12 Free Summer Research Programs for High School Students
If you're a high school student looking to challenge yourself beyond the classroom, a summer research program might be one of the most rewarding ways to spend your break. Whether it’s coding in a university lab, analyzing data sets, or exploring topics in biology, engineering, or AI, these programs help you build practical skills and get a taste of how research is done in the real world.
Fully-funded or free summer research opportunities remove financial barriers, making it easier for you to access high-quality academic experiences without the burden of tuition or housing fees. If you’re curious about a specific subject or career path, these programs can help you explore that interest in a focused and supported environment.
To help you get started, we’ve rounded up 12 free summer research programs for high school students — each offering rigorous academic exposure, mentorship, and the chance to work on meaningful projects.
1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
As a SIMR participant, you’ll spend eight weeks deeply engaged in biomedical research at Stanford University’s Institutes of Medicine. You’ll work one-on-one with a mentor on active projects across fields like immunology, cancer biology, bioinformatics, cardiovascular medicine, and more.
A great option within SIMR is the Bioengineering Bootcamp, where instead of lab research, you’ll work in small teams to prototype solutions to real-world medical problems. You’ll dive into design thinking, learn technical tools like Arduino and CAD, and gain exposure to topics like machine learning in diagnostics or brain-machine interfaces.
Location: Stanford University, CA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approx. 50 students selected every year
Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors (must be at least 16 years old by the program start)
Cost/Stipend: None; summer stipend provided
2. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation stands as a non-profit research program tailored for gifted students from low-income backgrounds. Stemming from the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, renowned for its extensive one-on-one research opportunities for high school students, the foundation provides the same access to independent research experiences at zero cost.
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In the flagship program, talented high-school students are paired with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can apply here!
This program is a solid option if you are interested in interdisciplinary research and want to create an individual research paper.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility:
You must be currently enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall of 2023.
Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
3. Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)
Hosted at MIT and developed in collaboration with Lincoln Laboratory, BWSI is a rigorous, application-only STEM summer program for high school students interested in solving real-world engineering and computing problems. Before the in-person or virtual summer courses begin, you’ll complete an online prerequisite course in your chosen topic, ranging from autonomous vehicles to quantum computing, wearable tech, or disaster response.
If accepted into the summer program, you'll spend four weeks collaborating in teams, working on immersive, project-based challenges like building autonomous drones, creating custom radar systems, or designing AI-powered serious games. Each course blends advanced technical instruction (in areas like Python, embedded systems, ML, or hardware security) with hands-on prototyping and design.
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA (in-person and virtual options available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~300–400 students admitted across all tracks, approx. 20-40 students per course.
Dates: Early July – Early August (typically 4 weeks; varies slightly by course)
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school students who complete the online prerequisite course; open to U.S. and international students
Cost/Stipend: No cost, no stipend.
4. Veritas AI
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.
Location: Virtual
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Cost: Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
5. AEOP High School Internship Program
The AEOP High School Internship is designed for students looking to explore STEM careers through real lab experiences, one-on-one mentorship, and exposure to active research in fields like materials science, robotics, biomedical engineering, and more. You’ll build critical lab skills, participate in research that contributes to national innovation efforts, and receive structured support from mentors and near-peer advisors throughout your internship. Each intern receives a stipend, and many sites offer college-readiness support through webinars and workshops.
Location: University labs and U.S. Army Research Centers across the U.S. (onsite, location varies)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; ~200–300 students placed nationally each year across various lab and university sites
Dates: 6-10 weeks during May-August (dates vary by site)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions, please check the program page for updates
Eligibility: Current high school students (grades 9–12); U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Cost/Stipend: None; stipend provided (amount varies by site and duration)
6. Young Scholars Program (YSP) – Northeastern University
Northeastern’s Young Scholars Program offers you a six-week deep dive into STEM research, where you’ll work side-by-side with faculty in research labs across the Colleges of Engineering, Science, and Health Sciences. As a YSP participant, you’ll explore real-world topics like cancer drug resistance, battery chemistry for remote energy systems, and FPGA algorithm design.
Alongside your research, you’ll attend an engineering seminar series, receive personalized college and career counseling, and go on site visits to companies and national labs like Biogen and the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center. The program also offers access to libraries, student centers, and graduate student mentors.
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA (in-person, commuter-only)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: The program is highly selective. Information on the size of the application pool and exact cohort size is not available.
Dates: June 23 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: Massachusetts residents only; rising seniors (current 11th graders); U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Cost/Stipend: No cost, no stipend
7. NASA OSTEM High School Internship Program
As a high school intern at NASA, you'll spend your summer working directly with scientists, engineers, and mission support teams across one of NASA’s many research centers or facilities. Internships are project-based, covering fields such as planetary science, aerospace engineering, cybersecurity, space biology, and program management. You’ll work side-by-side with mentors who guide you through real research or mission operations projects, offering you a chance to develop technical, analytical, and professional skills. Internships may be full-time or part-time and are paid, with summer sessions running for 10 weeks.
Location: NASA centers and research facilities across the U.S.
Dates: Late May – Early August (10-week summer program; varies by project and location)
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: U.S. citizens; high school students (16+); 3.0 GPA minimum
Cost/Stipend: No cost, Stipend provided (amount varies by location and duration; typically $2,000–$3,000)
8. MITES Summer
MITES Summer is a six-week, fully residential program hosted on MIT’s campus that offers high school juniors an academically intense experience across STEM and humanities. You’ll take five college-level courses - one each in math, physics, life sciences, humanities, and a project-based elective such as machine learning or genomics. The program simulates a full college semester with daily classes, workshops, and lab tours, while fostering collaboration through social activities and peer learning. You’ll also benefit from individualized written evaluations by instructors, access to college admissions guidance, and exposure to real-world applications of STEM, both on campus and through site visits in Boston.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Dates: Late June to early August (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently in 11th grade (rising seniors)
Cost/Stipend: Free (All program costs, including room and board, are covered). No stipend.
9. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University offers high school and undergraduate students an immersive, hands-on research experience across various scientific disciplines. Over an eight-week period, you'll collaborate directly with faculty researchers, utilizing advanced equipment and technologies.
The program emphasizes the development of scientific writing and communication skills, exploration of STEM career paths, and fostering creativity in research. Depending on the project, internships may be remote, in-person, or hybrid.
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA (options for remote, in-person, or hybrid participation).
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students. For remote internships or in-person/hybrid internships in computer labs, you must be at least 15 years old by June 18. For "wet-lab" internships, you must be at least 16 years old by the same date.
Cost/Stipend: There is no participation fee, except for a $25 application fee, which can be waived based on financial need. No stipends are paid.
10. Laboratory Learning Program – Princeton University
The Laboratory Learning Program at Princeton University offers a full-time, in-person summer research opportunity for high school students interested in science or engineering. You’ll be matched with a Princeton faculty mentor and join an ongoing research project, gaining hands-on lab experience and contributing to real-world scientific questions. All research takes place on campus, with schedules tailored to the specific lab and project, typically spanning 5–6 weeks. At the end of the internship, you’re expected to submit a two-page research summary outlining your work and findings.
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Dates: Varies by lab; typically runs 5–6 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old by June 15; enrolled in a U.S. high school; U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Cost/Stipend: No cost, no stipend
11. Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
The Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) at Carnegie Mellon University is a fully funded, merit-based program designed to provide opportunities for students from underrepresented communities to explore STEM-related fields. Over six weeks, you will engage in a rigorous curriculum that includes traditional classroom instruction, hands-on projects, and sustained engagement with world-renowned faculty and skilled staff mentors. The program aims to develop a diverse and supportive community of STEM scholars, strengthen commitment to STEM disciplines, and broaden understanding of opportunities available through study in these fields.
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 100 students selected annually
Dates: June 21 – August 2
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (current juniors) who are at least 16 years old by the program start date; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Cost/Stipend: No cost; the program is fully funded, covering tuition, housing, and dining expenses. No stipend is provided.
12. Simons Summer Research Program – Stony Brook University
In this highly immersive, six-week research program, you'll be matched with a faculty mentor at Stony Brook University and become an integral part of an ongoing research group. You’ll take responsibility for a hands-on project, culminating in a written abstract and a formal research poster presentation. You can expect exposure to advanced lab techniques and the rhythms of real academic research, along with weekly faculty lectures and special workshops.
This program is ideal if you're eager to dive deep into topics across life sciences, chemistry, physics, or engineering. The structure closely mirrors the pace and rigor of a collegiate research environment, offering a preview of STEM in higher education. All Simons Fellows receive a stipend at the end of the program and participate in a closing symposium to present their findings.
Location: Stony Brook University, NY (in-person only)
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: Current 11th graders (high school juniors) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and at least 16 years old by the start of the program
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend is awarded upon program completion