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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!

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Polygence Core is an online research program that connects motivated high school students with expert mentors from top universities. Founded by researchers from Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, Polygence helps you explore any topic you're passionate about through one-on-one mentoring over 3–6 months, ending with a project of your choice—like an academic research paper ready for publication, a prototype, or podcast.

Hosting Institution

Polygence

Online/In Person

Online

Cost

Contact us to learn more

Application Deadline

Sep 21, 2026

Recommended for you

Categories

Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Sci, Econ, Engineering, Humanities, Medicine, Neuro, Psychology

Explore the program

Polygence Pods Research Program

Summary

Learn Academic Research skills and build a foundational understanding of cutting edge subjects in Polygence Pods. Join a group of 6 students and meet weekly with a PhD-level mentor who is an expert in their respective field. Perfect for beginners, your program will culminate in a short-form research paper.

Hosting Institution

Polygence

Online/In Person

Online

Cost

Starting at $495

Application Deadline

Varies by program

Short courses

Categories

Biology, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Humanities, Mathematics, Other

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Other programs

CityU Gifted Education Fund: Generative AI and AIoT (GenAIoT) Coding Skills Education for Gifted Students

See website

Hosting Institution

City University of Hong Kong

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Kowloon

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Apr 19, 2024

Categories

AI/ML, Comp Sci, Engineering

Summary

The Generative AI and AIoT (GenAIoT) Coding Skills Education for Gifted Students programme aims to equip gifted students with essential knowledge related to artificial intelligence (AI), generative AI (GenAI) and AI internet of things (AIoT) technologies, engineering and mathematics, problem solving abilities, as well as other hands-on skills including software and hardware programming.

PolyU Summer Institute

See website

Hosting Institution

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Hung Hom

Cost

Staring at HK$1510

Application Deadline

May 31, 2024

Categories

AI/ML, Comp Sci

Summary

The PolyU Summer Institute 2024 is designed for Secondary 4 and Secondary 5 students, or equivalent, to have an immersive university experience at our campus and in Hong Kong. Interested students may choose to enrol in either (i) a residential camp (5 days, 4 nights); or (ii) a credit-bearing course (1 week) and a residential camp (5 days, 4 nights).

CityU Summer Research Internship

See website

Hosting Institution

City University of Hong Kong

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Hong Kong

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Mar 4, 2024

Categories

Comp Sci, Biology, Engineering...

Summary

The Summer Research Internship provides opportunities for secondary school students to undertake engineering-related research attachments for approximately one month at CityU during the summer 2024. Students will be actively engaged in CityU laboratories under the supervision of CityU PhD students and a faculty member as an advisor.

CUHK Fun with Information Engineering and Security

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Hosting Institution

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Sha Tin

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Jun 15, 2024

Categories

Comp Sci, Engineering

Summary

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)

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Hosting Institution

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Hong Kong

Cost

HK$9200

Application Deadline

May 10, 2024

Categories

Engineering, Business, Social ...

Summary

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.

City Contemporary Dance Company Outreach Program

See website

Hosting Institution

City Contemporary Dance Company

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Hong Kong

Cost

Starting at HK$810

Application Deadline

Jun 7, 2024

Categories

Music, Arts

Summary

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.

CUHK Faculty of Education and MIT Innovation Node: Gifted Education Fund

See website

Hosting Institution

CUHK Faculty of Education and MIT Innovation Node

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Kowloon Tong, Sha Tin

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Apr 19, 2024

Categories

Business, Social Science

Summary

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 website

Hosting Institution

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) (HKUST(GZ))

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Guangzhou

Cost

CNY 28000

Application Deadline

Jun 30, 2024

Categories

AI/ML, Environmental Science, ...

Summary

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 website

Hosting Institution

School of Economics, Fudan University

Online/In Person

Online

Location

Shanghai, and Online

Cost

CNY 21800

Application Deadline

Jun 11, 2024

Categories

Business, Social Science, Math...

Summary

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 website

Hosting Institution

Shanghai Institute for Mathematics and Interdisciplinary Sciences (SIMIS)

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Shanghai

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

May 21, 2024

Categories

Mathematics, Physics, Engineer...

Summary

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.

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.

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