13 Virtual Research Opportunities for High School Students
Every discipline of study, from economics to physics to sociology, relies on research to fuel innovation. Research impacts the everyday functioning of industries, the direction of major policy decisions, and helps us understand the world around us. Research is a great way for high school students to spend their summer, with research experience becoming a distinctive advantage in the college admission process.
Students who live away from major cities and universities may have trouble accessing research opportunities. Fortunately, a number of research opportunities are now virtual, making them more accessible for students. In this blog, we've compiled 13 virtual research opportunities for high school students!
If you'd like to check out more virtual programs in STEM, check out the following blogs:
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.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring.
Cost: Full financial aid is available!
ISSYP is a summer program for current juniors and seniors who are interested in theoretical physics and want to pursue it in college. You will attend Perimeter Institute experts' talks on the newest theoretical physics issues, as well as short courses, keynote speeches, and mentorship sessions. ISSYP is a very competitive program that accepts only 30–40 students each year. While ISSYP used to be hosted at the Perimeter Institute in Waterloo, Ontario, it is now an entirely online program.
Cost: $195
3. Veritas AI—AI Fellowship
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI with a suitable environment in which to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. 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 allow students to pursue 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.You can find examples of previous projects here.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
This summer program selects 25 students to work on research with a UCSD faculty researcher in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or Nanotechnology. The program has shifted online. The program is available to rising sophomore, junior, and senior students. The program lasts 6 weeks.
Cost: $4,200
5. Secondary Student Training Program (SSTP) (University of Iowa)
Designed for advanced students in their sophomore and junior years, this program is highly selective. It offers students the chance to conduct research in a wide list of fields ranging from Biochemistry to Religious Studies. You will be placed under the guidance of a faculty mentor. While some disciplines can only be researched offline, others are available online. The length of the program is 5 weeks. Applications for this program close on February 18th.
Cost: $6,395
Open to high school and college students, EnergyMag offers virtual research internships to students looking to gain experience in the renewable energy sector. You will gain research and analytical skills by researching specific companies, technologies, and markets. Internships can be half-time (2-8 weeks, 20 hours per week) or quarter-time (1-9 months, 8 hours per week).
Cost: None
In this research fellowship, you will join the MDI Biological Laboratory to develop your lab research skills. You will receive training in research from instructors who work at premier labs. Before applying, you must be nominated by a teacher. You will receive a stipend for your participation.
Cost: None
Camp Euclid is a math research program for students that takes place online. Math problems that have never been solved before will be presented to you. In a circle of fellow scholars, you will spend time understanding, solving, and applying complex math problems. The opportunity is open to students over the age of 13.
Cost: $1,400
Through this training program, you will become familiar with research and gain experience as well as increase your knowledge of global health. You will also participate in workshops on college readiness and career exploration. The program has both online and in-person components.
Cost: None
The College of Chemistry at UC Berkeley conducts the Summer Youth Intensive Program. The one-year program gives students interested in scientific research hands-on experience and improves their chances of success in college. It also aims to assist students in adjusting to college life.
Cost: $14,500
The CHORI Summer Student Research Program allows students to spend three months during the summer immersed in basic and/or clinical research. The program matches you with one or two CHORI PIs who act as mentors, guiding you through the whole research process. The program's phases include research design, hypothesis testing, and methodological development. At the end of the program, you will present your findings to your peers.
Cost: None
Conducted from June 27th to July 29th, the Simons Summer Research Program gives high school students the opportunity to undertake research in a variety of disciplines, ranging from science and math to engineering. You will join a research team, collaborate with faculty members, and learn about laboratory equipment and methodologies. You will receive a stipend for your participation.
Cost: None
This program is open to rising high school juniors and seniors. You will participate in a STEM research experience at a university for 6 weeks during the summer. Disciplines range from cancer immunology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, physics, quantum mechanics, and bioengineering to electrical engineering. Students accepted into the program will be matched with another student and a teacher from their chosen field.
Cost: None
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.