Research Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students
Updated: Oct 7
TL;DR
This page lists 15 research opportunities for high school students, including hands-on lab research, field research, biomedical science, data analysis, remote volunteering, and structured summer programs. Several are free, and some offer stipends, housing, meals, or other financial support. At the same time, eligibility ranges from age 16 to 18+, and some programs are limited to students in specific cities or regions. If you want a rigorous, mentor-led research project you can complete remotely, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program pairs you with a full-time researcher to develop your own independent research project.
If you are a high school student looking for research or volunteer opportunities that can strengthen your academic profile and give you experience beyond the classroom, this list is for you. The 15 opportunities below cover laboratory research, biomedical science, field research, data analysis, and remote volunteering, with options for students at different ages and experience levels. If you want more ways to explore research, you can also check out free research mentorship programs for high school students.
What counts as research volunteering for a high schooler?
Research volunteering can involve helping with research projects, collecting or analyzing data, supporting researchers, or contributing to research-related work. It can happen in a laboratory, field setting, university, research institute, or online.
The opportunities below include both traditional volunteer experiences and structured research programs. Most of the structured programs provide training and mentorship, while some volunteer opportunities are more flexible and depend on the needs of the organization or research team.
If you want to explore more structured options, you can also read 11 best free research opportunities for high school students.
Pay and perks at a glance
If you want... | Opportunities from this list |
A stipend | |
Housing and meals | |
A fully virtual option | |
Hands-on lab research | |
Field or environmental research |
Can you do research as a high schooler with no experience?
Yes, some programs provide research training before you begin your project. The opportunities on this list include programs that teach laboratory techniques, research methods, scientific communication, data analysis, and other skills before or alongside the research experience.
The requirements still vary. Some programs ask for previous coursework in subjects such as biology or advanced science, while others focus more on your grade level, academic background, or demonstrated interest.
How old do you need to be to volunteer in a research lab?
Age requirements vary significantly. Several opportunities accept students who are at least 16, while others require students to be 17 or 18 by a specific date.
The age requirement can be especially important for students in grades 9–11. The NIH High School Summer Internship Program requires applicants to be at least 18 by September 30, the Clark Scholars Program requires students to be at least 17 by the program start date, and United Nations Online Volunteering requires applicants to be at least 18. Check the age requirement before spending time on an application.
15 Research Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, with research at NYU campuses
Cost: Free; participants receive a $2,000 stipend upon successful completion
Program Dates: Summer; 10 weeks. The last program ran June 1–August 14, with remote workshops followed by in-person lab research
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are full-time NYC residents attending NYC schools and have a demonstrated interest in STEM
ARISE is a 10-week summer research program that combines college-level workshops with hands-on research in NYU labs. You spend the first four weeks developing research, writing, safety, and public-speaking skills before completing six weeks of in-person research with NYU faculty and researchers. You can gain around 150 hours of lab experience, receive college application support, and present your work at a research symposium and final colloquium.
Who is it right for? NYC students who want substantial hands-on STEM research experience and can commit to a full 10-week program.
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost: Free; $25 application fee; room, board, and meals provided; $750 stipend upon successful completion of the research project
Program Dates: June 21–August 6
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: Students at least 17 by the program start date who graduate in 2026 or 2027; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a seven-week summer research program for 12 rising high school seniors and recent high school graduates. You work hands-on with Texas Tech faculty on a research project and participate in weekly seminars, social activities, and other programming. The research areas include biology, cancer biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and physics.
Who is it right for? Students who are at least 17 and want a residential research experience with faculty mentorship.
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL
Cost: Free; housing, meals, and a monetary award are provided
Program Dates: Six weeks during summer
Application Deadline: Priority deadline: March 31; applications reviewed afterward until program spots were filled
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders who live in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, or Wisconsin
The Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program gives you six weeks of hands-on research experience at the University of Illinois. You are assigned to a research group based on your interests and application and can explore fields such as cancer immunology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, physics, quantum mechanics, bioengineering, and electrical engineering. You spend 30–35 hours per week on research and professional development, work with faculty and other researchers, attend weekly seminars, and present your work at a final research symposium.
Who is it right for? Students in the listed states who want hands-on STEM research with housing and meals provided.
Location: NIH campuses, including Bethesda, MD, and other NIH locations
Cost: Free; stipend based on educational level; the current high-school-graduate rate is $2,840 per month
Program Dates: May 10–August 31
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are at least 18 by September 30; graduating high school seniors must be enrolled at least half-time when applying and graduate before the internship begins
The NIH Summer Internship Program gives graduating high school seniors and college and graduate students the opportunity to conduct full-time research in NIH laboratories. You can work with NIH researchers on biomedical, behavioral, or social science projects and participate in professional development and career programming.
Who is it right for? Graduating high school seniors who meet the 18-year-old requirement and want full-time research experience at NIH.
Location: Virtual; volunteers can participate from anywhere
Cost: Free; online volunteers do not receive financial compensation
Program Dates: Varies by assignment; individual assignments can last up to 12 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies by assignment; opportunities are posted on the UNV Unified Volunteering Platform
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 18 years old; individual assignments may have additional requirements
UN Volunteers' Online Volunteering service lets you contribute remotely to organizations working on peace, development, and humanitarian issues. Depending on the assignment, you can help with research, writing, translation, social media, data analysis, or other projects. Assignments can be offered by UN entities as well as governments, public institutions, and civil-society organizations.
Who is it right for? Students who are 18 or older and want flexible, remote volunteer work connected to research and international development.
Location: The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 22–August 6
Application Deadline: January 2
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old at the start of the program
The Rockefeller Summer Science Research Program is a seven-week, full-time, in-person research program for high school juniors and seniors. You work in research teams with scientists from Rockefeller University, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Weill Cornell Medicine, spending about 35 hours per week on hands-on research, workshops, lectures, and other activities.
Who is it right for? High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 and want a full-time research experience with scientists.
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: Free; participants receive a stipend award
Program Dates: June 29–August 7
Application Deadline: February 5; teacher recommendations were due February 13
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (11th grade) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and at least 16 years old by the start of the program
The Simons Summer Research Program allows high school students to conduct hands-on research in science, math, and engineering at Stony Brook University. You work with a faculty mentor, join an active research group, learn laboratory techniques and research methods, and complete a project that results in a written abstract and research poster. The program admits about 5% or fewer of applicants.
Who is it right for? High school juniors who want faculty-mentored research in science, mathematics, or engineering.
Location: Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free; interns receive a financial award upon successful completion
Program Dates: June 22–August 14
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: High school students entering senior year who are at least 16 by the start of the program, have a strong scientific interest and academic background, and currently reside in Greater Seattle or surrounding areas
The Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program is an eight-week, full-time paid internship in biomedical research. You spend the first two weeks learning laboratory safety and research techniques, followed by six weeks working in pairs with a mentor in a Fred Hutch research group. You also take part in research seminars and professional development workshops before presenting your work at the end of the program.
Who is it right for? Greater Seattle students entering senior year who want full-time biomedical research experience.
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Free; fully funded, except travel to and from Pittsburgh
Program Dates: Six-week in-person program; a required virtual Jumpstart on June 21–22 followed by the residential program
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (11th graders) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and at least 16 years old by the program start
The Summer Academy for Math and Science is a six-week pre-college STEM program at Carnegie Mellon University. You take advanced math and science courses, complete a collaborative STEM research project with faculty or graduate-student guidance, and participate in writing workshops, mentoring, academic coaching, and professional development. The program ends with a research symposium.
Who is it right for? High school juniors who want residential STEM study combined with a collaborative research project.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Six weeks during summer; the last program ran June 28–August 8
Application Deadline: Varies by applicant and year
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors; U.S. and international students may apply, with international participation subject to country sponsorship
The Research Science Institute is a six-week summer research program hosted at MIT and run by the Center for Excellence in Education. You take part in coursework in scientific theory and then conduct original research with a scientist or researcher, gaining experience with the full research process. The program includes lectures and evening presentations, and students present their research to an expert panel at the end.
Who is it right for? Rising high school seniors who want intensive scientific coursework followed by original research.
Location: BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Cost: Free for BCCHR's high school research education opportunities
Program Dates: Research education events are offered throughout the year; research placements vary by research team
Application Deadline: No centralized application deadline for volunteer research placements
Eligibility: High school students; students must be at least 16 to work onsite, while research involving patient contact or patient data requires students to be 18+
BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute offers research education opportunities for high school students, including events that introduce you to medical discoveries and careers in science. BCCHR does not offer formal volunteer, job-shadowing, or work-experience placements for high school students. However, students interested in research can explore BCCHR investigator profiles and contact research teams directly about possible opportunities.
Who is it right for? Students interested in medical research who want to explore research education opportunities and contact research teams directly.
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC
Cost: Free; students receive a stipend
Program Dates: June 15–August 7
Application Deadline: February 8
Eligibility: Local high school students interested in neuroscience; specific eligibility requirements apply
The Duke University Neuroscience Experience is an eight-week summer research program that places local high school students in neuroscience labs at Duke University. You work on a research project with professional scientists, receive individualized mentorship, and take part in workshops covering scientific communication, neuroscience careers, and college preparation.
Who is it right for? Local high school students interested in neuroscience who want hands-on laboratory research and individualized mentorship.
Location: The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN
Cost: Free; participants receive a $3,000 stipend
Program Dates: Eight weeks during summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students entering grades 11–12 and recent high school graduates; 3.5+ GPA and completion of a biology course required
The High School Summer Research Scholars Program gives you eight weeks of hands-on biomedical research experience at The Hormel Institute. You spend about 25 hours per week learning laboratory techniques, participating in research observation, analyzing data, reviewing scientific literature, and working on a research portfolio. You also attend professional development sessions, lab safety training, and research symposiums, with only three to four students selected for the program.
Who is it right for? Students entering grades 11–12 who have completed biology and want a focused biomedical research experience.
Location: University of Louisville Health Science Campus, Louisville, KY
Cost: Free; participants receive a $3,500 stipend
Program Dates: June 1–July 31
Application Deadline: April 5
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors in Louisville and the Jefferson County Metro area who are at least 16 years old by June 1 and have taken at least one advanced science course
The Brown Cancer Center High School Summer Research Program is a nine-week cancer research program. It begins with two weeks of intensive hands-on wet-lab training, including a drug discovery project, followed by seven weeks of mentored research with a Brown Cancer Center-affiliated faculty member. You work under the supervision of a graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, or research scientist, attend weekly research seminars, and present your findings at the end.
Who is it right for? Local students age 16 or older who want intensive cancer research and already have advanced science coursework.
Location: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Palisades, NY
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Six weeks during summer
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: High school and college students who are at least 16 years old at the start of the program
The Secondary School Field Research Program gives you six weeks of hands-on field and laboratory research at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. You work in research teams with Lamont scientists and undergraduate mentors, studying ecological and physical processes at the nearby Piermont Marsh. You collect samples, conduct laboratory experiments, analyze data, and create a research poster and presentation for the end-of-summer symposium.
Who is it right for? Students age 16 or older who want to combine field research, laboratory work, and environmental science
Is research volunteering paid?
Yes, several opportunities on this list provide stipends or financial awards. The amounts range from smaller stipends to substantial monthly payments, while some programs are free without providing compensation.
If funding is important to you, check both the cost and stipend information before applying. You can also explore free research opportunities for high school students for more options.
How do you find a research volunteer opportunity near you?
Start by looking at universities, research institutes, hospitals, museums, and nonprofit organizations in your area. Many structured programs have location restrictions, while individual research teams may have different requirements or opportunities.
If you cannot find a formal program that fits your age or location, contacting researchers directly can be another way to ask about available research opportunities.
Cold Outreach
You can also reach out to professors using cold outreach. Cold emailing can help you contact research professors whose work interests you, especially if you do not qualify for a structured summer program. A cold email for a research position should be formal while showing genuine interest in the professor’s research.
Research the professor’s work before reaching out. Mention a specific area of their research or publication that caught your attention, explain why you are interested, and keep the email concise. Be clear about what you are asking for and how you found their work.
Consider a research program
If you are interested in a selective, structured research program, consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program. The program pairs you with a full-time researcher to develop your own independent research project. You can find the application form here.
What high schoolers ask about these research opportunities
1. Will I mostly run hands-on experiments, or support tasks like observing and data entry?
It varies. Some opportunities involve wet-lab experiments and field sampling, while others include observation, data analysis, research support, or a combination of activities. Most give you training before you begin working on research tasks.
2. Do I need to know which research field I want before applying?
No. Some opportunities are focused on a specific area, while others let you explore different research fields based on your interests and application. Broader research options can give you room to explore before deciding on a specific field.
3. How many hours a week do these take, and do they run the whole summer?
It depends. Most of these run about six to ten weeks over the summer, and the full-time programs ask for roughly 25 to 35 or more hours a week. A few volunteer options are more flexible, so you can find one that fits your schedule.
4. Do I need to live near one of these programs, or are any remote?
For most of them, yes. Many are on-site or limited to students in a set city or region, though a few are residential and draw from several states, and one online volunteering option is open worldwide for applicants 18 and older. If you want a fully remote research experience with one-on-one mentorship, you can explore the Lumiere Research Scholar Program.