HiSTEP is a free NIH summer program in Bethesda, Maryland, for rising seniors from local, lower-income high schools

As a high school student, lab opportunities are one of the most effective ways for you to engage with academic subjects beyond the classroom. When you participate in a structured research environment, you gain exposure to college-level coursework, develop technical and analytical skills, and learn how to approach problems systematically. You also build meaningful connections with mentors, researchers, and peers, which can be valuable for future academic and career pathways.