14 Chemistry Summer Research Programs for High School Students
As a high school student, summer research programs are a good way for you to develop skills, explore academic interests, and connect with professionals in the field. By participating in these programs, you’ll gain experience in scientific inquiry, data analysis, and professional collaboration. Many of these initiatives are hosted by top universities, research institutes, and organisations, offering you a glimpse into the world of advanced scientific discovery and helping you build connections with mentors and peers.
What are the benefits of a chemistry research program?
Chemistry research programs help you explore diverse branches of chemistry, such as organic synthesis, environmental chemistry, materials science, or biochemistry. You’ll learn how to design and conduct experiments, interpret chemical data, and apply theoretical concepts in lab settings. In addition to technical knowledge, these programs cultivate problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills essential for STEM careers.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve compiled 14 chemistry summer research programs for high school students.
If you are looking for online chemistry programs, check out our blog here.
1. ACS Project SEED Program – American Chemical Society
Location: Research sites across 40+ U.S. states and territories
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate; paid stipend provided (typically $3,000–$4,000)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~350 students annually
Program Dates: 8–10 weeks (typically June–August)
Application Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: High school students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who have completed at least one chemistry course
The ACS Project SEED Program offers one of the longest-running and most respected chemistry summer research programs for high school students in the U.S. Established in 1968, it provides paid research opportunities in both academic and industrial laboratories. Over 8–10 weeks, you’ll work with professional chemists on experiments—ranging from materials science and biochemistry to environmental and analytical chemistry. The program also offers a virtual summer camp focused on college readiness, lab safety, and exposure to chemistry-related career paths. With more than 13,500 alumni across 50 years, Project SEED emphasises mentorship, diversity, and access, helping you build both confidence and competence in the chemical sciences.
2. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program – Texas Tech University
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; $750 stipend provided upon completion
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Extremely selective (only 12 scholars selected annually)
Program Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors and seniors (must be at least 17 by the start date); U.S. citizens or permanent residents only
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University is one of the most prestigious and competitive chemistry summer research programs for high school students in the country. Over seven weeks, you will conduct intensive, mentor-guided research across a range of disciplines, including chemistry, biology, cancer research, and engineering. You’ll work one-on-one with faculty mentors to design and execute experiments, attend weekly seminars, and participate in social and professional development activities. The program covers room, board, and meals, allowing students to focus fully on their projects. At the end of the program, scholars present their findings and receive a $750 stipend in recognition of their work. With a cohort of just twelve participants, the Clark Scholars Program offers unparalleled access to university-level research, mentorship, and collaboration.
3. Veritas AI – AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small cohorts for personalised mentorship
Program Dates: Varies according to the cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed the AI Scholars program or have prior experience in Python and basic AI concepts
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI with a suitable environment in which to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI Scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. The AI Fellowship program will allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. You can find examples of previous projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
4. Research Science Institute (RSI) – Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: Free; all educational, housing, and dining expenses are covered
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Extremely selective (~2.5% acceptance; ~100 students)
Program Dates: 6 weeks (late June – early August)
Application Deadline: Early to mid-December
Eligibility: High school juniors (must be 16 years old by July 1); U.S. and select international students
RSI combines a week of intensive STEM coursework with a five-week mentored research internship in a field such as chemistry, physics, or engineering. You’ll work closely with a professional scientist to conduct experiments, analyse data, and present your findings in both written and oral formats at the program’s symposium. You will experience the complete research cycle—from reviewing literature to developing and executing a project plan. RSI’s alumni network of over 3,000 scholars provides continued mentorship, academic support, and professional connections long after the program ends.
5. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Chemistry Track
Location: Remote (accessible from anywhere in the world)
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small mentor-to-student ratio
Program Dates: 12 weeks (summer, fall, winter, or spring cohorts available)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students demonstrating strong academic performance and interest in research
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers high school students the opportunity to conduct independent, PhD-mentored research in fields including chemistry, chemical engineering, and materials science. Through one-on-one mentorship, you’ll design and execute an original project—such as modelling chemical reactions, exploring sustainable materials, or analysing biochemical pathways. Over the course of about 12 weeks, you’ll gain experience in literature review, data analysis, and scientific writing, culminating in a formal research paper. The Chemistry Track is ideal for students seeking personalised mentorship and academic rigour within a flexible virtual environment. As one of the few fully remote chemistry summer research programs for high school students, Lumiere provides the structure and guidance to help you think like a scientist and publish-quality work.
6. Simons Summer Research Program – Stony Brook University
Location: Stony Brook, New York
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; stipend awarded upon completion
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective (~40–50 fellows)
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors (11th grade) who are at least 16 years old by the program start date
The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University provides high-achieving high school students the chance to engage in advanced, faculty-mentored scientific research. Simons Fellows join active research groups within the university, where they design and carry out projects in chemistry, biology, or related fields. In chemistry labs, you might study molecular mechanisms of bacterial biofilm formation with Dr Elizabeth Boon or explore circular chemical solutions that address the nexus of food, water, and environmental sustainability with Dr Benjamin Hsiao. Over the six-week program, you’ll attend seminars, workshops, and lab tours, culminating in a research abstract, poster presentation, and symposium.
7. High School Summer Science Program – Eastern Michigan University
Location: Ypsilanti, Michigan
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small research teams of two students per project
Program Dates: June 23 – July 14
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least one science course and can commit to the full three-week schedule
The High School Summer Science Program at Eastern Michigan University provides students with research experience in chemistry, biology, or physics under the guidance of university faculty and undergraduate mentors. Working in pairs, you’ll design and conduct an original research project—learning experimental techniques, lab safety, data collection, and scientific communication. Past chemistry projects have included topics like catalysis, green chemistry, and chemical analysis. The program concludes with a formal presentation where you will showcase your findings to faculty and peers. This three-week experience emphasises teamwork, critical thinking, and research ethics, making it one of the most accessible and engaging chemistry summer research programs for high school students in the Midwest.
8. Inspiring Future Scientists through Shadowing (IFSS) – Stanford University
Location: Stanford, California
Cost/Stipend: Free (no funding provided for housing or transportation)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited to local participants
Program Dates: June 16 – June 27 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–12 PM)
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (must be 16 by the program start date); students must live and attend school in Alameda, Santa Clara, San Mateo, or San Francisco Counties
Hosted by the Stanford Department of Chemistry, the Inspiring Future Scientists through Shadowing (IFSS) program offers high school students a rare opportunity to explore cutting-edge chemical research through direct observation and mentorship. Over two weeks, you will shadow multiple graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, gaining insight into laboratory techniques, instrumentation, and experimental design. This structure allows you to experience several areas of chemical investigation—such as materials chemistry, molecular biology interfaces, or physical chemistry—without conducting your own project. IFSS emphasises exposure, curiosity, and broad scientific understanding, making it an excellent fit for students new to lab research. By learning from Stanford’s researchers in action, you’ll develop a clearer sense of how real-world chemical inquiry operates—making IFSS one of the most accessible chemistry summer research programs for high school students in the Bay Area.
9. Scripps Research High School Internship Program
Location: La Jolla, California
Cost/Stipend: Paid; stipend of $4,830 for the seven-week program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; limited to students from six REACH partner schools
Program Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 4
Eligibility: High school students (age 16+) from select San Diego County schools who have completed at least one year each of chemistry and biology; minimum GPA of 3.0 required
The Scripps Research High School Internship Program provides students with an immersive introduction to biomedical and chemical research within one of the nation’s leading research institutes. In partnership with the REACH Program, you will begin with a three-day pre-internship “boot camp,” followed by a seven-week, full-time laboratory placement. You’ll work alongside graduate student mentors and faculty members to conduct experiments related to molecular biology, biochemistry, and chemical synthesis. The experience includes daily lab work, mentorship on the college application process, and participation in professional research seminars.
10. ARISE – Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Cost/Stipend: Free program; $1,000 stipend awarded upon successful completion
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; ~80–100 students across 50+ research labs
Program Dates: June 1 – August 14
Application Deadline: January- March
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who live in and attend school full-time in New York City
The ARISE (Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering) program at NYU Tandon is a 10-week, fully funded summer research experience that combines foundational STEM training with laboratory work. During the first four weeks, you will complete coursework in lab safety, research methods, and scientific communication. The remaining six weeks are dedicated to mentored research within NYU’s 80+ partner laboratories, spanning disciplines such as chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, and bioengineering. You’ll gain over 120 hours of lab experience, present your findings at the American Museum of Natural History Poster Symposium, and receive college preparation and mentorship support.
11. Chemistry Research Academy – University of Pennsylvania
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (residential, in-person only)
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-based; scholarships available for select Philadelphia students
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small cohort to maintain lab focus
Program Dates: July 11 – August 1
Application Deadline: Spring
Eligibility: Current 10th–11th grade students who have completed at least one year of high school chemistry (international students welcome; tourist/B-2 visa required)
Hosted by Penn Chemistry, the Chemistry Research Academy offers a three-week residential program that immerses you in both classroom learning and laboratory research. About half of the instructional time is spent in labs conducting experiments in spectroscopy, gas chromatography, and synthetic method optimisation, while the remainder includes seminars, journal clubs, and tours of facilities like the Singh Centre for Nanomaterials. You’ll explore topics such as rare earth metals, nanoscale materials, and protein modification in disease research. The program culminates in a capstone project, where you will develop and present a plan for an independent chemistry research study. With daily mentoring, access to research faculty, and an emphasis on experimental design, Penn’s academy is one of the most immersive chemistry summer research programs for high school students.
12. Elevate College Prep Summer Programs – Illinois Institute of Technology
Location: Chicago, Illinois (Mies Campus and Rice Campus; residential and commuter options)
Cost/Stipend: $500–$3,000 depending on format; $100 application fee (applied toward tuition)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Moderate selectivity; small lab-based groups
Program Dates: One-, two-, or four-week sessions (June–August)
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders (ages 14–17); must be 15+ to stay overnight
The Elevate College Prep Summer Programs at Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) give high school students an immersive introduction to STEM research and college-level lab work. In chemistry-focused modules, you’ll explore topics such as molecular structure, environmental chemistry, and materials analysis, learning techniques like spectroscopy and titration under faculty supervision. The program blends experimentation with collaborative projects in areas ranging from sustainability and chemical engineering to data-driven scientific design. Depending on your chosen track, you can participate as a residential or commuter student and experience life on a tech-centred university campus. Designed for motivated learners, Elevate College Prep offers a flexible and engaging way to strengthen your foundation in chemical sciences while exploring future academic and career pathways.
13. COSMOS – Cluster 7: Revealing Molecular Structure
Location: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Cost/Stipend: Tuition – $5,256; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited seats per cluster
Program Dates: July 6 – August 2
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: California residents only, rising 9th–12th graders (must have completed Integrated Math 1; prior physics or lab experience preferred)
The COSMOS Cluster 7: Revealing Molecular Structure introduces high school students to the chemical and analytical techniques scientists use to determine molecular identity. Led by Dr Frank Ow from UCLA’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, the course combines general and organic chemistry instruction with substantial hands-on laboratory experience. You’ll explore methods like infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography to analyse and characterise compounds. In the final project, students identify an unknown compound using multiple analytical techniques, applying the full range of concepts learned. The program also includes field trips to institutions such as NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the UCLA Molecular Instrumentation Centre, providing exposure to real-world research environments.
14. Research Mentorship Program (RMP) – University of California, Santa Barbara
Location: Santa Barbara, California
Cost/Stipend: $5,175 (commuter) or $12,474 (residential); limited scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; ~150 students worldwide
Program Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: December 15 - March 9
Eligibility: High-achieving high school students (ages 16+) from around the world
The UC Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program (RMP) is an intensive six-week research experience that pairs high school students with university researchers in disciplines including chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science. The program begins with a virtual orientation before students arrive on campus to join their assigned labs. You’ll spend 35–50 hours per week conducting research, learning to collect and analyse data, and translating findings into a formal technical paper. Coursework in research writing and presentation techniques complements your lab work, and you’ll earn 8 university credits by completing both lecture and exploratory courses. The experience culminates in an academic symposium, where participants present their projects to peers and faculty.
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