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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

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

New York City Bar's Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program (TMSLIP)

See website

Hosting Institution

New York City Bar Association

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

New York (NY)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Data Science

Summary

The New York City High School Law Internship Program aims to connect interested high school students in the city with legal employers. The employers include law firms, corporations, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. The internship offers you practical training, panel discussions, and networking events to help you prepare for a career in law. Internship duties may include assisting paralegals, filing paperwork, maintaining records, and organizing documents. In addition to the on-the-job experience, you will also receive exposure to the legal profession through development programs offered by your legal employers as part of the internship program.

MITES Summer

See website

Hosting Institution

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Cambridge (MA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Mathematics

Summary

MITES Summer is indeed a highly prestigious and competitive program offered by MIT, aimed at promoting diversity in STEM fields. The program provides a unique opportunity for talented high school students to engage in rigorous academic coursework in mathematics, science, and humanities. Participants not only benefit from in-depth learning experiences but also gain exposure to cutting-edge research through lab tours and social events. Additionally, MITES Summer offers valuable college admissions counseling and a chance to immerse oneself in the vibrant campus life of MIT. This program fosters a supportive community of like-minded peers, encouraging networking and collaboration. Students can expect a challenging yet rewarding summer experience that prepares them for future academic and career pursuits in STEM.

UNC Young Writers’ Camp

See website

Hosting Institution

UNC Greensboro.

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Greensboro (NC)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Social Science

Summary

The UNCG Young Writers' Camp provides a dynamic and engaging two-week program in July for young writers to explore and develop their writing skills using digital tools and contemporary writing techniques. Led by experienced faculty, graduate students, local teachers, and authors, the camp offers daily writing workshops that support a variety of writing styles and strategies employed by professional writers. Participants have the opportunity to create 21st-century texts using mediums such as storyboarding, blogging, and movie-making, allowing them to experiment with different forms of expression and storytelling. The camp emphasizes both individual and collaborative writing, fostering a supportive and creative environment for young writers to develop their craft. All the work created during the camp is published on the camp website, providing students with a platform to showcase their writing to a wider audience. The camp offers both half-day and full-day sessions, allowing participants to choose between focusing on a preferred genre in the morning sessions or exploring specialized instruction on topics such as fiction, poetry, and making in the afternoon. The UNCG Young Writers' Camp provides young writers with a unique and enriching experience that nurtures their creativity, hones their writing skills, and encourages them to express themselves through contemporary forms of storytelling.

Duke University Summer Academy for High School Students

See website

Hosting Institution

Duke University and Duke University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Durham (NC)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Physics

Summary

The Duke University Summer Academy for High School Students presents the Pathways to Health Careers Camp, a dynamic one-week day camp designed to familiarize 25 rising 8th or 9th graders from Durham and neighboring counties with the realm of health careers. Through engaging hands-on activities, field trips, tours, and first-hand accounts from healthcare professionals, participants gain valuable insights into the field. The camp curriculum covers diverse topics including medical ethics, anatomy and physiology, epidemiology, public health, and health disparities. Furthermore, students have the opportunity to interact with healthcare providers at Duke University and explore health professions training programs at local universities and colleges. This immersive camp equips students with a deeper understanding of health careers and the paths available to pursue them.

Mathia by Carnegie Learning

See website

Hosting Institution

Carnegie Learning

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Pittsburgh (PA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Social Science

Summary

Mathia is an AI-powered math learning platform that offers students a comprehensive and personalized approach to mastering high school and middle school math concepts. By leveraging adaptive learning technology, Mathia tailors the learning experience to individual students based on their strengths and areas of improvement. The platform utilizes data from assessments and tests to identify specific areas where students may be struggling and provides targeted practice and support to help them improve their skills. With Mathia, students can create a self-paced learning environment and receive 1:1 guidance, making it an effective tool for enhancing math proficiency and achieving better performance on standardized tests.

Microsoft’s High School Discovery Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Microsoft

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Redmond (WA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Social Science

Summary

Microsoft's High School Discovery Program offers high school students the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning and explore technology opportunities at Microsoft. As participants in the program, known as "Discoverers," students will follow a curriculum that focuses on learning programming fundamentals and developing career readiness skills. They will also receive mentorship from Microsoft employees who can guide them on their tech journey. Through this program, students will discover how their passions can evolve into a career in technology at Microsoft and beyond.

Lehigh University’s Summer Engineering Institute

See website

Hosting Institution

Lehigh University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Bethlehem (PA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Engineering

Summary

The SEI (Summer Engineering Institute) at Lehigh University offers a lab-based and research-focused approach to STEM subjects, providing students with valuable hands-on experience. The program covers a wide range of topics in various disciplines, including 3D printing, robotics, nanoscience, bioengineering, and environmental remediation, among others. Students will engage in lectures, team projects, and virtual field trips to enhance their understanding and practical skills in these areas. It is important to note that students must be nominated by their school district to the Lehigh University School Study Council in order to participate in this program.

Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI)’s High School Summer Internship Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Magee-Womens Institute & Foundation

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Pittsburgh (PA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Comp Sci

Summary

The four-week commuter program offered by MWRI (Magee-Womens Research Institute) provides students with the opportunity to engage in an individual research project under the guidance of MWRI staff. Throughout the program, students will work on their research projects and receive mentorship to enhance their scientific skills. At the end of the program, students will have the chance to present their research findings. It's worth noting that this program follows a hybrid format, allowing students to complete part of the internship remotely. The program is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of less than 8%, indicating the competitive nature of the application process.

Fallingwater Institue’s High School Residencies

See website

Hosting Institution

Fallingwater

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Mill Run (PA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Comp Sci

Summary

The Fallingwater Institute's high school residencies provide a unique and immersive experience for students interested in art and architecture. Located on Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic Fallingwater property, these residencies allow students to live and study in a stunning natural environment. Through studio-based sessions, students will have the opportunity to develop their skills in drawing and design while exploring the innovative ideas of Frank Lloyd Wright. The program also delves into the concept of biophilic design, emphasizing the connection between architecture and nature. In addition to the studio sessions, students will engage in portfolio preparation, helping them refine their artistic abilities and prepare for future pursuits in the field. Overall, the Fallingwater Institute's high school residencies offer a transformative experience where students can explore the intersection of design, nature, and the legacy of one of the most renowned architects in history.

MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI)

See website

Hosting Institution

MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI)

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Mclean (VA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Data Science

Summary

If you are accepted into this program, your chances of being admitted to MIT as a freshman are significantly enhanced. The Research Science Institute (RSI) is an exclusive opportunity that invites 80 exceptionally talented students from various countries to participate in a fully funded, 6-week research program. During this program, you will have the opportunity to conduct independent research in STEM subjects and engage in college-level coursework. To maximize the benefits of this program, it is expected that you stay updated with the latest literature in your field of interest, develop a research plan from scratch, and work on presenting your findings both orally and in written form. Throughout this process, you will receive guidance and mentorship from some of the most brilliant scholars in the world. Participating in RSI provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in advanced research, engage in intellectual discourse with peers and mentors, and develop valuable skills in critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and presentation. Given the rigorous and prestigious nature of the program, successful completion of RSI can significantly enhance your profile and increase your chances of admission to MIT as a freshman.

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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