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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

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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

Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

See website

Hosting Institution

New York University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

New York (NY)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Feb 29, 2024

Categories

Data Science

Summary

The ARISE (Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering) program offers a unique opportunity for high school sophomores and juniors to engage in college-level workshops and lab research in various engineering fields. Participants will have the chance to work alongside graduate or postdoctoral students at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering for a duration of seven weeks. The program not only focuses on research but also provides training in presentation and public speaking skills through collaboration with Irondale Ensemble Project. At the end of the program, students will present their research findings at a colloquium attended by NYU faculty, graduate students, ARISE peers, and others. In recognition of their participation, each student receives a stipend of at least $750. This program offers a valuable experience for aspiring engineers and provides a supportive environment for their academic and personal growth.

Applied Research In Science and Engineering (ARISE)

See website

Hosting Institution

New York University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

New York (NY)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Feb 29, 2024

Categories

Biology, Engineering, Chemistr...

Summary

The Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) program at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering offers unparalleled opportunities for high school students to conduct real-world scientific research at a variety of NYU STEM labs. Under the guidance of NYU Faculty and graduate researchers, students gain valuable first-hand experience working in a lab and making practical, substantive contributions to the lab’s research objectives in exciting STEM fields. Students will also receive training in presentation and public speaking skills, in collaboration with ARISE’s partners at Irondale Ensemble Project, and present their research findings at the program’s concluding colloquium

Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Texas Tech University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Lubbock (TX)

Cost

$750

Application Deadline

Feb 14, 2024

Categories

Physics

Summary

The highly selective and prestigious program offers a remarkable opportunity for 12 exceptional students to participate in a rigorous and immersive experience. With a specific focus on physics, the program allows students to engage in astrophysics research projects, providing hands-on practical experience and the chance to refine critical thinking skills. Additionally, students have the invaluable opportunity to interact and explore potential career paths with esteemed faculty members. This program is an ideal choice for those seeking a challenging and rewarding academic experience in the field of astrophysics.

Ancient Civilizations, History, & Myth

See website

Hosting Institution

Smithsonian Institute

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Europe

Cost

$8,690

Application Deadline

Jun 16, 2024

Categories

Social Science, History, Liter...

Summary

Dive into the history and traditions of Greece and Italy, home to vibrant ancient civilizations and rich modern cultures, on this high school summer program in the Mediterranean. Travel from sun-drenched seaside villages and tranquil farms to bustling cities and ancient temples, as you explore the legacy of the Greek and Roman empires. Watch history come alive in five locations—Athens, Crete, Santorini, Naples, and Rome—that are steeped in myth and history, and boast stunning landscapes. Travel by ferry from Crete to Santorini as you contemplate Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey; climb the steps of the Acropolis above Athens; and follow the influences of ancient Greece into Italy, where the Roman Empire furthered the evolution of Western Civilization. Stroll the ancient streets of Pompeii or Herculaneum, while taking in views of the imposing Mount Vesuvius, and imagine the eruption that tragically buried those Roman cities. Experience how history and the present coexist in Rome, where Renaissance architecture and Roman ruins are integrated in a dynamic modern city.

Amity University’s Summer Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Amity University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Noida (Uttar Pradesh)

Cost

Rs. 4,000

Application Deadline

Jun 20, 2024

Categories

Literature and Languages

Summary

In this 2-week program, students are offered a structured pre-college experience focused on the liberal arts. Through this program, participants have the opportunity to explore various educational departments and engage in a wide range of disciplines within the liberal arts. They will be exposed to subjects such as literature, history, social sciences, arts, and humanities, allowing them to broaden their knowledge and develop a well-rounded understanding of these fields. Additionally, the program includes guided career exploration, enabling students to gain insights into potential career paths related to their interests in the liberal arts. They may also have the option to experience life on an Amity campus, providing a glimpse into college life and fostering a sense of community. Overall, this program offers a valuable pre-college experience that combines academic exploration with career guidance, preparing students for their future educational and professional pursuits in the liberal arts.

American Fisheries Society’s Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Hutton Junior Fisheries

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Jan 16, 2024

Categories

Biology

Summary

The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, sponsored by the American Fisheries Society (AFS), is an esteemed 8-week paid summer internship for high school students interested in fisheries and aquatic science. Through mentorship and hands-on experiences, Hutton Scholars gain valuable insights into the field by engaging in diverse projects such as fieldwork, laboratory research, and resource conservation initiatives. With mentors across the United States and beyond, the program offers scholars the opportunity to explore different career paths in conservation and resource management while fostering their passion for healthy aquatic systems.

American Computer Science League (ACSL)

See website

Hosting Institution

ACSL Ltd Solicitors

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Liverpool (Merseyside)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Apr 20, 2024

Categories

Comp Sci

Summary

The ACSL (American Computer Science League) is currently accepting registrations for the 2022-2023 contest year. Students interested in participating must register by December 31, 2022. During the registration process, contestants also have the option to purchase study materials from previous years. The competition consists of multiple rounds, with the current round closing on March 5, 2023, at 11:59pm EST. It is a great opportunity for students to showcase their computer science skills and compete in various challenging programming and problem-solving tasks.

Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Universities Space Research Association

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Jan 10, 2024

Categories

Engineering

Summary

The ARFL (Air Force Research Laboratory) program offers an exceptional pre-college summer opportunity for upper-level high school students interested in aerospace engineering. This highly enriching program provides selected participants with valuable guidance from full-time AFRL scientists and engineers. Throughout the program, students have the unique opportunity to tour AFRL laboratories, engage in cutting-edge research, and work with advanced technologies. The research areas covered in the program are diverse and include aerospace/mechanical design for morphing aircraft technology, complex electromagnetic structures, metalens design and modeling, and more. While the program is also open to undergraduate and graduate-level students, there are specific research areas available for high school participants, such as the Clean-up of PFAS contamination, Data Structures for Advanced Satellite Navigation Signals, Experimental Navigation Satellite Signals Simulation and Testing, among others. By participating in the ARFL program, high school students can gain hands-on experience, deepen their understanding of aerospace engineering, and contribute to impactful research projects under the guidance of experienced professionals.

AI Scholars

See website

Hosting Institution

Veritas AI

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

$1,490

Application Deadline

Dec 2, 2023

Categories

Engineering, Comp Sci, Quantit...

Summary

Learn the fundamentals of Python and key concepts in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. Build a strong foundation to code and create AI models independently.

AFSA's National High School Essay Contest

See website

Hosting Institution

By American Foreign Service Association

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Washington (Dc)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Apr 1, 2024

Categories

Literature and Languages

Summary

The annual contest, organized by the collaboration between the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) and the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), aims to actively engage high school students in learning and writing about topics related to peace and conflict. The contest encourages students to develop an appreciation for the role of diplomacy in fostering partnerships that promote peacebuilding and safeguard national security. The winner of the contest is awarded a cash prize of $2,500, an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., and a full scholarship to the Semester at Sea Program for one semester upon their university admission. Additionally, a runner-up receives a cash reward of $1,250 and a full scholarship to the National Student Leadership Conference's International Diplomacy Program. Eligibility for participation is open to students in grades nine through twelve in the United States, regardless of whether their parents are affiliated with the Foreign Service.

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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