12 Online Summer Research Programs for High School Students
If you are a high school student interested in exploring the world of research, a research program can be a great way to spend your summer!
Today, many credible institutions offer online summer research programs for high school students, so you do not have to limit your search to local or commutable programs. These programs can help you explore a field, such as computer science, AI, medicine, neuroscience, space science, or math, along with the scientific research process from the comfort of your home.
As a participant, you will get to virtually work on an independent research project, engage in a group-based research experience, or contribute to ongoing research. You will learn how to collect and study data, use research tools, assess your findings, and present your work. You may also get to attend online lectures and workshops where professional researchers discuss cutting-edge research and the current tools and methodologies used in their field.
Most online summer research programs offer mentorship, in which experts and researchers offer resources, support, and guidance to help you engage in research. The experience can help you build research skills and network with peers and professionals.
To help you shortlist the right options, here we have listed 12 online summer research programs for high school students!
1. The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship
Cost: $850 (program fee) and $40 (application fee). Financial aid is available within certain criteria here.
Program dates: June 16 – 27
Application deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students over 14 who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or have documentation indicating a valid visa status | Preference is given to those who have some experience working on a healthcare project or those who have strong computer programming or math skills
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week online internship for high schoolers interested in exploring the applications of AI in healthcare. Here, you will attend lectures covering fundamentals of the use of AI in medicine and work on group projects under the guidance of Stanford students and researchers. The program offers access to one-on-one mentoring, group sessions, and interaction with professionals in tech and healthcare. You can even seek a continued research opportunity if you want to keep engaging in AI and healthcare research once the program ends. This experience can help you learn about the scientific research process and explore modern healthcare.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Cost: Starts at $2,990 | Full financial aid is available
Application deadline: Summer cohort: May/June
Program dates: Vary based on yearly cohort | Summer cohorts typically begin in June or July.
Eligibility: High school students with high levels of academic achievement | Accepted students tend to have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an opportunity to explore a field of interest and conduct research. Here, you get to access one-on-one mentorship to come up with your own independent research paper. Over 12 weeks, you connect with your mentor regularly and pick a topic, learn how to design a project, and write a full research paper. You can customize your research area and topic or choose from a wide range of topics, including psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and international relations. You will also learn how to read academic papers, form research questions, collect and analyze data, and frame your results. You can find out more about available research program formats and subject areas on the application form.
3. Colorado School of Mines CS@Mines Internship (C4G)
Cost: None
Application deadline: April 18
Program dates: June 1 – August 6
Eligibility: High school students with an interest in computer science
The CS@Mines summer internship is a free online opportunity offered by the Colorado School of Mines for high school and community college students interested in computer science research. Each summer, a small group of students gets to join research teams for six weeks. If selected, you will commit to 5 to 20 hours of virtual research work each week. You will be part of a team led by a Mines undergraduate student and get to work on real computer science projects. You may also learn how to write code, analyze data, design algorithms, and build software in the process. This can also be an introduction to research and how it is used to address real problems with the help of computer science.
4. Veritas AI Programs
Cost: AI Scholars: $2,290 | AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase: $5,400 | $6,900 for both | Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars.
Application deadline: May for the summer cohort
Program dates: Multiple 10–15-week cohorts (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter) scheduled throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students | AI Fellowship applicants should have either completed the AI Scholars program or be able to demonstrate some familiarity with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI, founded by Harvard graduate students, offers various hands-on programs to high school students interested in exploring artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars is a 10-session boot camp designed for beginners, where you can explore the fundamental concepts in AI, machine learning, and data science while you work on projects. For advanced learners, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase is an opportunity to work with mentors from leading universities on a research project. This program also offers in-house publication team support to help you get your work featured in high school research journals. Both programs can help you build a foundation in AI for future academic and career opportunities.
5. University of Maryland's WIE RISE
Cost: None!
Application deadline: TBA, but applications will open mid-January
Program dates: July 28 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students
WIE RISE is a virtual opportunity to explore the field of engineering through research. Here, you will attend online sessions to learn about different engineering fields and the various labs at the University of Maryland. You will also learn how to read and write scientific research papers and engage in at-home experiments to get a hands-on exposure to engineering. Throughout the program, you will engage with undergraduate engineering students. This experience can be an opportunity to learn about potential career paths as well as get a glimpse into the world of researchers.
6. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University
Cost: Free except an application fee of $25, which is waived for participants eligible for free/reduced lunch assistance or the Pell Grant financial aid
Application deadline: February 2
Program dates: June 18 – August 8
Eligibility: High school students who are 15 or older (16 or older for wet lab internships)
ASSIP is a research program available in in-person, hybrid, and completely remote formats. Here, you get the opportunity to get hands-on research experience in STEM as well as a few non-STEM fields alongside faculty researchers. Throughout the program, you will have access to cutting-edge resources to work on your scientific research project. You can find a mentor seeking remote research assistance in the field of your choice. Research area options include computer science, math, electrical engineering, geography, and atmospheric and earth sciences, among other areas. As an intern, you will also get to sharpen your scientific writing and communication skills. At the end of the program, you will get to present your project at a poster session. A key feature of this online summer research program is the opportunity to publish your work in a scientific journal and present it at scientific conferences.
7. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS)
Cost: Free
Application deadline: March 1
Program dates: 5 weeks in July – August
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The JHIBS virtual research program is a five-week learning opportunity for high school students interested in neuroscience research. If selected, you will engage in presentations and sessions to explore brain science research. You will also attend professional development sessions and college prep classes to become better equipped for future professional and educational pursuits. The virtual program also offers you opportunities to engage in experiments and learn basic laboratory techniques. Networking events are also part of the experience.
8. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Cost: $3,580 for the online program | Financial aid available
Application deadline: February 3
Program dates: June 17 – July 5 | July 8 – 26
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11 with experience writing and reading mathematical proofs
Stanford University’s Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) is a summer program meant for high school students interested in exploring current lines of mathematical research. Here, you will learn about the history of math, applications of math in other STEM fields, and advanced math concepts. You can choose between two academic tracks—Abstract Algebra & Number Theory and Algebraic Topology, based on your interests and skill level. The program is conducted through lectures, group work, and research projects. The experience can help you strengthen your problem-solving skills, learn advanced math concepts, and experience college-level coursework.
9. Georgetown University’s Medical Research: Clinical Trials Resulting in Medical Discoveries
Cost: $1,795 | Scholarships are available
Application deadlines: Vary based on the session. Applications typically close one week before the start of the course
Program dates: Multiple one-, two-, and four-week session
Eligibility: Students who are 13 and older
A part of Georgetown University’s Pre-College Program, the Medical Research: Clinical Trials Resulting in Medical Discoveries is in medical research is an introduction to clinical research. During the program, you will explore the basics of clinical research, ethical considerations in medical research, and cancer through video lectures and simulations. You will also study research articles in medical journals and come up with your own research questions. The program includes a final project where you will assess the scientific methods crucial to conducting clinical trials. You will learn how to ask research questions, study medical information, and share your findings clearly. Throughout the program, you will get support from expert mentors, work on real projects, and get advice on careers in medicine and research.
10. University of Maryland MathQuantum Fellowship
Cost/Stipend: Free; unpaid fellowship
Application deadline: February 14
Program dates: July 25 – August 6
Eligibility: High school students
The University of Maryland’s MathQuantum Fellowships help high school students explore the field of quantum information science (QIS) and learn how math methods are used to address QIS problems. As a fellow, you will get to engage in lectures, seminars, hands-on activities, and research project work during the program. In the process, you will learn to think like a researcher, explore various ideas in quantum computing, solve math problems, and work with data. You will also get help from expert mentors who will guide you throughout the program. You may also get a chance to join the Qubit by Qubit High School Summer Camp, which offers opportunities to learn about quantum computing and construct quantum circuits and algorithms while developing programming skills in Python.
11. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Cost/Stipend: No cost | A stipend is usually offered
Application deadline: Summer: February 27
Program dates: Summer internships run from late May/early June to August
Eligibility: High school students who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
The NASA Office of STEM Engagement offers high schoolers various internships throughout the year. You can look for online opportunities here. As an intern, you will work with NASA mentors and researchers on tasks relevant to the agency’s work. You may find opportunities in fields like space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, space microbiology, ecology, or science communication. You may get to design experiments, study data from space missions, and/or help create new tools and technologies. The internship can help you build skills in research, data analysis, problem-solving, and teamwork.
12. ASPIRE by Johns Hopkins
Cost/Stipend: No cost or stipend is associated with the program
Application deadline: February 15
Program dates: June 24 – August 21
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are 15 or older, have a minimum 2.8 GPA, and live in select regions of Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory’s ASPIRE is a hands-on STEM research opportunity offered both in in-person and virtual formats. This selective program typically accepts just 10% of all applicants. While applying, you can choose from various STEM placement areas, including math and data analysis, environmental sciences, programming and computer science, engineering, and physical science. Then, you will be matched with an Applied Physics Laboratory staff mentor, who will offer resources, guidance, and support to help you work on research in the chosen field. At the end of the program, you will submit your digital project poster. The program also focuses on helping you sharpen your technical and interpersonal skills. You can also choose to extend your research experience during the academic year if your mentor agrees to offer continued support.
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