15 Free Summer Science Research Programs for High School Students
If you are a high school student planning to study science, summer research programs are a great way to explore the field. You can shadow doctors, assist with clinical work, or get involved in lab research. Some summer science research programs focus on public health, biomedical sciences, mathematics and technology, or healthcare policy, helping you understand the bigger picture.
Summer science research programs can help you build skills, understand how hospitals and labs function, and learn from professionals. You will also meet students who share your interests. As an added benefit, some of these science research programs for high school students are free of cost or give stipends.
To help you get started, here are 15 free summer science research programs for high school students!
15 Free Summer Science Research Programs for High School Students
1. Research Science Institute
Location: MIT Campus
Acceptance Rate: 5%
Cost/Stipend: None; However, there is a $65 application fee
Dates: June 22 – August 2
Application Deadline: December 11
Eligibility: Current high school juniors; More info here
The Center for Excellence in Education’s Research Science Institute (RSI) is a five-week, highly competitive summer program for high school students curious about science and engineering. You will spend one week taking focused STEM classes taught by experienced professors. These classes will help you learn important scientific ideas and give you the strong background you need to do research. After that, you will join a five-week research internship where you get to work on your own science project. You will learn how to read scientific papers, plan and carry out experiments, and study your results to understand what they mean.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Full financial aid available
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence and science. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. For more advanced students AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase gives you a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals.
3. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program
Location: Stanford Campus, Northern California
Cohort Size: 24 students each summer
Cost: None
Dates: June 23 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 17
Eligibility: Low-income, first-generation Northern California high school juniors
The three-week summer experience at Stanford is ideal for high school students interested in the medical field and the various paths within healthcare. You will engage in lab work, shadow medical professionals, interact with patients, and participate in department activities at Stanford hospitals. The program also features both formal and informal discussions with doctors and healthcare staff, offering a closer look at medical careers. You will also take part in weekly lectures on public health and research methods, which will help you complete a final research project.
4. Horizon Academic Research Program
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate: 26%
Cost: Up to 100% financial aid available
Dates: Varies by cohort; Lab dates are flexible, but apply at least 4 weeks early
Application Date: Varies according to cohort
Eligibility: High-achieving high school students (>3.67/4.0 GPA); Most accepted are 10th/11th graders; Only a few tracks have formal prerequisites
For high school students, Horizon offers semester-long research programs in data science, machine learning, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and psychology. Once you select a particular subject track and type of research, you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. This program will provide you with the experience of writing a 20-page university-level research paper for publication in prestigious journals while still in high school. You will also get a letter of recommendation along with detailed project feedback. Apply here!
5. Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, New York
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Cost/Stipend: None; Stipend offered
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors (16+) in the U.S.
During this program, you will get to work with university professors and researchers on real science projects in Stony Brook labs. You will learn how to use lab tools and techniques, and you’ll get experience doing research. You will also attend science talks, take part in helpful workshops, and go on field trips. These activities will help you understand how scientific research works and what it’s like to study STEM in college. Throughout the program, you will build important academic and career skills, explore different science and engineering careers, and make connections with students from all over the country.
6. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: In person at Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology on the East Baltimore campus and Online
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Cost/Stipend: None; $15/hour stipend for in-person program
Dates: In-Person Program: 8 weeks (June – August); Virtual Program: 5 weeks (July – August)
Application Deadline: December 1 – March 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors; Must reside in Baltimore City, Maryland, to attend the in-person program
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences is a research program for high school students who are interested in the brain, how it works, and how it’s studied in medicine. You will work with brain scientists, help with real research projects, and see how brain science is used in hospitals by observing doctors during clinical rotations. You will also listen to expert talks to learn more about the field. The program also offers a five-week online experience for students who can’t make it to the in-person version, where you will join live lectures, workshops, and mentoring sessions. You will learn useful lab skills, understand how scientific research is done, and practice reading and understanding research papers. This program gives you a complete experience in brain science, from lab work to real medical settings.
7. Stanford STaRS Internship Program
Location: Stanford, California
Cohort Size: Approximately 20 students each summer
Cost: Free
Dates: June 15 – August 6
Application Deadline: November 30
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older
The Stanford Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Internship Program is a summer experience for high school students who are curious about how science and technology can change lives. In this program, you will learn about how advanced medical techniques, especially in reconstructive surgery, help people heal and recover. As a STaRS intern, you will work side by side with surgeons and researchers on meaningful projects in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and medical device design. You will get to try things in workshops, join engaging learning sessions, and even observe real surgeries to see the impact of this work up close. With caring mentors guiding you, you will not only learn about cutting-edge medical innovations but also discover what it’s like to be part of a team that’s making a real difference in people’s lives.
8. Northwestern University’s Academic Summer Camps
Location: Northwestern University
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Cost: Varies by camp; 100% need-based assistance available
Dates: Varies by program
Application Deadline: One week before each session
Eligibility: High school students; Specific requirements vary by tier
Northwestern University’s Academic Summer Camps is a summer program designed to give high school students the chance to challenge themselves academically while exploring their passions. Under the guidance of university faculty and industry professionals, you will take part in advanced courses that go beyond the regular school curriculum. The program offers a wide variety of subjects, including math, science, writing, technology, leadership, and service learning. You will be encouraged to think deeply, solve real-world problems, and work on projects that inspire creativity and critical thinking. This experience will not only help you build knowledge but also strengthen skills like collaboration, communication, and problem-solving that are valuable for both college and future careers.
9. Genomics Research Internship Program for High School Students (GRIPS)
Location: Stanford University
Acceptance Rate: Below 8%
Cost/Stipend: None; Limited need-based scholarships offered
Dates: June 16 – August 7
Application Deadline: December – February 28
Eligibility: High school students (16) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 from the following counties: Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz counties
The Genomics Research Internship Program for High School Students (GRIPS) is an 8-week summer internship at Stanford University that gives students experience in biomedical and genomic research. You will work in Stanford laboratories alongside faculty and researchers, contributing to real experiments in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and human genetics. In addition to lab work, you will also take part in seminars, career panels, and skill-building workshops that help you learn research methods and explore future paths in science and medicine.
10. Seattle Children’s Research Institute: Virtual Research Training Program
Location: Building Cure, Downtown Seattle
Cohort Size: 16 students
Cost/Stipend: None; $2,000 stipend
Dates: July 14 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 6 – March 9
Eligibility: High school rising juniors (U.S. and international)
This summer program introduces high school students to the world of research while building knowledge in global health. You will gain experience through interactive activities, explore research methods, and take part in workshops focused on college readiness and career pathways. The program combines both online learning and optional in-person components, giving you flexibility while still offering valuable engagement with experts and peers. It is a great way to develop skills, broaden perspectives, and prepare for future academic and career goals.
11. Washington University’s Young Scientist Program: Summer Focus
Location: Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
Cohort size: 15-18 students each year
Cost/Stipend: Free; $4,500 stipend provided
Dates: June 2 – July 25
Application Deadline: November 4 – January 27
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from the Greater St. Louis area
The Young Scientist Program’s Summer Focus gives rising high school seniors a unique, full-time, paid opportunity to immerse themselves in biomedical research. Throughout the summer, you will work in a Washington University lab alongside a faculty mentor, contributing to real scientific investigations while building essential skills in lab work, data analysis, and science communication. In addition to research, the program offers one-on-one tutoring, structured workshops, and college readiness support to help you prepare for your academic future. The experience concludes with a formal research symposium, where you will present your findings to peers, mentors, and the scientific community.
12. Monell Science’s Apprenticeship Program
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA
Acceptance Rate: Less than 10%
Cost/Stipend: None; Paid
Dates: June 23 – August 15
Application Deadline: December 18 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school students in the greater Philadelphia area with a strong interest in science and research
The Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP), hosted by the Monell Chemical Senses Center, is a summer internship designed for high school students with a strong interest in biomedical science or medicine. The program emphasizes research in the chemical senses such as taste, smell, and related areas. You will collaborate in projects such as copying smell receptors, studying how flavor preferences change with age, finding safe ways to keep pests away from crops, and looking at how air quality affects how people feel about their health. In addition to lab work, the program offers extra activities such as science talks, workshops on public speaking and writing, and discussions about ethics in research involving people and animals. You will also have opportunities to meet professionals and explore various careers in medicine and science.
13. Rockefeller University: Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Location: Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~32 students selected per cohort (≈2-4% acceptance rate)
Cost: Free; Need-based stipends may be available
Dates: June 23 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 3
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (16+)
The Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) at Rockefeller University is a summer opportunity for high school students to explore advanced biomedical research. Guided by experienced university scientists, you will work on real research projects in areas like genetics, molecular biology, and neuroscience. You will spend your days in the lab gaining experience, take optional science classes, and attend talks by leading researchers. The program also includes fun social activities and group discussions to help you connect with other students and scientists. The program concludes with a symposium, where you will present your research findings to the Rockefeller community.
14. Summer Academic Research Experience (SARE)
Location: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, East Baltimore Campus, Baltimore, Maryland
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Cost/Stipend: None; $3,000 stipend
Dates: June 23 – August 14
Application Deadline: November 1 – February 1
Eligibility: High school students from underrepresented backgrounds; More details here
The Summer Academic Research Experience (SARE) is an eight-week summer program created for high school students from underrepresented groups who have a strong interest in biomedical science. During this program, you will engage in research projects at top biomedical labs and participate in advanced classes on topics like data analysis, bioethics, math, and scientific writing. You will collaborate closely with skilled mentors, acquiring important lab skills and enhancing your critical thinking through daily academic and professional activities. By the program’s conclusion, you will have developed a deeper knowledge of biomedical research, and some students may even have the opportunity to be listed as co-authors on scientific publications.
15. UCSD: OPTIMUS Outreach Program
Location: Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego
Acceptance Rate: ~7-8%
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend provided
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: Early Spring
Eligibility: San Diego high school students in grades 10-11 from select schools
The OPTIMUS Outreach Program at UC San Diego gives high school students from underrepresented backgrounds a chance to explore both cancer research and clinical medicine. Over the summer, you will work in UCSD labs on real research projects, shadow doctors, and join medical training sessions, like learning how to suture with guidance from medical residents. The program combines lab work with real-world clinical experiences, helping you see how science and medicine connect. You will also receive mentorship from UCSD faculty and support to build professional skills that will help you in college and future careers.