20 Research Opportunities for High School Students

Love it whenever you have lab practice scheduled? If so, you probably can’t wait to get into college and gain access to the school’s more advanced lab equipment (and mentorship, too).

There’s good news, however: you don’t have to patiently wait for enrollment to gain college-level research experience. Many universities, labs, and other organizations routinely welcome select high schoolers for summer or year-round research programs and internships.

In other words, you already have a chance to gain hands-on research experience, all under the mentorship of professionals. Below, our graduate school essay writing service experts will cover 20 of them. Stick around for tips on how to get research opportunities in high school and how to succeed at landing one, too!

20 Research Opportunities for High Schoolers in 2025

1. RockEDU Summer Science Research Program

Eligibility: Aged 16+

Location: New York, NY

Application deadline: Jan 2, 2026

Duration: 7 weeks

Why it’s great: Insightful elective courses, guest lectures, and workshops

The Rockefeller University welcomes 32 students into the SSRP every summer. Over the course of seven weeks, students and their mentors will work in four research groups. The 2026 session will run from June 22 through August 6.

2. Research Science Institute

Eligibility: Juniors only

Location: Cambridge, MA

Application deadline: Dec 10, 2025

Duration: 6 weeks

Why it’s great: Mentorship by accomplished professors and experienced researchers

This highly selective program brings together 100 STEM-minded juniors from the U.S. and abroad to the MIT campus. The first week is dedicated to intensive STEM classes, and you’ll spend the rest of the time working on individual projects.

3. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors, NYC residents only

Location: New York, NY

Application deadline: Feb 21, 2026

Duration: 10 weeks

Why it’s great: Diverse networking opportunities and social events

This free summer program will help you develop foundational research skills in STEM. You’ll be working in one of NYU’s 80+ research labs and receive a $1,000 stipend.

4. Simons Summer Research Program

Eligibility: 11th grade; aged 16+

Location: Stony Brook, NY

Application deadline: TBA

Duration: 6 weeks

Why it’s great: 15+ areas of knowledge to choose from

Stony Brook University welcomes students interested in hands-on research in science, engineering, and math. You can choose to stay on campus (you’ll have to pay for housing and dining) or commute.

5. RISE

Eligibility: Rising seniors

Location: Boston, MA

Application deadline: TBA

Duration: 6 weeks

Why it’s great: Internship and practicum tracks to choose from

Boston University offers you the opportunity to engage in research in one of 15 fields under the guidance of a mentor. The program comes with steep tuition fees ($6,185 in 2025), but limited financial aid is available.

6. Wistar’s High School Summer Program in Biomedical Research

Eligibility: Aged 16+; completed at least one science course

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Application deadline: TBA

Duration: 4 weeks

Why it’s great: Solid introduction into biomedical careers

Taking place at the Wistar Institute, this program immerses its 15 motivated participants in the ins and outs of biomedical research. You don’t need any previous research experience to apply. A $1,500 stipend is available.

7. Careers in Science (CiS)

Eligibility: Grades 9-12

Location: San Francisco, CA

Application deadline: Apr 1, 2026

Duration: 2-3 years

Why it’s great: Year-round engagement with hands-on experience in science careers

With this paid internship program, the California Academy of Sciences strives to make STEM careers more accessible to traditionally underrepresented communities. You’ll be paid above minimum wage for your participation.

8. NASA Internship Programs

Eligibility: Varies

Location: Varies

Application deadline: Feb 27, 2026 (Summer session); May 22, 2026 (Fall session)

Duration: Varies

Why it’s great: Diverse in-person/hybrid/virtual opportunities

Every year, over 2,000 students take part in NASA’s many internships and research programs. Browse its opportunities here to learn more.

9. Student Historian Internship Program

Eligibility: Entering grades 10-12; NYC metro area

Location: New York, NY

Application deadline: TBA

Duration: October-June

Why it’s great: Year-round program with a focus on history research

Ever dreamed of becoming a historian? The New York Historical Society will help you test drive this career. Participants receive a $700 stipend. The museum selects 25 interns per cohort.

10. BRAINYAC

Eligibility: Grades 10-11; NYC only; enrolled in partner programs

Location: New York, NY

Application deadline: Oct 31, 2025

Duration: TBA

Why it’s great: Access to Columbia laboratories with cutting-edge equipment

Every summer, the Zuckerman Institute’s program invites high schoolers from partner programs to participate in neuroscience-focused research. The program is organized in collaboration with Columbia University.

11. JAX Summer Student Program

Eligibility: Graduating seniors

Location: Bar Harbor, ME; Farmington, CT

Application deadline: Jan 26, 2026

Duration: 10 weeks

Why it’s great: Focus on laboratory discovery and scientific communication

Interested in genome research? The Jackson Laboratory offers an intensive 10-week program focusing on genetic testing, data visualization, and peer review. A $7,000 stipend and housing are available.

12. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program

Eligibility: Juniors and seniors aged 16+

Location: Stanford, CA

Application deadline: Feb 21, 2026

Duration: 8 weeks

Why it’s great: Networking opportunity on the Stanford campus

If medical research sparks your interest, the SIMR program will introduce you to its basics under the mentorship of Stanford researchers. Stipends are available; admissions favor Bay Area students.

13. Anson L. Clark Scholar Program

Eligibility: Students aged 17+ graduating in 2026 or 2027

Location: Lubbock, TX

Application deadline: Feb 16, 2026 

Duration: 7 weeks

Why it’s great: Open to students in both STEM and humanities

Every summer, 12 highly motivated high schoolers take part in this free program (meals, room, and board included). You can choose from eight research areas, from physics to history.

14. High School Research Program (HSRP)

Eligibility: Aged 16+

Location: Upton, NY

Application deadline: TBA

Duration: 6 weeks

Why it’s great: Opportunity to participate in transformative science and technology research

If you aspire to pursue STEM studies, the Brookhaven National Laboratory’s free commuter program is for you. The organization recommends applying if you’ve completed 11th grade.

15. High School Summer Research Experience in Cancer (SURE-CAN)

Eligibility: Enrolled in junior year, aged 15+; only Western NY residents

Location: Buffalo, NY

Application deadline: Jan 2, 2026

Duration: 6 weeks

Why it’s great: Solid introduction to the basics of cancer sciences

Roswell Park, a cancer center, welcomes students motivated to intern in ‘dry’ or ‘wet’ lab research. The SURE-CAN program is free, with limited need-based financial aid available.

16. JCVI Internship Program

Eligibility: Aged 16+

Location: La Jolla, CA; Rockville, MD

Application deadline: TBA

Duration: 10-15 weeks (varies)

Why it’s great: Opportunity to earn while doing research

Yes, it’s not just a biomedical research opportunity; it’s a paid internship that will earn you $17.50/hour. Most internship options take place in the summer, but some year-round opportunities are available.

17. Memorial Sloan Kettering Summer Student Program

Eligibility: Enrolled in junior year, aged 14+; Residing within 25 miles of the campus

Location: Manhasset, NY

Application deadline: Feb 6, 2026

Duration: 8 weeks

Why it’s great: Focus on self-directed projects

Another cancer center on our list, Memorial Sloan Kettering, organizes a biomedical and computational lab-based internship for high schoolers every summer. Participants receive a $1,200 stipend.

18. Broad Summer Scholars Program

Eligibility: Rising juniors

Location: Cambridge, MA

Application deadline: late January 2026

Duration: 6 weeks

Why it’s great: Interesting social events and ample learning opportunities

The Broad Institute’s free summer program is for high schoolers interested in science. Excitement is a must; research experience is not. A $3,600 stipend and partial travel cost reimbursement are available.

19. Next Generation STEM Internship Program (NGSI)

Eligibility: Rising juniors/seniors or recently graduated seniors aged 16+

Location: Oak Ridge, TN

Application deadline: Feb 26, 2026 (summer session)

Duration: 6 weeks

Why it’s great: Multiple opportunities for professional development

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory offers multiple paid internship sessions: you can apply for summer, fall, and spring cohorts. The laboratory itself focuses on energy and environmental research.

20. ACS Project SEED

Eligibility: Varies

Location: Varies

Application deadline: TBA

Duration: 8-10 weeks (varies)

Why it’s great: Opportunities available across the country

Every year, more than 350 students interested in chemistry get the opportunity to pursue research across 40 U.S. states and territories. Participation in the SEED program also makes you eligible for its college scholarships.

How to Find Research Opportunities in High School

If you haven’t found an opportunity that suits you on our list above, don’t give up just yet. There are many more programs out there. Here’s how to find one:

• Contact your local universities’ outreach departments and inquire about their programs
• Consider online research programs like Polygence, Lumiere Education, or Pioneer Academics (although keep in mind that they’re usually paid)
• Ask your school counselor or teacher about research opportunities in the area
• Send cold emails to professors to ask for mentorship
• Take part in local science fairs or apply for national/international competitions (e.g., Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF))
• Volunteer for citizen/open-source research projects like NASA GLOBE and Zooniverse

Ultimately, if you’re passionate about research, you can pursue your own project at the local level. Enlist the help of your classmates and teachers, follow the scientific method, and jot down your findings!

How to Land a Spot: 5 Pro Tips

Free programs at top universities are quite selective, with acceptance rates often landing below 5%. So, securing a spot might be more difficult than you think. Here’s how to improve your odds of success:

• Cast a wide net. Don’t bank on a single opportunity, especially if you apply for highly competitive programs.
• Start early. Don’t drag your feet: many summer programs close their applications in winter, and some do so in late fall.
• Showcase your interest. Carefully read the essay or personal statement prompt. Focus on demonstrating your curiosity, interest in research, and passion for the field.
• Have recommendation letters ready early. Many programs have a separate deadline for recommendation letters. Still, strive to have them ready a couple of weeks in advance.
• Make time for revising your application. Ensure you’ve followed all instructions; proofread and improve upon your essay or personal statement.

High School Research Opportunities: 4 Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Now that we’ve covered what you should do to maximize your chances, let’s break down the four mistakes you should avoid:

• Applying if you’re not eligible. Study the eligibility criteria and make sure you check off all the boxes. Don’t be tempted to apply even if you don’t check off all of them: your application won’t be considered and will be rejected anyway. Programs don’t make exceptions.
• Having a “go big or go home” mindset. Yes, it’d be cool to spend time at MIT, but local programs can be just as insightful and worthy as high-profile, prestigious ones.
• Putting off working on the application. It’s never a good idea to start filling out your application days or hours before the deadline. Have enough time to improve it.
• Falling for low-quality programs. Some programs are certificate mills that don’t actually teach you much. Make sure you’ll get real mentorship to avoid falling prey to one.

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In Closing

Still hesitating to apply for high school research opportunities? Push past that feeling of doubt. Participating in a research program or internship is the best way to get valuable hands-on experience, guidance from actual researchers, and practical research skills. Plus, it’ll look great on your college application!

Want to have more options to consider? Check out our guide to 72 internships for high school students!

Remember: your motivation and interest are what matter the most when you’re looking for research opportunities. So, don’t hesitate to take initiative and pursue your own research project locally if you don’t manage to land a spot in a dedicated program. Who knows what discoveries await you?

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