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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

Carnegie Mellon’s Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)

See website

Hosting Institution

Mellon University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Pittsburgh (PA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Mar 1, 2024

Categories

Mathematics

Summary

Carnegie Mellon University offers a program specifically designed for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds who aspire to gain college credit while enhancing their proficiency in advanced mathematical and scientific concepts. Known as the Summer Academy for Mathematics and Science (SAMS), this program encompasses classroom instruction, practical research projects, and professional and academic development courses. Participants are immersed in a challenging curriculum delivered by faculty members of Carnegie Mellon University.

Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Program: Design

See website

Hosting Institution

Carnegie Mellon University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Pittsburgh (PA)

Cost

$11,392.00

Application Deadline

Feb 1, 2024

Categories

Arts

Summary

Pre-College Design introduces students to the discipline of Design, provides a foundation of skills, and gives a clear idea of what to expect from a college-level accredited program. Modeled after the first-year college experience, sessions will consist of studio learning, lectures, critiques, field trips to museums, workspaces, and community spaces, as well as guided work sessions with faculty. Students will be assigned their own personal studio space, providing them with their first foray into “studio life.” By the end of the program, participants will have portfolio pieces that have been critiqued by School of Design faculty.

Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Program: Computer Science Scholars (CSS)

See website

Hosting Institution

Carnegie Mellon University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Pittsburgh (PA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Feb 29, 2024

Categories

Comp Sci

Summary

CS Scholars will take a deep dive into the world of computer science through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on research projects, faculty lectures, and industry engagement with leading tech companies around the country. The 2023 summer program is a four-week residential experience on the Carnegie Mellon campus in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Program: Computational Biology

See website

Hosting Institution

Carnegie Mellon University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Pittsburgh (PA)

Cost

$8,500.00

Application Deadline

Feb 1, 2024

Categories

Biology

Summary

The Pre-College Program in Computational Biology provides extensive training in both cutting-edge laboratory experiments to generate biological data and the computational analysis of the data that these experiments generate.

Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Program: Architecture

See website

Hosting Institution

Carnegie Mellon University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Pittsburgh (PA)

Cost

$10,030.00

Application Deadline

Jan 31, 2024

Categories

Architecture

Summary

Pre-College Architecture introduces design practice, creative problem solving, and critical thinking to young designers through a matrix of programming, celebrating curiosity and providing a strong foundation for architectural education. Students will navigate complex design problems, encouraging growth through the development of skills, which will prepare them for future undergraduate studies. Students will begin by working through a series of projects to build a basic comprehension of the fundamental principles of architecture.

Carnegie Mellon University’s Computer Science Scholars (CSS) Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Carnegie Mellon University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Pittsburgh (PA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Feb 29, 2024

Categories

Mathematics

Summary

Carnegie Mellon University offers a four-week residential program in computer science, providing students with the opportunity to work alongside faculty and leading researchers. The program covers a wide range of topics in computer science, including algorithmic components, problem-solving techniques, and basic data structures. Students will also have the opportunity to attend a math course to enhance their mathematical skills. Throughout the program, students will have the chance to network with industry leaders and collaborate on a group project, culminating in a final presentation. This immersive experience not only offers valuable academic knowledge but also helps students prepare for college life. For those specifically interested in artificial intelligence, the Pre-College AI Scholars program is available, while the Summer Academy for Math and Science program is highly esteemed and offers a comprehensive exploration of math and science subjects.

Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program

See website

Hosting Institution

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Houston (TX)

Cost

$6,800

Application Deadline

Jan 17, 2024

Categories

Data Science

Summary

The University of Texas and the MD Anderson Cancer Center offer a remarkable program that provides selected students with a unique opportunity to engage in a research project within the biomedical disciplines. Under the mentorship of a dedicated faculty member from MD Anderson, participants gain hands-on experience and develop a deep understanding of the fundamental principles that drive scientific investigation. The program emphasizes the significance of rigorous scientific methods and cultivates critical thinking skills. In addition to the laboratory experience, students also benefit from attending informative seminars that further enhance their knowledge and broaden their perspectives. This program serves as an invaluable platform for aspiring researchers to immerse themselves in the world of biomedical science and make meaningful contributions to the field.

Camp Euclid

See website

Hosting Institution

euclidlab

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

$1250

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Quantitative

Summary

Camp Euclid is an online math research program for middle and high school students age 13 - 19. It runs for six weeks. It provides a virtual research environment for participants. Mentors are undergraduate and graduate math students who are active researchers. Students will be assigned into groups; each group has mentors assigned to it. There are 4 hours per week of seminar meetings and 6+ hours per week of informal collaboration.

California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)

See website

Hosting Institution

University of California (Davis / Irvine / San Diego / Santa Cruz)

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Davis / Irvine / San Diego / Santa Cruz

Cost

$5,008

Application Deadline

Feb 9, 2024

Categories

Data Science, Neuroscience, Bi...

Summary

COSMOS is a four-week program that aims to motivate the next generation’s most creative and talented future scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. The program builds a community of academically gifted students and allows them to work side by side with university faculty on topics that extend beyond the common high school curriculum. COSMOS is held at four University of California campuses: UC Davis UC Irvine UC San Diego UC Santa Cruz COSMOS strives to motivate the most creative minds of the new generation of prospective scientists, engineers, and mathematicians who will become the future leaders for California, our nation, and the world. The program aims to create a community of students who participate in and contribute to an intensive academic experience delivered by distinguished educators and scholars."

California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS)

See website

Hosting Institution

UC Davis

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Davis (CA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Feb 9, 2024

Categories

Mathematics

Summary

COSMOS is an exceptional summer program tailored for high school students passionate about STEM, particularly mathematics. With its rigorous and immersive four-week curriculum, COSMOS provides students with the opportunity to engage with esteemed faculty, researchers, and scientists. By offering hands-on and lab-intensive courses, the program cultivates students' interests, skills, and understanding of educational and career pathways in STEM fields. Math-specific clusters within COSMOS, such as Tissue and Tumor Biology, Mathematical/Computational Modeling, Computation and Machine Learning, Number Theory and Discrete Math, and Mathematical Modeling of Biological Systems, offer in-depth exploration of advanced STEM topics. With campuses at UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz, COSMOS provides an enriching environment for students to expand their mathematical knowledge, collaborate with peers, and gain valuable insights into various STEM disciplines.

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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