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
Summer Immersion Program
See websiteSummary
This 12-day program offers high school students a first-hand understanding of a liberal arts education through a fun academic and non-academic mix that provides a strong foundation for success in academic endeavors. them in the future.
Biomedical Bootcamp
See websiteSummary
A one-week commuter/non-residential course for high school students to learn all about current biomedical research with hands-on work to complement classroom instruction.
Inspiring Future Scientists through Shadowing (IFSS)
See websiteSummary
The Stanford Department of Chemistry hosts the Inspiring Future Scientists Through Shadowing (IFSS) program each summer. This program gives rising juniors and seniors in high school an opportunity to experience cutting-edge chemical research while shadowing a graduate student mentor as they work in the laboratory.
Camp Businesss
See websiteSummary
Drexel LeBow's Camp Business is a 5-day program during the day that offers rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors an immersive and engaging introduction to collegiate and corporate business education. The program is designed to demonstrate that business education can be enjoyable and fun.
Summer College Immersion Program (SCIP)
See websiteSummary
Brain Made Simple: Neuroscience for 21st Century; Introduction to Neuroscience Methods: Art and Science of Studying Brain; Introduction to Functional Anatomy of Central Nervous System; and others. Designed to emulate the undergraduate experience, SCIP provides students access to a broad range of UCLA’s academic expertise and resources through lectures, workshops, and seminars, as well as UCLA coursework. SCIP’s co-curricular components are specifically curated to empower students to gain balance and thrive as they embark on their college journey.
Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)
See websiteSummary
The Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP) is a virtual summer outreach program hosted by the Stanford Physics Department and the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, designed to get high-school girls excited about physics. This 3-week program is completely free to participants, and is held through video chat. First-generation students and students from underrepresented backgrounds in physics are particularly encouraged to apply. No prior knowledge of physics or coding is needed.
Data Visualization and Analysis
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Students will be exposed to tools like Excel and Tableau to understand how to enter data, manipulate data, and perform basic and intermediate analysis for decision making. Understand what to do first when an unknown data set is presented. Visually explore data. Perform data clean up and get it ready for analysis. Perform basic statistics to generate insights from data. Present the data to stakeholders to make decisions quickly and in an informed manner."
Young Scholars Programme (YSP)
See websiteSummary
This week's program is a pre-college experience for a liberal arts education. Students have the opportunity to explore 10 different disciplines through hands-on experience and learning. The program includes a wide range of activities including lectures, workshops, discussion groups, projects, exhibitions and events.
Bridge Undergraduate Science Jr. Program (BUGS Jr)
See websiteSummary
We are training the next generation of students to surmount disciplinary boundaries, create professional networks, and engage in world-class research as they work to better understand the human body and human health. The BUGS Jr Program runs concurrently each summer with a parallel program for undergraduates, Bridge Undergraduate Science Program, known as BUGS for short. Students in the BUGS Jr Program pair with a USC Faculty Member and the members of their laboratory, often graduate students or postdoctoral fellows, to perform hands-on research in state-of-the-art research labs at USC.
Stanford Neurodiversity Project - Research, Education, and Advocacy Camp for High Schoolers (SNP-REACH)
See websiteSummary
SNP REACH stands for Stanford Neurodiversity Project - Research, Education, and Advocacy Camp for High Schoolers. It is a two-week summer camp for high school students across the U.S. to learn more about neurodiversity advocacy and the science behind neurodiversity.
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.