30 Research Opportunities + Internships for High Schoolers in 2026

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 high school students looking to conduct research! 

 

Research Opportunities and Internships for High School Students 

 

1. Memorial Sloan Kettering Summer Student Program

 

Application Deadline: February 6

Location: New York, NY

Duration: Eight weeks (June 29 – August 21)

 

Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) is one of the world’s best-known cancer centers—its Summer Student Program enables participants to conduct independent projects and build skills. Students also participate in extracurricular activities, training, and other opportunities.  

 

To participate, you must be currently enrolled as a high school junior, live within a 25-mile radius of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s main campus, have a 3.5 GPA in science subjects, and submit two letters of recommendation along with short essay responses. 

 

This is an extremely competitive opportunity—typically just 20 interns are selected from over 1,000 applications, representing an acceptance rate of roughly 2%.

 

2. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program 

 

Application Deadline: January 2 

Location: New York, NY

Duration: Seven weeks (June 22 – August 6) 

 

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

 

SSRP scholars work as part of a research team, mirroring the structure of a professional research laboratory. The program concludes with students analyzing their data and designing a poster to present their findings at a symposium. 

 

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

 

3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

 

Application Deadline: 

• Early Admission: February 8
• Priority Admission: March 8
• Regular Admission I: April 13
• Regular Admission II: May 10

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 one-on-one 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 4,000 students applied for 500 spots in the program.  

 

4. Research Science Institute (RSI)

 

Application Deadline: N/A 

Location: Cambridge, MA

Duration: Six weeks (June 28 – August 8) 

 

The prestigious Research Science Institute (RSI), held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), brings together 100 of the world’s top high school students. The tuition-free program combines rigorous on-campus coursework with hands-on 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. 

 

The program is highly selective—accepting approximately 2.5% of applicants.  

 

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

 

Application Deadline: February 27

Location: New York, NY

Duration: 10 weeks (June 1 – August 14)

 

Open to rising high school juniors and seniors in New York City, the ARISE program provides access to college-level workshops and hands-on lab research. Over the course of 10 weeks, participants contribute to real research, develop both technical and professional skills, and present their findings at a culminating symposium.

 

At the end of the program, participants will receive a $2,000 stipend.

 

6. Simons Summer Research Program

 

Application Deadline: February 5

Location: Stony Brook, NY

Duration: Five weeks (June 29 – August 7) 

 

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. 

 

This is a very selective program—less than 5% of applicants are chosen to participate. 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: April

Location: Greater Seattle area

Duration: Eight – 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. 

 

8. Boston University | Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Internship 

 

Application Deadline: February 4  

Location: Boston, MA

Duration: Six weeks (June 28 – August 7)  

 

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
• Engineering 
• Environmental Science
• Medical Laboratory Research
• Public Health

 

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. 

 

Unlike some other research opportunities that pay students to participate, the RISE Internship requires students to pay to participate; however, financial aid is available based on demonstrated need. 

 

9. The Wistar Institute | High School Program in Biomedical Research

 

Application Deadline: March 20  

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Duration: Four weeks (July 6 – 30) 

 

A leading biomedical research organization, The Wistar Institute, is an ideal setting for students to learn research skills. Participants contribute to active science projects while learning to read scientific literature and exploring biomedical careers. 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 $1,500 upon completion of the program to compensate for commuting costs or other personal expenses accrued during the program. 

 

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

 

Application Deadline: April 1

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 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 program. 

 

11. NASA OSTEM Internship

 

Application Deadline: Varies

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, strengthening their resumes and helping prepare them for their eventual careers. 

 

All participants must be at least 16 years old and enrolled full-time in high school.

 

12. New-York Historical Society Student Historian Internship Program

 

Application Deadline: March 29

Location: New York, NY

Duration: July 7 – August 13

 

Not all research is conducted in STEM subjects! Developed for students interested in history, the New-York Historical Society’s Student Historian Program allows participants to conduct research on a history topic—2026’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. All interns receive a $700 stipend upon successful completion of the program.

 

13. Adler Planetarium Far Horizons Teens 

 

Application Deadline: N/A

Location: Chicago, IL

Duration: Four weeks (N/A)

 

During this summer internship program, students help staff at the Adler Planetarium capture data on light pollution and learn how to communicate research findings to the public. Students will have the chance to work with special cameras to hone their astronomy skills and learn how light pollution impacts trees. 

 

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

 

Application Deadline: N/A

Location: New York, NY

Duration: Eight weeks  

 

BRAINYAC participants have 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. 

 

Participants connect with real scientists, acquire essential research and laboratory skills, and learn about advances in neuroscience research.  

 

15. Brookfield Zoo King Conservation Science Scholars Program

 

Application Deadline: April 1 

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 want to develop research skills in fields like zoology, environmental science, and conservation. 

 

King Scholars 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 regular and consistent participation in the program, students are invited to apply for scholarships and paid positions at the zoo. 

 

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

 

Application Deadline: March 1

Location: New York, NY

Duration: 10 months (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 10-month-long research project with the museum’s scientists. 

 

Students in SRMP get paid ($2,500 stipend) to learn how scientific research is conducted. Depending on their field of study, students can learn a variety of research skills, including working with DNA in the lab, analyzing data from space-based telescopes, reading scientific articles, and using Python, R, and other programming languages to code and analyze data.  

 

17. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

 

Application Deadline: February 16

Location: Lubbock, TX

Duration: Seven weeks (June 21 – August 6) 

 

The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program is an intensive seven-week summer research program accepting just twelve highly qualified rising high school seniors and recent graduates. Students gain hands-on, practical research experience alongside the knowledgeable faculty at Texas Tech University.

 

Students can choose to participate in research in a wide variety of fields, including:

 

• Cellular and Microbiology
• Cancer Biology 
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Economics
• Engineering
• Physics 

 

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. 

 

18. UChicago Data Science Institute Summer Lab Program 

 

Application Deadline: January 12 

Location: Chicago, IL

Duration: Eight weeks (June 15 – August 7)

 

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 fields including:

 

• Biomedical Research
• Climate and Energy Policy
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Materials Science
• Public Policy
• Social Science

 

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

 

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

 

Application Deadline: March 22

Location: Austin, TX

Duration: Five weeks (June 8 – July 15) 

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
• Data Analytics
• Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Genetics
• Genome Engineering
• Neuroscience

 

Students can earn UT Extension course credit upon completion of the program. 

 

20. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience | Summer Research Internship

 

Application Deadline: February 8

Location: Jupiter, FL

Duration: Six weeks (June 22 – July 31) 

 

The Max Planck Florida Institute (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 interested in brain structure, function, and development, as well as the advanced imaging techniques and technologies used in neuroscience. 

 

Program participants engage 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 Programming
• Mechanical Engineering
• Programming/Coding for Public Engagement

 

Applicants must be 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 $14 per hour.

 

21. Lincoln Park Zoo Malott Family Zoo Intern Program

 

Application Deadline: March 9

Location: Chicago, IL

Duration: Seven weeks (June 22 – August 7) 

 

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 that promotes positive and attainable conservation practices. Throughout the internship, students meet with researchers and Animal Care staff to explore careers in fields of animal science and conservation. 

 

Applicants must be Chicago residents between the ages of 16 and 18, and must be entering grades 10 through 12 or their freshman year of college by the start of the internship. 

 

22. The Scripps Research High School Internship Program 

 

Application Deadline: March 22

Location: La Jolla, CA

Duration: Seven weeks  (June 22 – August 7)

 

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, provide hands-on laboratory experience, and motivate and prepare students for continuing education in STEM. 

 

Only students from REACH partner schools in San Diego and Escondido are eligible for the program. All students will receive a $5,040 stipend. 

 

23. STEM@GTRI High School Summer Internship 

 

Application Deadline: January 18

Location: Atlanta, GA

Duration: Six weeks (June 8 – July 7) 

 

High school students in Georgia who will be 16 years or older can participate in this paid, six-week internship hosted in the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) laboratories. While the focus of projects can vary, students could work on anything from piezoelectric systems to radar emissions to drone technologies with their GTRI mentor and team. At the end of the summer, participants will share their research results during a final presentation. 

 

Interns will work 24 hours a week during the internship and are paid for their work. Only about 60 to 70 students are accepted each year.

 

24. RISE Environmentor Internship

 

Application Deadline: N/A

Location: Far Rockaway, NY

Duration: Six weeks (June – mid-August)

 

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 and community service hours for their participation in the program.

 

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

 

Application Deadline: February 21

Location: Stanford, CA

Duration: Eight weeks (June 8 – July 30)

 

Students in this summer program perform research on a medically oriented project and work side by side with Stanford University students, researchers, and faculty. Students can choose from eight research areas, including:

 

• Neurobiology
• Bioinformatics
• Cancer Biology
• Immunology
• Neurobiology
• Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine

 

The program aims to increase 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. 

 

26. Secondary Student Training Program

 

Application Deadline: February 16

Location: Iowa City, IA

Duration: Five-and-a-Half-Weeks (June 17 – July 24)

High schoolers in 10th and 11th grade 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 psychiatry. 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 and can cover up to 95% of the cost.

 

27. Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program

 

Application Deadline: March 31

Location: Urbana, IL

Duration: Six weeks (June 14 – July 31)

 

This program, offered by the prestigious Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), allows students to gain hands-on research experience in fields such as:

 

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Cancer Immunology
• Electrical Engineering
• Physics
• Quantum Mechanics

 

Participants also build valuable life skills through seminars on topics ranging from the college admissions process to scientific communication. The program is open to rising 10th through 12th graders from:

 

• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Michigan
• Missouri
• Iowa
• Wisconsin 

 

28. Summer Science Program (SSP)

 

Application Deadline: February 19 

Location: Varies

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:

 

• College of Wooster
• Colby College
• Georgia College and State University
• Indiana University
• Lehigh University
• Purdue University

 

The program is open to high school juniors between the ages of 15 and 19 who have completed prerequisite coursework, which varies by field. Financial aid is available.

 

29. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program

 

Application Deadline: January 26

Location: Bar Harbor, ME, and Farmington, CT

Duration: 10 weeks 

• Bar Harbor, ME: May 30 – August 7 
• Farmington, CT: May 30 – August 7 

 

Students immerse themselves in genetics and genomics research while learning about laboratory discovery and scientific communication, and 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—only about 40 students are selected annually to participate. Participants receive a $7,500 stipend and have their room, board, and travel expenses covered.

 

30. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program

 

Application Deadline: March 13

Location: Seattle, WA

Duration: Eight weeks (June 22 – August 14) 

 

This full-time, paid internship offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in activities at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, one of the world’s top cancer research centers. 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 11th- and 12th-graders with a strong interest in science and high academic achievement. Interns receive a financial award upon successful completion of the program.

 

How to Find Research Opportunities in High School 

 

There’s no shortage of opportunities for students to engage in research while they are in high school. But you might be asking yourself how you can find more opportunities—maybe research in your area or research that is related to a niche topic you’re passionate about. Below are the steps we recommend taking to find research opportunities beyond the 30 listed above.

 

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’ll 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 make room for you. When pitching your idea, avoid making it too niche—this increases the challenge of finding a fit and marketing 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. 

 

The Four Tiers of Extracurricular Activities

 

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.

 

Discover Your Odds of College Admission

 

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 useful 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.