15 Research Programs for High School Students in New Mexico
- Stephen Turban
- 1 day ago
- 11 min read
If you’re a high school student interested in research, structured programs can help you move beyond classroom experiments and engage with open-ended questions that reflect real academic work. Instead of following pre-designed lab outcomes, you may work on defined research problems, collect and analyze data, or assist with ongoing projects under the guidance of mentors. These experiences introduce you to the scientific method in practice and help you develop skills in critical thinking, data interpretation, and academic communication. New Mexico offers a distinct setting for research opportunities through its universities, national laboratories, and research institutions.
Why should I do a research program in high school?
Engaging in research during your high school years provides concrete benefits that extend far into your academic and professional future. Many programs in the state are connected to environments that focus on areas such as physics, engineering, environmental science, and computational research. Students may work with faculty, researchers, or lab teams in structured settings that emphasize mentorship and independent thinking.
To help get you started, we’ve put together a list of 15 research programs for high school students in New Mexico.
15 Research Programs for High School Students in New Mexico
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Need-based financial aid offered
Acceptance Rate: 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: EXPO New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
Cost: $30 per student
Acceptance size/cohort size: Open to all qualifying regional applicants across multiple categories
Dates: March 18 – 20 and March 22
Application Deadline: February 9 (Online entry and paperwork upload deadline)
Eligibility: Students in grades 4 through 12 attending school in the Central New Mexico region
This premier regional competition provides you with a platform to showcase original science and engineering projects to a panel of professional judges. You participants can select from various categories such as Robotics and Intelligent Machines, Medicine and Health Sciences, or Physics and Astronomy. The event features intensive interviews where you need to defend your methodology and results, mimicking the peer review process of professional academia. Those who succeed may move on to the New Mexico State Science and Engineering Fair or the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Throughout the challenge, you can engage with special award judges from various industries who provide feedback and recognition for excellence in specific technical niches.
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; Full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate or 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: New Mexico School for the Arts, Santa Fe, NM
Cost/Stipend: Free (Participants who complete the program receive a $350 stipend)
Acceptance size/cohort size: Approximately 40 students
Dates: June 9–19
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Students living in New Mexico or New Mexico Tribal Communities who have completed Algebra I
This intensive two-week residential or day program invites you to explore complex scientific concepts through the lens of "Invisible Worlds," with a focus on physics beyond human perception. You will engage in hands-on projects involving robotics, cybersecurity, and environmental science while working alongside professional researchers from Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories. The curriculum balances technical laboratory work with essential professional development, including workshops on resume writing and interview techniques tailored for the STEM industry. Beyond the daily experiments and lectures, you have the opportunity to join the national SAGE Journey program, which provides ongoing mentorship and connections to future internships at Department of Energy national laboratories. Because the program aims to inspire those who may not yet see themselves in scientific careers, your acceptance is based on your potential for growth and interest rather than a traditional grade point average.
Location: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM
Cost/Stipend: $675 all-inclusive (covers meals, housing, and activities); full and partial scholarships are available through sponsors like Socorro Electric Cooperative and Freeport-McMoRan
Acceptance size/cohort size: Not specified; classes are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis
Dates: Session 1: June 7 – 12 | Session 2: July 12 – 17
Application Deadline: Not specified (registration remains open until sessions reach capacity)
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a minimum 2.75 GPA who have completed Algebra I
This five-day residential program offers a glimpse into student life at New Mexico Tech, earning you one college credit. You choose a STEM field to explore thoroughly through engaging faculty-led lectures and practical lab sessions that simulate undergraduate classes. Outside the classroom, field trips highlight how physics, chemistry, and computer science are applied in local industries. The program encourages collaboration with peers who share your academic interests, providing both social and educational insights into university life. By the end of the week, you'll better understand different engineering and science career options and what it takes to pursue them.
Location: New Mexico State University Main Campus, Las Cruces, NM
Cost/Stipend: Free (Lunch and snacks are provided; participants receive a stipend upon completion)
Acceptance size/cohort size: Not specified; enrollment is first-come, first-served
Dates: June 11 – 20
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until all slots are filled
Eligibility: High school students (specifically designed for young women) interested in computer science
This ten-day immersive day camp introduces you to the multifaceted world of technology through projects in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and game development. You work in Science Hall on the NMSU campus, learning the basics of Java and exploring advanced topics such as cryptography, neural networks, and 3D printing. The program uses a near-peer mentorship model in which accomplished university computer science students lead instruction, helping you build strong connections to the field in a supportive environment. In addition to technical coding challenges, you engage in leadership activities and career exploration designed to boost your confidence in STEM. By creating AI-powered projects like sign language interpreters or chatbots, you gain a practical understanding of how computational thinking can be applied to solve real-world problems.
Location: New Mexico School for the Arts, Santa Fe, NM
Cost/Stipend: Free (Participants receive a $350 stipend upon completion)
Acceptance size/cohort size: Not specified; focus is on students living in NM, NM tribal communities, or East Hawaii Island
Dates: June 8 – 19
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Students who have completed Algebra I or a higher-level math course and can commit to the full two-week schedule
This two-week program, in partnership with Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories, centers on "Invisible Worlds" to help you investigate scientific phenomena beyond human perception. You'll participate in practical projects across cybersecurity, computer programming, and bioengineering while collaborating with professional scientists and engineers. The curriculum aims to spark curiosity through real-world problem-solving and interactive demos instead of traditional lectures. Beyond technical training, you'll learn professional skills like resume writing and interview preparation to gear up for careers at the Department of Energy or local colleges. Completing the camp also grants you the chance to join the national SAGE Journey program, which fosters a community dedicated to future leadership in science and technology.
Location: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (Stipend/salary details provided upon hire)
Acceptance size/cohort size: Varies by department and mentor availability
Dates: Summer internships typically last 10 weeks; year-round internships available
Application Deadline: April 15 for Summer | September 30 for Fall | February 13 for Spring
Eligibility: New Mexico high school seniors at least 16 years of age with a minimum 2.75 GPA
This comprehensive internship program offers you the chance to gain professional work experience within a premier national security research institution. You can apply for positions in various fields, ranging from technical STEM roles in laboratory research to professional tracks in business and administrative operations. During the summer, you work up to 40 hours per week under the guidance of a mentor and co-mentor who provide direct oversight on your projects and professional development. If you choose to continue during the academic year, the program offers part-time schedules of 10 to 20 hours per week to accommodate your schoolwork. This experience not only builds your resume but also provides you with an inside look at the unique career pathways available within the U.S. Department of Energy.
Location: Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (Competitive hourly rates based on classification and year)
Acceptance size/cohort size: Varies based on project needs and national security mission requirements
Dates: Year-round or Summer (Summer sessions are typically 10 to 12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling (Postings remain open for a minimum of seven calendar days)
Eligibility: Local high school juniors or seniors, at least 16 years old, with a minimum 3.0 GPA and U.S. citizenship (or permanent residency/asylee status)
This year-round or summer internship at Sandia National Laboratories places you within high-caliber teams focused on remote sensing and national security technologies. You contribute to critical missions such as nuclear proliferation detection, treaty verification, and the development of advanced data processing software for satellite systems. Your daily tasks may involve using research tools to support the delivery of verification systems or performing real-time analysis for complex sensing projects. Because the work is performed onsite at a secure facility, you must maintain full-time enrollment in a local school and be able to balance academic responsibilities with professional lab contributions.
Location: Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (Competitive hourly rates based on classification and degree level)
Acceptance size/cohort size: Varies based on departmental research needs
Dates: Year-round or Summer (Specific durations determined upon hire)
Application Deadline: Rolling (Postings are active for a minimum of seven calendar days)
Eligibility: Local high school students, at least 16 years of age, with a minimum 3.0 GPA and U.S. citizenship or legal residency
This specialized internship within the Microsystems Engineering, Science and Applications (MESA) center allows you to support the research and development of photonic integrated circuits (PIC) for quantum information systems and MEMS-based sensors. You work as part of a multidisciplinary team, engaging in the design, characterization, and environmental testing of advanced optical technologies that contribute to national security. Your responsibilities may include assisting with code development to automate laboratory testing setups, processing technical data, and presenting your research findings during team meetings. The program emphasizes a hands-on learning approach, providing you with on-the-job training in the physics of electromechanical and optomechanical behavior at the microscale. By contributing to the Optical MEMS group, you play a direct role in leading-edge research and product delivery at one of the nation's premier science and engineering laboratories.
Location: Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (Hourly rates vary based on classification)
Acceptance size/cohort size: Varies; interns participate in the larger TITANS (Technical Internships to Advance National Security) hub
Dates: Year-round or Summer (Summer internships typically occur between June and August)
Application Deadline: Rolling (Postings are typically open for at least seven days)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors attending a local school with a minimum 3.0 GPA and U.S. citizenship or legal residency
The AutonomyNM Intern Institute provides you with the opportunity to work alongside expert staff on the research and development of autonomous systems for national security missions. As an intern, your daily responsibilities may involve writing and debugging computer code, processing data to support decision-making, or maintaining hardware such as drones and 3D printers. You will also spend time perusing and summarizing scientific papers to stay informed on the latest technical principles in aerospace and systems engineering. This program emphasizes mentorship and professional growth, allowing you to engage in both social and technical activities within the broader TITANS internship network.
Location: Predock Center for Design + Research, Albuquerque, NM
Cost/Stipend: $300 (A limited number of full scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis)
Acceptance size/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – 24
Application Deadline: Not specified (Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
This three-week intensive program introduces you to the diverse fields of architecture, landscape architecture, and community planning. During weekdays at the Predock Center, you will attend lectures on various design topics and go on field trips around Albuquerque to examine the local built environment. The program is designed to prepare you for university-level design studies, enabling you to learn from different instructors and build a basic portfolio. The experience concludes with a final review on the last Friday, where local design professionals and community leaders provide you with direct feedback on your work.
Location: University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
Cost/Stipend: Free (Tuition and materials are covered; commuter students receive a small stipend, and residential students receive room and board)
Acceptance size/cohort size: Not specified; priority is given to early applicants
Dates: Commuter Session: June 1 – 12 | Residential Session: June 22 – July 17
Application Deadline: March 15 (Priority Deadline)
Eligibility: Commuter program: Incoming 8th, 9th, and 10th graders; Residential program: Incoming 11th and 12th graders (16+ years old preferred)
The UNM Engineering and Computing Summer Academy offers two distinct tracks designed to introduce you to the expansive world of technical innovation. The two-week commuter session focuses on broad hands-on activities across all engineering disciplines, while the four-week residential program, held in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, provides a specialized deep dive into the transportation industry and civil infrastructure. Regardless of the track you choose, you will interact with STEM faculty and industry professionals, gaining exposure to real-world research through structured field trips and laboratory exercises. Upon successful completion, you walk away with a stronger understanding of the academic rigor required for a collegiate engineering degree and a professional network of mentors within the university.
Location: Albuquerque Academy, Albuquerque, NM
Cost/Stipend: Pricing varies by course and camp selection; financial details are available via the registration preview system.
Acceptance size/cohort size: Varies by class; the program serves hundreds of students across the Albuquerque area.
Dates: June 8 – July 17
Application Deadline: Registration opens in February and continues until courses reach capacity.
Eligibility: Students entering kindergarten through 12th grade.
Think Summer offers a dynamic environment where you can engage in project-based and inquiry-based activities designed to keep your mind sharp during the academic break. You have the flexibility to design a personalized seven-period schedule, choosing from a wide array of interdisciplinary enrichment classes, intensive arts workshops, and athletic programs. For high school students, the program provides a platform to explore specialized interests or gain a head start on advanced concepts for the upcoming school year. The curriculum is led by extraordinary faculty members who utilize creative teaching techniques in a relaxed, scholarly atmosphere. Beyond the classroom, you can participate in enriched recreational activities that promote both intellectual curiosity and physical wellness.
Location: University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
Cost: $1,370 (includes a $25 application fee, a $150 deposit, and $1,195 remaining tuition)
Acceptance size/cohort size: Approximately 150 students (based on a 1:15 staff-to-student ratio)
Dates: June 7 – 14
Application Deadline: Not specified (rolling admissions until spots are filled)
Eligibility: Current 10th or 11th-grade students with a 3.2 GPA or higher enrolled in a college-bound curriculum
This eight-day intensive program simulates a legislative session, where participants engage in high-stakes policy writing and constituency development. Participants live on the University of New Mexico campus and work with peers to build and manage large organizational systems through debate and consensus. The curriculum emphasizes public speaking and time management skills, offering a direct glimpse into the complexities of governance and community leadership. The experience includes a college fair and specialized training sessions to prepare for future academic and career opportunities. Completing the program also grants lifetime membership in the National Hispanic Institute and access to its global network of mentors and student leaders.
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.