10 Research Programs for High School Students in Arizona
High school students in Arizona may benefit from participating in research programs before college to gain direct exposure to scientific research, hands-on learning, and mentorship from university faculty or industry experts. These experiences provide valuable insights into fields like science, engineering, and innovation, helping students build skills that textbooks alone cannot offer. Engaging in research also strengthens a college application, particularly for competitive STEM programs, by demonstrating initiative, curiosity, and a commitment to academic growth.
In this blog, we’ll explore 10 top research programs available to high school students in Arizona.
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.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world! Cost: Full financial aid is available!
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
The TGen Bioscience Leadership Academy offers Arizona high school juniors and seniors a two-week immersive experience in bioscience and precision medicine. Guided by TGen scientists, you’ll explore technical skill basics, lab shadowing, clinical trials, bioethics, and experimental design. The program focuses on neurological diseases, cancer, diabetes, and infectious diseases while equipping you with essential STEM leadership skills, including science communication and networking. Each graduate receives a $1,000 scholarship, adding to the program’s value.Quick Facts:
Location: Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, AZ
Cost: Free. $1,000 scholarship is awarded to all program graduates
Dates: Two-week summer program (specific dates TBA)
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors at an Arizona high school; must be at least 16 years old.
Application Deadline: 5th February
The KEYS Research Internship is a 7-week summer program for high school students interested in STEM fields, hosted by the University of Arizona's BIO5 Institute. The program includes pre-program assignments in science literacy, data science, and biotechnology. During the first week, you'll complete a training course in lab skills, followed by six weeks working alongside faculty and lab personnel on ongoing research projects in areas like bioscience, engineering, and biotechnology. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research findings at a showcase. This internship provides hands-on research experience and the opportunity to develop practical STEM skills.
Location: University of Arizona, BIO5 Institute, Tucson, AZ.
Cost: Free
Dates: June 2 – July 18 (7 weeks, plus pre-program assignments starting in April).
Application Deadline: January 8
Eligibility:
At least 16 years old by June 2
High school student with at least one year of Arizona residency
Completed one science class and interested in STEM
The SCENE High School Program at Arizona State University gives high school students the chance to design and conduct their own original research projects. This program is tailored for students seriously considering a career in science or engineering. As a participant, you will experience what it’s like to be a professional scientist, engaging in hands-on projects that strengthen your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Through this program, you will develop valuable skills in research methodology, project development, and scientific communication. By the end of the experience, you will have completed a research project that deepens your understanding of science and engineering, helping you prepare for future academic and professional goals.
Location: Arizona State University, various campus labs and facilities.
Cost: Not specified; contact the program for details on fees and financial aid availability.
Dates: Typically runs during the school year; contact the program for specific details.
Application Deadline: Applications for 2025 are yet to open. Contact Scene@asu.edu for updates on future deadlines.
Eligibility:
Students in grades 10–12.
Strong interest in science or engineering.
Open to students from Valley high schools.
The Mobile Oncology Training, Education, and Recruitment (MOTER) Program at the University of Arizona introduces high school students to key concepts in cancer biology and research techniques. The program covers topics such as the Central Dogma (replication, transcription, and translation), mutations, gene expression, tumor suppression, and experimental methods like DNA sequencing, PCR, and enzyme restriction. You will participate in hands-on activities using modeling kits and small group experiments, providing practical insights into how cancer-related processes function at the molecular level.
The MOTER Program bridges classroom learning with real-world research by emphasizing experimental techniques aligned with national and state bioscience standards. This structured approach helps you develop foundational skills essential for future studies or careers in biomedical research.
Location: University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ.
Cost: Free.
Dates: Typically one week; specific dates may vary (contact the Cancer Research Education and Training Coordination team at uacc-crtec@arizona.edu for details)
Application Deadline: Not specified (contact the program for details).
Eligibility: High school students.
The ASU Cybersecurity High School Internship is a summer program for high school students in the Phoenix area who are interested in cybersecurity research. Hosted by ASU’s Center for Cybersecurity and Trusted Foundations, this internship gives you the opportunity to work on real-world cybersecurity projects alongside ASU researchers.
During the program, you will gain hands-on experience with cybersecurity systems, programming, and hacking techniques. You’ll also participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) hacking competitions, where you can apply your skills in a fun and competitive setting. The internship emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and technical skill development, providing a valuable introduction to the field of cybersecurity and its practical applications.
Location: Arizona State University, Center for Cybersecurity and Trusted Foundations, Phoenix, AZ
Cost: No cost. A stipend of $1,800 is paid upon completing the program.
Dates: Starts May 27, 2025 (mandatory in-person attendance every Tuesday).
Application Deadline: Application opens on January 13, 2025 and closes on January 27, 2025.
Eligibility: High school students in the Phoenix area with a strong interest in cybersecurity and computer science.
The Mayo Clinic CARES (Career Advancement, Research, and Education Summer) Program is designed for Arizona high school students interested in exploring careers in healthcare. This program provides hands-on experiences in a hospital setting, exposure to various healthcare roles, and insights into healthcare research. As a participant, you will work alongside professionals such as clinical research coordinators, respiratory therapists, and surgical technicians while learning about the research and practices that drive healthcare innovation. The program also includes a mentorship component, where selected Mayo Clinic professionals offer guidance beyond the summer experience.
Location: Mayo Clinic, Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona.
Cost: No cost. Students receive a stipend for full participation, with deductions for missed days.
Dates:
In-person program: June 2025 (exact dates TBD).
Virtual program: Dates TBD.
Application Deadline:
In-person program: February 1, 2025.
Virtual program: Application window TBD.
Eligibility: High school students in Arizona interested in healthcare careers and research.
The Summer Engineering Academy (SEA) at the University of Arizona is a summer outreach program for high school students (rising 9th–12th graders and recent graduates) interested in exploring engineering. For four to five days, you will engage in hands-on design projects, team challenges, and activities that introduce you to various engineering disciplines such as civil, mechanical, aerospace, environmental, and more.
You will work closely with university professors, graduate students, and industry professionals, gaining insights into engineering degrees, research, and careers. If you attend the residential camp, you’ll also experience college life by staying on campus, building leadership skills, and connecting with peers who share similar interests.
The program offers specialized camps, including Women in Engineering, Sustainable Environment, and Semiconductor Design, catering to diverse interests in STEM.
Location: University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ.
Cost: Need-based scholarships are available.
Dates: Varies on cohort to cohort
Application Deadline: March 28, 2025.
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders and recent high school graduates .
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.