Winter research mentorships give high school students the chance to explore science beyond the classroom by working on real research projects. These programs, held during the winter or school-year breaks, connect you with professors, graduate students, or lab professionals who guide you through the research process.
You gain hands-on experience, develop critical thinking skills, and see how scientific questions are investigated in a professional setting. These opportunities also help you clarify academic and career interests, making them a valuable addition to both personal growth and college applications.
Why Choose a Winter Research Mentorship
Winter research mentorships offer students a unique way to engage with science firsthand. Unlike classroom experiments, students work on authentic projects, learning how experiments are designed, how data is analyzed, and how results are interpreted. This hands-on experience builds technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and confidence in tackling complex challenges.
Working closely with professors, graduate students, or lab professionals guides both research methods and academic pathways. Winter programs are also convenient, fitting into school breaks without disrupting regular coursework. They allow you to explore potential careers, strengthen your understanding of scientific processes, and demonstrate initiative, curiosity, and dedication , qualities highly valued in college admissions.
Here are 20 winter research mentorship programs for high school students:
1. Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP)
Location: Fremont, CA
Cost: $1,070 (For students who meet financial need eligibility criteria, there is no cost to attending ASDRP)
Application Deadline: May 1 – July 15 (priority), August 15 (final)
Dates: January 16 – May 30
Eligibility: High school students in 9th-12th grade; No prior research experience required
ASDRP is a research program based in the Bay Area where you can plan and carry out original projects with guidance from mentors. Instead of repeating predefined experiments, you work on new investigations in areas such as biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, and engineering. You will have access to lab facilities to conduct experiments, review and analyze scientific literature, and write research papers following academic standards. The program also includes opportunities to develop skills in technical writing and public speaking, including presenting your findings at a research expo. In some cases, you may have the chance to publish your work in the ASDRP journal or submit it to external conferences.
2. UC San Diego Research Scholars
Location: Both virtual and in-person opportunities are available
Cost: Varies by program and format; Scholarships available for some programs
Application Deadline: Varies by program, with winter opportunities available
Dates: Varies by program, with winter opportunities available
Eligibility: High school students (15+) in grades 9–12 with a minimum GPA of 3.0
The UC San Diego Research Scholars Program offers high school students structured research experiences in fields including bioengineering, life sciences, medicine, marine science, design thinking, and business. Winter sessions, usually held from January to March, combine coursework with guided projects under the supervision of UCSD faculty and researchers. Depending on your chosen track, you may conduct laboratory experiments, use tools like MATLAB or Python, perform fieldwork, or develop and present a research project. Previous projects have explored topics such as environmental DNA to monitor endangered species, examined injury patterns in athletes, and analyzed aspects of San Diego’s marine ecosystems. At the conclusion of the program, you will produce research summaries or posters to present your work.
3. Sandia National Laboratories Internships
Location: Various locations across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: No cost/Paid
Application Deadline: Varies by internship
Dates: Varies by internship; Part-time year-round internships are offered
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are at least 16 years of age with a GPA of 2.5+; Specific eligibility criteria vary by position
Sandia National Laboratories offers paid internships for high school students, giving you the chance to work on ongoing research projects in science and engineering. Depending on your assignment, you may be involved in coding, data analysis, experimental design, or hardware testing in areas such as cybersecurity, energy systems, software development, or physics research. You will work under the supervision of professional scientists and engineers, who provide guidance while assigning clear responsibilities and integrating you as a junior member of the team. You will also use technical tools and software commonly employed in research settings, such as CAD programs, MATLAB, or Python. The internship includes mentorship, professional development activities, and opportunities to connect with other interns and staff.
4. Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Immersion Science Program
Location: Fox Chase Cancer Center, PA
Cost: Free of cost
Application Deadline: Registrations typically run for 3.5 weeks from early to mid-October into early November
Dates: early January – mid-March
Eligibility: Students from the Philadelphia- Tri-State area who are at least 16 years of age and have completed high school chemistry and biology
Fox Chase Cancer Center offers high school students an opportunity to engage in biomedical research, with a focus on studying nutrient targets during development. The program meets for approximately three hours on Saturdays and combines lectures, hands-on laboratory work, and an independent research project. The program concludes with a presentation day where you share the results of your work. Each cohort includes 16 students, and the program is fully funded for participants in the Philadelphia tri-state area. The application process includes two letters of recommendation and an interview.
5. Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute
Location: Cleveland, OH
Cost: Free of cost
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Dates: Flexible depending on the applicant’s preference
Eligibility: Students must be 16 years of age or older to work in a Lerner Research Institute laboratory
The Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute offers research opportunities for high school and undergraduate students interested in gaining hands-on experience in laboratory techniques and exploring careers in biomedical research. You are responsible for identifying labs that align with your interests and contacting each Principal Investigator (faculty member) individually. When reaching out, introduce yourself and explain your interest in the lab’s work. Clearly state your availability, whether during winter or the school year, and your motivation for seeking research experience. Not all labs may have openings for high school students, and you may need to contact several Principal Investigators. Use the lab search tool or the Science page to find labs that match your interests.
6. Penn State Research Internships and Observation
Location: Penn State College of Medicine (PSCOM), Hershey, PA.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Internships may or may not provide a stipend
Application Deadline: Applications are currently being accepted, deadline unspecified
Dates: Flexible dates, based on which research mentor you select while applying for the internship opportunity
Eligibility: High school students who are residents of the United States and sponsored/supervised by a member of the College of Medicine faculty
Penn State College of Medicine provides high school students with opportunities to participate in biomedical research through internships and observation programs. You can choose short shadowing experiences lasting one to two days or longer internships that extend for several weeks or months. As an intern, you will gain hands-on exposure in the lab and observe the daily work of a research mentor, including experimental methods, lab setups, data collection, and analysis techniques. To participate, you will need to identify a potential research supervisor using the Penn State Research Database. Search by topics of interest and review faculty profiles to find research areas that align with your goals.
7. OHSU School of Medicine Partnership for Scientific Inquiry (PSI)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free, Need-based scholarships available
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Dates: January – May
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are at least 16 years of age by the start of the program and reside in Oregon, the Portland metro area, or select counties in Washington state
The PSI program provides high school students with a research and internship experience focused on medicine and biomedical science. The program consists of three parts: a 16-week course, a summer internship, and a final poster conference. In the first phase, you are paired with a mentor who guides you through the fundamentals of scientific research. You will learn how to read and analyze research papers, develop a research question, and create a proposal. During this phase, you will also give two presentations: one on an existing study and one on your own research idea. If you participate in the summer internship, you will spend approximately 250 hours working with a clinical research mentor. Your responsibilities may include assisting with ongoing projects, collecting and analyzing data, and developing practical research skills in a medical setting. The program concludes with a poster conference where you present your work through a talk and a poster. Completing the full program may also allow you to earn high school credit.
8. The APA Internal Internship Program (IIP)
Location: Remote
Cost: None; includes both paid and unpaid (for academic credit) internships
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates: Available year-round
Eligibility: U.S. high school students, part-time enrolled, in APA-registered states; under 18 need a D.C. Work Permit
The American Psychological Association’s Internal Internship Program (IIP) offers paid and unpaid internships for high school students interested in psychology. You will work within the organization and gain experience across research, policy, and communication. In your role, you will develop skills in writing, collaboration, and analysis while learning how psychology applies to various professional fields. You will also participate in group projects, workshops, and discussions with other interns. When you apply, you can select up to three positions that match your interests.
9. EnergyMag Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free of cost
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Dates: Flexible dates
Eligibility: High school sophomores to seniors with a GPA > 3.25, one honors science/English class (exceptions apply), application, writing sample, and academic record required
EnergyMag provides virtual internships for high school students interested in renewable energy storage. Internships typically last from one to nine months and can be structured as a quarter-time commitment, making them compatible with winter break or other school schedules. During the internship, you will focus on a specific topic, such as a company, market, or technology related to energy storage. Your main responsibility is to conduct research and produce an analysis report, which involves gathering data, contacting professionals in the field, and interpreting technical and industry information. You will work with a mentor who guides you in developing skills such as technical writing, market research, sourcing reliable information, and analyzing trends. While the internship is unpaid, you can receive a Letter of Accomplishment from EnergyMag.
10. Rising Researchers Camps
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,300
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: Four-week camps are available year-round, with three winter sessions: two starting on December 16 and one starting on February 3.
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–12
Rising Researchers offers 4-week virtual camps throughout the year that focus on bioinformatics and the use of AI and machine learning in research. You will learn to use tools such as GEO2R, ShinyGo, SR Plot, and DAVID, and access databases including KEGG and GO. Research topics often explore connections between biology and public health, for example, how environmental or social factors influence heart health. Each camp is led by a mentor who guides a small group of students through live Zoom sessions lasting 75 to 90 minutes. By the end of the program, you will complete a research paper, create a poster presentation, and receive a certificate. Your work will also be published online with a shareable, citable link.
11. Jackson Lab Academic Year Fellowships
Location: In-person (Maine and Connecticut campuses) | Hybrid | Fully remote
Cost: Free of cost
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: Depend on the project. Opportunities are available from fall to spring.
Eligibility: High school students enrolled as a junior or senior in good standing at a high school, at least 16 years old
The Jackson Laboratory’s Academic Year Fellowships provide high school students with the opportunity to participate in biomedical research. As a fellow, you will join an active JAX research group, learn fundamental laboratory techniques, and contribute to ongoing projects. Under the guidance of mentors, including faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students, you will plan and carry out an independent research project related to the lab’s focus. Throughout the program, you will take part in experimental design, data analysis, reporting results, and group discussions. By the end of the fellowship, you will have developed skills in problem-solving, scientific communication, time management, and teamwork.
12. Foreign Policy Research Institute — Research Internship
Location: Virtual or In-person at FPRI HQ, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cost/Stipend: Free/Paid, but determined according to the intern’s financial need
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. Check details here
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
This internship is designed for high school students interested in international relations, national security, and foreign policy. You will assist scholars conducting research on regions such as Eurasia, Asia, and the Middle East by gathering information, analyzing data, and contributing to policy reports. You will also have access to FPRI events, providing exposure to experts in diplomacy, security studies, and global governance. The program includes mentorship and skill-building opportunities, with the possibility of contributing to publications. Strong writing and critical thinking skills are required, and some roles may also involve language or data analysis work. During the internship, you will conduct policy research, participate in seminars, and help prepare materials for think tank publications.
13. Internship Program — Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Location: Hybrid, with at least one day of in-person work at GLI’s Midtown office weekly
Cost: Free/ $16.50 stipend per hour
Application Deadlines: TBA for academic year internships
Program Dates: September through May for academic year internships
Eligibility: Some opportunities are open to high school students
The Gilder Lehrman History School is a free online program for high school students who want to study U.S. history through college-level instruction. You will develop research profiles on individual and institutional prospects and donors, and participate in live, discussion-based classes led by historians and educators from across the country. Course topics vary each year and often cover themes such as the Cold War, the Constitution, immigration, and the experiences of Black Americans in early U.S. history. While there is no direct mention of mentorship, the small-group discussions and interactions with instructors suggest opportunities for guidance and feedback. You will work with primary sources, write essays using historical evidence, and practice building well-supported arguments. The program emphasizes reading like a historian and engaging in discussions about different interpretations of the past.
14. Burke Neurological Institute’s Introduction to Neuroscience
Location: Virtual
Cost: $500; a full scholarship is offered
Application Deadline: TBA for winter
Dates: Offers fall and winter options, winter dates TBA
Eligibility: High school students who have completed the NYS Regents Living Environment or equivalent Biology class
The Burke Neurological Institute offers the Introduction to Neuroscience program, an online course for high school students interested in learning about the mammalian nervous system. Classes meet twice a week and cover brain functions such as movement control, sensory processing, memory, and learning. You will study the structure of the nervous system, examine changes that occur after a stroke, and explore how conditions like Alzheimer’s disease affect brain function. While the program does not explicitly mention mentorship, the involvement of faculty members such as Dr. Dianna E. Willis and Dr. Vibhu Sahni suggests there may be opportunities for guidance and feedback. The program also introduces topics related to ongoing research, which may provide a foundation for future lab experiences.
15. Dolphin Research Center Internships
Location: Dolphin Research Center, Marathon, FL
Cost: Free of cost
Application Deadline: October 1
Dates: 16 – 18 weeks from January through April
Eligibility: High school students
Internships at the Dolphin Research Center provide high school and college students with hands-on experience at a marine mammal facility. These full-time internships last 16 to 18 weeks and typically involve four days working in a specific department and one day assisting with broader center operations. Departments include Animal Care, Education, Research, and Medical Services. You will also complete supplemental projects based on your interests and the needs of the center. An independent study component is required, which may include coursework if you wish to earn college credit. While the program does not explicitly mention mentorship, working closely within departments suggests opportunities for guidance and feedback from staff.
16. Stanford Daily Pre-Collegiate Winter Workshops (Virtual)
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Prices are per program, or discounts are offered for bundling multiple programs together; fee waivers are available. More info here under FAQs
Application Deadline: November 30
Dates: December 15 – January 9
Eligibility: High school students
Stanford Daily offers remote winter workshops in journalism, tech, and multimedia for high school students. You participate in weekly meetings, training in reporting, web development for newsrooms, and visual design. The journalism track includes assignments and mentoring from Stanford editors. The tech workshop covers HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and data visualization fundamentals for media. No coding experience is required for participation.
17. Rosetta Institute of Biomedical Science — Winter Workshops
Location: In-person, Alameda, CA, or Berkeley, CA
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Cost: $670 (online); $1,690 (Berkeley); $1,890 (Alameda)
Program Dates: Dates for the winter workshops vary based on location
Eligibility: High school students aged 11–18
The Rosetta Institute’s winter sessions provide a one-week research-style program focused on molecular medicine. You will explore topics such as cancer biology, medical bioinformatics, immunology, or neurobiology through university-level lectures and guided projects. The program is online and combines live instruction with interactive labs and small-group discussions. You will learn to read and interpret scientific literature, design experiments, and analyze genomic data , skills that can be applied in future lab work. The program also allows you to develop academic skills and explore potential career paths in the sciences.
18. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internships
Location: Various sites throughout the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Free/paid (varies by site)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: Year-round
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Site-specific requirements apply
This program allows high school students to participate in hands-on medical research at U.S. Army laboratories and partner universities. You will work on topics such as neuroscience, biomedical engineering, chemical defense, and public health. Your activities may include conducting lab experiments, analyzing data, prototyping medical devices, and participating in fieldwork, such as entomology studies related to military health. You will receive one-on-one guidance from Army scientists, engineers, and university researchers, providing insight into research methods and potential career paths. The program also allows you to develop skills in scientific writing, problem-solving, and laboratory techniques while connecting with professionals in the field.
19. University of Rochester’s Online Medical Courses
Location: Virtual
Cost : $1,595 (Need-based scholarships available)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: Year-round
Eligibility: High school students aged 13 and above. Gap year students are also eligible
The University of Rochester’s Online Medical Programs allow high school students to explore medical and healthcare topics through self-paced, asynchronous courses. You will study subjects offered through the Public Health Sciences department and advanced certificate programs such as Clinical Research Methods. The program includes work in data management and analysis using tools like SAS and R, survey design, and applying epidemiological concepts to case studies. Faculty mentors provide guidance on assignments, capstone projects, scientific writing, and grant applications. You will also engage with the Biopsychosocial Model in medical education. Throughout the program, you will develop skills in critical thinking, community engagement, communication, problem-solving, and data analysis.
20. Foundations of Data Science & Machine Learning for High School Students: Coding School
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $995, with financial aid available
Application Deadline: Currently closed
Dates: September – December (tentatively)
Eligibility: This program is open to high school students (18 years & under)
In this program, you will explore fields such as robotics, machine learning, and data science through project-based work. You will focus on developing coding skills and applying them to tasks in data analysis, algorithms, and engineering. The program includes guided labs and provides support from mentors with technical experience. You will also have opportunities to learn about careers and practices in technology from professionals in the field.
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 – University of Rochester