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!
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Harvard Pre-Collegiate Economics Challenge (HPEC)
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Harvard's Pre-Collegiate Economics Challenge (HPEC) is a highly esteemed competition that provides a platform for talented students worldwide to showcase their understanding of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and global economics. Teams of 1-4 participants engage in multiple rounds, including a written exam and a Quiz Bowl round, where they can demonstrate their knowledge and analytical skills. Beyond the competition, HPEC offers valuable opportunities to interact with esteemed professors, graduate students, and leading economists, enabling participants to gain insights into economics and its practical applications. The pinnacle of the challenge takes place at Harvard University, with finalists being granted an all-expense-paid trip to the campus, further enhancing their learning experience.
Global Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
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The Global Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (GYEC) is an exciting annual startup competition designed to nurture entrepreneurial aptitude and foster the development of essential skills among students aged 14-19. As a virtual event, the competition offers participants a unique opportunity to tackle a global problem and devise innovative, actionable solutions within a 12-hour timeframe. Teams, consisting of up to 8 students, collaborate to bring together their knowledge in areas such as science, technology, marketing, and business communication. The competition encourages participants to think critically, apply their skills, and unleash their creativity to address real-world challenges. At the conclusion of the 12-hour competition, teams submit their final pitches, showcasing their well-thought-out solutions. The GYEC not only provides a platform to showcase entrepreneurial talent but also offers invaluable exposure to the world of enterprise. By participating in this competition, students gain practical experience, build their networks, and enhance their entrepreneurial mindset. To witness the success stories and innovative solutions from previous competitions, you can explore the winners of the 2022 Challenge, which exemplify the remarkable talent and potential of young entrepreneurs.
Atlanta Bar Association's Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP)
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For over three decades, the Atlanta Bar Association has been providing high school students with valuable internships to explore the legal field. This internship offers a comprehensive experience where you will be engaged in various tasks essential to the legal profession. From making copies and delivering documents to bates stamping, answering phones, summarizing depositions, and preparing trial notebooks, you will gain firsthand exposure to the day-to-day operations of a legal setting. Additionally, there may be opportunities to witness depositions or court hearings, further enriching your understanding of the legal process. Prior to beginning the internship, you will participate in an orientation program to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills for six weeks of practical legal work. This program not only allows you to acquire valuable work experience but also enhances your critical thinking and reasoning abilities while deepening your understanding of the law. Furthermore, through this internship, you have the chance to establish meaningful mentor relationships with legal professionals who can guide you in your future endeavors. Overall, the Atlanta Bar Association internship is an excellent opportunity for high school students interested in pursuing a career in the legal field to gain valuable insights and experience firsthand the inner workings of the legal profession.
Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Program
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To qualify for this program, students must currently be in their sophomore year of high school. This rigorous 4-week initiative provides a thorough and immersive experience in the realm of computer science. The program comprises a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on research projects, faculty lectures, and engagement with leading technology companies across the country. Participants will have the chance to engage in college-level coursework centered around computer programming and mathematics. Exceptional students who excel in the program and display a genuine passion for furthering their education may receive an invitation to join CMU's AI Scholars program the following summer, during their rise to senior year.
Purple Comet Math Meet
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This international math competition offers a dedicated track specifically designed for high school students. Participants are presented with 30 problems to solve within a time limit of 90 minutes. The difficulty level of the questions varies, ranging from very easy to extremely challenging. One of the key features of this competition is its flexibility, allowing students to choose a convenient start time within a 10-day competition window. The competition offers options for both competitive and non-competitive teams. Competitive teams must meet specific criteria based on age, grade, and school, and qualifying teams are eligible for award certificates. The results of winning teams, including their team name and performance, are posted on the contest website. On the other hand, non-competitive teams have no restrictions regarding age, grade, or school. Members of non-competitive teams receive certificates of participation, but their team results are not published on the contest website. In the previous year, the competition attracted over 12,000 students participating on more than 3,998 teams from 62 countries. Previous competition problems can be accessed for practice and reference. Here's a pro tip: If you're hesitant about diving into highly competitive events right away, consider exploring flexible competitions like this one. They provide an excellent opportunity to assess your skills and build confidence. These competitions can serve as a valuable stepping stone in boosting your mathematical abilities and self-assurance.
Boston Leadership Institute
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The Boston Leadership Institute is a summer program based in the Boston and Greater Boston Area, catering to high school and pre-high school students. Their primary focus is on providing hands-on experience and cultivating leadership skills in the fields of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and business. The institute offers two program options: Three-Week Programs and One-Week Programs. The Three-Week Programs provide in-depth introductions to subjects such as Science, Engineering, Medicine, and Business. These programs allow high school students to actively engage with the subjects through field trips, access to facilities, and project-based learning opportunities. On the other hand, the One-Week Programs cater to students who have limited time but still want to explore a STEM subject. Students have the flexibility to enroll in multiple one-week programs consecutively without the need for an additional application, providing them with the chance to delve deeper into the courses they are passionate about. Additionally, the institute offers EDGE Programs, which are one-week programs specifically designed to give students a head start on the material they will encounter in their fall classes. The Boston Leadership Institute ensures that their programs are immersive, comprehensive, and suitable for students entering grades 8-12 at all program locations.
New York Historical Society’s Student Historian Internship Program
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The New York Historical Society, renowned as New York's oldest museum, presents a remarkable opportunity for high school students. Participants will collaborate with the museum staff, gaining insights into various career paths and actively engaging in hands-on research and museum work. The program offers both school-year and summer sessions, typically accommodating cohorts of 25 students. Each session revolves around a specific theme, with the subject for the 2022-2023 period being 'Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass' America'.
National History Academy’s Residential Summer Program
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If you have a keen interest in history, law, and government, this residential summer program is the perfect option for you. Organized by the national heritage area and non-profit organization Journey Through Hallowed Ground, the program emphasizes place-based education. Your weekly schedule will encompass classroom studies as well as visits to historical sites. The curriculum also incorporates case studies and parliamentary debates to deepen your understanding. To apply for the program, you will need to submit an essay and participate in a phone interview. It's worth noting that the program is selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 38%.
The Met High School Internship Program
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If you have a passion for art history, this is an excellent opportunity to consider. It offers a unique experience where you can work at The Met and receive guidance from one of its staff members. Throughout the program, you will contribute 40 hours of department-specific work, and your placement will be determined based on your interests, availability, and the department's internship project. The curatorial department is particularly suitable for students interested in history, as it provides a chance to learn about curating exhibitions, conducting research, and managing information related to works of art. It's important to note that the application process for this program includes interviews, making it a relatively competitive and selective program.
GirlsWhoCode’s Summer Immersion Program
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The goal of Girls Who Code is to address the gender disparity in the technology field. Their program provides students with valuable learning experiences through a combination of hands-on projects and networking opportunities with women in the tech industry. While the program is open to students from diverse backgrounds, they prioritize admission for underrepresented groups. This includes girls, women, and non-binary individuals who identify as Black, LatinX, or come from low-income households.
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.