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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!

Research opportunities in circles

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Institution
Location
Tuition
Event type

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

Mar 16, 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

Explore the program

Other programs

SRI Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Sunnybrook Research Institute

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Toronto

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Aug 13, 2026

Categories

Mathematics, Biology, Engineer...

Summary

Each summer, we hire motivated and hard-working, independent high-school students passionate about math and sciences to assist us in various projects we are working on in our lab. Our goal is not only to further our progress but also to give these students experience working in a research lab. During the summer, students will gain enriched, hands-on knowledge in the fields of physics, engineering and biology that would be difficult to attain elsewhere.

Quantum School for Young Students

See website

Hosting Institution

University of Waterloo

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Aug 13, 2026

Categories

Mathematics, Engineering, Phys...

Summary

QSYS is a unique enrichment program for high-school students that offers a blend of expert lectures, group discussions, problem solving, mentoring, and networking with world-leading quantum researchers.

Shad Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Shad Canada (and participating Universities)

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Multiple

Cost

CAD 3615

Application Deadline

Nov 30, 2026

Categories

Comp Sci, Mathematics, Biology...

Summary

Shad is a month-long program for grade 10 & 11s. It has 2 experiences which is ShadOnCampus which gives you the latest in STEAM & entrepreneurship programming tailored to the excellence of the campus, faculty, labs and of course, local culture; and the ShadAnywhere by which you will experience and have a connection digitally.

High School Youth Researcher Summer (HYRS) Program

See website

Hosting Institution

University of Alberta

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Alberta, Canada

Cost

Starting at CAD 2,700

Application Deadline

Mar 14, 2026

Categories

Medicine

Summary

The Alberta Innovates High School Youth Researcher Summer (HYRS) Program offers 4-6 week summer research experiences for Grade 11 students interested in health and medical sciences, including priority areas in digital health, data-enabled health transformation, and health innovation. The HYRS program at the University of Alberta is administered by the Undergraduate Research Initiative, in collaboration with WISEST.

California Academy of Science Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program

See website

Hosting Institution

California Academy of Sciences

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

San Francisco (CA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Apr 1, 2026

Categories

Data Science

Summary

The program, which started in 1996, is dedicated to providing opportunities for underrepresented San Francisco students in STEM fields. Participants engage in hands-on learning about science and sustainability, receive mentorship, and develop professional skills while being compensated for their efforts. The program encourages students to attend seminars, conferences, and interact with faculty, mentors, and other talented students. Interns are allocated roles and departments within a museum setting based on their interests and the available opportunities at the time. This program offers a valuable experience for students to explore their interests, gain practical skills, and contribute to the field of STEM.

CalTech’s Summer Tech Camp

See website

Hosting Institution

California Institute of Technology

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Pasadena (CA)

Cost

from $1,279

Application Deadline

Jun 22, 2026

Categories

Comp Sci

Summary

To participate in these coding camps, applicants must fall within the age range of 13-18 years. Each course within the camps has specific experience level requirements, and applicants must meet those criteria accordingly. These camps are specifically designed to provide students with an opportunity to delve into their interests in computer science. The courses offered cover a range of programming languages, including Python, C++, and more, as well as game development. The main objective of these camps is to emphasize the diverse applications of computer science in both business and core technology fields.

COSMOS | California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science

See website

Hosting Institution

UC Davis

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Davis (CA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Feb 7, 2026

Categories

Mathematics

Summary

COSMOS is an immersive and rigorous 4-week summer residential program tailored for students who have showcased exceptional aptitude in STEM fields. Participants in COSMOS typically possess a GPA of 3.5 or higher, along with other qualifications that demonstrate their commitment to academic excellence. Through COSMOS, students engage in hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences, collaborating with like-minded peers and expert mentors to explore advanced topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This highly competitive program offers a unique opportunity to delve into cutting-edge research and develop essential skills for future success in STEM disciplines.

Hosting Institution

UC Berkeley

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Berkeley (CA)

Cost

$6,292

Application Deadline

Mar 1, 2026

Categories

Business

Summary

Every year, B-BAY, a highly competitive program, invites 50 high school students from different countries to participate in a two-week program. Students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture, academics, and daily life of Berkeley. The program offers guest speakers, including professors from the Berkeley Haas School of Business and industry professionals, who share valuable insights and practical experiences. In addition to classroom instruction, students engage in independent research, computer lab assignments, and team projects. Working in teams, participants collaborate on developing a comprehensive business plan, which they present at the end of the program. While the program is prestigious, it comes with a high cost.

Research Mentorship Program

See website

Hosting Institution

UC Santa Barbara

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Santa Barbara (CA)

Cost

$12,747

Application Deadline

Mar 17, 2026

Categories

Neuroscience, Biology, Psychol...

Summary

This program offers a distinctive feature of providing students with exposure to various interdisciplinary research topics, allowing them to select their preferred project option. The program encompasses 24 fields, ranging from sciences to social sciences and humanities. Students are required to choose a research project and advisor, who could be a graduate student, postdoc, or professor, to undertake graduate-level research.

Digital Filmmaking Summer Institute

See website

Hosting Institution

UCLA

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Los Angeles (CA)

Cost

$35

Application Deadline

Jun 1, 2024

Categories

Arts

Summary

This program provides a unique chance for ambitious high school students from various locations worldwide to learn filmmaking at one of the most renowned film schools globally. The two-week intensive production workshop is tailored for highly motivated rising high school juniors, seniors, and spring 2022 high school graduates. Participants dive into the artistry and technical aspects of cinematic storytelling and are encouraged to craft engaging narrative projects.

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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