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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

What research opportunity are you looking for?

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

UC Berkeley’s The Summer Youth Intensive Program

See website

Hosting Institution

University of California (Berkeley)

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Berkeley (CA)

Cost

$14,825

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Chemistry

Summary

The one-year program offers students an immersive research experience, allowing them to gain hands-on exposure to the scientific research process. Through group meetings, research seminars, and data analysis, students have the opportunity to actively participate in ongoing research projects and collaborate with faculty and peers. This program not only enhances students' understanding of the research methodologies and techniques but also provides valuable insights into the broader scientific community. By engaging in meaningful research activities, students can develop critical thinking skills, deepen their understanding of the scientific field, and foster a passion for inquiry and discovery.

High School Summer Institute of Law

See website

Hosting Institution

University of California (Irvine)

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Irvine (CA)

Cost

$1,110

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Literature and Languages

Summary

The UC Irvine 1-week program provides students with an immersive experience focused on developing essential skills necessary for successful research and professional careers. Through a combination of workshops, interactive sessions, and practical exercises, participants have the opportunity to enhance their analytical reasoning, public speaking, persuasion and argumentation, writing, and negotiation skills. The program is designed to foster critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to present and defend ideas in a compelling manner. By honing these foundational skills, students not only strengthen their research capabilities but also build a strong foundation for future academic and professional pursuits. The program offers a supportive and engaging environment where students can learn from experienced instructors and interact with their peers, fostering a collaborative learning experience. Whether students are interested in pursuing research or any other career path, the program equips them with essential skills that will be valuable throughout their academic and professional journey.

Math ExpLR

See website

Hosting Institution

University of California (Irvine)

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Irvine (CA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Feb 16, 2023

Categories

Biology, Quantitative

Summary

Students will work for 6 weeks from 06/26/2023 to 08/04/2023 in small research teams and give a presentation at the end of the program. In addition, students will attend skill-building workshops that will prepare them to carry out mathematical research, including Matlab programming, mathematical modeling, giving research presentations and writing a research paper.

Qualcomm Institute High School Summer Scholars Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Qualcomm Institute at the University of California (San Diego)

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

CA

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Social Science, Arts

Summary

The interdisciplinary program provided UC San Diego college students with the opportunity to interact and collaborate with faculty members, professionals and peers. It focus on value-added, hands-on training sessions on research communications (including how to make professional presentations, public speaking, and use social media to publicize research findings) while also offering networking opportunities with other students and faculty. The summer program will consist of various workshops and seminars for participating undergraduate students who can benefit from the institute's summer training events. The program lasts 8 weeks. Further details are to be worked out with your advisor. You are required to complete 20 hours per week.

Microsoft's Imagine Cup

See website

Hosting Institution

Microsoft

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Redmond (WA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Data Science

Summary

The Imagine competition is open to students in grades 7 to 12 and aims to recognize outstanding software projects developed using Microsoft tools and technology. The competition seeks to highlight innovation, accessibility, groundbreaking ideas, and overall appeal in the software created. It's important to note that the competition structure may vary based on the country or region participants represent, so it is essential to review the specific rules and guidelines provided for your local competition. By participating in Imagine, students have the opportunity to showcase their technical skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities using Microsoft tools and technology.

MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute

See website

Hosting Institution

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Cambridge (MA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Data Science

Summary

The MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute is set to provide academically motivated high school students with a range of virtual project-based courses. While these courses cover diverse engineering concepts such as Embedded Security and Hardware Hacking and Serious Game Development with AI, there are specific options available for students interested in aerospace engineering. These include the Autonomous Air Vehicle Racing and Remote Sensing for Disaster Response courses. The program offers a comprehensive experience with classes scheduled from 10 am to 6 pm EDT on weekdays, incorporating a blend of lectures, labs, and office hours. Participating students will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning, collaborate on projects, and deepen their understanding of aerospace engineering concepts. The MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute presents an exciting avenue for high school students to explore their passion for engineering in a dynamic virtual learning environment.

MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES)

See website

Hosting Institution

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Cambridge (MA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Data Science

Summary

During the 6-week program, high school students will engage in a full day of activities, including classes, workshops, guest speaker sessions, and tours, covering a wide range of subjects in STEM and humanities. Students will have the opportunity to explore elective courses, where they can work on specialized projects such as engineering design or machine learning. These projects allow students to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical setting, fostering creativity and problem-solving abilities. The program culminates in a final symposium, where students present their projects to the broader MIT community, showcasing their achievements and sharing their insights and findings. This immersive experience provides a valuable opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of various disciplines, collaborate with like-minded peers, and gain exposure to the vibrant academic community at MIT.

MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES) Summer

See website

Hosting Institution

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Cambridge (MA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Data Science

Summary

MITES (Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science) is indeed an exceptional program designed to provide students from minority communities with exposure to STEM fields and a taste of college life at MIT. The program's six-week duration allows participants to engage in a rigorous academic curriculum encompassing subjects such as math, life sciences, physics, and humanities, providing a well-rounded education. Additionally, students have the opportunity to choose an elective course based on their interests. MITES goes beyond academics by offering insights into various STEM professions, fostering social interactions through organized events, and providing a firsthand experience of the vibrant campus community at MIT. As the program concludes, participants receive valuable written evaluations from their instructors, offering feedback and recognizing their achievements. For students interested in exploring other summer programs at MIT, the provided link offers a comprehensive list of available opportunities.

MIT Leadership Training Institute (LTI)

See website

Hosting Institution

MIT Leadership Training Institute (LTI)

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Cambridge (MA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Social Science

Summary

The MIT Leadership Training Institute (LTI), hosted by MIT, is a program that revolves around the belief that all students possess the potential to become leaders. This program specifically caters to high school students and aims to develop their leadership skills through a combination of leadership development sessions and a community service project. By participating in LTI, students have the opportunity to cultivate important leadership traits such as confidence, creativity, and determination. The community service project is a significant component of the program and is carried out with the guidance of Project Mentors. These mentors assist students in identifying challenges faced by various communities and brainstorming effective solutions. They play a crucial role in helping students translate leadership theories into practical and impactful solutions. LTI follows a competitive recruitment process, selecting students from multiple schools in Boston, and boasts a successful track record of 15 years. Over the years, they have mentored close to 1,000 students, many of whom have gone on to become college students, pursue advanced degrees, or establish themselves as professionals in their respective fields.

MIT Think Scholars Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Cambridge (MA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Data Science

Summary

THINK is a unique program designed for students who have a passion for research and are in the early stages of developing a project. Unlike other programs that require a completed research project, THINK welcomes applicants who have extensively researched the background of a potential project and are seeking additional guidance to further their work. The program is organized by a group of undergraduate students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), known for their expertise in various fields. Through THINK, students have the opportunity to receive mentorship, guidance, and resources to refine their research ideas and gain valuable insights into the research process. It provides a supportive environment for students to explore their academic interests and develop their research skills under the guidance of experienced mentors from MIT.

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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