Top 20 Free Research Opportunities for High School Students
Research programs are an excellent way for you to gain hands-on experience, develop practical skills, and make valuable industry connections without the hefty cost of many traditional internships. Many top colleges and organizations offer free research opportunities, making them an accessible option for students eager to explore their academic interests.
For those considering a future in research or pursuing specific fields like biology, engineering, or social sciences, these programs offer a unique opportunity to engage in independent research. Participants often contribute to projects that have the potential to become part of a published study.
We've compiled the top 20 free research opportunities for high school students offering a range of experiences in various fields to help you find the perfect fit.
1. MIT PRIMES
MIT PRIMES is a prestigious, year-long research program that allows high school students to work directly with MIT researchers on advanced problems in mathematics, computer science, and computational biology. The program offers different sections: MIT PRIMES (for students in the Greater Boston area), PRIMES-USA (for students across the U.S.), PRIMES Circle (a math enrichment program for Boston-based students), and CrowdMath (an open, online collaborative project). You will gain hands-on experience in mathematical proof writing, algorithm design, and problem-solving while working, with opportunities to present findings at an annual conference.
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA | Virtual (PRIMES-USA) | Online (CrowdMath)
Acceptance Rate: Extremely selective – only a small cohort admitted
Dates: Year-long (January–December) with research in four phases
Application Deadline: Next cycle will open October
Eligibility:
MIT PRIMES: High school students in Greater Boston
PRIMES-USA: High school juniors & sophomores across the U.S.
PRIMES Circle: Boston-area public school students
CrowdMath: Open to all high school and college students worldwide
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
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.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June).
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility:
You must be currently enrolled in high school
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. Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Programs – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Programs provide a fully funded, six-week research experience at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This program allows you to engage in hands-on research in fields such as cancer immunology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, quantum mechanics, bioengineering, and various engineering disciplines.
The experience also includes professional development seminars, covering topics like college admissions, scientific communication, and research poster preparation. At the end of the program, you will present your findings at a research symposium. Additionally, selected participants receive a fellowship payment as a recognition of their commitment to learning and research.
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: June 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 30 (priority deadline)
Eligibility:
Rising 10th - 12th graders
Must reside in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, or Wisconsin
4. Veritas AI - AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about AI with a suitable environment to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and one-on-one mentorship. 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 allows students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their projects over 15 weeks and can combine AI with any other field of interest. You can find examples of previous projects here.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
Dates: Varies according to the cohort. Multiple 15-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application deadline: 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.
5. Simons Summer Research Program – Stony Brook University
The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University offers a prestigious, six-week immersive research experience for rising high school seniors (current 11th graders). As a Simons Fellow, you will be paired with a faculty mentor and join a research team to conduct hands-on research in science, engineering, or mathematics. The program provides opportunities to develop laboratory skills, engage in professional research discussions, and attend faculty-led seminars. By the end of the program, you will produce a research abstract and present your findings in a final poster symposium.
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Acceptance Rate: Extremely competitive – only ~5% (or fewer) of applicants are admitted
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: December 11
Eligibility:
Current 11th graders (juniors) at the time of application
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Must be at least 16 years old by the program start date
6. Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP) – Fremont, CA
The Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP) is a year-round, nonprofit research institution that provides high school students (9th-12th grade) with hands-on research experience in fields like cancer biology, drug discovery, computer science, artificial intelligence, psychology, urban sustainability, radioastronomy, and more. You will work under the guidance of scientists, engineers, and researchers with academic and industry experience, participating in real-world projects that lead to published papers, conference presentations, and intellectual property development. As participants, you will engage in weekly research colloquia, professional development workshops, and a structured mentorship experience.
Location: Fremont, CA (SF Bay Area) (In-person & remote options available)
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive (~3-31% depending on the admission cycle)
Dates:
Summer 2025: June – August
Fall 2025: September – December
Spring 2026: January – April
Application Deadlines:
Priority Deadline 1: February 1
Priority Deadline 2: March 1
Final Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:
Open to high school students in 9th-12th grade
No prior research experience required
Open to U.S. and international students (remote participation available)
7. Notre Dame QuarkNet Research Experience for High School Students (REHS) – University of Notre Dame
The Notre Dame QuarkNet REHS Program is a free summer research opportunity for high school students passionate about particle physics and data analysis. Sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Energy (DOE), this program connects students with physicists and cutting-edge research at Notre Dame, CERN, Fermilab, SLAC, and other high-energy physics experiments worldwide. As participants, you will analyze real-time particle physics data, investigate the structure of matter, and work closely with research scientists and mentors.
Location: University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: June 11 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: Local high school juniors (rising seniors) from the South Bend/Notre Dame region. Participants must attend one of the partner schools (Notre Dame QuarkNet is aimed at students from northern Indiana/Michiana) and be at least 16.
8. Scripps Research Translational Institute Student Research Internship
The Scripps Research Translational Institute Student Research Internship is a free, 10-week summer research program designed for students interested in genomics, mobile health (mHealth), and translational medical research. As an intern, you will work closely with a faculty mentor or postdoctoral researcher on an independent research project, gaining hands-on experience in genomic analysis, clinical trials, and data-driven health research. You will attend weekly research seminars, develop a research proposal, and present your findings at a final poster symposium. While most positions are in computational (“dry lab”) research, a limited number of experimental (“wet lab”) positions are also available.
Location: Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla, CA
Acceptance Rate: Competitive (based on mentor availability)
Dates:
June 2 – August 8 or June 16 – August 22
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility:
Open to high school students (16+), college, and graduate students
Strong interest in genomics, computational biology, or translational research
Must be able to earn school credit for participation
9. High School Summer Research Experience in Cancer (SURE-CAN) – Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
The High School Summer Research Experience in Cancer (SURE-CAN) Program at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center provides a free, six-week research experience for high school juniors interested in cancer biology, genomics, imaging, artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine, and translational research. As a participant, you will work in wet lab or dry lab research, exploring cutting-edge cancer science under the mentorship of expert researchers.
You will also attend lectures, group discussions, and career development sessions covering topics such as research ethics, data analysis, and the role of engineering and physics in cancer research. The program culminates in a final research symposium, where students present their findings through a scientific poster presentation.
Location: Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY (commuter-based only)
Acceptance Rate: highly selective
Dates: June 26 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility:
Must be a current high school junior (Class of 2026)
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Must reside in and attend school in Western New York (Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus, or Chautauqua counties)
Must be at least 15 years old by the program start date
Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (FDA/WHO-approved vaccine)
10. Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) – Rockefeller University
The Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) at Rockefeller University is a free, seven-week team-based research experience for high school juniors and seniors passionate about biomedical and life sciences research. As an SSRP Scholar, you will work in a structured research team under the mentorship of scientists from Rockefeller University, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Weill Cornell Medicine.
The program allows you to design and explore research questions, conduct experiments, analyze data, and present findings at a final research symposium. In addition to hands-on lab work, you will participate in elective courses, guest lectures, networking opportunities, and professional development workshops. This highly selective and immersive program provides a unique opportunity to develop essential research skills and engage with world-class scientists in a collaborative setting.
Location: Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive (32 students selected per year)
Dates: June 23 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 3
Eligibility:
Must be a high school junior or senior at the time of application
Must be at least 16 years old by the program start date
Must commit to full-time attendance (35 hours per week) for the entire seven weeks
11. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) – Stanford University
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is a prestigious, free, eight-week summer research program for high school juniors and seniors passionate about biological sciences and medicine. As a participant, you will conduct hands-on biomedical research in Stanford University’s world-class laboratories, working alongside faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students on real-world medical research projects. The program aims to increase student interest in biomedical sciences while providing a rigorous introduction to research methods and experimental design.
Throughout the summer, you will gain exposure to cutting-edge biomedical research techniques, attend scientific lectures, and present your findings at a research symposium at the program’s conclusion.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Acceptance Rate: Highly prestigious – only ~50–60 students are selected out of ~1,500+ applicants each year
Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility:
Must be a high school junior or senior (Class of 2025 or 2026)
Must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder)
Must be currently living in and attending high school in the U.S. (preference given to Bay Area students).
12. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University offers a highly selective, seven-week summer research experience for academically gifted high school juniors and seniors. This research-intensive program allows you to work alongside faculty members in a hands-on environment, focusing on various academic disciplines, from natural sciences to the humanities and fine arts.
Over the course of the program, you will conduct your own research projects, attend weekly seminars, and engage in social and field activities. The program culminates in a final research report and presentation. You will also receive a $750 stipend upon successful completion of the program.
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 12 students selected per year
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline:
Preferred deadline: March 1
Final Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents, high school juniors or seniors (graduates in 2025 or 2026), must be at least 17 years old by the program start date
13. Genomics Research Internship Program (GRIPS) – Stanford University
The Genomics Research Internship Program (GRIPS) at Stanford University is a free, eight-week summer research internship for high school students interested in genetics, computational biology, and biomedical research. As a GRIPS participant, you will work in a Stanford research lab, conducting genomics research under the guidance of faculty mentors. This hybrid program requires in-person participation in lab activities and group workshops, while some components may be virtual. Beyond hands-on research, you will participate in weekly discussions, professional development workshops, and career panels. This highly selective internship provides an invaluable opportunity to gain real-world research experience in one of the world's leading genomics institutions.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA (Hybrid format)
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: June 16 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility:
Must be 16 years old or older by program start date
Must reside in one of the following California counties: Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz
Must have prior coursework or extracurricular experience in biology, chemistry, or computer programming
Must have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0
14. Pathways Research Explorers Program – Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
The Pathways Research Explorers Program at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is a free, two-week, hands-on cancer research program for rising 10th and 11th graders. The program provides students with an introduction to cancer research, biomedical sciences, and career pathways in STEM.
As participants, you will conduct laboratory experiments, tour research labs, engage in hands-on activities, and interact with scientists and mentors. At the end of the program, students receive a $500 participant award.
Location: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
Acceptance Rate: Relatively selective (32 students selected per summer)
Dates:
Session 1: July 28 – August 8
Session 2: August 11 – August 22
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility:
Must be a rising 10th or 11th grader
Must have completed a biology or chemistry course
Must reside in Seattle or surrounding areas (out-of-state students are not eligible)
15. Research Science Institute (RSI)
The Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT is a prestigious, fully-funded summer program for high school juniors interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The program begins with a week of intensive STEM coursework, covering topics like scientific theory and research methods.
The core of the program is a five-week research internship, where you’ll work on an individual project under the mentorship of leading scientists and researchers. By the end of the program, you’ll present your research findings through a written report and an oral presentation, emulating the research cycle from literature review to final presentation.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective (100 students per year)
Dates: June 22 – August 2
Application Deadline: December 11
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors (seniors are not eligible)
16. Future Scientist Program – Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
The Future Scientist Program is an eight-week summer research opportunity for high school juniors in Marion County public schools. As a participant, you will conduct a research project under the mentorship of a university researcher at the IU School of Medicine’s downtown Indianapolis campus. The program provides real-world lab experiences, professional development, and exposure to cutting-edge biomedical research. At the end of the program, you will receive a stipend for your work.
Location: IU School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Very low. Only ~8 students are accepted each summer
Dates: June 2 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors from Marion County public schools with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
17. High School Student Research Apprentice Program – UConn Health
The High School Student Research Apprentice Program is a five-week summer research opportunity for high school juniors interested in medicine, dental medicine, or biomedical research. Hosted at UConn Health or Central Connecticut State University, it provides hands-on research experience in basic science or clinical laboratories. At the end of the program, participants receive a stipend for their work.
Location: UConn Health or Central Connecticut State University, CT
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 12–15 students are admitted each year from across Connecticut
Dates: 5 weeks from June – July
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility:
Open to high school juniors with a B average or better
Must be 16 years or older by the program start date
Must be from Connecticut high schools with a School-to-Career or Career-to-Work Coordinator
U.S. citizens or permanent residents
18. Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
The Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) at Carnegie Mellon University is a fully funded, six-week program designed for high school students with a passion for STEM. Students participate in two parts: a required virtual Jumpstart focusing on skill-building, followed by an intensive in-person 6-week program.
Throughout the program, you will engage in science projects, including areas like Polymer Chemistry and Immunology, and will receive college readiness and career exploration workshops. The program culminates in a symposium where you will present your research projects.
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive, with less than 10% acceptance rate; approx. 60-70 students per cohort
Dates:
Virtual Jumpstart: June 16 – 17
In-person Program: June 21 – August 2
Application Deadline:
Preferred Deadline: February 1
Final Deadline: March 1
Eligibility:
High school students between their 11th and 12th grade years (rising seniors)
Must be 16 years old by June 21, 2025
Demonstrated interest and ability in STEM fields
Students from underrepresented communities in STEM are strongly encouraged to apply
19. Magee-Womens Research Institute High School Summer Internship Program
The Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI) offers a 6-week summer internship where high school students conduct biomedical research under the guidance of experienced investigators. You can engage in basic, translational, or clinical scientific research while attending professional development sessions and networking with scientists in women’s and infant health research. The program culminates in a final research presentation.
Location: Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~6–8%. The program typically accepts 8–10 students out of ~130 applicants each summer
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility:
Open to current high school sophomores and juniors
Must be 16 years or older by the program start date
Must reside in one of the following counties in Pennsylvania: Greene, Fayette, Somerset, Westmoreland, Allegheny, Washington, Beaver, Lawrence, Mercer, Butler, Armstrong, Indiana, and Cambria
20. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) provides high school students with an opportunity to work in Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories for eight weeks during the summer. You will engage in hands-on research alongside top scientists and engineers, gaining insight into Naval STEM careers. The program is highly competitive, with around 300 placements across 38+ labs nationwide.
Location: U.S. Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories across the country
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive; approx. 300 placements across 38+ Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories.
Dates: 8 weeks in summer (exact dates vary by lab, generally June through August)
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility:
Open to high school students (grades 9-12)
Must be 16 years or older by the internship start date
Must be a U.S. citizen (some labs allow exceptions for permanent residents and dual citizens)
Must be currently enrolled in high school (graduating seniors are eligible)
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