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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

The New York Academy of Sciences- The Junior Academy

See website

Hosting Institution

New York Academy of Sciences

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Social Science, Comp Sci, Chem...

Summary

Each year, the New York Academy of Sciences selects an international cohort of passionate high school students (ages 13-17) to become part of The Junior Academy, who join a dynamic global network of like-minded peers and mentors. Students work together on Launchpad, the Academy’s unique, online platform. Launchpad enables students and STEM professionals to collaborate virtually as they compete in project-based challenges focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to competing in global challenges, students develop STEM and research experience

Research Scholars: Design Lab - Design Thinking Bootcamp

See website

Hosting Institution

UC San Diego

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Social Science, Languages

Summary

This Design Thinking Bootcamp will focus on user research via the ethnographic methods of participant observation and the ethics of conducting research online and offline. Students will learn practical skills on how to ethically and effectively conduct online interviews and focus groups, design surveys and develop case studies. They will also hear about schools that offer design anthropology curriculum and potential jobs & career trajectories where ethnographic methods are in high demand. This 5-day online program involves both small-group activities and individual mini-projects with student presentations at the end.

Chicago EYES on Cancer

Hosting Institution

The University of Chicago

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Medicine, Biology

Summary

Chicago EYES (Educators and Youth Enjoy Science) on Cancer is a cancer research training program for high school and college students interested in careers in biomedicine. For two consecutive summers, participants work full time in the laboratories of established cancer researchers at the university. Rigorous research training is complemented with a cancer-based summer lecture series, year-round career development and skill-building workshops, and a network of faculty and peer mentors dedicated to participants’ success. The program culminates in a research symposium to showcase participants’ work across basic, translational, clinical, and population-based areas of cancer research.

e-FOCUS Seminars

See website

Hosting Institution

New York University

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

$1,850

Application Deadline

Apr 2, 2023

Categories

Languages

Summary

Our online e-FOCUS Seminars expose you to top former and current Northwestern faculty and instructors highlighting themes relevant today. These interactive courses are two weeks in length.

Personalized Medicine, Big Data, & Artificial Intelligence Workshop

See website

Hosting Institution

Genetics Department at Stanford University

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

$1,000-$1,200

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Comp Sci, Medicine

Summary

This virtual, two-week workshop transports students into the forefront of healthcare innovation research, exposing students to cutting-edge personalized medicine topics guided by Stanford’s leading innovators and faculty. Daily live discussions will feature topics such as wearable device data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cancer & chronic disease, aging & longevity, the future of healthcare and more. Students will also be invited to conduct original research on the revolutionary Stanford Data Ocean platform - the first serverless precision medicine education platform for individuals of all experience levels to explore important deep medicine questions.

CrowdMath

See website

Hosting Institution

MIT

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Quantitative

Summary

CrowdMath is an open project that gives all high school and college students the opportunity to collaborate on a large research project with top-tier research mentors and an exceptional peer group. MIT PRIMES and Art of Problem Solving are working together to create a place for students to experience research mathematics and discover ideas that did not exist before.

Summer Career Explorations

See website

Hosting Institution

Calvin University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

No location

Cost

$550

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

History

Summary

Discover careers related to history and contribute to a collaborative class blog through personal interviews and research. Visit organizations such as local museums, and meet professionals who have put their historical training to work in diverse fields.

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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