Natural sciences cover subjects that focus on how the physical world works, including biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, astronomy, geology, etc. If you are a high school student interested in scientific research, lab work, or data-driven problem solving, participating in a structured research or enrichment program can help you explore these fields beyond your school curriculum.
Many natural sciences programs for high school students give you access to university labs, field research stations, hospitals, museums, or research institutes where you can work with scientists and graduate researchers. In this blog, we have rounded up 15 free natural sciences programs for high school students that offer research exposure, hands-on experience, and field-based scientific training across multiple areas of natural science.
Because these opportunities are fully funded, free natural sciences programs for high school students can also make advanced STEM learning more accessible. Some programs on this list additionally provide stipends, transportation support, or research funding.
Why Should I Participate in a Free Natural Sciences Program?
Free natural sciences programs for high school students are usually centered around experimental research, scientific analysis, and technical lab or field methods. You may participate in activities such as DNA extraction, PCR amplification, microscopy, water chemistry analysis, animal behavior observation, biodiversity surveys, or computational data analysis using Excel, R, or beginner-level Python.
In biology and biomedical science programs, you might work with cell cultures, sequencing workflows, bioinformatics platforms, or neuroscience experiments. Environmental science and ecology programs often include field sampling, GIS mapping, fisheries surveys, conservation monitoring, and species identification. In chemistry and materials science programs, you may use spectroscopy tools, study polymers or nanomaterials, and observe laboratory instrumentation used in university research settings. Many also introduce you to core research practices such as reading scientific literature, maintaining lab notebooks, interpreting experimental results, and presenting findings through technical reports or research posters. Some programs conclude with symposiums or poster presentations where you share your work with mentors, faculty, or other participants.
If you want to explore related opportunities, you can also check out our blogs on free biology summer programs for high school students here and free summer science research programs for high school students here.
1. Malott Family Research Apprenticeship Program
Location: Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free | Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 22–August 7 | Orientation is held on June 6
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders and college freshmen living in Chicago who are 16–18 years old by June 7 and authorized to work in the United States
Lincoln Park Zoo’s Malott Family Research Apprenticeship Program is a seven-week summer program where you are matched with a mentor from one of the zoo’s five science centers and complete an animal-focused research project. Your work may involve observing animals at the zoo or in natural habitats, which will help you gain hands-on experience in field and computational conservation research. You’ll learn about careers in natural science and build analytical and communication skills. You’ll also present your work at a poster session for family, friends, and the zoo community. Recent apprentices have worked with the Urban Wildlife Institute and the Population Management Center. Past projects have explored topics like biodiversity at the Nature Boardwalk, marmoset litter size and survival, and bat activity near roads and waterways.
2. Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace
Location: Virtual and in person at Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students earn a stipend of $2,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 15 students
Dates: February 25–May 21 (Spring Session) | July 6–August 14 (Summer Session) | Students must attend both sessions and an orientation on February 20
Application Deadline: January 5
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old and attend a New York City public or charter school within a 45-minute commute to Genspace
The Biorocket Research Internship Program gives you six months of hands-on experience in genetic engineering and lab biology. You’ll work with a team of high school students on group and individual projects guided by scientist mentors. You’ll learn about DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, and genetic modification to understand the complete research process. You’ll use advanced equipment to build lab and analytical skills, visit labs and biotech companies around the city, and receive career guidance from mentors. You’ll also practice presenting your work to improve your science communication skills. By the end of the program, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of research processes, biotechnology, and the ethical use of these technologies. You can check out past projects here.
3. Mayo Clinic’s Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK)
Location: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive | Selection depends on mentor availability at the Mayo Clinic
Dates: June 2–December 3
Application Deadline: December 31
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors attending school in Duval County or St. Johns County, Florida, with a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA
The SPARK Research Mentorship Program gives you hands-on experience in biomedical sciences. You’ll work in a mentor’s lab for at least 25 hours a week during the summer, with additional time during the school year. You’ll choose a research area during the application process from options such as biochemistry and molecular biology, neuroscience, epidemiology, immunology, drug development, cancer biology, artificial intelligence, and regenerative sciences. You’ll take part in one-on-one mentor sessions, lab meetings, and a weekly Lunch and Learn series. You’ll also complete a competitive research project for science fairs, present it through an oral presentation and final poster, and may earn regional or state awards.
4. University of Delaware’s FORGES Summer Program
Location: UD Center for Hybrid, Active, and Responsive Materials (UD CHARM), Newark, DE
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students earn a stipend of $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 22–26
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents
The FORGES Program at the University of Delaware CHARM is a one-week summer program that introduces you to STEM careers and education pathways. It is developed with industry partners and departments from the College of Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences. Each day includes lab tours, workshops, and conversations with graduate students, faculty, and undergraduates in areas like biological sciences, materials science, chemical and biomolecular engineering, etc. You’ll explore topics not usually covered in high school, gain experience in university labs, and build connections for future studies and careers. Activities in materials science and engineering will also introduce you to physics concepts as you work with scientists studying thermodynamics, mechanics, and electromagnetism.
5. DNA Learning Center Urban Barcode Research Program
Location: DNA Learning Center, New York City College of Technology, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students earn a stipend of $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 36 students
Dates: Lab training runs for two weeks from August 24–28 and August 31–September 4, with additional workshops during the school year | The Student Symposium is held on May 18
Application Deadline: May 26
Eligibility: NYC high school students in grades 9–12 who are at least 13 years old
The Urban Barcode Research Program at New York City College of Technology allows you to do hands-on lab research during the school year by designing a DNA barcoding project focused on biodiversity and human impact. You are matched with a scientist mentor to set a schedule and plan your project. Before starting lab work, you’ll complete training in biodiversity, conservation biology, research methods, and basic lab skills. Your work can include DNA extraction, sequence analysis, amplification, field sampling, and proposal writing. You’ll complete at least 55 hours of research and present your results at a spring symposium. You’ll also gain experience in species identification, biodiversity studies, and conservation research.
6. Stanford University’s Inspiring Future Scientists through Shadowing (IFSS) Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohort size
Dates: June 15–26
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old by the program’s start and live and attend school, or are homeschooled in Alameda, San Francisco, Santa Clara, or San Mateo counties near Stanford University
The Stanford IFSS Program allows you to explore advanced chemical research through a two-week experience designed to expand access to hands-on science opportunities. Instead of focusing on one project, you’ll shadow multiple researchers and see a range of research activities across the field. You’ll interact with graduate students from the chemistry department and learn about different scientific topics, methods, and techniques. During the program, you’ll use various instruments, practice experimental techniques, develop practical lab skills, and understand the chemistry behind each experiment. Working across different labs and projects will help you gain a broader view of how chemical research works and how scientists approach problems in real research settings.
7. Summer Student Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students earn $1,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 2% | 20 students
Dates: June 29–August 21
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 14 years old by June, live within 25 miles of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, are authorized to work in the United States, and have a minimum 3.5 GPA in science courses
Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Summer Student Program (SSP) is an eight-week biomedical research program. You’ll work in a biomedical or computational research lab on a self-directed project connected to ongoing cancer research. Research areas include cancer biology, genomics, immunology, pharmacology, structural biology, imaging, and computational biology. Depending on your placement, you may assist with molecular biology workflows, analyze sequencing datasets, work with imaging systems, or study computational cancer data. The program also includes laboratory meetings, translational medicine seminars, and a final poster presentation.
8. ASPIRE by Johns Hopkins University
Location: Virtual or in person at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, Laurel, MD
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Less than 10%
Dates: Summer session: June 23–August 21 | Academic-year session: September 15–May | Juniors must complete at least 80 hours, and seniors must complete at least 130 hours
Application Deadline: February 15 | Participation can continue during the school year with mentor approval and does not require a separate application
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are at least 15 years old by June 1, live in designated Maryland counties, and have a minimum GPA of 2.8
Johns Hopkins University’s ASPIRE program gives you the chance to explore STEM careers through hands-on projects with mentors from the Applied Physics Laboratory. When applying, you must list areas of interest from options such as physical science, biology, environmental, earth, and life sciences, aerospace engineering, or data analysis, as well as up to three project types, such as research, social impact, lab work, or public relations. Mentors and projects are assigned by the program. If you are interested in natural sciences, you can work in biological and chemical sciences researching viruses, vaccines, and biotechnology; in physics and materials science studying telescopes, weather, energy, and particles; or in space science designing missions and researching topics such as radiation effects.
9. SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station Internships
Location: SUNY Oneonta campus, Buffalo, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students must arrange their own housing | High school interns earn a stipend of $3,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective | Only 1–3 spots are available for high school students, out of which at least one is reserved for a student from Otsego County, New York
Dates: 8 weeks between late May and August
Application Deadline: March 18 (high school students)
Eligibility: High school students who are New York State residents and are at least 16 years old by June 20
SUNY Oneonta offers an eight-week summer research internship for local students interested in field biology. You’ll work in the BFS central lab, either supporting faculty and staff projects or developing your own study. Your schedule can change based on project needs. You’ll spend time on your research and also help with tasks such as fisheries surveys, plant surveys, and water sampling. Lab work includes dissecting fish, testing water chemistry, analyzing data, writing, and identifying zooplankton. Each week, you’ll also attend seminars on local watershed hydrology and the ecology of Otsego Lake. At the end of the program, you’ll give a 10–20 minute presentation, create a large-format poster explaining your project and results, and submit a technical report. You can read past intern publications here.
10. Florida International University’s Summer Research Internship
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 28 students
Dates: June 12–August 7
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: South Florida high school juniors, accepted FIU transfer students, and graduated seniors committed to FIU who are at least 16 years old by the program’s start and have a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA
Florida International University’s eight-week Summer Research Internship gives you a chance to learn about cardiovascular health and gain hands-on research experience. You’ll complete research work for at least 15 hours each week with a faculty mentor. You’ll attend curriculum sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, including journal clubs, case studies, and workshops. Before the program starts, you’ll finish five online safety trainings, submit HR paperwork, get matched with a mentor, and enroll in an internship course. You’ll also attend weekly workshops, join intern meetings, and build skills in writing, analysis, and presentation. At the program’s end, you’ll submit a research abstract and give a PowerPoint presentation. The top presenters earn awards and invitations to the MARC U STAR symposium.
11. Rockefeller University’s Summer Neuroscience Program (SNP)
Location: Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20 students
Dates: August 10–21
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students who attend a New York City public school and are at least 16 years old by the program’s start
The Summer Neuroscience Program is a two-week experience for NYC public high school students interested in how the brain works and how it connects to everyday life. Led by graduate students at Rockefeller University, it gives you space to explore your own ideas and work with a mentor and partner to design a neuroscience experiment. You’ll read and present a scientific paper, attend interactive lectures, and take part in hands-on activities like dissecting a sheep brain and a cow eye to study key structures. In small group sessions, you’ll analyze research articles with help from your mentor. You’ll also learn about experimental animals, tour labs and facilities, and present your work at the end of each week.
12. University of Delaware’s HighRise Materials Laboratory Experiences for High Schoolers
Location: UD Center for Hybrid, Active, and Responsive Materials (UD CHARM), Newark, DE
Cost/Stipend: Free | Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Less than 10 students are selected each year
Dates: July 6–17
Application Deadline: Students are selected through partner organizations rather than open enrollment
Eligibility: Current local high school sophomores or juniors who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents
The HighRise Materials Laboratory program at the University of Delaware CHARM is a two-week summer lab experience that introduces you to materials science through hands-on work. You’ll rotate through soft and hard materials labs and study topics like semiconductors, nanomaterials, polymers, and other advanced materials. You’ll work with graduate students, faculty, and undergraduates, gain early experience in a university research lab, and learn about STEM careers. The program also helps you build professional connections and get guidance for future studies. You’ll learn physics concepts such as nanomaterials at the atomic and molecular scales, semiconductor properties, the behavior of soft materials like polymers, and the behavior of stronger structural materials used in engineering.
13. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: All 50 U.S. states, including New York, along with opportunities in Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students earn a stipend of $3,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 8 weeks between June and August | The internship schedule is flexible and fixed by the mentor and the student
Application Deadline: January 25
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old by the internship start date
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week internship offered by the American Fisheries Society, where you’ll gain hands-on experience in fisheries biology, habitat restoration, conservation, and management. Before starting, you and your mentor set the schedule, dates, and any additional field locations. You are paired with a professional mentor and placed at a site within about 45 minutes of your home. You’ll work about 32 hours per week or more. Projects may focus on biodiversity, toxicology, ecosystem health, fisheries management, aquatic populations, habitats, physiology, or socioeconomics. Depending on the site, you may work outdoors, in labs, on boats, or in offices, and complete tasks like fish surveys, water testing, electrofishing, specimen handling, restoration, snorkeling, data work, education, and overnight trips.
14. Texas Tech Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University Honors College, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee | Students earn a stipend of $750
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 12 students
Dates: June 21–August 6
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors graduating this year or next who are at least 17 years old at the program’s start and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Texas Tech’s Anson L Clark Scholars Program is a seven-week research program where you complete a hands-on project and work one-on-one with a faculty mentor. If you are interested in the natural sciences, you can explore fields such as biology, cancer biology, chemistry, cellular and microbiology, and physics, as well as related areas such as computer science and engineering. You’ll also take part in field trips, weekly discussions, seminars, and social activities that introduce you to college-level research and campus life. Past projects have included topics like predation and eDNA detection, synthesis of chemical compounds for sensors, selection in bacterial genes, pulsars as gravitational-wave detectors, and how PYY affects food intake and feeding behavior in frogs. More past project examples are available here.
15. Rockefeller University’s Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Location: RockEDU Science Outreach Laboratory, Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | An OMNY card or MetroCard for NYC transit is provided | Need-based travel stipends are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 32 students
Dates: June 22–August 6
Application Deadline: January 2
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old by the program start
The Summer Science Research Program at Rockefeller University allows you to work on team-based research in fields like cancer biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, genetics, immunology, cell biology, and computational biology. You are placed in a team of 8–10 students and guided by one to three lead mentors and other scientists, similar to a real research lab. Mentors are matched according to your team’s shared interests. You’ll work with trainees from Weill Cornell Medicine, Rockefeller, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and use dedicated RockEDU lab space and equipment. You’ll develop a research question, collect and analyze data, learn lab skills, and present your project at a final symposium. You’ll also attend guest talks, workshops, electives, and social and networking events.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you want to work on an independent research project in areas like astronomy, environmental science, planetary science, or biology, 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 Rockefeller University