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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

Explore the program

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

InvestWrite

See website

Hosting Institution

SIFMA Foundation

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

New York (NY)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Business

Summary

InvestWrite is a unique competition that evaluates students' comprehension of financial concepts and their ability to effectively communicate them to industry experts. Participants are required to submit an essay, limited to 1000 words, based on their experience with the Stock Market Game program. The judging criteria focus on the clarity of understanding, concise delivery, and critical analysis of the chosen essay topic. For students who excel in written research and articulating their findings, InvestWrite can be an excellent choice. If selected, essays progress to the National Round and potentially the International Round, providing participants with further recognition and exposure.

Junior Science and Humanities Symposium

See website

Hosting Institution

Junior Science and Humanities Symposium

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Concord (NH)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Engineering

Summary

The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is a prestigious science fair in the US that receives government support. The symposia are held regionally and nationally, attracting over 8,000 participants from schools across the United States, Puerto Rico, Europe, and the Pacific. To participate in the national symposium, students must first compete and qualify at the regional level. The competition is highly selective, with a final round acceptance rate of less than 3%. What sets JSHS apart is its mentorship program, which pairs students with mentors who provide guidance and support online. This mentorship resource is available year-round, offering assistance during the competition season as well as during research and project development. The JSHS Virtual Mentorship Program is a valuable opportunity for students to receive guidance from experienced mentors in their scientific pursuits.

Laboratory Learning Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Princeton University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Princeton (NJ)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Medicine, Engineering, Social ...

Summary

Laboratory education programs are full-time science or engineering research experiences where students participate in ongoing research activities. This program ensures that students supervise Princeton faculty and research staff. Each research opportunity has its own schedule since it is organized around the Mentors' research schedule! Please note that this program is not a summer camp, and accepted students must find their own accommodation.

Leadership Institute, Brown University

See website

Hosting Institution

U.S. Department of the Treasury

Online/In Person

Online

Location

Washington (DC)

Cost

$5,218

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Social Science

Summary

The Leadership Institute at Brown University provides a platform for students interested in politics, justice, and social movements to engage in collaborative leadership models. This program aims to enhance research and problem-solving skills, allowing students to develop an Action Plan that can be applied to address a problem within their community. Participants have the opportunity to choose from a range of courses that align with their interests, including topics related to law, social movements, intercultural communication, global health, and more. Through this program, students gain valuable insights into effective leadership strategies and acquire the tools necessary to effect positive change in their communities.

Lumos Learning for SAT

See website

Hosting Institution

Lumos Learning

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Piscataway (NJ)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Social Science

Summary

Lumos Learning is an AI-powered tool designed to assist students in their SAT preparation. This comprehensive platform helps students develop quantitative, logical, and language-based skills necessary for success on the SAT. With Lumos Learning, you can take mock tests to gauge your performance and identify areas where you may need additional practice. The platform provides a score tracking feature that allows you to monitor your progress over time and pinpoint specific topics that require more attention. Lumos Learning also offers tutorials to help you improve in areas where you need assistance. By leveraging its AI capabilities, Lumos Learning provides personalized feedback and tailored study materials to optimize your SAT preparation and strive for a perfect score.

Magee-Womens Research Institute High School Summer Internship Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Pittsburgh (PA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Medicine

Summary

The MWRI and Magee-Womens Hospital offer a four-week virtual internship tailored for high school juniors and seniors. This immersive program allows participants to engage in basic, translational, or clinical scientific research under the guidance of an investigator and their team. Additionally, interns have the opportunity to attend sessions where investigators share their personal experiences and perspectives in biomedical science. At the end of the program, interns will present their findings to other participants in the program, as well as MWRI instructors and staff. The internship encompasses 160 hours of valuable learning and research experience.

Meals on Wheels

See website

Hosting Institution

Meals on Wheels

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Arlington (VA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Arts

Summary

The provision of care for seniors and the elderly heavily relies on the support of volunteers to ensure the smooth operation of services and to foster social engagement with often overlooked segments of the population. This organization serves an impressive number of over 2.4 million seniors ranging from 60 to 100+ years old each year. Regardless of your location within the United States, there are volunteer opportunities available that cater to your interests. These opportunities may involve assisting in kitchen operations, delivering meals, or even sharing meals with the recipients. By volunteering, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of seniors while contributing to the well-being of your community.

MEDscience@HMS

See website

Hosting Institution

HMS MEDscience

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Boston (MA)

Cost

$2,650

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Data Science

Summary

Harvard Medical School offers a range of summer programs for high school students, including the MEDscience program, which provides hands-on medical experiences in an interactive "emergency room" setting. Students can simulate medical emergencies, learn clinical skills, and explore healthcare careers. Other programs offered by Harvard Medical School include MEDscienceLAB for laboratory and research experiences, the Moonshot Program for AI surgical robots, and the MEDscienceLAB Forensics program focusing on crime scene investigation. These programs offer students unique opportunities to engage in scientific exploration, gain practical skills, and deepen their understanding of the medical field.

Mercer County Student Internship Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Mercer County

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Trenton (NJ)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Data Science

Summary

The Mercer County Internship Program provides valuable hands-on experience and internships to high school and college students during the summer. This paid program offers students the opportunity to gain practical training and real-world experience that aligns with their educational goals and prepares them for future professional careers. Coordinated by the Office of Personnel, the program offers curated activities and training to enhance students' skills and knowledge in various fields while also providing exposure to public administration careers. The program runs during summer breaks, with limited spots available during winter and spring breaks. Additionally, Mercer County offers unpaid internships for students seeking college or university credits. This program serves as a valuable stepping stone for students to explore potential career paths and develop essential skills in a real-world work environment.

UC Irvine’s Math ExpLR Summer Research Program

See website

Hosting Institution

University of California (Irvine)

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Irvine (CA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Mathematics

Summary

Math ExpLR is a dynamic 6-week program that bridges the fields of mathematics and biology, providing high school students with an exciting opportunity to explore mathematical research and university-level studies. Throughout the program, you will collaborate with undergraduate students and embark on a computational biology research project, working closely with a principal investigator who will guide you through the process. Additionally, the program offers weekly skill development activities that enhance your presentation and communication skills, teach you how to write mathematical content using computer software, introduce you to the basics of Matlab, and provide insights into the principles of mathematical modeling. At the culmination of the program, each team will present their research findings, allowing you to showcase your work, and you will also submit an expository paper that provides a detailed account of your research. Math ExpLR not only immerses you in the world of mathematical research but also equips you with valuable skills and knowledge that will be invaluable as you pursue further studies and potential careers in mathematics and biology.

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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