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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!

Research opportunities in circles

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Institution
Location
Tuition
Event type

Polygence Core is an online research program that connects motivated high school students with expert mentors from top universities. Founded by researchers from Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, Polygence helps you explore any topic you're passionate about through one-on-one mentoring over 3–6 months, ending with a project of your choice—like an academic research paper ready for publication, a prototype, or podcast.

Hosting Institution

Polygence

Online/In Person

Online

Cost

Starting at $2695

Application Deadline

Dec 15, 2024

Recommended for you

Categories

Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Sci, Econ, Engineering, Humanities, Medicine, Neuro, Psychology

Explore the program

Polygence Pods Research Program

Summary

Learn Academic Research skills and build a foundational understanding of cutting edge subjects in Polygence Pods. Join a group of 6 students and meet weekly with a PhD-level mentor who is an expert in their respective field. Perfect for beginners, your program will culminate in a short-form research paper.

Hosting Institution

Polygence

Online/In Person

Online

Cost

Starting at $495

Application Deadline

Varies by program

Short courses

Categories

Biology, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Humanities, Mathematics, Other

Explore the program

Other programs

SCAD Summer Seminars

See website

Hosting Institution

SCAD

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Savannah (GA)

Cost

$1,820

Application Deadline

May 31, 2024

Categories

Arts

Summary

SCAD's Summer Seminars offer a comprehensive educational experience for students interested in pursuing art and design as an academic and professional career. With a focus on disciplines such as fashion and other art-related courses, SCAD provides a range of activities and sessions designed to enhance your artistic skills and knowledge. During the seminars, you can participate in demonstrations, lectures, studio work, and local field trips, immersing yourself in the creative environment. You'll have access to SCAD's state-of-the-art studios, resources, and libraries, providing a conducive setting for your artistic exploration. Additionally, you'll have the freedom to work on your own art projects and assignments, allowing for individualized growth and expression. The seminars are held in both Atlanta and Savannah, providing flexibility and options for participants to choose the location that best suits their interests and schedule. Overall, SCAD's Summer Seminars offer a valuable opportunity to engage with art and design in a dynamic and immersive setting, gaining practical skills and insights that can support your artistic journey.

SCAD Rising Star

See website

Hosting Institution

SCAD

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Savannah (GA)

Cost

$6,334

Application Deadline

Mar 31, 2024

Categories

Architecture

Summary

SCAD's pre-college program is an excellent opportunity for students interested in creative careers. This program allows participants to experience university life while studying a creative subject and earning college credit. With a diverse range of courses available, such as animation, film production, architecture, equine care, fashion technology, and painting, students can choose two courses that align with their interests. Not only does this program enhance their portfolio, but achieving a high GPA can also boost their chances of enrolling as an undergraduate at SCAD. It provides a valuable introduction to the creative field and prepares students for their future academic and professional endeavors.

San Francisco District Attorney’s Office High School Internship

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Hosting Institution

SAN FRANCISCO DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

San Francisco (CA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Dec 8, 2023

Categories

Business

Summary

The San Francisco District Attorney's Office High School Internship provides a valuable unpaid experience for high school students who are passionate about criminal justice. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the inner workings of the District Attorney's office. As an intern, you will be actively involved in a range of important tasks, including organizing and preparing case files, contacting witnesses, and handling subpoenas and records for both pre-trial hearings and jury trials. This hands-on experience will allow you to develop a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system and contribute to the pursuit of justice in San Francisco. It is an excellent opportunity for students interested in exploring a career in law or criminal justice and gaining practical skills and knowledge in a professional legal setting.

Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science (RUYES)

See website

Hosting Institution

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

New Brunswick (NJ)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Apr 30, 2024

Categories

Biology, Medicine

Summary

"The Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science (RUYES) program seeks to encourage youth from groups that are underrepresented in the biomedical sciences to pursue cancer research and healthcare careers. Students in the RUYES program will: - Receive hands-on training in cutting-edge cancer research. - Conduct research in mentor-supervised laboratories for 10 weeks per summer for two consecutive years; Approximately 35 hours/week for 10 weeks of research during EACH summer. - Prepare a poster and a 10-minute talk based on their research experience for presentation at the Annual Research Day. - Complete approximately 7 hours/month of post-summer professional development and community engagement activities (flexible schedule, 70 hours total each year) for two years. - Participate in educational seminars addressing key concepts in cancer and exploring the research literature."

Roswell Park’s Summer Cancer Research Experience Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Roswell Park

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Buffalo (NY)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Feb 21, 2024

Categories

Biology, Chemistry, Quantitati...

Summary

If you’re a high school junior, get first-hand scientific research experience to make those all-important decisions about a college science major and future career in science or healthcare. In addition to lab work, you’ll have classroom instruction on cancer basics, seminars with invited speakers, and professional development opportunities. At the end of the summer, you’ll give a poster presentation at a research conference.

Rockefeller Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)

See website

Hosting Institution

The Rockefeller University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

New York (NY)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Jan 5, 2024

Categories

Data Science

Summary

The 7-week program offers high school students a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on research by designing and conducting their own research project. Participants are placed in themed research tracks that align with topics and techniques utilized at the Rockefeller Institute. Each track is led by a team of experienced scientist mentors from the Rockefeller community, who provide guidance and support throughout the research process. This immersive program allows students to gain valuable experience in scientific inquiry, experimental design, data analysis, and presentation skills. By working closely with mentors and conducting research in a real laboratory setting, participants develop a deeper understanding of the scientific process and have the chance to make meaningful contributions to their chosen research field.

Rice University's ELITE Tech Camp

See website

Hosting Institution

Rice Center for Engineering Leadership

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Houston (TX)

Cost

$3,795

Application Deadline

May 1, 2024

Categories

Social Science

Summary

The competitive pre-college engineering summer program for high school students offers a comprehensive and rigorous experience in the field of engineering. With a focus on technology, college readiness, and engineering leadership, the program provides students with an immersive learning environment. Participants engage in intensive STEM activities that enhance their understanding of science, technology, engineering, and math concepts. They also learn to apply the engineering design process to tackle real-world problems. This program not only equips students with technical skills but also prepares them for the challenges and opportunities in the field of engineering.

Rhode Island School of Design’s Pre-College Summer Residential Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Rhode Island School of Design

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Providence (RI)

Cost

$8,715-$11,350

Application Deadline

Feb 8, 2024

Categories

Architecture

Summary

The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) offers a comprehensive five-week pre-college program that provides a taste of college life and a solid grounding in design principles. Students can expect to take courses in Drawing Foundations, Design Foundations, and Critical Studies in Art, which are complemented by specialized instruction in their chosen major. For those interested in architecture, the program offers a range of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences to develop skills in the field. Additionally, RISD offers Teen Summer Expos, which are free events where prospective students can gather more information and have their questions answered. Alternatively, RISD provides an online track for high school students, offering a certified program that can be pursued remotely.

Research Science Institute Program at MIT

See website

Hosting Institution

Center for Excellence in Education

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

McLean (VA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Dec 13, 2023

Categories

Mathematics

Summary

The Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT offers an unparalleled opportunity for exceptionally talented high school students with a passion for mathematics, science, and engineering. With a highly selective acceptance rate of approximately 100 students worldwide, RSI provides a six-week program that combines on-campus coursework and off-campus research experiences. The program begins with a week of STEM coursework, followed by five weeks of immersive research under the guidance of experienced mentors and scientists. Throughout the program, students engage in the entire research process, including literature review, research planning, data collection, and analysis. They also deliver conference-style presentations and written reports to showcase their findings. The program allows students to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research and develop essential skills for their future academic and professional endeavors. Notably, the 2022 program featured an outstanding oral presentation on "Computing the Mosaic Number of Reduced Projections of Knots and Links" under the guidance of faculty from MIT's Department of Mathematics. RSI at MIT is a prestigious program that empowers young scholars to make significant contributions to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Research Science Institute (RSI)

See website

Hosting Institution

RSI

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

McLean (VA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Dec 13, 2023

Categories

Data Science

Summary

RSI (Research Science Institute) is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and competitive research programs available for high school students in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. This exclusive program takes place at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and accepts approximately 80 students each year. During their participation in RSI, students have the opportunity to collaborate with accomplished researchers based in Boston on independent research projects. At the conclusion of the program, students showcase their research findings to the wider community in a conference-style setting. This allows them to share their discoveries and insights with peers, mentors, and other interested individuals. The level of competition for admission to RSI is exceptionally high. For instance, in 2019, the program received around 1,600 applications for just 80 available spots, resulting in an acceptance rate of approximately 5%. This competitive acceptance rate underscores the program's selective nature and the caliber of students it attracts.

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.

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