Climate change affects everything from the food we eat to the weather we experience and the policies governments create. If you’re a high school student interested in understanding how these changes are studied and addressed, climate science programs are a smart place to start. They give you the chance to work with real data, explore environmental questions, and learn how scientists investigate complex global challenges.
What do climate science opportunities for high schoolers include?
Most opportunities combine fieldwork, data analysis, and research with direct mentorship from environmental scientists and policy professionals. You might collect and analyze climate data, work through atmospheric or oceanographic modeling, study ecosystem responses to environmental change, or examine how climate science feeds into policy decisions at local and global levels.
The skills you develop, scientific reasoning, data literacy, research communication, and environmental systems thinking, are ones that college coursework in this area will build directly on. For college applications, a rigorous climate science opportunity signals genuine scientific engagement and intellectual initiative in a way that stands out.
Without further ado, here are 15 climate science opportunities for high school students worth exploring! If you are looking for remote options, check out our blog on online environmental science programs for high school students.
Key Takeaways
- Climate science opportunities for high school students range from field-based internships studying aquatic ecosystems and coastal habitats to university research placements analyzing NASA satellite data, atmospheric models, and environmental policy
- Many programs on this list are free and several are paid, including Hutton Junior Fisheries ($3,000 stipend), RISE Environmentor (up to $1,200), Bronx Zoo Project TRUE ($750 stipend), and Conservation Corps North Carolina (weekly living stipend)
- Geographic access is broad, with in-person programs across California, New York, Texas, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Illinois, plus virtual and hybrid options like SEES and Washington University’s online course open to students nationwide
- Most programs build a combination of fieldwork skills, data analysis, and scientific communication, preparing you for college coursework in environmental science, climate policy, ecology, and related fields
15 Climate Science Opportunities for High School Students
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $2,500 (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Spring registration closes April 1
Program Dates: July 12 – July 17
Eligibility: Current U.S. 11th graders aged 15+
The Young Innovators Climate and Energy Program at the University of Chicago is a week-long academic experience focused on the scientific, economic, and policy dimensions of climate change. Through lectures, workshops, and case studies, you examine how energy systems, environmental policy, and climate science intersect. The curriculum introduces topics such as energy data analysis, climate modeling, carbon pricing, and clean energy incentives. You work in small teams to develop a policy recommendation or technical solution addressing a current climate-related challenge. Throughout the program, you engage with real-world examples that show how governments, researchers, and industries respond to environmental issues. The experience also emphasizes collaboration, analytical thinking, and presenting evidence-based ideas. By the end of the week, you will have gained exposure to both the scientific and policy-oriented sides of climate and energy research.
Location: Research placements across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico
Cost: Free; selected scholars receive a $\$3,000$ stipend and an all-expense-paid trip to the Summit.
Application Deadline: January 25
Program Dates: June – August
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors (age 16+) in eligible regions
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week environmental science internship where you work alongside fisheries scientists and researchers studying aquatic ecosystems. You assist with field-based research activities such as collecting environmental data, monitoring water quality, and conducting habitat assessments. The program also introduces field techniques used in fisheries biology, including electrofishing surveys and ecosystem sampling methods. Through mentorship from professionals in the field, you gain insight into how environmental scientists study conservation, biodiversity, and aquatic resource management. In addition to hands-on fieldwork, you participate in discussions about careers in fisheries science and environmental management. The experience concludes with the Hutton Scholars Summit, where interns connect with peers and professionals while learning more about research and career pathways in environmental science.
Location: Multiple locations across the U.S
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: Varies by position (typically 3–5 weeks in summer)
Eligibility: Internships are generally for students 18+; youth opportunities are available for younger students
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) Internships are field-based environmental programs where you contribute to conservation and sustainability projects in parks, forests, and community spaces. Depending on your assignment, you may work on habitat restoration, species monitoring, environmental education, or sustainability-related projects. The experience emphasizes practical fieldwork, allowing you to learn how conservation projects are planned and carried out in real environments. You also collaborate with teams and professionals working in environmental stewardship and resource management. Many roles include opportunities to develop outdoor, leadership, and teamwork skills through daily project work. Some placements also involve community engagement and public education initiatives connected to conservation efforts.
Location: Rockaway Beach, Far Rockaway, NY
Cost: Stipend of up to $1,200
Application Deadline: May
Program Dates: June – August; after-school programming starts in January, followed by a 7-week summer session.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11 who live in or near the Rockaways
The RISE Environmentor Research Mentorship Program is a summer research experience where you study coastal ecosystems alongside environmental scientists in the Rockaway Peninsula. You work on a mentored research project focused on issues such as marine pollution, shoreline erosion, urban runoff, or coastal ecology. The program combines field-based environmental research with data collection and scientific analysis, helping you understand how researchers study environmental change in coastal regions. You also participate in outdoor exploration activities and learn practical safety skills, including CPR and water safety training. Throughout the summer, you collaborate with mentors while developing your research and presentation abilities. The experience concludes with a final showcase where you present your findings and explain your project outcomes. The program is particularly useful if you are interested in environmental science, marine ecosystems, or climate-related research.
Location: Multiple sites across North Carolina
Cost: Free; Crew members receive weekly living stipends
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: 3–6 weeks between June and August
Eligibility: North Carolina high school students ages 15–18
The Youth Conservation Crews program at Conservation Corps North Carolina is a hands-on environmental service experience where you work on conservation and land restoration projects across the state. You join a small crew led by trained leaders and take part in projects such as trail construction, invasive species removal, erosion control, and habitat restoration. Some crews operate as day programs, while others involve overnight camping at outdoor sites, including locations like Uwharrie National Forest. The work is physically active and field-based, giving you direct exposure to environmental management and conservation practices. Crews typically consist of 4–6 students working collaboratively on projects throughout the summer. Alongside practical conservation skills, you also build teamwork, leadership, and outdoor problem-solving experience.
Location: Alley Pond Park, Douglaston, NY
Cost: $200 participation fee (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Fall – August 1st | Spring – January 2nd | Summer – May 1st
Program Dates: Fall – Between Sept-Oct | Spring – March and April-May | Summer – June and July-August
Eligibility: High school students age 14+ currently enrolled in school
The Field Biology Internship at Alley Pond Environmental Center is a five-week environmental science program where you study urban ecosystems through hands-on field research. Working within one of New York City’s most biodiverse park systems, you conduct biodiversity surveys and help monitor aquatic habitats. The program introduces ecological research methods, including soil and water quality testing, species identification, and environmental sampling techniques. You also contribute to habitat restoration projects through activities such as native planting and invasive species removal. Throughout the internship, you learn how environmental scientists collect and interpret field data in urban settings. The experience combines ecological research with conservation work, helping you build practical field biology skills.
Location: Bronx, NY
Cost: Free; Interns receive a $750 summer stipend
Application Deadline: Late February
Program Dates: Summer: Late June – August | Fall: September – December
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors; preference for Bronx residents
The Bronx Zoo Project TRUE is an urban ecology research program where you study wildlife and environmental systems in New York City parks through field-based scientific work. During the summer, you collect and analyze environmental data while learning research methods developed in partnership with Fordham University. Your work may include tracking wildlife populations, conducting vegetation surveys, and testing water quality using standardized field protocols. The program emphasizes practical ecological research skills, data interpretation, and collaborative fieldwork. In the fall phase, the focus shifts toward presenting research findings and exploring environmental science careers through workshops and mentorship. You also gain experience communicating scientific information through presentations and discussions.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 15
Program Dates: Several weeks during the summer (varies by research group)
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least one year of high school and live within 25 driving miles of Stanford University
The Stanford Young Investigators Program at the Doerr School of Sustainability is a selective summer research experience where you work directly with Stanford scientists on environmental and Earth science projects. You are placed in a university research group and contribute to ongoing work in areas such as climate science, ocean systems, sustainable agriculture, planetary geology, or energy systems. The program emphasizes hands-on research, with you participating in lab activities, scientific analysis, and project discussions alongside researchers. You also attend seminars, field trips, and lab tours that introduce you to different areas of sustainability research and environmental science. Depending on your interests, you may join tracks focused on Earth and Planetary Sciences or Oceans and Earth Systems.
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Free (transportation not provided)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Program Dates: 4 to 8 weeks (typically July–August)
Eligibility: Local students in grades 9–11 with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science (TREES) program at the University of Pennsylvania is a six-week research experience focused on environmental science and public health. You work closely with a mentor while developing and carrying out an independent research project connected to environmental issues. The program combines laboratory training, field-based activities, and scientific workshops that introduce topics such as toxicology, environmental monitoring, and water quality analysis. You also participate in data collection exercises and field trips that help you understand how environmental research is conducted outside the classroom. Throughout the summer, you learn how to design experiments, analyze findings, and communicate scientific results effectively. The experience concludes with a formal presentation of your research project, giving you exposure to academic-style scientific communication and research practices.
Location: University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Cost: Starting $2,250 (includes housing and meals for residential students) and a non-refundable $50 application fee
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application recommended
Program Dates: July 12 – July 18
Eligibility: High school students, typically rising 10th–12th graders
The Earth and Environmental Sciences program at UConn Pre-College Summer introduces you to how scientists study the Earth’s systems, environmental change, and geologic history. Led by University of Connecticut faculty, the program combines classroom instruction with laboratory activities and field-based learning. You work with rock, soil, and water samples while learning techniques used in environmental science and geochemistry. The curriculum also introduces geologic mapping and methods for analyzing environmental data collected in the field. In addition to lab work, you participate in outdoor exploration activities and hear from university researchers through guest lectures and discussions.
Location: Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY
Cost: Tuition and housing charged; financial aid may be available
Application Deadline: Applications generally open early in the year
Program Dates: July 12 – July 25
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates
The Environmental Studies Summer Youth Institute (ESSYI) is a two-week interdisciplinary environmental studies program where you examine environmental challenges through science, policy, ethics, and economics. Hosted at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, the program allows you to earn college credit while participating in fieldwork, discussions, and collaborative research activities. You study environmental systems through hands-on experiences such as biodiversity surveys, sustainability simulations, and ecological work on and around Seneca Lake. The curriculum also includes topics related to environmental planning, conservation, and the relationship between communities and natural systems. Throughout the program, you work with faculty across disciplines and collaborate with peers on research-based projects and discussions. Site visits to farms, landfills, and ecological centers help connect classroom concepts to real environmental issues and management practices.
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: Free; housing, meals, and local transportation included during the in-person portion; limited travel scholarships available
Application Deadline: February 22
Program Dates: June–July (virtual research and mentorship followed by an on-site residency and symposium)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) program is a selective NASA-supported research internship hosted by the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research. The experience begins with virtual coursework and mentorship covering Earth science, Python programming, satellite data analysis, and research methods. You then join a research team working on projects connected to topics such as climate science, remote sensing, natural hazards, astronomy, or space geodesy. Throughout the program, you analyze NASA datasets, interpret scientific findings, and learn how researchers study Earth and space systems using computational and observational tools. Mentors guide you through project development, scientific reasoning, and research communication. You also present your findings during the final virtual science symposium, gaining exposure to how large-scale Earth and space science research is conducted.
Location: Online
Cost: $985 (need-based scholarships available; discounts for eligible students)
Application Deadline: Fall: September 1; Spring: January 19; Summer: May 11
Program Dates: Summer session begins after May 12; self-paced asynchronous format
Eligibility: Current high school students; recommended minimum 3.5 GPA and completion of at least two years of high school science, including biology
The Introduction to Environmental Science course at Washington University in St. Louis is an online summer program that examines environmental challenges through scientific and interdisciplinary perspectives. In this asynchronous course, you study topics such as climate change, energy systems, water resources, pollution, environmental toxicology, and population growth. The curriculum also explores how environmental issues connect to fields like public health, economics, sociology, and geography. Through recorded lectures, videos, readings, and weekly assignments, you build analytical and college-level scientific thinking skills while learning how environmental systems function. The self-paced format allows you to complete coursework independently while still having access to optional live office hours for guidance and support. Throughout the program, you work through real-world environmental questions and evaluate how scientific research informs environmental policy and decision-making.
Location: Brown University, Providence, RI (includes retreat in Dartmouth, MA)
Cost: Starting from $4,708
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until filled
Program Dates: June 21 to July 2; July 5 to July 16
Eligibility: Students completing grades 10–12 who are ages 16–18 by June 15
The Brown Environmental Leadership Lab (BELL) is a two-week residential program that combines environmental science, sustainability studies, and leadership development. Hosted by Brown University, the program explores topics such as climate change, environmental justice, conservation, and sustainability through lectures, workshops, discussions, and field experiences. You participate in hands-on environmental activities across Rhode Island while examining how science, policy, and community issues intersect. A major component of the program is the development of an Action Plan, where you design a project focused on addressing an environmental issue affecting your own community. The curriculum also emphasizes collaboration, communication, and problem-solving through group activities and project work. During the program, you attend an off-campus retreat at Round the Bend Farm, where you engage in outdoor learning and community-building activities with peers.
Location: Various research sites across North Carolina
Cost: Free through fellowship support
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the funding partner and fellowship
Program Dates: Varies by research project
Eligibility: High school students in the U.S.; some opportunities have regional or demographic eligibility requirements
Earthwatch Institute Student Fellowships are field-based environmental research experiences where you work directly with scientists studying ecosystems and climate-related challenges. Depending on the project, you may assist with collecting environmental samples, recording field observations, monitoring species, or analyzing ecological data. Research sites can include forests, wetlands, estuaries, and coastal ecosystems, giving you exposure to different environmental systems and conservation methods. Many fellowship projects focus on climate science topics such as carbon storage, biodiversity shifts, ecosystem resilience, and environmental change. You work alongside professional researchers while learning how field studies are designed, conducted, and interpreted. The program also introduces you to collaborative scientific work and environmental problem-solving in real research settings.
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are climate science opportunities for high school students?
Climate science opportunities for high school students are structured programs, internships, and research experiences that let you engage with real environmental questions through fieldwork, data analysis, and scientific mentorship. Topics range from aquatic ecosystem monitoring and coastal ecology to satellite data analysis, climate modeling, and environmental policy, depending on the program.
Do I need prior science experience to apply?
Most programs on this list do not require prior research or environmental science experience. Programs like SCA Internships, Conservation Corps North Carolina, Alley Pond Field Biology Internship, and RISE Environmentor are designed as introductory field experiences. More selective placements like Stanford Young Investigators and NASA SEES expect stronger academic preparation and typically require at least one year of high school science coursework.
Are there paid climate science opportunities for high school students?
Yes. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program provides a $3,000 stipend, RISE Environmentor offers up to $1,200, Bronx Zoo Project TRUE pays a $750 summer stipend, and Conservation Corps North Carolina provides weekly living stipends. NASA SEES includes housing, meals, and local transportation during its in-person residency. Several other programs are free with no associated cost.
Are there virtual or online climate science programs for high school students?
Yes. Washington University in St. Louis offers a fully asynchronous online Introduction to Environmental Science course accessible to students nationwide. NASA SEES begins with a virtual research and mentorship phase before transitioning to an in-person residency. The University of Chicago Young Innovators program includes virtual components. These options are especially useful for students outside major metro areas.
What types of fieldwork do these climate science programs include?
Fieldwork varies widely by program. You might conduct electrofishing surveys and habitat assessments through Hutton, biodiversity and water quality monitoring through Bronx Zoo Project TRUE, coastal ecology and marine pollution research through RISE Environmentor, or trail restoration and invasive species removal through Conservation Corps North Carolina and SCA. Stanford Young Investigators may involve lab-based climate data analysis or ocean systems research depending on your placement.
When should I apply to climate science opportunities for high school students?
Several programs have early deadlines. Hutton Junior Fisheries closes January 25, Bronx Zoo Project TRUE closes in late February, and NASA SEES closes February 22. Stanford Young Investigators closes March 15 and University of Chicago Young Innovators closes April 1. Conservation Corps North Carolina and SCA use rolling admissions. Brown BELL also accepts on a rolling basis until spots fill. Reviewing program eligibility in the fall and applying as early as possible, particularly for stipended and highly selective programs, is the most reliable strategy.
Image Source: Brown University