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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

What research opportunity are you looking for?

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

Davidson Institute Fellows Scholarship

See website

Hosting Institution

Davidson Institute

Online/In Person

Online

Location

Reno (NV)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Feb 14, 2024

Categories

Literature and Languages

Summary

The Davidson Institute Fellows Scholarship recognizes individuals who have made remarkable contributions in their respective fields. To qualify for the literature category, applicants are required to submit a substantial body of work that is considered meaningful and impactful by industry experts. Specifically, for the literature category, applicants must prepare a portfolio of creative work spanning 60-75 pages. Additionally, they are also required to submit a literacy narrative, which delves into their personal journey and process of developing literacy. It is worth noting that this scholarship allows applications to be submitted by teams of two as well. The Davidson Institute Fellows Scholarship offers an esteemed opportunity to showcase exceptional literary achievements and be recognized for making a positive impact on society through literature.

Davidson College Summer Programs (July Experience)

See website

Hosting Institution

Davidson College

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Davidson (North Carolina)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Feb 14, 2024

Categories

Data Science

Summary

The July Experience is a rigorous pre-college program specifically designed for high school juniors and seniors. Spanning three weeks, students are immersed in a stimulating academic environment where they can choose two courses from a diverse range of liberal arts subjects. Alongside the academic component, the program also offers college readiness workshops to help students prepare for the next stage of their education. Furthermore, participants have the opportunity to explore the surrounding area through visits to Davidson College Lake Campus, as well as engaging field trips to notable attractions such as the U.S. National Whitewater Center, Carowinds Amusement Park, and uptown Charlotte. The July Experience offers a comprehensive and enriching experience for students to expand their knowledge, develop important skills, and make lasting memories.

Davidson Fellows

See website

Hosting Institution

Davidson Institute

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Feb 14, 2024

Categories

Data Science, Neuroscience, Bi...

Summary

The Davidson Colleagues Grant grants $50,000, $25,000 and $10,000 grants to students who have completed a significant piece of work. If you've already completed a project you're proud of, this could be a great competition to enter to get recognized for your efforts.

Data Science Academy

See website

Hosting Institution

The University of Pennsylvania

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Philadelphia (PA)

Cost

$9,399

Application Deadline

Apr 3, 2024

Categories

Comp Sci

Summary

We maintain that data science is more than just a toolbox of methods; it is driven by real-world challenges. The 21st-century data scientist must be able to identify pertinent problems, conduct sound analyses, and effectively communicate their findings. At the conclusion of the Wharton Data Science Academy, participants will have gained not only essential data science skills, such as data visualization and manipulation, but also exposure to modern machine learning techniques that underpin the field of AI today. Throughout the program, students will cultivate a practical command of the R programming language, which is widely utilized by data scientists in academia and industry alike.

CTY’s Beyond the Binary: A Cultural History of Gender

See website

Hosting Institution

Johns Hopkins University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Baltimore (MD)

Cost

$6,199

Application Deadline

May 3, 2024

Categories

Data Science

Summary

If you're seeking a program that encourages critical thinking and examines the complexities of the gender binary, the Center for Talented Youth's offering is an excellent choice. This highly selective program provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes essay writing, debates, and multimedia projects, all aimed at developing analytical thinking and argumentative skills. Through this program, you will have the opportunity to delve deeper into the implications of the gender binary and enhance your ability to construct well-reasoned arguments. It's important to note that admission to the program is competitive and requires specific test results, so be sure to prepare accordingly.

Critical Thinking Summer Institute

See website

Hosting Institution

University of California (Los Angeles)

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Los Angeles (CA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Jun 15, 2024

Categories

Arts

Summary

Critical Thinking Summer Institute, a premier program for motivated high school students seeking to enhance their critical thinking skills and explore cutting-edge topics in today’s media landscape. In this workshop, you will learn to assess media, with a particular focus on new media, and gain firsthand experience in preparing an article for publication.

Creative Writing Academy

See website

Hosting Institution

Georgetown University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Washington (DC)

Cost

$2,625-$3,389

Application Deadline

Jun 30, 2024

Categories

Arts, Literature and Languages

Summary

Transform your dreams, ideas, and stories into organized, compelling, creative written works with lectures by renowned literary figures from around the D.C. area, dynamic courses with Georgetown graduate student instructors, and insightful, productive feedback from your peers. This combination of workshops and tutorials will help you generate and polish a wealth of new poems, stories, and personal essays, and allow you to experiment with innovative forms in the field of creative writing. The Academy will also focus on the publishing and professionalization aspects of the industry, exploring what markets are available for your writing, what jobs are available to creative writers, funding opportunities for your work, undergraduate and graduate programs in writing, and how to get published. In addition, this week-long program will feature excursions to sites around Washington, D.C., an exercise in ekphrastic writing at the National Gallery of Art, and the chance to read your work aloud at Busboys and Poets, a famous D.C. literary hub.

COSMOS | California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science

See website

Hosting Institution

UC Davis

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Davis (CA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Feb 9, 2024

Categories

Mathematics

Summary

COSMOS is an immersive and rigorous 4-week summer residential program tailored for students who have showcased exceptional aptitude in STEM fields. Participants in COSMOS typically possess a GPA of 3.5 or higher, along with other qualifications that demonstrate their commitment to academic excellence. Through COSMOS, students engage in hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences, collaborating with like-minded peers and expert mentors to explore advanced topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This highly competitive program offers a unique opportunity to delve into cutting-edge research and develop essential skills for future success in STEM disciplines.

Computing and Data Sciences Summer Camp

See website

Hosting Institution

Quinnipiac University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Hamden (CT)

Cost

$2,400-$3,360

Application Deadline

May 1, 2024

Categories

Comp Sci

Summary

This 2-week program is designed to introduce high school students to the field of data science. In addition to learning fundamental data science theory from experienced Quinnipiac faculty, participants will have the opportunity to develop practical skills by working on hands-on data science projects. The program will also provide insights into various career opportunities available in the field of data science.

Columbia Creative Journalism Summer Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Columbia University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

New York (NY)

Cost

$2,810 per session

Application Deadline

Jun 27, 2024

Categories

Quantitative, Literature and L...

Summary

For high school students hoping to quickly understand the basics of reporting. If you’re interested in the journalism end of arts summer programs, this one-week course gives you the opportunity to learn from esteemed journalist Elizabeth Walters and Columbia writing professor Kristen Martin. Students hone their reporting and interviewing skills through writing assignments such as profiles, op-eds, features, and audio pieces while staying in the journalistic hub that is New York City. You will also be asked to read a variety of articles as well as write a new article draft every night to better understand the landscape of journalism today.

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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