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?
Linking Individuals to their Natural Community (LINC)
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LINC, an internship program in environmental science, offers an exceptional opportunity for high school students residing in the Bay Area to immerse themselves in a six-week program filled with outdoor activities and community engagement. The program, organized by the Park Conservancy, a registered non-profit, brings together students from diverse regions to foster community building, service learning, and exploration of local parklands. Throughout the program, you will actively participate in a range of outdoor activities, including trail work, habitat restoration, and community cleanups. These hands-on experiences will not only deepen your understanding of environmental science but also instill a sense of stewardship for the natural world. In addition to the outdoor activities, the program also offers valuable workshops on resume building, mock interviews, and networking with park partners, providing you with essential skills for future career opportunities. An exciting highlight of the program is an overnight camping trip to a national park, allowing you to connect with nature in a profound and memorable way. Wildlife observation, ropes courses, kayaking, and field games further enrich your experience and provide opportunities for personal growth and adventure. As a participant in the LINC program, you will receive a stipend of up to $2,300 upon successful completion, acknowledging your dedication and commitment. This program not only broadens your understanding of environmental science but also fosters a strong sense of community, instills important life skills, and promotes a lifelong love for nature and conservation.
Kean University’s Group Summer Scholars Research Program
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Kean University's Global STEM Scholars Research Program (GSSRP) offers high school students an immersive and hands-on research experience in various STEM fields. Under the guidance of experienced faculty and staff, students engage in cutting-edge research projects in areas such as Scientific Visualization, Cancer Biology, Machine Learning, Developmental Biology, and Modern Drug Discovery. Throughout the program, students develop technical skills, gain research experience, and deepen their understanding of the scientific research process. The GSSRP also provides additional programming, including professional skills workshops and guidance on college and career paths, to support students' personal and academic growth. This program offers a unique opportunity for students to explore their interests in STEM and prepare for future academic and professional endeavors in the field.
Junior Group Research Practicum
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Younger scholars (7th - 9th graders) who are enthusiastic to learn advanced subject knowledge and skills and get exposure to entry-level research can apply for Scholar Launch’s Junior Research Practicums. You will learn from Ph.D candidates and graduates from top programs and approach an academic topic with an interdisciplinary approach.
John Locke Essay Competition
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The John Locke Essay Competition is organized by the John Locke Institute, a non-profit educational organization located in Oxford, United Kingdom. Its aim is to encourage young individuals to cultivate the qualities that define exceptional writers, including independent thinking, deep knowledge, clear reasoning, critical analysis, and persuasive style. Esteemed professors from the University of Oxford evaluate the submissions, and they choose a winning essay from each subject group, as well as an overall "best essay" from all seven subjects.
JCamp by the Asian American Journalists Association
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JCamp, a highly esteemed six-day program, is a transformative experience that aims to develop students' journalistic skills and foster diversity in the field. With a limited cohort of 25-30 participants, this program provides comprehensive training and guidance in creating multi-platform news packages for JCamp Live. As part of a multicultural group, you will engage in field trips, dynamic discussions, and hands-on workshops, immersing yourself in the principles of journalism ethics, the importance of diversity in newsrooms, leadership fundamentals, cross-cultural communication skills, and the value of networking. Esteemed industry leaders, including Hoda Kotb, Bob Schieffer, and Bill Whitaker, deliver inspiring talks and lectures. Notably, over 75% of JCamp alumni have pursued careers in journalism, with individuals such as Terrell Brown, Taylor Turner, Jessica Carballo, and Ben Bartenstein making significant contributions to the field. JCamp serves as a launchpad for aspiring journalists, empowering them to make a meaningful impact through the power of storytelling and reporting.
Jane Austen Society Essay Contest
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High school scholars can win up to $1,000 by entering an essay on a specified content related to Jane Austen novels. In addition, each winner will be admitted to the Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) for a period of time and receive a collection of Norton Critical Editions of Jane Austen's novels. The winning pieces will also appear on the JASNA website. The theme of the 2022 Essay Contest is based on Jane Austen's first published novel, "Sense & Sensibility." Scholars from all around the world are welcome to enter, but all submissions must be written in English.
ISC3 Innovation Challenge in Sustainable Chemistry and Agriculture
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The ISC3 Innovation Challenge, organized by the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre, presents a platform for high school students to showcase their innovative solutions in sustainable chemistry. The challenge revolves around addressing problems faced by the agricultural industry using concepts from chemistry. To participate, students are required to submit their entries in two stages. In the first stage, an online template is filled out, providing a brief description of the innovation, business perspectives, and team details. Shortlisted participants move on to the second stage, where they provide more comprehensive information on the aforementioned aspects. The challenge focuses on various subtopics within the field of agriculture, encouraging students to explore areas such as soil fertility, plant protection, resource efficiency, and more. By combining chemistry and innovation, the ISC3 Innovation Challenge promotes sustainable practices in agriculture and empowers young minds to contribute to a greener future.
Immersion by UChicago
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The University of Chicago provides an immersive preview program in the field of Psychology, offering students the opportunity to explore various aspects of the discipline and engage in research. The program spans 10 weeks and is open to high school students who are currently in their freshman, sophomore, and junior years. To be eligible, students must be at least 14 years old at the time of application. During the program, students can choose from courses in developmental psychology and the psychology of learning, allowing them to gain in-depth knowledge and understanding in these specific areas. The program aims to provide a comprehensive and enriching experience for students interested in psychology, enabling them to explore the field and engage in research at an advanced level.
GTAE’s Science, Technology, and Engineering Pipeline (STEP) Summer Internship Program
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STEP, organized by The Georgia Tech Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, is a highly regarded engineering program sponsored by prestigious companies, associations, and government bodies. This program offers students the opportunity to work in teams on ongoing research projects at Georgia Tech. With the guidance of faculty mentors, participants will tackle real-world problems, design innovative solutions, and present their work during a poster session. While applications for the 2023 batch are closed, students can look forward to the 2024 program, which is expected to follow a similar timeline. STEP provides a unique and immersive experience for aspiring engineers, allowing them to gain practical skills and valuable insights into the field of aerospace engineering.
GENIUS Olympiad
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The Genius Olympiad, renowned for its focus on environmental issues, offers a unique business vertical that challenges participants to develop innovative solutions. By participating in this competition, you have the opportunity to contribute to the global effort of decreasing human impact on the environment. The competition is divided into two categories: social responsibility and entrepreneurship. In the social responsibility category, you can work on creating new products or technologies that promote sustainability and address environmental challenges. Alternatively, in the entrepreneurship category, you can propose improvements to existing products or technologies to make them greener or more sustainable. This multidisciplinary approach combines elements of science, engineering, and business acumen. To showcase your ideas effectively, your product or solution should be accompanied by a well-developed business plan and a go-to-market strategy. The Genius Olympiad provides a platform for young minds to apply their skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit to make a positive impact on the environment. It encourages participants to think critically, collaborate, and develop viable solutions that not only address environmental issues but also have the potential for real-world implementation.
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?
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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.