8 Research and Summer Programs in Pennsylvania For High School Students

Research Opportunities for High School Students in Pennsylvania

The top research programs in Pennsylvannia for high school students, selected based on prestige, location, and affordability. See research opportunities in other states here.

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

Data Science Academy

See website

Hosting Institution

The University of Pennsylvania

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Philadelphia (PA)

Cost

$9,399

Application Deadline

Apr 3, 2024

Categories

Comp Sci

Summary

We maintain that data science is more than just a toolbox of methods; it is driven by real-world challenges. The 21st-century data scientist must be able to identify pertinent problems, conduct sound analyses, and effectively communicate their findings. At the conclusion of the Wharton Data Science Academy, participants will have gained not only essential data science skills, such as data visualization and manipulation, but also exposure to modern machine learning techniques that underpin the field of AI today. Throughout the program, students will cultivate a practical command of the R programming language, which is widely utilized by data scientists in academia and industry alike.

American Civil War Camp

See website

Hosting Institution

Gettysburg College

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Gettysburg (PA)

Cost

$1,445

Application Deadline

Jul 1, 2024

Categories

Social Science, History

Summary

At Gettysburg College's summer camp, high school students can expect to be fully immersed in a learning environment that is both welcoming and historic. Each program is overseen by subject-matter experts, including Gettysburg College faculty, staff, and students, and topics for the 2023 programs include psychology, creative writing, civic engagement, 3D printing, and Civil War studies.

Neuroscience Camp

See website

Hosting Institution

Drexel University College of Medicine

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Philadelphia (PA)

Cost

$2,200

Application Deadline

Apr 15, 2024

Categories

Biology, Medicine, Neuroscienc...

Summary

In this program, students will gain an understanding of the foundational concepts of neuroscience as well as basic lab techniques in molecular neurobiology, neurophysiology, and neuroanatomy. The curriculum consists of a series of lectures, followed by laboratory work that covers data analysis, research techniques, and project presentation.

Summer Mentorship Program (SMP)

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Hosting Institution

University of Pennsylvania

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Philadelphia (PA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

May 13, 2023

Categories

Medicine, Biology

Summary

Penn's VPSE department's flagship initiative, the Summer Mentorship Program (SMP), aims to provide first-generation students not defined by the college preparatory experience with greater college access. SMP participants commit to attending a four-week immersive summer program organized by faculty and staff at Penn's Perelman School of Medicine and Nursing School.

Summer Internship Program

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Hosting Institution

Magee-Womens Research Institute High School

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Pittsburgh (PA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Jun 17, 2024

Categories

Medicine, Biology

Summary

This is a four-week virtual internship opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to participate in basic, translational, or clinical scientific investigations at MWRI and Magee Women's Hospital, led by a researcher and their team. Participants will also attend sessions where researchers share their personal experiences and perspectives in biomedical science. Students will present their findings to other program participants as well as MWRI faculty and staff at the end of the program. The internship consists of 160 hours of work.

Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS)

See website

Hosting Institution

Penn State

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

State College (PA)

Cost

$50

Application Deadline

Mar 22, 2024

Categories

Business

Summary

BOSS is a two-week in-person program held at Penn State's University Park campus, intended for high school students interested in pursuing a business education in college. Penn State faculty teach college preparation and fundamental business courses during the program, allowing students to gain valuable knowledge in these areas.

Camp Businesss

See website

Hosting Institution

Drexel University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Philadelphia (PA)

Cost

$950-2,000

Application Deadline

May 1, 2024

Categories

Business

Summary

Drexel LeBow's Camp Business is a 5-day program during the day that offers rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors an immersive and engaging introduction to collegiate and corporate business education. The program is designed to demonstrate that business education can be enjoyable and fun.

Essentials of Finance

See website

Hosting Institution

The University of Pennsylvania

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Philadelphia (PA)

Cost

$7,599

Application Deadline

Apr 3, 2024

Categories

Business

Summary

The Essentials of Finance program is highly sought after and provides an introduction to personal and corporate finance, covering crucial concepts such as the time value of money, risk and return trade-offs, and equities. Drawing inspiration from Wharton's undergraduate finance program, the curriculum includes case studies and real-world applications. Distinguished faculty members, lecturers, and PhD students from Wharton lead lectures and presentations, while students work collaboratively in small teams to complete an analysis project.

Are there many Research Opportunities for High School Students in the state of Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is an excellent place for high school students to conduct academic research due to its rich academic and research infrastructure. The state has a wide range of world-renowned colleges and universities, including the University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, and Penn State University, among others. These institutions provide high school students with access to state-of-the-art research facilities, including laboratories, libraries, and other resources.

What other research opportunities are available

For a full set of research opportunity listings, see our guide to research opportunities for high school students.

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