12 Summer Research Programs for High School Students in Physics
- Stephen Turban
- 3 minutes ago
- 9 min read
If you’re interested in physics, summer research programs can give you a way to explore the subject beyond what’s covered in school. These programs introduce you to advanced topics like quantum mechanics, astrophysics, and particle physics while placing you in structured academic or research environments. They can also help you understand how physics connects to broader fields like engineering, data science, and scientific research.
Why should I do a physics research program in high school?
Physics research programs allow you to engage more deeply with scientific questions and learn how research is carried out in academic settings. You might work on research projects, analyze data, attend lectures, or collaborate with mentors and peers as you develop your understanding of key concepts. These experiences can help you build academic skills, explore potential areas of interest, and prepare for further study in physics or related fields.
To help get you started, we’ve selected 12 summer research programs for high school students in physics.
If you’re looking for free online summer internships, check out our blog here.
Location: Remote
Cost/: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Varies by cohort; options include Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring, ranging from 12 weeks to up to 1 year
Application Deadline: Varies depending on cohort. You can find the application form here.
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective, fully remote research program designed for high-achieving high school students interested in independent academic research. Participants are paired 1-on-1 with PhD mentors from top universities to design and execute an original research project in their chosen field. Students can pursue research across a wide range of disciplines, including psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and international relations. Over the course of the program, scholars develop a full-length independent research paper, typically completed within a 12-week core structure. The program emphasizes rigorous academic methodology, close mentorship, and intellectual independence. Many students use their completed papers as writing samples for college applications or submit them to high school research journals.
Location: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Batavia, IL
Stipend: $500 weekly stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 13 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Illinois high school seniors or recent graduates; U.S. citizens; proof of medical insurance required
PRISM is a four-week, paid summer research and mentorship program that introduces you to real-world STEM work at a national laboratory. You’ll explore areas like particle physics, quantum science, engineering design, and artificial intelligence through hands-on projects, lectures, and behind-the-scenes facility tours. Each week centers on a different scientific theme, helping you understand how diverse STEM fields connect to large-scale research. You’ll also receive mentorship and professional development support as you build confidence and clarity around future academic and career paths in STEM. By the end of the program, you will create a research abstract, poster, and final presentation to demonstrate what you’ve learned.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Spring and Fall cohorts run ~15 weeks; Summer cohort runs ~10 weeks (June – September)
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts
Eligibility: High school students in good academic standing (typically >3.67/4.0 GPA); most accepted students are in 10th–11th grade; some tracks require prerequisites
The Horizon Academic Research Program offers trimester-long, mentored research experiences for high school students across disciplines such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, and more. You can choose a subject track and are paired with a professor or PhD scholar who provides 1-on-1 mentorship throughout the program. A distinctive feature of Horizon is its flexibility to pursue either quantitative or qualitative research, depending on the field and student interests. Participants are expected to produce a substantial research paper (approximately 20 pages) suitable for submission to high school research journals. The program also provides detailed project feedback and a letter of recommendation upon completion, supporting students’ future academic pursuits.
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free; $750 stipend upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 12 students
Dates: June 21 – August 6
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are at least 17 years old by the program start date, U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program in Physics is a highly selective, seven-week residential summer research experience at Texas Tech University for advanced high school students interested in physics. You’ll work one-on-one or in very small groups with Texas Tech faculty on a focused research project, gaining hands-on experience that closely mirrors undergraduate-level research. The program emphasizes independent inquiry, problem-solving, and clear scientific communication, and you’re expected to complete a formal research project and report by the end of the summer. In addition to lab and research time, you’ll take part in weekly seminars, discussions, and structured social activities with the other scholars. Housing, meals, and weekend programming are fully covered, allowing you to focus entirely on research and learning.
Location: Boulder, CO or Gaithersburg, MD (onsite at the National Institute of Standards and Technology)
Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: U.S. citizen high school juniors or seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA who live within 50 miles of the host campus and can commit to the full seven weeks
The Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) is a competitive, seven-week research internship that gives high school students the chance to work in real NIST laboratories alongside professional scientists and engineers. Throughout the program, you will participate in a specific research project and gain practical experience with the scientific tools, methods, and problem-solving techniques used in federal research environments. Projects span a wide range of STEM areas, and students with interests in physics, chemistry, computer science, engineering, or data analysis may find especially strong alignment. You’ll learn what day-to-day scientific research looks like while developing technical and analytical skills in a professional lab environment.
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 5 – 6 weeks during the summer (project-specific schedules)
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Local New Jersey high school students who are at least 16 years old by June 15, U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, and able to commute daily to campus
If you’re seeking a comprehensive, practical research experience this summer, this program provides an opportunity to work directly in authentic science or engineering laboratories at Princeton University. Over 5–6 weeks, you’ll spend your weekdays collaborating with faculty members and research staff, gaining firsthand exposure to how academic research is conducted. The specific projects change each year depending on faculty availability, so your research focus will be based on what opportunities are offered that summer. The program is fully in-person and non-residential, which means you’ll need to arrange your own transportation and housing and be comfortable committing to a regular weekday lab schedule. You’ll also complete lab safety training and finish the program by submitting a two-page summary of your research.
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free (housing, dining, transportation, and tuition covered)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 80 students
Dates: July 5 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, rising seniors, or recent high school graduates
The Simons–NYU Science Explorations Program is a three-week residential summer program designed to introduce you to college-level science through lectures, labs, and hands-on exploration. You’ll study core ideas across biology, chemistry, neural science, physics, and psychology while learning directly from NYU faculty and guest researchers. The program blends classroom learning with laboratory experiences, giving you exposure to how scientific questions are studied in an academic research setting. Outside of class, you’ll take part in social and cultural activities around New York City, helping you build connections with peers who share similar interests. All major costs are fully covered by the program, making it especially accessible for students who may not otherwise be able to attend a residential summer program.
Location: Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: There is no information available
Dates: July 6–August 14
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Students who have completed 11th grade, are at least 16 years old by the start of the program, are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, and have active health insurance
The High School Research Program (HSRP) is a highly competitive six-week, full-time summer research program for students interested in pursuing STEM fields. During the program, you’ll work onsite at Brookhaven National Laboratory alongside scientists, engineers, and technical staff on hands-on research projects that support the Department of Energy’s mission. You’ll collaborate as part of a mentored research team rather than working independently, with an emphasis on teamwork, applied problem-solving, and contributing to shared scientific goals. The program runs Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and requires full attendance; no vacation days are permitted. You’ll also attend weekly program meetings and present your work in a final poster session or oral presentation for families and school administrators.
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: No tuition; stipend provided; residential housing estimated at $2,450
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 5
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (11th grade); U.S. citizens or permanent residents; at least 16 years old by program start
The Simons Summer Research Program offers a six-week opportunity to engage in practical research under the guidance of faculty mentors at a major research university. You’ll be paired with a Stony Brook faculty member and become part of an active research group, where you’ll take on a project instead of merely observing. Throughout the program, you’ll attend weekly faculty research talks, participate in workshops and campus events, and get a feel for what academic research is actually like day to day. You’ll wrap up the experience by writing a research abstract and presenting a poster at a formal symposium.
Location: NASA centers and facilities across the United States
Cost/Stipend: Paid internships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Varies by cohort
Application Deadline: February 27 (Summer) | May 22 (Fall)
Eligibility: U.S. citizen; full-time student; minimum 3.0 GPA; at least 16 years old at time of application
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships offer paid, practical experiences for students to actively participate in NASA’s missions across science, engineering, technology, and space exploration. During the internship, you’ll work side-by-side with NASA mentors, including scientists, engineers, and professionals across many disciplines, on real projects that support ongoing research and operations. Internships can be full-time or part-time and are offered at NASA centers nationwide, with opportunities available in both technical and non-technical fields. You’ll gain practical work experience, build career-ready skills, and strengthen your understanding of how large-scale scientific organizations operate. OSTEM offers multiple sessions each year, including summer and fall terms, giving you flexibility in when you apply.
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school students between 11th and 12th grade who are at least 16 years old by June 20; designed for students underrepresented in STEM
The Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) is a highly rigorous, six-week residential STEM program designed to support students from underrepresented backgrounds who are considering future studies in math, science, or engineering. During the program, you’ll take challenging courses taught by Carnegie Mellon faculty, participate in hands-on projects, and engage in full-day academic and research-focused programming. The experience begins with a required virtual Jumpstart in mid-June, followed by an intensive on-campus program that concludes with a research symposium. While SAMS is not a traditional independent research internship, it provides a strong foundation in research methods, problem-solving, and project-based inquiry that closely mirrors how undergraduate STEM research is conducted. You’ll also benefit from sustained mentorship, peer collaboration, and structured college-transition support, including workshops on financial aid, college preparation, and academic planning.
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $10,050 (includes tuition, program fees, housing, and meals)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 11 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (apply early)
Eligibility: Current 9th–11th grade students, including international students on a B-2 (tourist) visa
The Experimental Physics Research Academy is a three-week, fully residential summer program designed for high school students who want a deeper understanding of physics beyond memorizing formulas. Through lectures, hands-on activities, and guided projects, you’ll explore topics such as mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum dynamics, and astrophysics, with an emphasis on cause-and-effect reasoning and experimental thinking. The curriculum also includes discussions on experimental design, the philosophy and ethics of science, and different educational pathways in physics. You’ll engage directly with Penn faculty through research talks and Q&A sessions, giving you exposure to real-world physics research and academic life. Previous physics experience is encouraged but not required, making the program accessible to motivated students at different stages.
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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