If you’re a high school student who loves science and doesn’t want that curiosity to pause just because summer ended, fall science programs are a great way to keep learning during the school year. These programs give you a chance to dive deeper into subjects like biology, physics, environmental science, and data analysis through real projects and hands-on work, without worrying about high costs.
Why choose a fall science program?
Fall programs let you learn at a more comfortable pace while still keeping things exciting. Instead of cramming everything into a few intense summer weeks, you can work on longer-term projects, develop stronger research skills, and really understand how science works in real labs and research settings. It’s a great balance between school and serious scientific exploration.
If you’re also curious about opportunities outside the school year, you might want to check out our full guide to science research programs for high school students here.
14 Free Fall Science Programs for High School Students
1. MITES Semester
Location: Virtual (with an in-person conference at MIT)
Cost/Stipend: None
Program Dates: 6 months from June to December
Application Deadline: November – February 1
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently in their junior year in high school
MITES Semester is a six-month, research-oriented STEM and college preparation program designed for students with strong academic curiosity. As a participant, you’ll take two advanced, project-based courses in fields like Machine Learning, Thermodynamics, or Astrophysics, along with a core course in areas such as Calculus, Physics, Computer Science, or Science Writing. The curriculum emphasizes analytical reasoning, scientific communication, and data-driven problem-solving. You’ll also attend weekly live sessions, mentor meetings, and virtual workshops that help you strengthen both technical and academic writing skills.
2. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Multiple Air Force Research Laboratory sites across the U.S.
Stipend: $501.60 per week
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year, including fall; Specific dates vary by project
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: U.S. high school students (16+)
In this program, you’ll spend time working directly with scientists and engineers on active STEM research projects at federal research sites. Your work can involve anything from aerospace engineering and satellite navigation to electromagnetics or environmental cleanup, depending on the location. You’ll also gain exposure to professional lab environments, receive mentorship from technical staff, and strengthen your research, analysis, and communication skills. Some sites additionally include opportunities related to STEM education or teaching, giving you a broader view of how scientific work is applied in real-world settings.
3. ASPIRE Internship Program at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)
Location: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), Laurel, MD; Hybrid + virtual options available
Cost/Stipend: None
Program Dates: June – August (Summer); September – May (Academic Year)
Application Deadline: January – February 15
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (15+) with a GPA of 2.8+; Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the Washington-Baltimore Metro area
At ASPIRE, you’ll collaborate directly with scientists and engineers at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory on real-world research in applied physics, data science, and engineering systems. You’ll be matched with a mentor and integrated into active APL projects, where you’ll work on tasks like running simulations, collecting and interpreting data, or assisting in lab-based experiments. Once you’ve completed the summer program, you’ll have the opportunity to continue into the academic-year program (but with your mentor’s agreement). You’ll also attend technical seminars and team briefings, learning how professional research teams communicate and solve problems.
4. MIT PRIMES USA
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Program Dates: Year-long
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: U.S. high school sophomores and juniors outside the Greater Boston area; Priority given to students with underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds
PRIMES-USA is a remote research program through MIT where you’ll engage in high-level mathematical research under expert mentorship. The year is structured into three phases: guided literature study in spring, independent or small-group research during summer, and a written paper and presentation in fall. You’ll learn to apply theoretical tools from algebra, number theory, or combinatorics, use LaTeX for academic writing, and follow a structured research workflow. The experience builds mathematical maturity, academic independence, and precision in problem formulation.
5. Los Alamos National Laboratory Internship
Location: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM
Stipend: $16.50/hour
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year (Varies by mentor assignment and project timeline)
Application Deadline: August 1 – September 30 (fall cohort)
Eligibility: New Mexico high school juniors (rising seniors at internship start) aged 16+; Must have a GPA of 2.75 or higher; Computer programming skills preferred
At LANL, you’ll work alongside research scientists and engineers on active projects connected to national security, physics, and advanced technology. As an intern, you’ll gain practical experience with lab instrumentation, coding for data modeling, and multidisciplinary problem-solving. Depending on your placement, you might analyze materials, test prototypes, or simulate experimental data. The program emphasizes technical skill development and professional research practices within a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
6. Textron Aviation Internships
Location: Primarily at Textron Aviation Headquarters, Wichita, KS
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Program Dates: September – November (part-time, weekdays)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Opens in June for the fall cohort
Eligibility: U.S. high school students (16+)
Textron Aviation’s high school internship offers a hands-on introduction to engineering, manufacturing, and aviation technology. You’ll work alongside professionals on real projects, using industry tools and processes to develop technical precision, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. You may also assist in design drafting, production analysis, IT systems support, or maintenance coordination. The experience emphasizes learning how large-scale engineering systems function, while regular mentorship and facility tours expose you to a variety of aviation careers and technical disciplines.
7. Bronx Zoo Project True Internship
Location: Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; $750 stipend or $16/hour via SYEP (if eligible); ~$350 stipend for Fall session
Program Dates: June – August (3 days/week) + Fall session on 14 Saturdays from September – December
Application Deadline: Early March
Eligibility: Bronx high school sophomores or juniors in good standing; Must be comfortable working indoors and outdoors
Project TRUE, funded by the National Science Foundation’s AISL program, immerses you in urban ecology research at the Bronx Zoo. Working alongside Fordham University researchers and WCS scientists, you’ll collect field data, analyze local biodiversity, and explore how urbanization impacts ecosystems. The program emphasizes experimental design, data management, and ecological observation methods. Over the summer and fall, you’ll collaborate on a team-based research project that culminates in a professional-style presentation, building skills in both environmental science and field-based inquiry.
8. Urban Barcode Research Program (UBRP)
Location: DNA Learning Center, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; $500 stipend
Program Dates: Lab training in August, followed by fall and year-round research
Application Deadline: May 27
Eligibility: NYC high school students in grades 9-12 (13+)
The Urban Barcode Research Program (UBRP) gives you a hands-on introduction to molecular biology and urban ecology. You will gain experience in using DNA barcoding techniques to identify local species, working in laboratories equipped with advanced biotechnology tools. Under mentorship from scientists, you’ll design and execute your own biodiversity research project, analyzing species from NYC’s parks, water systems, or urban environments. The program emphasizes molecular lab techniques, genetic analysis, and scientific writing, culminating in a final presentation at the Research Symposium.
9. Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP)
Location: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; $2,500 stipend
Program Dates: Summer institute: 4 weeks in August; Research phase: September – May; AMNH Colloquium: June
Application Deadline: Typically, March
Eligibility: Current 10th or 11th graders who have passed classes for the last three or more semesters and have attended an AMNH partner school or participated in a prior AMNH program
The AMNH Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) connects you with museum scientists for a year-long deep dive into authentic research. You’ll begin with a four-week summer institute exploring data science, AI, and machine learning, followed by hands-on lab work during the school year in disciplines like astrophysics, genetics, or anthropology. Through this experience, you’ll gain technical proficiency in Python, R, and data visualization, while learning to manage datasets, collaborate effectively, and communicate your findings. The program concludes with a formal presentation at the June Colloquium, where you’ll showcase your research to peers and mentors.
10. Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid
Program Dates: Multi-year & year-round program
Application Deadline: February 1 – April 1
Eligibility: SFUSD 9th-10th graders with a GPA of 2.5+ and at least a C in science and math; Must hold a valid work permit, commit 2-3 years through high school graduation, and be able to commute to the Academy and nearby locations
The Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program at the California Academy of Sciences offers a multi-year, research-based internship for San Francisco students interested in STEM careers. You’ll gain hands-on experience through lab work, environmental action projects, and mentorship from Academy scientists. Alongside your peers, you’ll design and lead public science activities, contribute to real research, and develop communication and leadership skills. Over time, you’ll progress from foundational training to advanced roles, deepening your understanding of ecology, conservation, and scientific inquiry while working directly within a world-class research institution.
11. BioBus Junior Scientist Internships
Location: LES Community Lab, Lower East Side, NYC; BioBase Harlem at Columbia University (Harlem programs)
Stipend: $16.50 per hour
Program Dates: July 7 – August 15 (summer); October 1 – June 15 (academic year)
Application Deadline: March 24
Eligibility: NYC 9th-11th graders attending school in the Lower East Side, Chinatown, Harlem, Washington Heights, or Inwood; Preference given to students from Harlem, Washington Heights, or Inwood for Harlem-based internships
BioBus, Inc. offers paid, research-based internships that connect high school students from underrepresented communities to hands-on science experiences. Depending on your location, you can join one of three tracks: the LES Junior Scientist Internship, the Harlem Women in STEM Internship, or the Harlem Junior Scientist Internship. Throughout the school year, you’ll design and conduct your own research project under the mentorship of BioBus scientists using professional-grade microscopes and lab tools. You’ll also help teach science lessons to younger students, building your communication and leadership skills.
12. Medicine Encompassed
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Program Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
Medicine Encompassed is a student-led, volunteer-based internship that allows you to explore the intersection of medicine, education, and research. As an intern, you’ll join one of 18 committees focusing on different areas of healthcare, taking on roles such as researcher, writer, or resource developer. You’ll help create educational materials—ranging from articles and study guides to outreach content—that promote accessibility and diversity in medical education. You can also contribute to Project Cultivation, an initiative designed to expand medical awareness among students. By the end of the internship, you’ll have collaboratively produced a collection of peer-created educational resources for use by aspiring medical learners.
13. America On Tech (AOT) Tex Flex Leaders
Location: Manhattan, Downtown LA, or Downtown Miami (hybrid)
Cost/Stipend: Free; $1,000 stipend
Program Dates: 9 months
Application Deadline: August 17
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors from public or charter schools in NYC (all boroughs), Los Angeles County, or Miami-Dade/Broward County
The Tech Flex Leaders (TFL) program by America on Tech is a 9-month STEM experience that builds your foundation in computer science and digital design. In the fall, you’ll learn front-end web development using HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap, creating and presenting projects at Demo Day. In the spring, you’ll specialize in a track such as data science, UX design, product management, or advanced web development. Beyond technical training, TFL emphasizes teamwork, client communication, and project pitching—skills critical for both tech careers and professional collaboration.
14. State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP)
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Academic Year Session: October – May
Application Deadline: October 1 – November 1
Eligibility: Students in grades 7-12 with an 80% grade average in science and math
S-PREP gives you structured academic support in math and science while helping you build long-term readiness for college and STEM careers. During both the summer and academic-year sessions, you’ll take courses in subjects like anatomy, biochemistry, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, psychology, and advanced math, along with test-prep options for the PSAT and SAT. The program also provides college counseling, career development workshops, and opportunities for field trips and campus tours, giving you a practical understanding of what it takes to pursue medical or STEM pathways. You can continue in the program across multiple years, allowing you to strengthen your skills progressively and stay on track for competitive STEM majors.
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!
Image source – Columbia University