15 Great STEM Research Opportunities for High School Students
For high school students passionate about STEM, research opportunities provide more than just practical skills—they serve as gateways to future careers and advanced academic exploration. These programs allow high school students to work on real-world projects, collaborate with experts, and gain invaluable insights into various scientific fields, all while fostering a deep understanding of their chosen disciplines.
Prestigious organizations worldwide offer well-structured and accessible STEM research programs for high school students. These programs not only enhance resumes but also inspire curiosity, build confidence, and prepare students for academic and professional success. Whether through hands-on experiments, advanced workshops, or one-on-one mentorship, these research programs make STEM accessible and engaging.
If you’re a high school student exploring STEM research opportunities, we’ve curated a list of 15 programs known for their rigorous curriculum, personalized mentorship, and transformative impact.
1. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: Remote for the first 4 weeks and in-person at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY for the remaining 6 weeks
Cost: Free
Dates: June 2–August 8
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: High school students completing the 10th or 11th grade in June, residing in NYC and attending NYC high schools, are eligible to apply.
The ARISE program at NYU Tandon provides an extensive 10-week STEM summer research opportunity for high school students in New York City. Designed to immerse you in scientific exploration, the program combines interdisciplinary workshops and hands-on lab work under the mentorship of Tandon faculty. You delve into innovative research fields, including Bio- and Molecular Engineering, Robotics, Chemical Engineering, AI, and Machine Learning. The program starts with four weeks of remote evening workshops, followed by six weeks of in-person lab work. You also get to investigate various career pathways through lab tours, group collaborations, and individualized mentorship, concluding with projects that showcase your academic advancement and research contributions.
2. Veritas AI Research Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $5400. Need-based financial aid is available
Cohort size: 20-30 students
Dates: The program typically runs for 12 to 15-weeks through Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students worldwide are eligible to apply. Applicants must have completed the AI Scholars program or have prior experience in AI or Python.
The Veritas AI Fellowship offers high school students the opportunity to delve deeply into artificial intelligence through independent research projects that integrate AI with other fields of interest, such as healthcare, gaming, finance, arts, and produce impactful projects over the 15-week duration. The program prioritizes collaborative learning, project development, and paired mentorship with industry experts. You will receive guidance to refine your skills in AI and Python while exploring practical applications of your research. You will also get the opportunity to present your project at a showcase at the end of the fellowship, with the possibility of publication.
3. Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost / Stipend: Free! Students receive a stipend
Dates: June 30–August 8
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16 years old at the start of the program are eligible to apply.
The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University provides high school juniors the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience under the mentorship of university faculty. You join a research group or team, where you assume responsibility for a project that concludes in a written research abstract and a poster presentation at a closing symposium. With faculty talks, workshops, and campus tours, this immersive program provides unparalleled exposure to university-level research. You also receive a stipend upon completion of the program.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,990 (12 weeks) | $5,900 (16-20 weeks); Need-based financial aid is available
Dates: Varies depending on the cohort. Summer (June–August), Fall (September–December), Winter (December–February), and Spring (March–June)
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students with an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher are eligible to apply.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program pairs high school students with expert mentors from leading universities to conduct independent research projects across a wide range of disciplines, such as psychology, physics, computer science, economics, chemistry, and international relations. You will receive guidance on structuring papers, applying methodologies, and submitting for publication. Its flexible scheduling makes this an excellent option for students balancing other commitments.
5. Garcia Research Scholar Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: Free
Dates: June 26–August 8
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years and older with an unweighted GPA of 95/100 (3.8/4.0) are eligible to apply. Students must have completed at least three core courses (English, Chemistry, Mathematics/Calculus, Physics, or Biology) and scored in the 60th percentile or above on standardized tests.
Stony Brook University's Garcia Research Scholar Program offers high school students an immersive exploration of polymer materials science through hands-on laboratory research and mentorship. Participants collaborate with research teams, faculty, and staff to design and execute innovative projects. Over the seven-week program, you are encouraged to submit your findings for publication in scholarly journals, pursue patents, and present their research at national competitions. The program also offers the opportunity to continue research during the academic year through its Mentor Program. Key highlights include the chance to showcase research at prestigious forums and receive long-term support for career development in STEM fields.
6. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost / Stipend: No cost! Students receive a minimum stipend of $500. Stipends of $2500 and above are given on a needs-based system from special grants
Cohort Size: 50 students
Dates: June 9–July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors aged 16 years or older are eligible to apply.
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) provides high school juniors and seniors with the opportunity to conduct advanced research within Stanford University's renowned Institutes of Medicine. Over an eight-week period, you will collaborate with mentors, including faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers, on medically oriented projects in leading laboratories. You can specialize in one of eight research areas, such as Immunology, Cancer Biology, Neurobiology, and Bioengineering. The program also offers an optional Bioengineering Bootcamp, which provides hands-on bioengineering experience without laboratory research. Weekly seminars and opportunities to present findings further enhance the program.
7. Boston Leadership Institute
Location: The Newman School, Boston, MA
Cost: $2500
Dates: June 30–July 19 | July 21–August 9
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic records and a demonstrated interest in STEM are eligible to apply.
The Boston Leadership Institute (BLI) offers competitive and award-winning STEM research programs for high-achieving high school students. These three-week programs provide an intensive academic environment where you can delve into complex scientific topics, engage in hands-on research, and connect with peers passionate about STEM. Program topics include Biological Research, Astrophysics, Forensic Science, and Emergency Medicine. Both day and residential options are available in Boston and its surrounding areas. You will undertake rigorous coursework, conduct research projects, and benefit from lectures, field trips, and interactive activities led by expert instructors and professionals.
8. Penn Summer Academies: STEM Track
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $9,949
Dates: July 5 – July 26
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9th-11th are eligible to apply.
The Penn Summer Academies provide intensive three-week residential programs designed for motivated high school sophomores and juniors. These academies emphasize advanced STEM research, offering opportunities to explore fields such as Biomedical Research, Chemistry, Neuroscience, Physics, and Microbiology. You will engage in faculty-led lectures, hands-on laboratory experiments, research discussions, and group projects that investigate cutting-edge scientific concepts. The program fosters essential skills, including research article analysis, experimental design, and presentation techniques, creating a solid foundation for future careers in science and medicine.
9. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost / Stipend: Free; Students receive a stipend
Cohort Size: 12 students
Dates: June 22–August 7
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 17 years old at the start of the program are eligible to apply.
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University is a prestigious seven-week summer research experience for exceptional high school students. This highly selective program accepts only 12 students annually, pairing them with expert faculty mentors for research across diverse fields such as Biology, Cancer Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, and Physics. The program includes weekly seminars, social events, and collaborative activities, culminating in a formal research presentation. Scholars receive a stipend and gain invaluable exposure to university-level research.
10. Research in Science & Engineering (RISE)
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Cost: $5,700; Limited financial aid is available
Cohort Size: ~130 students
Dates: Residential: June 29–August 8 | Commuter: June 30–August 8
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school students entering the 12th grade during Fall are eligible to apply.
The RISE program at Boston University offers high school students a comprehensive six-week STEM research experience. You can choose between two tracks: the Internship track, where students conduct independent research under the mentorship of faculty in fields such as biology, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and public health, or the Practicum track, which focuses on collaborative research in Computational Neurobiology or Data Science. Both tracks conclude with a Poster Symposium, where you present your findings. Internship participants work full-time in research laboratories, refining technical and analytical skills, while Practicum participants engage in structured lectures and supervised experiments.
11. Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Cost: The program is free for domestic students whose families make under $80,000 per year
Cohort Size: ~80 students
Dates: June 29–August 9
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: High school students, aged 14 years or older, who have completed 9th grade but are not yet enrolled in full-time college or university are eligible to apply.
The PROMYS program is a six-week summer research residency offered at Boston University, aimed at engaging high school students in profound mathematical exploration. It promotes a demanding and collaborative environment where you confront difficult problem sets, enhance your creative problem-solving abilities, and explore number theory under the mentorship of experienced faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate counselors. The program focuses on mathematical discovery, innovation, and self-reliance, assisting students in developing mental habits that equip them to tackle new mathematical challenges.
12. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 100 students
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible to apply. Applicants must not have graduated from university before or during the internship.
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) is an intensive eight-week research experience designed to provide high school students with hands-on exposure to cutting-edge STEM fields. You will work individually with faculty mentors on advanced projects across diverse areas such as bioinformatics, environmental science, astrophysics, machine learning, nanotechnology, and forensic science. The program equips interns with essential skills in scientific writing, critical thinking, and communication while offering access to state-of-the-art technology and resources.
13. Rosetta Institute Molecular Medicine Workshops
The Rosetta Institute’s Molecular Medicine Workshops offer an engaging exploration of molecular medicine for high school students. These workshops, available both in-person and online, focus on critical topics such as the Molecular Biology of Cancer, Neuroscience, Immunology, Aging, and Bioinformatics. You will investigate healthy and diseased molecular mechanisms, personalized medicine, and experimental design through interactive labs and dynamic lectures. The program culminates in students creating and presenting their own research projects, fostering a deeper understanding of molecular medicine.
Location: In-person workshops are hosted at UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, Columbia University, University College London, and Rosetta Institute's Alameda, CA lab. Online workshops are available globally.
Cost: Free
Dates: University-Based Summer Workshops: June 1 – August 16 | Summer Online Workshops: June 9 – August 15
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply. High school biology is recommended but not required.
14. California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)
Location: University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
Cost: $5,007; Need-based financial aid is available
Cohort Size: 20–25 students per cohort
Dates: July 6–August 2
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: High school students with a demonstrated interest and achievement in STEM. Some clusters require specific high school coursework as prerequisites.
COSMOS is a prestigious four-week residential program hosted by UC Santa Cruz, designed for high-achieving high school students with a strong interest in STEM. You will enroll in specialized “clusters” that integrate two advanced courses in science, math, or engineering with a transferable skills course. Clusters cover cutting-edge areas such as Nanotechnology and Brain-Inspired Machine Learning and are taught by UCSC faculty. With a focus on experiential learning and analytical thinking, the program offers small class sizes to provide individualized attention.
15. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
Location: Bar Harbor, ME and Farmington, CT
Stipend: $6,500
Cohort Size: 40 students
Dates: May 31 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 27
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 years or older are eligible to apply.
The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program (SSP) provides an immersive 10-week research experience in genetics and genomics for high school students. You will collaborate with experienced scientific mentors to design and execute independent research projects, analyze data, and present your findings to peers and professionals. Hosted at state-of-the-art facilities in Bar Harbor, Maine, and Farmington, Connecticut, the program fosters a supportive and dynamic research environment. Emphasizing diversity, career development, and hands-on exploration, SSP prepares students to become future leaders in STEM disciplines.
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