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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

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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

Spark Summer Internship Program (Spark SIP)

See website

Hosting Institution

Spark SIP

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Seattle (WA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Comp Sci

Summary

Spark SIP is an exceptional program designed for students who have a keen interest in computer science and related fields. It provides a valuable opportunity for participants to learn from and establish connections with renowned industry professionals. The program encompasses an internship program that allows students to engage in research projects within real-world settings. To be eligible for participation, students are required to be available for full-time work, dedicating 30-40 hours per week, over a period of 8-12 weeks during the summer. This commitment ensures that students can fully immerse themselves in the internship experience and gain meaningful insights and practical skills. As part of their involvement in the program, students may be eligible to receive a stipend. The maximum stipend offered by the program is $500, providing financial support to participants during their internship period. Overall, Spark SIP offers a comprehensive platform for students to expand their knowledge, gain hands-on experience, and establish valuable connections in the field of computer science and related areas, setting the stage for future success in their chosen careers.

AMC 10/12

See website

Hosting Institution

Mathematical Association of America

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Washington (DC)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Mathematics

Summary

The AMC 10 and AMC 12 exams are highly regarded competitions in mathematics for high school students seeking a challenging experience. The AMC 10 focuses on mathematical concepts typically covered up to the 10th grade, while the AMC 12 encompasses topics taught throughout high school, excluding calculus. Each exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within a 75-minute time frame. There are two sets of questions, labeled as A and B, from which students can choose to attempt either one. These exams provide an opportunity for students to showcase their mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities. By participating in the AMC 10 or AMC 12, students can engage with advanced mathematical concepts and gain valuable experience in competitive mathematics.

American Legion Boys State

See website

Hosting Institution

American Legion Boys State

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Indiana (IN)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Business

Summary

American Legion Boys State is a highly regarded and competitive educational program that offers government instruction to high school students in the United States. The program aims to educate participants about the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of citizens in a democratic society. High school juniors are selected by Legion posts to attend the program, and their personal expenses are typically covered by a sponsoring post, local business, or community-based organization. The program provides objective training and focuses on the structure of city, county, and state governments. Boys State is run by elected student officials who hold various positions, and activities during the program include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, musical performances by bands and choruses, and recreational programs. Boys State offers a unique and immersive experience in civic education and government operations for participating students.

Arlington Independent Media’s Summer 2023 Youth Journalism Internship

See website

Hosting Institution

Arlington Independent Media

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Arlington (VA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Social Science

Summary

The Arlington Independent Media internship is a valuable opportunity for aspiring journalists to gain hands-on experience in multimedia storytelling. Over the course of six weeks, participants will learn how to transform their story ideas into compelling nonfiction multimedia pieces, including video, photography, and audio. Through workshops and story meetings, students will develop their skills in journalism and receive guidance from experienced professionals. This program provides a real-world journalism experience, allowing interns to build their portfolio with impactful media pieces. Additionally, participants will have the chance to network and establish connections within the industry. Upon completion, interns will receive a letter of recommendation, further enhancing their future opportunities in journalism.

Army Education Outreach Program’s Apprenticeships

See website

Hosting Institution

AEOP

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Maryland (MD)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Engineering

Summary

The AEOP (Army Educational Outreach Program) collaborates with universities and U.S. Army Research Laboratories and Centers to provide summer apprenticeships for high school students across the United States. These apprenticeships offer students the valuable opportunity to work alongside professional scientists and engineers, receiving formal mentorship throughout the program. Participants will also have multiple chances to learn from STEM practitioners with diverse levels of expertise. While specific program details for Texas will be announced when applications open for 2023, students can look forward to engaging experiences that foster their passion for STEM and provide hands-on learning in a supportive and educational environment.

Arthritis Foundation Summer Science Internship Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Gateway Schools

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

San Francisco (CA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Data Science

Summary

The Rheumatology and Immunology Laboratories at Stanford University and the University of California, San Francisco jointly organize an 8-week research program. This program welcomes high school juniors and seniors who have a keen interest in the field. Selected students have the opportunity to work alongside esteemed experts in top research and clinical laboratories at both institutions. Participants dedicate 40 hours per week to either basic laboratory research or clinical epidemiological/translational research, which focuses on patient-oriented studies. As a token of appreciation, the program provides a stipend of $1500 to each participant. This program offers an invaluable experience for aspiring researchers in the field of rheumatology and immunology.

BC Children’s Hospital

See website

Hosting Institution

BC Children's Hospital Research Institute

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Vancouver (BC)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Medicine

Summary

The BC Children's Hospital Research Institute provides high school students with various research education events year-round, with the goal of introducing them to fascinating research breakthroughs and inspiring them to pursue careers in science and research. While the institute doesn't have a formal placement process for high school students, those interested in research can engage by volunteering to work with investigators at BC Children's Hospital. Students have the opportunity to browse through the profiles of affiliated investigators and directly reach out to research teams to inquire about available opportunities. It's important to note that students must be at least 16 years old to volunteer at the institute.

Boston University's Research in Science & Engineering (RISE)

See website

Hosting Institution

Boston University's Research in Science & Engineering (RISE)

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Boston (MA)

Cost

$8,558

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Data Science

Summary

RISE is a prestigious six-week program designed for academically-driven rising seniors who have a keen interest in scientific research. It offers two distinct tracks: Internship and Practicum. In the RISE Internship track, students are provided with the invaluable opportunity to engage in research projects alongside esteemed faculty mentors. Under the guidance of a faculty member, postdoctoral fellow, or graduate student mentor, Internship students dedicate 40 hours per week to conducting research in their chosen field. This immersive experience allows students to develop essential technical and analytical skills while making meaningful contributions to their respective disciplines. On the other hand, the RISE Practicum track focuses on collaborative research in computational neurobiology. Practicum students have the unique chance to engage in group research within a university environment, working under the guidance of an instructor from Boston University. Through this collaborative setting, students gain hands-on experience and further their understanding of computational neurobiology. Both tracks of the RISE program provide exceptional opportunities for students to delve into scientific research, work closely with experienced mentors, and acquire valuable skills that will benefit them in their future academic and professional endeavors.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

See website

Hosting Institution

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Atlanta (GA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Arts

Summary

This volunteer network is widely recognized throughout the United States and operates through a vast network of local clubs, offering a wide range of volunteer opportunities. Whether your interest lies in mentoring younger children, volunteering at the local library, or organizing events at a youth center, this network provides ample options to contribute towards improving your community. The application process is simple and straightforward - no formal application is required. By entering your zip code, you can easily locate volunteer opportunities in your vicinity. Take the opportunity to explore projects and contribute to making a positive impact in your community.

Build San Francisco Summer Design Institute

See website

Hosting Institution

AFSF

Online/In Person

Online

Location

San Francisco (CA)

Cost

$3,000

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Architecture

Summary

The Architectural Foundation of San Francisco offers a dynamic three-week online program that centers around design and urban development. This educational initiative, facilitated by a non-profit organization, provides participants with the opportunity to acquire skills in various digital design software platforms. Throughout the program, students engage in hands-on activities and projects that enable them to create portfolio-worthy digital work, showcasing their proficiency in architectural design. A notable feature of this program is the personalized mentorship provided by professional architects or engineers, ensuring individual attention and guidance for each participant. By immersing themselves in this program, students can enhance their design abilities, gain valuable insights from industry experts, and develop a strong foundation in the field of architecture and urban planning.

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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