Research programs typically hosted by universities, research institutes, nonprofits, or educational organizations are designed to introduce you to the methods, tools, and expectations of academic research. Depending on the field, you may conduct experiments, analyze data, read scholarly literature, or complete an independent or collaborative research project under the guidance of mentors or instructors. Some programs focus on STEM disciplines such as biology, engineering, or computer science, while others explore fields like psychology, economics, environmental science, or the humanities. These programs may be held in person, virtually, or in hybrid formats, and many conclude with a final paper, presentation, or symposium.
What Do Research Programs for High Schoolers Include?
Research programs introduce you to the process of investigating a topic through structured academic work. You will learn how to formulate research questions, review academic literature, collect and interpret data, and present findings through papers or presentations. STEM-focused programs often include laboratory work, coding, statistical analysis, engineering design, or the use of research software and scientific equipment. In humanities and social science programs, you may work with archival materials, policy analysis, surveys, textual interpretation, or qualitative research methods. Many programs also include seminars, workshops, mentorship meetings, and collaborative projects that mirror the structure of university-level research environments.
Why Should You Choose a Research Program in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is home to major research universities such as the University of Wisconsin–Madison, known for research in engineering, computer science, biology, environmental science, agriculture, and public policy. It also has established industries in healthcare, biotechnology, manufacturing, and environmental research, creating opportunities for applied and interdisciplinary study. Institutions like the Medical College of Wisconsin contribute to biomedical and clinical research opportunities, while the state’s agricultural systems and freshwater ecosystems support programs focused on sustainability, ecology, and environmental science. If you are a high school student interested in research, Wisconsin’s combination of urban research hubs and access to natural research environments will allow you to experience both laboratory-based and field-based work across different disciplines.
Here are 15 research programs for high school students in Wisconsin to help you get started:
1. UW Madison Advancing Research In Science with Excellence (ARISE)
Location: University of Wisconsin–Madison (Carbone Cancer Center), Madison, WI
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend of $18/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: December 1 – February 6
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old and who have completed their sophomore year at the start of the internship
ARISE is a summer research program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Carbone Cancer Center, where high school students work directly in a cancer research lab. You will be placed with a mentor lab, assigned a research project of your own, and check in regularly with a Principal Investigator who oversees your work. The research focus spans areas of cancer biology, and past interns have worked on projects such as studying the gut microbiome and its relationship to colorectal cancer. Alongside lab hours, you will also participate in career development activities that include pathology experience, medical ethics discussions, career panels, and a science presentation workshop. Career exploration sessions cover fields like nursing and pharmacy, giving you exposure to the range of professions within the cancer research and treatment ecosystem.
2. Badger Summer Scholars
Location: University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI
Cost/Stipend: cost of $4,450 (residential); $2,600 (commuter); $100 application fee; full and partial scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: July 19–July 31
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9–12; minimum 3.0 GPA recommended
Badger Summer Scholars is a two-week academic program held on the UW–Madison campus where high school students can take courses taught by UW–Madison staff and Badger Precollege instructors. Course offerings span a range of disciplines, including computer and physical sciences, life sciences, mathematics, entrepreneurship, engineering, psychology, political science, and pre-medicine, and you select one as your primary focus for the duration of the program. You can participate in the Jump Forward Series, where professionals in college admissions, financial aid, and UW–Madison academic departments cover topics like the college application process, essay writing, and financial aid options. Residential participants live in UW–Madison dormitories and take meals in campus dining halls, with access to both structured and unstructured time throughout the program. Staff-led weekend activities have included kayaking, campus art classes, trips to State Street, and visits to local parks and beaches.
3. University of Wisconsin’s Engineering Summer Program
Location: University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI
Cost/Stipend: Free; housing, meals, and academic materials included
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: July 11–July 31
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: U.S citizens or permanent residents who are current sophomores or juniors and have completed at least one year of algebra and geometry and have a minimum unweighted grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
The Engineering Summer Program (ESP) is a three-week residential pre-college program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison for high school students interested in engineering and related STEM fields. During the program, you can take courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and introductory engineering design taught by university faculty and instructors. Coursework focuses on problem-solving, quantitative reasoning, and engineering concepts commonly introduced in first-year college settings. You can also complete collaborative design activities and group-based technical exercises that require applying concepts from multiple subject areas. In addition to academic coursework, the program includes faculty discussions, workshops on topics such as college admissions and financial aid, and structured residential programming. ESP also incorporates industrial visits to engineering and technology companies, where students observe professional work environments and learn about engineering applications across industries.
4. Madison Metropolitan School District – High School Science Research Internship Program
Location: University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI
Cost/Stipend: Free; includes academic credit and certificate
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: 9 weeks in Summer
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: 11th graders from Madison Metropolitan School District
The High School Science Research Internship Program is a summer research program offered through a partnership between the Madison Metropolitan School District and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. During the nine-week program, you will be placed in an active university research laboratory and work under the guidance of faculty members, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, or research associates. You may contribute to research projects in fields such as ecology, chemistry, astrophysics, botany, neuroscience, engineering, psychology, medicine, geology, or food science, depending on your placement. As a participant, you will spend 20–25 hours each week conducting laboratory work, assisting with data collection, or participating in ongoing research activities connected to university projects. Besides your research placement, you will also attend seminars and orientation sessions focused on scientific communication and professional development. At the end of the program, you can design a scientific poster and present your findings to faculty members, students, teachers, friends, and family during a formal presentation event.
5. Morgridge Institute for Research Summer Science Camp
Location: Morgridge Institute, UW–Madison campus, Madison, WI
Cost/Stipend: Free; housing, meals, and academic materials included
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies each year
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: Wisconsin high school students from rural or underserved communities
The Summer Science Camp is a weeklong residential STEM research program hosted by the Morgridge Institute for Research for rural high school students in Wisconsin. During the program, you will study topics such as stem cell science, medical engineering, and bioinformatics through laboratory activities and research-based coursework. You can conduct experiments using scientific equipment and technologies also used by researchers at the Morgridge Institute, University of Wisconsin–Madison, and the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery. Instruction is led by scientists, researchers, and university students working in STEM fields across these institutions. Throughout the week, you will attend talks and discussions on subjects including gene editing, tissue engineering, drug discovery, and cardiac cell differentiation.
6. UW–Green Bay Freshwater Scholars Program (Summer Scholars)
Location: Multiple locations in Northeast Wisconsin
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend $1750, transportation to research sites provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies each year
Application Deadline: April 13
Eligibility: Open to all high school students; students who are 15 or younger will need to apply for a work permit to participate
The Freshwater Scholars Program places high school students into mentor-guided environmental research projects focused on freshwater systems, ecology, and conservation across Wisconsin. Through the program, you can work with researchers, faculty members, and environmental professionals on projects connected to water quality, fisheries, wetlands, biodiversity, and ecosystem monitoring. Research activities may include collecting field samples, analyzing environmental data, documenting aquatic species, or assisting with laboratory-based freshwater studies. Many projects combine outdoor fieldwork with scientific analysis, allowing you to engage with both research methods and environmental monitoring tools used in freshwater science. The program will also introduce you to regional environmental issues affecting Wisconsin’s lakes, rivers, and watersheds through site visits, discussions, and community-based research initiatives. Alongside research work, you can interact with university faculty and scientists working in environmental science and conservation-related fields.
7. Healthcare Experience and Research in Oncology
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend $500 taxable stipend on completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: July 20 – 31
Application Deadline: April 24
Eligibility: Full-time Wisconsin high school student; past SHE participants are not eligible
The Healthcare Experience and Research in Oncology (HERO) program is a virtual cancer research and biomedical education program for Wisconsin high school students interested in oncology, medicine, and scientific research. Hosted through the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, the program brings together students from institutions across the Midwest for two weeks of synchronous online learning and collaborative research activities. As part of the program, you can complete genetics-based cancer research activities using at-home laboratory kits and work in small groups to collect, analyze, and present experimental data. You will also participate in patient case study projects that examine different aspects of cancer science, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical care under the guidance of graduate student mentors. Faculty lectures and discussion sessions introduce topics such as cancer genetics, clinical trials, medical ethics, survivorship, and biomedical careers.
8. Medical College of Wisconsin – AIM Program
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Cost/Stipend: Free; unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: 6 weeks beginning on June 21
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents attending high school in the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) system, a Milwaukee-area charter school, private school, or a surrounding suburban district who are rising juniors, rising seniors, or June graduates with a minimum 2.75 GPA and who are at least 16 years old
The Apprenticeship in Medicine (AIM) program introduces high school students to clinical medicine, biomedical science, and healthcare systems through a six-week summer experience at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Rather than focusing only on lectures, the program centers on medical case discussions, simulations, physician interactions, and clinical exposure across different areas of healthcare. You can examine topics like disease prevention, patient care, public health, and medical ethics while learning how healthcare professionals approach diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, you will get to spend time shadowing clinicians and participating in workshops led by medical students, faculty members, and healthcare practitioners affiliated with MCW. Throughout the summer, you can research a specific disease or medical topic, develop an abstract, and prepare a formal presentation connected to your findings. The program also includes discussions about healthcare disparities, community medicine, and pathways into medical and allied health professions.
9. Milwaukee School of Engineering – STEM Summer Programs for High School Students
Location: Milwaukee School of Engineering campus, Milwaukee, WI
Cost/Stipend: Cost of $1,100 per camp; unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies each year
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher
The summer programs at Milwaukee School of Engineering are weeklong residential STEM experiences that allow high school students to explore engineering, computing, healthcare, and business fields through project-based coursework and laboratory activities. You can choose between exploratory camps that rotate through multiple disciplines or specialized “Focus” programs centered on one subject area, such as cybersecurity, biomedical engineering, software engineering, electrical engineering, nursing, or computer science. Based on the track you select, you may work in engineering labs, complete technical design challenges, experiment with coding and software tools, or study applications of healthcare and medical technology. The programs are taught by MSOE faculty and include opportunities to interact with university students working in STEM disciplines. Some camps also incorporate industry tours and demonstrations connected to engineering and technology careers in Milwaukee.
10. Biomedical Careers Program – St. Norbert College / MCW–Green Bay
Location: Gehl-Mulva Science Center, De Pere, WI
Cost/Stipend: Cost of $840 plus tax and service fee; limited scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Session 1: June 16-19, Session 2: June 23-26
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: Open to all high school students interested in medicine
The Summer Academy of Medicine is a short-term residential medical exploration program hosted by St. Norbert College in partnership with the Medical College of Wisconsin–Green Bay for high school students interested in healthcare and biomedical sciences. Over the course of the program, you will work through diagnostic activities, laboratory experiments, and simulated medical scenarios designed around clinical and scientific problem-solving. Sessions will be held in the Gehl-Mulva Science Center, where you can interact with faculty members, healthcare professionals, and university students connected to medicine and biomedical research. The program introduces multiple pathways within healthcare, including physician practice, scientific research, and allied health fields. You can also participate in discussions on ethics, collaboration, and decision-making in medical settings while learning how healthcare teams approach patient care and scientific investigation.
11. Upward Bound Math & Science
Location: Gehl-Mulva Science Center, De Pere, WI
Cost/Stipend: Free; unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: 6 weeks; varies each year
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: High school students within the target schools’ service area who are U.S citizens or permanent residents who have a household income that meets low-income guidelines established annually by the federal government, who will be first-generation college graduates; preference given for students in 9th and 10th grade
The Upward Bound Math & Science program combines summer STEM instruction with year-round academic support for high school students at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Your summer schedule will include mathematics and science classes, laboratory activities, collaborative projects, and workshops connected to college preparation and STEM careers. Coursework may cover subjects such as biology, chemistry, environmental science, data analysis, and computer applications, with students moving between multiple disciplines during the program. You will also participate in campus-based activities, field experiences, and research-focused exercises that introduce how scientific investigation is conducted and communicated. During the academic year, the program continues through tutoring, advising, mentoring sessions, and enrichment programming designed to support long-term academic planning.
12. SUPREMES Program
Location: Marquette-MCW BME, WI
Cost/Stipend: Free; unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: 6 weeks; varies each year
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years old by program start date with a minimum 3.5 GPA and who have completed or are currently enrolled in the following coursework: Biology, Chemistry, Algebra I & II, and two years of English/Composition
The SUPREMES Program places high school students inside biomedical engineering and clinical research laboratories across the Milwaukee area over the course of a full academic year. Hosted through the joint biomedical engineering department shared by Marquette University and Medical College of Wisconsin, the program begins with semester-long workshops on laboratory methods, scientific writing, statistics, data analysis, and research safety before students transition into mentored lab placements. During the practicum phase, you will spend time in research settings connected to biomedical engineering, translational medicine, medical imaging, tissue engineering, biomechanics, or clinical technology development while working alongside active research teams. You may be placed in laboratories affiliated with institutions such as the Children’s Research Institute, Versiti Blood Research Center, or the Zablocki VA Medical Center, depending on their research interests. Throughout the year, you are required to maintain a laboratory notebook, participate in journal discussions, complete written reflections, and document research progress through regular check-ins with program staff.
13. 500 Stars
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Cost/Stipend: Free; unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: 8-week Summer program
Application Deadline: November 1 – February 1
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 with a minimum 2.75 GPA
The 500 Stars Initiative is a long-term biomedical and translational science pathway program that connects Wisconsin high school students with research, healthcare, and mentorship experiences across partner institutions in the state. Through the program, you can participate in workshops, research-focused activities, and mentor-guided experiences tied to clinical science, public health, and biomedical research. You have the opportunity to engage with scientists, physicians, healthcare professionals, and university researchers while exploring how medical research moves from laboratories into patient care and community health settings. Depending on the program track, activities may include laboratory exposure, clinical observations, research discussions, STEM enrichment sessions, and collaborative projects connected to healthcare and translational science. The initiative also incorporates college preparation, professional development, and academic support programming across multiple years of participation.
14. American Chemical Society (ACS) Project SEED
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Cost/Stipend: Free; $4,000 fellowship award/stipend.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 16 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 9 – April 2
Eligibility: High school students who can demonstrate the required financial eligibility
The American Chemical Society (ACS) Project SEED program places high school students into chemistry-related research laboratories at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee for an 8–10 week summer research experience. Working alongside faculty mentors, graduate students, and research teams, you can contribute to ongoing projects in areas such as biochemistry, drug discovery, environmental chemistry, molecular biophysics, and computational chemistry. Your work may involve preparing samples, analyzing experimental results, conducting literature reviews, or assisting with laboratory-based investigations connected to active university research. The program also introduces students to scientific communication through research reports, poster preparation, and professional development sessions focused on STEM careers and college readiness. Because Project SEED operates as part of a national ACS initiative, participants also engage with a broader network of chemistry education and outreach programming connected to the chemical sciences.
15. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay – Tiny Earth High School Research Program
Location: UW-Green Bay campus, Green Bay, WI
Cost/Stipend: Not publicly disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies each year
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: Open to high school students in the summer after their junior year
The Tiny Earth program connects high school students with antibiotic discovery research through laboratory work centered on microbiology, soil science, and public health. The program introduces you to research methods used to study antimicrobial resistance and identify bacteria that may produce new antibiotics. Students collect soil samples, isolate microorganisms, conduct microscopy and DNA-related analyses, and document experimental findings using laboratory techniques commonly introduced in college-level microbiology research. You will work with university faculty members, STEM instructors, and research mentors while developing research questions and interpreting laboratory results.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program, 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: University of Wisconsin–Madison