9 Stanford Research Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Nov 12, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 1
Participating in research programs as a high schooler not only allows you to explore complex concepts but also gives you valuable skills that will serve you well in your academic and professional future. Research experience gives you the opportunity to work alongside experts to explore the real-world applications of subjects that interest you.
Some of the most prestigious opportunities available are those offered by Stanford University. Stanford’s research programs for high school students provide valuable experience, allowing you to work alongside faculty, graduate scholars, and researchers in state-of-the-art laboratories. Participating in Stanford's research programs showcases your ability to engage in meaningful academic inquiry, setting you apart in competitive college admissions.
Here are 9 research programs at Stanford University for high school students. While some of these programs allow you to conduct independent research, others introduce you to research in a specific field through Stanford professors and students.
Cost: $850
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: February 21
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering 9th to 12th grade in Fall (must be over 14 years old by the program start)
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) offers a two-week summer research internship for high school students to explore the intersection of AI and healthcare. The program gives you experience in both the technical and clinical aspects of AI applications in medicine. You will participate in research projects and engage with Stanford mentors and researchers. The program features social activities and Virtual Career Lunch and Learn sessions, where guest speakers from academia, industry, non-profits, and government sectors will share their experiences. There may be opportunities to extend the internship into independent research, and all students who finish the program will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Cost: Virtual (CNI-X Virtual): $1,495; In-person (CNI-X Session 1): $2,795
Program Dates: CNI-X Virtual: June – July; CNI-X Session 1 (In-person): July
Location: Virtual or Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Eligibility: Open to high school students following their sophomore, junior, or senior year, including international students
Application Deadline: March 1
CNI-X is a two-week summer program designed to introduce high school students to cutting-edge topics in neuroscience, psychiatry, and psychology. You will participate in interactive seminars led by Stanford faculty and researchers, exploring clinical neuropsychiatry, neuroscience research, psychiatric epidemiology, and behavioral sciences. The program also addresses professional development and self-care strategies for transitioning to college. You will work on a collaborative capstone project to develop solutions to social issues connected to neuroscience, psychiatry, or psychology. At the end of the session, you will present your capstone project in front of peers, faculty, and families.
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 28
Program Dates: June 16 – August 7
Format: Hybrid: a combination of virtual and in-person sessions at Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Eligibility: Open to high school students residing in the Bay Area who:
Will be 16 or older by the start of the program
Reside in one of the following counties: Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz
Have prior knowledge of biology, chemistry, or computer programming (through coursework or extracurricular activities)
Have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0
GRIPS at Stanford offers high school students a unique experience in computational genetics and genomics. The program includes research, professional development, and community-building activities. You will be placed in a research laboratory to conduct genomics research under the guidance of a lab mentor. GRIPS requires a commitment of 20 hours per week for eight weeks. You will engage in laboratory activities, group workshops, and professional development opportunities. In addition to research, you will have the opportunity to connect with peers and build a community within the field.
Cost: Free
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application Deadline: November 30
Format: Stanford Medicine, Stanford, CA
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 16 or older by June 23 from across the U.S. and associated territories. No prior lab experience is required.
The RAMP UP / STaRS Summer Internship is a seven-week experience designed to provide you with an introduction to healthcare and biomedical research. You will work with clinician or scientist mentors to explore scientific challenges. Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and the program strongly emphasizes mentorship as a pathway to leadership in healthcare. Interns work Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., collaborating on research projects with their mentors and peers. You will prepare for a career in healthcare while developing teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Cost: Free to apply and participate
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who will be 16 years or older by June 9, are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and live and attend high school in the U.S.
SIMR offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to engage in an eight-week research experience at Stanford University. You will work with faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers on medical projects in Stanford’s labs. Students accepted into SIMR can select one of eight research institutes, which include areas such as cancer biology, neuroscience, bioengineering, and more. Additionally, you can participate in a bioengineering boot camp, which offers a hands-on learning experience without a lab component. Check out our full guide to SIMR here.
Cost: $1,500
Location: Virtual (Zoom Webinar)
Program Dates: July (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. PST)
Application Deadline: Applications will open in March
Eligibility: Open to current high school students in grades 9-12 who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a green card living in the U.S. It is recommended that students have completed at least one year of high school biology.
Stanford EXPLORE is a three-week virtual lecture series aimed at high school students interested in biomedical research. Organized by the Stanford School of Medicine, the program covers fundamental topics and research areas such as Immunology, Neuroscience, Regenerative and Stem Cell Medicine, Cancer Biology, Bioengineering, and Bioinformatics. The lectures will be delivered by Stanford graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty, offering you a glimpse into advanced scientific concepts typically taught at the college level. You will also gain valuable insights into educational pathways and careers in medicine and research, helping you make informed decisions about your future studies.
Cost: Not specified; $3,000 stipend available for students with demonstrated financial need (details provided in the application)
Program Dates: June – July
Application Deadline: TBA
Format: In-person at Stanford University, Stanford, CA, with the option for some remote work (pending Stanford approval)
Eligibility: Open to rising juniors and seniors in high school who reside in Northern California
During the 6-week program, you will work on a research project with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers. The program aims to increase interest in biological sciences and medical fields while fostering diversity within these career paths. You will spend around 30 hours per week participating in research projects, learning from professionals, and building a deeper understanding of scientific methods. In addition to your research work, you will engage with peers and Stanford faculty through activities designed to expand your knowledge of medicine and research careers.
Cost: $4,000
Location: Online
Application Deadline: March 25
Program Dates: TBA
Eligibility: High school students from underrepresented groups; no prior experience required
Stanford AI4ALL is a three-week summer program aimed at increasing diversity in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The program provides an introduction to AI through interactive lectures, research projects, and professional mentorship. You will explore AI applications in areas such as medicine, disaster response, and poverty alleviation. Guided by AI researchers, you will engage in discussions and develop practical skills. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate recognizing your achievement.
Dates: June 16 – 27
Cost: Free; participants must arrange their own transportation to/from campus
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Eligibility: Students must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Preference is given to students attending local high schools.
Application Deadline: May 1
IFSS offers rising high school juniors and seniors the chance to explore chemical research. Over two weeks, you will shadow graduate students in the chemistry department, gaining insights into various research techniques and engaging in meaningful discussions. Unlike programs that emphasize individual research projects, IFSS focuses on shadowing multiple researchers, providing a broader understanding of the field. This unique approach fosters a well-rounded scientific perspective. The program aims to provide scientific research experiences to students who may not otherwise have access to such opportunities.
One other option — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs 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. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
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.
