Did you give a thought to how you can explore the world of research even before college?
Are you curious about strengthening your college applications and gaining valuable experience?
High school students have a bunch of free research opportunities waiting for them.
From science experiments to social science projects, there’s something for everyone.
Let’s see what are the best research opportunities for high school students that won’t cost a buck:
Table of Contents
- Best Free Research Opportunities For High School Students
- 1. Research Science Institute (RSI)
- 2. Simons Summer Research Program
- 3. MIT THINK Scholars Program
- 4. NIH High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)
- 5. Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
- 6. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
- 7. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s (RPI) PREFACE Program
- 8. NASA High School Internship Program
- 9. Garcia Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University
- 10. Summer Science Program (SSP)
Best Free Research Opportunities For High School Students
Here are the best research opportunities for high school students:
1. Research Science Institute (RSI)
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a highly competitive program for high school students interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
It takes place at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) during the summer.
Students from around the world come together to do original research under the guidance of experienced mentors.
The program includes lectures from top scientists, lab work, and a final presentation of their research.
Best of all, it’s free for those who are accepted, covering tuition, room, and board.
Related: Science competition for high school students
2. Simons Summer Research Program
Stony Brook University hosts the Simons Summer Research Program.
High school students get to work on research projects in science, math, or engineering alongside faculty mentors.
The program lasts for about seven weeks and includes various enrichment activities, such as lectures and workshops.
While there’s a fee to participate, financial aid is available to help cover costs.
3. MIT THINK Scholars Program
The MIT THINK Scholars Program is perfect for students who have innovative research ideas in science and engineering.
To apply, you need to submit a research proposal. If selected, you’ll receive funding to turn your idea into a reality, along with mentorship from MIT students.
The program runs during the school year, so you can work on your project at your own pace.
4. NIH High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers a fantastic summer internship program for high school students interested in biomedical research.
You’ll get to work with NIH scientists on real research projects. The program is held at NIH campuses, and students receive a stipend to help cover their expenses.
It’s a great opportunity to get hands-on experience in a professional lab setting.
5. Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program is among the free research opportunities for high school students in genetics and genomics.
High school students work on research projects under the mentorship of experienced scientists.
The program lasts for about ten weeks, and students receive a stipend. Housing is also provided, making it easier for students from different areas to participate.
6. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
SIMR at Stanford University offers high school students the chance to conduct biomedical research.
You’ll be matched with a lab and work on a specific project for eight weeks during the summer.
The program includes seminars, lectures, and social activities. Financial aid is available to help cover costs, ensuring that students from all backgrounds can participate.
7. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s (RPI) PREFACE Program
The PREFACE Program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is designed for high school students interested in engineering.
Over two weeks in the summer, students explore different engineering fields through hands-on projects and research activities.
Scholarships are available to help cover the program’s cost, making it accessible to more students.
8. NASA High School Internship Program
NASA offers virtual internships for high school students who are passionate about space and aeronautics.
Interns work on projects related to NASA’s missions, gaining valuable experience in a professional setting.
The internships are available at various NASA centers across the country, and students receive a stipend to help with expenses.
9. Garcia Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University
The Garcia Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University focuses on polymer science and engineering.
High school students work in research labs under the guidance of faculty mentors.
The program lasts for about seven weeks and is free for participants. Students can also receive a stipend to help with expenses.
10. Summer Science Program (SSP)
The Summer Science Program (SSP) offers high school students the chance to engage in research projects in astrophysics and biochemistry.
Over the course of about six weeks, students work in teams on real scientific research. The program includes lectures, field trips, and social activities.
Financial aid is available to ensure that all interested students can participate, regardless of their financial situation.
Over To You
Ready to start an exciting research adventure?
Imagine discovering something new, helping solve real-world problems, and making your college applications stand out.
Free research opportunities for high school students are out there, giving you a chance to learn, grow, and shine.
So why wait?
