Research Opportunities Database for High School Students

Summary

The UCLA Summer Program offers a wide range of academic courses spanning various disciplines, allowing students to explore their interests and expand their knowledge during the summer months. With over 800 courses to choose from, students have the opportunity to delve into subjects across the liberal arts, foreign languages, and sciences. The program provides a platform for students to engage in rigorous academic coursework that reflects UCLA's academic breadth and excellence. While the program has been conducted virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is traditionally designed as an on-campus program and may resume its in-person format starting in 2023. By participating in this program, students can experience the vibrant campus atmosphere of UCLA and benefit from the university's renowned faculty, resources, and community.

Summary

A unique combination of coding boot camp, and lab touring experiences, as well as UCLA coursework designed for high school students interested in computer science and related majors. Students will learn how to use computers as tools for problem-solving, creativity, and exploration through the design and implementation of computer programs. Key topics are data types including integers, strings, and lists; control structures, including conditionals and loops; and functional decomposition.

Summary

UCLA's Art Summer Institute offers a comprehensive and immersive 3-unit course that provides students with exposure to multiple tracks within the field of art while allowing them to develop their portfolio. Students can choose from various tracks including Drawing, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, and Video Art & Experimental Animation. Through daily studio work, artist lectures, group critiques, and one-on-one meetings with faculty, students engage in focused and intensive artistic exploration. The program exposes students to a wide range of media and contemporary art practices, fostering the development of a diverse skill set that can distinguish them when applying to their desired art schools. Whether attending virtually or in-person, this program offers an invaluable opportunity to enhance artistic abilities, gain insights from experienced faculty, and refine portfolios in preparation for future artistic endeavors.

Summary

This is a summer program for high school students to immerse themselves in laboratory-based cancer research. The goal of this free six-week program is to encourage students to consider careers in cancer research. They will spend over 30 hours in research labs at UCI and complete a mentored research project. The experience culminates with a research symposium for students to present their work to faculty, students, and the community. Open to high school students who are currently enrolled in the 11th & 12th grades at Orange County High Schools.

Summary

This is a 3- to 10-week pre-secondary program, where students can select from a wide range of courses in a range of disciplines and explore their academic interests while earning college credits.

Summary

If you have a keen interest in environmental design and wish to delve into the field that focuses on the environmental impact and parameters of design, this course is an excellent choice. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects such as architecture, urban design, sustainable city planning, and landscape architecture. Through a combination of engaging lectures, interactive workshops, one-on-one critiques, and live gallery showcases, you will gain valuable knowledge and practical skills in environmental design. As part of the course, you will have the opportunity to work on a final project for a local non-profit organization, allowing you to apply your newfound expertise in a real-world context. Moreover, upon successful completion of the program, you will receive 1 semester unit of college credit, further validating your accomplishments and enhancing your academic profile. This course offers a unique platform to explore the intersection of design and environmental sustainability, equipping you with the tools and insights to make a positive impact in the field of environmental design.

Summary

TechGirls brings together 15 competitively-selected American young women (ages 15-17) with 111 peers from 35 countries/territories around the world for a 25-day international exchange program focused on the in-depth exploration of applied technology and STEM topics with a 8-month mentoring program (including pre- and post-exchange). The exchange will include an interactive technology camp at Virginia Tech University, site visits to technology companies, discussions on STEM education and careers, career readiness workshops, community service opportunities, leadership training, job shadow opportunities, cross-cultural dialogues, recreational activities, and homestays. American and foreign TechGirls participants will be required to implement follow-on service projects in their home communities that they designed during their U.S.-based exchange.

Summary

The International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) is a global competition that brings together the brightest chemistry students from around the world. The U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad serves as the selection process for the team that represents the United States at the IChO. The IChO consists of theoretical and practical exams that challenge students' understanding of chemistry concepts, problem-solving skills, and ability to apply their knowledge in laboratory settings. The competition typically includes a variety of tasks, such as theoretical problems, laboratory experiments, and teamwork challenges. Participating in the IChO not only allows students to showcase their chemistry proficiency but also provides them with the opportunity to collaborate with top young chemists from different countries and explore their passion for chemistry at an international level. It is an honor and a testament to a student's exceptional abilities to be selected to represent their country in this prestigious competition.

Summary

The USAMO (United States of America Mathematical Olympiad) is an esteemed and highly competitive annual competition for high school students in the field of mathematics. It brings together some of the brightest mathematical minds from across the country, and the top six scorers are chosen to represent the United States at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), competing against students from other nations. Qualifying for the USAMO requires exceptional performance in the AMC 10, AMC 12, and AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Examination). As an invitation-only proof-based exam, the USAMO tests participants' mastery of advanced mathematical concepts, including algebra, geometry, number theory, combinatorics, and techniques such as induction and proof by contradiction. Although high school curricula often provide limited exposure to proof-based mathematics, don't be discouraged if you encounter challenges. The USAMO is divided into two 4.5-hour sessions, during which you will be presented with six rigorous questions to solve, without the use of a calculator. Participating in the USAMO is an exceptional opportunity to showcase your mathematical abilities, engage in challenging problem-solving, and compete alongside fellow high-achieving students.

Summary

This program presents a fantastic chance for students who are interested in both STEM fields and pursuing a career in the Navy. The program, which lasts for a week, aims to improve various skills like problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. The program fee covers everything, including tuition, educational resources, accommodation, meals, attire representing the US Naval Academy, transportation, and additional perks.