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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
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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

Secondary School Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Harvard University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Cambridge (MA)

Cost

$3,900-$14,250

Application Deadline

Apr 10, 2024

Categories

Neuroscience

Summary

Harvard Summer School's Secondary School program is a rigorous seven-week academic program intended for highly motivated high school students who aspire to excel in college courses and earn college credits. The program offers a range of courses to choose from, including Neuroinvesting: Neuroscience and Financial Decision Making, Mind and Brain: Themes in the History of Neuroscience, and Becoming a Brain Scientist: Neuroscience and Psychology Research, among others.

Science Camps of America Overnight Summer Camp

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Hosting Institution

Science Camps of America

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Hawaii (HI)

Cost

$2,795

Application Deadline

May 24, 2024

Categories

Data Science

Summary

An organization provides a range of science camp programs tailored for students aged 13-17. The Overnight Summer Science Camp is particularly popular, offering two options: Land and Sea, or Air and Space. These immersive summer camps allow students to experience the natural wonders of Hawai'i while gaining deeper knowledge in their chosen fields of interest. It's a hands-on learning opportunity that combines exploration with educational experiences.

Sci|Art Lab + Studio Summer Institute

See website

Hosting Institution

University of California (Los Angeles)

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Los Angeles (CA)

Cost

$461+Program fee

Application Deadline

Jun 15, 2024

Categories

Arts

Summary

During this intensive two-week program, students make connections between cutting-edge scientific research, popular culture, and contemporary arts. Through historical retrospectives, surveys of current art-science collaborations, and science fiction movie screenings, students are exposed to the interface of science, art, and culture with a focus on multidisciplinary collaborations. The final project, students will work collaboratively in small groups under the challenge: “Imagine the Impossible”. Students will focus on one aspect of the course work that they are interested in and work in small groups to expand upon and research their chosen topic. They are asked to develop ideas or methodologies for the application of this information, whether that be in an art project, product proposal, or media design. Instructors work closely with the students on the conceptual and technical development of their ideas. The final works are delivered in a multimedia presentation during our closing ceremony.

San Francisco District Attorney’s Office High School Internship

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Hosting Institution

SAN FRANCISCO DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

San Francisco (CA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Dec 8, 2023

Categories

Business

Summary

The San Francisco District Attorney's Office High School Internship provides a valuable unpaid experience for high school students who are passionate about criminal justice. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the inner workings of the District Attorney's office. As an intern, you will be actively involved in a range of important tasks, including organizing and preparing case files, contacting witnesses, and handling subpoenas and records for both pre-trial hearings and jury trials. This hands-on experience will allow you to develop a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system and contribute to the pursuit of justice in San Francisco. It is an excellent opportunity for students interested in exploring a career in law or criminal justice and gaining practical skills and knowledge in a professional legal setting.

Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science (RUYES)

See website

Hosting Institution

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

New Brunswick (NJ)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Apr 30, 2024

Categories

Biology, Medicine

Summary

"The Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science (RUYES) program seeks to encourage youth from groups that are underrepresented in the biomedical sciences to pursue cancer research and healthcare careers. Students in the RUYES program will: - Receive hands-on training in cutting-edge cancer research. - Conduct research in mentor-supervised laboratories for 10 weeks per summer for two consecutive years; Approximately 35 hours/week for 10 weeks of research during EACH summer. - Prepare a poster and a 10-minute talk based on their research experience for presentation at the Annual Research Day. - Complete approximately 7 hours/month of post-summer professional development and community engagement activities (flexible schedule, 70 hours total each year) for two years. - Participate in educational seminars addressing key concepts in cancer and exploring the research literature."

Roswell Park’s Summer Cancer Research Experience Program

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Hosting Institution

Roswell Park

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Buffalo (NY)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Feb 21, 2024

Categories

Biology, Chemistry, Quantitati...

Summary

If you’re a high school junior, get first-hand scientific research experience to make those all-important decisions about a college science major and future career in science or healthcare. In addition to lab work, you’ll have classroom instruction on cancer basics, seminars with invited speakers, and professional development opportunities. At the end of the summer, you’ll give a poster presentation at a research conference.

Rockefeller Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)

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Hosting Institution

The Rockefeller University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

New York (NY)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Jan 5, 2024

Categories

Data Science

Summary

The 7-week program offers high school students a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on research by designing and conducting their own research project. Participants are placed in themed research tracks that align with topics and techniques utilized at the Rockefeller Institute. Each track is led by a team of experienced scientist mentors from the Rockefeller community, who provide guidance and support throughout the research process. This immersive program allows students to gain valuable experience in scientific inquiry, experimental design, data analysis, and presentation skills. By working closely with mentors and conducting research in a real laboratory setting, participants develop a deeper understanding of the scientific process and have the chance to make meaningful contributions to their chosen research field.

Rice University's ELITE Tech Camp

See website

Hosting Institution

Rice Center for Engineering Leadership

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Houston (TX)

Cost

$3,795

Application Deadline

May 1, 2024

Categories

Social Science

Summary

The competitive pre-college engineering summer program for high school students offers a comprehensive and rigorous experience in the field of engineering. With a focus on technology, college readiness, and engineering leadership, the program provides students with an immersive learning environment. Participants engage in intensive STEM activities that enhance their understanding of science, technology, engineering, and math concepts. They also learn to apply the engineering design process to tackle real-world problems. This program not only equips students with technical skills but also prepares them for the challenges and opportunities in the field of engineering.

Rhode Island School of Design’s Pre-College Summer Residential Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Rhode Island School of Design

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Providence (RI)

Cost

$8,715-$11,350

Application Deadline

Feb 8, 2024

Categories

Architecture

Summary

The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) offers a comprehensive five-week pre-college program that provides a taste of college life and a solid grounding in design principles. Students can expect to take courses in Drawing Foundations, Design Foundations, and Critical Studies in Art, which are complemented by specialized instruction in their chosen major. For those interested in architecture, the program offers a range of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences to develop skills in the field. Additionally, RISD offers Teen Summer Expos, which are free events where prospective students can gather more information and have their questions answered. Alternatively, RISD provides an online track for high school students, offering a certified program that can be pursued remotely.

Research Science Institute Program at MIT

See website

Hosting Institution

Center for Excellence in Education

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

McLean (VA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Dec 13, 2023

Categories

Mathematics

Summary

The Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT offers an unparalleled opportunity for exceptionally talented high school students with a passion for mathematics, science, and engineering. With a highly selective acceptance rate of approximately 100 students worldwide, RSI provides a six-week program that combines on-campus coursework and off-campus research experiences. The program begins with a week of STEM coursework, followed by five weeks of immersive research under the guidance of experienced mentors and scientists. Throughout the program, students engage in the entire research process, including literature review, research planning, data collection, and analysis. They also deliver conference-style presentations and written reports to showcase their findings. The program allows students to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research and develop essential skills for their future academic and professional endeavors. Notably, the 2022 program featured an outstanding oral presentation on "Computing the Mosaic Number of Reduced Projections of Knots and Links" under the guidance of faculty from MIT's Department of Mathematics. RSI at MIT is a prestigious program that empowers young scholars to make significant contributions to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

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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