10 Research Programs for High School Students in Alaska
If you’re a high school student, consider participating in a research program to develop your academic skills. Research programs for high schoolers offer valuable exposure to scientific research, allowing you to engage with real-world challenges. By working with university faculty or industry experts, you can deepen your understanding of concepts and develop essential skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration.
In addition to enriching your academic knowledge, participation in research programs can make your college application stand out, particularly for competitive STEM programs. These experiences demonstrate initiative, a desire to learn, and a commitment to pursuing a future in science or technology.
Note: The following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
Here’s our list of the 10 best research programs for high school students in Alaska!
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Open to high school students anywhere in the world
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June).
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).Cost: Individual Research Program ($2,990), Premium Research & Publication Program ($5,900), the Research Fellowship ($8,900), Professor Premium Publication Program ($8,900). Financial aid available
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 PhD 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.
Location: University of Alaska Fairbanks, Troth Yeddha' Campus, Fairbanks, AK
Eligibility: Applicants must:
Be Alaska Native or a rural Alaskan resident.
Be a high school junior or senior with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Have grade-level or above reading proficiency.
Show commitment to earning a college degree.
Program Dates: May 27 – July 11
Application Deadline: Early March (typically)
Cost: Free
The Rural Alaska Honors Institute (RAHI) is a highly selective program tailored to support Alaska Native and rural high school students. RAHI focuses on equipping you with the skills and confidence to excel academically and transition seamlessly into college. RAHI offers three specialized tracks: RAHI Traditional, which focuses on general studies; RAHI Research, which emphasizes research-based learning; and RAHI Teach, designed for students interested in education. Alongside rigorous academics, the program includes outdoor activities and community service. During the six-week program, you will earn an average of nine college credits while living on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus.
3. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program dates: Various according to the cohort. Multiple 15-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Application Requirements: Online application form, answers to a few questions about the student's background & coding experience, math courses, and areas of interest.
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. Students 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. Students work on their 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.
Location: Juneau, AK
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors and gap year students, but the minimum age is 18
Program Dates: Likely to be an 8-week program from June 10 – August 12
Application Deadline: December 27
Cost: The total cost will be between $12,000 and $14,000
$11,00-13,000 of that goes to field fees
$500-$1,000 of that goes to tuition
JIRP has a scholarship fund, though the maximum award is $3,000
The Juneau Icefield Research Program (JIRP) offers high school seniors a research and learning opportunity across the Juneau Icefield. You get to engage in rigorous fieldwork, including glacier traverses, research projects, and safety training, under the guidance of faculty mentors. The program features hands-on instruction in glaciology and environmental science complemented by data analysis and academic discussions. You will contribute to faculty-led research while completing individual projects at established field camps near glacier systems like Taku and Gilkey. Beyond scientific exploration, JIRP fosters skills in teamwork, communication, and outdoor survival, culminating in a public presentation of research findings in Atlin. This experience provides a stepping-stone for future studies and careers in Earth sciences, climate policy, and related fields.
Location: Anchorage, AK
Eligibility: Open to students completing grades 10–12, ages 16–18 by June 15
Program Dates: July 6 – 16
Application Deadline: May 9
Cost: $7,306 (scholarships available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents)
The Brown Environmental Leadership Lab (BELL) allows students to deepen their understanding of environmental issues through research and hands-on learning. Designed for those interested in ecology and sustainability, BELL introduces you to Alaska’s unique ecosystems and focuses on arctic and marine environments and their role in global climate dynamics. The program integrates field research with experiential learning. It allows you to investigate critical environmental challenges while visiting culturally significant locations, including the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center. You will gain experience in research techniques, from collecting ecological data to analyzing real-world environmental patterns. As part of the program, you will collaborate with peers to create an Action Plan that targets an environmental issue of your choice.
Location: Creamer’s Field and the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), Fairbanks, AK
Eligibility: Open to students ages 14–18
Program Dates: May 13 – July 19
Application Deadline: Rolling basis, with a final deadline of May 1
Cost: Free (participants completing a minimum of 85 hours earn a $500 stipend)
The Alaska Songbird Institute’s (ASI) high school internship provides a unique opportunity for students interested in research, conservation, and wildlife biology. Through hands-on experiences, interns learn key field research skills, including bird banding, nest monitoring, and managing ecological data. You will participate in the Swallow Ecology Project, a collaborative effort to study Tree Swallows. Throughout the season, you’ll help monitor up to 70 active nests, observing every stage from egg laying to fledging. Weekly tasks include checking nest boxes, recording detailed observations, and assisting biologists with bird capture and banding. With a time commitment of 8–10 hours per week, this program is ideal for students who want to explore ecological research.
Location: Port Alexander, AK
Eligibility: Open to U.S. high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, including public and home-schooled students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Program Dates: August 23 – November 5
Application Deadline: April 20
Cost: $850 (includes airfare from Sitka, housing, meals, and all program costs; needs-based scholarships available)
This 10-week program invites high school students to explore the ecosystems of Port Alexander, Alaska, where the Tongass National Forest meets the Pacific Ocean. It combines science, history, and art and offers a solid opportunity to engage in field-based research, cultural studies, and creative expression. The program blends rigorous academics with an exploration of marine and rainforest ecosystems, complemented by studies in Alaska Native history. You will participate in a diverse curriculum integrating outdoor fieldwork, artistic electives, guest lectures, and survival skills training. The experience culminates in a three-day symposium at Sitka WhaleFest, where you will present your work and engage with experts. You will also earn dual high school and college biology credits through the University of Alaska Southeast.
Location: Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, Kodiak Island, AK
Eligibility: Open to junior high and high school students (grades 7–12) with an interest in wildlife conservation and environmental science
Application Deadline: April 20
Program Dates: June – August
Cost: Free
The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Youth Leadership Program introduces students to wildlife conservation through fieldwork and leadership training. You will contribute to projects such as habitat monitoring, wildlife surveys, and environmental education, gaining experience in conservation science. The program emphasizes leadership by involving you in guiding younger participants and spearheading initiatives that benefit the refuge. Working with wildlife biologists and conservation professionals, you will develop ecological research skills while deepening your understanding of Alaska’s natural ecosystems. This free program provides a platform for you to grow as an environmental steward.
Location: University of Alaska Fairbanks, AK
Eligibility: Open to high school students (grades 9–12) with a strong interest in earth science and technology
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: TBA
Cost: Unlisted
The T3 Student Summer Program is a solid opportunity for high school students interested in earth sciences. You will explore geophysics, remote sensing, and environmental monitoring while collaborating with scientists at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. This program emphasizes research through fieldwork and access to advanced tools, including drones and environmental sensors. You will gather and analyze data to understand Alaska’s rapidly changing landscapes and explore environmental challenges. By engaging in research, you will gain valuable experience for future academic and professional pursuits in earth sciences.
Location: University of Alaska, Anchorage, AK
Eligibility: High school juniors, seniors (current and incoming), and recent graduates interested in pursuing a healthcare career are eligible. Students of high school age who are completing their GED may also apply. Alaska native students will be preferred.
Application Deadline:
Early Deadline: January 31
Standard Deadline: February 21
Program Dates: July 7 – August 3
Cost: Free
This program offers residential summer experiences that prepare Alaskan high school students for higher education and careers in the health professions. You will live on a university campus, engage in health science coursework, and conduct health-related research projects. The program includes four job-shadowing opportunities with medical and healthcare professionals, providing insight into the field. You will also attend guest lectures, take campus tours, and explore the theme of Health Promotion through interactive sessions.
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.