23 Summer Research Programs for High School Students in 2024-2025
Research is becoming one of the most important ways for high school students to spend their time during the summer. Considered a tier 1 or tier 2 extracurricular using College Vine’s ranking system, research for high school students is a distinctive advantage in the college admission process and has become an important activity on college applications.
If you're a high school student interested in pursuing research before college, here are a couple of things you should know about high school research!
The rigor of your research project does impact your college application and resume, as well as the skillset that you've developed along the way!
A research project in high school has an even higher impact on your college application profile if the program that you attend is selective or if the research you do in high school is published or reaches a broader audience through science fairs or symposiums.
In this post, we outline 23 summer research programs that high school students can apply to for 2024-2025. These programs allow you to conduct rigorous research as a high school student across a variety of subjects, and some of them even offer financial aid/college credit!
P.S. - The high school research opportunities below are a mix of paid and fully-funded research programs!
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.
Cost: Need-based scholarship available
2. Veritas AI - AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI a suitable environment to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. These programs are designed and run by Harvard graduate students and alumni, and you can expect a great, fulfilling educational experience. 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 have students pursue their 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. In the past, students have worked on research papers in the fields of AI & medicine, AI & finance, AI & environmental science, AI & education, and more! You can find examples of previous projects here.
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
3. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! Horizon is one of the very 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 as well as the type of research you wish to carry out, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar from a reputed university 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.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects. Apply here!
A standout among summer research programs for high school students, Spark SIP offers students the opportunity to learn from industry professionals while undertaking research in real-world settings through the internship program. As one of the top summer research programs for high school students, Spark SIP requires a student to be able to work full-time (30-40 hours per work) for 8-12 weeks throughout the summer to be eligible to participate. The program offers a maximum stipend of $500, and it provides a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the tech industry, making it a great option when exploring summer research programs for high school students.
Cost: None
RSI is widely regarded as one of the most selective summer research programs for high school students in STEM. This program, hosted jointly by MIT and CEE, accepts about 80 students each year, making it one of the top choices for students seeking summer research programs for high school students. In the program, students work with a researcher on an independent project, gaining an immersive and hands-on experience. At the end of the program, students present their research to the broader community in a conference. In 2019, there were about 1600 applicants for 80 spots, or around a 5% acceptance rate.
Cost: None
This program is one of the top summer research programs for high school students, combining college-level workshops and lab research in subjects such as civil and urban engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering, and robotics. It is open to high school sophomores and juniors, and it stands out among summer research programs for high school students by offering students supervision from graduate or postdoctoral students at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering over the course of seven weeks.
Students will also receive presentation and public speaking training from ARISE's partners at Irondale Ensemble Project and will present their research findings to NYU faculty and graduate students, ARISE peers, other academic experts, family members, and friends at the program's concluding colloquium. Participants in this competitive summer research program also receive a stipend of at least $750.
Cost: None
The Simons Summer Research Program gives high school students the opportunity to undertake hands-on research in a variety of disciplines, ranging from science and math to engineering. As part of this summer research program for high school students, participants join research teams, collaborate with faculty members, learn about laboratory equipment and methodologies, and experience life at a research university. To be eligible for this program, applicants must be at least 16 years old and obtain 2 letters of recommendation. The program has an acceptance rate of about 8%. Students receive a stipend for their participation.
Cost: None
8. Secondary Student Training Program (SSTP) (University of Iowa)
Designed for students in their sophomore and junior years, this program is one of the most competitive summer research programs for high school students, offering participants the opportunity to conduct research in a wide variety of fields ranging from Biochemistry to Religious Studies. Students in this program are placed under the guidance of a faculty mentor and get to work in the laboratories of the University of Iowa. The length of the program is 5 weeks. Applications for this highly selective summer research program close on February 18th.
Cost: $6,395
The Clark Scholars Program is a 6-week summer research program for high school students that offers a comprehensive research experience in a range of fields. One-on-one research with academics, as well as weekly seminars, discussions, and field visits, are part of the curriculum. With just 12 students selected each year, the Clark Scholars Program is very competitive. Applicants must be at least 17 years old by the program start date. This summer research program for high school students also includes a stipend of $750. The application for this year closes on February 16th.
Cost: None
PROMYS is a prestigious summer research program for high school students that offers a 6-week immersive experience for mathematically gifted individuals. The curriculum emphasizes exploration and discovery. Students in this program, which is open to all high school students above the age of 14, attend lectures and advanced seminars. They also conduct mathematical research and work on problem sets alone or in groups. Each year, about 80 students are selected for this summer research program for high school students. The application deadline for PROMYS this year is March 15th.
Cost: $5,150 (financial aid is available for families earning under $60,000 per year)
This program is for rising high school juniors and seniors. Students are offered research experience in various STEM fields, such as cancer immunology, pharmacogenomics of anticancer agents, physics, biophysics, bioengineering, and electrical engineering. Those accepted into the program are matched with another student and a teacher from the field of their choice. This summer research program for high school students lasts 6 weeks and requires a time commitment of 30-35 hours per week, allowing students to dive deep into hands-on research and STEM exploration.
Cost: None
SSP is a research-based, intensive program that has been running since 1959 and is administered and maintained by alumni. Students participate in classroom work, lab sessions, guest lectures, and field trips in one of three available programs: Astrophysics, Biochemistry, or Genomics. Admission to SSP, which is open to current sophomores and juniors, is competitive, with a 10% acceptance rate.
Cost: $7,450 (financial aid is available for families earning under $70,000 per year)
SIMR provides a great opportunity for high school students to collaborate with Stanford academics and researchers on cutting-edge medical research. Students select one of eight fields and are then allocated to a lab where they receive one-on-one mentorship. The program is open to current juniors and seniors and is 8 weeks long. Each year, about 50 students are accepted. Students must be 16 years or older at the start of the program. Participants are given a minimum stipend of $500.
Cost: None
Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) offers a Summer Student Program for students to conduct independent research projects while participating in extracurricular activities, training, and other opportunities. Students are guided by a postdoctoral fellow, graduate student, or research technician during the 8-week program. Once the program concludes, students present their projects at a poster symposium. Applications will open in December for the summer of next year.
Cost: None
RIMS, hosted by the City University of New York’s Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC), offers a unique opportunity for students to conduct research in state-of-the-art ASRC facilities. They also attend professional development workshops during the 8-week program. Students earn a stipend for their participation in this enriching experience, and admission to this summer research program is highly competitive.
Cost: None
The Jackson Laboratory Student Summer Program is a 10-week genetics and genomics research program for undergraduates and high school students who are 18 years old. Only around 40 students, or about 3% of those who apply, are accepted each year. Students spend the summer engaged in an independent research project under the guidance of a mentor, with the goal of presenting their findings at the conclusion of the program. The program offers a stipend of $6,000.
Cost: None
HS-SIP provides high school students with the opportunity to do full-time biomedical research at NIH facilities, working alongside research professionals. Applicants must be juniors or seniors at the time of application and 17 years old at the commencement of the program to be considered. HS-SIP is extremely competitive, with only around 15% of candidates being accepted. The program length is 8 weeks long and offers a stipend of $2,080 per month.
Cost: None
The Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship is an 8-week internship for rising high school senior students. The program is specifically designed for students from underrepresented communities who are interested in the field of biomedical science. Along with receiving hands-on training on laboratory safety techniques and skills in the Fred Hutch Training Labs, students also participate in research education seminars, attend professional development workshops, and receive mentorship from Fred Hutch research groups. Applications will open in February. Students receive a stipend for their participation.
Cost: None
This summer program takes place at Rockefeller University and is a full-time in-person research program from June 27 - August 11. Students must be at least 16 years old at the time of application to be eligible and must be a current high school junior or senior. The program requires a letter of recommendation. Applications close early for this program (usually the fall of the summer before), so be sure to apply early!
Cost: None
The Coriell Institute is a leader in stem cell research and genetic discoveries. Select students are invited to participate in the four-week Summer Experience, which allows them to work with world-renowned scientists and researchers. Students attend staff lectures, conduct independent research, learn data analysis, attend a resume-building session, and present their findings in a final presentation. The program gives participants the opportunity to work in Coriell's Cytogenomics and Stem Cell labs while also receiving a $1,000 stipend. Before beginning the program, students must be 17 years old.
Cost: None
This STEM program brings a group of 50 students to the University of Maryland campus for a week-long summer program focusing on biomedical science research. Seminars and professional development sessions are available to students. Summer research programs for high school students are available for junior and senior students who have completed the AP Biology and Chemistry curriculum before enrolling. Transcripts and a letter of reference from a scientific instructor are required, as well as a personal statement describing an event or person that sparked the student’s interest in science.
Cost: $250
This 10-week program selects 100 students each year from a field of over 2,000 applicants. Selected students are compensated for their time with a $4,000 stipend. Alongside attending seminars and laboratory sessions with the staff, students create their own research biomedical projects under the mentorship of the City of Hope facilitators. The curriculum ends with the completion of a research paper, which is then presented at the end of the program. Students must be 16 years old before their first day on campus and have completed chemistry and biology classes in high school before applying.
Cost: None
This research program for high school students selects 25 students to work on research, individually with a UCSD faculty researcher in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or Nanotechnology. Students receive access to laboratories on campus. The program is available to rising sophomore, junior, and senior students. Spanning 6 weeks, this summer research program for high school students is an ideal way to gain valuable skills and knowledge in the sciences.
Cost: $4,200
Bonus
BioResearch Academy is a fully residential program that takes take place at Emmanuel College in Boston (July 5th - 18th). The program is designed for high school students who are interested in biological sciences. The program has been developed by Dr. Sam Kunes, who has been on the faculty of Harvard University for 30 years, where he teaches cell biology and neuroscience.
Cost: $5,500 (including housing, meals and other activities)
How can high school students find research opportunities?
Consider applying to multiple research programs or reaching out to faculty members by cold-emailing/calling them for a research project. The key is to cast a wide net to maximize your chances of finding a research opportunity. Most research programs do not have a path to then publish your research. Publication can be a long and difficult process, but if it’s of interest, you can learn about the path to publication here, or apply to Lumiere's research + publication program!
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.