Research Opportunities Database for High School Students
A comprehensive guide to research opportunities and science competitions available for high school students across the US. We've compiled a detailed list of research opportunities by region, subject and institution below!
What research opportunity are you looking for?
Hosting Institution
Polygence
Online/In Person
Online
Cost
Contact us to learn more
Application Deadline
Mar 16, 2026
Categories
Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Sci, Econ, Engineering, Humanities, Medicine, Neuro, Psychology
Hosting Institution
Polygence
Online/In Person
Online
Cost
Starting at $495
Application Deadline
Varies by program
Categories
Biology, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Humanities, Mathematics, Other
Other programs
CUHK Fun with Information Engineering and Security
See websiteSummary
In this 3-day hands-on workshop, we will go through the basics of information engineering and security. Specifically, participants will be introduced to the representation, encoding, and encryption of information. We will also go through some security problems related to input validation. This workshop mainly targets senior secondary school students (F4 to F6), but also welcomes junior secondary school students.
CUHK Summer Institute (SI)
See websiteSummary
The CUHK Summer Institute (SI) is a 2-week summer programme that brings together secondary school students to explore various academic fields and gain insights into future studies at CUHK. The SI challenges students’ inquisitive minds and immerses them into the fascinating university teachings.
CUHK Architecture Explorer Programme
See websiteSummary
This summer programme aims to enable secondary school students from Hong Kong and abroad to understand first-hand the joys and challenges of studying architecture. It provides an opportunity for enrolled students to unleash their creative potential through art, design and architecture. During the programme, students will learn to see the significance of architecture through lectures offered by professors from the School of Architecture, and explore the fun of design making by transforming a concept into three-dimensional spaces, using both hand tools and computing software.
City Contemporary Dance Company Outreach Program
See websiteSummary
CCDC’s modern dance workshop for secondary students is the largest-scale programme of the CCDC Dance Centre. The scheme now has been served 6 primary and secondary schools in different districts. Our professional instructors go into campus to provide a 10-month training for students, which includes in-school introductory dance performance, costume & props workshop, teachers dance workshop. They also choreograph works for students to perform in the annual finale performance.
Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences "How to Start a Research Project" Workshop
See websiteSummary
A workshop on how to start a research project will be held for Secondary 1 to Secondary 5 students to sharpen their skills in carrying out scientific research. Outstanding young scientists from the YASHK will lead the workshops to teach the high school students effective ways to start a research project and to improve their analytical, planning, organising and presentation capabilities.
CUHK Faculty of Education and MIT Innovation Node: Gifted Education Fund
See websiteSummary
Funded by the Gifted Education Fund, and co-organised by CUHK Faculty of Education and MIT Innovation Node, the off-school advanced learning program is designed to train students’ socio-emotional skills, STEAM entrepreneurship skills, and positive attitudes and values toward STEAM entrepreneurship.
HKUST(GZ) PLACE Summer Camp
See websiteSummary
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) (HKUST(GZ)) will host its first Playshop for Language and Cultural Exchange (PLACE) Summer Camp. Outstanding high school and university students are welcome to apply. During the three-week camp, participants will take part in a wide range of modular activities related to culture, language, sports, and science, as well as five themed cultural tours to various destinations in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Summer Camp for High School Students on Chinese Economy and Finance
See websiteSummary
Summer Camp for High School Students on Chinese Economy and Finance is held by the School of Economics, Fudan University, aiming to provide an opportunity for outstanding high school students to experience learning at a world-leading university, to explore their interests and potentials, and think about whether they want to pursue studying economics at the university level.
Yau Mathcamp - SIMIS
See websiteSummary
The Yau Mathcamp is a summer camp for mathematically talented and strongly motivated secondary school students from China and all over the world. A highly selected group of students are invited to join a rigorous month-long program to explore the art of creative problem solving with masters. Mathcamp also offers a great opportunity for students to work on research projects through collaborative discoveries guided by their coaches and teachers.
University of Toronto CREATE: Engineering Design Challenges
See websiteSummary
At CREATE, students will explore the exciting fields of science and engineering through a unique opportunity to learn from current Undergraduate and Graduate students while engaging with cutting-edge research. The practical activities, laboratory experiments, and site visits will lead participants through the Engineering Design Cycle to find solutions.
What is a Research Project?
A research project is a structured and systematic investigation into specific topic or question. It involves a series of planned activities. Research projects often require students to formulate hypotheses, conduct experiments, surveys, or literature reviews, and present their findings in a clear and organized manner. These projects foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deeper appreciation for the research process. They provide students with valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to contribute to their field of interest while enhancing their academic and personal growth.
Why do a research project as a high school student?
Research projects can play a pivotal role in shaping the academic journey and future prospects of high school students. Engaging in research while still in school not only helps students discover their passions but also significantly enhances their chances of successful college admissions.
Exploring research projects allows high school students to delve into various fields of study, providing them with a firsthand experience of what truly interests them. This hands-on exposure aids in identifying their passions and helps them make informed decisions when selecting a college major or career path. It's a crucial step in personal and academic development.
Moreover, active participation in research demonstrates dedication, curiosity, and a willingness to go beyond the standard curriculum, qualities highly valued by college admissions committees. Admissions officers are often impressed by applicants who have shown initiative and a genuine interest in learning through research experiences. These opportunities can set students apart from their peers and greatly improve their chances of gaining admission to their dream colleges.
Ready to start your own research project?
Apply today!
We're so excited that you're interested in pursuing a path in research. Polygence is an online research academy dedicated to democratizing access to research opportunities for high school students. Whether you are interested in quantitative biology, fashion history, or privacy law, expert Polygence mentors will help you explore your area of interest.