8 Free Research Programs for High School Students
Research programs are a great way for high school students to dive deeper into an area of study. These programs offer a unique and enriching experience that can significantly boost your college applications by showcasing your dedication to a particular subject. Admission committees highly value candidates who demonstrate a genuine commitment to their chosen field.
However, it's important to recognize that research programs are not a one-size-fits-all experience. For students who prefer hands-on, practical projects and learn better by building, creating, or experimenting, these programs may not be the best match. Research programs typically involve a great deal of deep reading, data analysis, and critical thinking and you should ensure that this aligns with your learning styles. To help pick the right fit for you, we have detailed 8 free research programs designed specifically for high school students.
MIT Research Science Institute
Location: MIT
Program dates: July - August
Application deadline: December 13
Eligibility: Rising High School Seniors. It is recommended that PSAT Math Scores be at least 740 or higher and the evidence-based reading and writing score be 700 or higher. ACT math scores should be at least 33 and verbal scores at least 34.
The MIT Research Science Institute (RSI) is a prestigious and intellectually rigorous six-week summer program designed for high school students who are passionate about scientific research. This program provides an immersive academic experience and includes advanced lectures, laboratory work, and independent research projects. Students at RSI gain a deep understanding of their chosen scientific discipline, honing their research and critical thinking skills while working alongside leading faculty members and like-minded peers.
As a participant, you will be expected to engage in intensive research, design experiments, data collection and analysis, and presentations. To get a clear understanding of where this research program might take you, take a look at past projects here. The program ends with a RSI Symposium, where you showcase your research to a diverse audience, thereby developing presentation skills while sharing your discoveries. RSI also offers additional perks, including valuable networking opportunities with peers who share a passion for research, access to MIT's extensive resources, and the chance to attend guest lectures and workshops. However, it's important to note that RSI is highly competitive, academically demanding, and requires a significant time commitment. Nonetheless, If you are keen on showcasing your dedication to scientific inquiry and academic growth, the MIT Research Science Institute is a great option for you.
Lumiere Research Scholars Program
Location: Virtual
Program dates: Upcoming - December 18
Application deadline: Rolling, cohort-based. Applications for the winter cohort are now open. You can apply here!
Eligibility: High school students
Founded by Harvard and Oxford PhDs, Lumiere is a selective research program for high school students, where students work one-on-one with a PhD mentor to develop an independent research paper. The program offers an array of disciplines from math and computer science to psychology and history. You can choose your area of interest (including interdisciplinary research!) and focus on that. The Lumiere foundation which runs the program offers up to 100% need based financial aid for selected students.
Due to its one-on-one nature, you can expect to learn the most recent developments in fields and expand your skill sets by working directly with experts. This program is a particularly good option if you are interested in interdisciplinary research and want to create an individual research paper.
NYU Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: New York University Campus
Program dates: June 17 - August 9
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Students living in New York City completing 10th or 11th grade in June 2024
NYU's Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) program offers a tailored experience for aspiring scientists and engineers like you. This intensive summer program provides a hands-on opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research at the forefront of various scientific disciplines. You will be trained in college-level research, expository writing, scientific methods, professional development, and ethics, then conclude the program with a professional poster presentation at a colloquium. Under the guidance of expert mentors, you will have the chance to delve into specific research projects that align with your interests and ambitions.
Throughout your ARISE journey, you will be granted access to NYU’s cutting-edge laboratory facilities and equipment, enabling you to actively participate in groundbreaking scientific investigations. Whether your passion lies in developing sustainable energy solutions, designing advanced medical devices, or addressing environmental challenges, the ARISE program supports your individual goals and aspirations. This program covers interdisciplinary topics and STEM disciplines such as Bio-and Molecular Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, AI, and Machine Learning via hands-on work in research labs. Take a look at these past projects to gauge what this research may look like. ARISE is a proven pathway to not only gain invaluable research experience but also establish a solid foundation for your future career in the dynamic and ever-evolving fields of science and engineering.
Stanford Institute of Medicine Summer Research Program
Location: Stanford University
Program dates: June 10 - August 1
Application deadline: February 24
Eligibility:
Students must currently be juniors or seniors at the time of application (as of the spring of 2024).
Students must be in the graduating class of 2024 or 2025. Students must also be 16 years old or older by the start of the program.
Students must currently be living in and attending school in the U.S. AND must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a green card in order to apply.
The Stanford Institute of Medicine Summer Research Program is a highly prestigious and immersive summer experience designed for high-achieving high school students interested in the field of medicine and biomedical research. This program gives you the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge research methodologies, hands-on lab work, data analysis, and critical evaluation of scientific literature. You will also work closely with faculty mentors to explore various facets of medicine and biomedical sciences, gaining invaluable insights into the world of research. You will also have the opportunity to earn a stipend of at least $500.
Throughout the program, participants are expected to actively engage in research projects, develop research skills, and present their findings through presentations and written reports. The program also provides students with networking opportunities with experts in the field and a chance to attend workshops and guest lectures. While a good fit for students interested in pursuing medicine, this program is highly competitive and you will have to put in time and effort to get the most out of it!
Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University
Program dates: June to August
Application deadline: January
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 17 years of age by the program start date, and should graduate in 2023 or 2024. International students are eligible to apply.
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program for high school research is a unique educational opportunity for students looking to deepen their academic knowledge and research skills before entering college. This program, hosted at Texas A&M University, gives you the opportunity to engage in a wide range of coursework, spanning various disciplines, to gain a comprehensive understanding of different academic fields. You will also be encouraged to explore research projects under the guidance of experienced faculty mentors, equipping them with practical research skills and a glimpse into the world of academia.
As part of the program, you are expected to take on increasing responsibilities in your research, which culminates in a final presentation of your findings. You can take a look at research streams taken up by previous scholars here. The program fosters a supportive community of young scholars, offering networking opportunities and the chance to attend guest lectures by experts in various fields. While a great opportunity to dive into research, note that this program is rigorous and requires a substantial time commitment.
Princeton University Laboratory Learning Program
Location: Princeton University
Program dates: 5-6 weeks in June-August
Application deadline: March 15
Eligibility:
16 years old or more by June 15, 2024.
Enrolled in high school.
Graduates who have not yet turned 18 by June 15, 2024 may apply.
US citizens, legal permanent residents, or international students currently in the United States attending a US high school.
The Princeton University Laboratory Learning Program is a highly regarded initiative that offers high school students an opportunity to delve into the world of advanced scientific research. This program provides a comprehensive academic experience, allowing students to explore various scientific disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. Participants engage in hands-on laboratory work, acquire essential research skills, and learn to conduct experiments and analyze data.
As part of the program, you will be expected to participate in research projects, present your findings, and engage with faculty mentors. By the end of the program, you will have a deeper understanding of your chosen field, refined research skills, and the exposure of presenting your work to peers and mentors. While the program offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the world of scientific research, it can be academically challenging and require significant time commitment. As long as you can commit to the program, this is a great way to gain early exposure to research and academia.
UC Irvine’s Math ExpLR Summer Research Program
Location: UC Irvine
Program dates: Six weeks from June to August
Application deadline: March
Eligibility: High school students
UC Irvine's Math ExpLR Summer Research Program offers high school students a unique and immersive experience in the world of mathematical research. The program is tailored towards students with a strong passion for mathematics and participating in it can help you gain a deep understanding of advanced concepts while engaging in research projects. Through the program, you will work closely with faculty mentors to explore a variety of mathematical topics including number theory to geometry. You get a chance to learn research methodologies, problem-solving techniques, and data analysis, all while honing your analytical and critical thinking skills. The final component often includes the development of research projects and presentations, allowing students to share their findings and gain experience in communicating complex mathematical ideas.
Students actively participate in research projects, conduct experiments, and analyze data, which can also result in the publication of research papers or presentations at academic conferences. Final project descriptions for the 2022 iteration of the program can be found here. The program provides additional perks, including opportunities to network with peers and access to guest lectures and seminars. While a great opportunity to gain experience and exposure, the program is academically demanding and will require you to have a keen interest in mathematics.
Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program
Location: Rockefeller University
Program dates: June 24 - August 4
Application deadline: January 5
Eligibility: Applicants must be current high school juniors or seniors
The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program offers high school students an opportunity to engage in cutting-edge scientific research at one of the world's leading biomedical research institutions. The program provides a comprehensive and hands-on scientific experience, allowing participants to gain a deep understanding of various scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and genetics.
Students work alongside faculty and researchers, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and actively participating in the research process. Throughout the program, you will be expected to develop independent research projects, cultivating your analytical and problem-solving skills. The final component often includes a presentation of your research to your peers and mentors, as well as the potential for publication or presentation at academic conferences. Additionally, you also get a chance to network with like-minded peers and engage with scientists and experts in the field.
If you are interested in starting by learning the fundamentals of computer science and AI, consider applying to Veritas AI!
Founded by Harvard graduate students, Veritas AI teaches you the foundations of AI and CS through real world, collaborative projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, CMU to build personalized, unique projects across various fields at the intersection of AI. Last year, we had over 1000 students learn AI with us. You can find the application form here!
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 our flagship program, we pair talented high-school students 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!
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