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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

Summer Institute for the Gifted (SIG)

See website

Hosting Institution

University of North Carolina

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Chapel Hill (NC)

Cost

$3,699

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Arts, Neuroscience

Summary

Our unique STEAM+ curriculum focuses on applying creative thinking across multiple disciplines to solve real-world problems. Our curriculum spans all facets of STEAM and humanities.

SciVet Summer Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Colorado State University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Fort Collins (CO)

Cost

$1,070

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Biology, Medicine

Summary

The Natural Sciences Education & Outreach Center in exploring scientific and veterinary practices first-hand. We will be carrying out investigations, using real tools, and collecting data both in the lab and the field as well as taking a real and sometimes gritty look at the field of veterinary medicine. The NSEOC’s SciTrek and SummerVet programs are now combined into one extra-ordinary experience for high school students (grades 10-12) interested in both science and veterinary medicine.

Honors Summer Institute

See website

Hosting Institution

Colorado State University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Fort Collins (CO)

Cost

$1,000

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Medicine

Summary

The Honors Summer Institute is a 1-week camp for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors with exceptional academic achievements. Our mission is to draw undiscovered talent into the Honors Program. Our program is an extension of the CSU Honors Program and engages students with sample classes from five different disciplines: ARTivism as a Tool for Social Justice, Construction Management, Fashion Fundamentals, Animal Behavior, and Natural Resources.

Colorado State: First Generation Business Summit

See website

Hosting Institution

Colorado State University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Fort Collins (CO)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Business

Summary

"Whether you’re planning to become the next superstar CEO or still trying to figure out your path after graduation, the free Summit gives you a jump-start on campus life and your career. Stay overnight in an air-conditioned CSU residence hall on campus and eat in our dining centers as you learn the skills that will transform how business is done. Work alongside other first-generation students and College of Business faculty as you get valuable experience. Attendees sharpen business knowledge in the classroom and at area businesses, develop the skills to successfully present to large groups, learn about career paths"

Hosting Institution

Indian Space Research Organisation

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Bangalore

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Mathematics

Summary

Indian Space Research Organisation is organising a special programme for School Children called "Young Scientist Programme" "YUva VIgyani KAryakram”, YUVIKA, to impart basic knowledge on Space Technology, Space Science and Space Applications to the younger students in emerging trends in space science and technology amongst the youngsters, who are the future building blocks of our nation. ISRO has chalked out this programme to "Catch them young". The programme is also expected to encourage more students to pursue in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) based research /career

College Audition Preparation Workshop

See website

Hosting Institution

Indiana University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Bloomington (IN)

Cost

$1,360

Application Deadline

May 14, 2023

Categories

Social Science

Summary

CAP offers intense study with your future college audition panel members...or people just like them. Learn what they think and what they want to hear. We teach you how to walk into a room and make them trip over themselves to invite you to your dream school! Recommended for vocalists, brass and woodwind players, and composers entering grades 11 and 12 who are planning to apply for entrance to college music programs.

Medill Cherubs

See website

Hosting Institution

Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Evanston (IL)

Cost

$5,000

Application Deadline

Mar 12, 2022

Categories

Quantitative, Social Science, ...

Summary

A journalism camp that allows rising seniors to gain hands-on experience in writing, reporting, and editing for print and digital broadcasting. Especially if you’re hoping to apply to a top journalism program - participation in Medill’s program would look excellent on your profile. As part of this five-week summer institute, you’ll meet aspiring journalists from all over the world and partake in a variety of journalistic initiatives, from conducting interviews to working on stories about trending topics. You’ll also be paired with a mentor who will meet with you weekly to critique your writing assignments. Students are encouraged to pitch their articles and get published in the Daily Northwestern - which you should definitely strive for in order to impress college admissions officers!

Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS)

See website

Hosting Institution

The University of Chicago

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Chicago (IL)

Cost

$11,400

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Neuroscience, Biology

Summary

This four-week intensive training program is designed to expose students to a broad range of molecular, microbiological, and cell biological techniques currently used in research laboratories. Students are immersed in the research experience, giving them a taste of "life at the bench". Using a project-based approach, the course progresses from a survey of basic lab techniques to the application of current molecular techniques in developmental biology and microbiology. Most of a typical day in RIBS is spent in lab. Lectures will also be presented to provide background and introduce new concepts. Since communication skills are important in science, students will keep lab notebooks and they will make several group presentations. The course ends with a research forum in which the students present the results of their projects. Successful completion of the course will give participants the experience and confidence to work in a research laboratory.

Junior Scientist Internship

See website

Hosting Institution

BioBase Harlem

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Manhattan (NY)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Neuroscience, Biology, Chemist...

Summary

This is a 14-month paid science teaching program where students with a passion for scientific research gain research and teaching experience. During the first summer, students attend a summer boot camp to learn practical science skills. Students use their training and gain hands-on experience as camp counselors during the BioBus summer program. During the academic year, interns receive training and advice from Ph.D scientists while creating independent projects using microscopes and research equipment.

Psychology in Everyday Life

See website

Hosting Institution

Illinois Institute of Technology

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Chicago (IL)

Cost

$795

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Data Science, Neuroscience, Ps...

Summary

In this program, understudies will be acquainted with the area of brain science, including essential mental standards, all-encompassing hypotheses, and a basic exploration plan. Understudies will participate in a lengthy project for seven days where they can gather information, direct factual examinations utilizing Jamovi programming, and present their discoveries to cohorts. They will likewise get the opportunity to meet and gain from current Illinois Tech graduate understudies and staff with exceptional claims to fame

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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