5 Research Programs for High School Students in Arkansas in 2025
If you’re a high school student, research experience is a valuable asset for the future. Conducting research will deepen your knowledge in your field of interest. Participating in research programs can help you develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills—qualities that stand out in college applications.
For high schoolers in Arkansas, local research opportunities can strengthen your academic foundation, boost your resume, and prepare you for success in college. These experiences foster personal growth and provide a unique edge when applying to colleges and universities. To help you find the right research opportunities, we’ve curated a list of 5 research programs for high school students in Arkansas!
Note: Dates for each program are usually the same year-on-year, so you can assume 2024's dates for a program's 2025 cohort!
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 3.3/4.0
Application Deadline: December 29, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort
Program Dates: June to August (summer); Fall, Winter, and Spring cohorts are also available
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, allows high school students to work one-on-one with PhD mentors on an independent research project. Mentors will guide you in producing a college-level research paper on a subject of your choice. Additional support from writing coaches is provided. Students can explore research in subjects like mathematics, biology, data science, economics, psychology, business, gender studies, linguistics, environmental studies, philosophy, astrophysics, engineering, and more. The program concludes with a symposium and offers the opportunity for publication.
Cost Fully funded, with a $500 stipend for virtual interns
Location: Remote
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Program Dates: 5 weeks, July – August 2025 (virtual)
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors across the U.S.
The JHIBS Program is a virtual research experience for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds, which promotes inclusivity in the neurological sciences. Guided by researchers, you will gain hands-on experience in neuroscience research through projects, scientific seminars, and personal development workshops. You will also connect with Johns Hopkins neuroscientists, enhancing your exposure to the field. The program wraps up with oral or poster presentations, allowing you to share your findings and contributions to neuroscience. Check out our full review of this program here.
Cost: Free
Location: Remote
Application Deadline: February 1, 2025
Program Dates: June – December (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors with a strong academic record and PSAT/ACT scores in the upper percentiles
MITES Semester is a 6-month online program by MIT designed to introduce high school students to topics in science and engineering. You’ll choose a project-based course and supplement it with computer science, physics, calculus, or science writing courses. The program explores interdisciplinary topics, including computational biology, robotics, machine learning, and climate change. Upon completion, you’ll receive an evaluation highlighting your achievements, which can boost your college applications. MIT encourages applications from underrepresented and low-income students. To learn more about MITES, check out our full guide here.
Location: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
Cost: No cost; students receive a stipend
Application Deadline: March 15, 2025 (based on last year’s dates)
Program Dates: Between May – July (based on 2024’s dates)
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0
The Summer Research Internship (SRI) allows students interested in research and healthcare to deepen their knowledge through scientific research. You will conduct research in an area of interest under the guidance of a dedicated mentor. The program also includes training on responsible conduct in research, helping you build a foundation in ethical practices, which will be useful for undergraduate research. Limited UAMS campus housing is available for eligible participants.
Location: University of Arkansas, Little Rock, AR
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 15, 2025
Program Dates: July 16 – 24, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 dates)
Eligibility: Students in grades 8-11
The Engineering Scholars Program aims to inspire high schoolers to pursue engineering degrees through hands-on research projects, interactive lab sessions, and field trips to local engineering plants. During this residential summer program, you will gain real-world insights by working with industry engineers on projects in various engineering fields, including robotics. The program’s focus on academics allows you to develop foundational skills and better understand potential career paths. In addition to the technical sessions, you will receive guidance on college preparation and advice on selecting high school coursework that aligns with your future academic goals.
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.