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?
Hosting Institution
Polygence
Online/In Person
Online
Cost
Starting at $2695
Application Deadline
Dec 15, 2024
Categories
Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Sci, Econ, Engineering, Humanities, Medicine, Neuro, Psychology
Hosting Institution
Polygence
Online/In Person
Online
Cost
Starting at $495
Application Deadline
Varies by program
Categories
Biology, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Humanities, Mathematics, Other
Other programs
BEGINNINGS: Inquiring into the Origins of Politics, Poetry, and Mathematics
See websiteSummary
What are the origins of human society, language, and knowledge? Through classical works of history, philosophy, religion, mathematics, and poetry, we will explore the idea of the beginning. We encounter a range of classic “beginnings” in an effort to understand the diverse ways that they shape our experience of the world—from beginnings in time, such as political and religious foundings, to timeless beginnings, such as mathematical and philosophical first principles, to the creative and imaginative powers of poetry. Beginnings in a work of mathematics and in a work of religious narrative, for example, may connect in ways that we do not anticipate. Each text studied, including Plato’s Meno, the Book of Genesis, and Euclid’s Elements, will stake out a different, often startling, approach to this fundamentally human concern with the origin of things.
Beaver Works Summer Institute, MIT
See websiteSummary
The Beaver Works Summer Institute offers project-based courses designed to provide students with in-depth learning experiences. One of these courses, titled "Serious Games and Artificial Intelligence," focuses on the application of modern machine learning methods and game-like modeling to analyze socially relevant technology and policy questions. In this course, students will specifically work on tactical routing for self-driving ambulances as the application for their project. Using Python, students will build an analysis framework to study the technical, moral, and strategic opportunities that new technologies present in this specific context. This course provides a unique opportunity for students to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, serious games, and real-world applications, enhancing their skills and understanding in these areas.
Baruch College STEM Research Academy
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"This is designed to provide NYC public high school students with an opportunity to build their science knowledge and skills by engaging in ‘authentic inquiry’ activities. Twenty-five students will be selected based on NY State High School Regents Exams in English and math, GPA, writing sample, and transcript review. The Academy uses a two-semester (spring and summer) program model. Students selected are enrolled in a college-credit research methods course during the spring to strengthen necessary skills, such as formulating a strong research question, designing testable experiments, performing literature searches, and reading scientific literature. The course goal is to introduce students to the expectations of working in a research lab environment. Upon successfully completing the spring course (with a minimum grade of C), ten of the original twenty-five students will be matched with CUNY research faculty and participate in a structured five to six-week summer research experience program."
Barnard College's The Young Women's Leadership Institute
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Barnard College, affiliated with Columbia University, presents a specialized program designed for young women with a keen interest in leadership. The program offers a writing and literature track that delves into various aspects of literature, including different forms, themes, filmmaking, and creative writing. The focus is on empowering participants to find their own unique voice and develop their literary skills. Through engaging coursework and hands-on activities, students have the opportunity to explore different literary genres, enhance their understanding of storytelling, and cultivate their creativity. This program at Barnard College aims to inspire young women to become confident leaders and expressive writers, fostering their personal and intellectual growth in a supportive environment.
Bard College at Simon’s Rock Young Writers Workshop
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This three-week workshop goes beyond focusing solely on writing style, instead prioritizing the enhancement of language and thinking skills crucial for effective writing. With three 90-minute sessions per day, each dedicated to a different area of research, participants engage in writing activities and participate in reading discussions within small groups of 12 students. This intimate setting ensures individual attention and fosters a supportive environment. Writings are shared among peers and workshop leaders, encouraging collaboration and personal growth. The program emphasizes the writing process and finding one's unique voice, rather than solely focusing on the end product. Building a portfolio is a key component, while informal coursework and a strong emphasis on critical thinking make this program an ideal choice for those seeking a holistic writing experience.
B-BAY
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Every year, B-BAY, a highly competitive program, invites 50 high school students from different countries to participate in a two-week program. Students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture, academics, and daily life of Berkeley. The program offers guest speakers, including professors from the Berkeley Haas School of Business and industry professionals, who share valuable insights and practical experiences. In addition to classroom instruction, students engage in independent research, computer lab assignments, and team projects. Working in teams, participants collaborate on developing a comprehensive business plan, which they present at the end of the program. While the program is prestigious, it comes with a high cost.
Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive
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The Berklee Five-Week Summer Performance Program is a unique opportunity for high school students interested in pursuing music education at the college level. This intensive program allows students to immerse themselves in the Berklee experience and receive training on their chosen primary instrument. Through private instruction, instrument labs, and musicianship training, participants will develop their technical skills and musicianship. The program culminates with a final week of concerts where students showcase their progress. Additionally, students have the chance to earn three transferable college credits if they achieve a grade of B or higher. This program provides a valuable foundation for aspiring musicians and offers a taste of what it's like to study music at Berklee College of Music.
ASPIRE High School Mentoring Program
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The ASPIRE High School Mentoring Program is a transformative opportunity for students considering a career in STEM or pursuing STEM-related subjects in college. With its supportive and holistic approach, the program offers workshops, group problem-solving activities, mentorship sessions with esteemed faculty, and hands-on projects. Regardless of your level of expertise, the program is designed to cater to beginners and provides a nurturing environment to explore and excel in STEM fields. With an acceptance rate between 15%-20%, the ASPIRE program opens doors to invaluable experiences and opportunities that can shape your academic and professional trajectory in STEM.
Asian American Journalists Association’s JCAMP
See websiteSummary
Recognized for its multicultural diversity and immersive training approach, this prestigious program is dedicated to equipping aspiring journalists with the necessary skills for a successful career in the field. Through a combination of workshops led by seasoned industry leaders and engaging field trips, participants gain valuable hands-on experience and insights into the world of journalism. One distinctive aspect of this program is the opportunity to produce news packages for the program's news site. By actively engaging in the production process, participants can showcase their journalistic abilities and contribute to the program's published work. This not only provides valuable practical experience but also offers the chance to build a portfolio of published pieces. It is important to note that this program is highly selective, with only approximately 30 students chosen from a pool of hundreds of applicants. This ensures a focused and tailored learning environment, maximizing the benefits for each participant. By participating in this program, you can expect to receive top-notch training, learn from industry experts, and gain practical experience through the production of news packages. This invaluable opportunity will undoubtedly enhance your journalism skills and provide a solid foundation for your future career in the field.
Art as Experience: Drawing and New Media Program at Cornell University
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Students who love contemporary art, but don’t necessarily want to focus on one particular medium, will love Cornell University’s Art as Experience pre-college summer program. Students are guided and mentored by Cornell art instructors and have use of the campus’s spacious studios and state-of-the-art digital equipment as they learn and practice a wide range of mediums that include collage, drawing, digital photography, screen printing, and video installation, to name a few. The program culminates with a group exhibition curated by the program students.
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.