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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

Carnegie Mellon University’s Computer Science Scholars (CSS) Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Carnegie Mellon University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Pittsburgh (PA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Feb 29, 2024

Categories

Mathematics

Summary

Carnegie Mellon University offers a four-week residential program in computer science, providing students with the opportunity to work alongside faculty and leading researchers. The program covers a wide range of topics in computer science, including algorithmic components, problem-solving techniques, and basic data structures. Students will also have the opportunity to attend a math course to enhance their mathematical skills. Throughout the program, students will have the chance to network with industry leaders and collaborate on a group project, culminating in a final presentation. This immersive experience not only offers valuable academic knowledge but also helps students prepare for college life. For those specifically interested in artificial intelligence, the Pre-College AI Scholars program is available, while the Summer Academy for Math and Science program is highly esteemed and offers a comprehensive exploration of math and science subjects.

Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program

See website

Hosting Institution

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Houston (TX)

Cost

$6,800

Application Deadline

Jan 17, 2024

Categories

Data Science

Summary

The University of Texas and the MD Anderson Cancer Center offer a remarkable program that provides selected students with a unique opportunity to engage in a research project within the biomedical disciplines. Under the mentorship of a dedicated faculty member from MD Anderson, participants gain hands-on experience and develop a deep understanding of the fundamental principles that drive scientific investigation. The program emphasizes the significance of rigorous scientific methods and cultivates critical thinking skills. In addition to the laboratory experience, students also benefit from attending informative seminars that further enhance their knowledge and broaden their perspectives. This program serves as an invaluable platform for aspiring researchers to immerse themselves in the world of biomedical science and make meaningful contributions to the field.

Camp Euclid

See website

Hosting Institution

euclidlab

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

$1250

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Quantitative

Summary

Camp Euclid is an online math research program for middle and high school students age 13 - 19. It runs for six weeks. It provides a virtual research environment for participants. Mentors are undergraduate and graduate math students who are active researchers. Students will be assigned into groups; each group has mentors assigned to it. There are 4 hours per week of seminar meetings and 6+ hours per week of informal collaboration.

California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)

See website

Hosting Institution

University of California (Davis / Irvine / San Diego / Santa Cruz)

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Davis / Irvine / San Diego / Santa Cruz

Cost

$5,008

Application Deadline

Feb 9, 2024

Categories

Data Science, Neuroscience, Bi...

Summary

COSMOS is a four-week program that aims to motivate the next generation’s most creative and talented future scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. The program builds a community of academically gifted students and allows them to work side by side with university faculty on topics that extend beyond the common high school curriculum. COSMOS is held at four University of California campuses: UC Davis UC Irvine UC San Diego UC Santa Cruz COSMOS strives to motivate the most creative minds of the new generation of prospective scientists, engineers, and mathematicians who will become the future leaders for California, our nation, and the world. The program aims to create a community of students who participate in and contribute to an intensive academic experience delivered by distinguished educators and scholars."

California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS)

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 exceptional summer program tailored for high school students passionate about STEM, particularly mathematics. With its rigorous and immersive four-week curriculum, COSMOS provides students with the opportunity to engage with esteemed faculty, researchers, and scientists. By offering hands-on and lab-intensive courses, the program cultivates students' interests, skills, and understanding of educational and career pathways in STEM fields. Math-specific clusters within COSMOS, such as Tissue and Tumor Biology, Mathematical/Computational Modeling, Computation and Machine Learning, Number Theory and Discrete Math, and Mathematical Modeling of Biological Systems, offer in-depth exploration of advanced STEM topics. With campuses at UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz, COSMOS provides an enriching environment for students to expand their mathematical knowledge, collaborate with peers, and gain valuable insights into various STEM disciplines.

California Academy of Science Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program

See website

Hosting Institution

California Academy of Sciences

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

San Francisco (CA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Apr 5, 2024

Categories

Data Science

Summary

The program, which started in 1996, is dedicated to providing opportunities for underrepresented San Francisco students in STEM fields. Participants engage in hands-on learning about science and sustainability, receive mentorship, and develop professional skills while being compensated for their efforts. The program encourages students to attend seminars, conferences, and interact with faculty, mentors, and other talented students. Interns are allocated roles and departments within a museum setting based on their interests and the available opportunities at the time. This program offers a valuable experience for students to explore their interests, gain practical skills, and contribute to the field of STEM.

Hosting Institution

Boston University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Lenox (MA)

Cost

$3610-$9250

Application Deadline

Jan 25, 2024

Categories

Arts

Summary

A chance to learn from and collaborate with musicians from the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Tanglewood Music Center at BUTI. Depending on your instrument, you can attend programs ranging in duration from two to six weeks: While at the program, you’ll get to experience a unique community of musicians - both peers and professionals - as well as attend Boston Symphony Orchestra events. In order to gain acceptance at Tanglewood, you have to nail an audition. You may apply for multiple disciplines, but will have to fill out applications and audition for each of them.

Brown University's Leadership Institute

See website

Hosting Institution

Brown University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

No location

Cost

$5,498

Application Deadline

May 10, 2024

Categories

Data Science

Summary

The program provides a platform for passionate high school students to engage in collaborative learning and develop their leadership abilities while focusing on international relations and policy. Through interactive coursework and hands-on experiences, participants have the opportunity to enhance their research and problem-solving skills. The program emphasizes the importance of teamwork and encourages students to work together on projects and develop collaborative leadership models. One of the program's highlights is the development of an Action Plan, allowing students to apply their learning and propose solutions to real-world problems within their communities. The program offers a range of courses that cater to students interested in international relations, covering topics such as intercultural communication, global health, and social movements. By immersing themselves in these courses, students gain valuable knowledge and skills to better understand and navigate the complexities of the global landscape.

Brown University Pre-College Leadership Institute

See website

Hosting Institution

Brown University

Online/In Person

Online

Location

Providence (RI)

Cost

$5,498

Application Deadline

May 10, 2024

Categories

Data Science

Summary

The Pre-College Leadership Institute at Brown University aims to gather enthusiastic students from around the globe to address intricate topics such as racial justice, educational accessibility, and gender equality. Within this program, students delve into subjects such as Women and Leadership, Social Entrepreneurship, and The Future of Science and Technology. By participating in this summer initiative, students gain the skills and confidence needed to become collaborative leaders, enhancing their capacity to promote social justice, actively listen, engage in public speaking, solve problems, resolve conflicts, and work effectively in teams. The program offers two-week on-campus or four-week online options, allowing students to choose the format that suits their preferences.

Brown Pre-College Programs

See website

Hosting Institution

Brown University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Providence (RI)

Cost

$5113-$10,074

Application Deadline

May 10, 2024

Categories

Engineering, Comp Sci, Data Sc...

Summary

1-5 weeks depending on choice. Brown offers a variety of courses including “Introduction to Machine Learning and AI with Python” and “Introduction to Systems Thinking and Game Design.” Using a holistic approach known as Systems Thinking, students learn to take in interrelations, dynamics, contexts, and outcomes to help solve problems. Brown University’s Open Curriculum challenges students with new perspectives on how to work, learn and live.

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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