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?
UT Austin Academy for Robotics
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The UT Computer Science Summer Academies at the University of Texas provides high school students of all skill levels with a chance to delve into the field of robotics. Through this program, participants will have the opportunity to learn about various topics including introductory programming, Arduino, sensors, and robot control. The focus is on hands-on experience, allowing students to assemble and program their own robots, explore tools used in robotics research, and even participate in a robot race. Additionally, students will get to immerse themselves in the UT campus environment, interact with current students, and gain a deeper understanding of the field of computer science. Applications for the program open on January 31st, presenting a great opportunity for aspiring roboticists.
User Experience Design
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Through the summer program in User Experience Design, you will gain the foundational principles, skills and best practices for UX design and learn how to apply design thinking to come up with solutions to a variety of challenges. Students work collaboratively to frame problems, ideate solutions using different tools and materials, and develop products, services, or experiences that solve those problems for users. You’ll also learn technical skills using UX design software, like Adobe CC and Figma, and gain practice developing prototypes and interfaces that demonstrate how your design solutions will work.
USC's Bovard Scholar Program
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If you're a student looking for support in transitioning from high school to college, this program is specifically designed to cater to your needs. It offers valuable assistance in understanding and navigating college life. By participating in this program, you will not only gain insights into the college experience but also benefit from mentorship provided by experienced coaches. These mentors will guide you through the college admissions process, ensuring you have the necessary guidance and support to make informed decisions and achieve success in your transition to college.
USC Bovard Scholars
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The Bovard Scholars program is a highly regarded pre-college initiative that caters to high-achieving students nationwide. The program aims to cultivate critical thinking abilities, foster research skills, refine career aspirations, and provide guidance for college applications. Spanning three weeks, this fully residential program offers an exceptional student-to-staff ratio of 3:1, ensuring personalized attention. Each participant is assigned a dedicated coach who provides support throughout the university application process, assists with competitive exam preparation, and offers career guidance even after the program concludes. The program also features mixer events with industry leaders, engaging group activities, access to scholarship databases, and goal-setting exercises, enhancing the overall experience for the scholars.
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Academy
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An immersive, full-time, seven-week mentored authentic research internship and career preparation program for high school students. 8 unique research sites in biology, medicine, and computer science.
UPenn’s Summer Coding Camps
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Applicants for these coding camps must fall within the age range of 13-18 years old. It is important to meet the specific experience level requirements for each course. These camps aim to provide students with an opportunity to explore their interests in computer science. The courses offered cover a range of programming languages, including Python and C++, among others. The main focus is to highlight the diverse applications of computer science in both business and core technology domains.
UPenn’s Experimental Physics Research Academy
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The CTY astrophysics course, led by instructor Peter Harnish, aims to move beyond mere memorization and test preparation, fostering a deeper understanding of physics concepts. While astrophysics is covered as part of a broader curriculum, including mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum dynamics, this approach allows students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The course utilizes a variety of instructional methods, including lectures, activities, and projects, to engage students in active learning. Additionally, students will benefit from research talks delivered by esteemed faculty members from the University of Pennsylvania, providing valuable insights into current advancements and research in the field. For those specifically interested in astronomy, Alfred University's Astronomy High School Institute offers a focused program to explore this fascinating discipline.
UPenn: Leadership in the Business World
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LBW offers opportunities to learn about leadership in 21st century organizations through a dynamic and rigorous mix of classes with Wharton professors and business leaders, real-time business simulations, and team-building activities.
University of Washington’s Center for Neurotechnology Young Scholars Program – REACH
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The University of Washington's Center for Neurotechnology (CNT) offers a five-day summer program called YSP-REACH specifically designed for high school students interested in STEM careers, with a focus on neural engineering and neuroscience. The program provides an introduction to various aspects of these fields, including neuroscience, neural engineering, neuroethics, and scientific communication. Participants will also receive updates on the latest developments in brain-computer interfaces. As part of the program, students will have the opportunity to visit partner labs in departments such as Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. The goal of YSP-REACH is to expose students to the field of neural engineering and provide them with foundational knowledge for college studies in STEM subjects and future careers in STEM.
University of Pennsylvania’s Summer Mentorship Program
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The Provost's Summer Mentorship Program (SMP) at the University of Pennsylvania is a distinguished initiative aimed at expanding college access for first-generation and underrepresented students. This four-week summer program offers students an opportunity to participate in hands-on, experiential learning activities that help them explore different career paths. Upon applying to the program, students are carefully matched with one of the five affiliate University of Pennsylvania Professional Schools based on their interests and aspirations. The SMP provides a supportive and immersive environment for students to gain valuable insights, network with professionals, and enhance their understanding of potential career choices. This program is a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and promoting educational opportunities for underrepresented student populations at the University of Pennsylvania.
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.