For high school students eager to dive into research, mentorship programs are an excellent way to gain hands-on experience and develop specialized skills. These programs, led by field experts, provide a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge fields such as AI, biomedical sciences, physics, and social sciences.
These programs go beyond theoretical learning, offering hands-on projects that expose students to the practical aspects of research. From collaborating with professionals to presenting your findings, these experiences not only strengthen your academic abilities but also provide a glimpse into future career paths in scientific research and innovation.
Below is a curated list of 11 free research mentorship programs that offer invaluable guidance and skill-building for the current academic year. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
11 Free Research Mentorship Programs for High School Students
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Cost: Offers 100% financial aid
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Subject Areas: Environmental Health and Engineering, Behavioral Economics, Psychology, International Relations, Theoretical Mathematics, Cybersecurity, Machine Learning and Social Media, and Neurosciences.
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with GPA higher than 3.6.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research, you’ll be paired with a professor or PhD scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields under the guidance of a top scholar.
2. Harvard Science Program Research Mentorship (SRMP)
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February
Program Dates: September to May
Subject Areas: Physics, Astrophysics, Computational Sciences
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors of Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (CRLS) interested in scientific research.
The SRMP is a year-long astrophysics research project offered to high school students through a collaboration between the Harvard College Observatory and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (CfA). The program allows you to work on an independent research project under the guidance of experienced astrophysicists. You will develop skills in research, critical thinking, and scientific communication while gaining access to the resources and expertise of one of the world’s leading astrophysics institutions. The program runs from September to May, requiring two weekly 2-hour meetings and monthly advisory sessions. You will conclude the program by presenting your findings at a symposium.
The SRMP is a competitive program, selecting only 10-16 students each year. While it is exclusive to students at Cambridge Rindge & Latin School, it offers valuable mentorship and networking opportunities. Participants receive a stipend funded by the City of Cambridge, making it accessible to all students.
3. Veritas AI – AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Cost: Financial aid is available.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple Cohorts (Summer, Spring, and Winter).
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, AI in Finance and AI in Medicine.
Eligibility: High school students with basic programming knowledge.
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI with a suitable environment in which to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. The AI Fellowship program will allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. You can find examples of previous projects here.
4. Stanford SHTEM Research Program
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 23.
Program Dates: June 17 to August 9
Subject Areas: Engineering, Biology, Neuroscience, Computer Science, Technology, Arts, Linguistics, Psychology, and Philosophy.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors. Must be 14 or over by June 17.
Stanford’s SHTEM (Science, Humanities, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program offers you the chance to work on research and hands-on projects in science, humanities, technology, engineering, and mathematics (SHTEM). Organized by the Stanford Compression Forum, the program provides early exposure to research and examines the connection between humanities and STEM disciplines.
Throughout the program, you will work on a research project from start to finish, with guidance from Stanford mentors. This opportunity allows you to develop valuable research, problem-solving, and collaboration skills while exploring your academic interests in both STEM and humanities fields.
5. California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 7
Program Dates: Yet to be declared
Subject Areas: STEM (Mathematics, Physics, Engineering)
Eligibility: High school students in California with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
COSMOS is a competitive four-week summer residential program for high school students interested in STEM fields. It offers the chance to work with renowned faculty and researchers at one of five University of California campuses—UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles, UC San Diego, or UC Santa Cruz. Students will explore advanced STEM topics beyond what is typically offered in high school, engaging in hands-on, lab-intensive learning.
Throughout the program, you’ll work in state-of-the-art facilities, using cutting-edge tools to deepen your skills and knowledge in areas such as calculus, robotics, and more. The curriculum is designed to foster your interest in STEM and provide insight into future academic and career options. The program is highly selective, with a typical student GPA of 3.5 or higher. If in-person instruction is not possible due to unforeseen circumstances, COSMOS may switch to a remote format to ensure completion of the program.
6. MIT THINK Scholars Program
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: January 1
Program Dates: February to June
Subject Areas: Technology, Engineering, Environmental Science
Eligibility: Open to all high school students, grades 9-12.
MIT THINK program allows students to explore independent research projects, with mentorship provided by MIT undergraduates. Unlike most science competitions that require students to have completed a project, MIT THINK supports students who have researched a potential project and are looking for additional guidance in its early stages. To apply, you will submit a written research proposal outlining a novel idea in science, technology, or engineering. Finalists will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to MIT, mentorship, and funding to implement their projects in the spring of the same year. These finalists will be designated MIT THINK Scholars upon successful completion of their projects in May.
The competition is highly selective, with only six finalists chosen each year. Winners receive special benefits, including a one-time budget of up to $1,000 to implement their project and weekly mentorship meetings with MIT student mentors. Becoming a finalist significantly boosts your college application, demonstrating your ability to conceptualize, execute, and complete an ambitious project.
7. UCLA Pre-Med Summer Scholars Program
Cost: $1200, Financial aid available
Application Deadline: March 29
Program Dates: June 17 to 21
Subject Areas: Medicine, Psychology, Public Health, Robotics, Simulated birth with OB, Suturing, CPR training.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old when joining the program and US citizens.
The Pre-Med Summer Scholar Program offers you an immersive experience in the medical field, featuring guest speakers and hands-on activities designed to give you a deeper understanding of medical practices. You’ll be exposed to a range of medical professions, helping you make an informed decision about your future career in medicine. This is not a “summer camp” program, and housing and parking accommodations are not provided.
Past curriculum highlights include robotics, simulated childbirth with OB, ultrasound and imaging lessons, suturing sessions, physician Q&A, and CPR training. The program is open to U.S. high school students who are citizens and passionate about exploring careers in medicine.
8. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)
Cost: 100% Financial aid available for eligible students
Application Deadline: Applications are open now, the deadline is yet to be declared
Program Dates: Sessions available in June, July, and August
Subject Areas: Interdisciplinary studies across Politics, STEM, Literature, and Global Issues
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores and juniors from around the world
Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) is an academic program for high school students from around the world. Each summer, students from over 150 countries and all 50 U.S. states come together for a two-week interdisciplinary session at Yale’s historic campus. You can explore topics in politics, economics, technology, and the humanities, with guidance from Yale faculty and expert mentors.
With guidance from Yale faculty and expert mentors, you will focus on collaborative learning and critical thinking, developing analytical skills and interdisciplinary perspectives.
9. Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Applications start and the deadline will be declared soon.
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Subject Areas: STEM fields including Physics, Computer Science, and Biology
Eligibility: High school juniors who are citizens of the US and at least 16 at the start of the program.
The Simons Summer Research Program offers you the chance to engage in hands-on research in science, math, or engineering at Stony Brook University. As a Simons Fellow, you will work closely with distinguished faculty mentors, learn laboratory techniques, and become part of active research teams. You will be matched with a faculty mentor, join a research group, and take responsibility for a project, culminating in a written research abstract and a research poster.
In addition to developing valuable skills, you will experience life at a major research university. The program includes weekly faculty research talks, workshops, tours, and special events. At the end of the program, you will present your work at a closing poster symposium and receive a stipend award.
10. National Institute of Health (NIH) High School Scientific Training & Enrichment Program (HiSTEP)
Cost: Free, stipends given based on educational level.
Application Deadline: January 8.
Program Dates: July 7 – August 7
Subject Areas: Biomedical Research, Health Sciences
Eligibility: U.S. juniors who are 17 by June 1 attend a school with 30%+ free/reduced lunch participation, have a GPA of 2.75+, and live within 40 miles of the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD, with parents in the DC/Maryland/Virginia area.
The High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP) offers rising 12th graders the opportunity to explore careers in science and gain hands-on experience in biomedical research with NIH mentors. You will develop essential skills in lab techniques, statistical analysis, and research documentation while learning about research and healthcare careers through lectures, group visits, networking events, small group discussions, and projects.
Throughout the program, you will receive guidance on the college application process, develop leadership and career readiness skills, and participate in a resilience and well-being program. The program takes place at the NIH main campus in Bethesda, MD, from July 7 to August 7. As a HiSTEP participant, you will be expected to dedicate at least 21 hours per week to research and training, with full commitment to completing the program. The program is open to students from schools where 30% or more students participate in the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program. A stipend is provided.
11. Rosetta Institute of Biomedical Research Camp
Cost: Scholarships available for selected students
Application Deadline: Various based on the session.
Program Dates: Multiple summer sessions; winter break workshops also available.
Subject Areas: Molecular Biology, Cancer Research, Immunology, Neuroscience, Bioinformatics.
Eligibility: High school students interested in biomedical science aged 14-18.
The Rosetta Institute offers workshops on molecular medicine for high school and middle school students interested in careers in medicine, biomedical research, and related fields. These workshops, available in summer and winter, are offered both online and in-person, with residential camps held at top universities like UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, Columbia University, and Imperial College London.
You will learn about molecular biology, disease mechanisms, experimental design, and drug development through engaging lectures and hands-on labs. You’ll also complete an original research project, gaining valuable experience for future career paths. Workshop topics include Molecular Neuroscience, Cancer Biology, Aging, Immunology, and Bioinformatics. For those interested in research or science fair projects, online courses like Intro to Cellular Medicine and Medical Bioinformatics provide flexible learning options.
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