
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
Change Agent Academy - Virtual Research Cohort
See websiteSummary
Our 12-week, 60-hour program provides high-potential teens with the ability to: - Attend virtual 90-minute meetings utilizing online learning tools, including Google Classroom and Zoom. - Participate in a college-level research project geared toward elevating teen voices. - Explore social justice issues they are passionate about in an academic setting. - Increase their “intellectual humility” (an indicator of a growth mindset – a major consideration in the college admission process). - Develop a public policy framework that advocates for social reform. - Connect with social justice advocates and thought leaders. - Become an agent of change in their school, community, or society. - Publish content that enhances their academic resumes.
Spark’s Summer Internship Program (Spark SIP)
See websiteSummary
The Spark SIP program is available to all high school students with an interest in computer science and related fields. It offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in research, collaborate with scholars and industry leaders, and gain practical experience through a full-time summer internship program. Participants of the program are provided with a $500 stipend to support their involvement.
Boys/Girls State
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The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary provide valuable support to young leaders across the United States through their Boys and Girls State programs. These summer programs are specifically designed to nurture leadership skills and promote community-building among participants. The programs are highly sought after, with a rigorous selection process that annually shortlists approximately 40,000 boys and girls. If you are fortunate enough to be selected for Boys/Girls Nationals, you will have the opportunity to travel to Washington DC and engage with young leaders from all corners of the country. The program divides participants into two parties, where they actively participate in subsequent program elections, propose bills, carry out motions, and gain familiarity with fundamental governmental procedures. For individuals aspiring to pursue degrees in fields such as Political Science, Law, Public Policy, and similar disciplines, the Boys and Girls State programs should be considered a valuable experience to have on their radar. It is worth noting that including this program on your resume carries significant prestige, akin to earning the distinction of an Eagle Scout.
World Economics Cup
See websiteSummary
The World Economics Cup (WEC) is an international competition that promotes a deeper understanding and engagement with economics on a global scale. The competition challenges students to apply their knowledge of economics to solve problems and make informed decisions. Participants register as teams from their respective schools and participate in multiple rounds that include multiple-choice questions on micro and macroeconomics, objective questions based on provided materials, and team presentations. The WEC goes beyond testing pre-learned information by providing academic guidance and background knowledge to ensure a level playing field for participants from different countries. By participating in the WEC, students have the opportunity to showcase their economic acumen and enhance their understanding of this important field of study.
The iGEM Competition
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The iGEM Competition, organized by the non-profit foundation iGEM, offers an unparalleled platform for young innovators interested in synthetic biology. This global event brings together teams of 8-15 participants to showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills by applying principles and techniques from synthetic biology to address real-world challenges. Participants are tasked with designing, building, testing, and measuring an original system using interchangeable biological parts and standard molecular biology methods. What sets iGEM apart is its emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration, encouraging teams to include members from diverse fields such as law, marine biology, mathematics, and social sciences, resulting in more comprehensive and robust project designs. The most promising projects are selected to participate in the prestigious iGEM Grand Jamboree, where teams present their innovative solutions to a global audience. The iGEM Competition is an exceptional opportunity for young scientists and innovators to showcase their talent, engage in cutting-edge research, and contribute to the field of synthetic biology.
ChemiCo
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ChemiCo, organized by StemCo, is an Olympiad-style chemistry competition that welcomes high school students from around the globe. The competition focuses on testing participants' understanding of fundamental concepts covered in the general secondary school chemistry syllabus. Topics such as stoichiometry calculations, reactions, the periodic table, atomic structure, chemical bonding, and experimental chemistry are included in the assessment. ChemiCo is conducted in multiple languages, including English, Russian, French, Portuguese, and Romanian, to accommodate participants from diverse linguistic backgrounds. With over 5,000 entries from more than 40 countries, ChemiCo provides an opportunity for students to showcase their chemistry knowledge and compete on an international level.
Talaria Summer Institute
See websiteSummary
ATHENA By Women In STEM offers a valuable research mentorship program specifically designed for female and genderqueer students. This month-long program provides participants with the opportunity to work closely with a mentor, engaging in one-on-one meetings and conducting scientific research. The program culminates with the writing of a formal research paper, which may cover a wide range of topics, including astrophysics. Furthermore, participants have the chance to present their research at the Talaria conference, receive a certificate, and potentially get their work published in the Talaria journal. With an acceptance rate of 13% in 2022, it is advisable for interested students to consider applying to this program alongside other opportunities to enhance their chances of acceptance.
YLAC’s The Young Researchers for Social Impact (YRSI) program
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The Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC) offers a 1-month program designed to immerse high school students in live research projects with esteemed partner organizations such as Our Democracy, Teach for India, Indian School of Democracy, Lung Care Foundation, World Resources Institute, and many others. Through this program, students have the unique opportunity to work on pressing social issues across a wide range of fields, including environment, gender, education, global health, and governance. By actively engaging with these partner organizations, students gain hands-on experience and contribute to ongoing research projects. They have the chance to deepen their understanding of the challenges and complexities associated with these issues, while developing crucial skills in research, analysis, and problem-solving. The YLAC program serves as a platform for young leaders to actively participate in and make a positive impact on society, fostering a sense of active citizenship and promoting social change.
High School Program
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The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers three exceptional pre-college summer programs for high school students, providing immersive and exploratory experiences in the world of art. The Early College Program (ECP) offers courses in a variety of artistic disciplines, such as painting, drawing, animation, fashion, and design. This program allows students who have completed their sophomore year of high school to earn college credit. The Early College Program Summer Institute (ECPSI) offers an intensive summer experience where students create portfolio-quality work, engage with faculty, and explore SAIC's state-of-the-art art facilities while earning college credit. For those seeking a virtual experience, the Early College Program Online Summer Institute (ECPOSI) provides an accessible option to work on portfolios and deepen understanding of contemporary art through networking with peers and mentors. These programs offer unique opportunities for high school students to enhance their artistic skills, build their portfolios, and gain valuable insight into the world of art and design.
Adelphi University’s Summer High School summer sessions and Pre-College Programs
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The pre-college programs provide high school students with the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects and disciplines, including business, communication, art, and computer science. These programs are designed to give students a taste of college-level coursework and offer the option to earn college credit. By participating in these programs, students can gain valuable academic experience, develop new skills, and get a head start on their college education. Whether they are interested in pursuing a specific field or simply want to broaden their knowledge and skills, the pre-college programs offer a diverse selection of courses to cater to their interests and goals.
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.