15 Free Chemistry Programs for High School Students
If you are a high school student interested in chemistry, exploring a free program is a great opportunity to explore it free of charge. Free chemistry programs for high school students are a fantastic way for aspiring chemists to gain experience, develop skills, and build connections in the scientific community, without financial burden.
These programs often come from prestigious organizations and research institutions, giving you the chance to work on projects, interact with industry professionals, and gain exposure to laboratory techniques that are typically reserved for college-level courses. Participating in such programs can help you develop a network and gain clarity on your future academic and career paths.
We have curated a list of 15 free chemistry programs for high school students that emphasize a strong chemistry component.
1. MIT Research Science Institute
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 100 students/cohort
Dates: June 22 – August 2 (based on past dates)
Application Deadline: December 11 (based on past dates)
Eligibility: High school juniors; U.S. citizens and international applicants are welcome
MIT’s RSI is one of the most competitive and noteworthy free chemistry programs for high school students. It allows you to engage in research and gain an understanding of the research process from beginning to end in your chosen field. This involves reading contemporary chemistry literature, designing a detailed research plan, executing research methodology, and delivering an oral or written report to showcase your findings. The program begins with an intensive week of immersive STEM classes, after which you will work on your individual project under the guidance of experienced scientists and researchers who will offer mentorship and guidance throughout the journey.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Chemistry Track
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year; Summer: June 23, Fall: August 24
Eligibility: High school seniors around the world
An extension of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education, this program provides the same experience at no cost to motivated high school students facing financial difficulties. You will be paired with a PhD mentor who will guide you as you work on an independent research project in a field of your choice. This includes organic and inorganic chemistry, and chemical kinetics and dynamics. Over the course of 12 weeks, you will have 9 sessions with your mentor to design and execute your research plan, along with 2 individual sessions with a writing coach to ensure that your scientific communication skills are up to par and you can successfully deliver a 15-page research paper to showcase your work. You will also benefit from 5 workshops on the research process to ensure a comprehensive experience.
3. Princeton University Laboratory Learning Program
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 - 15%
Dates: 5–6 weeks during summer (exact dates vary by project)
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in a U.S. high school; at least 16 years old by June 15
The Princeton Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) allows you to spend your summer working side by side with Princeton faculty and research staff on science and engineering projects. This is a full-time, free chemistry program for high school students, with an emphasis on research. Designed as an outreach initiative for local students, the program matches you with an ongoing project where you will engage in lab work and benefit from mentorship from experts in the industry. Each project has its own schedule, and you will work regular weekday office hours for 5-6 weeks, depending on your project. This is an opportunity for you to experience a state-of-the-art laboratory setting and interact with the latest equipment and technologies.
4. Horizon Academic Research Program – Chemistry Track
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on program type
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 26% | 200 participants each year
Dates: 10 – 16 weeks, depending on the program. Fall cohort starts September 21, Winter cohort starts December 15, Spring cohort starts March 9
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines for different cohorts throughout the year. Fall: August 31, Winter: November 23, Spring: February 15
Eligibility: All high school students with a strong GPA (3.67 or higher) who demonstrate an interest in their chosen subject
The Horizon Academic Research Program allows you to engage in chemistry research at a level that mirrors undergraduate courses. Over 10 - 16 weeks, you will work closely with professors and PhD scholars from universities such as Harvard, MIT, and Yale to design and complete independent research. You can choose from two formats: the Horizon Seminars, which include small group classes, office hours, and writing clinics, and Horizon Labs, where you will receive fully individualized guidance on specialized topics. You will be able to explore various aspects of chemistry, such as organic chemistry, chemical engineering, or material science, as you develop your research skills and draft a 20-page research manuscript. You will thus enhance your writing, analytical, and problem-solving skills needed for future academic success.
5. Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: No tuition; stipend provided upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16 years old; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
In this program, you will spend your summer at Stony Brook University working with faculty mentors and research teams. A noteworthy option amongst our free chemistry programs for high school students, this program offers an authentic research experience, enabling you to work on an independent project. Through this, you will gain experience with laboratory techniques, data collection, and scientific analysis. Beyond the lab, you will also attend weekly research talks, engaging workshops and tours, and experience campus life at a leading research university. To end your apprenticeship, you will write a formal research abstract and present your work at the program’s closing poster symposium, where you will receive a stipend to recognize your efforts.
6. Broad Summer Scholars Program
Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: $3,600 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 18 students
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: Late-January
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors within commuting distance of the Broad; must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and have a B or higher grade in math and science
In this program, you will spend 6 weeks at the Broad Institute conducting research alongside professional scientists. You’ll be matched with a Broad researcher to work on projects in fields such as cancer biology, psychiatric disease, infectious disease, chemical biology, and more. Beyond lab research, you will explore scientific careers, attend talks, and present your work at a formal poster session. The program also includes workshops on how to design and deliver scientific presentations, and gives you access to an on-staff tutor who will assist you with challenging concepts and connect with peers who share your interest in science. You will further benefit from team-building and social activities, and receive support for transportation to ensure that you can focus solely on your learning experience.
7. Project SEED Summer Program
Location: In-person labs at universities, government labs, and other facilities; virtual research options available
Cost/Stipend: Free; $4,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 5%-10%
Dates: June – August (8 - 10 weeks)
Application Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors having completed at least one course of high school chemistry; the family’s income must not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines based on family size
ACS Project SEED gives you the chance to spend your summer doing research alongside professional scientists in academic or industry labs. Over 8 - 10 weeks, you will gain experience with experiments, equipment, and chemical concepts that go beyond the classroom. The program also offers a virtual summer camp to strengthen your college readiness, learn lab skills, explore career paths, and build professional development tools. This is one of the most impactful free chemistry programs for high school students with a rich history spanning over 50 years.
8. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program
Location: Remote, hybrid, or in-person at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee (waivers available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Remote, in-person, or hybrid computer lab interns must be 15 years or older. Wet-lab in-person or hybrid interns must be 16 years or older by June 18
This free chemistry program for high school students offers an intensive experience where you can work with faculty mentors and research teams. You will gain access to laboratory equipment and technologies while exploring topics that cover various aspects of chemistry. Beyond research, the program emphasizes scientific writing, communication, and creative problem-solving skills. You’ll also attend career forums, network with STEM professionals, and present your research in a final poster session. The program offers a holistic experience to ensure that you gain practical and theoretical knowledge to build a robust foundation in chemistry.
9. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Summer High School Intern Program
Location: NIST laboratories in Gaithersburg, MD, or Boulder, CO
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: NIST laboratories in Gaithersburg, MD, or Boulder, CO
The NIST Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) gives you the chance to work alongside leading researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Over the course of the summer, you’ll be paired with a NIST laboratory where you can contribute to projects in various fields, including chemistry. Depending on your placement, you might explore nanomaterials, polymers, chemical forensics, sustainable manufacturing, data analysis, or advanced measurement methods that support industry and government. This internship is structured to provide lab experience, strengthen your technical skills, and see how large-scale scientific projects are carried out in a professional environment. At the end of your internship, you will present your work in a poster symposium to showcase your experience and developmental journey.
10. Stanford University’s Inspiring Future Scientists through Shadowing (IFSS) Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: highly selective
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Local rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program
The Inspiring Future Scientists Through Shadowing (IFSS) program provides an opportunity to work in a chemistry department and experience the scientific research process. Rather than conducting your own project, you’ll spend two weeks shadowing multiple graduate students as they carry out experiments and discuss their work. This structure allows you to explore a wide variety of topics and techniques in modern chemistry while observing different approaches to solving research problems. You can also move between labs to gain exposure to diverse areas of chemistry and interact with mentors at different stages of their academic journey. This will give you a realistic idea of the various challenges and rewards involved in pursuing scientific discovery. The program also emphasizes broad exploration rather than specialization, helping you build a foundation for deciding which areas of chemistry you might want to explore further.
11. NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) Program
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: None; $1,000 stipend with full tuition scholarship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: highly selective
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: NYC high school students who will have completed 10th or 11th grade by the program start
The ARISE program at New York University offers free chemistry programs for high school students designed to introduce you to academic research at a professional level. The program begins with four weeks of safety training, research skill-building, and college writing workshops. You’ll then spend six weeks in one of NYU’s 80+ research labs, where you’ll contribute to active projects across STEM fields, including chemistry, engineering, biology, and data science. You will gain about 120 hours of direct lab experience, strengthen your public speaking and communication skills, and present your work to the NYU community at the end-of-summer Colloquium. The program ends with a Symposium at the American Museum of Natural History, where you’ll showcase your research to peers, faculty, and professionals. The program also provides one-on-one college application support, mentorship opportunities, and access to an alumni network that includes internships and career pathways.
12. ASPIRE Program by Johns Hopkins University
Location: Virtual or in-person at Johns Hopkins, Laurel, MD
Cost/Stipend: none
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10%
Dates: September to May
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: high school juniors and seniors at least 15 years old; minimum 2.8 GPA; residing in relevant Maryland counties, U.S. citizens only
Offering free chemistry programs for high school students, Johns Hopkins’ ASPIRE program is designed for high school juniors and seniors who want to explore STEM fields to make an informed decision for college. Unlike traditional classroom settings, ASPIRE will place you in a professional lab environment under the guidance of an APL staff mentor who will guide you as you tackle real-world projects. You will gain exposure to enhance your technical problem-solving, collaborative teamwork, and professional communication skills while learning what a research career truly looks like. You will also have a platform to grow in a supportive and inclusive environment. There is a final capstone project where you can showcase your findings and everything you have learned in the program.
13. ASE Internships by Saturday Academy
Location: Depends on the internship; virtual and in-person options available
Cost/Stipend: $40 application fee; stipend depends on the hours
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 75 internships/year
Dates: 8 to 10 weeks, July – August
Application Deadline: March 8 (based on previous years)
Eligibility: Rising 10 - 12th graders
This program will connect you with scientists, engineers, and researchers across Oregon and Southwest Washington. You will be mentored one-on-one as you explore your field and contribute to projects while developing technical skills, problem-solving ability, and professional communication. You will have the opportunity to explore potential STEM careers in supportive, professional environments. Additionally, you will be engaged in three key events: Orientation, the Midsummer Conference, and the ASE Symposium, where you will present your work to your peers and professionals in the industry. This is a highly competitive program, and selections focus on students who are curious, motivated, and dedicated to achieving their goals.
14. UPenn Chemistry Research Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: $9,949; scholarships available for Philadelphia residents attending School District of Philadelphia public or charter high schools
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 15%-20%
Dates: July 5 - July 26
Application Deadline: Applications open December 1
Eligibility: Current 10 - 11th-grade students with at least one year of high school chemistry experience
At the Penn Chemistry Research Academy, you’ll dive into the foundations of advanced chemistry while gaining experience working with instrumentation and enhancing your skills through open-ended experiments. In the classroom, you will learn about various topics such as nanoscale materials, chemical bonding principles, protein modification to study disease, rare earth metals, and the applications of coordination complexes. Beyond this, you will benefit from research lectures from Penn professors and participate in journal clubs with graduate students. You will also go on guided tours of research labs, the Singh Center for Nanomaterials, and the Science History Institute. The program also helps you learn how to find, understand, and critique scientific articles. Your experience will culminate in a capstone project, where you’ll design an independent research plan. A highly selective option in our list of free chemistry programs for high school students, this program offers a comprehensive experience to help you build a strong foundation in chemistry.
15. SSP International Summer Science Program
Location: Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, OK
Cost/Stipend: $9,800; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 500-600 participants
Dates: June 8 – July 13
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: high school juniors who have completed any level of high school chemistry; at least 15 years old, not yet 19 during the program dates
The Summer Science Program (SSP) in Synthetic Chemistry is one of the most prestigious research opportunities and free chemistry programs for high school students. In this program, you will work in small teams to design and synthesize novel macrocyclic compounds, which have wide-ranging applications in medicine, renewable energy, polymer production, and more. In a past project, the focus was on the creation of novel macrocyclic catalysts, where students studied transition metals and explored how synthetic ligand systems can mimic and even surpass natural enzymatic catalysts. This is a rigorous program where you will tackle concepts typically taught in upper-level undergraduate courses. You will engage in lab experiments and learn about advanced techniques as you work on your project and present your findings through a poster and research paper. The program also emphasizes collaboration and mentorship as you learn from faculty and graduate researchers and build a strong network with your peers.
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