Top Research Opportunities for High School Students in Texas

Summary

Polygence is an online research program designed to offer high school students accessible research opportunities, making them more inclusive. The program was created by researchers from Harvard, MIT, and Stanford and provides tailored research projects, allowing students to explore their interests, acquire professional skills, and increase their competitiveness for college admissions.

Summary

This summer program is designed for high school students interested in engineering and college readiness. It offers a rigorous STEM curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning, problem-solving, and the practical application of engineering principles. Through intensive coursework and support from experienced instructors, students will gain valuable technical skills and an understanding of how to apply engineering to real-world challenges.

Summary

CASPER's Summer Research Experiences for Teachers Program offers elementary school, middle school and high school teachers the opportunity for active research participation with CASPER faculty. This summer program will begin around the first of June and end around the middle of August. (The starting and ending dates are flexible and may be adjusted to fit ISD schedules.)

Summary

This program spans over 8 years and offers students direct, hands-on experience in generating, analyzing, validating, and reproducing research data under the guidance of the program director. Students will receive practical research training that encompasses laboratory analysis skills, literature review, handling of biological samples, performing PCR tests, and plating bacteria through laboratory testing and basic microbiological techniques.

Summary

The summer High School Research Academy (HSRA) provides high school students with an immersive and hands-on five-week interdisciplinary non-residential summer research experience at the University of Texas at Austin campus. Students participate in research projects in active College of Natural Sciences (CNS) laboratories related to the exciting fields of biochemistry, biology, environmental science, genetics, neuroscience, genome engineering, data analytics, ecology, and more. Participants will learn cutting edge research techniques while gaining valuable insights and experiences through interaction with UT students and faculty in CNS undergraduate research groups.

Summary

The Regeneron ISEF isn't just your typical high school science fair. It's the most renowned science competition for high school students in the nation, attracting 1,800 finalists who compete for $8 million in awards and scholarships. Its reputation is highly respected by colleges and the scientific community. To participate in ISEF, 9th-12th grade students must first compete in a Society-affiliated fair and earn the opportunity to attend. Each fair has the opportunity to sponsor a certain number of projects, either team or individual, for the chance to compete at ISEF.

Summary

This competition provides a platform for students aged 13-18 to address global issues by utilizing science, technology, and innovation, all while cultivating entrepreneurial skills and forming new connections. With guidance from industry professionals and a structured framework, participants can strengthen their collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication abilities. One of the best aspects of this challenge is that students can choose to work with a small team of their choosing, allowing them to collaborate with friends and enjoy the project together.