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!
What research opportunity are you looking for?
Hosting Institution
Polygence
Online/In Person
Online
Cost
Starting at $2695
Application Deadline
Dec 15, 2024
Categories
Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Sci, Econ, Engineering, Humanities, Medicine, Neuro, Psychology
Hosting Institution
Polygence
Online/In Person
Online
Cost
Starting at $495
Application Deadline
Varies by program
Categories
Biology, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Humanities, Mathematics, Other
Other programs
Virginia Board for People with Disabilities’ Youth Leadership Academy
See websiteSummary
The Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) offers a valuable program aimed at empowering youth with developmental or other disabilities and helping them develop their leadership skills. This program provides a range of activities focused on leadership development, social skills enhancement, and interactions with role models and guest speakers who cover relevant topics. The agenda also includes a special Capitol Day, where participants will have the opportunity to meet lawmakers and government officials and engage in a mock legislative hearing. It is important to note that the application process for this program is competitive, and only 25 students will be selected to participate.
Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) Program
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The Virginia Space Grant Consortium offers an exceptional program for students interested in climate change and eager to collaborate with NASA. This program provides an interactive online course consisting of seven modules, where students have the opportunity to learn from NASA researchers and engage with NASA-related research and data. The most exciting aspect of this program is the summer residency at Langley, where selected students will work on a team project to design a satellite mission that explores Earth Systems. This hands-on experience allows participants to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. Additionally, students can choose the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars Program, which focuses on human spaceflight. The program structure is similar, providing valuable learning opportunities and culminating in a team project. It is important to note that the dates provided are for the 2022-2023 program, and the timeline for the 2023-2024 program is expected to be similar.
We Belong: Youth Leadership And Community Cultures Of Care Program
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The program hosted by the Connecticut Historical Society Museum offers a unique opportunity for students to connect with their community and learn valuable skills such as oral history, digital storytelling, advocacy, and community-building. It is a collaborative and immersive experience that fosters a sense of belonging and engagement with the larger society. The program takes place on Sundays and requires a commitment of 49 hours in total. As a bonus, participants also have the opportunity to curate their own exhibit, fulfilling the dream of creating a museum exhibition. Additionally, the program includes college tours, making the experience even more enjoyable and providing an opportunity to explore future educational opportunities. This program is a fantastic opportunity for students who are passionate about museums, community engagement, and creating meaningful connections.
Wharton Global High School Investment Competition
See websiteSummary
The Global High School Investment Competition, hosted by the renowned Wharton School of Business, offers a thrilling and rewarding experience for aspiring young investors. Participants are tasked with building a virtual investment portfolio of $100,000 using a simulator, showcasing their financial acumen and business analysis skills. What sets this competition apart is that success is not solely determined by profits but also by the strength of the strategies employed. The competition includes a comprehensive 10-week crash course covering topics such as investing, business analysis, pitch creation, and portfolio building. Students form teams of 4-7 members from their school and submit two deliverables for the semifinal round. At the Global Finale held at Wharton, the top 10 teams present their ideas for potential funding. To support participants, the competition provides free learning resources and case studies from previous years, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.
World Historian Student Essay Competition
See websiteSummary
The World Historian Student Essay Competition is an international contest that is open to students enrolled in grades K–12. Winners of this competition receive $500 and a one-year membership in the World History Association. Each participant is required to submit an essay that addresses the following question: "In what way has the study of world history affected my understanding of the world in which I live?
YoungArts
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Established in 1981, the National YoungArts Foundation aims to discover and support the emerging artists of the future in various artistic, literary, and performing arts disciplines. Every year, thousands of students submit applications, and a select group of winners are chosen to participate in weeklong programs held in Los Angeles, New York, and Miami. These programs involve workshops with master artists. To apply, there is a $35 application fee, although fee waivers are available for eligible individuals. Regional Honorable Mentions are invited to attend regional workshops, while finalists are invited to the prestigious National YoungArts Week. During this event, finalists have the opportunity to meet the judges and compete for cash prizes of up to $10,000. Additionally, finalists are eligible for nomination as a US Presidential Scholar in the Arts. Students in grades 10th to 12th are eligible to apply.
Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History’s EVOLUTIONS Program
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EVOLUTIONS, which stands for EVOking Learning & Understanding Through Investigations Of the Natural Sciences, is a comprehensive program that focuses on developing future science communicators and community builders. The program offers a wide range of engaging activities to promote all-around development. Participants can expect to engage in classroom science activities, attend monthly workshops, embark on college tours, collaborate on student-produced museum exhibits, and even have the opportunity to secure paid internships at Yale's science laboratories. By integrating classroom learning, work experience, and hands-on research, EVOLUTIONS provides a holistic approach to science education. While the specific dates for the 2023 program have not been released yet, they are expected to be similar to those of the previous year. This program offers an exciting opportunity for students interested in the natural sciences to expand their knowledge, gain valuable experience, and explore their passion for scientific exploration and communication.
USA Computing Olympiad
See websiteSummary
The national round for the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) is a highly esteemed competition in the field of computer science. As one of the five international science olympiads, the IOI aims to generate interest and enthusiasm in the field of informatics and information technology. Supported by UNESCO and IFIP, the contest spans over two days and involves computer programming, coding, and problem-solving with a focus on algorithmic solutions. The IOI attracts top talent from around the world, and the USA teams have consistently demonstrated remarkable performance, often ranking among the top countries attending the IOI. Winners from the national round and similar competitions have the opportunity to represent their country at the prestigious International Olympiad in Informatics.
Sci-MI’s Neuroscience Mentorship Program
See websiteSummary
The Neuroscience Mentorship Program (NMP), organized by the non-profit Science Mentorship Institute, offers a valuable opportunity for students to delve into individual research projects in the field of neuroscience. Throughout the program, participants will work on their research project, ultimately presenting their findings and completing a write-up. What sets the NMP apart is its emphasis on open-source research, empowering students to conduct in-depth investigations using freely available resources such as software, research papers, and volunteer mentors. In addition to weekly lectures, the program features a journal club where students can select and present research papers, fostering discussion and deeper understanding. The five-week program provides a comprehensive and engaging experience for students interested in neuroscience, equipping them with valuable research skills and insights.
Canva
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Canva is a versatile design tool that can help you create visually appealing and engaging portfolios, research proposals, essays, book reviews, blogs, and student resumes. It offers a wide range of templates and design options to make your application materials stand out. With its recent AI integration, Canva now has the ability to edit and create designs based on prompts, making it even more convenient for creating application-specific content. Whether you need to design a professional resume or create visually stunning presentations, Canva is a valuable tool to showcase your skills and accomplishments in a visually appealing manner.
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.