If you’re a high school student looking for research opportunities, participating in free research programs will allow you to delve into your field of interest without the financial burden often associated with advanced education. These programs will also allow you access to cutting-edge facilities, expert mentorship, and practical experience, helping you enhance your academic and career prospects.

Many universities and research centers offer fully-funded research programs, some of which also offer stipends, allowing you to save up during the summer! Not to mention, such programs are usually highly selective and renowned, so getting into one of them can add considerable prestige to your portfolio and applications.

Admissions committees value applicants who demonstrate a proactive approach to their education and these experiences will indicate that you are not only interested in your chosen field but have taken tangible steps to advance your knowledge and skills. 

Here’s our curated list of 10 free research opportunities for high school students!

1. Research Science Institute (RSI)

Cost/Stipend: Fully funded, stipend provided (exact amount is undisclosed). There is a $40 application fee as well, but it can be waived with a need-based refund.

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA

Application Deadline: Applications for 2024 are closed but are typically due in January. TBA for 2025.

Program Dates: 6 weeks between June and August. The 2024 program took place from June 23 to August 3. TBA for 2025.

Eligibility: 

• Those who are entering their final year of high school are eligible to apply. This typically describes high school juniors or those in the third year or grade 11. High school seniors are not allowed to apply.

• It is recommended that PSAT Math Scores be at least 740 or higher and the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Scores be 700 or higher. ACT math scores should be at least 33 and verbal scores at least 34. Those with lower scores must show strong indicators of potential in other areas of STEM and academics, such as in recommendations, high school grades, and science activities.

The Research Science Institute is a prestigious six-week summer program designed for rising high school seniors passionate about science and engineering by CEE and MIT. With a highly selective acceptance rate, RSI admits approximately 80 of the world’s top students each year. The program kicks off with an academic week featuring intense coursework in scientific theory and hands-on experimentation, followed by five weeks dedicated to individual research projects. These projects span a broad spectrum of fields, including physics, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and engineering. 

You will be paired with mentors from the MIT faculty or affiliated research institutions who will provide guidance and support throughout your projects. In addition to the research and mentorship aspects, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities at MIT and enjoy a variety of academic and professional development opportunities. The program includes seminars, guest lectures, and field visits to local research labs and industry sites, enriching the educational experience. At the end of the program, you’ll get to present your research findings in a formal symposium, providing a platform to showcase your work to mentors, peers, and the scientific community. This combination of rigorous academic training, practical research experience, and professional networking makes RSI a solid experience for aspiring scientists and engineers.

2. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program

Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipend is provided to the interns, but they are expected to cover transportation, dining, and residential costs.

Location: Stony Brook University, NY

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February.

Program Dates: July 1–August 9, 2024

Eligibility: Applicants must:

• Be in their junior year (11th grade) of high school at the time of applying.

• Be US citizens and/or permanent residents.

• Be at least 16 years old by the start of the program.

The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University offers a seven-week summer research experience for high school juniors passionate about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Each year, around 40-50 students are selected from a competitive pool to join the program, where they are immersed in cutting-edge research projects across a range of disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and engineering. 

During the program, you’ll be matched with faculty mentors from Stony Brook or Brookhaven National Laboratory who will guide you through the research process, from hypothesis development to data analysis and interpretation. Mentorship is a critical aspect of the program, providing students with personalized support and the opportunity to learn directly from experienced researchers.

In addition to research projects, you will engage in a comprehensive curriculum designed to enhance your scientific knowledge and research skills. The program includes weekly seminars and workshops covering topics such as scientific ethics, writing and presentation skills, and advanced laboratory techniques. You’ll also participate in professional development activities, including field visits to research facilities and networking events with STEM professionals. The program culminates in a symposium where you’ll get to present your research findings to peers, mentors, and the academic community. This blend of rigorous research, expert mentorship, and professional growth opportunities makes the Simons Summer Research Program a valuable learning experience.

3. NIH High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP)

Cost/Stipend: No cost; $2,300 - $2,530 (monthly stipend before graduation) | $2,570 - $2,840 (monthly stipend after graduation).

Location: NIH main campus in Bethesda, MD 

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.

Program Dates: July 2–August 1, 2024

Eligibility: Applicants must:

• Be high school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students with a GPA between 2.75 and 3.0 should apply if their grades have shown steady improvement.

• Live in Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia within 40 miles of the main NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland. 

Conducted by the National Institute of Health, the HiSTEP program offers internships in the areas of biomedical engineering and healthcare. The program aims to expand the pipeline of students interested in biomedical and healthcare careers by expanding opportunities for high school students. This program is for rising 12th graders from schools where 30% or more students participate in the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program. 

You’ll learn about research and healthcare careers through lectures, research group visits, networking events, small group discussions, and group projects. You will also receive guidance on the college application process, develop career readiness and leadership skills, and participate in a resilience and well-being program. Spanning over 5 weeks in Bethesda, MD, you'll delve into the scope of the scientific enterprise and the importance of biomedical research and other STEM-M careers. 

4. UC Irvine’s 2024 Math ExpLR: Summer Research Program for High School Students

Cost/Stipend: No cost to attend, but students may need to pay for their housing, meals, and transport. Information about the stipend is not available.

Location: UC Irvine, Irvine, CA

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April. 

Program Dates: June–July (~6 weeks). The 2024 program took place from June 17 to July 25. TBA for 2025.

Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors can apply.

Hosted by the NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research at UC Irvine, the Math ExpLR Summer Research Program divides selected students into small groups and allows them to work on a research project in computational biology under the direct mentorship of qualified professors and researchers. The program includes Matlab programming, mathematical modeling, delivering research presentations, and writing a research paper.

During the program, you will get to attend courses, meetings, trips, and other activities during this program. You will also get to work on a mid-term project, attend team meetings and guest lectures, and learn programming languages like LaTex. You can check out the project descriptions for 2024 here to get an idea of what to expect from the 2025 program. You can also take a look at the sample schedule for 2024 here. 

5. Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program 

Cost/Stipend: No cost; $6,800 for the 10-week program ($6,120 if participating for nine weeks).

Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.

Program Dates: June 3–August 9, 2024 

Eligibility: High school seniors who are Texas residents and are at least 18 years old by the program start date.

The Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program is a highly selective and prestigious 10-week summer program for students interested in biomedical sciences. The MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas offers students interested in an allied health career the opportunity to immerse themselves in a research project in one of the biomedical disciplines under the guidance of a full-time member of the MD Anderson faculty. As a participant, you will learn the principles and processes involved in research investigation and gain firsthand experience in the various career opportunities at the MD Anderson Cancer Centre. 

During the program, you will work in MD Anderson laboratories five days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You’ll engage in hands-on work that will help you gain knowledge of what it means to be a biomedical researcher as well as an understanding of the discipline required. In addition to laboratory experience, you will also get to attend seminars presented by faculty on a wide variety of research topics and activities exclusive to participants of all the Summer Programs, which may include an abstract, poster, and elevator speech competitions. After the program, you will also get to share your experience during a presentation and a celebration luncheon. The program admits only 10 students each year and will give you an insight into the career of a biomedical researcher and increase your awareness for your college term. 

6. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research

Cost/Stipend: There is an application fee of $40 that can be waived. Housing and meals are not provided. All students are given a $500 minimum stipend. Stipends of $2500 and above are given on a needs-based system from special grants.

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February.

Program Dates: June 10–August 1, 2024

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors aged at least 16 with U.S. citizenship or permanent residency can apply.

The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an exclusive, 8-week program known for its rigorous selection process, accepting fewer than 3% of applicants, with only about 50 high school students chosen each year. This elite initiative immerses participants in internships and research under the mentorship of Stanford’s graduate students or postdoctoral fellows.

You can select from eight research areas—immunology, neurobiology, cancer biology, bioengineering, stem cell and regenerative medicine, cardiovascular biology, bioinformatics, and genetics and genomics. Depending on your interests, you will be assigned to a discipline where you’ll engage in hands-on research for two months, guided by leading experts. The program begins with morning lectures in the initial weeks, transitioning to afternoon lab sessions. The latter part of the program is dedicated to full-time lab research. In the final two weeks, you will focus on creating and presenting a research poster to your peers, mentors, family, and the Stanford community. Each field within SIMR is meticulously structured to ensure comprehensive learning and deep immersion, making this program particularly beneficial for those aspiring to explore advanced medical research.

7. Harvard-Smithsonian Science Research Mentoring Program

Cost/Stipend: No cost; A stipend is provided courtesy of the City of Cambridge.

Location: Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA), Cambridge, MA. Virtual mentorship options are also available.

Application Deadline: Applications for the 2024 SRMP Cohort are closed but expected to open in May 2024 for the 2025 SRMP Cohort.

Program Dates: September– May

Eligibility: Cambridge Rindge and Latin School students (grades 9–12) are eligible to apply.

With an acceptance rate of under 5%, this program provides high school students with a rare opportunity to engage in a year-long astrophysics project alongside scientists from Harvard or the Smithsonian Center. Each year, 10–16 students are carefully chosen and organized into 5–8 groups to collaborate intensively on their research projects.

During the program, you will get to participate in monthly workshops and lectures designed to enrich your knowledge and skills. You’ll also attend monthly advisory sessions with the SRMP team to discuss your progress. At the culmination of the program, you’ll have an opportunity to showcase your findings at a symposium through posters and presentations, demonstrating your achievements and contributions to the field of astrophysics. This program will allow you to learn what it is actually like to conduct real, cutting-edge research and work closely with living scientists from diverse backgrounds.

8. QuarkNet Summer Research Program

Cost/Stipend: Free (transportation, housing, and meals not provided). A stipend of $17.20 per hour is provided to the interns.

Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January and are expected to open in November 2024 for the 2025 program.

Program Dates: June 17–August 2, 2024

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors attending an Illinois high school with U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status can apply.

Under the aegis of the U.S. Department of Energy, the QuarkNet Summer Research Program at Fermilab provides students with the chance to immerse themselves in research projects alongside seasoned scientists. The focus areas at Fermilab generally include particle physics, quantum science, particle accelerators, computing, and detectors, although specific projects can differ. You are required to specify the areas of research in which you have a particular interest in your application, although research projects vary yearly, based on the availability of projects ongoing at the lab. 

During the program, you will engage in practical research activities and tasks like data collection and oral presentations. This could include gathering and analyzing data through surveys conducted at the beginning and end of the program or contributing to the development of the team's research abstract, ensuring a comprehensive research experience.

9. Zuckerman Institute’s Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC)

Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipend is provided to the students.

Location: Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University, NY 

Application Deadline: The deadline for 2024 has passed and applications for BRAINYAC 2025 will open in October 2024.

Program Dates: 5 weeks during the summer between June and August.

Eligibility: 

• Applicants must be sophomores or juniors in high school nominated by BRAINYAC’s partner programs.

• Applicants must reside in New York City, but preference is given to students in Upper Manhattan and the South Bronx.

The Zuckerman Institute’s Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC) provides high-schoolers with an immersive, hands-on summer research experience in a Columbia laboratory. This program offers you the unique opportunity to collaborate with established scientists and acquire essential research skills.

During your internship, you will be paired with a mentor from Columbia's neuroscience department, overseeing your involvement in a specific research project. By the end of the program, you will have a deeper appreciation for how lab research catalyzes groundbreaking discoveries, insight into an academic research career, and a stronger foundation in neuroscience principles. For instance, past participant Edgar Garcia researched the role of specific neurons in transmitting sensory information from the external environment.

Please note that the BRAINYAC application is exclusive to students nominated by their partner organizations, including S-PREP, Lang Youth Medical Program, Double Discovery Center, Columbia Secondary School, and BioBus.

10. Broad Scholars Summer Program

Cost/Stipend: No cost; a $3,600 stipend + partial reimbursement for transportation costs is provided to the participants.

Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January. Applications for the 2025 program will open in mid-November.

Program Dates: June 24–August 2, 2024

Eligibility: Applicants must:

• Be rising high school seniors (i.e. students can apply their junior year).

• Attend a high school in MA within commuting distance of the Broad Institute.

• Have earned a B or better in science and math classes.

• Be US citizens, permanent residents, or non-US citizens with employment authorization (i.e. DACA) 

The Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP) provides opportunities to highly motivated high school students with a strong interest in science to spend six weeks at the Broad Institute. During the program, you’ll be matched with Broad scientists to conduct original, cutting-edge research projects in areas such as cancer biology, psychiatric disease, chemical biology, computational biology, infectious disease, genetics, genomics, and more. 

If you’re interested in genetics, you can opt to conduct research in areas such as Genome Regulation, Cellular Circuitry, Epigenomics; Medical and Population Genetics Research; Genetic Perturbation Platform; and more. In addition to original research, you will get to explore scientific careers, attend interesting scientific talks, present your research to the Broad community in a scientific poster session, attend a college fair, participate in social events, and meet other students who share similar interests. 

One other option — Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you would like to participate in a rigorous research program open to high schoolers, you should also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students.

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

Image Source: Stony Brook University's Simons Summer Research Program logo