12 Lab Research Opportunities for High School Students
If you're interested in pursuing STEM careers, lab research programs are an excellent stepping stone. These programs not only provide hands-on experience but also give you the chance to network with industry leaders, professors, and peers who share your interests. Unlike many extracurricular activities, they often come at a lower cost or offer scholarships, making them a much more accessible option.
Many prestigious organizations host these programs, further enhancing their value for college applications and career exploration.
To get you started, we've compiled a list of 12 lab research opportunities for high school students. Each program was selected based on its reputation, acceptance rate, and unique learning opportunities. Where possible, we've included key details about acceptance rates, dates, and eligibility to help you decide which programs align with your goals.
1. Research Science Institute (RSI)
RSI is a highly selective program hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It provides high schoolers with an intensive introduction to the complete cycle of advanced scientific research. You get to work under the mentorship of university professors and graduate students on a cutting-edge research project, reading current literature in the field, executing your research plan, and delivering a conference-style report on your work. The program only accepts 100 students each year, adding to its prestige.
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Acceptance rate: Extremely selective, admitting only 100 of the most accomplished applicants per year. Estimated at ~3%.
Dates: 6 weeks, typically mid-June to late July
Application Deadline: Early January
Eligibility: High school juniors with extremely strong academic records and research experience
2. Simons Summer Research Program
Hosted by Stony Brook University, the Simons Program pairs students with faculty mentors for research in disciplines like biochemistry, computer science, and engineering. You will spend your summer conducting experiments, analyzing data, and preparing a final research presentation. The program emphasizes collaboration, with weekly seminars and social activities that allow students to connect with their peers. Simons also offers stipends, making the program more accessible for students.
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Acceptance rate: ~12%
Dates: June 30 - August 8
Application Deadline: Early February
Eligibility: High school juniors with strong academic backgrounds
3. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
SIMR provides an opportunity to explore medicine and biological sciences through hands-on lab research. You will be matched with Stanford faculty mentors to work on projects in fields such as cancer biology, neuroscience, and bioengineering. You will also attend seminars led by leading researchers and clinicians. This program is highly competitive and offers invaluable exposure to the medical research process. At the end of the program, you’ll get to present your findings at a poster session.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Acceptance rate: ~4%
Dates: June 9 - July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with a strong background in biology and chemistry
4. Garcia Summer Scholars Program
The Garcia Center at Stony Brook University offers this program for students interested in materials science and engineering. You’ll be working on interdisciplinary projects, learning about nanotechnology, polymer science, and biomaterials. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art lab facilities and collaborate with experienced researchers. A highlight of the program is the opportunity to publish your findings in scientific journals or present them at conferences. This experience is a great option for students considering a career in STEM research.
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Acceptance rate: ~15%
Dates: June 26 - August 8
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
5. NASA’s STEM Enhancement in Earth and Space Science (SEES)
SEES, hosted by the University of Texas at Austin and NASA, offers students the chance to work on real-world Earth and space science projects undertaken by NASA. The program includes hands-on activities like analyzing satellite data and building scientific instruments. You will also interact with NASA scientists and engineers, gaining insights into potential STEM careers. The program culminates in a presentation where students share their research with NASA staff.
Location: Virtual and on-site (Austin, TX)
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates:
Online Modules: May 1 - July 5
On-site Internship: July 6 - July 22
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors
6. Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP)
BSSP is a paid internship hosted by the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. This program focuses on genomic research, allowing students to work alongside scientists on projects related to gene editing, disease research, and computational biology. Students attend workshops on data analysis and bioinformatics while contributing to impactful research. This program is designed for students interested in biology and computational sciences.
Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA
Acceptance rate: ~10%
Dates: June 30 - August 8
Application Deadline: January 22
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from Massachusets with strong science coursework
7. NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP)
The NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP) offers high school seniors, college students, and recent graduates a paid, full-time research experience at National Institutes of Health (NIH) laboratories across the United States. Students assist in conducting experiments, analyzing results, and learning advanced lab techniques.
As an intern, you’ll work in a professional research environment, contributing to studies in fields such as molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, cancer research, and public health. Mentorship is a key component of the SIP, as students work closely with NIH scientists. This program is excellent for those seeking firsthand experience in biomedical research.
Location: NIH Research Labs across the United States
Acceptance rate: Varies by location
Dates: Varies by research lab (typically 8–10 weeks during the summer)
Application Deadline: February 19
Eligibility: High school seniors
8. Coriell Institute Summer Experience
The Coriell Institute’s program allows you to engage in genetics and molecular biology research. You will work alongside scientists to study topics like DNA sequencing and genetic disorders. The program also includes career development workshops. Participants present their research findings to an audience of peers and mentors, building valuable public speaking skills. This program is ideal for students passionate about genetics and genomics.
Location: Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Camden, NJ
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: 4 weeks from July to August
Application Deadline: May
Eligibility: High school seniors
9. Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program (SSP) is a prestigious 10-week research internship designed for high school seniors and undergraduate students eager to delve into mammalian genetics and genomics. As a participant, you will engage in independent research projects under the mentorship a dedicated research advisor. You will also have the chance to present your work at a scientific symposium.
Location: Jackson Laboratory campuses in Bar Harbor, ME and Farmington, CT
Acceptance rate: ~10%
Dates: May 31 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 27
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
10. Rosetta Institute Molecular Medicine Workshops
The Rosetta Institute offers advanced workshops in molecular medicine, focusing on topics like cancer biology, neuroscience, and immunology. Participants learn through lectures, hands-on lab experiments, and guided group projects. The program’s flexibility — with in-person camps at some of the country’s best universities, as well as virtual options — makes it accessible to a wide range of students. It’s particularly suited for those considering pre-med tracks or careers in biomedical sciences.
Location: Various (in-person and virtual options). In-person workshops are held at venues like UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, Columbia University, and University College London
Acceptance rate: Open enrollment (non-competitive)
Dates: Two weeks, various sessions year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students with a strong interest in biology
11. UC Santa Cruz Science Internship Program (SIP)
SIP places high school students in university labs to work on research projects in fields such as astrophysics, robotics, and environmental science. You’ll receive mentorship from faculty and graduate students while gaining hands-on experience in a professional lab setting. Students also attend workshops on college readiness and science communication, ensuring a well-rounded experience. SIP is a great option for students looking to explore diverse STEM disciplines. You can view research projects from the previous year here.
Location: UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA
Acceptance rate: ~20%
Dates: June 16 - August 9
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Hosted by Texas Tech University, the Clark Scholars Program provides a multidisciplinary research experience. Students work closely with faculty mentors on independent projects across various STEM fields. The program also includes seminars, field trips, and social activities. Clark Scholars receive a stipend, making it a financially accessible option. The program is highly competitive and is ideal for students seeking an intensive research experience.
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Acceptance rate: ~8%
Dates: June 22 - August 7
Application Deadline: February 24
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn data science and AI with us. You can apply here!
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