20 STEM Extracurricular Activities for High School Students

STEM fields, while highly sought-after, require high technical expertise. As a high schooler, the sooner you start with STEM, the quicker you gain expertise and exposure to advanced STEM concepts! 

Additionally, engaging in extracurricular activities has been linked to improved academic performance, higher college attendance rates, and enhanced social networks. Colleges also actively look for students who demonstrate genuine passion and initiative beyond the classroom.

To help you get started, this blog covers 20 STEM-based extracurricular activities for high schoolers that you can consider. Some of them may require considerable effort and long-term commitment, while others are brief, more accessible experiences. You’ll find an option here that aligns with your interests and schedule. 

1. Participate in a high school research program

Research programs allow you to explore real scientific questions while working alongside professional scientists or graduate students. Unlike classroom labs, which tend to focus on experiments, research programs guide you through the full research process—from reviewing existing studies to collecting data, analyzing results, and presenting your findings. This hands-on experience can help you boost critical thinking, develop technical skills, and gain familiarity with lab or coding tools that are often used in university-level STEM work.

Some highly regarded programs include the Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT, the Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University, the Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech, and the UC Santa Cruz Science Internship Program (SIP). Most high school research programs are competitive and require a strong academic background, but they can be transformative experiences and are highly valued by college admissions officers.

• Difficulty level: Intermediate to advanced

• Location: Mostly in-person, at universities across the U.S., though virtual programs also exist

• Resources/coding experience required: Varies by program; some expect prior lab or coding experience, while others are open to beginners with strong academic records

2. Join a robotics team

Participating in a robotics team is a good way to practically understand concepts like engineering design, programming, and machine learning. You and your team need to design, build, and program a robot to compete in challenges like the FIRST Robotics Competition. Such challenges will not only help you enhance your technical skills but also foster leadership and communication abilities, which are highly valued by college admissions officers.

• Difficulty level: Intermediate to advanced

• Location: School-based or community organizations

• Resources/coding experience required: Basic programming or engineering knowledge is preferable; resources are often provided by competition websites, but ideally, having a mentor to assist is beneficial

3. Participate in environmental monitoring projects

Environmental monitoring projects allow you to contribute to tracking changes in local ecosystems, pollution levels, or wildlife populations over time. Many universities, NGOs, and government agencies run citizen science initiatives where you collect data like water quality samples, air pollution measurements, or biodiversity counts in your area. You might use simple tools, such as water testing kits or mobile apps, designed to report observations to a central database.

This hands-on fieldwork teaches important skills in scientific data collection, analysis, and environmental stewardship. It’s also a great way to connect with scientists and learn how research translates into policy or conservation efforts. Colleges appreciate students involved in environmental projects because their participation highlights their commitment to exploring real-world STEM issues and community impact.

• Difficulty level: Beginner to Intermediate

• Location: Local outdoor sites or schools

• Resources/coding experience required: Minimal equipment provided; no coding experience required

4. Create a DIY Electronics or Hardware Project

Working on DIY electronics—like building a microcontroller-based gadget or home automation system—lets you apply principles of physics, engineering, and programming in a creative way. You could build smart sensors with Arduino or Raspberry Pi, create wearable tech, or develop automated systems for everyday tasks. This can help you learn about circuit design, soldering, and embedded coding.

Many online communities and kits provide step-by-step guidance, but some projects also demand on-the-spot independent troubleshooting and iterative improvement. 

The result of your participation here will be a portfolio-worthy project that demonstrates technical skills, creativity, and perseverance—qualities that impress college admissions committees looking for students with applied STEM experience beyond textbook knowledge.

• Difficulty level: Intermediate

• Location: Home or school lab

• Resources/coding experience required: Basic coding (Python/C++) experience, electronic components, microcontrollers

5. Volunteer for STEM outreach programs

Volunteering for initiatives or programs that promote STEM education, such as tutoring younger students or organizing science fairs, demonstrates leadership and a commitment to community engagement. These experiences also reinforce your own knowledge and communication skills. Accessible volunteering opportunities can be collaborating with local organizations to host workshops or mentoring your classmates in STEM subjects.

• Difficulty level: Beginner to intermediate

• Location: Schools, libraries, community centers, virtual opportunities, or other public spaces

• Resources/coding experience required: Subject matter proficiency; you may also need to make or arrange for teaching materials

6. Join a math circle or club

If you want to explore advanced mathematical concepts beyond the standard curriculum, you should consider joining a math circle or club. Most school math clubs offer problem-solving sessions, advanced lectures, and math games that foster analytical thinking and a deeper appreciation for mathematics. These extracurricular activities offer high school students opportunities to prepare for math competitions, opening up more opportunities to succeed in STEM fields.

• Difficulty level: Intermediate

• Location: Schools, universities, or online platforms

• Resources/coding experience required: Strong interest in mathematics

7. Attend STEM summer camps

Summer STEM camps are a great way to gain exposure to emerging technologies and learn how to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems over your school break. These camps often include workshops, mentorship, and collaborative projects, providing a comprehensive understanding of STEM fields and enhancing college applications.

• Difficulty level: Beginner to advanced, depending on the camp

• Location: Varies; residential/overnight as well as day camps and virtual camps are available

• Resources/coding experience required: Varies by program; some may require prior knowledge

8. Participate in environmental science projects

Engaging in environmental initiatives like conservation efforts or sustainability campaigns allows you to apply scientific principles to address ecological challenges. You can organize recycling drives, conduct water quality tests, or develop awareness programs. Participation in these projects can demonstrate your commitment to environmental stewardship and help you explore the practical applications of scientific knowledge.

• Difficulty level: Beginner to intermediate

• Location: Local communities, schools, or environmental organizations

• Resources/coding experience required: Basic understanding of environmental science

9. Explore computational biology through online research Projects

Computational biology combines biology, computer science, and math to analyze biological data such as DNA sequences or protein structures. If you’re interested in this highly advanced topic, you can participate in online research projects or citizen science platforms that focus on genomics or bioinformatics. For example, platforms like Foldit invite users to contribute to real scientific problems by analyzing data or solving protein folding puzzles. This effort helps you understand how computers solve complex biological questions, sharpening your skills in programming (often Python or R), statistics, and critical thinking. This unique interdisciplinary experience can be impressive to college admissions teams, as it reflects your ability to work at the intersection of different STEM fields, often involving advanced concepts and real scientific impact.

• Difficulty level: Intermediate to advanced

• Location: Online

• Resources/coding experience required: Basic to intermediate coding experience in Python or R preferred

10. Develop a mobile app or website

Creating a mobile application or website addresses real-world problems through technology. It’s a fantastic way to learn programming languages and design principles while developing useful tools that you can either use yourself or submit to a competition. Not only will this experience develop your technical skills, but it will also introduce you to the basics of UI/UX, marketing, and budgeting.

• Difficulty level: Intermediate to advanced

• Location: You can participate from anywhere with internet access

• Resources/coding experience required: Knowledge of programming languages and development tools is preferable

11. Join a Science Olympiad team

Science Olympiad competitions encompass a wide range of scientific disciplines and challenge you to apply your knowledge in events ranging from anatomy to engineering. Teams prepare for regional and national tournaments, fostering collaboration and in-depth study. Participation and any form of recognition in such highly competitive and prestigious events can help your resume stand out and offer tangible proof of your academic expertise.

• Difficulty level: Intermediate to advanced

• Location: School-based teams competing at various venues

• Resources/coding experience required: Subject matter expertise and stellar academic record are highly recommended

12. Conduct independent research projects

Conducting independent research enables you to delve into topics of personal interest in depth. Whether it is analyzing local environmental data or experimenting with physics concepts, research projects are a solid way to develop technical skills in your chosen STEM topic and demonstrate initiative and critical thinking. If you present your findings at science fairs or get them published in student journals, it can be another feather in your cap!

• Difficulty level: Advanced

• Location: Anywhere; may require access to labs or equipment

• Resources/coding experience required: Strong foundation in chosen subject; research methodology knowledge

13. Participate in hackathons

Hackathons are events where individuals or teams collaborate intensively on software projects within a limited timeframe. These challenges are designed to help you develop strong coding skills in a highly competitive environment. Most hackathons require you to create apps or software solutions addressing specific challenges, typically within a time or resource constraint. While they’re generally not meant for beginners, they are an excellent opportunity to advance your coding skills.

• Difficulty level: Intermediate to advanced

• Location: Various in-person and virtual events

• Resources/coding experience required: Proficiency in programming and development tools required

14. Join a Technology Student Association (TSA) Chapter

The TSA offers students opportunities to engage in STEM competitions and leadership activities. Members can participate in events ranging from software development to engineering design, helping them build a broad skill set. Involvement in TSA can demonstrate a commitment to technology and leadership, qualities valued by colleges.

• Difficulty level: Intermediate

• Location: School-based chapters across various regions

• Resources/coding experience required: Varies by event; resources provided by TSA

15. Explore astronomy clubs and/or observatories

Joining an astronomy club and participating in observatory programs are good ways to build an academic profile focused on cosmology, astronomy, and related fields. Through participation in the STEM extracurricular activities these clubs offer, you will learn how to make telescope observations, practice astrophotography, and explore the science behind cosmic events. This knowledge will also set you up for future internships or other academic pursuits in this field.

• Difficulty level: Beginner to Intermediate

• Location: Schools, local observatories, or online platforms

• Resources/coding experience required: Basic knowledge of astronomy + access to telescopes or software

16. Start a STEM-focused blog or YouTube channel

Whether you focus on explaining scientific theories, coding tutorials, or reviewing STEM books and tools, teaching others online is a great way to deepen your own knowledge and also demonstrate initiative and communication skills. Some high schoolers have even built sizable audiences on platforms like Medium or YouTube, which is a way to add weight to college applications. Colleges value students who can make STEM accessible and engaging to others, as it is a sign of leadership in knowledge-sharing and outreach. To get started, you must learn basic video editing, features of blogging platforms like WordPress, and SEO techniques, all of which are valuable transferable skills.

• Difficulty level: Beginner to intermediate

• Location: Remote

• Resources/coding experience required: None to basic; depends on platform and content focus

17. Enter a national STEM competition

Competing in science or math competitions shows that you are not only passionate about STEM but also driven to test your skills against high-performing peers. Options range from the Regeneron Science Talent Search and math contests like the AMC and AIME to robotics challenges like the FIRST Tech Challenge. Many of these competitions require months of preparation, involving tasks like building a research project, writing a paper, and/or solving complex problems under timed conditions.

These contests are viewed favorably by colleges, especially when you advance beyond local levels. Even participation alone demonstrates intellectual curiosity and resilience. Some, like Regeneron’s International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), allow students to compete internationally, while others are more regional but may still offer academic rigor and prestige. You should consider working with an experienced mentor or joining a school-sponsored team to strengthen your chances.

• Difficulty level: Intermediate to advanced

• Location: Varies (regional to international)

• Resources/coding experience required: Depends on competition—some require lab access, others are theory-based

18. Join a citizen science project

Citizen science allows you to contribute to real research projects as a volunteer, often from home. Platforms like Zooniverse or SciStarter host dozens of projects in astronomy, biology, environmental science, and more. You might get to classify images of galaxies, track wildlife, or analyze climate data. These projects are open to all and typically come with clear instructions so you can begin contributing immediately.

This is a great way to engage with authentic scientific data without needing to design your own study or find lab space. It also shows a willingness to collaborate and contribute to long-term research. While such opportunities may not be as prestigious as competitive research programs, they can still provide meaningful insights and content for college essays, especially if you stick with one project over time or lead a school-based initiative around it.

• Difficulty level: Beginner

• Location: Online or local; certain opportunities involve fieldwork

• Resources/coding experience required: None

19. Attend a biomedical or health sciences summer program

If you are interested in medicine, neuroscience, or public health, specialized summer programs offer lab-based and clinical exposure early on. These programs often include workshops, lectures from professionals, and hands-on activities like dissections, simulated diagnostics, or bioethics debates. Programs such as Stanford's Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) or Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences combine research and clinical insights, introducing you to topics like anatomy, pharmacology, and global health issues.

These programs can help you build on your interest in health sciences and stand out among pre-med applicants. Many programs also teach you how to read medical research, write abstracts, and give poster presentations—skills that are useful in both college and future careers in healthcare. 

You can check out our list of summer health sciences programs for high schoolers here.

• Difficulty level: Intermediate to advanced

• Location: Mostly in-person; some universities offer virtual options

• Resources/coding experience required: None; strong academic background recommended

20. Complete a STEM-based capstone project

A capstone project is an independent or mentored deep dive into a specific STEM topic. Unlike general coursework, capstones culminate in a tangible output like a research paper, prototype, software tool, or engineering solution. You get to choose a topic, design your approach, and execute the project over several weeks or months. If your project addresses a real-world problem or integrates multiple disciplines, it becomes a strong addition to your portfolio. These projects can be done independently, through a school honors program, or with support from organizations like Lumiere Education.

Colleges appreciate these projects because they demonstrate initiative, sustained effort, and genuine curiosity. While working on such projects, you must document your process and reflect on what you learned, as your insights on the experience can add depth to your college applications.

• Difficulty level: Intermediate to Advanced

• Location: Remote or in-person opportunities; can be school-led or mentorship-based experiences

• Resources/coding experience required: Varies by topic; self-driven learning is often required

One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you want to pursue independent research under the guidance of a mentor, consider applying to Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, which are selective high school programs founded in partnership with Harvard and Oxford researchers. Last year, 4,000+ students applied for just 500 spots in the research program. You can learn about the application and available programs on the application form here.

Also, you can check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation—a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, it offered 150 students full need-based financial assistance.

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 research mentor to develop a research paper.

Image Source - Lumiere Research Scholar Program logo