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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

Syracuse University’s Pre-College Summer and Accelerated Semester programs

See website

Hosting Institution

Syracuse University

Online/In Person

Online

Location

Syracuse (NY)

Cost

$1,995-$3,785

Application Deadline

Apr 30, 2024

Categories

Data Science

Summary

High school students have the opportunity to enroll in pre-college or accelerated semester courses that align with their academic objectives. These courses span various subject areas and may even provide college credit options.

Syracuse University Pre-College Summer program

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Hosting Institution

Syracuse University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Syracuse (NY)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Mar 30, 2024

Categories

Data Science

Summary

The program offers a wide range of courses spanning various subject areas and durations, allowing students to delve into the fundamentals of different fields. Whether they are interested in sciences, humanities, arts, or business, there are courses available to cater to their interests. The program provides an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of these subjects, develop important skills, and explore potential areas of academic or career interest. Furthermore, for select courses, students may have the opportunity to earn college credit, providing them with a head start in their academic journey.

Summer Sessions

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Hosting Institution

Boston University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Boston (MA)

Cost

$10,000

Application Deadline

Apr 12, 2024

Categories

History, Social Science

Summary

The Emergence of Modern Europe; The Emerging United States; Catastrophe and Memory; among others. Get a real college experience in the heart of Boston, attending class alongside undergraduate students from BU and other colleges around the US and the world. Earn up to 8 college credits that you can apply to your future studies. While at BU, you will share dorm life and social activities with students from the Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) program. To help you get to know everyone, and become familiar with the BU campus, and Boston, we plan a variety of fun group events during the first week. After that, each weekend has a planned activity along with some optional activities during the week. Your weeknights are free for homework, impromptu activities, and time with friends until curfew. Take a look at our Program Activities below to see the types of exciting events we plan.

Summer Scholar Program at the Illinois Insitute of Technology

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Hosting Institution

Illinois Institute of Technology

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Chicago (IL)

Cost

$5,500

Application Deadline

Mar 31, 2024

Categories

Chemistry

Summary

Illinois Tech University offers a highly regarded Summer Scholar Program, a tuition-free opportunity that spans 8 weeks annually. This program, hosted by the Department of Chemistry, is tailored for high-achieving high school students who possess a strong passion for chemistry and a desire to engage in research laboratory work. The program provides an array of research areas to choose from, including bioanalytical chemistry, computational chemistry and biochemistry, environmental chemistry, forensic chemistry, and medicinal chemistry in the context of energy and sustainability science, materials science, sensor science and technology, computational science, data science, bioanalysis, and health with real-world applications. As a participant, you can expect to dedicate approximately 30 hours per week to laboratory work over the course of 8-10 weeks during the summer.

Summer Internship Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Magee-Womens Research Institute High School

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Pittsburgh (PA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Jun 17, 2024

Categories

Medicine, Biology

Summary

This is a four-week virtual internship opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to participate in basic, translational, or clinical scientific investigations at MWRI and Magee Women's Hospital, led by a researcher and their team. Participants will also attend sessions where researchers share their personal experiences and perspectives in biomedical science. Students will present their findings to other program participants as well as MWRI faculty and staff at the end of the program. The internship consists of 160 hours of work.

Summer Immersion Programs for Pre-College Students

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Hosting Institution

The University of Chicago

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Chicago (IL)

Cost

$8,600

Application Deadline

Apr 10, 2024

Categories

Data Science

Summary

The Immersion programs are inclusive three-week residential courses designed to provide high school students with a firsthand experience of college education. These programs serve as UChicago's foundational summer offering for high school students and are open to a wide range of applicants. The program offers numerous course options, and for the upcoming 2023 summer, several courses have been listed. By participating in the program, students gain insight into the college lifestyle by living on campus and taking courses at the undergraduate level, mirroring the experience of UChicago students. Additionally, students have the opportunity to explore the abundant resources available in the city of Chicago through field trips and campus events, enhancing their overall learning experience.

Summer Challenge

See website

Hosting Institution

Boston University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Boston (MA)

Cost

$4,750

Application Deadline

Jun 1, 2024

Categories

Arts, Psychology

Summary

Seminars range from Abnormal Psychology to Persuasive Writing among others. A 2-week program It’s called Summer Challenge because it pushes you in so many ways. You will explore your interests, discover new ones, test your academic boundaries, and immerse yourself in the college experience. Along the way, you will make new friends and get to know more about Boston University. Are you up to the challenge?

Stanford’s High School and Pre-Medical Student Summer Internship

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Hosting Institution

Stanford University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Stanford (CA)

Cost

$4,595

Application Deadline

Mar 8, 2024

Categories

Medicine

Summary

The 2-week intensive course on cardiothoracic surgery offered to high school students aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the field and hands-on experience in various surgical techniques. Participants will delve into both the fundamental and advanced aspects of cardiothoracic surgery, learning essential skills such as knot tying, dissection, suturing, and performing procedures like coronary artery bypass graft and cardiac valve replacement. This immersive program provides a unique opportunity for students to explore their interest in surgery and gain practical skills under the guidance of experienced surgeons.

Stanford University’s Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience

See website

Hosting Institution

Stanford University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Stanford (CA)

Cost

$2,795

Application Deadline

Mar 1, 2024

Categories

Neuroscience

Summary

The duration of ten days is dedicated to an immersive program that offers an introductory exploration of neuroscience, psychiatry, and psychology. Alongside this, students also have the chance to engage in a collaborative capstone project. The program includes interactive seminars led by esteemed faculty and researchers from Stanford University. Through these seminars, students gain knowledge about fundamental principles in neuroscience, clinical neuropsychiatry, neuroscience research, psychiatric epidemiology, and behavioral and social sciences, among other related topics. This comprehensive experience provides students with valuable insights into these fields and encourages their active participation in a stimulating learning environment.

Stanford Medical Youth Science Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Stanford University

Online/In Person

Online

Location

Stanford (CA)

Cost

$8,250

Application Deadline

Mar 15, 2024

Categories

Medicine

Summary

High school sophomores and juniors can benefit from this comprehensive five-week online program focused on medicine and health science. The program offers intensive coursework to enhance students' knowledge in these fields, along with professional development workshops and networking opportunities with health professionals. Additionally, participants receive college admissions guidance and mentoring to support their future educational pursuits. As part of the program, students will complete a college-level research project, gaining valuable experience in navigating the medical profession. This program aims to provide a well-rounded and immersive learning experience for aspiring healthcare professionals.

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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