Science programs let you step behind the scenes of real research. Instead of just learning about experiments and theories from a textbook, you get to see how scientists approach problems, use tools, and turn questions into discoveries.
Within this landscape, winter enrichment programs are a great option that many students overlook. They run from December to February, letting you dive into science without giving up your entire summer. These programs are shorter, more focused, and designed to give you concentrated exposure to research environments.
What Are Winter Science Enrichment Programs?
Winter science enrichment programs invite you into research settings for a brief but meaningful experience. You might spend a few days or a couple of weeks learning lab techniques, observing experiments, or watching how researchers collect and interpret data. The shorter format keeps things active and engaging, and many programs also offer virtual participation for added flexibility.
These programs help you understand how scientific work connects to what you learn in class. You see how teams organize projects, how ideas are tested, and how results are processed.
If you are looking for a longer experience, check out our summer science programs, which offer extended opportunities to explore research and hands-on learning.
Here are 10 winter science enrichment programs for high school students that can help you gain practical exposure, strengthen research skills, and explore branches of science.
10 Winter Science Enrichment Programs for High School Students
1. UC San Diego’s Academic Connections Research Scholars – Bioengineering Track
Location: Zoom (Online)
Cost: $2,700 (BE-BOAT), $2,600 (BE-ROW), $2,600–$3,000 (BE-SHIP); potential $500 lab fee
Program Dates: BE-BOAT: Jan 10 – March 1; BE-SHIP (BERP-B): Jan 10- March 1
Deadline: BE-BOAT & BERP-B: December 18
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12); minimum cumulative GPA 3.0; age ≥14 for online, ≥15 for in-person; prerequisites vary by course
UC San Diego’s Academic Connections Research Scholars immerses high school students in bioengineering research through a sequence of courses: BE-BOAT, BE-ROW, and BE-SHIP. You will gain hands-on experience with biomedical imaging, 3D printing, and experimental design using home lab kits, developing technical and problem-solving skills. In BE-ROW, you will work on team projects involving literature review, study design, data analysis, and scientific writing. BE-SHIP allows you to plan, execute, and present an independent research project, preparing you for science fairs and academic conferences.
2. Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Immersion Science Program
Location: Philadelphia, PA (FCCC Main Campus & local high schools)
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: 16 students (8 per section)
Program Dates: Early January – mid-March (11 weeks, includes final student presentation day)
Deadline: Registration typically opens in October of the previous year for winter/spring sessions.
Eligibility: High school students, 16+ years old, completion of biology and chemistry (not concurrent), parental consent required
The Immersion Science Program trains motivated high school students in hands-on biomedical research focused on cancer-relevant nutrient pathways using Drosophila models. You will conduct experiments in the FCCC Teaching Lab or partner with high schools, generating data that contributes to peer-reviewed research. The program emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and scientific problem-solving, preparing you to act as an active member of the ISP community. You will work closely with graduate mentors and postdoctoral fellows, exploring molecular targets such as Ras, Hedgehog, and nuclear hormone receptor pathways. ISP immerses you in the full research cycle, from hypothesis development to final presentation, culminating in a student presentation day at FCCC.
3. Cornell University’s Online Courses for High School Students
Location: Online (virtual)
Cost/Stipend: $1,940 per credit (textbooks and course fees additional)
Program Dates: January 2–17
Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: Rising or current high school juniors and seniors, ages 15–19
Cornell’s Winter Online Precollege Program allows you to earn 3–12 college credits while experiencing Ivy League coursework from home. You’ll take real Cornell classes across subjects like science, architecture, business, humanities, and social change, taught by distinguished instructors. Courses are offered synchronously or asynchronously via Canvas, giving you flexibility to interact with faculty and peers worldwide. You will strengthen critical thinking, study skills, and academic writing while engaging in meaningful assessments.
4. UMBC’s Pre-College Program – Winter Session
Location: University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: In-state tuition: $401 per credit + $188 mandatory fees; Out-of-state tuition: $1,193 per credit + $188 mandatory fees
Program Dates: January 5–23
Deadline: December 15
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors in high school who meet UMBC’s concurrent enrollment requirements
UMBC’s Winter Session allows you to earn college credit while completing high school, taking accelerated courses across STEM, humanities, and social sciences. You will engage in rigorous, condensed coursework designed to develop critical thinking and college-level study skills. The program guides textbooks, housing, and dining, along with flexible add/drop policies to help manage your schedule. By participating, you gain firsthand exposure to university academics, learn to balance coursework independently, and build preparation for future higher education.
5. UCSD Research Scholars Pre-College Program – Marine Sciences
Location: Online or University of California, San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: Tier 1: $1,500
Program Dates: Tier 1: February 10–March 5
Deadline: Tier 1: January 23
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12), minimum age 14; must have completed a Tier 2 marine science course
The UCSD Research Scholars Pre-College Program in Marine Sciences is a specialized opportunity for students with prior Tier 2 research experience to deepen their skills in scientific communication. This program focuses on transforming your existing marine science research into professional-grade outputs, such as manuscripts suitable for preprints or journal submission. You’ll refine your technical writing, learn to craft compelling data figures, and practice delivering concise oral presentations through the “3-Minute Flash Talk” format. The program combines live online workshops, peer review, and asynchronous assignments to build your confidence in data interpretation, scholarly argumentation, and professional communication.
6. Partnership for Scientific Inquiry (PSI)
Location: Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: Free; limited financial-need-based scholarships available for summer research
Program Dates: January–May (16-week course)
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in biomedical research; students must be at least 16 for the optional summer research
The PSI program introduces you to real-world biomedical research while connecting you with OHSU mentors. You will attend weekly two-hour lectures, analyze published studies, prepare a journal club presentation, and develop an independent research proposal. The program focuses on equitable access for students from underrepresented backgrounds, valuing curiosity, dedication, and talent. Throughout, you gain mentorship, build oral and written communication skills, and can earn high school credit. The program concludes with a poster symposium where you present your work and engage with the scientific community.
7. Research Internships and Observation for High School Students
Location: Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; short-term shadowing (1–2 days) or extended internships (weeks–months)
Program Dates: Flexible, based on supervisor availability
Application Deadline: Rolling, based on supervisor and lab capacity
Eligibility: High school students living in the U.S.; must secure a faculty supervisor; parental consent required for minors
The Research Internships and Observation Program for High School Students offers a flexible and supervised introduction to biomedical research. Whether through short-term shadowing or extended lab internships, you’ll work under the guidance of faculty mentors whose research aligns with your interests. Before beginning, you’ll receive safety and procedural training to ensure you’re prepared to follow strict lab protocols. All activities are closely monitored by trained adults, and mentors undergo background checks to maintain a safe and supportive environment. As part of the application process, you’ll identify a faculty mentor and submit a proposal for approval, updating it if your project scope changes.
8. Exploring Topics in Neuroscience + Research Methodologies
Location: Online (Zoom)
Cost/Stipend: $3,300 per camp (Early Bird discounts available)
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Small class cohort, mentor-guided
Program Dates: Multiple sessions available
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th grade students; no prior experience required
Rising Researchers offers high school students a mentor-guided introduction to virtual research camps throughout the year. You will attend 75–90-minute sessions weekly or biweekly, exploring topics like Neuroscience, Bioinformatics, and Astrophysics with hands-on activities and a focus on research methodology. Each camp leads to tangible outcomes, including a research publication with a unique URL, a poster presentation, and a certificate of completion. You’ll analyze data, apply AI and machine learning tools when relevant, and develop manuscripts suitable for academic sharing.
9. EnergyMag
Location: Online (Virtual)
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Limited slots; mentor-guided
Program Dates: Half-time: 2–8 weeks; Quarter-time: 1–9 months, year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling (limited spots available)
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, seniors; college students; GPA ≥3.25 for high schoolers
EnergyMag provides high school and college students with a virtual internship exploring renewable energy, energy storage, and sustainability. You will research technologies, companies, or markets and produce analysis reports that can be published online under your name. Mentors guide you in developing research methodology, data analysis, professional communication, and synthesis skills while navigating real-world energy challenges. Half-time internships involve ~20 hours per week over 2–8 weeks, while quarter-time options run for 8 hours per week for 1–9 months, offering flexibility alongside school commitments.
10. Columbia University – Academic Year Weekend
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $2,810 per course
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Small, interactive online classes with individual instructors
Program Dates: Ten weekends per term; multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling, based on cohort availability
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
Columbia University’s Academic Year Weekend Program lets high school students explore college-level courses online while connecting with peers globally. You can take up to four courses per term, meeting in two-hour sessions on Saturdays or Sundays. Classes are taught in small, interactive groups, giving you direct mentorship and opportunities to collaborate with classmates. Seminars, workshops, and student life activities complement coursework to strengthen academic skills and college readiness. Completion of the program earns a Columbia University Certificate of Participation and an evaluation letter, providing tangible recognition of your learning.
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!
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