9 Research and Summer Programs in West Virginia For High School Students

The top research programs in West Virginia for high school students, selected based on prestige, location, and affordability. See research opportunities in other states here.

Institution
Location
Tuition
Event type

Hosting Institution

Polygence

Online/In Person

Online

Location

Online

Cost

Starting at $2695

Application Deadline

Dec 15, 2023

Categories

Neuroscience, Biology, Psychol...

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.

Wesleyan Summer Gifted Program

See website

Hosting Institution

West Virginia Wesleyan College

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Buckhannon (WV)

Cost

$1,500

Application Deadline

Jun 2, 2024

Categories

Physics, Languages, Comp Sci, ...

Summary

Wesleyan Summer Gifted Program has been committed to fostering the development of gifted adolescents in the quantitative, verbal, and social areas. The teachers are all college professors who possess a special interest in gifted education. Our program offers the same educational opportunity for the gifted as similar summer programs throughout the United States, but at a fraction of the cost.

Camp STEM

See website

Hosting Institution

West Virginia University Institute of Technology

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Montgomery, WV

Cost

$600

Application Deadline

May 1, 2024

Categories

Engineering

Summary

Camp STEM is a week-long camp held at WVU Tech's campus in Beckley, West Virginia, catering to high school students interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. The program offers a variety of classes, including electronics, forensic investigation, automotive engineering, and robotics competitions. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, experiments, and field trips led by expert instructors and supported by upper-class WVU Tech student counselors. The fee covers meals, accommodation, t-shirts, activities, and scholarships are available. Camp STEM provides an immersive and enjoyable environment for students to explore STEM disciplines, interact with professors and college students, and gain insight into potential STEM careers.

Summer Bridge Program

See website

Hosting Institution

West Virginia University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Morgantown, WV

Cost

$25 per credit hour

Application Deadline

Jun 1, 2024

Categories

Environmental Science

Summary

West Virginia University offers a Summer Bridge program aimed at helping incoming freshmen transition from high school to college. The program features three-week online courses running from June 24 to July 12, 2024. Courses cover subjects like Sustainability Studies, Communication Studies, and Philosophy, with emphasis on academic demands, resource navigation, and learning strategies for success. Each course includes a student success coach for support in time management and study skills. Participants can engage in Project 168, earning co-curricular credit for extracurricular activities. Students are expected to maintain academic integrity and pass courses with a grade of C or better. Registration requires completing a survey, and inquiries can be directed to the CLASS Advising Center. The program aims to provide a head start for freshmen in adapting to college life and academic expectations.

Hosting Institution

West Virginia University Institute of Technology

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Montgomery, WV

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

May 1, 2024

Categories

Environmental Science

Summary

GEAR UP Southern West Virginia's STEM camp, hosted by WVU Tech in Beckley, is a week-long opportunity for 7th and 8th graders interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Taking place from June 16-21, 2024, the camp offers a dynamic learning environment with classes, experiments, and field trips. It aims to inspire students about potential STEM careers, providing interaction with professors and college students in these fields. Exclusive to rising 8th and 9th graders in West Virginia's GEAR UP SWV program, encompassing Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, and Wyoming Counties, the camp is free of charge.

Summer Brass Academy

See website

Hosting Institution

The West Virginia University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Morgantown, WV

Cost

$425-$765

Application Deadline

May 29, 2024

Categories

Arts

Summary

The West Virginia University Summer Brass Academy, held June 10-14, 2024, offers a week-long immersive experience for brass musicians completing grades 8-12. Led by WVU Brass Faculty, the program focuses on technical proficiency, interpretive skills, and exposure to various musical genres. Participants engage in masterclasses, individual lessons, and chamber music ensembles, with emphasis on music entrepreneurship, pedagogy, and wellness. The academy caters to diverse musical interests and backgrounds, encouraging versatility and proficiency in varied styles. Both residential and commuter options are available. The daily schedule includes warm-up sessions, rehearsals, recitals, individual practice time, and special topics sessions. The program concludes with a performance and reception. Scholarships and financial aid assistance are available. Feedback from participants is welcomed for continual improvement.

Acting Camp

See website

Hosting Institution

Oglebay Institute

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Wheeling, WV

Cost

$160-$190

Application Deadline

May 24, 2024

Categories

Arts

Summary

The Acting Camp Session 3, scheduled for June 17-21, 2024, offers an engaging experience for children entering grades 3 through 8. Led by instructors Alex Hill, Tim Thompson, and P.D. Gregg, campers learn the fundamentals of acting while rehearsing a short play chosen on the first day. The program focuses on enhancing vocal and physical skills through warm-up exercises, play acting games, and creative exploration with props. The camp runs from 9 am to 3 pm daily, with a performance scheduled for 2 pm on Friday, where campers showcase their newly acquired skills.

Junior Movie Makers

See website

Hosting Institution

Oglebay Institute

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Wheeling, WV

Cost

$280-$340

Application Deadline

May 24, 2024

Categories

Arts

Summary

Join Junior Movie Makers 2024 at Oglebay Institute's Towngate for two weeks of movie-making excitement! Perfect for kids entering grades 4 to 7, this camp runs from July 8-12 and July 15-19, from 9 am to 3 pm daily. Led by experienced instructors David Gaudio and Patrick Ingold, participants will sharpen acting skills and learn on-camera techniques while collaborating to create a short film. Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt. Ensure your child's spot by completing health and information forms. Cancellations made at least two weeks before the camp start date are eligible for a full refund, minus a $20 cancellation fee after April 1. Don't miss this opportunity for cinematic fun in the Upper Ohio Valley!

Musical Theater Camp

See website

Hosting Institution

Oglebay Institute

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Wheeling, WV

Cost

$160-$190

Application Deadline

May 24, 2024

Categories

Music

Summary

The Musical Theater Camp 2024 by Oglebay Institute offers a week-long immersive experience for students entering grades 4 through 8. Led by experienced instructors Erin Bond and Tim Thompson, participants will delve into the world of musical theater, honing their singing, dancing, and acting skills. The camp includes physical and vocal warm-ups, scene work, song rehearsals, and choreography sessions, all culminating in a showcase performance on Friday at 2:00 pm. Registration costs $190 or $160 for OI members, which includes a camp t-shirt. To enroll, attendees must complete health and information forms. The cancellation policy requires a two-week notice for a full refund, with a $20 cancellation fee for cancellations made after April 1. Don't miss this opportunity for a fun and educational experience in the vibrant world of musical theater!

Are there many Research Opportunities for High School Students in the state of West Virginia?

Universities like West Virginia University and Marshall University offer programs for students to engage in research projects. Organizations such as the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the West Virginia Science & Research provide resources and support. Science fairs, competitions, and mentorship programs enhance research opportunities. The state's natural landscapes offer a unique environment for research in fields like environmental science. West Virginia provides avenues for high school students to explore and contribute to research in various disciplines.

What other research opportunities are available?

For a full set of research opportunity listings, see our guide to research opportunities for high school students.

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