10 Most Selective Research Opportunities for High School Students
Are you a high school student looking to take your passion for learning to the next level? Research opportunities are an incredible way to gain hands-on experience, learn practical skills, and build industry connections—without breaking the bank. These programs offer students a chance to collaborate with experts and explore cutting-edge topics.
For students deeply invested in a subject, research programs provide a gateway to understanding real-world applications while enhancing college applications.
We've compiled a list of 10 highly selective research programs, based on acceptance rate and host reputation. Whether you're interested in science, technology, or engineering, these programs offer a challenging and rewarding experience.
1. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
Location: Cornell University and the University of Maryland
Cost: No cost to participants
Program Dates: June 22, 2025 – July 26, 2025
Application Deadline: December 3, 2024
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores and juniors (rising juniors and rising seniors). Applicants must be at least 15 years old and no older than 18 at the start of the program.
The Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) is a fully funded, six-week program for high school sophomores and juniors, held at Cornell University and the University of Maryland.
Students take daily college-level classes, participate in discussions, and collaborate on group projects and community initiatives. The program emphasizes critical thinking, teamwork, and community engagement.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 (10-week AI Scholars), $5,400 (15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase), $6,900 (both). Need-based aid available for AI Scholars; apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis.
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year.
Eligibility: High school students worldwide; AI Fellowship applicants need AI Scholars experience or AI/Python knowledge.
Application: Online form with questions on background, coding experience, math courses, and interests.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. Research Science Institute | Center for Excellence in Education
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)
Cost: Fully Funded
Program Dates: 6-week program, June 22 to August 2 (based on last year’s dates)
Application Deadline: 2025 applications are currently closed
Eligibility: Academically exceptional students in 11th grade, with applications typically submitted during junior year of high school. High school seniors are not eligible.
The Research Science Institute (RSI), hosted by MIT and the Center for Excellence in Education, is a fully funded six-week summer program for 100 high school students. It begins with intensive STEM seminars in subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and math. For the remaining five weeks, students conduct research with MIT faculty and graduate mentors, working through every stage of the research process. RSI also includes mentorship, site visits in Boston, and opportunities to connect with scientists.
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4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Eligibility:
Current high school student
Strong academic record (minimum 3.3 unweighted GPA)
No prior experience required
Program Dates:
Offered year-round in summer, fall, winter, and spring cohorts.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler.
The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
5. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program
Location: Institutes of Medicine at Stanford University
Cost:c No cost aside from a $40 application fee. Participants will receive between $500 and $1500 depending on the granting of awards.
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31, 2025
Application Deadline: February 22, 2025
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors (Class of 2025 or 2026), ages 16+.
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week research opportunity for high school students interested in medical and biological sciences. Each year, 50 students work alongside Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers on specialized projects, gaining hands-on experience in scientific research. The program covers research fundamentals, including ethics, methodologies, data collection, and analysis. Housing and transportation are not provided, and participants must stay with a family member or legal guardian during the program. Students from outside the Bay Area should plan for housing challenges and costs.
6. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University
Cost: Free program, $750 stipend upon completion
Program Dates: June 22 to August 7
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 17 years old by the program start, and graduating this year or next.
The Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University offers a seven-week summer research experience for high school juniors and seniors. Students work with faculty on topics like Modern American Politics and Texas political culture, developing critical thinking and academic skills. The program includes seminars, field trips, and social events, promoting intellectual and peer engagement. With only 12 students admitted each year, the program is competitive and provides a $750 stipend upon completion.
7. Harvard-MIT’s Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP)
Location: Harvard or MIT, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free; stipend provided by the City of Cambridge
Application Deadline: May
Program Dates: September - May
Eligibility: Local high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors (US and international students eligible).
The SRMP is a research program for high school students interested in astrophysics and climate science. Hosted by Harvard and MIT, it runs from September to May, with weekly meetings, monthly advisory sessions, and mentorship at the Center for Astrophysics (CfA). Students work in research groups, receiving guidance to complete their projects, which are presented at a final symposium. A stipend from the City of Cambridge is provided for participants.
8. Spark Summer Internship Program (Spark SIP)
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: $500 stipend (For in-person internships, students are responsible for boarding, lodging, and local transportation)
Application Deadline: Applications open in March/April
Program Dates: 6–12 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: Open to U.S. high school students (grades 9–12) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Spark Summer Internship Program with an acceptance rate of under 5%, offers high school students the opportunity to conduct research in computer science and related fields. Past projects have included work on tools for detecting tick-borne infections and breast cancer, as well as exploring 2D materials for semiconductors. Interns gain hands-on experience in machine learning, programming, and neural networks, working alongside industry professionals and university researchers. Remote and in-person positions are available, with resources to support academic and career development.
Location: Otterbein University, Columbus, OH, and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN
Cost/Stipend: $7000
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 60 first-year students per site, with support from approximately 12-15 counselors
Program Dates:
Otterbein University: June 15 - July 25
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology: June 15 - July 25
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 15-18 who have not yet entered college
The Ross Mathematics Program is a six-week summer program for high school students aged 15-18, held at Otterbein University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. With 60 first-year students admitted at each site, the program focuses on number theory and problem-solving through daily lectures, collaborative problem sets, and elective sessions. Participants are mentored in small groups and engage in independent exploration, sharpening their mathematical reasoning skills. The program has a competitive admissions process, with a $7000 fee, and the application deadline is March 15.
Eligibility: Open to NYC residents in 10th or 11th grade
Cost: Free. Participants receive a $750 stipend
Application Deadline: February 17, 2025
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8, 2025
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NYC
The ARISE program at NYU offers a 10-week research experience, with six weeks spent working in NYU faculty labs under the guidance of graduate or postdoctoral mentors. Participants also attend workshops on scientific ethics, research methods, data analysis, and lab safety. The program includes college advisement and preparation for the application process. With around 70 students selected each year, the program is moderately competitive. Students in the Computer Science and Engineering track can explore topics like ethical data science and online privacy.
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