15 Fall STEM Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Jan 16
- 10 min read
As a high school student, fall programs offer you the opportunity to experience college-level academics and explore your interests. You engage in project-based learning that builds practical skills such as research methods, project management, and problem-solving. Often offered as after-school programs, weekend workshops, or virtual formats, these opportunities are shorter and more accessible, allowing you to explore your interests while maintaining your regular school schedule. Hosted by universities and industry organizations, these programs also provide you with exposure to professional environments and build connections with researchers.
To help you get started, here are 15 fall STEM programs for high school students.
If you are looking for summer STEM programs, check out our blog here.
15 Fall STEM Programs for High School Students
Location: Remote or in person at any of NASA’s ten field centers across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid based on academic level and internship duration
Dates: Internships are available in spring, summer, and fall; fall internships usually last 16 weeks, from late August/early September to mid-December
Application Deadline: Fall: May 22
Eligibility: U.S. high school students who are 16 or older, enrolled full-time as a student, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
Aspiring high school researchers can dive into the heart of space exploration through NASA’s OSTEM internships, which bridge the gap between classroom theory and professional practice. By collaborating directly with seasoned mentors, you tackle ambitious projects from refining telescope operations and analyzing planetary data to designing next-generation robotics. These roles extend beyond traditional science into IT and finance, offering specialized tracks where you apply machine learning to mission data or use AI to streamline air traffic. Beyond the technical labor, the experience is enriched by direct dialogue with astronauts, providing a rare lens into the rigorous realities of a STEM career.
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; full financial aid is available
Dates: Multiple 12-week to 1-year cohorts available throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, or spring
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (accepted students typically maintain an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Location: Various locations across the U.S.
Stipend: $17.75 – $19/hour
Dates: Varies by internship; Part-time year-round internships are offered during the fall and winter months
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are at least 16 years old and enrolled as a full-time high school student | Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 (for high school students applying for Research and Development, Technical, or Business positions); more details here | 2.5 GPA for clerical or laborer positions
Sandia National Laboratories offers paid internships for high school students, allowing you to contribute to ongoing research in science and engineering. Depending on your assignment, you may work on coding, data analysis, experimental design, or hardware testing in areas like cybersecurity, energy systems, software development, or physics. You collaborate with professional scientists and engineers who provide guidance and integrate you into the team with specific responsibilities. The internship also gives you access to technical tools and software commonly used in research, such as MATLAB, Python, or CAD programs. Additionally, you participate in mentorship sessions, professional development activities, and opportunities to connect with other interns and staff.
4. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; full financial aid is available
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November); apply here
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. If you are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science, you would benefit from the AI Scholars program. This 10-session boot camp introduces you to the fundamentals of AI & data science, and you get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, you get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
Location: Varies, primarily in the HQs at Wichita, KS
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Dates: Part-time internships available from September to November
Application Deadline: Depends on business needs
Eligibility: High school students at least 16 years old who are U.S. citizens | Fall applicants need a school schedule that allows for internship work during the week
Textron Aviation offers paid, part-time internships for high school students ages 16 and older, giving you experience in STEM fields such as engineering, manufacturing, IT, and supply chain. You build practical skills, strengthen analytical thinking, and contribute to projects underway in the aviation sector. The program pairs you with mentors who support your day-to-day learning and introduce you to different career paths within the company. The internship includes hands-on training in areas like aeronautical engineering, maintenance, and information technology, along with opportunities to tour facilities and observe professionals working in roles that match your interests.
Location: DNA Learning Center, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Students who complete the 55 hours of research and present their projects at the Research Symposium each receive a $500 stipend
Dates: Vary, with lab training generally in August and continuing in Fall and through the school year
Application Deadline: May 27 (tentatively)
Eligibility: NYC high school students in grades 9–12 must be at least 13 years of age and reside in NYC
The DNA Learning Center’s Urban Barcode Research Program (UBRP), supported by the Pinkerton Foundation, provides NYC high school students with a guided research experience in urban biodiversity. In this program, you use DNA barcoding to identify and study species found throughout the city. Throughout the academic year, you participate in training sessions and workshops to develop your research skills. After an introductory lab course, you carry out an independent research project under the supervision of scientific mentors. Previous projects have focused on species such as microbes, ants, tree frogs, and fungi. The program requires at least 55 hours of research and concludes with a presentation of your findings at a spring symposium.
Location: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Dates: Part-time (10-20 hrs/week) during the school year between September and November
Application Deadline: September 30
Eligibility: Students from a New Mexico high school who are seniors when applying, are 16 years old, have a GPA of 2.75+, and pass a pre-employment drug test
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) offers paid internships for New Mexico high school seniors that allow you to work on STEM projects related to national security with support from experienced mentors. Internships are available in fields such as engineering technology, bioscience, physics, chemistry, intelligence, and space research. You collaborate with a multidisciplinary R&D team and gain exposure to specialized tools and methods used to address scientific and engineering problems. Throughout the placement, you build technical competencies, practice problem-solving, and contribute to ongoing research or engineering work.
Location: Bronx Zoo and Fordham University, Bronx, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend of about $350
Dates: Saturdays between September and December
Application Deadline: Typically, early March
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors residing in the Bronx
Project TRUE is a program for Bronx high school sophomores and juniors that combines urban ecology research with field-based learning. You examine wildlife and local ecosystems, exploring topics such as mammal activity, bird diversity, water conditions, and how invasive species are managed. Throughout the program, you apply standard scientific methods to gather data, interpret your results, and communicate what you find. You work in small groups supported by mentors from Fordham University and the Wildlife Conservation Society, creating a setting where you can learn from both peers and researchers. The program also connects you with local science mentoring networks for continued engagement after it ends.
Location: Harvard or MIT campuses
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Dates: September – May
Application Deadline: Typically, in the summer
Eligibility: High school students enrolled at Cambridge Rindge & Latin School (CRLS)
SRMP is a year-long program where you carry out an independent project in astrophysics or climate science with support from researchers at Harvard and MIT. You work in a small cohort of about five to six students and are paired with a mentor, with access to the tools you need, including a program-issued laptop. Each week, you participate in research check-ins, seminars, and conversations with scientists to help guide your project. Throughout the year, you practice research design, data analysis, and scientific communication. The program concludes with a formal presentation at a Harvard symposium. Admission is highly selective, with fewer than 15 students accepted annually.
Location: In-person (Maine and Connecticut campuses) | Hybrid | Fully remote
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Depend on the project. Opportunities are available from fall to spring.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old and enrolled as a junior or senior in good standing at a high school that is within commuting distance of the Jackson Laboratory campus in either Farmington, CT, or Bar Harbor, ME
The Jackson Laboratory’s Academic Year Fellowships allow you to work in an active biomedical research environment during the school year. As a fellow, you become part of a JAX research group, learn essential lab techniques, and contribute to ongoing projects. With guidance from mentors , including faculty, postdocs, and graduate students, you also develop and carry out an independent project related to the lab’s focus. Throughout the program, you help plan experiments, interpret data, discuss findings, and take part in regular group meetings. By the end, you will have gained experience in problem-solving, communicating your work, managing your time, and collaborating with a research team.
Location: Fremont, CA
Cost:$1,070; financial aid is available
Dates: September 1 – January 15
Application Deadline: July 15 (priority); August 15 (final)
Eligibility: High school students in 9th-12th grade from the Bay Area
ASDRP is a Bay Area-based research program where you develop and carry out your own project with guidance from mentors. Instead of working through predetermined labs, you focus on an original question in areas like biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, or engineering. During the program, you use lab facilities to run experiments, review scientific literature, and write research papers that follow standard academic formats. You also practice technical communication by preparing presentations and sharing your findings at a research expo. You may also have the opportunity to submit your work to the ASDRP journal or to external conferences.
Location: Both virtual and in-person opportunities are available
Cost: Typically in the range of $2,000 – $3,000; scholarships available for some programs
Dates: September 22 – November 14 (tentative)
Application Deadline: September 10 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school students (15+) in grades 9–12 with a minimum GPA of 3.0
UC San Diego’s Research Scholars ’ Marine Science track offers a course sequence that introduces you to ocean science and gradually leads into more independent research. As you advance through the levels, you study core topics in marine biology, complete hands-on projects with guidance from Scripps Institution of Oceanography graduate students and staff, and practice analyzing and communicating scientific information. The program focuses on collaborative work, attention to environmental themes, and building practical research skills, with chances to share or submit your findings as you move forward.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by course; financial aid is available
Dates: Year–round including the fall semester
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students in grades 2–12
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth offers online courses that let middle school students study advanced STEM topics beyond the typical classroom curriculum. You can select courses in areas such as computer science, engineering, space exploration, or forensic science, based on your interests and learning preferences. Classes are available in different formats, including self-paced options or scheduled sessions with live components. Instructors provide guidance and feedback, and you have opportunities to interact with peers through discussion boards, live meetings, and small group clubs.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type and course length; financial aid and scholarships are available
Dates: Year–round including the fall semester
Application Deadline: Late September/early October
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 12 who meet Emerald Tier criteria
The Northwestern Center for Talent Development (CTD) offers online programs designed for you to expand your understanding of STEM and related interdisciplinary subjects. You can choose from enrichment courses, honors classes, or Advanced Placement (AP) options depending on your interests and readiness. Courses vary in length and structure, from short exploratory sessions to semester-long programs. Throughout the classes, you also practice applying your knowledge to real-world contexts, including leadership projects and community service initiatives. Each course combines independent work time, personalized feedback, and creative assignments from experienced instructors.
Location: Virtual or in person
Cost: $500 for remote and $525 for in-person
Dates: Year–round; fall, winter, and spring quarters
Application Deadline: Rolling; first-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
The Stanford University Math Circle is an online fall program where you study advanced math through weekly problem-solving sessions. Rather than focusing on memorization, you work with peers to approach challenging problems and practice flexible ways of thinking. The circle format involves meeting in small groups to discuss ideas, test different approaches, and strengthen your reasoning skills. Sessions are led by mathematicians and experienced instructors who introduce topics such as logic, proofs, and other concepts that extend beyond typical classroom material.
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.
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