If you’re a high schooler in Alabama interested in research and exploring concepts beyond your school curriculum, a research program should be on your radar! These programs offer hands-on experience in fields like biomedical science, engineering, and environmental research, giving you the chance to conduct experiments, analyze real-world data, and collaborate with university researchers or industry professionals.

Participating in a research program can also strengthen your college applications, especially if you’re aiming for competitive STEM programs. You’ll build technical skills like coding, lab techniques, and data analysis while learning how to design experiments and interpret results. Plus, working alongside experts can help you understand how research happens in real-world settings.

Finding the program that best fits your needs can be challenging. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 10 research programs for high school students in Alabama!

10 Research Programs for High School Students in Alabama

1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote—participate from anywhere in the world!

Cost: $2,990 for Individual Research Program, $5,900 for Premium Research & Publication Program, $8,900 for Research Fellowship.

Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; Fall (September - December)

Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).

Eligibility: High school students with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.3; no prior knowledge in the field required

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. 

The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.

2. University of Alabama’s Summer Science Institute

Location: University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL

Cost: SSI-I: $200; SSI-II: $250.

Application Deadline: Announced in February (check here for updates)

Program Dates: SSI-I runs June 2-6, and June 9-13. SSI-II runs July 7-11, and July 14-18.

Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders can apply!

The Summer Science Institute is a multi-year research program for high school students. In the first summer, you’ll complete short experiments in cellular and molecular biology, learning lab techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and microscopy. 

The second summer focuses on biochemistry and neurobiology, where you’ll analyze proteins and study their biological roles. In the final summer, you’ll work as a Student Research Intern, applying your skills to independent projects under faculty mentorship.

3. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)

Location: Virtual 

Cost: $5950; However, full financial aid is available.

Application Deadlines: Priority: March 23; Regular I: April 20; Regular II: May 18

Program Dates: The cohort starts June 16. Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply at least four weeks in advance.

Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.

Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. 

Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects. 

4. Systems-Based Summer Experiential Training in Organic Farming

Location: Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL

Cost: No cost; students receive a stipend of $1,750

Application Deadline: May 1

Program Dates: Starts July 29 (8 weeks)

Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students

The Systems-Based Summer Experiential Training in Organic Farming is an 8-week research program at Tuskegee University’s Certified Organic Research Farm. You’ll study soil health, crop production, pest management, and irrigation systems through hands-on research. 

You’ll work with agricultural scientists to analyze soil microbiomes, test organic fertilizers, monitor plant growth, and assess pest control methods. You’ll also collect and interpret data on crop yields, water efficiency, and organic certification standards. Check out this link to see availability. 

5. Auburn University’s Summer Science Institute

Location: Auburn University, Auburn, AL

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: N/A. For additional details about the Summer Science Institute, reach out to Dr. Jess Gilpin at jag0038@auburn.edu

Program Dates: June 1 – 7

Eligibility: 11th and 12th graders 

The Auburn University Summer Science and Math Program is a week-long research experience where high school students work with faculty on real-world projects. You’ll conduct experiments, analyze data, and apply research methods in fields like physics, chemistry, and engineering. The program focuses on research design, statistical analysis, and problem-solving, with hands-on training in lab techniques, computational modeling, and data visualization. 

6. High School Internships, AEOP 

Location: Multiple locations, including the University of Alabama in Huntsville

Cost: Participation is free; stipends vary by location and program duration.

Program Dates: Summer Internships are generally 6-10 weeks in May-August

Application Deadline: Varies by location; Check here.

Eligibility: All participants must be current high school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents. Additional eligibility requirements vary by location.

The AEOP High School Internship gives you hands-on research experience in university labs or U.S. Army Research Centers. You’ll work with scientists and engineers on real projects, gaining skills in coding, circuit design, 3D modeling, robotics, and advanced lab techniques like microscopy and spectroscopy. 

The program also includes virtual sessions with mentors, college prep workshops, and career guidance. It’s a paid internship, so you’ll develop technical skills, research experience, and professional connections while earning a stipend. For more information, refer to the AEOP FAQs.

7. Alabama School of Math and Science’s Research Fellows Program

Location: Alabama School of Math and Science, Mobile, AL

Cost: No tuition; $1,575 annual activity fee. 

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until July 10 (priority Oct 31)

Program Dates: Integrated into the academic year

Eligibility: High school students at the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science

The ASMS Research Fellows Program provides students with the opportunity to conduct advanced research under faculty and scholar mentorship. You can work independently or in teams on projects in aerospace engineering, sustainable construction, genetics, and experimental fiction. 

Past research has explored solar sail technology, aerodynamics in aircraft design, and genetic responses to environmental stress. The program is also structured to support you for participation in science fairs, research competitions, and academic publishing.

8. QuantHub Alabama Data Scholars Internship Program

Location: Hybrid, with remote options and sites across Alabama

Cost: Free; includes a stipend

Application Deadline: March 15

Program Dates: June 3 – July 26 (tentative, based on previous year dates)

Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors

If you're interested in AI, data analytics, or coding, this 8-week paid internship provides hands-on experience in data science through real-world projects with local companies. You'll learn Python programming, data visualization, machine learning fundamentals, and statistical modeling while working with real datasets. 

The program helps you develop data literacy, problem-solving skills, and industry exposure, preparing you for computer science, business analytics, or AI research. You'll also develop connections and a strong portfolio to showcase your work.

9. ITEST Alabama

Location: Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL

Cost: Free, based on CollegeVine Summer Programs

Application Deadline: April 30 (tentative, based on previous year dates)

Program Dates: July 1-26 (tentative, based on previous year dates)

Eligibility: High school students, focusing on STEM project-based learning, particularly in computer science and drone technology, as per Tuskegee ITEST

ITEST Alabama is a four-week STEM program at Tuskegee University that introduces you to computer science, engineering, and drone technology. Through hands-on projects, you will learn how to design, build, and program drones, gaining practical skills in both hardware and software. You will work with university instructors and mentors on research projects and technical challenges. The program also includes interactive workshops where you explore robotics, artificial intelligence, and data science. 

10. AU Brain Camp

Location: Auburn University, Auburn, AL

Cost: $705

Application Deadline: March 19 (tentative, based on previous year dates)

Program Dates: July 14-July 18

Eligibility: High school students interested in neuroscience, involving research projects, as per the same source and Auburn Youth Programs

AU Brain Camp is a six-day program at Auburn University for students interested in neuroscience and brain research. You will study the structure and function of the brain, exploring topics like memory, cognitive function, and neurological disorders. Through hands-on lab work, you will use research tools such as EEG and brain imaging techniques to analyze brain activity. The program includes lectures, discussions, and experiments, where you will examine how neurons communicate and how diseases affect the brain. You will also complete mini-research projects under the guidance of university faculty. 

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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