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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

Asia Art Museum’s Art Speak Internship

See website

Hosting Institution

Asian Art Museum

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Arts

Summary

If you have a passion for art and cultural heritage, participating in an internship and learning program at a local museum can be a fantastic opportunity. These programs allow you to delve into the art and cultural traditions of a specific region or exhibition, gaining firsthand knowledge and experience. You'll have the chance to create educational materials, engage with local artists, and even contribute to social media marketing efforts for the museum. Keep an eye out for such opportunities at museums in your area, as they can provide valuable insights into the art world and open doors for future artistic endeavors.

EnergyMag Research Internship

See website

Hosting Institution

energymag

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Data Science

Summary

EnergyMag offers virtual research internships to high school and college students interested in gaining experience in the renewable energy sector. These internships provide opportunities to develop research and analytical skills while working on projects related to specific companies, technologies, and markets within the renewable energy industry. The internships can be customized based on the student's availability and can range from half-time (2-8 weeks, 20 hours per week) to quarter-time (1-9 months, 8 hours per week). Through these internships, students can gain valuable work experience and contribute to the advancement of renewable energy technologies and practices.

ExploraVision

See website

Hosting Institution

Toshiba Innovation

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Chemistry

Summary

The ExploraVision challenge, hosted by Toshiba/NSTA, provides an exciting opportunity for high school students to engage in real-world problem-solving with a strong focus on STEM. Since its inception in 1992, ExploraVision has attracted entries from over 450,000 students across the United States. In teams of 2-4 students, participants are tasked with selecting a current technology and conducting research to identify potential improvements and envision its future form in 10 years. Drawing upon their knowledge of chemistry, technology, physics, AI, and other disciplines, students present their ideas for the technology's evolution, including its development steps, advantages, disadvantages, and potential obstacles. ExploraVision encourages creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork, offering valuable experiences for aspiring young scientists and innovators. To gain insights and inspiration, you can explore examples of past projects that have excelled in the challenge.

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow

See website

Hosting Institution

Samsung Electronics

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Engineering

Summary

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a STEM contest that empowers students to use their problem-solving skills and STEM knowledge to address local or national community challenges. In this competition, students identify a problem and develop a solution using STEM principles. If selected, students have the opportunity to present their project to the community and a panel of judges, with the potential to secure funding and collaborate with authorities to implement their ideas. Participating in Solve for Tomorrow allows students to showcase their problem-solving abilities and gain valuable experience in creating real-world projects, which can be beneficial for college applications. The program offers impressive prizes, ranging from $2,500 for State Finalists to $100,000 prize packages for National Winners. To apply, students must work with their teachers to submit an application discussing their project, representing their school as a team. Solve for Tomorrow is an exciting opportunity to make a positive impact and demonstrate the transformative power of STEM education.

CHORI – Cystic Fibrosis Summer Research Program

See website

Hosting Institution

CHORI – Cystic Fibrosis Summer Research Program

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Medicine

Summary

Through the CHORI Summer Student Research Program, students have the opportunity to dedicate three months of their summer to immersive basic and/or clinical research. The program facilitates mentorship by pairing students with one or two CHORI Principal Investigators (PIs) who serve as their guides throughout the research journey. This includes various phases such as research design, hypothesis testing, and methodological development. Upon completion, students showcase their findings by presenting them to their peers, fostering an environment of knowledge sharing and collaboration.

AAN Neuroscience Research Prize

See website

Hosting Institution

Institute of Competition Sciences

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Neuroscience

Summary

This competition revolves around the fascinating field of neuroscience, with a specific focus on the nervous system and the brain. Students participating in the competition engage in their own neuroscience research, aiming to investigate and solve problems related to this complex system. The research projects submitted by students are evaluated based on criteria such as their relevance to neuroscience, originality, the ability to interpret data, and the quality of research reports. The competition welcomes students in grades 9 through 12, and only individual entries are accepted, encouraging students to showcase their independent thinking and scientific prowess in the realm of neuroscience.

Google Science Fair

See website

Hosting Institution

Google Products

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Data Science

Summary

In this science research competition, students between the ages of 13 and 18 have the opportunity to submit their innovative science research ideas for evaluation by a panel of scientists and experts. Winners of the competition are rewarded with generous scholarships, exciting gear, and exceptional opportunities like internships. The competition showcases a wide range of impressive projects, such as the development of battery-free lighting solutions and the creation of wearable sensors aimed at enhancing the safety and well-being of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. The competition provides a platform for young minds to explore their scientific curiosity, drive innovation, and make a positive impact on society through their research endeavors.

Rice Neuroscience Society’s Neurocamp

See website

Hosting Institution

RNS NeuroCamp

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Psychology

Summary

Rice University offers a free two-day camp (or one-day online version) in neuroscience, providing an excellent introduction to the subject. The camp offers a comprehensive program with three main objectives: teaching research skills through hands-on lab experiments, providing mentorship by offering sessions on university life and career options, and delivering educational content on advanced topics such as computational neuroscience and the philosophy of mind. Importantly, no prior knowledge of neuroscience is required to participate, making this camp accessible and inclusive for all interested students. Whether attending in-person or online, students can expect a well-rounded experience that combines practical skills, valuable mentorship, and engaging discussions on cutting-edge neuroscience concepts.

RAISE at MIT

See website

Hosting Institution

RAISE

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Data Science

Summary

The Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education (RAISE) program offers a variety of tutorials and applications to support your continuous learning and development in the field of AI. One notable example is Doodle Bot, a platform designed to facilitate creative AI learning for high school students using robots. The program covers essential topics such as robotics, hardware, Arduino programming, and machine learning. Doodle Bot has been successfully utilized in robotics and STEM workshops, benefiting numerous high school students in both the United States and Mexico. By engaging with platforms like Doodle Bot, students can enhance their understanding of AI, robotics, and programming while fostering their creativity and problem-solving skills.

SAGE GLOBAL

See website

Hosting Institution

Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Social Science

Summary

The SAGE Challenge, organized by Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship, is an annual competition that empowers high school and undergraduate college students to address global issues through entrepreneurial thinking and innovation. Participants form teams and develop social enterprises that tackle pressing global needs, receiving guidance and mentorship throughout the process. The competition concludes with a final pitch to a panel of esteemed judges, offering students the opportunity to showcase their innovative solutions and make a positive impact on society. By fostering entrepreneurship and social responsibility, the SAGE Challenge equips students with valuable skills and a platform to create meaningful change in the world.

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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