Top 11 College Research Programs for High School Students
Curious about academic research before college? College-affiliated research programs allow high school students to explore fields in STEM or the humanities through hands-on experience and direct mentorship from university faculty. Participating in one of these programs isn’t just about learning new skills—it’s about engaging deeply in a subject you’re interested in, building connections with expert mentors, and getting a taste of real-world research.
Additionally, a research experience like this on your resume or in interviews can make you stand out in the competitive college admissions process. Completing a research project as a high schooler shows college admissions officers your intellectual curiosity and initiative, and a program offered by a recognized university can be a valuable credential for your academic profile.
To help you find the best research programs, we have curated a list of 11 college research programs for high school students!
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Eligibility:
You must be currently enrolled in high school
Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort, November 24, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort
Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Dates: Summer cohort runs from June to August, Fall cohort from September to December, Winter cohort from December to February, Spring from March to June
Cost: Full financial aid available
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an intensive research initiative designed specifically for high school students. This program provides extensive one-on-one research opportunities across a wide range of subjects. Participants are paired with PhD mentors to collaborate on an independent research project. By the end of the 12-week program, you will have crafted a comprehensive research paper! You can choose topics from various fields, including psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. Additionally, students who complete the program earn college credits from the University of California, San Diego’s Extended Studies division. For more details about the application process, click here!
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: Participants receive a minimum stipend of $500, with needs-based stipends available up to $1,500
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors aged 16 and older
Application Deadline: February 22, 2025
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31, 2025
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an 8-week research experience where students work one-on-one with a mentor—either a Stanford graduate student or postdoctoral fellow—on a specialized research project. You can choose from eight research areas. The program begins with an orientation, followed by two weeks of morning lectures and lab sessions, with subsequent weeks focused on lab work, joint lectures, and preparing a research poster.
You will be expected to dedicate around 40 hours weekly on campus, Monday through Friday. The program culminates in a poster presentation, where you will showcase your research to an audience of family, teachers, and Stanford community members. SIMR is a highly competitive program, admitting only about 3% of applicants into an annual cohort of around 50 students. To learn more about this program, check out our detailed guide here.
Location: Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Cost/Stipend: Free program with a $4,000 stipend provided
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from the Greater St. Louis area (covering both Missouri and Illinois). Students from under-resourced public schools or groups traditionally underrepresented in science are especially encouraged to apply
Application Deadline: Applications usually close in February
Program Dates: June 2 – July 25, 2025
Washington University’s Young Scientist Program aims to increase participation in science among students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Its Summer Focus is an 8-week research program open to rising high school students in the Greater St. Louis area, with an annual cohort of 16–18 students. Accepted students are paired with both a mentor and a tutor, typically graduate students, post-doctoral associates, or lab staff. The mentor guides you through a biomedical research project, while the tutor provides additional support for your work.
The program includes two courses, one focused on science communication and another to boost college readiness skills. Expect to work about 40 hours a week, culminating in a final symposium where you present your findings to mentors, tutors, lab mates, and other attendees. Previous student research topics have included areas such as genetics, genomics, developmental biology, cancer biology, microbiology, neuroscience, and biomedical engineering. For a closer look at past participants’ profiles and projects, check here.
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: There are no tuition fees, but participants wishing to stay on campus will need to pay $2,781.50 for accommodation and meals. A stipend may be provided at the end of the program, though the amount is not specified
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16 years old
Application Deadline: Applications usually close in February.
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8, 2025
The Simons Summer Research Program is designed for high school juniors interested in STEM fields. It allows you to contribute to a project across various research areas, including biochemistry, applied mathematics, chemistry, computer science, geosciences, medicine, neurobiology, and physics. During the application process, you will review a list of mentors and indicate your top three preferences for mentors or research areas.
Once accepted, you will be paired with mentors and research groups, where you will learn research techniques, work on your project, and participate in weekly faculty research talks, workshops, tours, and events. You will also prepare a written research abstract and a poster to present at the final symposium, marking the conclusion of the program. To learn more about this program, check out our blog here.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: No cost
Eligibility: Rising seniors from around the world who meet certain academic criteria
Application Deadline: December 11, 2024
Program Dates: June 22 – August 2, 2025
The Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT is a prestigious summer research program for exceptional high school juniors eager to deepen their knowledge and skills in STEM fields. Sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE), RSI gathers 80 outstanding students from around the world for a six-week, fully-funded immersion in research and learning. With an acceptance rate of less than 5%, it stands out as one of the most competitive research programs available.
The program begins with a week of comprehensive STEM classes led by faculty, offering foundational knowledge and advanced concepts in various areas of interest. The heart of RSI lies in the following five weeks, where you will undertake an independent research internship. This opportunity allows you to conduct research in fields like computer science while being mentored by experienced scientists and researchers, enhancing your understanding of complex scientific questions. The program concludes with a formal presentation of research findings, where you will present your results through both oral and written reports modeled after professional academic conferences. For tips on getting into RSI, check out our full guide here.
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Program Dates: June 23 – July 31, 2025
Eligibility: Students must:
Be permanent Massachusetts residents (living and attending school in MA throughout the year)
Enter 12th grade in the fall (current juniors at the time of application)
Be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident
This program offers a unique chance to engage with cutting-edge research at Northeastern University’s Colleges of Engineering, Science, and Health Sciences. As a participant, you'll collaborate closely with a professor in a research lab, contributing to both the practical and theoretical components of their ongoing projects. For instance, one project from the 2023 cohort centered on the “Programmable Signal Acquisition and Calibration of Temperature Sensors for Detection of Power Dissipation on Chips.”
In addition to hands-on research, the program enhances your experience with an educational seminar series called “Introduction to Engineering.” This series explores various topics, including robotics, chemical analysis, and microwave materials, providing a comprehensive overview of different engineering fields. Additionally, the program features field trips and career counseling sessions facilitated by the Department of Cooperative Education.
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost: No cost, stipend of $750 provided
Application Deadline: March 6, 2025 (tentative, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 3 – August 9, 2025 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who reside in New York City
NYU’s ARISE program is a seven-week research opportunity tailored for 10th and 11th graders living in New York City. This program allows you to work closely with NYU’s research faculty in innovative fields such as computer science, machine learning, and robotics. Offered at no cost, ARISE aims to give you practical experience in research, preparing you for advanced academic and professional pursuits.
The program is structured into two components. The first two weeks consist of intensive workshops that equip you for hands-on research. In the following five weeks, you will engage in lab work, collaborating closely with mentors on real research projects. This experience not only sharpens technical abilities but also fosters professional skills through training in college-level research methods, professional development workshops, and participation in colloquia. To learn more about ARISE, check out our full guide here.
Location: University of California, San Diego, CA and virtual
Eligibility: Rising 10th graders. Note: The program primarily serves students from San Diego County, but applications will be accepted if you have summer housing accommodations
Cost:
Program with research project: $1,500
Program without research project: Free
Application Deadline: March 15, 2025 (tentative, based on the previous year’s deadline)
Program Dates: June 19 – August 11, 2025 (tentative, based on the previous year’s deadline)
The University of California, San Diego, and the San Diego Supercomputer Center have partnered to offer an 8-week research program that immerses students in advanced research projects, particularly in computer science and artificial intelligence. This initiative provides you with the necessary tools and mentorship to address complex research questions in a structured environment. You will collaborate with UC San Diego faculty mentors to choose and develop a research project tailored to your interests.
Throughout the program, you'll gain essential research skills, including hypothesis formulation, computational experimentation, and data analysis. This hands-on approach allows you to bridge theoretical computer science concepts with practical applications, enhancing your skills and understanding of real-world challenges.
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Cost: No cost
Application Deadlines: April 7, 2025 (tentative, based on the previous year’s deadline)
Program Dates: Typically June to mid-August
Eligibility: High school students in the Baltimore City area
The Biophysics Research for Baltimore Teens (BRBT) program provides a unique internship opportunity for high school students in Baltimore City at Johns Hopkins University. This program is designed to immerse you in biophysics and biomedical research, offering hands-on experience and essential scientific knowledge. During the internship, you will participate in various laboratory activities, including preparing reagents and materials for biophysical studies and mastering techniques in microbiology, DNA, and protein engineering.
Moreover, you will have the chance to connect with graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty members, gaining valuable insights from their expertise and experiences. This networking aspect provides mentorship opportunities, discussions about your interests and potential career paths, and a firsthand look at a career in biomedical research.
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free of charge. Students will receive a stipend, although the specific amount is not detailed
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from Boston and Cambridge who are at least 16 years old and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7. The program encourages students from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine or those facing disadvantages to apply
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February
Program Dates: July 8 – August 16, 2025 (based on previous years’ dates)
Harvard Medical School’s Project Success is a six-week, in-person paid research internship program designed for high school students in Boston and Cambridge who are interested in biomedical careers. Throughout the program, you will be placed in a Harvard Medical School lab or an affiliated institution, receiving mentorship along the way. You will attend seminars led by researchers and physicians, visit hospitals and biotech organizations, undergo computer training, and improve your writing and speaking skills. You will also participate in academic seminars and special programs while engaging in hands-on research. The program aims to connect students with scientists and provide career guidance, helping you evaluate your interest in pursuing a career in biomedical science.
Location: Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free of charge. Travel expenses are covered, and need-based stipends may be available for students
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who will be at least 16 years old at the start of the program
Application Deadline: January 3, 2025
Program Dates: June 24 – August 7, 2025
The Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) at Rockefeller University provides a biomedical research opportunity for high school students. Typically, the program accommodates 32 students, who are divided into research teams guided by a scientist. As part of your team, you will explore a specific biomedical research topic, simulate a laboratory environment, learn essential lab techniques, and analyze collected data. Additionally, you will have access to elective science courses, guest lectures, and social events. At the end of the program, all teams will present their research findings.
One other option: Veritas AI
Veritas AI offers a comprehensive online course tailored for high school students eager to delve into artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program is ideal for those starting their journey in AI, machine learning, and data science. Spanning 10 sessions, the program covers the fundamentals of AI and data science, providing hands-on experience through real-world projects to enhance students' understanding of the field.
Location: Virtual
Cost:
$2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program
$5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship
$6,900 for both programs
$9,400 for the 30-session one-on-one AI Accelerator program
Need-based financial aid is available for the AI Scholars program. You can apply here
Application Deadline: Winter cohort deadline: December 1, 2024
Program Dates: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to high school students worldwide. For the AI Fellowship, applicants should have either completed the AI Scholars program or possess experience with AI concepts or Python
Bonus
If you're seeking a competitive mentored research program in areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs!
This selective virtual research program allows you to immerse yourself in advanced research and create a research paper on a topic of your choice. Horizon has successfully collaborated with over 1,000 high school students and offers more than 600 research specializations for you to explore. You can access the application link here.
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.