15 Free Natural Sciences Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 9 hours ago
- 12 min read
Participating in academic programs during high school can be a great way to explore advanced subjects early on. These programs often allow you to develop research skills, collaborate with peers, and engage with mentors from universities or industry. Many also provide insight into campus life, academic expectations, and potential career paths, making them a practical way to test interests before college. Several selective opportunities are fully funded, so you can access these experiences without the high costs of summer programs.
If you are interested in biology, chemistry, environmental science, physics, or interdisciplinary natural sciences, participating in structured academic programs can be especially valuable. These programs help you learn core and niche concepts while conducting experiments, analyzing data, and working alongside researchers tackling real scientific questions.
Why should I join a natural sciences program in high school?
Exploring your interests in high school can be a great way to make informed decisions about future academics, and structured programs help you do just that. Natural science programs can introduce you to scientific methods, laboratory techniques, and advanced coursework that go beyond the standard high school curriculum. Working on real research projects or collaborating with scientists can help you build practical skills such as data analysis, critical thinking, and scientific communication. Beyond academics, these programs can also strengthen college applications, as admissions committees often look for evidence of intellectual curiosity, initiative, and engagement with advanced subjects.
To help you find the right opportunity, we have compiled a list of 15 free natural sciences programs for high school students.
If you’re looking for free virtual research opportunities, check out our blog here.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: No tuition; a non-refundable application fee of $75 with waivers available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~2.5%; 100 students/year
Dates: June – August (six weeks)
Application deadline: Typically, December/January
Eligibility: High school juniors who meet the RSI academic prerequisites
The Research Science Institute is a selective research opportunity for high school students interested in STEM and natural sciences. The program begins with a week of intensive lectures from leading scientists and MIT faculty, followed by four to five weeks of independent research under the guidance of professional researchers. You will explore disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science while gaining experience in laboratory methods and data analysis. You will collaborate closely with mentors and graduate researchers to develop and document your research. The program concludes with written research papers and formal presentations of findings. Visits to science and technology facilities in and around Boston are part of the experience.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere!
Cost: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: Vary by yearly cohort; multiple 12-week sessions throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application deadline: Spring: January | Summer: May | Fall: September | Winter: November
Eligibility: Students in high school and those planning to enroll as freshmen in college in the fall; applicants must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In the flagship program, talented high-school students are paired with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you will develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as physics, chemistry, economics, psychology, data science, computer science, engineering, international relations, and more. This program is also a solid option if you are interested in interdisciplinary research. You can check details and apply here!
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Five or six weeks in the summer
Application deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old, who are enrolled in a local high school, are U.S. citizens, and are able to provide proof of local housing and transportation in NJ
LLP is a full-time, in-person research experience at Princeton University, where you will work with faculty and research staff on active projects in the natural sciences and engineering. Project focus and tasks may vary by placement, but will typically involve lab activities, data analysis, and scientific writing. You will follow a customized schedule set by the department, complete safety training before starting experiments, and adhere to university policies. At the end of LLP, you will submit a two-page research summary discussing your research findings.
Location: Various sites, including Oxford, London, Cambridge, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, and Boston
Cost: Varies according to program; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Two weeks during the summer
Application deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students, ages 13 – 18
The Academic Insights Program allows high school students to experience university life firsthand. You will live on campus and study in small groups of 4 to 10 students, and learn from tutors from top universities like Oxford and Cambridge. You can explore a wide range of subjects, spanning over 20 options, including the natural sciences track, where you will study biology, chemistry, and physics through hands-on experiments, fieldwork, and mentoring. You will also have access to one-on-one tutoring and personalized guidance to help you prepare for future academics. At the end of the program, you will complete a personal project and receive written feedback along with a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipends available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~5% applicants selected/year
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application deadline: February 5
Eligibility: You must be a current high school junior (grade 11), a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, at least 16 years old by the program start, and receive a nomination from your school
The Simons Summer Research Program is a selective research internship where you will work full-time on an authentic STEM research project at Stony Brook University. As a Simons Fellow, you will be paired with a faculty mentor to engage in research work in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, or astronomy. Over six weeks, you will contribute to ongoing research within a laboratory or research group, gaining hands-on experience with experimental techniques, data analysis, or computational modeling. Alongside your research work, you will attend faculty lectures and workshops that introduce you to key concepts in scientific research and academic careers and help build skills in communication and critical thinking. At the end of the program, you will present your research findings at a symposium or poster session and receive a stipend.
Location: Virtual and University of Texas Center for Space Research, Austin, TX
Cost: Free for virtual participants | $2,000 for on-site participants; full scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~10.75 acceptance rate in the past
Dates: On-site internship dates: July 5 – 18; Virtual project dates: June – July 21 (project work); Virtual Science Symposium: July 20 – 21
Application deadline: February 22 (recommendations due on March 1)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 and 11, ages 16 and up
The SEES Summer Intern Program is a research internship hosted by the University of Texas Center for Space Research in collaboration with NASA. During the program, you will work with NASA scientists, engineers, and researchers on projects that use real mission data. Research topics span areas like astronomy, planetary science, aerospace engineering, remote sensing, microgravity research, and Earth science. You will begin with distance learning modules in Earth and space science, and may also complete Python training depending on your project. Throughout the internship, you will analyze scientific data, collaborate with research teams, and develop technical skills in areas such as data visualization and systems modeling. The program concludes with a virtual symposium where you will present your research findings alongside other interns.
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost apart from a $25 application fee; $750 stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 12 applicants selected each year
Dates: June 21 – August 6
Application deadline: February 16
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and graduating seniors who are at least 17 years old by the program start and are U.S. citizens/permanent residents
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a selective summer research program where you will work one-on-one with a faculty mentor at Texas Tech University. During the program, you will spend seven weeks conducting an independent research project in fields such as biology, physics, computer science, engineering, or other academic disciplines. Through close mentorship, you will participate in research design, experimentation, data analysis, and interpretation of results. Alongside research work, you will attend seminars, field trips, and academic discussions that provide broader insight into research careers and university life. The program emphasizes collaboration and intellectual exploration while allowing you to focus deeply on your chosen topic. By the end of the program, you will produce a formal research report and may have the opportunity to continue developing your project after the summer.
Location: U.S. Navy Research Laboratories across the U.S. (38 labs)
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend of $4,000 for new participants, and $4,500 for returning participants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~300 students/year
Dates: Eight weeks in June – August; option to extend up to two additional weeks available
Application deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school students who have completed the 9th grade and are at least 16 years old; additional eligibility requirements apply based on the lab you choose.
SEAP allows you to work alongside professional scientists and engineers in a U.S. Department of the Navy research laboratory. During the summer, you will be assigned a mentor and join an active research team at a naval research lab. Over 8 to 10 weeks, you will contribute to research projects that may focus on natural science areas like chemistry, physics, and biology. Your work will involve practical tasks such as data analysis, experimentation, and technical problem-solving within the research group. Through this experience, you will gain exposure to real-world scientific research and engineering applications. The program typically concludes with a short report or presentation summarizing your research contributions and offers professional development opportunities like seminars and networking events.
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Free; full scholarship funded through the Pinkerton Foundation and partner organizations
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 1 – 25 (remote evening workshops) + July 6 – August 14 (in-person research)
Application deadline: February 27
Eligibility: New York City high school students currently in the 10th or 11th grade with a strong academic record and demonstrated interest in STEM
ARISE at NYU Tandon School of Engineering allows you to conduct hands-on scientific research in real university laboratories. Over the course of 10 weeks, you will undergo lab training and work with NYU faculty members and graduate researchers on projects in fields such as biology, chemistry, and life sciences. During the first phase, you will attend remote workshops that introduce research fundamentals and prepare you for laboratory work. You will then spend six weeks conducting in-person research at one of NYU’s STEM labs, gaining practical experience with scientific methods and data analysis. Throughout the program, you will also participate in workshops that develop presentation and public speaking skills. At the end of the program, you will present your research findings at a formal colloquium attended by faculty, researchers, peers, and family members.
Location: Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, East Boothbay, ME
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited seats each year
Dates: May 17 – 22
Application deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Maine high school juniors
The Keller BLOOM Program offers you a fully funded, weeklong immersion in marine science research at the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences. During the program, you will learn core techniques used in biological and chemical oceanography while working alongside professional scientists. You will collect water samples aboard a research vessel on the Sheepscot River estuary and examine marine ecosystems through hands-on laboratory analysis. Using tools such as spectrophotometry, microscopy, and fluorometric assays, you will study phytoplankton communities, pigments, nutrients, and microbial populations. Throughout the week, you will move from collecting field data to analyzing and interpreting ecological patterns with guidance from researchers. The program concludes with a research presentation in which you will share your findings.
Location: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NJ + labs in NJ
Cost/Stipend: Free; $1,200 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 30 – August 22
Application deadline: January 18
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Partners in Science pairs high schoolers with mentors in science, health, or tech for a lab-based summer experience. You will work closely with your mentor in their lab and contribute to ongoing research as well as independent projects in natural sciences like physics or chemistry. The experience will help you explore current scientific questions and methods. You will work on your project for 25 to 40 hours over seven to eight weeks, and present your work at the end of the program. You will also attend professional development sessions at the Liberty Science Center during the eight-week program.
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: Free; $3,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 6 – 10 students/year
Dates: June 14 – July 24
Application deadline: TBA in the fall
Eligibility: Current juniors attending high schools in Michigan
The Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship at the University of Michigan gives you the opportunity to explore life as a professional scientist through a six-week residential research experience. During the program, you will work in a science laboratory alongside researchers and assist with ongoing projects in basic life sciences like biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and genetics. Your work may involve experimental techniques, data collection, and analysis that contribute to real research efforts. In addition to laboratory work, you will participate in workshops on science communication, college preparation, and career exploration through collaborations with the U-M Museum of Natural History. Throughout the program, you will attend lectures and networking events with scientists to learn about different scientific careers. At the end of the internship, you will present your research findings to the public and members of the scientific community.
Location: Otsego Lake region, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; $3,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 1–3 high school students/year
Dates: Late May – August (eight weeks)
Application deadline: TBA in January
Eligibility: High school students who are New York State residents and at least 16 years old by June 20; preference is given to Otsego County residents.
The Biological Field Station (BFS) Summer Research Internship allows you to participate in real ecological and environmental research connected to the Otsego Lake region and the Susquehanna River watershed. During the program, you will work alongside faculty researchers at the SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station and assist with ongoing environmental science projects. Your work may involve collecting water or biological samples in the field, identifying organisms, running laboratory analyses, and processing ecological data. Through these activities, you will gain practical experience with both fieldwork and lab-based environmental research methods. The program also introduces you to how scientists conduct long-term ecological monitoring and watershed studies. At the end of the internship, you will produce a technical report and present your work through a research poster.
14. ACS Project SEED
Location: Various locations across the U.S.
Stipend: ~$4,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 350+ students annually
Dates: 8 – 10 weeks in summer
Application deadline: April 2; application opens in February.
Eligibility: High school students (preferably sophomores, juniors, seniors, or recent graduates) with one completed high school chemistry course; applicants’ family income must not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
American Chemical Society’s Project SEED is a summer research internship designed to support high school students interested in chemistry. You will spend 8 to 10 weeks working in an academic, government, or industry laboratory under the guidance of a professional scientist, contributing to real chemical research projects. During the program, you may run experiments, collect and examine data, and practice lab techniques used in chemical research. The program also includes mentorship, college preparation activities, and professional development opportunities that introduce you to careers in the chemical sciences. You may also get to present your research at regional or national scientific meetings and be eligible for additional scholarships offered by the program.
Location: Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver, CO
Stipend: $1,803
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; each track accepts 2 – 4 students.
Dates: Session 1: June 2 – 26 | Session 2: July 7 – 31
Application deadline: Exact date not specified; applications typically close in early spring.
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors, ages 14 – 17
The Teen Science Scholars (TSS) program at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science allows you to work directly with museum scientists on hands-on research projects. Depending on your chosen track, you may participate in activities such as DNA analysis, fossil excavation and preservation, zoology research, or space science data analysis. You will collaborate with researchers while learning laboratory and field techniques used in museum-based scientific studies. Throughout the program, you will also receive mentorship and participate in professional development activities that introduce you to careers in scientific research and museum science. The internship emphasizes teamwork, communication, and practical research skills. At the end of the program, you will present your work and experiences at a public Showcase event.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program in which students work one-on-one with a mentor to develop an independent research paper.