6 STEM Organizations for High School Students That You Can Join in 2024-2025
Are you interested in STEM and want to gain access to educational resources and future internships? If yes, becoming a member of a STEM organization such as the American Physical Society may be a good move for your academic development. Although these societies are typically aimed at researchers in their fields, such as professors and graduate students, many of them offer specific resources for high school students.
Here’s our list of 6 STEM organizations that high school students can join in 2024-2025!
Subject Area: Career and College Application Mentorship
Last Date to Register: Rolling Applications
Costs of Registering: $90 (fee waivers available)
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school students with strong academic credentials
The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) is an academic honor society that recognizes students from over 26,000 high schools in 170 countries. Since its founding in 2002, NSHSS has inducted more than two million members, providing them with access to a broad network of peers, valuable resources, and unique opportunities. The society offers a wide range of services, including scholarships, leadership development, career and internship opportunities, and personalized member benefits. These resources aim to support students as they transition from high school to college and later into their professional careers.
Membership in NSHSS is individual-based, meaning it stays with the student even if they change schools or relocate. This lifetime membership ensures that you continue to benefit from NSHSS resources beyond high school graduation. Members also receive a certificate, media outreach support, and access to exclusive academic and leadership opportunities. STEM opportunities include scholarships such as the STEAM scholarship, which awards $1,000 to students planning to major in a STEAM field in college. Through partnerships with top universities and organizations, NSHSS gives you a platform to excel academically and professionally while contributing to your community.
Subject Area: Physics, Research, Advocacy
Last Date to Register: Not mentioned
Costs of Registering: High school costs must be enquired about here
Eligibility: High school students are allowed to apply after seeking information from here
The American Physical Society (APS) offers high school students a gateway to the world of physics, providing access to a global network of physicists and resources that support scientific exploration and career development. You will benefit from opportunities to participate in scientific meetings, gain exposure to cutting-edge research, and engage in advocacy and education initiatives to advance physics and its societal impact. You can build your leadership skills, connect with mentors, and explore diverse career paths in academia, industry, and beyond.
Subject Area: Mathematics, Physics, and Aeronautical Engineering
Last Date to Register: Not mentioned
Costs of Registering: No charges
Eligibility: High school students who are active in STEM and STEAM educational programs and are considering pursuing a career in aerospace
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) offers high school students an exciting entry point into aerospace, providing free membership with access to exclusive resources, expert-led webinars, and industry insights through Aerospace America. You can connect with peers and professionals via the Engage community platform, participate in competitions, and attend forums like AIAA SciTech. Additionally, you can apply for scholarships of up to $10,000, boosting your academic and career prospects in STEM and STEAM fields.
Subject Area: Bio-technology, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Graphics, Computer Science, Nanotechnology, Robotics
Last Date to Register: April 5, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 deadline)
Costs of Registering: $45/year, $15/year for Tier 1 Developing, and $0/year for Tier 2 Developing
Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled as full-time students
The Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T) is a STEM organization that bridges the gap between research and practice in information science and technology. High school students who join ASIS&T can benefit from networking opportunities with global professionals in diverse fields such as computer science, linguistics, and engineering while gaining access to valuable resources like free webinars, discounted events, and publications like the Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology (JASIST). You can join student chapters, participate in mentoring programs, and explore career development tools.
Subject Area: Microbiology, Medical Sciences
Last Date to Register: Not mentioned
Costs of Registering: For students:
Full Membership: $35
Global Outreach: $0
Eligibility: All applicants are welcome, from lab scientists to students
The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) offers high school students an introduction to microbial sciences, connecting them with a global network of experts tackling critical challenges like climate change, antimicrobial resistance, and global health issues. By joining ASM, you can access discounted rates for conferences, webinars, and professional development courses, along with mentorship programs and exclusive career resources.
Subject Area: STEM
Last Date to Register: Not mentioned
Costs of Registering: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
The National STEM Honor Society (NSTEM) is dedicated to recognizing excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) from early education through professional careers. NSTEM supports high school students interested in STEM by offering enrichment activities and resources that foster critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork. ––Unlike other honor societies, NSTEM engages with you throughout the year, offering continuous support through monthly meetings and activities. Each chapter has unique offerings, with meetings featuring guest speakers or project-based challenges that encourage collaboration and independent work.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
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.