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Research Opportunities Database for High School Students

A comprehensive guide to research opportunities and science competitions available for high school students across the US. We've compiled a detailed list of research opportunities by region, subject and institution below!

Research opportunities in circles

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Institution
Location
Tuition
Event type

Polygence Core is an online research program that connects motivated high school students with expert mentors from top universities. Founded by researchers from Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, Polygence helps you explore any topic you're passionate about through one-on-one mentoring over 3–6 months, ending with a project of your choice—like an academic research paper ready for publication, a prototype, or podcast.

Hosting Institution

Polygence

Online/In Person

Online

Cost

Starting at $2695

Application Deadline

Dec 15, 2024

Recommended for you

Categories

Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Sci, Econ, Engineering, Humanities, Medicine, Neuro, Psychology

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Polygence Pods Research Program

Summary

Learn Academic Research skills and build a foundational understanding of cutting edge subjects in Polygence Pods. Join a group of 6 students and meet weekly with a PhD-level mentor who is an expert in their respective field. Perfect for beginners, your program will culminate in a short-form research paper.

Hosting Institution

Polygence

Online/In Person

Online

Cost

Starting at $495

Application Deadline

Varies by program

Short courses

Categories

Biology, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Humanities, Mathematics, Other

Explore the program

Other programs

Harvard-MIT’s Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP)

See website

Hosting Institution

Harvard University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Cambridge (MA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Data Science

Summary

SRMP (Summer Research Mentorship Program) provides an exceptional opportunity for high school students to engage in independent research programs under the mentorship of distinguished scholars from Harvard and MIT. With a focus on astrophysics and climate science, SRMP offers a highly competitive selection process, admitting only a small cohort of 10-15 students with an acceptance rate of less than 5%. The program equips participants with the necessary resources, including a laptop, to conduct their research effectively. Working in small research groups, students attend weekly discussions, meetings, and guest lectures, immersing themselves in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment. The culmination of their efforts is showcased at the annual Harvard symposium, where students present their research findings. SRMP provides an unparalleled platform for high schoolers passionate about research to explore their interests and contribute to scientific knowledge alongside renowned scholars from Harvard and MIT.

Headquarters Student Internship Program, U.S. Department of the Treasury

See website

Hosting Institution

United States Senate Sergeant at Arms

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Washington (DC)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Social Science

Summary

Internships at the Treasury Department offer valuable opportunities for students to engage in policy analysis, research, and data collection. As an intern, you will have the chance to work with policy data, conduct research, and analyze academic literature and news relevant to the Treasury's priority missions. This experience will enhance your research and analytical skills, as well as provide exposure to management and organizational practices through collaborations with Treasury colleagues and other government agencies. The Treasury Department consists of various offices, providing interns with the flexibility to choose an area of interest within the Departmental Offices. These internships offer a unique insight into the workings of the Treasury and contribute to your professional development in the field of policy and finance.

High School Internship

See website

Hosting Institution

Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Jupiter (FL)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Neuroscience, Biology

Summary

This six-week entry-level position is for secondary school youngsters and seniors who are keen on mind design, capability, and improvement, as well as refined imaging methods and innovation used in neuroscience. Assistants in neuroscience gain active involvement in hereditary designing, microbiological arrangements, histological staining, and microscopy by taking part in lab research.

High School Senior Summer Internship Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Cincinnati (OH)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Dec 31, 2022

Categories

Neuroscience, Medicine

Summary

an eight-week program in which graduating high school seniors work 20 hours per week with a mentor in one of multiple pediatric clinical specialties. This internship is a paid, part-time position for Cincinnati-area graduating high school seniors only. The program is very competitive, offering an exciting opportunity for highly motivated students interested in pursuing higher education (MD, PhD, or MD / PhD) to learn more about careers in Medicine and Clinical Research.

Hip Hop Architecture Camp

See website

Hosting Institution

UrbanArtsCollective

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Wisconsin (WI)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Architecture

Summary

An unconventional but captivating program, this unique offering delves into the captivating relationship between hip-hop and architecture, providing students with a fresh perspective on urban planning. Founded by Michael Ford, an acclaimed architect and designer renowned for his research on the intersection of hip-hop and architecture, this program offers a novel approach to inclusive urban planning. Emphasizing the "4C's" - Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, and Critical Thinking - the curriculum fosters a dynamic learning environment. Through the lens of hip-hop, students explore design thinking rooted in community-centric principles, promoting empowerment and upliftment through well-designed spaces. Engaging in hands-on activities, participants delve into the realm of materials, textures, and lighting, culminating in the creation of their own designs for a music video set. The program also recognizes outstanding projects with a prize at the culmination of the camp. By embracing the vibrant synergy between hip-hop culture and architectural design, this program expands horizons, nurtures innovative thinking, and encourages the exploration of diverse perspectives in the field of urban planning.

Illinois Institute of Technology: Psychology in Everyday Life

See website

Hosting Institution

Illinois Institute of Technology

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Chicago (IL)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Psychology

Summary

The Psychology Summer Program offers high school students an introduction to the fascinating field of psychology. Throughout the program, students will delve into basic psychological principles, explore overarching theories, and gain hands-on experience in simple research design. The highlight of the program is a week-long project where students have the opportunity to collect data, analyze it using Jamovi software, and present their findings to their peers. Students will also have the valuable chance to interact with current graduate students and faculty members at Illinois Tech who have expertise in various specialized areas of psychology. This program is open to rising 10th to 12th graders who are eager to explore the world of psychology and gain valuable insights into the field.

Illinois Institute of Technology’s Chemistry Summer Scholars

See website

Hosting Institution

Illinois Institute of Technology

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Chicago (IL)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Data Science

Summary

The Summer Scholar Program (SSP) offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in hands-on chemistry research. The program covers a wide range of research areas, including bioanalytical chemistry, computational chemistry and biochemistry, environmental chemistry, forensic chemistry, and medicinal chemistry related to energy and sustainability, materials science, sensor science and technology, computational science, data science, bioanalysis, and health. Participants in the program are paired with experienced faculty advisers who will provide guidance throughout the research program. Over the course of 8 to 10 weeks, students will have the chance to work in the faculty adviser's research lab, gaining valuable practical experience in their chosen area of chemistry. The program aims to provide students with real-world applications of chemistry and foster their passion for scientific research.

IndianaU – Simon Cancer Center Summer Research Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Indiana University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Indiana (IN)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Biology

Summary

The Summer Research Program (SRP) at the Indiana University Simon Cancer Center is a remarkable opportunity for high school seniors who are interested in biomedical and behavioral science fields. The program aims to increase the representation of underrepresented students in these fields by providing them with hands-on research experience. Lasting for a duration of 8 weeks, the program offers participants the chance to work closely with faculty mentors and engage in cutting-edge research projects within the field of cancer biology and related areas. Students gain valuable laboratory skills, scientific knowledge, and a deeper understanding of the research process through immersive and impactful experiences. In addition to conducting research, participants also have the opportunity to attend seminars, workshops, and scientific presentations, further enriching their learning and networking opportunities. The SRP at Indiana University Simon Cancer Center is a stepping stone for students to explore their passion for biomedical and behavioral sciences, gain exposure to the world of research, and foster a lifelong interest in scientific inquiry.

International Summer School for Young Physicists (ISSYP)

See website

Hosting Institution

Perimeter Institute

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Ontario (CA)

Cost

$250

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Physics

Summary

This Canadian non-profit organization offers an intensive physics program that is open to international students as well. While the program primarily focuses on theoretical physics, it also covers various topics such as quantum mechanics, special relativity, cosmology, general relativity, and black holes. The program structure includes independent work, interactive online sessions, simple experiments that can be conducted at home, and sessions dedicated to providing career insights. By participating in this program, students can deepen their understanding of theoretical physics and gain practical experience through hands-on experiments.

Internships at Yale | Discovery for a Cure

See website

Hosting Institution

Yale University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

New Haven (CT)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Medicine

Summary

The Discovery to Cure (DTC) program at Yale University provides a unique opportunity for students from local schools to gain exposure to biomedical research and explore potential career paths in science and medicine. Selected students have the chance to spend 6-8 weeks during the summer working in a laboratory at the Yale School of Medicine. Under the guidance and mentorship of a principal investigator (PI), postdoctoral student, or research assistant, students actively engage in hands-on research projects and gain valuable experience in the field. This immersive program aims to inspire and empower students to pursue research opportunities and contribute to advancements in the biomedical sciences.

What is a Research Project?

A research project is a structured and systematic investigation into specific topic or question. It involves a series of planned activities. Research projects often require students to formulate hypotheses, conduct experiments, surveys, or literature reviews, and present their findings in a clear and organized manner. These projects foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deeper appreciation for the research process. They provide students with valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to contribute to their field of interest while enhancing their academic and personal growth.

Why do a research project as a high school student?

Research projects can play a pivotal role in shaping the academic journey and future prospects of high school students. Engaging in research while still in school not only helps students discover their passions but also significantly enhances their chances of successful college admissions.

Exploring research projects allows high school students to delve into various fields of study, providing them with a firsthand experience of what truly interests them. This hands-on exposure aids in identifying their passions and helps them make informed decisions when selecting a college major or career path. It's a crucial step in personal and academic development.

Moreover, active participation in research demonstrates dedication, curiosity, and a willingness to go beyond the standard curriculum, qualities highly valued by college admissions committees. Admissions officers are often impressed by applicants who have shown initiative and a genuine interest in learning through research experiences. These opportunities can set students apart from their peers and greatly improve their chances of gaining admission to their dream colleges.

Ready to start your own research project?
Apply today!

We're so excited that you're interested in pursuing a path in research. Polygence is an online research academy dedicated to democratizing access to research opportunities for high school students. Whether you are interested in quantitative biology, fashion history, or privacy law, expert Polygence mentors will help you explore your area of interest.

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