10 Research Programs for High School Students
10 Research Programs for High School Students
Written by
Written by
George Gatsios, Founder of Delta Institute
George Gatsios, Founder of Delta Institute
Created on
Created on
Mar 11, 2026
Mar 11, 2026
For high school students with a passion for discovery, research programs offer a unique opportunity to dive into authentic scientific inquiry and hands-on learning. These programs connect students with world-class faculty, research labs, and experienced mentors, allowing them to design experiments, analyze data, and present their findings in a professional setting.
Here are 10 research programs for high school students that provide mentorship, real-world research experience, and the chance to develop skills that can shape your academic and career paths.
MIT’s Research Science Institute is one of the most prestigious STEM research programs in the United States, accepting only 100 of the world’s most accomplished high school juniors. The program combines advanced theoretical coursework with fully mentored, independent research in physics, engineering, biology, chemistry, humanities, or mathematics. After 1 week of STEM classes and a 5-week internship, with much of your time spent in a lab, you’ll present your research findings and written report, which could be chosen for special commendation by a panel of academic and corporate scientists.
If you’re chosen to participate in the Research Science Institute, you’ll be in good company as alumni include Rhodes Scholars, MacArthur Fellows, leading university professors, and founders of influential tech companies.
Cost: Free
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Application Deadline: December (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school juniors globally
The Summer Science Program (SSP) is a research-focused summer experience that allows students to conduct original research in biochemistry, astrophysics, and bacterial genomics. You’ll study in universities across the United States, working as a team to complete scientific investigations, such as determining asteroid orbits or analyzing the evolution of antibiotic resistance, mirroring the structure of professional research labs. With your team, you’ll write a formal scientific paper that you will all present to the university’s faculty and your peers at the end of the 5 weeks.
Beyond providing research experience, the program can improve your social and communication skills through group activities like field trips, talent shows, and dinner experiences. Many graduates continue on to top STEM programs and return to SSP as teaching assistants or residential mentors.
Cost: Up to $11,800 (based on previous years)
Location: University campuses across the United States
Application Deadline: January to February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 15 years old during the program
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week research internship that pairs high school juniors and seniors with an experienced mentor from a leading Stanford research lab. You can choose from eight areas of research based on your interests and career aspirations: immunology, neurobiology, cancer biology, bioengineering, stem cell and regenerative medicine, cardiovascular biology, bioinformatics, or genetics and genomics.
During the program, you’ll gain hands-on experience conducting original research, develop critical lab and data analysis skills, and engage in seminars and professional development workshops led by Stanford faculty. The internship ends with a poster session, where you’ll present your research poster to your peers, mentors, and family members.
Cost: Free
Location: Stanford, California
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to July (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Delta Institute’s Deepen Mentorship is an intensive, 8-week experience for high school students who want to dive deeply into a specific academic or career field. It’s designed to build advanced skills and industry expertise, pairing you with a dedicated mentor who will provide personalized guidance throughout the program. You’ll work one-on-one with your mentor to develop a high-impact, industry-relevant project reflecting real-world challenges.
You’ll gain hands-on experience solving complex problems in your chosen field, which will require in-depth research and critical analysis. Your mentor will provide ongoing feedback as you complete your project, helping you refine your ideas and strengthen both your technical and communication skills. By the end of the experience, you’ll have completed a polished, portfolio-ready project and a strong letter of recommendation.
Cost: $6,500
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: March 29
Program Dates: Varies
Eligibility: High school students globally
The Simons Summer Research Program matches high school juniors with faculty mentors at Stony Brook University based on their research interests. Once you’re accepted and matched, you’ll join an active lab and contribute to ongoing projects while developing skills in data analysis, scientific writing, and research presentation.
In addition to your lab work, the program offers enrichment activities like weekly faculty research talks, special workshops, tours, and events. At the end of the 6-week program, you’ll present your research abstract and a poster at a symposium, where you’ll be presented with a stipend award.
Cost: Free
Location: Stony Brook, New York
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a prestigious program that offers 12 gifted students a chance to conduct hands-on, practical research under the guidance of experienced faculty members. You can choose from 8 research areas: biology/cellular and microbiology, cancer biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering: cancer bioimaging, and physics.
You spend 7 weeks immersed in your chosen field, conduct experiments, attend seminars and discussions, and participate in field trips that provide real-world context to your research. At the end of the program, you’ll submit a comprehensive research report summarizing your project, methods, and findings, and earn a $750 stipend.
Cost: Free ($25 application fee)
Location: Texas Tech University, Texas
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 21 to August 6
Eligibility: Must be 17 years of age by the program start date and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
The Summer Science Research Program by The Rockefeller University immerses students in cutting-edge biomedical laboratories for 7 weeks of intensive research. You’ll work as a team led by 3 research mentors to design experiments, analyze data, and explore real-world scientific questions within one of the world’s leading biomedical research institutions. Gain hands-on experience with advanced lab techniques, learn how to interpret experimental results, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for a career in research.
Throughout the program, you’ll also attend seminars, lab meetings, and special lectures from Rockefeller faculty, getting exposure to a wide range of biomedical disciplines. The program ends with a poster presentation of your research findings, helping you build scientific communication skills and a portfolio of meaningful work.
Cost: Free
Location: New York City, New York
Application Deadline: January (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Sciences project is a summer research experience that introduces high school students to real Earth and space science investigations. You’ll work closely with faculty, graduate students, and research scientists involved in NASA-related projects to explore topics like geophysics, planetary science, climate science, remote sensing, and seismic imaging. Through hands-on work with data analysis tools, computer modeling, and scientific instruments, you’ll contribute to research that aligns with ongoing NASA missions.
In addition to individual research, you’ll learn coding basics and take part in seminars, professional development workshops, field activities, and group discussions to enhance your understanding of STEM careers and the scientific process. You and your team will present your research at the end of the program during the Virtual SEES Science Symposium.
Cost: $2,000 with scholarships available
Location: Virtual and in Austin, Texas
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: May to July (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens in 10th or 11th grade
UC Santa Cruz’s Summer Internship Program gives high school students the chance to conduct authentic research projects in science, engineering, social sciences, art, or humanities under experienced faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students. During the first week, you’ll conduct online research before switching to 7 weeks of in-person learning, where you’ll work closely with your mentor to design experiments, collect and analyze data, and explore questions reflecting current research in your chosen field. At the end of the internship, you’ll present your research to your peers and mentors, giving you valuable experience in scientific communication
Cost: $4,250 with scholarships available
Location: Santa Cruz, California
Application Deadline: March (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 15 to August 8 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school students who are 14 to 17 years old during the program
The Scripps Research Translational Institute in San Diego hosts a summer internship that immerses students in health science and translational research. You’ll work alongside institute scientists and graduate students on projects focused on health care and biomedical innovation, gaining hands-on experience with experiments, data analysis, and research methods.
Most interns will work in a dry lab setting, focusing on data analysis, computational modeling, and interpretation of research results, but wet lab positions are available as well if you want to handle chemicals or biological samples. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research project at a Translational Institute Research Meeting and a poster symposium.
Cost: Free and funding may be provided
Location: San Diego, California
Application Deadline: March 30
Program Dates: June 1 or June 15 to August 7
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+
If you’re a high school student interested in hands-on, real-world experiences and want to find an internship, check out this list!
For high school students with a passion for discovery, research programs offer a unique opportunity to dive into authentic scientific inquiry and hands-on learning. These programs connect students with world-class faculty, research labs, and experienced mentors, allowing them to design experiments, analyze data, and present their findings in a professional setting.
Here are 10 research programs for high school students that provide mentorship, real-world research experience, and the chance to develop skills that can shape your academic and career paths.
MIT’s Research Science Institute is one of the most prestigious STEM research programs in the United States, accepting only 100 of the world’s most accomplished high school juniors. The program combines advanced theoretical coursework with fully mentored, independent research in physics, engineering, biology, chemistry, humanities, or mathematics. After 1 week of STEM classes and a 5-week internship, with much of your time spent in a lab, you’ll present your research findings and written report, which could be chosen for special commendation by a panel of academic and corporate scientists.
If you’re chosen to participate in the Research Science Institute, you’ll be in good company as alumni include Rhodes Scholars, MacArthur Fellows, leading university professors, and founders of influential tech companies.
Cost: Free
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Application Deadline: December (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school juniors globally
The Summer Science Program (SSP) is a research-focused summer experience that allows students to conduct original research in biochemistry, astrophysics, and bacterial genomics. You’ll study in universities across the United States, working as a team to complete scientific investigations, such as determining asteroid orbits or analyzing the evolution of antibiotic resistance, mirroring the structure of professional research labs. With your team, you’ll write a formal scientific paper that you will all present to the university’s faculty and your peers at the end of the 5 weeks.
Beyond providing research experience, the program can improve your social and communication skills through group activities like field trips, talent shows, and dinner experiences. Many graduates continue on to top STEM programs and return to SSP as teaching assistants or residential mentors.
Cost: Up to $11,800 (based on previous years)
Location: University campuses across the United States
Application Deadline: January to February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 15 years old during the program
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week research internship that pairs high school juniors and seniors with an experienced mentor from a leading Stanford research lab. You can choose from eight areas of research based on your interests and career aspirations: immunology, neurobiology, cancer biology, bioengineering, stem cell and regenerative medicine, cardiovascular biology, bioinformatics, or genetics and genomics.
During the program, you’ll gain hands-on experience conducting original research, develop critical lab and data analysis skills, and engage in seminars and professional development workshops led by Stanford faculty. The internship ends with a poster session, where you’ll present your research poster to your peers, mentors, and family members.
Cost: Free
Location: Stanford, California
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to July (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Delta Institute’s Deepen Mentorship is an intensive, 8-week experience for high school students who want to dive deeply into a specific academic or career field. It’s designed to build advanced skills and industry expertise, pairing you with a dedicated mentor who will provide personalized guidance throughout the program. You’ll work one-on-one with your mentor to develop a high-impact, industry-relevant project reflecting real-world challenges.
You’ll gain hands-on experience solving complex problems in your chosen field, which will require in-depth research and critical analysis. Your mentor will provide ongoing feedback as you complete your project, helping you refine your ideas and strengthen both your technical and communication skills. By the end of the experience, you’ll have completed a polished, portfolio-ready project and a strong letter of recommendation.
Cost: $6,500
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: March 29
Program Dates: Varies
Eligibility: High school students globally
The Simons Summer Research Program matches high school juniors with faculty mentors at Stony Brook University based on their research interests. Once you’re accepted and matched, you’ll join an active lab and contribute to ongoing projects while developing skills in data analysis, scientific writing, and research presentation.
In addition to your lab work, the program offers enrichment activities like weekly faculty research talks, special workshops, tours, and events. At the end of the 6-week program, you’ll present your research abstract and a poster at a symposium, where you’ll be presented with a stipend award.
Cost: Free
Location: Stony Brook, New York
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a prestigious program that offers 12 gifted students a chance to conduct hands-on, practical research under the guidance of experienced faculty members. You can choose from 8 research areas: biology/cellular and microbiology, cancer biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering: cancer bioimaging, and physics.
You spend 7 weeks immersed in your chosen field, conduct experiments, attend seminars and discussions, and participate in field trips that provide real-world context to your research. At the end of the program, you’ll submit a comprehensive research report summarizing your project, methods, and findings, and earn a $750 stipend.
Cost: Free ($25 application fee)
Location: Texas Tech University, Texas
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 21 to August 6
Eligibility: Must be 17 years of age by the program start date and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
The Summer Science Research Program by The Rockefeller University immerses students in cutting-edge biomedical laboratories for 7 weeks of intensive research. You’ll work as a team led by 3 research mentors to design experiments, analyze data, and explore real-world scientific questions within one of the world’s leading biomedical research institutions. Gain hands-on experience with advanced lab techniques, learn how to interpret experimental results, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for a career in research.
Throughout the program, you’ll also attend seminars, lab meetings, and special lectures from Rockefeller faculty, getting exposure to a wide range of biomedical disciplines. The program ends with a poster presentation of your research findings, helping you build scientific communication skills and a portfolio of meaningful work.
Cost: Free
Location: New York City, New York
Application Deadline: January (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Sciences project is a summer research experience that introduces high school students to real Earth and space science investigations. You’ll work closely with faculty, graduate students, and research scientists involved in NASA-related projects to explore topics like geophysics, planetary science, climate science, remote sensing, and seismic imaging. Through hands-on work with data analysis tools, computer modeling, and scientific instruments, you’ll contribute to research that aligns with ongoing NASA missions.
In addition to individual research, you’ll learn coding basics and take part in seminars, professional development workshops, field activities, and group discussions to enhance your understanding of STEM careers and the scientific process. You and your team will present your research at the end of the program during the Virtual SEES Science Symposium.
Cost: $2,000 with scholarships available
Location: Virtual and in Austin, Texas
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: May to July (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens in 10th or 11th grade
UC Santa Cruz’s Summer Internship Program gives high school students the chance to conduct authentic research projects in science, engineering, social sciences, art, or humanities under experienced faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students. During the first week, you’ll conduct online research before switching to 7 weeks of in-person learning, where you’ll work closely with your mentor to design experiments, collect and analyze data, and explore questions reflecting current research in your chosen field. At the end of the internship, you’ll present your research to your peers and mentors, giving you valuable experience in scientific communication
Cost: $4,250 with scholarships available
Location: Santa Cruz, California
Application Deadline: March (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 15 to August 8 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school students who are 14 to 17 years old during the program
The Scripps Research Translational Institute in San Diego hosts a summer internship that immerses students in health science and translational research. You’ll work alongside institute scientists and graduate students on projects focused on health care and biomedical innovation, gaining hands-on experience with experiments, data analysis, and research methods.
Most interns will work in a dry lab setting, focusing on data analysis, computational modeling, and interpretation of research results, but wet lab positions are available as well if you want to handle chemicals or biological samples. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research project at a Translational Institute Research Meeting and a poster symposium.
Cost: Free and funding may be provided
Location: San Diego, California
Application Deadline: March 30
Program Dates: June 1 or June 15 to August 7
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+
If you’re a high school student interested in hands-on, real-world experiences and want to find an internship, check out this list!
About the Author
George Gatsios holds a BA and MA in Economics from the University of Cambridge and is the founder of Delta Institute. He leads the organisation’s global strategy, overseeing programme design, partnerships, operations, and product innovation across education, career development, and technology. His work centers on building scalable, hands-on learning experiences that connect students with real-world industry exposure and future-ready skills. Alongside his leadership at Delta Institute, George serves as a Research Assistant in Economics at the University of Cambridge and London Business School, contributing to research at the intersection of economic theory, empirical analysis, and policy. He is an active member of the International Baccalaureate Educator Network (IBEN) and a strong advocate for lifelong learning and internationally minded education.
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