pairing you with graduate students or faculty mentors. You may also encounter exposure to subfields such as analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science. Such programs often lead to a final presentation or research report. Workshops on scientific writing, data handling, and research methodology are also common. These components help you understand how chemistry operates beyond textbooks, especially in academic or applied research settings.
Why Should You Choose a Program in Arizona?
Arizona offers a concentrated ecosystem of university-led research and STEM outreach programs. Institutions like Arizona State University and the University of Arizona regularly host chemistry programs for high school students in Arizona. A key advantage is the regional focus on environmental and materials chemistry. Arizona’s desert landscape supports research in atmospheric chemistry, water systems, and climate-related chemical processes. This makes chemistry programs for high school students in Arizona particularly relevant if you’re interested in applied environmental science.
Another factor is access to university infrastructure. Many programs run on large campuses, which means you’ll work with actual lab equipment and research-grade tools rather than simulations. Finally, these programs often attract a geographically diverse cohort. This creates a setting similar to an early college research experience, which can help you assess whether pursuing chemistry at the university level aligns with your goals.
Below is a curated list of 11 chemistry programs for high school students in Arizona. If you’re exploring broader opportunities, you may also want to review our guides on free chemistry summer programs for high school students here and paid chemistry research opportunities for high school students here.
11 Chemistry Programs for High School Students in Arizona
1. Keep Engaging Youth in Science (KEYS) Research Internship
Location: Tucson, AZ (hosted at the University of Arizona)
Cost: No cost
Program Dates: June 1–July 17
Application Deadline: January (recommender deadline January 8)
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old by June 1 and have at least one year of Arizona residency | Limited to approximately 65 students
The KEYS Research Internship is a seven-week research program where you join active bioscience labs and contribute to ongoing projects across several scientific fields, including areas connected to chemistry and biochemistry. Before the program begins, you’ll complete spring assignments focused on science literacy, biotechnology, and data science so you arrive prepared for lab work. The first week serves as a training period where you learn laboratory methods and research practices before starting your project. After this training week, you’ll work closely with faculty mentors, graduate students, and lab staff while contributing to real university research. Your day-to-day experience typically includes lab experiments, data collection, and discussions with researchers about how their work fits into larger scientific questions. The program ends with a research showcase where you present your findings to peers, mentors, and members of the academic community. If you’re interested in chemistry-related research, such as biochemistry, pharmacology, or molecular science, the lab-based structure provides a realistic introduction to how scientific research is conducted.
2. Forensic Science Institute
Location: Arizona State University, Glendale, AZ
Cost: $469 (scholarships may be available)
Program Dates: June 1–5
Application Deadline: April 13
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors | Limited to approximately 25 students
The Forensic Science Institute is a five-day summer program where you explore how scientific methods are used in criminal investigations. Over the course of the week, you’ll examine topics such as crime scene investigation, forensic techniques, and evidence analysis while working through case-based activities. Much of the program centers on hands-on exercises that simulate real investigative processes, giving you a practical look at how scientific evidence is collected and interpreted. You’ll also interact with instructors and professionals who introduce the scientific principles used in forensic laboratories. Because forensic science relies heavily on chemical testing and analytical methods, the program offers a useful introduction to how chemistry is applied in fields like toxicology and materials analysis.
3. TGen Bioscience Leadership Academy
Location: Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ
Cost/Stipend: Free | $1,000 scholarship awarded upon completion
Program Dates: June 15–26
Application Deadline: February 4
Eligibility: Arizona high school students who are at least 16 years old and rising juniors or seniors | Limited to 20 students
The TGen Bioscience Leadership Academy is a two-week summer program where you explore how biomedical research and genomic medicine are conducted. Throughout the program, scientists and staff introduce you to topics like experimental design, clinical trials, bioethics, and the translational process that moves discoveries from the lab into medical practice. Your time includes technical skill basics, lab shadowing, and discussions about research on diseases such as cancer, diabetes, neurological disorders, and infectious diseases. You’ll also learn how genomic and bioscience research connects to real clinical applications and precision medicine. In addition to the scientific sessions, the program includes leadership workshops focused on science communication, public speaking, and collaboration in research settings. The combination of bioscience exposure and leadership training gives you a broader look at how scientific discoveries move from the lab to healthcare.
4. ACS Project SEED
Location: Multiple research sites hosted by universities and laboratories across the U.S. through the American Chemical Society
Cost/Stipend: Paid summer research experience (amount not specified)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 350+ students nationally each year
Program Dates: 8–10 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: April 2
Eligibility: High school students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds | Check here for further requirements
ACS Project SEED is a summer research program where you work directly with a mentor on a chemistry-related research project at a university or industry lab. Over the course of 8 to 10 weeks, you’ll spend your time learning laboratory techniques, collecting and analyzing data, and contributing to an ongoing research project. You’re paired with a professional scientist who guides your work and introduces you to how chemical research is conducted day to day. Alongside the lab experience, the program also includes professional development sessions covering topics such as college preparation, lab safety, and chemistry career pathways. Some participants may also join virtual workshops or camps focused on scientific communication and research skills. Because the program places you inside real research environments, it offers a practical introduction to how chemists work in academic and industry labs.
5. Summer Institute on Medical Ignorance (SIMI)
Location: University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson, AZ
Cost/Stipend: Free | Participants are paid minimum wage for 40 hours per week during the program
Program Dates: June 1–July 17
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA, with priority given to students from disadvantaged backgrounds | Must be U.S. citizens or have a permanent Visa and a Social Security Card | Limited to approximately 15–20 students
The Summer Institute on Medical Ignorance (SIMI) is a research program that introduces high school students to biomedical and medical science research. Participants work full-time in research laboratories and clinical environments at the university’s health sciences center. During the program, you collaborate with faculty mentors and medical students while exploring topics such as genetics, cancer biology, cardiovascular disease, neuroscience, and preventive medicine. You develop practical research skills, learn how scientists investigate unanswered medical questions, and attend seminars led by visiting researchers and physicians. The program concludes with participants presenting their research experiences and submitting a written report summarizing their work. For students interested in chemistry-related fields like biochemistry, molecular biology, or medical research, SIMI provides valuable exposure to laboratory science and real-world research environments.
6. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Department of the Navy research laboratories across the United States
Cost/Stipend: Free | A stipend of $4,000 for new participants and $4,500 for returning participants
Program Dates: 8 weeks during the summer (with possible 2-week extension)
Application Deadline: November 1 (applications typically open August 1)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are at least 16 years old and have completed at least grade 9 | Students should check individual lab pages for further details
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) allows high school students to work directly with Navy scientists and engineers on real research projects. Interns spend eight weeks conducting research in the Department of the Navy laboratories, gaining hands-on experience in areas such as chemistry, physics, environmental science, and engineering. Participants receive mentorship from professional researchers while developing laboratory and analytical skills. The program is highly competitive and selects students based on academic achievement, recommendations, and research interests. For students interested in chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering, SEAP provides a rare opportunity to contribute to real government research projects.
7. STAR Lab Research Program
Location: University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ (remote and in-person options available)
Cost: $176.50 tuition for the associated course (scholarships available)
Program Dates: Late September–early March
Application Deadline: Early September
Eligibility: High school students living in Arizona
The Students Taking Advantage of Research (STAR) Lab program connects high school students with research mentors to conduct independent scientific research projects. Participants are paired with a mentor and meet weekly to design, develop, and execute a research project in their chosen STEM field. Students also participate in a weekly discussion-based class that focuses on scientific reasoning, communication, and research methods. The program culminates in a public research presentation at the STAR Lab Showcase and prepares students to present their work at regional science fairs. Many participants pursue research projects related to molecular biology, biotechnology, and chemistry.
8. Chemistry – SCI310 Online Course – The American Academy
Location: Online
Cost: $238 per semester
Program Dates: Self-paced, with semester options
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: High school students or adult learners with recommended preparation in algebra and basic computer skills
This online chemistry course lets you study high school-level chemistry at your own pace. You’ll cover foundational concepts like atomic theory, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, and reactions, as well as advanced topics including thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, redox reactions, biochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. The class is fully virtual, so you can fit it around your schedule and work independently or as part of a diploma program. It also emphasizes applying chemical principles using the scientific method, which can help you prepare for lab-based research programs or college-level chemistry courses. This option works well if you want structured content, credit toward graduation, or flexibility while learning chemistry from home.
9. CHM 101: Introductory Chemistry – Universal Learner Course
Location: Arizona State University, Online
Cost: $25 to start | $400 if you choose to receive college credit after passing
Program Dates: Self-paced sessions | Next start date June 16 (8-week option available)
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Open to learners with recommended preparation in college algebra and basic computer literacy
CHM 101 is an introductory college-level chemistry course that lets you study foundational chemical concepts while earning transferable university credit. You’ll explore topics such as atomic structure, molecular interactions, and the chemical principles that explain materials, biological systems, and energy processes. The course includes structured learning activities, quizzes, laboratory components, and proctored exams that mirror the experience of an on-campus introductory chemistry class. If you successfully complete the course and choose to pay for credit, it appears on your transcript exactly like a course taken by an enrolled ASU student. The curriculum emphasizes applying molecular-level thinking to real-world questions, such as how blood pH is regulated and how materials behave in health and energy applications.
10. Applications of Chemistry in Medicine – Johns Hopkins University Pre-College Summer Program
Location: Online (offered by Johns Hopkins University)
Cost: Tuition required | Varies by session
Program Dates: July 6–17
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Eligibility: Pre-college high school students; background in chemistry and biology recommended
This two-week online course explores how chemistry supports advances in medicine, pharmaceuticals, and health science. You’ll study how chemical principles are used in drug discovery, chemical analysis, and the development of compounds used in healthcare and consumer products. Most of the coursework is asynchronous, which means you complete assignments and learning modules on your own schedule while still meeting regular deadlines. The curriculum focuses on the role of chemistry in medical and pharmaceutical research, helping you understand how chemical reactions and molecular design contribute to the development of new treatments. Throughout the program, you’ll work with readings, video resources, and assignments that build connections between chemistry concepts and real-world medical applications.
11. Chemistry Summer Online Course – UCLA Summer Sessions
Location: Online (offered by the University of California, Los Angeles)
Cost: Varies by course and unit value | Additional campus and administrative fees may apply
Program Dates: Multiple sessions between June 22 and September 11 (3–10 week sessions available)
Application Deadline: Registration opens February 18 for visiting students
Eligibility: Visiting students, including qualified high school students, may enrol in selected summer chemistry courses
UCLA Summer Sessions offers online chemistry courses that allow you to study university-level chemistry from anywhere while earning academic credit. Depending on the course you choose, you might explore topics like general chemistry principles, molecular structure, or chemical reactions that explain how materials and biological systems behave. Classes are delivered through structured online lectures, assignments, and discussions that follow UCLA’s regular academic standards. You’ll work through problem sets, readings, and assessments that mirror the coursework taken by UCLA undergraduates. The flexible session lengths, ranging from three to ten weeks, allow you to choose a schedule that fits your summer plans.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research experience in chemistry-related fields such as materials science, environmental chemistry, or molecular systems, 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 – The University of Arizona – KEYS Research Internship