TL;DR:
Want to study physics outside the classroom this fall? These 13 programs include free research opportunities, paid internships, national laboratory programs, and university-level online courses. Some focus on hands-on research and mentorship, while others offer advanced coursework in areas such as mechanics, astrophysics, and engineering. If you want a more independent research experience, Horizon Academic Research Program lets you work one-on-one with a professor or PhD mentor on your own research question and produce a college-level research paper.
If you’re used to learning physics from textbooks and problem sets, a fall program can show you what the subject looks like in practice. You might work with scientists, visit a research facility, use laboratory equipment, study astrophysics, or take a university-level course that goes well beyond your regular classes. The academic requirements vary too, with some programs requiring calculus or previous physics coursework and others accepting beginners. Here are 13 options to help you compare them!
If physics research is what interests you most, you can also explore these free online research programs for high school students for additional options.
Do you need calculus for these physics programs?
The math requirement varies considerably across this list. Some programs do not specify a particular mathematics prerequisite, while others are explicitly built around algebra-based physics or require calculus and more advanced mathematics.
| Program | Math level required | Physics prerequisite | Format |
| Harvard-Smithsonian Science Research Mentoring Program | None specified | None | In person /hybrid |
| Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics | Calculus-based | Advanced physics required for upper-level courses | Virtual |
| Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program | None specified | None | In person |
| The New York Academy of Sciences Junior Academy | None specified | None | Virtual |
| Fermilab Saturday Morning Physics | Algebra helpful, not required | Physics helpful, not required | In person |
| Horizon Academic Research Program | None specified | Track-specific | Virtual |
| Textron Aviation High School Internships | None specified | None specified | In person |
| NASA International Space Apps Challenge | None specified | None specified | In person / virtual |
| Sandia National Laboratories Internships | None specified | None | In person |
| Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program | None specified | None specified | In person / virtual |
| Northwestern Online AP Physics C | Calculus-based | Course-specific | Virtual |
| Northwestern Online AP Physics I | Algebra-based | Course-specific | Virtual |
| Northwestern Pre-College Engineering | None specified | None | Virtual |
If you are specifically looking for advanced physics, check the prerequisites before applying. Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics lists calculus and advanced physics prerequisites for several of its physics courses, while Fermilab Saturday Morning Physics says prior physics and algebra are helpful but not required.
Which fall physics programs take place at a national lab or research facility?
Several programs on this list give you access to a real research environment rather than a standard online classroom. You can work alongside scientists and engineers, visit major research facilities, or take part in projects connected to astrophysics, particle physics, aerospace, engineering, and physical sciences.
13 Fall Physics Programs for High School Students
1. Harvard-Smithsonian Science Research Mentoring Program
Location: Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA), Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free; students receive a stipend
Program Dates: September–May
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students enrolled at Cambridge Rindge & Latin School (CRLS)
The Harvard-Smithsonian Science Research Mentoring Program is a year-long astrophysics research experience for students at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. You work with a mentor on an independent project using astronomical data, learn how researchers analyze evidence, and present your results at the end of the program. The program includes weekly meetings, monthly advisory sessions, and in-person and/or virtual mentoring.
Who is it right for? You are a CRLS student who wants sustained astrophysics research with a professional mentor.
2. Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program
Location: AFRL locations across the U.S.
Cost: Free; high school scholars receive a stipend, with rates varying by location
Program Dates: Vary by location and project
Application Deadline: January 11
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are at least 16 years old by the application deadline; applicants must be enrolled or accepted at an educational institution, be in good academic standing, and be available to work 40 hours per week. A GPA of 3.0/4.0 is highly encouraged but not required.
The Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program places students alongside AFRL scientists and engineers on research projects. Depending on the placement, you may work with experimental control, data acquisition, modeling, programming, or other technical research tools.
Who is it right for? You want paid research experience in a professional laboratory environment and can meet the program’s placement requirements.
3. Fermilab Saturday Morning Physics
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL, with three off-site lectures at the University of Chicago, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, and Northwestern University
Cost: Free
Program Dates: September 12–November 21
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12; prior physics and algebra coursework is helpful but not required
Fermilab Saturday Morning Physics gives you 11 sessions covering modern physics topics such as particle physics and quantum computing. The program combines lectures with tours, panels, and exposure to the work carried out at Fermilab.
Who is it right for? You want to learn modern physics directly from researchers at a major particle physics laboratory.
4. Sandia National Laboratories Internships
Location: Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, or Livermore, CA
Cost: Free; interns are paid hourly
Program Dates: Year-round; summer internships typically run 10–12 weeks, while year-round internships are available part-time during the academic year
Application Deadline: Apply at least three months before your desired start date
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old and enrolled full-time; a minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA is required for R&D, Technical, and Business positions, while a 2.5/4.0 GPA is required for Clerical or Laborer positions
Sandia National Laboratories offers student internships connected to research, engineering, technology, and physical sciences. High school interns are paid hourly, and available positions can involve areas such as technical research, engineering, modeling, and laboratory work. Exact responsibilities and requirements depend on the individual position.
Who is it right for? You want paid experience working alongside scientists and engineers at a national laboratory.
5. Horizon Academic Research Program – Physics Tracks
Location: Virtual
Cost: Financial aid available
Program Dates: Multiple 10–16-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 3.67/4.0; some tracks have additional prerequisites
At the Horizon Academic Research Program, you spend a trimester conducting independent research under the guidance of a professor or PhD researcher. The physics track can cover areas such as fluid dynamics, with projects using quantitative or qualitative methods. You develop a research paper while building skills in academic writing, data analysis, and critical thinking, and receive detailed feedback from your mentor.
Who is it right for? You want a structured virtual research experience that results in a substantial independent research project.
6. Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program
Location: ASDRP research facilities in Fremont, CA; students outside the Bay Area may conduct research virtually
Cost: $1,070 per semester; partial and full financial aid is available
Program Dates: September 1–January 15
Application Deadline: August 15 for Fall research positions; July 1 is the priority deadline
Eligibility: Students entering or currently enrolled in grades 9–12; applications are open to students in the Bay Area, other U.S. states, and internationally
The Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program lets you design and execute original research projects in areas including physics, astrophysics, materials science, biotechnology, and machine learning. You work with scientists and engineers and can participate in evening or weekend research sessions. The program also includes research training, peer-review exercises, and opportunities to develop papers from your work.
Who is it right for? You want a longer research experience where you can develop and investigate your own scientific question.
7. Textron Aviation High School Internship Opportunities
Location: Wichita, KS; internships outside Wichita may also be available
Cost: Free; paid, part-time internships
Program Dates: Year-round; Summer, Fall, and Spring opportunities are available
Application Deadline: Varies based on business needs; Fall applications open in June
Eligibility: High school students ages 16 and older
Textron Aviation offers paid, part-time high school internships connected to the aviation industry. Depending on the role, you may work around aircraft, engineering, manufacturing, information technology, or other business operations. The experience shows how physics principles such as force, motion, energy, and aerodynamics are applied in aviation.
Who is it right for? You want to see how physics connects to aircraft and engineering in a workplace setting.
8. NASA International Space Apps Challenge
Location: Multiple locations worldwide, with both in-person and virtual participation available
Cost: Free
Program Dates: November 14–15
Application Deadline: November 15, when the hackathon closes
Eligibility: Open to participants of all ages, skill levels, and professional backgrounds, including high school students
The NASA International Space Apps Challenge is a two-day global hackathon where you can team up to solve challenges using NASA data. You can join physics-related challenges such as training AI/ML models to identify exoplanets, designing sustainable approaches for commercial activity in low Earth orbit, or building simulations to model asteroid impacts. Throughout the competition, you’ll analyze datasets, develop computational tools, and apply physics concepts to real-world problems.
Who is it right for? You want a short, collaborative way to apply physics and computational skills to real scientific datasets.
9. The New York Academy of Sciences Junior Academy
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Fall Challenges run from mid-September to mid-November
Application Deadline: July 9
Eligibility: Students ages 13–17 with a strong level of English proficiency
The New York Academy of Sciences Junior Academy lets you work with other students on virtual STEM challenges. Physics-related projects can involve computational modeling, energy infrastructure, data analysis, and technology. You work through research, ideation, testing, analysis, and presentation with guidance from mentors.
Who is it right for? You want free, collaborative physics-related project work without needing to travel to a laboratory.
10. Northwestern Online Advanced Placement – AP Physics C: Mechanics
Location: Virtual
Cost: $925 for a 1-credit course; need-based financial aid is available
Program Dates: September 9 – January 13
Application Deadline: September 17 for late-start applications; rolling enrollment is available before then
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12; prerequisites vary by course, so check the specific AP Physics C: Mechanics course requirements
Northwestern Online Advanced Placement offers AP Physics C: Mechanics as a flexible online course for students who want calculus-based physics. You study topics including kinematics, Newton’s laws, energy, momentum, rotation, and gravitation. The course uses problem sets, virtual learning activities, and instructor sessions to prepare you for advanced physics work.
Who is it right for? You want an advanced, calculus-based physics course that fits into a flexible online schedule.
11. Northwestern Online Advanced Placement – AP Physics I: Algebra-Based
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,550 for 2 credits; need-based financial aid is available
Program Dates: September 9 – May 19
Application Deadline: September 17 for late-start applications; rolling enrollment is available before then
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12; prerequisites vary by course
Northwestern Online Advanced Placement also offers AP Physics I: Algebra-Based for students who want to study introductory physics without the calculus requirement of Physics C. You cover mechanics, energy, momentum, rotational motion, and simple harmonic motion through simulations, problem sets, and at-home experiments.
Who is it right for? You want an algebra-based AP physics course with experiments and structured online coursework.
12. Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,700 per course + $35 application fee; limited need-based financial aid is available
Program Dates: August 31–December 18
Application Deadline: July 27
Eligibility: High school students; prerequisites vary by course
Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics offers advanced university-level physics courses such as Light and Heat, Modern Physics, and Intermediate Mechanics. The prerequisite structure can require calculus, advanced physics, differential equations, or other higher-level mathematics depending on the course. Students typically spend several hours each week on coursework and receive Stanford Continuing Studies credit.
Who is it right for? You already have a strong physics and mathematics background and want university-level material.
13. Northwestern Pre-College Online Program – Engineering: Solving Problems Through Design
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,895 per course; need-based scholarships are available
Program Dates: Year-round; 1-, 2-, and 4-week sessions are available. The next listed Engineering session begins October 4
Application Deadline: Varies by session; applications are accepted for available course sessions
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and older who are currently enrolled in high school or are within one year of graduating high school; students must not be enrolled in college
The Northwestern Pre-College Online Program course in engineering uses real-world case studies to explore how engineers apply science to design problems. You examine concepts including force, motion, energy transfer, and material properties, then use measurements, prototyping, and testing to develop a solution. The course ends with a capstone project.
Who is it right for? You are interested in the connection between physics, engineering design, and practical problem-solving.
Which fall physics programs are free or paid internships?
The financial structure varies sharply across this list. Some research programs are free and provide a stipend or hourly pay, while university and pre-college courses charge tuition.
For paid internships, the exact compensation can depend on location, position, or academic status. For example, Sandia National Laboratories confirms that high school interns are paid hourly, while Textron Aviation describes its high school internships as paid and part-time.
What should you look for before applying?
Check the prerequisites first
Physics programs can differ dramatically in academic preparation. Before applying, check whether you need algebra, calculus, previous physics courses, or other prerequisites. This matters particularly for university-level courses.
Decide whether you want research or coursework.
A course can give you structured instruction and help you build advanced subject knowledge. A research program is different because you may work with data, develop a research question, conduct experiments, or produce a research paper.
If you are interested in the research side, this guide to the key components of a high school research paper can help you understand what a substantial research project can include.
Look beyond the advertised tuition
A free program may still involve transportation or other personal expenses, while paid programs can offer financial aid. Compare the total cost and check whether the program provides a stipend, hourly pay, scholarships, or need-based aid.
You can also explore these free online research programs for high school students if keeping costs low is important.
Check the time commitment
A two-day hackathon is very different from a year-long research program or a part-time internship during the academic year. Look at weekly hours, meeting schedules, travel requirements, and whether the program can realistically fit around school.
If you are comparing remote and campus-based research opportunities, this guide to online and in-person research programs can help you compare the formats.
If you eventually want to turn your work into a research paper, you can also read about how to publish research in high school.
One more physics research option
If you want a selective virtual research experience where you can work on a physics-related question with mentorship and develop a substantial research paper, explore the Horizon Academic Research Program.
Fall physics details students often check
It depends on the course. Some options use algebra-based physics or do not specify a calculus prerequisite, while advanced university-level physics courses can require calculus and additional mathematics.
Both types are available. Some options involve independent research, laboratory exposure, internships, or scientific projects, while others focus primarily on structured physics coursework and problem-solving.
It depends on the program. Some research internships and laboratory opportunities are free and may provide stipends or hourly pay, while university and pre-college courses generally charge tuition, with financial aid available for some options.
No. Several options are fully virtual, while others require you to participate at a specific research facility or workplace. If you want a selective virtual research experience with long-term mentorship and a substantial research paper, the Horizon Academic Research Program is another option.
Image source: Northwester University