Participating in a research program during the fall can provide students with valuable skills and experiences that set them apart from their peers. Engaging in research allows students to delve deeper into subjects of interest, develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, and gain hands-on experience in real-world applications. 

For those aiming to strengthen their college applications, research programs can showcase a commitment to academic excellence and intellectual curiosity. Additionally, they offer opportunities for mentorship, networking, and the potential to contribute to meaningful projects, making them a strategic investment in a student’s future academic and professional success. Here are 10 research programs that take place in the fall!

1. Veritas AI - AI Fellowship

Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI a suitable environment to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. These programs are designed and run by Harvard graduate students and alumni and you can expect a great, fulfilling educational experience. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. 

The AI Fellowship program will have students pursue their own independent AI research project. Students work on their own individual research projects over a period of 12-15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. In the past, students have worked on research papers in the field of AI & medicine, AI & finance, AI & environmental science, AI & education, and more! You can find examples of previous projects here. 

Location: Virtual

Cost: 

• $1,790 for the 10-week AI Scholars program

• $4,900 for the 12-15 week AI Fellowship 

• $4,700 for both

• Need-based financial aid is available. You can apply here. 

Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Applications for fall cohort have closed September 3, 2023. 

Program dates: Various according to the cohort

Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit past experience with AI concepts or Python.

2. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s Partners for the Future Program

Stipend: Not specified

Location: Cold Spring Harbor, NY

Application Deadline: Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year will open in January 2025

Program Dates: September through March

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors, you must be nominated by your school’s science chairperson to participate in the program

The Partners for the Future program offers high school seniors the chance to engage in an after-school research experience. Applicants go through an interview process with lab scientists and must dedicate a minimum of 10 hours each week to conduct original research. 

Throughout the program, students work closely with a scientist mentor, allowing them to delve into real-world scientific research. At the end of the program, students present their research findings to an audience that includes their mentors, laboratory leaders, teachers, and family members. 

3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Cost: Individual Research Program ($2990), Premium Research & Publication Program ($5900), the Research Fellowship ($8900), Professor Premium Publication Program ($9400)

Application Deadline: September 8, 2024 for the upcoming Fall Cohort

Program Dates: Individual Research (12 weeks) | Premium Research (16-20 weeks) | Research Fellowship (6-12 months) | Professor Premium (16-20 weeks)

Eligibility: Open to students anywhere in the world

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. Harvard-Smithsonian Science Research Mentoring Program

Cost/Stipend: No cost; A stipend is provided courtesy of the City of Cambridge.

Location: Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA), Cambridge, MA. Virtual mentorship options are also available.

Application Deadline: Applications for the 2024 SRMP Cohort are closed but expected to open in May 2024 for the 2025 SRMP Cohort.

Program Dates: September– May

Eligibility: Cambridge Rindge and Latin School students (grades 9–12) are eligible to apply.

With an acceptance rate below 5%, this program gives high school students a unique chance to collaborate on a year-long astrophysics research project with scientists from Harvard or the Smithsonian Center. Each year, only 10-16 students are selected and grouped into 5-8 teams to work closely on their assigned research projects.

Participants engage in monthly workshops and lectures that are designed to enhance their skills and deepen their knowledge. Additionally, monthly advisory meetings with the SRMP team provide students with opportunities to discuss their progress. At the program's conclusion, students present their research through posters and presentations at a symposium, showcasing their accomplishments and contributions to the field of astrophysics.

6. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program

Stipend: Weekly stipends are provided based on the education of the students (GS pay scale)

Location: Various lab locations across the U.S.

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January

Program Dates: The program offers internships throughout the year. Check out the available internships when they are posted to see when yours will be.

Eligibility: 

• Be U.S. Citizens

• Be enrolled or accepted at an educational institution, taking at least a half-time academic course load leading to a degree or certificate for the semester immediately preceding the internship session. 

• Have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 

• Be 16 years of age by the application deadline with a valid government ID.

The AFRL Scholars Program is a paid program designed for high school students with a strong interest in aerospace engineering. Accepted participants have the opportunity to work on innovative research and technology projects under the guidance of seasoned mentors who are full-time scientists and engineers at AFRL. 

This experience allows students to dive into hands-on work while benefiting from personalized mentorship. An added bonus is that the program also includes tours of AFRL labs, giving students a firsthand look at cutting-edge research environments!

7. Internships at the American Psychological Association

Location: Online 

Cost: There is no cost for internships, but some are paid

Application Deadline: January 10, 2025, Deadlines differ by internship, so applicants should check the application portal frequently for updates 

Program Dates: Year-round 

Eligibility: Criteria vary by internship 

The American Psychological Association (APA) is the leading professional and scientific organization for psychologists in the United States. APA internships provide students with a strong interest in applying psychological principles to benefit society, offering opportunities in areas like policy, communications, research, IT, and finance. 

As an intern, you can expect to do work ranging from research and writing to web-based projects, and even supporting staff with administrative duties and special projects! Additionally, interns may have the chance to participate in workshops, collaborative projects, discussions, and other activities designed to enhance their overall experience and skill development.

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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