
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
GTAE’s Science, Technology, and Engineering Pipeline (STEP) Summer Internship Program
See websiteSummary
STEP, organized by The Georgia Tech Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, is a highly regarded engineering program sponsored by prestigious companies, associations, and government bodies. This program offers students the opportunity to work in teams on ongoing research projects at Georgia Tech. With the guidance of faculty mentors, participants will tackle real-world problems, design innovative solutions, and present their work during a poster session. While applications for the 2023 batch are closed, students can look forward to the 2024 program, which is expected to follow a similar timeline. STEP provides a unique and immersive experience for aspiring engineers, allowing them to gain practical skills and valuable insights into the field of aerospace engineering.
GENIUS Olympiad
See websiteSummary
The Genius Olympiad, renowned for its focus on environmental issues, offers a unique business vertical that challenges participants to develop innovative solutions. By participating in this competition, you have the opportunity to contribute to the global effort of decreasing human impact on the environment. The competition is divided into two categories: social responsibility and entrepreneurship. In the social responsibility category, you can work on creating new products or technologies that promote sustainability and address environmental challenges. Alternatively, in the entrepreneurship category, you can propose improvements to existing products or technologies to make them greener or more sustainable. This multidisciplinary approach combines elements of science, engineering, and business acumen. To showcase your ideas effectively, your product or solution should be accompanied by a well-developed business plan and a go-to-market strategy. The Genius Olympiad provides a platform for young minds to apply their skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit to make a positive impact on the environment. It encourages participants to think critically, collaborate, and develop viable solutions that not only address environmental issues but also have the potential for real-world implementation.
Gateway to Business
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Gateway to Business is a hybrid course that teaches high school students about business, leadership, teamwork, and career readiness. The curriculum includes foundational business concepts, creative problem solving, experiential learning, professional communication, career planning, and entrepreneurship. The program also includes a week on WashU's campus with engaging activities, as well as an opportunity to earn 3 college credits, which makes for a compelling opportunity
Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program
See websiteSummary
The Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship offers a unique opportunity for rising high school seniors from underrepresented communities to engage in the field of biomedical science. This full-time, 8-week internship provides students with hands-on training in laboratory safety techniques and skills within the Fred Hutch Training Labs. In addition to the lab experience, participants have the chance to attend research education seminars, participate in professional development workshops, and receive mentorship from research groups at Fred Hutch. The program aims to foster a supportive and enriching environment where students can explore their passion for biomedical science and gain valuable insights into research.
Fred Hutch – Summer High School Internship Program
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Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center offers a prestigious 8-week summer research internship program for rising high school seniors. This highly competitive program provides students with a unique opportunity to work alongside leading scientists and researchers at Fred Hutch, a renowned institution known for its groundbreaking contributions to the field of biological sciences, cancer research, epidemiology, and more. During the program, participants engage in hands-on laboratory work, gain exposure to cutting-edge research techniques and technologies, and contribute to ongoing research projects. The program aims to foster students' passion for science, nurture their research skills, and inspire them to pursue careers in the biomedical field. As a testament to the program's value, participants receive a stipend to support their involvement and dedication to the research internship. This program at Fred Hutch equips rising high school seniors with invaluable experiences and insights into the world of scientific discovery, setting them on a path towards future success in the field of biomedical research.
FLAME University's Summer Immersion Program
See websiteSummary
The 12-day program provides high school students with a unique opportunity to experience and gain a comprehensive understanding of liberal arts education. Through a combination of engaging academic and non-academic courses, participants can develop a strong foundation that will support their future academic endeavors. The program offers a diverse range of courses that cover various disciplines within the liberal arts, allowing students to explore different subjects and broaden their knowledge. By actively participating in these courses, students can enhance their critical thinking, analytical skills, and overall academic preparedness. Additionally, the program may also include non-academic activities designed to foster personal growth, social interaction, and a well-rounded educational experience. This immersive program aims to equip students with the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed in their future academic pursuits.
Exploring Solutions to Global Problems: Climate, Energy & Sustainability
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The week-long enrichment program offers high school students a comprehensive introduction to the field of climate and energy policy, preparing them for future careers in this important area. Led by renowned faculty members from the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), the Becker Friedman Institute, and the Climate Impact Lab, the program provides a rigorous and engaging learning experience. Through discussion-based classes, readings, lectures, and collaborative hands-on projects, students delve into pressing current issues in climate and energy. They gain insights into the complexities of these topics, explore innovative solutions, and develop a deep understanding of the economic, environmental, and social impacts of climate and energy policies. This program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the ongoing efforts to address climate change and shape the future of energy policy.
EXPLO Psychology + Neuroscience
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EXPLO Psychology + Neuroscience is an immersive program that allows students in grades 10th to 12th to delve into the fascinating fields of psychology and neuroscience. Throughout the program, students gain hands-on experience with the diagnostic tools used by psychologists and explore the intricate role of psychology in criminal interrogation. They have the opportunity to conduct original research projects and receive valuable feedback from psychologists and industry experts specializing in clinical psychology, behavioral neuroscience, criminal psychology, and organizational psychology. The program culminates with the Brain Summit Symposium, where students present their findings to professional clinicians and receive further insights and feedback. EXPLO Psychology + Neuroscience offers a unique and enriching experience for students interested in exploring these disciplines and gaining practical knowledge in the field.
EXPLO Pre-College Programs
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EXPLO offers a wide range of immersive programs for high school students to explore their interests and engage in coursework, workshops, and research. Students can choose to specialize in a particular field through EXPLO Career Concentrations, where they work closely with experts and complete real-world projects. The concentrations cover various areas such as AI & machine learning, psychology & neuroscience, engineering, law, business, crime scene investigation, biomedical engineering, entrepreneurship, and more. Under the guidance of mentors, students develop a portfolio of projects in their chosen concentration. For students who are undecided or want to explore multiple areas, EXPLO 360° is a three-week program where they can select two courses and three electives from a diverse range of options. Alongside academic learning, EXPLO offers workshops, activities, and clubs to provide a comprehensive pre-college experience.
Emerging Rural Leaders I
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The renowned program at UChicago is specifically designed to support students from rural or small-town schools in developing their skills in civic leadership and deliberation. Through immersive experiential learning activities, this course delves into the cultivation of collaboration, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship within your local community, with a focus on creating and presenting community-based business plans. Additionally, workshops on college admissions-related topics will be available, providing valuable insights and guidance for navigating the college application process. This program offers a comprehensive experience that empowers students from rural or small-town backgrounds to enhance their civic leadership skills, explore entrepreneurial opportunities, and acquire valuable knowledge about the college admissions journey.
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.