10 Research Programs for High School Students in Michigan
Are you a high school student in Michigan who wants to conduct research? Whether your interests lie in STEM, medicine, or the humanities, participating in a research program can provide valuable hands-on experience. Research programs sharpen your critical thinking and problem-solving while exposing you to real-world applications in your field of interest. Research experience can also make your college applications stand out by demonstrating your intellectual curiosity.
In this blog, we’ll highlight 10 research programs in Michigan for high schoolers!
Location: Remote—participate from anywhere in the world!
Eligibility:
Currently enrolled in high school
Must demonstrate strong academic performance (unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher)
No prior knowledge of the field is required
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. Winter cohort deadline: December 29, 2024
Duration: 12 weeks to 1 year
Cohorts:
Summer: June to August
Fall: September to December
Winter: December to February
Spring: March to June
Cost: Full financial aid available
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a research opportunity where students collaborate with PhD mentors on independent projects. Over 12 weeks, you'll create a research paper in a subject of your choice, including fields like psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and international relations. Students who complete the program earn college credits from UCSD. For more details on the application process, click here!
Location: C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Detroit, MI
Cost: Free (does not provide housing or transportation)
Application Deadline: April 5, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Dates: June 24 – August 16, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (at least 16 years old) and undergraduate students from Wayne State University or any other college/university
You will work on a personalized research project where you’ll formulate hypotheses, design experiments, and analyze data. Research areas include reproductive biology, immunology, oncology, toxicology, prenatal, and precision medicine. For eight weeks, you will spend approximately 40 hours per week in a lab, working alongside experienced researchers such as principal investigators, postdoctoral fellows, or research assistants.
The program includes weekly seminars and concludes with Research Presentation Day, where you will present your findings in a 10-minute oral presentation.
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: Free; participants receive a $2,800 stipend
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Dates: Six weeks during the summer; dates TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Open to current 11th-grade students who are Michigan residents
The Summer High School Apprentice Researchers Program (SHARP) gives high school juniors research experience in engineering and science. You will work alongside U-M faculty and graduate students on research projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience. In the past, students have worked on projects such as creating advanced materials like chemicals, polymers, and ceramics, developing autonomous drones for education, exploring nanostructured surfaces, and investigating optical components.
Each day is divided between lab research and enrichment activities, offering a glimpse into both academic and campus life. In addition to lab work, you will engage in campus tours, interactive workshops, and panels with current undergraduates.
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded, participants receive housing, meals, lab materials, and a stipend distributed in three payments during the program
Application Deadline: Typically closes in March
Program Dates: June 17 – July 26, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: Michigan high school juniors
The Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship Program is designed to promote basic science research among high school students from under-resourced communities. This six-week program will place you in life sciences laboratories, where you will contribute to ongoing research projects. You will collect data and present your findings to peers and mentors at the program's conclusion. Each year, only 8–10 students are selected, making this a selective program. Beyond lab work, you will engage in social and professional activities with students from other U-M summer programs.
Location: Southeast Regional Centre, Detroit, MI
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students earn a monetary reward at the end of the program
Application Deadline: Typically closes in April
Program Dates: June 24 – August 2, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: High school students currently in grades 10, 11, or 12; priority consideration is given to:
Residents of Wayne County
Students attending Detroit Public Schools
Individuals from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds
The Biomedical Career Advancement Program is a summer research initiative for students eager to explore health sciences and research careers. You will collaborate with senior research and clinical faculty to conduct investigative research. This program offers an excellent opportunity to connect with peers who share similar interests, receive personalized guidance from healthcare professionals, and explore a variety of career pathways in the medical field.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students earn a stipend of $10 per hour
Application Deadline: Typically closes in mid-May
Program Dates: July 29 – August 9, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: Current high school students in Southeast Michigan or recent graduates who are 14 years old or older
MYHealth offers high school students in Southeast Michigan the opportunity to conduct health research alongside scientists and professionals. You will attend interactive virtual sessions led by health researchers from the University of Michigan and other leading institutions across the country. You will receive hands-on training in conducting health research. Every MYHealth student begins with the Summer Launch program and has the opportunity to continue as an Impact Projects participant. After completing the first year, you can return to the program as a Peer Leader, mentoring new participants.
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost/Stipend: Free, though transportation to and from MSU is the student’s responsibility; participants receive a weekly stipend
Application Deadline: April 18, 2025
Dates: July 6 – August 1, 2025
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors
You will work with faculty from Michigan State University's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources on a research project tailored to your interests. Daily activities revolve around research, allowing you to gain experience in laboratory techniques, fieldwork, and advanced technical equipment.
In addition to research, you will participate in leadership workshops, educational seminars, and field trips designed to expand your understanding of the agricultural and natural resources industries. This program fosters collaboration with peers, faculty, and industry professionals, making it valuable for students considering research careers.
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March
Dates: July 22 – 26, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: Current high school students who are U.S. citizens.
The Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN) program offers high school students an opportunity to explore research in nuclear physics and its connections to astrophysics and cosmology. Sponsored by a research facility funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, PAN introduces you to atomic nuclei, rare isotopes, and their role in the universe's evolution.
Over a week, you will engage in hands-on nuclear physics experiments guided by researchers in the field. You'll explore topics like stellar nucleosynthesis, stars' lifecycles, and nuclear science's applications in modern technology. In addition to laboratory work, you will attend lectures, work on collaborative projects, and gain insight into potential career paths in physics and related disciplines.
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.