8 Geology Research Opportunities for High School Students
Research opportunities are an excellent way for high school students to gain exposure to college-level academics, develop practical skills, and build a portfolio —all before committing to a major at college. Geology, with its diverse and hands-on nature, offers students a unique opportunity to delve into the study of Earth, its processes, and its history.
Participating in a geology research opportunity can provide you with new experiences, whether you’re in the field studying rock formations or collaborating with renowned professionals in laboratories. This blog highlights 8 geology research opportunities for high school students. Our list includes fully-funded programs hosted by prestigious institutions, with hard selection processes.
Location: Various locations in the U.S.
Cost: None – Paid internship (varies by project)
Cohort Size: Varies by project
Program Dates: 10-12 weeks starting in the beginning of May.
Application Deadline: Last week of February
Eligibility: Recent high school graduates aged 18 and above
GeoCorps America offers high school students aged 16 and above the opportunity to gain practical experience in geology through hands-on internships in national parks and public lands across the U.S. These paid internships last between 10 and 12 weeks during the summer and engage you in a variety of projects such as field research, data collection, conservation efforts, and environmental education. You will collaborate with experienced geologists and conservationists, giving you exposure to real-world geological research and conservation work.
As part of the program, you will be paired with professional mentors who provide guidance, support, and insight into the field of geology. At the end of the internship, you have to present your research findings through poster presentations or written reports.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: Stipend of $8,000, plus up to $800 for travel to the D.C. area
Cohort Size: 20-30 students
Program Dates: 10 weeks, May 27 - August 1
Application Deadline: January 17
Eligibility: High school students or graduates who have been accepted to an undergraduate institution but have not yet started their undergraduate studies.
The Natural History Research Experiences (NHRE), offered by the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, provides high school students with an exceptional opportunity to engage in research across various geology-related fields. Located in Washington, D.C., this 10-week summer internship offers a stipend and involves hands-on projects such as fossil preparation, mineral analysis, and contributing to educational programming. You will work closely with museum scientists, gaining valuable research experience and the chance to contribute to the museum’s vast collections.
The program also emphasizes public outreach, where you can participate in events that allow you to share your work with museum visitors. As a part of the internship, you can refine your communication skills by presenting your research findings at the program's conclusion.
Location: Palisades, New York
Cost: Paid internship; stipend (amount varies)
Cohort Size: Small cohort.
Program Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Starts from January
Eligibility: Students must be at least 16 years old, with a preference for current 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade students
The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) Summer Intern Program, hosted by Columbia University in Palisades, New York, offers motivated high school students a chance to participate in cutting-edge geological research. This six-week program immerses you in research alongside leading scientists in fields like seismology, paleoclimatology, oceanography, and geochemistry. You'll gain hands-on experience analyzing geological samples, studying the Hudson River, and honing skills in data collection, analysis, and scientific communication while contributing to impactful research.
A standout feature of the LDEO internship is its mentorship component. You will be paired with a faculty mentor who will provide guidance throughout your project, offering personalized support and professional development. At the end of the program, you will have to create short film compilations from the interviews you conduct with local communities and present them in front of your mentors and peers.
Location: Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Stipend of $1,000
Cohort Size: 25 students
Program Dates: 6 weeks (January-April)
Application Deadline: Not specified. Students should contact the academy via email for more information
Eligibility: High school students, with a preference for 11th graders from underserved communities
The Brooklyn College STEM Research Academy offers a transformative opportunity for high school students, particularly 11th graders from underserved communities, to immerse themselves in urban aquatic ecology. Each year, 25 students join this six-week spring program to work with undergraduates, faculty, and industry professionals on applying the scientific method. You'll engage in literature reviews, field and lab research, data collection, and analysis. The program builds hands-on research skills and culminates in a presentation of your findings to peers and mentors. Participants also gain access to events by the American Museum of Natural History’s Science Research Mentoring Consortium, broadening their connection to the scientific community.
Location: Greenland / Virtual
Cost: None for virtual program | $1,500 stipend + all travel expenses covered for in-person program
Cohort Size: Varies
Program Dates:
Virtual: July/August
In-person: June-July
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility:
Virtual Program: High school juniors with U.S. citizenship
In-person Program: U.S. citizens, 18 years old (but not 19+) by June 1, who have completed the remote program
The Joint Science Education Project (JSEP) offers both on-site and virtual research opportunities for high school students interested in geology and related fields. The in-person program in Greenland covers topics like biodiversity, glacial geology, climate science, ice coring, and natural resources. You'll work with undergraduate and graduate mentors, gaining hands-on research and teamwork skills. For those unable to attend, Dartmouth University offers a virtual option with interactive polar science and engineering projects. Both programs culminate in a research symposium, but the in-person experience also includes a $1,500 stipend and fully covered travel expenses, offering a deeper immersion into geological research.
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA / Virtual / Hybrid
Cost: $25 application fee. Unpaid internship
Cohort Size: Varies but usually low due to one-on-one mentorship scheme.
Program Dates: June 18 -August 8 (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Students must be at least 15 years old by June 18, to apply. Interns for “wet lab” internships should be at least 16 years old.
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University offers high school students a unique opportunity to work closely with faculty researchers in a range of scientific disciplines. You will work with mentors in fields like environmental science, geography, biology, and climate change, engaging in hands-on projects using advanced facilities. The program helps develop skills in research, science writing, and communication while offering exposure to various scientific careers. Participants can also publish research papers in a scientific journal, enhancing their communication skills. Although unpaid, ASSIP provides valuable mentorship and fosters both academic and professional growth.
Location: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC
Cost: Free (includes $1,500 stipend, housing, and meals)
Cohort Size: Varies
Program Dates: 4 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Typically May
Eligibility: Robeson County students aged 18 or older; recent high school graduates or rising seniors
The UNC Summer Geoscience Expeditions & Internships program offers a fully-funded opportunity for high school students from Robeson County, North Carolina. This four-week summer experience is designed for rising seniors and recent graduates to explore the field of geosciences through field trips, interactive activities, and research projects. You will work alongside geoscientists, gaining hands-on experience.
The program provides a $1,500 stipend, housing at UNC-Chapel Hill, and meals, ensuring accessibility for all eligible students. Beyond the immediate learning, the program helps you build a solid foundation for college applications and future STEM careers.
Location: University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD
Cost: Paid internship (includes travel, housing, meals, and stipend)
Cohort Size: Varies
Program Dates: July 1 - August 9
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: High school seniors entering college
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Geosciences Bridge Program offers a comprehensive introduction to ocean sciences, atmospheric sciences, and GIS/Remote Sensing techniques for high school seniors entering college. This fully funded six-week internship covers travel, housing, meals, and a stipend. Through lectures, field trips, and hands-on activities, you’ll gain an understanding of geosciences while earning academic credits through two college-level courses.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, 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.