15 Research Programs for High School Students in New Hampshire
- Stephen Turban
- Jul 30
- 11 min read
If you’re a high school student interested in research, structured programs can help you understand how academic work is conducted beyond the classroom. Instead of only learning concepts, you may work on defined research questions, collect and analyze data, or assist with ongoing projects under the guidance of mentors. These experiences introduce you to how knowledge is developed in fields such as science, engineering, social science, or the humanities, while also helping you build skills in critical thinking, data interpretation, and academic communication. New Hampshire offers research opportunities through universities, environmental organizations, and academic programs that emphasize hands-on learning and mentorship.
Why should I do a research program in high school?
Participating in a research program offers concrete benefits that can shape your academic and professional trajectory. Some programs focus on laboratory or technical research, while others involve fieldwork or interdisciplinary study connected to the region’s natural and academic resources. Working with faculty, researchers, or trained instructors, students gain early exposure to structured research environments and expectations.
To help get you started, we’ve curated a list of 15 research programs for high school students in New Hampshire.
15 Research Programs for High School Students in New Hampshire
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; need-based financial aid offered
Acceptance size/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 12-week program; Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.3+
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, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: NHAS STEM Center and Fanger Building, Lyme, NH
Cost: $3,500 (Need-based financial aid and flexible payment plans available)
Acceptance size/cohort size: Not specified; individual or small groups of up to 3
Dates: Session 1: June 22 – July 10 | Session 2: July 20 – August 7
Application Deadline: Rolling registration; enrollment secured upon payment or financial aid agreement
Eligibility: Rising 8th through 12th graders with a serious interest in authentic research
The Applied Scientific Research Program at the New Hampshire Academy of Science (NHAS) provides you with a dedicated environment to transition from a student of science to a practitioner of science. Throughout this intensive three-week session, you select a specific area of STEM research and work under the guidance of PhD faculty to test an original hypothesis while gaining access to professional-grade research facilities at the STEM Center in Lyme. The curriculum is designed to mirror professional scientific standards, covering everything from statistical analysis and laboratory ethics to the use of advanced instrumentation like PCR machines and spectrophotometers. Your work culminates in an oral presentation delivered to a group of scientists, and students who produce high-quality results may receive an invitation to publish their findings in NHAS research journals or present at international science conferences.
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November); You can apply to the program 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. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and 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, students 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 and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
Location: NHAS STEM Center, Lyme, NH
Cost: $800 (Need-based financial aid available)
Acceptance size/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 13 – 17
Application Deadline: Rolling registration; enrollment secured upon payment or financial aid agreement
Eligibility: Rising 6th graders or older
If you are looking for a foundational experience before committing to a full-scale investigation, the Introduction to Scientific Research program offers a one-week immersion into the world of laboratory science. This program is designed to teach you how professional scientists ethically design and conduct experiments across disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. You will receive hands-on training with sophisticated equipment such as 3D printers and advanced microscopes while working alongside other motivated peers to explore a wide range of scientific career paths. By the end of the week, you will have carried out several short experiments and delivered a presentation on your findings, ensuring you have the technical background necessary to bridge into the NHAS Applied Scientific Research Program.
Location: Dartmouth College / Dartmouth Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH (and other sites nationwide)
Cost/Stipend: Free; Students receive a $4,000 fellowship stipend
Acceptance size/cohort size: 350+ students across all national sites
Dates: June – August (8–10 weeks)
Application Deadline: April 2
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who have completed one chemistry course and meet specific household income requirements (300% or less of Federal Poverty Guidelines)
The ACS Project SEED Program offers you a transformative opportunity to engage in high-level chemical research at prestigious locations such as the Dartmouth Cancer Center in Lebanon. Over eight to ten weeks, you'll work closely with scientist-mentors on significant projects that advance chemistry or related sciences. This fellowship enables you to carry out independent research, produce detailed reports, and design professional posters for scientific competitions. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to join supplementary activities such as career panels and campus tours, aimed at helping you prepare for college and explore different careers in the chemical industry.
Location: Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
Stipend: Paid Internship (Specific hourly rate not listed)
Acceptance size/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – August 7 (7 weeks)
Application Deadline: March 11
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old and reside locally or regionally to the medical center
The Dartmouth Hitchcock High School Foundations Summer Internship Program provides you with a robust, multi-dimensional experience that combines paid employment with professional development and mentorship. Through a unique rotational model, you have the opportunity to work in two to three different hospital departments, ranging from the medical laboratory and pharmacy to perioperative services and engineering. This structure allows you to gain a broad perspective on the roles required to maintain a healthcare organization while you practice critical workplace competencies such as problem-solving, teamwork, and initiative. Beyond your daily tasks, you participate in a series of workshops designed to foster professional networking and self-development, helping you stand out as a competitive candidate for future healthcare careers.
Location: Warner, NH and Manchester, NH
Cost/Stipend: Paid Internship (Specific rates not listed)
Acceptance size/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer months (Specific dates not listed)
Application Deadline: Not specified; contact Mentis Sciences for current cycle dates
Eligibility: Local high school students in good academic standing who reside in the HUBZone area of Manchester, NH
The Mentis Sciences Internship Program offers you a specialized opportunity to engage with engineering and manufacturing processes through a curriculum designed to make math and science come alive. Throughout the experience, you participate in intensive STEM training courses and engineering activities, such as the Mentis Bridge Building Competition, where you apply scientific methods to structural design. You will perform practical laboratory tasks, such as coupon testing, to determine material properties and bond lengths, gaining a deep understanding of how theoretical concepts apply to real-world materials science. The program emphasizes developing technical skills under the guidance of professional mentors who support your transition into high-level engineering disciplines
Location: University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program; need-based scholarships (covering 50%) are available
Acceptance size/cohort size: Not specified; small groups with a 1:8 counselor-to-student ratio
Dates: Week 1: July 13 – 17 | Week 2: July 20 – 24
Application Deadline: Enrollment is open; financial aid applications close March 15
Eligibility: Students entering grades 8–12 with an inquisitive mind and sense of adventure
The UNH TechVenturers program provides you with an intensive, weeklong learning experience centered on a specialized area of science, engineering, or technology. As a participant, you will spend your time developing technical expertise and honing critical thinking skills as you work through the engineering design process alongside like-minded peers. With guidance from expert mentors, you'll participate in practical projects like exploring regenerative medicine via the Planaria Project, learning remote-control engineering with RC cars, or studying light physics in optics labs. Your week concludes with a camp-wide presentation, giving you the chance to share your discoveries, reflect on your technical progress, and showcase the unique solutions you've created during the session.
Location: University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program; need-based scholarships (covering 50%) are available
Acceptance size/cohort size: Not specified; features small project groups with university faculty
Dates: July 13 – 17 (Residential and day options available)
Application Deadline: Enrollment is open; financial aid applications close March 15
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10–12 who are interested in pursuing STEM in college
The TechLeaders: Bridge to College program at the University of New Hampshire is specifically designed for you if you are an emerging STEM scholar seeking to become familiar with the higher education landscape. This immersive experience combines high-level project work with a comprehensive college readiness curriculum, including workshops on college essay writing, financial aid, and resume building. You will have the chance to undertake advanced research, such as creating computer simulations to model the heat equation using MATLAB or exploring the biological principles behind cryopreservation in regenerative medicine. Beyond the laboratory, you will benefit from direct interactions with UNH faculty and undergraduate students, as well as tours of specialized facilities like the wind tunnel and genomics center.
Location: University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance size/cohort size: Not specified; features mentorship from doctoral students and faculty
Dates: July 20 – 24
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Students entering grades 5–12 (High schoolers participate in the Tech Trailblazers track)
The Dinah Whipple STEAM Academy offers you a unique, immersive experience that explores the intersection of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM) with the Black experience in America. Named after the founder of New Hampshire’s first school for Black children, the academy provides you with access to state-of-the-art UNH facilities where you can engage in hands-on projects like robotics, responsible AI, or environmental resilience. Beyond technical laboratory work, you will dive into the humanities by discussing the history of African empires and the contributions of prominent Black figures to modern science and society. Guided by university faculty and professional engineers, you will collaborate with peer mentors to develop community-centered solutions while building a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives in STEM.
Location: UNH Manchester, Manchester, NH
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance size/cohort size: Space is limited; priority given to Manchester public school students
Dates: August 3 – 14 (Two week-long sessions)
Application Deadline: Rolling; students from outside Manchester are waitlisted until May 15
Eligibility: Students entering grades 5–12 (TechVoyagers tracks specifically for grades 7–12)
The UNH Manchester Tech Camp offers an accessible, high-quality opportunity to explore diverse STEAM fields through interactive, hands-on laboratory experiences. Held at the state-of-the-art UNH Manchester facility, the program allows you to dive into specialized topics such as forensic science, where you might process a mock crime scene, or the "Body Builders" track, which combines anatomy with electrical engineering. If you are interested in modern technology, you can explore the foundations of artificial intelligence by training models to verify real lab data, or by using 3D modeling and printing to convert your smartphone into a high-magnification microscope. Participants who complete the associated assignments even have the chance to earn 0.5 high school science credits through an Extended Learning Opportunity.
Location: UNH InterOperability Laboratory, Durham, NH
Cost/Stipend: Paid Internship (Competitive hourly rate; housing is not provided)
Acceptance size/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (entering 12th grade) who are United States residents
The HighTech Bound program at the University of New Hampshire’s InterOperability Laboratory (IOL) offers you a prestigious, paid summer internship to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge network technologies. During this four to six-week program, you will work in a professional computer lab environment alongside dedicated mentors to develop solutions for technical projects that impact global companies like Apple, Dell, and Cisco. You will have the unique opportunity to research real-world software and hardware challenges, ranging from smart car technology to internet devices, while building a network of peers from across the country. This experience pays you to learn, allows you to earn high school credit, and provides a direct pathway to potential future employment at the IOL if you choose to attend UNH.
Location: University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
Cost: $200 (Generously subsidized; financial hardship waivers available)
Acceptance size/cohort size: Not specified; admission is by application only
Dates: July 26 – August 2
Application Deadline: March 27 (Enrollment for admitted students closes June 26)
Eligibility: Students entering grades 8–12
The Future Leaders Institute (FLI) at the University of New Hampshire offers you a high-level residential experience focused on the intersection of philosophy, politics, ethics, and global justice. During this weeklong program, you will join a community of thoughtful peers to engage with "big ideas" through an interdisciplinary lens, guided by award-winning faculty and scholars. The most recent theme, "Governing AI," invites you to debate the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on education, surveillance, and military operations while exploring diverse perspectives from leading global researchers. Your daily schedule is packed with interactive learning, including formal debates, original Ethics Bowl case studies, and evening film discussions designed to sharpen your analytical skills.
Location: Appledore Island, ME (Managed via Durham, NH)
Cost/Stipend: Approximately $1,940 per credit, plus room, board, and program fees
Acceptance size/cohort size: Not specified; shared dorms with 1–3 classmates
Dates: Various sessions from July 13 – August 17
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (courses close as they fill)
Eligibility: Completed grades 10, 11, or 12 with a B- or better in two year-long science courses
Shoals Marine Laboratory offers you a unique opportunity to transform from a student into a scientist through college-level marine science courses held on Appledore Island. During these residential programs, you can earn Cornell University credits while engaging in rigorous fieldwork such as deploying oceanographic equipment, exploring rocky intertidal zones, and observing seal colonies. The curriculum is highly interactive, featuring activities such as dissecting sharks to study their unique anatomy, fishing for mackerel, and observing whales in their natural foraging grounds. You can choose from specialized tracks including Marine Environmental Science, the Biology of Sharks, Skates, and Rays, or even Scientific Illustration, all taught by expert faculty from the University of New Hampshire and Cornell.
Location: NHAS STEM Center, Lyme, NH (with remote options)
Cost/Stipend: Financial aid is available (NSF-supported program)
Acceptance size/cohort size: Not specified; limited to a distinguished group of NH and VT students
Dates: Spring (Remote), Summer (3–5 weeks), and Academic Year
Application Deadline: Currently closed for new applicants
Eligibility: New Hampshire and Vermont students in grades 9 through 11 with a strong interest in science and technology
The NHAS STEM Fellowship, supported by a significant grant from the National Science Foundation, offers you a holistic support system designed to propel you toward a successful career in physical science and engineering. As a fellow, you join a distinguished group of students who receive not only advanced technical training but also extensive personal and family support, including standardized test tutoring and personalized college planning seminars. The program follows a rigorous timeline where you transition from remote introductory sessions to intensive summer research at the STEM Center in Lyme, working directly with professional scientists and near-peer mentors. This multi-year commitment ensures you develop deep expertise in authentic research while simultaneously receiving the one-on-one counseling necessary to navigate the competitive college admissions landscape.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. 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.