Top 30 Research Opportunities in High School

11. University of Chicago RIBS

The Research in Biological Sciences (RIBS) program at the University of Chicago is an intensive four-week summer opportunity for high school students passionate about biology. Participants receive training in molecular biology techniques, lab safety, and experimental design. Students then apply these skills to independent projects under faculty supervision. RIBS is highly hands-on, offering experience with advanced equipment rarely available in high schools. By the end of the program, students gain both technical expertise and the ability to think critically about biological research.

12. American Chemical Society Project SEED

Project SEED, run by the American Chemical Society, provides high school students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with paid summer research experiences in chemistry laboratories. Over the course of 8–10 weeks, students conduct experiments alongside professional scientists, gaining exposure to real lab environments. The program also offers scholarships for students who continue chemistry in college. Project SEED is unique in its focus on accessibility, making research experiences available to students who might not otherwise have such opportunities.

13. Clark Scholars Program (Texas Tech University)

The Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University is a highly selective seven-week summer research program open to about a dozen students worldwide each year. Participants engage in intensive research across disciplines—including STEM, humanities, and social sciences—under the mentorship of faculty members. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and provides a stipend, housing, and enrichment seminars. For its selectivity and breadth, Clark Scholars is often compared to RSI as one of the top research opportunities for high school students.

14. UCSF High School Intern Program

The UCSF High School Intern Program gives students the opportunity to work in professional biomedical research labs at the University of California, San Francisco. Interns assist with ongoing experiments, data entry, or literature review while learning about careers in medicine and science. The program is especially attractive to students interested in healthcare and life sciences. Alongside lab work, interns may attend seminars and shadow professionals, offering a comprehensive look at biomedical research environments.

15. Princeton Laboratory Learning Program

The Laboratory Learning Program at Princeton allows high school students to engage in laboratory internships with faculty across multiple disciplines. Students work under direct supervision, contributing to projects in areas such as chemistry, physics, or molecular biology. The program emphasizes mentorship and professional development, ensuring that students gain practical lab skills while also exploring academic careers. For highly motivated students, Princeton’s program provides an Ivy League research experience and exposure to world-class faculty.

16. UC Research & Innovation Programs (UCLA, UCI, UCR)

Several University of California campuses—including UCLA, UC Irvine, and UC Riverside—offer summer research and innovation programs tailored to high school students. These programs typically combine coursework with faculty-led research projects in STEM fields. Students may engage in experiments, computational modeling, or applied engineering projects. Beyond research, participants attend workshops on academic writing and presentation skills. UC programs are popular for their balance of hands-on research and structured training, as well as their accessibility to California residents.

17. Harvard Pre-College Program (Research Track)

The Harvard Pre-College Program offers high school students the chance to explore college-level coursework and research methods in a range of subjects. While not solely a research internship, its research-focused tracks guide students through developing academic questions, conducting independent projects, and presenting their findings. The program provides a taste of Harvard’s academic rigor and is particularly useful for students who want structured research exposure while also experiencing residential college life.

18. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)

YYGS is one of the most popular international pre-college programs, attracting students from over 150 countries. Its STEM and Applied Science sessions focus heavily on research-based learning. Students engage in small-group projects, workshops, and simulations that mimic academic research environments. Although YYGS is shorter than some internships (typically two weeks), it provides an unparalleled platform for global collaboration and intellectual exploration. YYGS is ideal for students who value cross-cultural exchange alongside academic challenge.

19. Summer Science Program (SSP)

The Summer Science Program (SSP) is a residential program that blends rigorous academics with hands-on research. Students work on real projects in astrophysics, biochemistry, or genomics, often analyzing data that contributes to professional research initiatives. For example, participants in astrophysics track orbits of near-Earth asteroids using telescopic data. SSP is known for its strong alumni network and its ability to simulate the pace and intensity of real scientific research.

20. Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation

Engineering Innovation is a pre-college program hosted by Johns Hopkins University that introduces students to applied engineering concepts while incorporating research projects. Students work on problem-solving challenges, design prototypes, and analyze experimental results. While not purely research-based, the program trains participants to think like engineers—emphasizing inquiry, creativity, and teamwork. It’s especially valuable for students considering engineering majors who want early exposure to project-based research.

21. Carnegie Mellon Summer Academy for Math & Science (SAMS)

The SAMS program at Carnegie Mellon provides rigorous STEM preparation with a focus on research skills. Participants take advanced coursework in math and science, then apply their learning in supervised projects. SAMS also emphasizes diversity and access, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups in STEM. Students benefit not only from research but also from workshops on college readiness, leadership, and career development, making SAMS a holistic pre-college experience.

22. Columbia Summer Immersion (Research Track)

Columbia’s Summer Immersion Program allows students to take research-focused courses taught by Columbia faculty. Students learn research methodology, design projects, and complete presentations. Areas of study include science, social sciences, and humanities, giving students a wide array of academic fields to explore. The program also provides the experience of living in New York City and being part of an Ivy League academic community.

23. Brown Pre-College Research Program

Brown University’s Pre-College Programs include research-based electives that teach students how to design, conduct, and present independent projects. Known for its open curriculum philosophy, Brown offers students significant academic freedom to pursue their interests. Participants learn not only subject-specific content but also transferable skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. Brown’s program is ideal for students seeking research exposure within a liberal arts framework.

24. Northwestern Research Track

The Northwestern University Pre-College Program includes mentored research opportunities in STEM fields. Students are paired with faculty or graduate mentors and contribute to ongoing projects. While competitive, the program provides authentic lab experience and emphasizes collaboration and communication. For students aiming at STEM careers, Northwestern offers an excellent introduction to research within a major research university setting.

25. Washington University Research Internship Program

The Research Internship Program at Washington University in St. Louis provides high school students with placements in active university labs. Interns assist with experiments, data analysis, or literature reviews under faculty supervision. The program also includes seminars on research ethics, academic writing, and college preparation. By the end of the internship, students gain both practical lab experience and a stronger understanding of academic research pathways.

26. Local University Research Partnerships

Many high school students overlook the simplest yet most valuable pathway: connecting with nearby universities. Professors often welcome motivated students to assist with ongoing projects, whether in science, engineering, or the humanities. These roles may include lab shadowing, data analysis, or even helping with archival work. While not always formalized, these partnerships give teens access to authentic academic environments. Parents and students should reach out proactively to local university departments, explain research interests, and request mentorship. These opportunities stand out because they are cost-effective and can lead to long-term relationships with faculty mentors.

27. Independent Mentorship Collaborations

Some students find research opportunities through one-on-one mentorship arrangements. This could be a professor, graduate student, or industry professional willing to guide a teen’s project. Independent mentorships often focus on specialized topics aligned with the student’s passion—such as artificial intelligence, economics, or history. While less structured than official programs, these collaborations allow maximum flexibility and customization. The key is consistency: scheduling regular check-ins, setting research goals, and producing a tangible deliverable (like a paper or presentation). For highly self-motivated students, this is a pathway to research independence.

28. Creative Research Programs (Arts + Sciences)

Not all research happens in laboratories. Programs at institutions like Emerson College or specialized arts institutes emphasize creative inquiry—combining research with storytelling, design, or performance. For example, students might analyze cultural trends, explore the intersection of art and technology, or document oral histories. Creative research programs help students develop analytical, expressive, and critical thinking skills that complement traditional STEM-focused opportunities. They are ideal for students who see research not just as discovery, but as a way to communicate new perspectives through art, writing, or media.

29. Virtual Research Platforms (e.g., Inspirit AI, Veritas AI)

With the growth of digital education, several platforms now offer structured, virtual research opportunities. Programs like Inspirit AI and Veritas AI allow students to explore artificial intelligence, machine learning, and related topics with guidance from university mentors. These programs typically involve a mix of lectures, coding labs, and independent research projects, all conducted online. Virtual platforms are accessible globally, breaking geographic barriers and allowing teens to join from anywhere. They are especially useful for students interested in emerging technologies who may not have local access to advanced labs or faculty mentors.

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30. Independent Self-Directed Research

Perhaps the most accessible path of all is self-directed research. With a curious question, determination, and guidance from teachers or online mentors, students can design and execute their own projects. Many self-directed projects evolve into entries for science fairs, Regeneron STS, or ISEF, where they gain national and international recognition. This type of research demands initiative and self-discipline but demonstrates independence—something colleges deeply value. The process of developing a question, gathering data, and writing a paper teaches teens resilience and creativity, even without formal program structures.