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?
UConn’s High School Student Research Apprentice Program
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If you have a strong interest in medicine, the five-week commuter program at UConn Health may be the perfect summer opportunity for you. This program focuses on medicine, dental medicine, and biomedical research and provides students with the chance to conduct research in science and clinical laboratories. The program runs from Monday to Friday, with a schedule from 7 AM to 5:30 PM. Additionally, UConn Health offers Doctors Academies tailored for different grade levels, providing further opportunities for students interested in medicine. Another option is Yale's Discovery to Cure summer internship, which requires the involvement of a school representative during the application process. These programs offer valuable experiences for students pursuing a career in the medical field.
UChicago Medicine’s SHE (Summer Healthcare Experience) in Oncology
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SHE in Oncology is a virtual program designed specifically for high school students in Chicago who are interested in science and medicine, with a focus on oncology. This two-week program provides participants with a unique opportunity to engage in genetics-based research projects and patient case studies related to cancer science and care. Through daily faculty lectures, panel discussions, and skill-building workshops, students will have the chance to expand their knowledge and gain hands-on experience in the field of oncology. The program aims to foster collaboration and learning among participants as they explore various aspects of cancer research and patient care. By the end of the program, students will have developed a deeper understanding of oncology and its significance in the medical field.
UC Santa Barbara's Research Mentorship Program
Summary
UC Santa Barbara's summer research program offers an exceptional opportunity for students to engage in in-depth research and gain valuable experience. Throughout the program, participants dedicate significant time, around 30-40 hours per week, to work closely with their research mentor, collaborating on research projects and developing a research presentation. The program goes beyond the research experience by providing additional university credit through courses focused on research presentation techniques and an introduction to research. What sets this program apart is its emphasis on interdisciplinary research. Students are exposed to a wide range of research topics across various disciplines, allowing them to explore the application of AI in different fields. Participants have the opportunity to rank their preferred projects and work alongside graduate students, postdocs, or faculty members as their research mentors. This hands-on experience in conducting university-level research enables students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the practical application of AI in diverse areas of study.
The Ross Mathematics Program
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Designed as a six-week residential program, this opportunity is perfect for individuals interested in delving deeply into the study of Number Theory. With a substantial commitment of ten hours per week, participants will engage in various activities such as problem-solving, mathematical proof writing, attending lectures, and participating in group meetings. The program stands out for its comprehensive exploration of the subject, encompassing sub-topics like Euclid's algorithm, binomial coefficients, quadratic reciprocity, and many others. It is worth noting that this program carries prestige and therefore has a competitive acceptance rate, with a 20% acceptance rate observed in 2021.
The Ohio State University’s 2023 Explorations in Neuroscience Internship
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Supported by the National Institute of Health, this program provides a comprehensive research experience in the domains of neuroscience and biomedical research. Participants can select from three available tracks: Neuroscience, Neurological Injury, or Neurodegeneration. Throughout the program, students will engage in extensive research within a laboratory setting, benefiting from mentorship provided by leading experts in the field. Additionally, participants will develop skills in scientific writing, culminating in the presentation of their research findings at the program's conclusion. Importantly, participants will receive compensation for their involvement in the program. Noteworthy aspects of this program include hands-on research opportunities and ample networking prospects.
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS): Project Pipeline Baltimore
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The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program is a highly competitive and fully funded summer research program for bright high school students from underrepresented communities. This 8-week program offers hands-on research experience, mentorship from leading neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins University, scientific seminars, and personal and professional development sessions. Participants have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research projects, present their findings, and build connections in the field. With both on-campus and virtual options available, the program aims to promote inclusivity and representation in the field of neurological sciences while nurturing students' passion for neuroscience.
Syracuse University’s Pre-College Summer and Accelerated Semester programs
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High school students have the opportunity to enroll in pre-college or accelerated semester courses that align with their academic objectives. These courses span various subject areas and may even provide college credit options.
Syracuse University Pre-College Summer program
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The program offers a wide range of courses spanning various subject areas and durations, allowing students to delve into the fundamentals of different fields. Whether they are interested in sciences, humanities, arts, or business, there are courses available to cater to their interests. The program provides an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of these subjects, develop important skills, and explore potential areas of academic or career interest. Furthermore, for select courses, students may have the opportunity to earn college credit, providing them with a head start in their academic journey.
Summer Sessions
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The Emergence of Modern Europe; The Emerging United States; Catastrophe and Memory; among others. Get a real college experience in the heart of Boston, attending class alongside undergraduate students from BU and other colleges around the US and the world. Earn up to 8 college credits that you can apply to your future studies. While at BU, you will share dorm life and social activities with students from the Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) program. To help you get to know everyone, and become familiar with the BU campus, and Boston, we plan a variety of fun group events during the first week. After that, each weekend has a planned activity along with some optional activities during the week. Your weeknights are free for homework, impromptu activities, and time with friends until curfew. Take a look at our Program Activities below to see the types of exciting events we plan.
Summer Scholar Program at the Illinois Insitute of Technology
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Illinois Tech University offers a highly regarded Summer Scholar Program, a tuition-free opportunity that spans 8 weeks annually. This program, hosted by the Department of Chemistry, is tailored for high-achieving high school students who possess a strong passion for chemistry and a desire to engage in research laboratory work. The program provides an array of research areas to choose from, including bioanalytical chemistry, computational chemistry and biochemistry, environmental chemistry, forensic chemistry, and medicinal chemistry in the context of energy and sustainability science, materials science, sensor science and technology, computational science, data science, bioanalysis, and health with real-world applications. As a participant, you can expect to dedicate approximately 30 hours per week to laboratory work over the course of 8-10 weeks during the summer.
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.