13 Research Opportunities for High School Students in Michigan
Research programs provide an excellent opportunity to gain experience, explore academic problems, and develop skills such as data analysis, laboratory techniques, and technical writing. Many of these opportunities are offered by leading universities, government agencies, and industry partners, providing access to innovative projects and guidance from professionals.
These programs typically feature group projects, individual research, workshops, and visits to labs or corporate sites. Most are funded or low-cost, ensuring they are affordable. Participating in a research program in high school can enhance your college applications and build your professional network.
To help you navigate the options, we’ve curated 13 research opportunities for high school students in Michigan!
1. Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN) by JINA-CEE
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 44 students are selected each summer
Dates: July 20 – 25
Application Deadline: Early March
Eligibility: Current high school students who are U.S. citizens.
During this program, you’ll dedicate a whole week to studying nuclear astrophysics at a top rare-isotope research center, participating in lectures and practical experiments guided by faculty and graduate students from FRIB/NSCL or NSL. You’ll work in small teams on experiments like alpha spectroscopy, gamma‑ray detection, or isotope modeling, using state-of-the-art lab equipment to measure nuclear properties or simulate cosmic processes. Alongside experimental work, you'll explore theoretical links between atomic nuclei and astrophysical phenomena, gaining insight into how nuclear processes shape stars and stellar evolution. The week concludes with a student-led poster session, offering you the opportunity to present your data and analysis to campus researchers and develop practical scientific communication skills.
2. Veritas AI - AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies according to program
Application deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Varies according to the cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
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.
3. Wayne State University’s Discovery To Cure Program
Location: C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth & Development, Wayne State School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 11%
Dates: June 23 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (at least 16 years old) and college students; U.S. citizens and international students enrolled at U.S. institutions
You’ll spend at least six to eight weeks working full-time in biomedical laboratories at the C.S. Mott Center, under the close mentorship of postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, or research technicians. During this time, you'll develop your own research project, honing skills in hypothesis formation, experimental design, and data collection and analysis using molecular, cellular, or precision medicine techniques. Areas of focus include immunology, reproductive biology, oncology, and prenatal health. You will also take part in weekly research seminars aimed at enhancing your scientific communication skills. The program concludes with a Research Presentation Day, during which you deliver a 10-minute oral summary of your project.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an intensive academic experience designed specifically for high school students interested in conducting in-depth research. This 12-week program matches students with Ph.D. mentors for personalized, one-on-one guidance as they work on an independent research project. By the end of the program, each student produces a full-length research paper. You can choose from a wide range of subjects, including psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and many others. It’s a great opportunity for students to explore academic interests at a deeper level. You can learn more about the application process here.
5. University of Michigan Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: Paid stipend split into three payments; includes on-campus housing and meals
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: Michigan high school juniors turning seniors in fall; at least 16 years old; U.S. citizens or authorized to work in the U.S.
In this program, you will spend six weeks working full-time in a university laboratory, mentored directly by faculty and graduate students, where you'll design and carry out your own research project in life sciences. Tasks involve techniques such as DNA analysis, microscopy, and cell culture, with interns actively participating in ongoing experiments and data gathering. Weekly activities include lab meetings, professional development workshops, and preparing for college entrance exams and career planning. A key highlight is the student-led presentation event “Young Scientist Spotlight,” where you’ll present your research in a public setting at the University's Museum of Natural History. You’ll also stay on campus in shared dorms, participate in social events, and use university amenities such as recreational and dining facilities.
6. Michigan State University Multicultural Apprenticeship Program
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost/Stipend: Free; weekly stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective. Typically hosts a small group under 30
Dates: July 6 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–11
You’ll spend four weeks at Michigan State’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources under close faculty mentorship, engaging in daily research activities across fields such as horticulture, food science, veterinary medicine, forestry, or environmental management. Your practical experience will include lab and field research, data analysis, and operating technical equipment. You will engage in leadership seminars, field trips, and social or cultural events, living on campus, dining with peers, and immersing yourself in university life. Through one-on-one mentorship, group collaboration, and a weekly stipend, MAP provides a challenging and hands-on introduction to research and STEM careers, supporting both your academic development and early professional identity.
7. Wayne State University’s Biomedical Career Advancement Program (BCAP)
Location: Wayne State University School of Medicine & Michigan AHEC Southeast Regional Center, Detroit, MI
Cost/Stipend: Free to participants; includes a monetary award at completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 45
Dates: June 23 – August 15
Application Deadline: April 7
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–12
This 6-week program enables students to conduct full-time biomedical research under the mentorship of WSU faculty, graduate students, or research staff. You’ll develop your own project, execute experiments using laboratory methods such as gel electrophoresis, microscopy, or pipetting, and analyze the results. The program includes professional development workshops, lab training, and medical skills training. It concludes with a research presentation at a closing symposium. Participants can improve their lab and communication skills, have a project published, and receive a monetary award for their work.
8. University of Michigan Math and Science Scholars
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: Residential option: $2,650 for two weeks | Commuter option: $1,500 for two weeks | Limited need-based financial aid and scholarships (e.g., Watson A. Young) are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 100 to 200 students across all three sessions
Dates: Session 1: June 22 – July 4 | Session 2: July 6 – July 18 | Session 3: July 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 27
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors, U.S. and international students
You’ll participate in two-week sessions on campus, selecting one course each session in areas such as astronomy, chemistry, ecology, mathematics, paleontology, psychology, or physics. Each day is organized around classes from 9 AM to 4:30 PM with faculty, including lab sessions, fieldwork, and collaborative problem-solving. As a residential student, you stay in dorms with counselor support, eat meals on campus, and participate in evening activities and weekend trips. Commuter students can also join social events. You’ll use U‑M’s advanced facilities, engage directly with faculty and graduate students, and explore cutting-edge research topics.
9. Michigan State University OsteoCHAMPS
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost/Stipend: $1,000 program cost + $25 application fee; substantial scholarships available to cover full tuition
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~60 students
Dates: June 14 – 21
Application Deadline: March 10
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores or juniors (typically those interested in healthcare) with a minimum GPA of 3.0, U.S. high school students
Michigan State University's OsteoCHAMPS is a comprehensive 8-day program exploring medical sciences, including anatomy, biochemistry, osteopathic manipulative medicine, clinical skills, and research projects. Alongside academic learning, you’ll participate in hands-on labs and simulations, explore clinical techniques like palpation, and work on a mini research project. Evening programming, such as ice skating, scavenger hunts, and “Dinner with the DOcs,” fosters community among peers and current MSU medical students. Leadership development continues beyond the summer through alumni support and pathways, such as the OMSP (Osteopathic Medical Scholars Program).
10. Northern Michigan University’s Environmental Science Camp
Location: Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI
Cost/Stipend: $849 through June 1 (rising to $949 thereafter); fee covers lodging, meals, transportation, and all field site access
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Accepting fewer than 20 applicants
Dates: July 20 – 26
Application Deadline: Rolling until all spots are filled
Eligibility: High school students currently in grades 10–12
At Northern Michigan University’s Environmental Science Camp, you can spend a week exploring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula by paddling on the AuTrain River and Lake Superior to evaluate water quality, hiking to observe ancient geological formations, and studying local ecosystems like forests and sustainability methods. You’ll gain practical experience with field methods such as collecting macroinvertebrate data, analyzing water samples, and estimating carbon storage in forest plots, all alongside NMU faculty and college student mentors. Each day combines hands-on research activities with campus workshops on topics like conservation, GIS, and watershed ecology. In the evenings, you’ll engage in journaling, social learning with peers, and participate in a Showcase of Learning where you present your observations and findings.
11. Michigan Tech University’s Women in Engineering Pathway Program
Location: Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~120 students
Dates: June 15 – 20
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–11
This program allows you to explore various engineering disciplines such as mechanical, civil, environmental, materials, robotics, and aerospace through hands-on, project-driven sessions. You’ll learn with peers in small groups, tackle real-world challenges, and develop critical interpersonal skills through team competitions, labs, and outdoor activities on Michigan's rugged Keweenaw Peninsula at Michigan Technological University. You’ll also meet female role models, including professors, industry guest speakers, and Society of Women Engineers members who share career insights and mentorship throughout the week. Evening programming features social events, and at the end of the week, you’ll showcase your work alongside your peers.
12. Summer Entrepreneurship Institute at the University of Michigan
Location: University of Michigan–Flint campus, MI.
Cost/Stipend: $50 (covers instruction, materials, meals, T-shirt, and backpack); need-based scholarships available, including a $25 discount for UM‑Flint affiliates
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Typically a small cohort (30–50 students)
Dates: June 16 – 18
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Summer Entrepreneurship Institute offers intensive sessions facilitated by UM–Flint faculty and industry guest speakers, focusing on entrepreneurship basics such as idea generation, feasibility analysis, and business planning. The curriculum includes interactive lectures, creativity exercises, and a field trip to a local entrepreneur’s startup. You'll collaborate on team-based projects, develop mini venture plans, and deliver a final presentation of your business concept. Daily social activities also encourage networking with peers and mentors.
13. MyHealth Research Training Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students earn a stipend of $10 per hour.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~20–22 high school students during the Impact Projects phase
Dates: July 28 – August 8
Application Deadline: May 16
Eligibility: High school students aged 14 or above, including recent graduates, residing in Southeast Michigan, must commit to virtual summer training and academic-year participation
The MyHealth Research Training Program starts with the Summer Launch, a two-week online session introducing health research. Led by University of Michigan medical faculty and undergraduate mentors, you will explore research design, survey techniques, and data analysis through live, interactive sessions alongside peers. Following that, you’ll join the Impact Projects phase, where student teams collectively frame qualitative health questions and analyze real text-message survey data from the MyVoice national project. Throughout the academic year, you’ll meet weekly in virtual workshops, guided by research staff and Peer Leaders (returning students), to refine your study and data-coding skills. The experience concludes in spring with a public virtual presentation of your findings, underlining your ability to synthesize and communicate research outcomes. Optional Peer Leader roles in the following year allow experienced students to mentor new teams.
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