Research opportunities give high school students exposure to college-level academics, practical skills, and professional connections. These programs often come with low costs or are fully funded, making them an accessible way to explore advanced topics. If you are interested in research, participating in such opportunities during the school year offers a unique chance to explore your interests. Completing a research program during the school year can leave your summer free for other pursuits. 

This blog lists the top 10 research opportunities available to high school students during the school year. These programs have been selected based on their prestige, competitive acceptance rates, and the enriching experiences they offer. From mentorship to opportunities to present findings, each program stands out for its potential to contribute to your academic development. 

1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote — participate from anywhere in the world!

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective, small cohort

Cost: Full financial aid is available!

Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, Spring cohort starts on March 3.

Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort: Spring Cohort application deadline is February 9

Eligibility: High school students with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.3. No prior knowledge in the field of interest is required.

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a comprehensive research initiative designed for high school students eager to dive deep into academic research. This program offers tailored, one-on-one mentorship with Ph.D. experts across various disciplines, empowering you to conduct independent research projects. Throughout the program, participants work closely with their mentors, culminating in the development of an independent research paper. The program covers a wide array of subjects, including psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and international relations. The flexibility of the program allows you to engage in rigorous academic research while balancing your school commitments.

2. PRIMES-USA at MIT

Location: Virtual

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective, small cohort

Cost: Free!

Dates: Year-long (January – December)

Application Deadline: October 1 -  November 18

Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors residing in the U.S. (outside Greater Boston) 

PRIMES-USA is a highly selective, year-long research program in mathematics for high school sophomores and juniors outside the Greater Boston area. You can work on individual or group projects under the mentorship of graduate students and faculty from MIT and other leading universities. The program operates in four phases throughout the year:

• Phase I (January – Pi Day): You will complete an advanced reading period and submit a research readiness report.

• Phase II (March – June): Active research under faculty mentorship.

• Phase III (June – August): Independent study period, allowing flexibility for participation in summer programs.

• Phase IV (September – December): Finalizing research, presenting your findings at a conference, and submitting a research paper for publication or national competitions.

To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here. 

3. Veritas AI - AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase 

Location: Virtual

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective, small cohort

Cost: $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase 

Dates: Varies according to the cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).

Eligibility: AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.

Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI with a suitable environment in which to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. You are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. The AI Fellowship program will allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. You will work on your research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest.You can find examples of previous projects here. 

4. Student Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) at Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics

Location: Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA), Cambridge, MA (In-person and virtual options available)

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 10-16 students per year

Cost: Free. You will receive a stipend

Dates: September – May (Academic Year)

Application Deadline: TBD

Eligibility: High school students from Cambridge Rindge & Latin School (CRLS) only

SRMP at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) allows high school students to work alongside scientists on research projects in astrophysics. The program pairs teams of two or three with CfA mentors, allowing you to conduct scientific research and data analysis. You will meet weekly with your mentors and participate in monthly advisory sessions with the SRMP team. The program concludes with you presenting your research at a symposium. The program includes in-person and virtual mentorship, making it accessible in different locations. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here. 

5. EnergyMag Virtual Internship Program

Location: Virtual

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective admissions, limited spots

Cost: Free, unpaid internship

Dates: Year-round: 1-9 months (Quarter-time internships)

Application Deadline: TBD

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.25. Students should have at least one honors science or honors English class (exceptions possible) 

The EnergyMag Virtual Internship Program offers high school students the opportunity to gain research and analysis experience in renewable energy and energy storage. As an intern, you will work on projects that analyze energy companies, technologies, and markets. You will work with mentors and learn skills such as scientific and business research, professional communication, and data synthesis. You will produce research reports that may be published on the EnergyMag website, gaining valuable resume-building experience. Internships are available in two formats: half-time (summer only) and quarter-time (year-round).

6. Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) Internship Program

Location: In-person (Philadelphia, PA) & Remote

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective admissions

Cost: Free

Dates: Spring: February – May; Summer: June – August; Fall: September – December 

Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort 

Eligibility: Students interested in international relations, foreign policy, or research

The FPRI Internship Program allows students to work with an established think tank and engage in high-level discussions on international relations. You will be paired with scholars or professionals in the field, gaining industry-specific knowledge and professional skills. You will attend weekly foreign policy and career-focused seminars with guest speakers. You can also access FPRI’s in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. Additionally, you will work on a research paper that may be considered for publication on FPRI’s Intern Corner. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here. 

7. California Academy of Sciences Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program

Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA

Acceptance Rate: Selective admissions

Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (Exact stipend amount not publicly available)

Dates: Year-round participation after school and on weekends for 2-3 years

Application Deadline: February 1 - April 1

Eligibility: Current 9th or 10th graders enrolled in an SFUSD school with a minimum GPA of 2.5, with at least a C in science and math with a valid U.S. work permit 

The CiS Intern Program is a multi-year, paid internship for students underrepresented in STEM, including girls and students of color. This program allows you to work alongside scientists, researchers, and educators at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. You will participate in scientific research, outdoor fieldwork, and science communication while receiving mentorship and support for college applications. You will also work on research or environmental action group projects and gain experience in public science education. The program requires a commitment of 2-3 years until high school graduation. 

8. Sandia National Laboratories Internship Program

Location: Sandia sites in Livermore, CA | Albuquerque, NM | Other U.S. locations

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive admissions

Stipend: Paid internship varies by role and time commitment

Dates: Year-round and summer options available

Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines 

Eligibility: Students must be at least 16 years old and full-time high school, college, or university students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (for R&D, technical, or business roles)

The Sandia National Laboratories Internship Program is a prestigious opportunity for students to gain experience in technical, business, and research & development (R&D) fields. Sandia is a U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) contractor. This internship program allows you to contribute to national projects while working alongside scientists and engineers. You can participate in projects in cybersecurity, engineering, software development, and energy research. The program includes:

• Year-Round Internships: Up to 25 hours per week for high school students and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks

• Co-op Internships: 3–8 months during the academic term (may include an adjacent summer term)

9. MITES Semester

Location: Virtual (Hybrid option for MIT conference)

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective

Cost: Free

Dates: Six months (June – December)

Application Deadline: November - February 1

Eligibility: High school juniors. Underrepresented, underserved, and first-generation students are strongly encouraged to apply

The MITES Semester Program is a six-month hybrid STEM program designed to give high school students advanced coursework, college preparation, and research exposure. The program combines rigorous online courses with weekly virtual webinars, including social events, workshops, and meetings with STEM professionals. You can take two science and engineering courses in disciplines such as Machine Learning, Thermodynamics, and Astrophysics. You will also take a project-based course and a core foundational course in subjects like Calculus, Physics, Computer Science, or Science Writing and Communication. During the fall semester, the program emphasizes college application support. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here. 

10. American Psychological Association (APA) Internships

Location: Virtual & In-person options available

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive admissions

Stipend: Stipend availability varies; students can earn academic credit

Dates: Year-round

Application Deadline: Rolling 

Eligibility: High school students 

The APA Internship Program offers high school students experience in psychological research, policy, communications, IT, and financial services. This program allows you to apply psychological knowledge by working on research projects, writing assignments, web-based initiatives, and special projects. You will receive mentorship that gives you insights into professional psychology while strengthening your research and analytical skills. Additionally, you will participate in workshops, discussions, and group projects. This program is an excellent opportunity for students interested in psychology, research, and behavioral sciences. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here. 

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

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