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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

Aspire India Scholars Summer Programme

See website

Hosting Institution

Jindal Global Summer School

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

Rs. 50,000

Application Deadline

Apr 29, 2024

Categories

Engineering, Comp Sci, Quantit...

Summary

This 10-day program is intended for understudies concentrating in schools inside India. The target of AISP is to set out open doors for secondary school understudies to encounter the variety of scholarly programs, disciplines, and grounds climate that is accessible to them and empower informed advances from secondary school to college inside India and abroad.

Camp Psych

See website

Hosting Institution

Gettysburg College

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

$1,395

Application Deadline

Jun 30, 2024

Categories

Psychology, Neuroscience

Summary

The goal of Camp Psych is to provide a window into how psychological science works . What are some of the major questions investigated by psychologists? Campers will get experiences that introduce them to research in psychology in a fun, challenging, and engaging environment. Perfect for students interested in psychology, this camp gives students an insider view of the field as well as preparation for college studies .

Introduction to the Entrepreneurial Experience

See website

Hosting Institution

Babson College

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

$6,390

Application Deadline

Mar 15, 2024

Categories

Business, Social Science, Data...

Summary

Babson Summer Study is a 3+-week online program for rising high school juniors and seniors. The program aims to develop an entrepreneurial mindset in participants and enhance their ability to bring about change. Participants will gain a better understanding of the United Nation's Global Goals, which will provide them with the skills and confidence to address real-world problems and create positive change. A major plus of this program is the ability to gain 4 college credits from Babson, the top-ranked college for entrepreneurship.

BETA Bowl

See website

Hosting Institution

Beta Bowl

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

$1490

Application Deadline

May 13, 2024

Categories

Business, Social Science

Summary

This is an entrepreneurship program with a clear track record - students have gone on to do impressive things like win a Thiel fellowship, start successful nonprofits, and win pitch competitions. Beta Bowl offers virtual entrepreneurial enrichment programs for motivated teens, providing 27+ online video lessons, weekly tasks, group calls, and 1-on-1 calls with a startup mentor. Students receive step-by-step instruction, hands-on implementation, and end up with a complete business plan, marketing strategy, financial model, pitch deck, and a viable business. They also get impressive skills and a professional investor pitch deck, as well as ongoing guidance to compete in pitch competitions and launch profitable ventures.

Customized 1-on-1 Research Practicum for 7-9 Graders

See website

Hosting Institution

Scholar Launch

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

$7,900

Application Deadline

Mar 30, 2024

Categories

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, S...

Summary

Scholar Launch’s One-on-one Research Practicum is highly customized according to our students’ interests, academic level, learning goals and schedules. It is a perfect opportunity for students to pursue unique, impressive and often niche research projects.

Advanced Group Research Practicum

See website

Hosting Institution

Scholar Launch

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

$4,500-$6,400

Application Deadline

Mar 31, 2024

Categories

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, S...

Summary

Group-based Research Practicum, students can engage in lively discussions, get professional guidance from Teaching Assistants and work with professors and scholars from renowned universities. Each student will produce their own unique, impactful work product across a catalog of disciplines.

Customized 1-on-1 Research Practicum for Grade 9 & above

See website

Hosting Institution

Scholar Launch

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

$8,800

Application Deadline

Mar 31, 2024

Categories

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, S...

Summary

Scholar Launch’s One-on-one Research Practicum is highly customized according to our students’ interests, academic level, learning goals and schedules. It is a perfect opportunity for students to pursue unique, impressive and often niche research projects

Research Scholars: School of Medicine - Sports Medicine Summer Academy

See website

Hosting Institution

UC San Diego

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

$2,000

Application Deadline

Mar 22, 2024

Categories

Medicine

Summary

The UC San Diego Sports Medicine Summer Academy is an interactive, intensive summer course designed for incoming 11th and 12th grade students who are interested in sports medicine. The goal of the Sports Medicine Summer Academy is to familiarize students with the focus, concepts, content and activities of the area of clinical medicine called Sports Medicine. Students will actively participate in lectures from nationally acclaimed faculty, explore current research in sports medicine, and analyze their own wellness and fitness using wearable technology.

AI Fellowship

See website

Hosting Institution

Veritas AI

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

$4,200

Application Deadline

Mar 24, 2024

Categories

Comp Sci, Quantitative, Engine...

Summary

Create a novel AI project independently with the support of a mentor over 12-15 weeks and showcase what you’re passionate about.

Research Assistant

See website

Hosting Institution

International Research Institute of North Carolina

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

$9,050

Application Deadline

Mar 31, 2024

Categories

Biology, Neuroscience, Chemist...

Summary

Research Assistants will select novel research questions to study during their time in the lab (our lab staff is available to help you decide on research topics if needed). You will attend weekly lab meetings and one-on-one meeting with top-tier university faculty as well as some meetings with a graduate student mentor (~2 hours of meeting time per week) along with assignments that you will be completing independently (up to 5-10 hours per week). In the end, you will present work products to the lab, staff & peers.

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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