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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

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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

University of Georgia’s B.L.A.C.K. Engineering

See website

Hosting Institution

UGA

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Athens (GA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Apr 30, 2024

Categories

Engineering

Summary

Short for Building Leaders through Analysis, Conceptualization, and Knowledge, this residential summer camp offers a deep dive into engineering. Through the one-week camp, you will design engineering solutions, analyze data, and work on hands-on projects. Only 20 campers are selected per cohort, making this free program relatively competitive. Women can also consider the Women ExCEL in Engineering summer camp, which is also covered by a scholarship. Other summer camps, available in several different subjects, can be found here.

UIUC Illinois Aerospace Institute

See website

Hosting Institution

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Urbana (IL)

Cost

$1,000

Application Deadline

Mar 23, 2024

Categories

Engineering

Summary

The University of Illinois' Engineering Summer Camps presents an Aerospace Engineering program that spans multiple sessions, catering to high school students of all grade levels. While juniors and seniors are preferred for on-campus activities, students from all grade levels are encouraged to participate. Prior experience in the aerospace field is common among many campers, but it is not a requirement for application. The program offers a comprehensive learning experience where students will explore various aerospace engineering topics, including flight mechanics, aerodynamics, rocket propulsion, and more. Through engaging activities and instruction, participants will gain valuable knowledge and hands-on experience in these areas. The Engineering Summer Camps at the University of Illinois provide an excellent opportunity for high school students to expand their understanding and passion for aerospace engineering, regardless of their previous experience in the field.

UCSD’s and SDSC’s Annual Research Experience for High School Students (REHS)

See website

Hosting Institution

San Diego Supercomputer Center

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

San DIego (CA)

Cost

$1,500

Application Deadline

Mar 14, 2024

Categories

Comp Sci

Summary

The UC San Diego and San Diego Supercomputer Center Summer Research Program offers a valuable opportunity for students to engage in an 8-week research experience. This program, hosted by two esteemed institutions, provides students with the chance to work closely with mentors on a research project. Through this immersive experience, students learn the essential skills of formulating and testing hypotheses, conducting computational experiments, and drawing meaningful conclusions. The program not only exposes students to cutting-edge research methods but also allows them to contribute to scientific knowledge in their chosen field. By working alongside experienced mentors, students gain valuable insights and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This program serves as a springboard for students' future academic and professional success, providing them with a solid foundation in research and computational science.

UCSD – Academic Connections Research Scholars

See website

Hosting Institution

UC San Diego

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

San DIego (CA)

Cost

$6,150

Application Deadline

Jun 1, 2024

Categories

Biology

Summary

The UC San Diego Research Scholars Program provides a remarkable opportunity for 25 high school students to engage in independent research under the mentorship of UCSD faculty researchers. This immersive program takes place in the Biochemistry or Biology labs on campus, allowing students to work alongside experienced scientists and contribute to real-world research projects. The program runs for a duration of 6 weeks, with both winter and summer sessions available to accommodate students' schedules. The application process is conducted on a rolling basis, ensuring that qualified candidates have the opportunity to secure their spot in this prestigious program. By participating in the UCSD Research Scholars Program, students gain invaluable research experience, enhance their scientific knowledge and skills, and establish connections with leading experts in their field of interest. This immersive research opportunity serves as a stepping stone for high school students who aspire to pursue careers in the fields of biochemistry or biology, setting them on a path towards success in scientific inquiry and discovery.

UConn’s High School Student Research Apprentice Program

See website

Hosting Institution

UConn Health

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Farmington (CT)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Mar 31, 2024

Categories

Medicine

Summary

If you have a strong interest in medicine, the five-week commuter program at UConn Health may be the perfect summer opportunity for you. This program focuses on medicine, dental medicine, and biomedical research and provides students with the chance to conduct research in science and clinical laboratories. The program runs from Monday to Friday, with a schedule from 7 AM to 5:30 PM. Additionally, UConn Health offers Doctors Academies tailored for different grade levels, providing further opportunities for students interested in medicine. Another option is Yale's Discovery to Cure summer internship, which requires the involvement of a school representative during the application process. These programs offer valuable experiences for students pursuing a career in the medical field.

UChicago Medicine’s SHE (Summer Healthcare Experience) in Oncology

See website

Hosting Institution

The University of Chicago Medical Center

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Chicago (IL)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Mar 4, 2024

Categories

Engineering

Summary

SHE in Oncology is a virtual program designed specifically for high school students in Chicago who are interested in science and medicine, with a focus on oncology. This two-week program provides participants with a unique opportunity to engage in genetics-based research projects and patient case studies related to cancer science and care. Through daily faculty lectures, panel discussions, and skill-building workshops, students will have the chance to expand their knowledge and gain hands-on experience in the field of oncology. The program aims to foster collaboration and learning among participants as they explore various aspects of cancer research and patient care. By the end of the program, students will have developed a deeper understanding of oncology and its significance in the medical field.

UC Santa Barbara's Research Mentorship Program

Hosting Institution

The Regents of the University of California

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Santa Barbara (CA)

Cost

$11,874

Application Deadline

Mar 18, 2024

Categories

Comp Sci

Summary

UC Santa Barbara's summer research program offers an exceptional opportunity for students to engage in in-depth research and gain valuable experience. Throughout the program, participants dedicate significant time, around 30-40 hours per week, to work closely with their research mentor, collaborating on research projects and developing a research presentation. The program goes beyond the research experience by providing additional university credit through courses focused on research presentation techniques and an introduction to research. What sets this program apart is its emphasis on interdisciplinary research. Students are exposed to a wide range of research topics across various disciplines, allowing them to explore the application of AI in different fields. Participants have the opportunity to rank their preferred projects and work alongside graduate students, postdocs, or faculty members as their research mentors. This hands-on experience in conducting university-level research enables students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the practical application of AI in diverse areas of study.

The Ross Mathematics Program

See website

Hosting Institution

The Ross Mathematics Program

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Boston (MA)

Cost

$7000

Application Deadline

Mar 15, 2024

Categories

Mathematics

Summary

Designed as a six-week residential program, this opportunity is perfect for individuals interested in delving deeply into the study of Number Theory. With a substantial commitment of ten hours per week, participants will engage in various activities such as problem-solving, mathematical proof writing, attending lectures, and participating in group meetings. The program stands out for its comprehensive exploration of the subject, encompassing sub-topics like Euclid's algorithm, binomial coefficients, quadratic reciprocity, and many others. It is worth noting that this program carries prestige and therefore has a competitive acceptance rate, with a 20% acceptance rate observed in 2021.

The Ohio State University’s 2023 Explorations in Neuroscience Internship

See website

Hosting Institution

The Ohio State University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Columbus (OH)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Apr 1, 2024

Categories

Neuroscience

Summary

Supported by the National Institute of Health, this program provides a comprehensive research experience in the domains of neuroscience and biomedical research. Participants can select from three available tracks: Neuroscience, Neurological Injury, or Neurodegeneration. Throughout the program, students will engage in extensive research within a laboratory setting, benefiting from mentorship provided by leading experts in the field. Additionally, participants will develop skills in scientific writing, culminating in the presentation of their research findings at the program's conclusion. Importantly, participants will receive compensation for their involvement in the program. Noteworthy aspects of this program include hands-on research opportunities and ample networking prospects.

The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS): Project Pipeline Baltimore

See website

Hosting Institution

Johns Hopkins Hospital

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Baltimore (MD)

Cost

$500

Application Deadline

Mar 1, 2024

Categories

Medicine

Summary

The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program is a highly competitive and fully funded summer research program for bright high school students from underrepresented communities. This 8-week program offers hands-on research experience, mentorship from leading neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins University, scientific seminars, and personal and professional development sessions. Participants have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research projects, present their findings, and build connections in the field. With both on-campus and virtual options available, the program aims to promote inclusivity and representation in the field of neurological sciences while nurturing students' passion for neuroscience.

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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