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31 Research Opportunities + Internships for High Schoolers in 2024

What’s covered:.

• Research Opportunities and Internships for High School Students
• How to Find Research Opportunities in High School
• How Will Doing Research Impact Your College Chances?

Research drives innovation across every field of study, from natural sciences to health to history. Pursuing curiosity can impact industries, drive policy, and help us to better understand the world around us. Without curiosity and research, our society would surely stagnate. 

Contrary to popular belief, however, you don’t have to be a seasoned professional to conduct meaningful research. There are plenty of opportunities for high school students to get a head start on their future careers and contribute to substantial change. Keep reading to learn about 30 great opportunities for students looking for early chances to conduct research! 

Research Opportunities and Internships for High School Students 

1. memorial sloan kettering human oncology and pathogenesis program.

Application Deadline: February 9

Location: New York, NY

Duration: Eight weeks (June 27 – August 22)

Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) is one of the most well-known cancer centers in the world. The Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) at MSK hosts a Summer Student Program for students to conduct independent research projects while participating in extracurricular activities, training, and other opportunities.  

During the eight-week program, participants work with a mentor who will act as a supervisor to help them develop their research skills. Additionally, students have the opportunity to complete an independent research project that aligns with their mentor’s work. All participants will present their projects at a poster session at the end of the summer.

To participate, you must have completed at least 9th grade by June 2024, be at least 14 years old by June 27, have a 3.5 GPA in science subjects, and submit two letters of recommendation. This is a paid opportunity—participants will receive a stipend. 

2. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program  

Application Deadline: January 5 

Duration: Seven weeks (June 24 – August 8) 

The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program allows high school students to conduct real, innovative research over seven weeks through the renowned Rockefeller University, under the guidance of leading scientists. 

SSRP scholars will be able to design and conduct their own research project as part of a themed research track, which is modeled after a Rockefeller research topic and/or technique, with the help of scientist mentors from the Rockefeller community. Most of the research will be conducted in the RockEDU Laboratory—a 3,000-square-foot research space specifically dedicated to developing biomedical research skills.

Students must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program to participate.  

3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Application Deadline : Varies by cohort. Main summer deadlines are March 15, April 15, and May 15

Location:  Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year

Founded by Harvard & Oxford researchers, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. 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 written an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as medicine, computer science, psychology, physics, economics, data science, business, engineering, biology, and international relations.

This program is designed to accommodate your schedule—you can participate in the summer, fall, winter, or spring, and the program is also conducted fully remotely. While you must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate high academic achievement (most students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3), no previous knowledge of your field of interest is required. The cost of the program ranges from $2,800 to $8,900, but financial aid is available.

Note that this is a selective program. Last year, over 4000 students applied for 500 spots in the program. You can find more details about the application here .

4. Research Science Institute (RSI)

Application Deadline: December 13 

Location: Cambridge, MA

Duration: Five weeks (June 23 – August 3) 

The prestigious RSI, which takes place at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) annually, brings together 100 of the world’s top high school students. The free program blends on-campus coursework with off-campus science and technology research. 

Participants complete individual research projects while receiving mentorship from experienced scientists and researchers, and present their findings through oral and written reports in a conference-style setting at the end of the program. 

5. NYU Tandon – Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

Application Deadline: March 6

Duration: 10  weeks (June 3 – August 9)

Open to New York City high school students who will complete 10th or 11th grade in June 2024, the ARISE program provides access to college-level workshops and lab research across fields like bio, molecular, and chemical engineering, robotics, computer science, and AI.

Over the course of 10 weeks—four virtual and six in person—participants will receive guidance from graduate or postdoctoral students at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. 

6. Simons Summer Research Program

Application Deadline: February 7

Location: Stony Brook, NY

Duration: Five weeks (July 1 – August 9) 

During Stony Brook ’s Simons Summer Research Program, high school students conduct hands-on research in areas like science, math, and engineering while working with faculty mentors. Simons Fellows have the opportunity to join real research teams and learn about laboratory equipment and techniques. They also attend weekly faculty research talks and participate in special workshops, tours, and events. 

At the closing poster symposium, students will receive a stipend for their participation. To apply, you must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and currently be in your junior year. 

7. SPARK Summer Mentorship Program

Application Deadline: N/A

Location: Greater Seattle area

Duration: 8-10 weeks 

SPARK is a summer mentorship program that pairs high-achieving and highly motivated high schoolers with industry experts, university professors, and mentors to conduct research on customers and financial markets. The program is only open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.  

8. MDI Biological Laboratory – Biomedical Bootcamp 2024

Application Deadline: March 18 

Location: Bar Harbor, ME

Duration: One week (July 15 – 19) 

In this bootcamp, students will receive a hands-on introduction to biomedical research at MDI Biological Laboratory. Participants will learn essential scientific skills such as experimental design and hypothesis testing, cutting-edge laboratory techniques, data analysis, bioinformatics, and scientific communication. 

During the program, scientists and bioentrepreneurs at the lab will help participants explore scientific ethics at large, as well as career paths in biomedicine, research, and entrepreneurship in Maine and beyond.

Participants must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and must be entering their junior or senior year in September 2024, or graduating in June 2024. 

9. Boston University – Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Internship  

Application Deadline: February 14  

Location: Boston, MA

Duration: Six weeks (June 30 – August 9)  

RISE is a six-week program for rising seniors with an interest in pursuing a major and/or career in STEM. There are a multitude of tracks available, in areas such as astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, and neuroscience. In each track, students conduct research under the mentorship of Boston University faculty, postdoctoral fellows, or graduate students. They will also attend weekly workshops with their peers. 

10. The Wistar Institute – High School Program in Biomedical Research

Application Deadline: March 31 

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Duration: Four weeks (July 15 – August 8) 

A leading biomedical research organization, The Wistar Institute is an ideal setting for students to learn research skills. Participants will complete their own research project while being trained in a principal investigator’s laboratory. They’ll also attend seminars, receive mentorship, and deliver a final presentation about their work.

Students are expected to participate Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Absences of more than two consecutive days cannot be accommodated. Students will receive a stipend of $1,000 upon completion of the program, to compensate for commuting costs or other personal expenses accrued during the program. 

11. California Academy of Sciences – Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program

Application Deadline: April 1, 2024

Location: San Francisco, CA

Duration: Multi-year, year-round participation (after school and on weekends)

This long term program gives San Francisco students from communities that are underrepresented in STEM the opportunity to learn about the world of science and sustainability. Students receive mentorship, develop career skills, and more—all while getting paid for their work. Students also attend workshops and conferences throughout the course of the program. 

12. NASA OSTEM Internship

Application Deadline: February 2

Location: Varies

Duration: Varies

NASA offers a variety of internships for high school students across its numerous campuses. Interns gain real-world work experience by working side by side with research scientists and engineers, which will strengthen their resume and help prepare them for their eventual careers. All participants must be at least 16 years old and enrolled in high school full time.

13. New-York Historical Society Student Historian Internship Program

Application Deadline: April 7

Duration: July 9 – August 15

Not all research is conducted in STEM subjects! Developed for students interested in history, the New-York Historical Society’s Student Historian Program gives participants the opportunity to conduct research on a history topic—2024’s theme is Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass’ America . During the program, participants will work with historian mentors, visit history archives around New York City, lead gallery tours, and develop their historical thinking, communication, and digital media skills.

Applicants must be entering grades 10, 11, or 12, and live in the New York City metro area. This opportunity is unpaid for most participants, but some interns with demonstrated financial need can potentially receive a stipend.

14. Adler Planetarium Summer High School Internship  

Application Deadline: March 1

Location: Chicago, IL

Duration: Six weeks (July 8 – August 14)

During this summer internship program, students will learn about the Adler Planetarium and the career opportunities within it and planetariums and museums in general, in areas ranging from Visitor Experience and Learning to Research. Students will also get the chance to see how research gets translated into a museum experience. 

15. Zuckerman Institute Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia University (BRAINYAC)

Application Deadline: TBA for 2025 program

Duration: Eight weeks  

BRAINYAC participants receive the rare opportunity to work on research in a lab at Columbia University , one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, as high school students, which results in a stronger, more comprehensive understanding of how scientific discovery happens. They connect with real scientists, acquire essential research and laboratory skills, and learn about advances in neuroscience research. 

In order to apply, you must be in 10th or 11th grade and must be nominated by one of the program’s partners—S-PREP, Lang Youth Medical, Double Discovery Center, Columbia Secondary School, or BioBus.  

16. Brookfield Zoo King Conservation Science Scholars Program

Application Deadline: Rolling admission 

Location: Brookfield, IL

Duration: N/A

Interactive workshops, fun activities, research, and community-based projects are at the core of this exciting internship. It’s an excellent opportunity for students who love animals and also want to gain research skills in the domains of zoology, environmental science, and conservation. 

As a King Scholar, you’ll learn about different topics through Foundation Courses, such as Diversity Awareness and Introduction to Conservation, all while networking with others and preparing for college and an eventual career in a related field. After one year of participation, you’ll be invited to apply for scholarships and paid positions at the zoo. 

17. The Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) at the American Museum of Natural History  

Application Deadline: March 8

Duration: One year (August to June) 

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the most iconic and fascinating places in New York City. Its Science Research Mentoring Program is an amazing opportunity for NYC high school students to conduct a yearlong research project with Museum scientists. 

Students in SRMP get paid to learn how scientific research is conducted. Depending on their topic of study, students can learn a variety of different research skills, like working with DNA in the lab, analyzing data from space-based telescopes, reading scientific articles, and learning to code and analyze data in Python, R, and other programming languages. 

18. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

Application Deadline:   February 15

Location: Lubbock, TX

Duration: Seven weeks (June 16 – August 1) 

Through the Anson L. Clark Scholar Program, an intensive seven-week summer research program for twelve highly qualified high school juniors and seniors, students will gain hands-on experience with practical research alongside experienced and knowledgeable faculty at Texas Tech University .

Students can choose to participate in research in one field from a broad variety of options, including cell and molecular biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, engineering, history, and more! 

To apply, students must complete an online application that includes short essays, high school transcripts, test scores (at least a PSAT if no others are available), three recommendations (at least two from teachers), and a list of the student’s top five activities.

19. UChicago Data Science Institute Summer Lab Program  

Application Deadline: January 16 

Duration: Eight weeks (June 10 – August 2)

The Data Science Institute Summer Lab Program is an immersive eight-week paid summer research program at the University of Chicago . During the program, high school and undergraduate students are paired with a data science mentor, whose expertise could be in computer science, data science, social science, climate and energy policy, public policy, materials science, biomedical research, or another related field.

Participants will hone their research methodology, research practice, and teamwork skills. No prior research experience is required to apply. All participants will receive access to applied data science research, which they will use to craft a research project. The project findings will be presented in a video that will be shown at an end-of-summer symposium.

20. UT Austin College of Natural Sciences High School Research Academy

Application Deadline: March 24

Location: Austin, TX

Duration: Five weeks (June 10 – July 17) 

Through UT Austin ’s HSRA, high school students participate in interdisciplinary research projects being conducted by active College of Natural Sciences laboratories in fields such as biochemistry, biology, environmental science, genetics, neuroscience, genome engineering, data analytics, ecology, and more. 

There is a scholarship fund for underserved groups, so some stipends and free tuition scholarships may be available to students with demonstrated financial need. 

21. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience – Summer Research Internship

Location: Jupiter, FL

Duration: Six weeks (June 17 – July 26) 

The MPFI Summer Research Internship offers rising juniors and seniors an immersive laboratory experience where they can learn from seasoned researchers. The program is designed specifically for students with an interest in brain structure, function and development, and the advanced imaging techniques and technologies used in neuroscience. 

Program participants will participate in research projects alongside MPFI scientists, prepare a written scientific abstract based on their research project, and deliver a short presentation at the end of the summer. Research tracks include neuroscience, scientific computer programming, and mechanical engineering as it relates to neuroscience.

Applicants must be entering their junior or senior years in a Palm Beach or Martin County high school, be residents of one of those two counties, and be at least 16 by the beginning of the internship. Interns will be paid at a rate of $12.50 per hour.

22. Lincoln Park Zoo Malott Family Zoo Intern Program

Application Deadline: March 11 

Duration: Seven weeks (June 24 – August 9) 

During this paid seven-week program, high school students learn how to educate others about animal and conservation sciences while crafting digital messages to engage audiences. The program culminates in a final project. Throughout the internship, students meet with researchers and the Animal Care staff to explore careers in the animal science and conservation fields. 

Applicants must be Chicago residents between the ages of 15-18, and must be entering grades 10-12 or their freshman year of college by the start of the internship.

23. The Scripps Research High School Internship Program  

Application Deadline: April 19

Location: La Jolla, CA

Duration: Seven weeks  

The Scripps Research Institute’s La Jolla, California headquarters is proud to offer a seven-week hands-on research experience for San Diego County high schoolers. The program is specially designed to expose students to careers in the biological and chemical sciences, to provide hands-on laboratory experience, and to motivate and prepare students for continuing education in STEM. 

Because Scripps is committed to increasing the number of students from underrepresented communities in STEM college programs, a special emphasis is placed on identifying and recruiting students who are from groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences. All students will receive a $4,760 stipend.

24. QuarkNet Summer Research Program  

Application Deadline: January 31

Location: DuPage County, IL

Duration: Seven weeks (June 17 – August 2) 

High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a strong interest in STEM have a unique opportunity to work with scientists on research projects during this paid seven-week program at the prestigious Fermilab, located just outside of Chicago near Batavia, IL.

Interns are encouraged to indicate areas in which they have a particular interest, although research projects vary yearly based on the work ongoing at the lab. Broadly speaking, Fermilab’s focus is on particle physics.

Required application materials include a questionnaire, a letter of recommendation, and an essay. To apply, students must have U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status and must provide evidence of identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Participants will be paid at a rate of $17.20 per hour.

25. RISE Environmentor Internship

Location: Far Rockaway, NY

Duration: Six weeks (July 1 – August 15)

The Environmentor Internship offers a great opportunity for 9th through 11th graders who live or attend school near the Rockaway Peninsula to gain firsthand research experience. Participants are mentored by scientists from local universities and research institutions as they work on projects focused on the Rockaway shoreline. Past research topics have included sea turtle strandings, octopus behavior, mussel denitrification, and dolphin fin morphology.

Students will also take part in water safety courses, receive CPR training, and explore on-water activities like kayaking and surfing. Students receive up to a $1,200 stipend, as well as community service hours for their participation in the program.

26. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Application Deadline: February 24

Location: Stanford, CA

Duration: Eight weeks (June 10 – August 1)

Students in this summer program are given the chance to perform research on a medically oriented project and work side by side with Stanford University students, researchers, and faculty. Students can choose from eight areas of research, including topics like immunology, cancer biology, and bioinformatics, which are all designed to increase their interest in the biological sciences and provide a deeper understanding of how scientific research is conducted.

The program is open to current high school juniors and seniors. Students will receive a minimum $500 stipend for their participation in the program.

27. Secondary Student Training Program

Application Deadline: February 16

Location: Iowa City, IA

Duration: June 19 – July 26

High schoolers in grades 10 and 11 can take part in an immersive research experience, which will allow them to explore their interests, enhance their academic skills, and build relationships with their peers during this research-focused summer program.

Participants can choose from a multitude of research areas, ranging from biology to industrial and systems engineering to religious studies. The program culminates with students creating and presenting a poster of their findings. All participants will live on the University of Iowa ‘s campus for the duration of the program, and have access to all of the university’s libraries, study areas, and computer facilities.

Although this program is quite expensive, with a fee of $7,500, financial aid is available to cover up to 95% of the cost.

28. Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program

Location: Urbana, IL

Duration: Six weeks (June 20 – August 2)

This program, offered by the prestigious Grainger College of Engineering at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) , allows students to gain hands-on research experience in fields such as cancer immunology, AI, physics, quantum mechanics, and electrical engineering. They will also build valuable general life skills by participating in seminars on topics ranging from the college admission process to how to communicate scientifically.

The program is open to rising 10th through 12th graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

29. Summer Science Program (SSP)

Duration: Varies depending on location and field of focus

Students in the SSP get the chance to work in small teams on a real research project and gain firsthand experience taking and analyzing data. Research opportunities are offered in three fields—astrophysics, biochemistry, and genomics—and are held at a variety of institutions, including University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Georgetown University , Purdue University , and New Mexico State University .

The program is open to high school juniors, although a small number of exceptional sophomores have attended the program. You must be between 15-19 to participate, and have completed prerequisite coursework, which varies by field. Financial aid is available for this program.

30. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program

Application Deadline: January 29

Location: Bar Harbor, ME, and Farmington, CT

Duration: 10 weeks (June 1 – August 10)

Students immerse themselves in genetics and genomics research while learning about laboratory discovery and scientific communication, as well as building professional skills. Over the course of the 10-week program, students work with a mentor to develop a research project, implement their plan, analyze their data, and report their results.

This prestigious program is competitive. Just 40 students are selected to participate annually. Participants receive a $6,500 stipend and have their room, board, and travel expenses covered.

31. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program

Application Deadline: March 31

Location: Seattle, WA

Duration: Eight weeks (June 24 – August 16) 

This full-time, paid internship opportunity offers students a chance to immerse themselves in activities at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, one of the top cancer research centers in the world. The program begins with two weeks of laboratory training and is followed by six weeks of mentored activities, research seminars, workshops focused on college and careers, and social activities.

The program is open to high schoolers entering their senior year with a strong interest in science and high academic achievement, and is specifically aimed at students from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical science. Interns receive a stipend upon successful completion of the program.

How to Find Research Opportunities in High School 

Define your area of interest .

Before you start looking for opportunities, narrow your area of interest a bit, whether it’s cancer, engineering, computer science, neuroscience, or something else entirely. Also bear in mind that while there may be more STEM opportunities available for high school students, research isn’t limited to these fields—research is also a key component of the social sciences, humanities, and other non-STEM fields. 

While you should be somewhat specific about what you’re hoping to research, don’t narrow your scope so much that it’s impossible to find a valuable opportunity, especially since opportunities for high schoolers in general are more limited than they are for students who have completed at least some college.

Talk to People in Your Immediate Circle 

Teachers, neighbors, your family, parents of friends, friends of your parents—any of these people could know about a research opportunity for you, or at least know someone else who does. Throughout your life, you will find that networking is often the key to finding career opportunities. 

Leveraging your network can help you uncover unique opportunities crowdsourced by the people who know you best—the best opportunities aren’t always hosted by large universities or programs. 

Reach Out to Local Institutions and Laboratories 

In addition to networking with your immediate circle, reach out to local facilities, such as labs, hospitals, clinics, and universities that conduct research. Even if opportunities aren’t publicized, these institutions and laboratories may be willing to make room for you. Remember: when pitching your idea, don’t make it too niche—this will make it more difficult to find a fit and market your skills to labs. 

Cast a Wide Net 

Research opportunities are hard to secure, especially when you’re a young student, so you need to be persistent. You may need to write a hundred emails, but if you put in the effort and cast a wide net, you’ll vastly improve your chances of landing a great opportunity. 

Try not to be too picky, either. Of course, you shouldn’t just accept any offer , especially if it doesn’t appeal to you. But even if the opportunity doesn’t align perfectly with your skills and interests, it can still be a great chance to gain experience and make you a better candidate for future experiences.

How Will Doing Research Impact Your College Chances? 

How much participating in research enhances your college admissions profile depends on many factors, including the scope of the project, the prestige of the program or institution, your individual role and performance, the institution’s connections to or sponsorships by certain colleges, and even how much weight a college places on extracurricular activities in general. 

Generally speaking, there are four tiers of extracurricular activities that colleges think about when reviewing applicants’ activities. Selective, competitive, and prestigious activities are often found in the top tiers, Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 includes things such as being a highly recruited basketball player or an award-winning national science fair competitor. 

Tier 2 is similar, but is usually reserved for activities that are less exceptional than those in Tier 1. Tiers 3 and 4 are reserved for more common extracurricular achievements, such as holding school leadership positions or being a member of a debate team.

Research usually falls into Tier 2, and some particularly prestigious opportunities could even be Tier 1. That’s because it’s somewhat unusual for high school students to conduct research in professional and collegiate settings, so it’s more likely to impress colleges than other kinds of extracurricular activities.

Do you want to find out the impact research and other extracurricular activities might have on your chances of admission to top colleges and universities? Try using CollegeVine’s free chancing calculator ! 

Our tool evaluates your admissions profile, by accounting for factors like your grades,standardized test scores, and extracurriculars (including research!) to show you how you stack up against other applicants and how likely you are to get into hundreds of different colleges and universities. You’ll also receive tips on how to improve your profile and your odds—all for free.

Disclaimer: This post includes content sponsored by Lumiere Education.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

How to Find Research Opportunities in High School

In a world obsessed with innovation, research has become one of the most popular ways to drive change in fields ranging from chemistry to women’s studies. Understandably, many want to get involved in this constantly developing field, hoping to inspire change or create a new understanding by pursuing their curiosity. But finding and obtaining research opportunities isn’t simple, especially as a high schooler. Luckily, this article is here to help! As someone who has had multiple research opportunities ranging from application-based programs to internships, I will describe how to find and secure them in this article.

Reasons Not To Do Research ⛔

Before we begin, it’s important to address a concerning trend among college applicants: completing research as an application boost. As the college admissions process has become increasingly competitive, more significant numbers of students desiring spots at the nation’s top universities have begun researching to appear more enticing to admissions officers. If you plan to complete research for the sole purpose of college admissions, you should NOT do research. Colleges desire students who are passionate about the activities they are involved in, so it will be evident in your application if you are not interested in your research. While research intrigued me, it doesn’t work for everyone. Always involve yourself in extracurriculars that you genuinely enjoy.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way let’s get back to our regularly scheduled programming! 🎙️

Types of Research Opportunities for High Schoolers

Type 1: formal research 👔.

There are two types of research opportunities for students: formal and informal research. Formal research refers to any official program where a hopeful participant has to apply for a spot and is later notified of a decision (usually acceptance, waitlist, or rejection). Typically, formal research programs are selective because many students apply to them, but they can be incredibly rewarding. Students in formal research programs work either individually or in a group to conduct an original research project and receive guidance from a superior like a professor, researcher, undergraduate student, or postdoctoral fellow. Each program may also come with unique perks, like having the opportunity to network with STEM professionals, attend tours, and present your final research project to a panel of judges.

Not all formal research opportunities are created equally, however. Some are entirely free to attend, while some require you to pay to participate in the program and cover any transportation you may need to get there. Some programs also have restrictions on who can apply (based on age, grade, location, school attended, etc.), but many have relatively lax requirements. Luckily, many paid programs like the Summer Science Program offer generous financial aid for those exhibiting need. Below is a list of some well-known research programs you may want to consider applying to.

Where to apply for formal research opportunities for high school students:

• Governor’s STEM Scholars (for New Jersey students only)
• Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program
• Research Science Institute
• Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (for New York City students only)
• Simons Summer Research Program
• American Chemical Society Project SEED Program (for low-income students only)
• Research in Science & Engineering Internship
• Coriell Summer Experience for Students
• The Wistar Institute High School Program in Biomedical Research
• California Academy of Science Careers in Science Intern Program (for San Francisco Unified School District students only)
• The Summer Science Program
• QuarkNet Summer Research Program
• Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab ASPIRE High School Mentoring Program
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Summer Internship Program

Type 2: Informal Research 🤝

For those who think that a formal research program may not be the best fit for them, informal research is also a fantastic opportunity. Informal research refers to any research a student completes outside of a traditional program or obtains in an untraditional way, such as an internship acquired through cold emailing, shadowing, or independent research. While informal research can be conducted in any subject, it may be especially beneficial for those who want to conduct research in the humanities since many research programs are made specifically for STEM. I found informal research rewarding because it allowed me to choose a university mentor who valued a specific topic that I found interesting.

Finding informal research opportunities can be less straightforward than formal research because you have to actively go out and look for them, but the process doesn’t need to be difficult. Consider following the steps below if you’re seeking to conduct informal research.

Step 1: In-Person or Online Research Opportunity? 🙋 💻

First, you need to decide whether you want an in-person or virtual opportunity. There are pros and cons to both of these options, which will be discussed below.

Pros & Cons to In-Person Research 🙋

• ✅ You will get direct experience with an actual working environment, including laboratories and other facilities. For those who want to conduct research in STEM, you may benefit from access to colleges’ wet and dry labs and the wide variety of projects conducted in person. If you are interested in humanities research, in-person research may allow you to access original documents and manuscripts, but you will have fewer advantages than STEM researchers.
• ✅ You may have an easier time networking in person since face-to-face communication is more effective than doing so online. Also, you may have the opportunity to meet other professors, researchers, undergraduate students, and more who can provide insight as you begin college and enter your career.
• ❌ You may have restraints as to where you can conduct your in-person research since you’ll need to commute to your mentor’s college or university regularly. It can be especially limiting if you live far from a large city.

Pros & Cons to Virtual Research 💻

• ✅ You will get to select specific mentors whose research aligns with your interests.
• ✅ With virtual research, you’ll have the opportunity to choose a mentor from a college of your choice. Ideally, you should choose someone from a college you’re interested in applying to so you can learn more about their program in the subject you are conducting research in and show demonstrated interest.
• ❌ It may be more difficult to communicate online than in person.
• ❌ There may be some restraints as to what type of research you can conduct in a virtual environment. For example, specific wet labs for research in either biology or chemistry may be out of the picture if they require potentially unsafe chemicals or procedures. Humanities research may have fewer restrictions.

Step 2: Compile a List of Possible Mentors ✔️

Once you decide whether in-person or virtual research is the best option for you, it’s time to begin constructing a list of possible mentors. While this step can be difficult, it’s the most fun since you’ll have so much freedom as to which mentors you select.

If you plan on conducting in-person research, you are restricted to contacting professors from universities in your area since you will need to commute there regularly. For those choosing to go the virtual route, you have much more freedom than what professors you can contact. Be sure to include a wide range of professors on your list, including, but not limited to:

• Professors met from networking
• Professors from universities close to and near your home
• Professors who work at selective and less selective universities
• Professors affiliated with colleges you’re interested in applying to
• Citizen science projects

You can easily find professors’ contact information using some Google wizardry. The process varies by school, but typically, you can search the name of the department in which you’re interested in interning and the school (ex. “Harvard Department of History of Art and Architecture,” “UC Berkeley Physics Department”), and then select the homepage. From there, you can usually find a research and faculty section, which stores their emails and/or links to each of the faculties’ personal websites. After completing this process, you can also search their names to find other important information/resources like a Linkedin page.

Step 3: Draft an Email ✉️

Now that you’ve created a list of potential mentors, it’s time to begin contacting them. Send your potential mentors an email that is length-appropriate and gets quickly to the point for the best response chance. Remember that college professors are busy people! Even then, most professors likely will not answer your email but don’t take that to heart; most of the time, they choose not to respond because they don’t have the time to mentor a research assistant or intern over the summer. Because of this, I would recommend contacting five or six mentors at a time and then contact another group of 5-6 if you don’t receive any responses.

Feel free to use this template below to contact mentors or use it as inspiration to create your own:

Dear (name with appropriate title) ,

Good morning/afternoon; I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to you because (reason why you chose this mentor) and found (what did you notice about them?) . As for some background, I am (grade) at (school) and intend to major in (subject) . I have explored (subject) through my involvement in (specific AP classes, extracurriculars, awards, etc.) . I am hoping to continue on with my studies with aims to (long-term goals) . Hence, your work on (description of their previous research) aligns with my future career goals.

I would love to arrange a call with you to discuss your research in detail. I would also be interested in knowing if you have any available (virtual or in-person) positions as a (research intern or research assistant) for (time period) . Of course, given current circumstances, I completely understand if that is not possible. However, if so, I would be extremely (adjective) in getting a view of what your work entails daily.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.

For more cold emailing tips, check out this Fiveable guide !

Step 4: Schedule a Meeting 🗓️

If you make it to this step, congratulations; you got a response from a mentor who wants to meet with you! Remember to stay true to yourself; talk about your passions rather than completely conforming to the interests of your mentor. Also, be sure to ask your mentor about anything on your mind, including clarifications of content they discussed, questions about their research, and inquiries about their educational background (you’ll be going to college soon, too!).

Here are some interview tips to help you prepare for the meeting!

While the process of applying for and obtaining research opportunities is long, it shows passion and commitment. Best of luck as you explore those passions further!

🚨 Note to Minors: Please make sure that your parent/guardian is copied on all communication with potential mentors and that you have parent/guardian permission before contacting anyone. 🚨

Guide Outline

Related content, how to get internships in high school, how to use cold emails to get internships, how to become a firefighter, how to become a teacher, are unpaid internships worth it.

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10 Research Opportunities for High School Students

Indigo Research Team

Engaging in any type of academic research in high school (scientific, anthropological, political, or humanities-driven) is an easy way to demonstrate to admissions officers that you’re intellectually curious and willing to expand your mind beyond the bounds of a traditional high school classroom. Let's take a look what are the research opportunities for high school students.

1. School Curriculum

Some high schools will offer research opportunities as part of fulfilling academic requirements for graduation. For example, the IB program requires students to produce an extended essay, an independent research piece. Cambridge International AS & A Level Global Perspectives and Research is a skills-based course where students write a research report. If you are unsure if your school offers these programs, talk to your academic advisor to discuss your options.

2. University Summer Research Programs

Many universities offer hands-on research opportunities for high school students in the form of summer research programs, where students can take part in undergraduate research. These programs cater to both science and humanities students. Some examples include: Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program , Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program , and High School Youth Researcher Summer (HYRS) Program .

See more suggestions of summer research programs for high school students that we recommend.

3. Research-based Internships

Through research-based internships, high school students can gain first-hand immersive research experience whilst working with a professional in their industry of interest. These internships aim to sharpen students’ research skills whilst providing a platform for students to discover if research is a career path that interests them. Examples of research-based internships include Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Internship , Stanford Institutes of Medicine Research Bioengineering Internship , A*STAR Research Internship Award , and Research Assistant Program (Singapore).

4. Academic-based Essay Competitions

Essay competitions ask students to write an essay based on a subject matter of their choice and typically encourage students to read and research beyond the school curriculum. Some examples include John Locke Institute Essay Competition , Robert Walker Prize for Essays in Law .

Kick off your Research Project this Summer with the IRIS Program!

Indigo Research Intensive Seasonal (IRIS) Programs is an intensive research program that is designed specifically for high school students. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside top professors from prestigious UK and US universities, who will mentor you in your chosen field. Don't miss out – the next IRIS Program begins on July 8, 2024!

5. Non-academic competitions

Non-academic competitions can also promote research but in a more applied and practical manner. For example, the Community Problem Solving Competition (CMPS) requires students to identify and address a local or national social problem. In the process, students gather data and research these problems then present them to a panel. Projects may focus on categories such as Civic and Cultural Issues, Education, Environment, Health Concerns, and Human Services.

6. Extracurricular activities/clubs

Certain student clubs such as Model United Nations, Debate, and/or Moot Parliament Programmes can also provide research opportunities in the form of weekly training events, helping students hone their persuasive and oratorical skills. For more science-inclined students, these same opportunities exist in Robotics and/or Math & Sciences Clubs.

7. Established research institutes

Aside from research programs provided by universities, there are also research programs provided by established institutions designed specifically for high school students. Students in New York for example could consider working with the NYC Science Research Mentoring Consortium , which is organized by the American Museum of Natural History and is composed of more than a dozen programs throughout the city. Another example is the Summer Science Intensive , which is organized by the US Department of Energy and the Joint BioEnergy Institute.

8. Non-formal school projects

If you decide not to embark on formal research programs, you can consider pursuing a research project via a non-formal arrangement within your school. Such an independent research project provides more flexibility as you can plan your own research topic and timeline. To undertake this kind of project, you will have to find a mentor/teacher within your school and negotiate arrangements around the fulfillment of the project. Again, try talking to your academic advisor about this option.

9. Non-formal outside-of-school projects

Alternatively, if your school is unable to provide you with the manpower and resources to embark on a non-formal school project, you can consider searching for resources outside of school. To do so, identify researchers and/or labs that can support your proposed research project and start cold emailing as many relevant people as you can. Be sure to attach a cover letter explaining the project and a resume to these emails!

10. Indigo Research Intensive Seasonal (IRIS) Programs

IRIS Program is an online group-format research program for high school students. You can choose to join courses in Genetics, Computer Science, Economics, or Psychology, collaborate with professors and researchers from Stanford, Columbia, and Cornell, and complete a publishable research paper in weeks. The next IRIS Program starts on July 8 until August 18, 2024. The registration is open now!

In conclusion, engaging in academic research in high school is an excellent way to demonstrate intellectual curiosity and stand out to admissions officers. From school curriculum and university summer programs to research-based internships and non-academic competitions, there are numerous research opportunities available for high school students to explore.

Research Opportunities for High School Students

Hands-on laboratory-based research experiences are coveted by just about every STEM-oriented teenager on the planet. Of course, this level of demand renders research apprenticeships a valuable and rare commodity for high school students. Fortunately, there are a number of reputable summer programs run by universities, government agencies, and private research laboratories that afford young scientists this highly sought after experience. Research opportunities during the actual school year are more challenging to locate as colleges are, at that time, catering to their own students, and the rigidity of the high school calendar makes participation a further challenge.

College Transitions’ list of Research Opportunities for High School Students includes a bevy of summer program choices as well as a list of internships and apprenticeships that are indeed offered during the school year. For each entry, we list the geographic location of the program, whether there is a residential component offered, the length of the program, any associated costs or—on the other end—stipends, when the application window opens and closes, and the eligibility criteria for participation. We hope that this collection of research opportunities leads to you/your teen finding the laboratory experience of their dreams.

To view additional data columns, click the + icon to the left of the program’s name

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Articles & Advice > Majors and Academics > Blog

Why and How You Can Get Into Research in High School

Conducting a research project in high school can give you a huge leg up on your college applications. Here's why it's important and how to find opportunities.

by Stephen Turban Director, Lumiere Education

Last Updated: Mar 16, 2023

Originally Posted: Mar 9, 2022

As standardized tests are becoming optional for many major colleges and universities, admission teams are looking for new ways to distinguish between strong candidates. Qualitative opportunities like research projects have grown in popularity for students applying to college. These projects showcase passion and help provide proof of depth of a student’s abilities. Many students may be interested in doing research but often face the problem of how to get started. Where do you find research opportunities in high school? What should you look for? Here’s why research experience is so important for students and college admission, plus different ways to get into it.

Why do research in high school?

Research is becoming increasingly common for high school students. It’s a great way to explore areas of interest more deeply and develop academic passions—and not just in STEM fields. As a director of the Lumiere Research Scholar Program , I’ve seen students gain a truly world-class level of knowledge in fields they’re interested in through independent research. Students have investigated the strongest machine learning algorithm to detect cell nuclei, novel ways to detect ocean health in the high seas, and comparisons of 14 th -century Japanese and 19 th -century Impressionist art. In each project, students leave with a unique, deep understanding of the area they explored.

Research experience also has benefits when students apply to colleges and universities. In a recent survey of students who did research in high school, 99% of them used their experience in some way in the application for early admission. In addition, students who had done research were 26% more likely to be accepted to an Ivy League school for Early Action or Early Decision admission than the average applicant. As researchers, we want to be careful not to draw a causal link between these two. But what is true is that students who get into top schools are more likely to do research.

Related: Easy Ways to Find Research Experience in High School

How to find research opportunities

If research is so valuable, how do you find opportunities to do it? Unlike in college, where research universities often provide opportunities for students to get involved, high schools rarely provide chances for research in the curriculum—AP Research or the IB extended essay being notable exceptions. With this in mind, there are two main ways to get research experience in high school.

Research programs

Your first option is to find a research program designed for high school students. This could range from highly competitive national programs like MIT’s Research Science Institute to programs that are only available for local populations. There’s also been an increase in online research programs that provide opportunities for students to work with researchers, like this list of 24 research programs that are available this upcoming summer that students could consider. 

Cold-emailing professors and networking

Another way to pursue research is to try contacting a college faculty member directly. This can be a great way to find a research mentor and get involved in a project. If you have any connections to faculty members through family or your school, this is probably the most effective first step. This usually means there will already be some level of trust between the faculty member and you as the student, making it more likely for the researcher to take you on. If you don’t have any personal connections, try cold-emailing faculty members. To do this, you need to create an example email that shows why you’re interested in working with the faculty member and what you would add to the project. Here’s an example email to a professor who has done research on open offices:

Subject: Helping your research—Rock Bridge High School junior

Hi Professor Smith,

This is Stephen—a rising junior at Rock Bridge High School. I recently read your research paper on open offices in the Harvard Business Review , was fascinated, and wanted to reach out. Would you have 15 minutes to discuss how I could help your research?  

For a bit of background, I’ve spent the past three years working on my skills in Python and data analysis. I know that your research involves a lot of quantitative work, so I wanted to see if I could help out with that—or anything else that needs some work!

Long-term, I’m hoping to become researcher like you. So, I’d love the opportunity to work with a researcher that I admire like yourself!  

Yours, Stephen

The key here is to cast a wide net—you should try reaching out to at least 25 faculty members or PhD researchers—and show the value you can add to their work. Note how in this email I talk about how I have skills with Python that I could use to help Professor Smith’s research. I also try to draw a connection between him and myself by talking about my long-term ambitions to be a researcher. The key to email is keeping it short and to the point as well as making sure to follow up. Researchers are busy people, so they might miss your first email. Don’t be afraid to send a follow-up message. They’ll appreciate the persistence that shows!

Related: How to Write a Strong Professional Email People Will Read

How to showcase research experience on college applications

So let’s say you’ve done research—now what? How do you show it to potential schools? There are numerous ways to showcase your research in your college applications , from including it on your activities list to writing about it in some of your supplemental essays. In our most recent survey of Early Decision admits, we found that students who were accepted Early Decision and Early Action were 33% more likely to ask their research advisor for a letter of recommendation. The key is to make your research one data point in a broader story about you and your interests. It should connect to what you want to study and the other activities you’ve done. For example, one student who did research with us completed a project related to astrophysics. In her essay, she wrote about working as a stocker at a local grocery store and how some of these same astrophysics concepts related to the movement of customers in the store. The key is to make the research a proof point connected to other proof points of the type of student you are.

Does research need to be published to showcase?

A question I often get is whether you need to publish your research for colleges to take notice. The short answer is no—very few college students, much less high school students, will ever get their research published. There are some selective high school research publications you could consider. If a student gets published, it does give an added level of legitimacy to their research, but it’s certainly not necessary. The key is that the research process itself is rigorous and that you’re able to write about it clearly on your applications.

Related: Unique Ways to Stand Out on Your College Applications  

Research is hard but worthwhile. If you’re excited by a subject and would like to explore it more deeply, then research could be a great opportunity for you. It won’t be easy, and some papers can take years to finish!  But if you’re interested in it, you can join the emerging number of students who are doing research in high school!

Looking for research powerhouses to add to your college search? Check out our list of Excellent Research Universities   that are members of the American Association of Universities!

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About Stephen Turban

Stephen Turban is one of the founders of Lumiere Education  and a Harvard University graduate. He founded the Lumiere Research Scholar Program as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-on-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

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How to Find Research Opportunities as High School Students

• March 4, 2022
• Career Guidance , College Admission Guidance , Parents Must Read , Under Graduate

Many students are excited by working on research. However, they find themselves stuck when it comes to getting started. Where should they go to find research opportunities? What should they be looking for? In this post, we’ll outline various ways to get into research, as well as how to use it in your college admission process.

Why do research in high school?  

Research is becoming increasingly common for high school students to take part in. As a director of the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a high school research program, I’ve seen students gain a world-class level of knowledge in the field that they are interested in.

I’ve seen students in their research projects investigate how to identify the strongest machine learning algorithm to detect cell nuclei, how to develop a novel way to detect ocean health on the high seas, or a novel comparison of 14th-century Japanese and 19th-century Impressionist art. In each project, students left with a uniquely deep understanding of the area they explored. 

When students apply to universities, this unique understanding comes in handy. In a recent poll of students who completed research in high school, 99% of those who applied for early admissions used their research in some way.

Furthermore, students who conducted research were 26% more likely than the average candidate to get accepted to an Ivy League university’s EA/ED program. As researchers, we must be cautious not to infer a causal relationship between the two. However, it is true that students who are accepted into elite schools are more likely to conduct research.

Read 25 Passion Project Ideas for High School Students to Improve College Admission Chances .

How to find research opportunities as a high school student? 

So, if research is so valuable, how do you find opportunities to do it? Unlike in college, where research universities often provide opportunities for students to get involved, high schools rarely provide research opportunities in the curriculum (AP Research or the IB extended essay being notable exceptions). With this in mind, there are two main ways to get research experience in high school.

Participate in a Research Program

The first is to take part in a research program designed for high school students. There are several options to consider, based on the kind of research you want to conduct as well as the experience you are looking to have with the program.

These could range from highly competitive national programs like Research Science Institute – a prestigious program hosted by MIT for those with an interest in STEM, to research programs based on laboratory study and hands-on experiences such as NYU’s ARISE program , a combination of lab research and college-level workshops in fields such as robotics and engineering.

If you are looking to work one on one with a research mentor , online research programs like the Lumiere Research Scholar Program can be a good fit. But if you’re looking to work with a larger research team , a program like the Simons Summer Research Program , where students can join research teams and consult faculty members, might be an option.

To help you with more options to choose from, here’s a list of 30 research programs that are available this upcoming summer that you could consider. 

Cold emailing professors/networking  

Another alternative for conducting research is to personally contact a faculty member. This can be an excellent approach to finding a research mentor and participating in a study. This is generally the most successful initial step if you have any links to faculty members through family or your school.

This usually indicates that the faculty member and the student have already established a level of trust, making it more probable for the researcher to take you on. The other option is for you to cold-email faculty members. To do this, you need to create an example email that shows why you are interested in working with the faculty member and what you would add. Here’s an example outreach email for a professor who has done research on open offices:

Cold Email Example

Subject: Helping your research – Rock Bridge High School Senior

Hi Professor Smith,

This is Stephen – a rising junior at Rock Bridge High School. I recently read your research paper on Open Offices in the Harvard Business Review, was fascinated, and wanted to reach out. Would you have 15 minutes to discuss how I could help out with your research?

For a bit of background, I’ve spent the past three years working on my skills in python and data analysis. I know that your research involves a lot of quantitative work, so I wanted to see if I could help out with that – or anything else that needs some work!

Long-term, I’m hoping to become a researcher like you. So, I’d love the opportunity to work with a researcher that I admire like yourself!

Yours, Stephen

Three quick pointers to remember when cold emailing professors: 

• Cast a wide net 

While the email above is my tested approach to having faculty members respond to outreach emails, the reality is that what matters most is the number of professors you reach out to. Many faculty members just won’t have time, so it is important to spread out who you reach out to. I recommend reaching out to at least 25 faculty members or PhD researchers to get started.

• Show the value you can add to the professor

Note how above, in example #1, I talk about how I have some skills with Python that I could use to help Professor Smith’s research. I also try to draw a connection between the researcher and myself by talking about my long-term ambitions to be a researcher!

• Be concise and follow up

The key to the email is to keep it short, easy to read, and to the point, and remember to follow up. Sometimes (AKA a lot of the time) researchers are busy, so they might miss your first email. Don’t feel awkward following up. They will appreciate the persistence that it shows.

How do I show research experience in my college application?

So, let’s say that you’ve done the research – now what? How can you show it to potential schools? There are numerous ways to use research in the application process, from showcasing it on the activities list to writing about it in some of your main or supplementary essays .

In our most recent survey of ED admits, we found that students who were accepted ED/EA were 33% more likely to ask their research advisor for a letter of recommendation .

The key is to use the research as one piece of evidence in a larger narrative about you and your passions. The research should be related to what you wish to study and what you’ve done previously.

One of the students that worked with us on research completed an astrophysics study, for example. She went on to mention in her undergraduate essay that she used to ponder about some of these same astrophysical principles while working as a stocker at a local grocery store, and how they related to the consumer movement in the shop. Making the research an evidence point connected to other proof points of the type of student you are is the key.

One other option – Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program , a selective online high school program for students founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers. The program pairs you with a full-time researcher to develop your own independent research project, in any discipline of your choice. Last year over 1500 students applied to 500 slots in the research program! You can find the application form here.

About Stephen Turban:

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere Education 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.

You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn . 

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How to do Research in High School: Everything You Need to Know

If you are passionate about a certain subject, doing research in that field is a fantastic way to explore your interests, set the building blocks for a future career, and stand out on college applications. However, for many students, the idea of conducting research seems daunting and inaccessible while in high school and the question of where to start remains a mystery. This guide’s goal is to provide a starter for any students interested in high school research.

Research experience for high school students: Why do research?

Research is a fantastic way to delve into a field of interest. Research students at Lumiere have investigated everything, from ways to detect ocean health, new machine learning algorithms, and the artists of the 19th century. Engaging in research means you can familiarize yourself with a professional environment and develop high-level research skills early on; working with experts means you might discover things you may have never dreamed of before. You are given a valuable opportunity to think ahead and ask yourself foundational questions:

“Is this what I want in a future career?”

“What do I like and dislike about this process?”

As a huge plus (and do not underestimate the value of this!), you will likely gain extremely valuable connections, mentors, and recommenders in working closely with your team.

Let’s face it, the college selection process is becoming more and more competitive each year and admission teams are always looking for new ways to distinguish strong candidates. Doing a research project shows that you are someone with passions and, more importantly, someone with a willingness to take the extra step and explore those passions. You showcase your abilities, ambition, work ethic, eagerness to learn, and professionalism, all at the same time. This will no doubt help you when the time for college applications rolls around.

How to do research in high school: finding opportunities

Now that we’ve covered the ‘why’, let’s cover the ‘how’! There are two ways you can go about this, and it’s a great idea to run these in parallel so that one can serve as a backup for the other.

1. Identify research opportunities and apply strategically: Some opportunities are recurring programs. Usually, these are advertised. These can be structured research programs or internships run by universities, non-profits or government departments.

Organization and preparation were key to my own application processes, so be sure to start thinking ahead. Note that most research programs take place in the summer and require applications that are due by January or February. Make a spreadsheet of programs you’d be interested in and take note of their application deadlines, cost, required materials, etc. Applications often have you write essays and submit recommendation letters, so you want to think about those in advance as well.

2. Cold email to find research opportunities that are not advertised: Another way to pursue research outside of the programs is to try contacting people directly and get involved in their research projects. This would mainly involve university faculty, but you might also find a mentor elsewhere; for instance, if you are interested in medical work, you could contact someone at your local hospital. If you are interested in government, you might reach out to your local representative. If you don’t have any personal connections with faculty members in your field, cold emailing them is the way to go. You’ll need to email a lot of researchers; chances are some are busy, some aren’t in need of interns, and some simply don’t check their emails. To up your chances, you should try reaching out to at least 25 people of interest.

For cold emailing, you’ll be asking for opportunities that may not be advertised. You’ll need to prepare an “email template” of sorts that you’ll be sending out to everyone. It should start with an introduction—who are you, where are you from, how do you know this person—and include a set of your skills and interests that you could bring to the table. Keep this email short, friendly and to the point. Don’t be afraid to follow-up if they don’t respond within the first two weeks! Your message might have just gotten lost in their inbox. You’ll also want to update your resumé to attach to the email be sure to include any relevant coursework, accomplishments, and experience in the field.

Types of research opportunities for high school students

1. do a structured research program in high school.

Structured research programs are excellent ways to gain experience under some top researchers and university faculty, and often include stays at actual labs or college campuses with a wide variety of peers, mentors, and faculty. Examples of some competitive research programs include Research Science Institute (RSI) hosted by MIT, the Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) offered by Carnegie Mellon, and a program hosted by the Baker Institute at Rice University for students interested in political science. For more options, here’s a list of 24 programs for this upcoming summer that we’ve compiled for you!

Another great way of deep-diving into an area of your interest and doing university-level research is through 1-1 mentorship.

Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, Lumiere offers its own structured research programs in which ambitious high school students work 1-1 with top PhDs and develop and independent research paper.

Students have had the opportunity to work on customized research projects across STEM, social sciences, AI and business. Lumiere’s growing network of mentors currently has over 700, carefully selected PhDs from top universities who are passionate about leading the next generation of researchers. The program is fully virtual! 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.

Veritas AI’s Summer Fellowship Program

Veritas AI has a range of AI programs for ambitious high school students , starting from close-group, collaborative learning to customized project pathways with 1:1 mentorship . The programs have been designed and run by Harvard graduate students & alumni.

In the AI Fellowship, you will create a novel AI project independently with the support of a mentor over 12-15 weeks. Examples of past projects can be found here .

Apply now !

2. Work with a professor in high school

Research typically asks for an advisor, professional, or mentor. So how does someone end up doing research with a researcher in high school? The very first thing you need to do is identify an area of interest. If you really enjoy biology at school, perfect. If you find history fascinating, you’ve found your topic. The important thing is that you’re truly interested in this area; any discipline is fair game!

3. Participate in competitions and fairs

There are many research competitions and fairs available for high school students to participate in. For example, the Davidson Institute offers cash scholarships for student projects in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literature, music, or philosophy. The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair is a particularly well-known competition for students who have completed independent research projects. Research fairs are a great way to motivate students in pursuing their own interests, showing initiative and drive. Winning a competition also looks great on a resumé! Check out Lumiere’s guide to research competitions here .

4. Pursue your own passion projects

A passion project can mean more than just a presentation made for competition. For example, a student I know created an app to track music trends at our school and then analyzed the data on his own—just for fun! It was a great story to include on his future internship applications. Take a look at Lumiere’s guide for passion projects here .

5. Write a research paper

Once you’ve pursued your own research project, writing a research paper is a next great step. This way, you have a writing sample you’ll be able to send to colleges as an additional supplement, or to labs and researchers for future opportunities. It’s also a fantastic exercise in writing. We know that many high school students might struggle with learning how to write a research paper on their own. This is something you might work with your high school science teacher on, or with the guidance of a Lumiere mentor.

6. Research internships

These can be standalone or part of a research program. In looking for a more structured research experience, a research internship can be particularly valuable in building strong foundations in research. There are always tons of internship opportunities available in all different fields, some as specific as medical research . If you are wondering how to get a research internship in high school, then check out our blog posts and apply!

Things to keep in mind when working with a researcher.

You’ve gotten into a research program! Now you want to do the best job possible. There are a few things to keep in mind while conducting research.

1. Maintain a professional and friendly demeanor

Chances are, there are many things you don’t know or haven’t learned about this field. The important thing is to keep an open mind and remain eager to learn. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to offer to help with anything, even if it’s not in your job description. Your mentor will appreciate your willingness to adapt, follow procedures, and engage with challenging material.

2. Keep track of what’s happening

Open up your notes app or get a small journal to remember what has happened in each step of the process. I remember the hardest part of writing my college essays was the very beginning: trying to come up with a list of memorable moments to talk about. If you’re looking to write about your research experience in your college application, you need to remember the moments where you struggled, where you learned, where you almost gave up but didn’t, where you realized something, even the moment you first stepped into the lab! If you are given feedback: write that down! If you are asked to reflect on everything you learned: write that down! This will be incredibly important for now and for later.

3. Ask questions

Not only is your mentor there as a potential future recommender, but they are also there to help you learn as much as possible. Absorb as much as you can from them! Ask as many questions as you can about their career, their previous research, their education, their own moments of realization, etc. This will help you discover what this career really entails and what you might look for in navigating your own future career.

Making the most out of your research: How to publish a research paper in high school

A question we often get is whether or not you need to publish your research for you to mention it in your college application. While the answer is no, the experience is a great one to have and definitely allows your work to stand out amongst your peers. Lumiere has published a complete guide to publishing research in high school here . What’s important to keep in mind is that there are various journals that specifically accept high school research reports and papers, such as the Concord Review or the Journal of Emerging Investigators. In our articles below, we go through a detailed guide of what these journals are and how a student might best approach the submission process.

Useful guides for publishing a research paper in high school

The Concord Review: The Complete Guide To Getting In (lumiere-education.com)

The John Locke Essay Competition

The Complete Guide to the Journal of Emerging Investigators (lumiere-education.com)

Research is an incredibly rewarding learning experience for everyone. While high school may seem early, it’s always better to start sooner rather than later, both for your college applications and for your own personal progress. Although the process may seem daunting at first, we hope we’ve broken it down in a way that’s simple and digestible. And if you want extra support, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program is always here to help!

Amelia is a current junior at Harvard College studying art history with a minor in economics. She’s enthusiastic about music, movies, and writing, and is excited to help Lumiere’s students as much as she can!

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High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)

This program is available to:

• High School Students

An opportunity for high school students to spend a summer working in the Intramural Research Program at the NIH.

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About this program, diversity and inclusion, hs-sip cohort programs, eligibility criteria, stipend and other compensation, before you apply, how to apply, selection process.

This program is for 11th and 12th graders interested in exploring careers in research and healthcare. With the exception of the HiSTEP program , these are full-time research positions within one of the NIH Institutes and Centers (IC) in the NIH Intramural Research Program. Research groups are located on all NIH campuses, including the main campus in Bethesda, MD.

High school summer interns are selected by a central committee in each Institute/Center and placed in a research group to work under the supervision of a Principal Investigator (PI). HS-SIP applicants should not contact NIH investigators directly to explore possible positions.

We offer research opportunities in biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences with opportunities to explore basic, translational, and clinical research. Students interested in biology, engineering, epidemiology, psychology, mathematics, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, nursing, physics, computer science, bioinformatics, and other health-related fields are invited to apply. Summer interns may not work in administrative offices or outside of the NIH IRP.

All NIH summer interns have access to:

• professional development programs focused on core competencies needed for success in science careers
• educational and career advising
• a comprehensive well-being and resilience program

We also sponsor Summer Poster Day , where our interns share their research with the NIH community.

Diversity strengthens our community. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and strongly encourage applications from:

• people from racial and ethnic groups that have been underrepresented in biomedical research and healthcare fields
• people with disabilities
• people who identify as LGBTQ+
• people disadvantaged by life circumstances that have negatively impacted their educational opportunities.

Our goal is to support diverse students to enter careers in research and healthcare. To help us achieve this, we sponsor two cohort programs for high school students. Interns in these cohort programs have access to all resources of the broader HS-SIP program and also participate in orientation, leadership, professional development, and well-being programs as part of a learning community. The curriculum of each cohort program is tailored to the educational needs of the groups and includes a focus on science, professional, and personal skill development. The OITE sponsors two HS-SIP cohort experiences:

• HiSTEP for current high school juniors who will be rising 12th graders in the summer; this is a part-time program and interns do not work in NIH research groups.
• HiSTEP 2.0 for current high school seniors; this is a full-time program and interns are placed in an NIH research group.

To apply for the NIH HS-SIP, and HS-SIP cohort programs, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. In addition, you must:

• Be 17 years of age or older on June 15, 2024.
• Be enrolled in high school as a junior or senior when you submit your application. U.S. citizens may apply if they are enrolled at least half-time in high school. U.S. permanent residents must be enrolled in a high school in the U.S. to be eligible.
• If you are under 18 years old by June 15, live within 40 miles of the NIH campus on which you will intern when you submit your application.

Applicants with a family member working at NIH should be aware of the strict nepotism policy , which may limit your ability to work in certain NIH institutes, centers, or research groups.

Stipends for summer interns are adjusted annually and are based on educational level. There is free parking on each NIH campus; summer interns on some campuses may be eligible to participate in the Transhare program .

All summer interns must present proof of health insurance to participate in the program.

The decision to come to the NIH as a summer intern is an important one.  In most cases these are full-time research positions, and it is not possible to take summer classes or tend to other responsibilities during work hours.

Research groups are located on several different NIH campuses, including the main campus in Bethesda, MD. Before you begin your application, we encourage you to learn more about:

• the NIH IRP and the mission of each Institute and Centers
• the various NIH campuses and the specific focus of the work performed there

Watch this important video before applying. It talks about the program and provides a framework for deciding if the program is right for you. It also discusses the application process and provides information on finding appropriate research groups.

Opening and closing dates

The HS-SIP application is currently closed.

The HS-SIP application closed on Friday, February 16, 2024 at noon ET. Reference letters are due before Friday, February 23, 2024 at noon ET.

Complete your application

You must use the NIH Application Center to apply for this program:

• After you complete the required sections of your profile, you will be asked to select a preferred program. Choose 'Summer internships for high school students'.
• You must select 'Apply' next to ‘High School Summer Internship Program’ for your application to be considered for this program.
• Ensure that you are eligible for this program before clicking 'Start Application.'
• To complete your application, import any relevant information from your profile. You must also submit:
• Coursework & Exams - a list of coursework and grades
• CV/Resume - a list of your education, experience, and other relevant history ( see an example resume )
• References - the names and contact information of two references
• Letter/Statement - a cover letter broadly describing your prior research experiences, your current interests and career goals.

5. Review all of your materials carefully before you submit your application

HS-SIP applicants should not reach out directly to NIH Principal Investigators since HS-SIP selections are made centrally by the HS-SIP summer coordinator in each Institute/Center (IC). Reach out to the HS-SIP coordinator in the NIH IC you want to work. Follow the guidance they provide, as the application process differs in each IC.

Applications are reviewed by the NIH Institute/Center (IC) who select their own summer interns and provide the funding to support them. Successful candidates will be informed by the hiring IC. Many NIH research groups are unable to accommodate high school students due to safety concerns, and the acceptance rate of HS-SIP is ~7%. Therefore, we strongly encourage applicants to seek other internship and employment opportunities.

Have questions?

Check out our extensive frequently asked questions list to support you in the application process.

Reach out to us with questions at [email protected] .

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A “good life” after high school: How schools can help students prepare

• Current Research , Innovation and the Future of Learning

Today’s students are struggling after they leave the K-12 system : fewer students are enrolling in college, and more of those who enroll are floundering and at risk of dropping out . Meanwhile, many who seek to enter the workforce must discover and select a career pathway on their own if their school focuses mostly on college preparation programs.  Students preparing to graduate need greater support from their high schools to successfully transition to postsecondary life—and students have ideas on how their schools can do just that.

With support from the Boston-based  Barr Foundation , we recently concluded a two-year project focused in part on listening to and learninag from high school students across New England. In addition to interviewing caregivers, educators, and administrators, we followed 32 students over 20 months beginning in Spring 2022. Most of the students interviewed were juniors at the onset of our research, which would see them through their senior year of high school and into their early adult lives. Students now find themselves in various life situations: two-year and four-year colleges, vocational training, the military, or the workforce. 

Throughout the study, we highlighted pandemic-era changes students want to keep and those they want to leave behind, as well as how students conceive their unique visions of success . The study culminated in a final report highlighting how six New England high schools embrace multiple pathways to success to help every student achieve a “good life.” 

Based on our conversations, students want their high schools to better prepare them for the expectations of college and the workforce. While many students in our study enjoyed their high school experiences, several said their classes and counseling didn’t adequately prepare them for postsecondary life.  

Better college advising and academic preparation

Students who went on to two-year and four-year colleges wished they had received targeted, in-depth advice from their counselors to make the college-going process easier. Some students felt their guidance counselors gave only surface-level information, covering topics they were already familiar with. One college student who chose her major before the end of high school wished her counselor had helped her plan her senior year schedule “so that I could have taken the right classes in high school that would’ve prepared me better [for college].” Another student wished her counselors went beyond giving general information about college—she would have appreciated proactively shared instructions on applying for financial aid and completing college applications.

Students who enrolled in college also wished their high school classes had higher academic expectations to help them prepare for the rigorous expectations of college. Some students reported struggling to adapt to the different teaching styles, weighted grading, and strict deadlines in college–even if they were high academic achievers in high school. One student said that while their school told students that college would be more difficult, it didn’t adequately prepare them academically: “I remember taking AP classes, and they weren’t as hard, but classes are supposed to be on the same level as college-level courses, so [college] was very different and rigorous. I feel like it should match.” Another student expressed that she struggled with only having one chance to pass exams or turn in assignments in college, as she had several make-up opportunities in high school. “It’s still an adjustment,” she reflected. “It puts more pressure on me…I’m not used to having just one chance.” 

A broader range of postsecondary pathways and back-up options

Some students felt their schools focused too much on one postsecondary pathway, such as college, rather than all available pathways. One student wished her school focused less on college preparation and more on helping students understand all available options. She expressed a desire for her school to “give kids broader exposure [to] what’s out there and what they can do to achieve that.” Another student felt that his school did not fully help him understand different requirements for different career paths, which led him to abandon his plans of becoming a lawyer after he realized how much additional testing and years of school he would need to complete.

Similarly, some students felt their schools focused on helping them develop a plan for a single postsecondary pathway rather than multiple options. As a result, students struggled to shift gears when their initial plans didn’t work out. One student served in the military but was medically discharged shortly after enlisting. He said his high school “did not prepare me for the [military] not working out…They really direct you toward one path.” Another student, who initially planned to attend a four-year college out-of-state, switched to a two-year college in-state due to issues with his paperwork. He wished his high school helped him create a “plan B” and advised current high school students to “have a backup plan” to avoid the hassle of rerouting plans.

Regardless of students’ postsecondary choices, several wished they had a class in high school that taught them what to expect in adulthood, with content ranging from how to excel at the beginning of college to how to file taxes. One student said,  “A lot of kids don’t have the parental figure to tell them how to make the right decisions they need to make just to move forward in life.”

Looking forward

Whether students pursue further education through college, a trade school, the military, or the workforce, they want more support from the adults in their high schools. Educators and school leaders can help students envision many possible pathways to a “good life” by exposing them to a far more diverse range of education, training, work, and mentorship opportunities, and by expanding college advising infrastructure to focus on both career-connected learning and college preparation. Leaders can also help students prepare for the rigors of college and the workforce by reviewing existing curricular materials for rigor and aligning on a shared definition of “good” instruction for all classes, including career exploration courses.

Beyond postsecondary planning and support, we heard students share a range of desires for their high school experiences, such as having more space to explore their identities, seeing their backgrounds reflected in a culturally responsive curriculum, and connecting what they’re learning to the real world. In addition to building relationships with the adolescents in their schools, high school leaders can tap into their students’ perspectives through school improvement surveys like YouthTruth or by creating formal structures to build student voice and agency schoolwide. 

Research Analyst

Heather Casimere

Research assistant, related publications, a “good life” for every student: high schools embrace many pathways to success, chelsea waite, innovation spotlights: case studies in high school redesign, cara pangelinan, naureen madhani, julia skwarczynski, joanna pisacone.

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IU Northwest students shine at internationally recognized research conference

Biology professor Ming Gao, 5 students visited Washington, D.C. for The Allied Genetics Conference

Among thousands of professors from top universities and internationally recognized scientists, the students received the same reaction many of Gao’s current and former students have.

“One of the presenters was walking around and she came up and asked, ‘What year of graduate school are you in?’” Nammari said. “We said, ‘Oh we’re actually undergraduate students.’ And she was shocked.”

These moments aren’t why Gao exposes his students to research early in their collegiate careers, but it doesn’t hurt to remind them how impressive their research is.

A recent trip to our nation’s capital provided more than just an ego boost for Gao and his students. It allowed them to learn groundbreaking research, see where some of the biggest decisions in the country are made and even talk to some of those making them.

Remarkable research meets exceptional opportunities

Gao holds his students to a high standard, but not as high as the standard they hold for themselves.

Research isn’t required for undergraduates at IU Northwest, but the opportunity for research sets it apart from its peer institutions.

“Most of the motivation comes from the students themselves,” Gao said. “I give the credit to them. I push a little bit, I guide, I mentor … but I’m lucky to have such self-driven students.”

At IU Northwest, the biology and chemistry research labs are almost entirely run by undergraduates. While Gao identifies students and invites those whose academic prowess and future goals would benefit from research, the students come in before work, after work and even on the weekends, such as Nammari, a senior biology major with minors in chemistry and psychology.

Gao’s research, which he began about 10 years ago, focuses on fertility. His lab studies the Drosophila — the common fruit fly — whose genes share striking similarities to humans. Through their research, the hope is to understand the genes and how they affect germline development.

“What we tried to figure out was how does this work and why is it so important in female reproducibility?” said Mansoor, a sophomore biology major with a minor in chemistry. “… We think that if we can figure out why this is so important in the fly, we can also figure out why it’s important to human beings in the future.”

In addition to absorbing so much information and presenting, the students, thanks to Indiana University’s Government Relations Office in Washington, D.C., toured the United States Capitol, met with U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan and visited Senator Todd Young’s office.

“Since it was my first time going, seeing all the stuff I’ve seen in movies in real life was eye-opening, it was an amazing experience,” Mansoor said. “Speaking with (Mrvan) was also a highlight of the trip. It was cool seeing the person you elected and being able to speak with them.”

Preparing our future doctors for success

Most of the students in Gao’s research lab are in a pre-professional program at IU Northwest.

“It’s essential for them to get access to medical-related research as undergraduates,” Gao said. “It plays a huge part in their application to graduate and professional schools. … This is something I think they should brag about in their undergraduate career, which will contribute to their research strength, to their academic abilities and their future careers.”

Learn more about IU Northwest’s pre-professional programs

Gao’s students will go on to graduate school, medical school and become future doctors, dentists and more. He often tells them, “Hey, don’t forget to send me that VIP card when you open a clinic near my house!”

“The most important part of research is being able to tell everyone what your findings are,” Mansoor said. “We were able to lean into that heavily in our presentation where we were telling everyone what we did. … We also acted as listeners, absorbing any information from the keynote speakers.”

Nammari, who joined Gao’s lab in January 2023, echoed how important undergraduate research opportunities are.

“Having research on your resume will set you apart from candidates in the application process,” Nammari said. “… it’s showing that you are making the effort to get published or you are making an effort to contribute to research and find answers to questions we are asking.”

Nammari is a pre-med student who also completed the coursework for the pre-dental track and will be shadowing this summer before deciding to pursue either medical or dental school.

Whichever path he chooses, Nammari is confident the opportunities afforded to him at IU Northwest have set him up for success.

“Doing research, it puts you above and beyond the other applicants,” Nammari said. “If you do it in your undergrad, that’s a sign that you’ll be willing and able to do that in your schooling later on.”

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Best Global Universities for Engineering in Russia

These are the top universities in Russia for engineering, based on their reputation and research in the field. Read the methodology »

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Here are the best global universities for engineering in Russia

Itmo university, tomsk state university, tomsk polytechnic university, lomonosov moscow state university, novosibirsk state university, saint petersburg state university, peter the great st. petersburg polytechnic university, moscow institute of physics & technology, national research nuclear university mephi (moscow engineering physics institute).

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• # 307 in Best Universities for Engineering  (tie)
• # 696 in Best Global Universities  (tie)
• # 364 in Best Universities for Engineering  (tie)
• # 587 in Best Global Universities  (tie)
• # 396 in Best Universities for Engineering  (tie)
• # 879 in Best Global Universities  (tie)
• # 632 in Best Universities for Engineering  (tie)
• # 355 in Best Global Universities
• # 809 in Best Universities for Engineering  (tie)
• # 579 in Best Global Universities  (tie)
• # 847 in Best Universities for Engineering  (tie)
• # 652 in Best Global Universities
• # 896 in Best Universities for Engineering  (tie)
• # 679 in Best Global Universities  (tie)
• # 902 in Best Universities for Engineering  (tie)
• # 475 in Best Global Universities  (tie)
• # 915 in Best Universities for Engineering  (tie)
• # 483 in Best Global Universities  (tie)