15 Selective Research Programs for Teens

If you're a high school student interested in exploring an academic field beyond the classroom, a selective research program can provide an early introduction to college-level scholarship. These programs allow you to investigate a topic in depth while working with faculty members, researchers, or PhD mentors on meaningful research projects. Depending on the program, you may conduct laboratory experiments, analyze data, review academic literature, develop computational models, or produce an original research paper, all while strengthening your critical thinking and communication skills.

Why should I do a selective research program in high school?

Selective research programs put you in an environment that closely mirrors what college research actually looks like. You're working alongside a mentor, often a professor or researcher at a university or lab, on a real project with real stakes, not a simplified version built for high schoolers. That kind of exposure teaches you practical skills you can't really get in a classroom: how to read primary research, design an experiment, work with data, and communicate findings the way professionals do.

For college applications, this matters in a very specific way. Selective research programs are, by definition, hard to get into, and being accepted into one signals to admissions committees that you were evaluated against a competitive pool and chosen on merit. It shows sustained, independent work on a real problem, which is exactly the kind of initiative that stands out in a stack of otherwise similar applications.

With that, here are 15 selective research programs for teens worth considering!

If you’re looking for free academic programs, check out our blog here.

Key takeaways

• These programs span biomedical research, cancer science, applied physics, AI, engineering, and social sciences, so students with a wide range of academic interests can find a relevant selective research opportunity.

• Several programs offer significant stipends, including MD Anderson ($7,200), Chicago EYES on Cancer ($5,000), CURE Research Internship ($3,000 to $4,300), and AFRL Scholars ($615 to $861 per week), making them competitive in both prestige and compensation.

• Acceptance rates are extremely low across the board, with RSI estimated at 1.5 to 2.5%, Clark Scholars at 1 to 2%, Simons Summer Research at 5%, and most others described as highly competitive, so students should apply to multiple programs.

• Application deadlines begin as early as November (SEAP) and January (AFRL, MD Anderson), so students should identify target programs in the fall and begin preparing materials well in advance.

1. Research Science Institute

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Estimated between 1.5% and 2.5%; 100 students/year 

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA

Cost: $75 application fee only (need-based waivers available)

Dates: June 28 – August 8

Application Deadline: December 10

Eligibility: High school juniors who meet the RSI academic prerequisites 

Students at RSI move through the full arc of a research project, starting with a week of advanced STEM coursework taught by MIT faculty, followed by five weeks of individual research under the guidance of a working scientist or engineer. Each student is matched with a mentor based on their interests and works on an original project spanning biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and engineering. Scholars read current literature in their field, design and carry out an independent research plan, and analyze their own data throughout the process. The program closes with each student writing a formal research paper and delivering a conference-style oral presentation on their findings, mirroring how results are shared in professional scientific settings.

2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Acceptance rate: Selective

Location: Virtual

Cost: Varies by program; Full financial aid available

Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions

Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12)

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program pairs high school students with PhD mentors from top universities for a one-on-one independent research experience. You'll work closely with your mentor to develop an original research question, conduct a literature review, and produce a full research paper over 12 weeks. The program is offered across 20+ subject areas, including STEM, social sciences, humanities, and the arts. Students who complete the program can submit their papers for publication in academic journals or present at conferences. Lumiere also offers the Research Inclusion Foundation, a fully funded option for talented, low-income students. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here. 

3. Texas Tech University’s Anson L. Clark Scholars Program 

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective (12 students); estimated at 1% to 2% 

Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX

Cost: Free except for a $25 application fee | $750 tax-free stipend provided upon successful completion of a research project report

Dates: June 21 – August 6

Application Deadline: February 16

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (i.e., students graduating high school in the program year or the next) who are at least 17 by the start date and U.S. citizens or permanent residents 

The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program gives you a highly individualized research experience within a small, selective cohort. Each student is paired with a faculty mentor and develops an independent project in a chosen academic field, ranging from biology, chemistry, and engineering to business, humanities, or the fine arts. Your day-to-day work depends on your subject area, but it may include lab research, data analysis, computational work, archival study, design-based investigation, or scholarly writing. The program also includes seminars, discussions, and field trips that broaden your understanding of research beyond your own project. The experience concludes with a formal written report.

4. Veritas AI

Acceptance rate: Selective

Location: Virtual

Cost: Varies by program type; Financial aid available

Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; You can apply to the program here.

Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12)

The Veritas AI Program offers high school students a deep dive into artificial intelligence and machine learning through a research-focused curriculum. You'll explore topics like supervised learning, neural networks, and AI applications, guided by mentors from leading universities. Students complete an independent AI project and can submit their work for publication. The program is structured to give students both theoretical knowledge and technical experience. It combines rigorous AI education with mentorship and a research project, making it a strong credential for students interested in STEM or computer science.

5. Princeton University – Laboratory Learning Program 

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; Receives over 3,000 applications annually

Location: Princeton University main campus, NJ

Cost: None

Dates: 5 weeks during the summer (exact dates vary)

Application Deadline: March 15

Eligibility: U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents enrolled in a US high school who are 16 years old by June 15 (specific research opportunities may have additional eligibility criteria)

Princeton’s Laboratory Learning Program allows you to spend several weeks working inside a university research lab in science or engineering. You will be assigned to an active project based on lab availability, mentor needs, and your academic background. Past research areas have included renewable energy systems, molecular biology, mechanisms of genetic disease, biomedical engineering, and materials science. Your responsibilities vary by lab, but may include experimentation, modeling, data analysis, literature review, or technical documentation. The experience ends with a written research summary that outlines your project’s goals, methods, and findings.

6. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 300

Location: Various Department of the Navy laboratories across the country

Stipend: Paid; stipend of $4,000 (new) or $4,500 (returning)

Dates: Eight weeks during the summer (typically June to August)

Application Deadline: November 1

Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12 who are 16 years old by the start of the program and are U.S. citizens

SEAP gives you direct exposure to applied STEM research through a placement in a U.S. Navy laboratory. You work under the guidance of professional scientists and engineers on projects connected to real federal research priorities. The program helps you understand how scientific research is used to solve practical engineering and defense-related problems. Depending on your lab, your work may involve materials science, electronics, environmental testing, computer modeling, robotics, or other technical areas related to naval systems. You also develop professional research habits, including documenting your work, communicating with mentors, and contributing within a technical team. 

7. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) – Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive

Location: NIST laboratory at Gaithersburg, MD, or Boulder, CO

Cost: None

Dates: June 22 – August 7

Application deadline: January 26

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and U.S. citizenship

NIST’s Summer High School Intern Program introduces you to research within a federal laboratory environment where precision, measurement, and technical standards are central. You work alongside scientists and engineers on projects that may involve cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, advanced computing, quantum science, materials measurement, or engineering systems. Your day-to-day responsibilities depend on your placement, but may include programming, data analysis, experimental testing, or refining measurement tools used in scientific work. Seminars and professional development sessions help you connect your lab experience to broader STEM career paths. The program also gives you insight into how national research institutions support innovation, safety, and technical reliability. By the end, you present your work through a formal poster.

8. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive

Location: Various locations across the U.S.

Stipend: $615.60 – $861.60/week (based on education level and credits earned)

Dates: 8–12 weeks (late May/early June – August)

Application Deadline: January 10

Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are at least 16 years old and have a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0 

The AFRL Scholars Program places you in an applied research setting where STEM work is connected to government, aerospace, and defense-related challenges. Based on your site and project, you may contribute to fields such as aerospace engineering, physics, artificial intelligence, data science, materials research, autonomous systems, or space technology. The program pairs you with a mentor who helps you understand both the research task and the professional expectations of a federal lab. Your responsibilities could involve analyzing datasets, supporting simulations, assisting with experimental design, developing software, or working with technical documentation. You leave with a stronger understanding of applied research, technical teamwork, and STEM career possibilities.

9. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program

Acceptance rate: Highly selective; 5%

Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY (less than 1.5 hours away from NYC)

Cost/Stipend: No tuition, but a residential fee of $2,450 applies to students who need university housing | Paid

Dates: June 29 – August 7

Application Deadline: February 5

Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and at least 16 when the program starts

This research program for teens gives you the chance to join an active research group at Stony Brook University in science, mathematics, or engineering. You are matched with a faculty mentor and take responsibility for a defined project within a lab or research team. Alongside your project work, you attend faculty lectures and workshops that build your understanding of research methods and communication. Research areas may include physics, astronomy, geoscience, chemistry, computer science, artificial intelligence, applied mathematics, or related STEM fields. At the end of the summer, you submit a written abstract and present a poster at a closing symposium.

10. Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute’s Summer Scholars Research Program

Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10-12 students  

Location: Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA

Stipend: $2,400

Dates: June 8 – July 17

Application Deadline: February 6

Eligibility: Rising and graduating high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and 16 or older when the program begins

Winship Cancer Institute’s selective summer research program gives you close exposure to cancer research through mentorship from a physician or laboratory-based researcher. You contribute to an active project in areas such as cancer biology, oncology, patient care, or related biomedical research. Faculty lectures help you understand how cancer research connects laboratory discoveries, clinical practice, and long-term patient outcomes. The program also includes field experiences and discussions that introduce you to medical facilities, treatment technologies, and survivor perspectives. The program ends with a symposium where you present your project to researchers, doctors, graduate students, and guests.

11. CURE Research Internship Program

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 10 – 11 students

Location: University of California, San Francisco, CA

Stipend: Paid completion stipend, typically ranging from $3,000 to $4,300

Dates: June 15 – August 7

Application deadline: February 8

Eligibility: Current 11th graders | Must have completed biology or chemistry with a grade B or better; at least 16 years old at the start of the program; minimum GPA of 2.5

The CURE Research Internship at UCSF introduces you to biomedical and health sciences research through mentored work in a university setting. You may contribute to projects connected to basic science, clinical research, behavioral science, or population health, depending on your placement. As an intern, you work with faculty, graduate students, or postdoctoral fellows while learning how research questions are developed, tested, and analyzed. The program also includes professional development support, including academic writing, college preparation, and career advising. At the end, you present your research at a formal symposium.

12. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center – Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program 

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 6 students

Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 

Stipend: $7,200 (10 weeks), $6,480 (9 weeks)

Dates: June 1 – August 7

Application deadline: January 14 

Eligibility: Current high school seniors (18+) in Texas; U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or work-eligible visa holders

The Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program places you in a professional biomedical research environment focused on cancer science and allied health. You work under the mentorship of an MD Anderson faculty member and contribute to a research project in one of the biomedical disciplines. Much of the program is built around laboratory work, giving you a clearer understanding of how cancer research is conducted in a major medical research center. Faculty seminars introduce you to different research areas, clinical questions, and health-related career paths. You also build communication skills through activities such as abstract writing, poster development, and short research presentations. You conclude this research program with a final presentation where you share your work and reflect on your experience.

13. University of Chicago: Chicago EYES on Cancer

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 10 new student trainees selected annually

Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Stipend: $5,000 

Dates: Two 8-week summer sessions (June – August) + Monthly enrichment activities

Application Deadline: Varies (released each fall)

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors, or college freshmen/sophomores ages 16+; High school applicants must be residents of Cook, Lake, Will, or DuPage counties in Illinois or Lake County in Indiana

Chicago EYES on Cancer is structured for students who want sustained exposure to cancer research, mentorship, and academic development. Participants work in university research settings across areas such as basic science, translational research, clinical studies, and population health. Year-round workshops support your growth in research communication, career planning, and academic preparation. The program combines research with a cancer-focused lecture series, helping you see how scientific discoveries connect to medicine, public health, and patient outcomes. You also receive mentorship from faculty, research professionals, program staff, and peers. The experience culminates in a research symposium where you present your work and reflect on your development as a young researcher.

14. Johns Hopkins’ ASPIRE

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; Less than 15% 

Location: Online or in-person at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD

Cost: None 

Dates: June 23 – August  21

Application Deadline: February 15

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are 15 or older by June 1 of the program year, have a minimum 2.8 GPA, and are U.S citizens and residents of specific regions in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia 

Johns Hopkins ASPIRE gives you project-based exposure to STEM careers through the Applied Physics Laboratory. You are paired with an APL staff mentor and matched to a project based on your interests, skills, and available research needs. The program also helps you understand how a large applied research organization approaches problems in fields such as aerospace engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, environmental science, and systems engineering. Depending on your placement, your work may involve coding, lab tasks, hardware design, simulations, research analysis, or technical communication. At the end, you document your progress and present your work through a digital research poster.

15. UMass Chan High School Health Careers Program (HSHCP)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approx 16 students per year

Location: UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester

Stipend: Paid

Dates: June 29 – July 25

Application Deadline: March 3

Eligibility: Residents of Massachusetts who are sophomores or juniors in a Massachusetts high school

UMass Chan’s High School Health Careers Program combines academic enrichment, healthcare exposure, and research-based learning. You study subjects such as biology, mathematics, English, communication, and information technology while also building skills in critical thinking, note-taking, public speaking, and academic planning. A major component of the program is a health equity research project, where you investigate disparities affecting specific communities in Massachusetts. You also gain exposure to clinical and biomedical settings through shadowing, field trips, and interactions with healthcare professionals and scientists. 

Frequently asked questions

What makes a research program selective for high school students?

Selective programs typically require a competitive application, evaluate students against a large national pool, and place accepted students in real research settings alongside faculty or professional mentors. Programs such as RSI, Clark Scholars, and Simons Summer Research accept fewer than 5% of applicants.

Are there free or paid selective research programs for high school students?

Yes, several programs are free, including RSI, Princeton's Laboratory Learning Program, NIST SHIP, and Johns Hopkins ASPIRE. Many others are paid, including MD Anderson ($7,200 stipend), AFRL Scholars (weekly stipend), CURE Research Internship, and Winship Cancer Institute ($2,400 stipend). Lumiere and Veritas AI charge tuition but offer full financial aid.

Which selective research programs are best for students interested in biomedical or health sciences?

Students interested in biomedical research might consider Winship Cancer Institute, MD Anderson, Chicago EYES on Cancer, and CURE Research Internship for cancer and clinical science, UMass Chan HSHCP for health equity research, and Stony Brook Simons for broader STEM research including life sciences.

When should I apply to selective research programs for high school students?

The earliest deadlines are SEAP (November 1) and AFRL Scholars (January 10), followed by MD Anderson (January 14) and NIST SHIP (January 26). Students should begin identifying programs and preparing materials in the fall of their junior year to stay competitive.

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program in which students work one-on-one with a mentor to develop an independent research paper.