15 Research Opportunities for High School Students in Philadelphia (PA)
If you’re a high school student interested in learning more about your academic interests, conducting research can be a great option to explore. Research-focused opportunities are a fantastic option for your academic growth, providing experience in a field of interest and allowing you to pick up analytical and problem-solving skills through research. You can conduct research in a wide variety of fields, including chemistry, physics, neuroscience, and engineering.
Many of these opportunities are offered by prestigious organizations and universities in Philadelphia. These experiences offer invaluable exposure to professional labs, industry-standard skills, and connections with mentors in your field of interest. Local students can benefit from these opportunities without the cost of travel, while out-of-city students wishing to study in Philadelphia can get a better understanding of the academic opportunities through a research program. You also have the opportunity to work and learn from professionals and researchers, and start building a network.
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of 15 research opportunities for high school students in Philadelphia, based on the exposure and experience offered and the prestige of the institution.
15 Research Opportunities for High School Students in Philadelphia (PA)
1. The Wistar Institute: High School Fellowship Program in Biomedical Research
Location: The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: $1,500
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Extremely selective; 15 students per cohort
Dates: July 7 – 31
Application Deadline: Early February (tentative)
Eligibility: High school students (16+) who have completed at least one high school science course
The Wistar Institute is an international leader in cancer, immunology, and vaccine research, offering a prestigious, hands-on program—the High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research. As a participant, you’ll be placed directly into a Wistar faculty member's laboratory to conduct an independent research project. You’ll be fully integrated into your lab’s team, where you’ll learn advanced laboratory techniques. You’ll also get to contribute to ongoing studies and develop critical thinking skills in experimental design. The program culminates in a final presentation where you’ll share your findings with the institute's scientific community.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Financial aid offered
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students
Veritas AI offers programs designed for high school students passionate about artificial intelligence. If you’re new to AI, machine learning, and data science, you will find the AI Scholars program particularly beneficial. It is a 10-session boot camp that introduces you to the fundamentals of AI and data science. It also provides opportunities to work on real-world projects. However, if you’re a more advanced student, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase program might be for you. During this program, you’ll experience 1-on-1 collaboration with a mentor from a top university on an individual project. An added benefit of this program is access to the in-house publication team, which will help you publish your work in high school research journals. You can apply here.
3. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Various labs across the country, including Philadelphia
Stipend: $4,000 – $4,500
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: 8 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: August 1 – November 1
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores to graduating seniors (16+) who are U.S. citizens
SEAP is a prestigious apprenticeship that places high school students in the Department of the Navy (DoN) laboratories to participate in real-world research. At the Philadelphia Division, you will work alongside naval scientists and engineers on a variety of hands-on projects related to naval ship systems machinery. This is a valuable opportunity to contribute to innovative research and engineering projects. You will also gain experience in a professional research setting and will be expected to compile a final report or presentation outlining your work. The program is an exceptional pathway if you’re interested in STEM careers with a focus on engineering and defense.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; Financial aid offered
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of at least 3.3
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a competitive program designed for high school students interested in research. As a participant, you’ll be able to take part in in-depth 1-on-1 research opportunities across a wide range of subject areas. Topics available include psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. A highlight of this program is that you’ll be paired with a Ph.D. mentor, who will collaborate with you on an independent research project and offer their support and guidance. Once you finish the program, you will have developed a completed research paper!
5. Fox Chase Cancer Center: Teen Research Internship Program
Location: William Tennent High School, Warminster, PA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Very selective
Dates: January 17 – March 28 (every Saturday); Symposium: April 18
Application Deadline: October 6
Eligibility: Current 9th-12th graders (14+) from the Philadelphia area, New Jersey, or Delaware
Fox Chase Cancer Center’s TRIP is a hands-on experiential learning opportunity for high schoolers serious about science and medicine. It is a three-phase internship that focuses on allowing you to select your own experiment, conduct it and analyze data, and present your findings either through a recorded presentation or on a blog published on their website. The experience covers a wide range of topics, including the effects of diet, inflammation, and environmental stress on health, development, and behavior. You’ll get to learn essential laboratory techniques and receive one-on-one mentorship from Fox Chase faculty. You’ll also obtain exposure to careers in science and medicine, and learn how scientific presentations work by making your own. This is an exceptional opportunity for students serious about a career in medicine or biomedical research.
6. Monell Chemical Senses Center: Science Apprenticeship Program
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 20-30%; 18-24 students
Dates: June 23 – August 15
Application Deadline: Typically closes in early March
Eligibility: High school students (16+) from Philadelphia, Camden, and surrounding counties
This unique paid apprenticeship program allows you to research the senses of taste and smell. Working directly with Monell scientists, you will design and conduct your own research projects, analyze data, and present your findings. The program covers diverse scientific disciplines, including neuroscience, chemistry, and psychology. You’ll gain firsthand experience in a specialized and fascinating field of sensory science. You will also have the opportunity to participate in informative lecture series conducted by scientists from local institutions, where they will discuss the range of scientific careers available within this field. By the end of the program, you will work with your mentor to create high-quality, professional posters that outline the hypotheses tested, as well as the methods used and results found from your summer research project. You will then present your findings at the final Capstone Symposium.
7. Penn Academy for Reproductive Sciences (PARS)
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: February 28, March 7, 14 & 21
Application Deadline: October 1 – January 9
Eligibility: Current 10th-12th-grade students from the Philadelphia area
The Penn Academy for Reproductive Sciences is a program held over four consecutive Saturdays and designed to introduce talented high school students to the field of reproductive biology. During the program, you will engage in small-group discussions and demonstrations. You’ll also take part in hands-on laboratory activities that are focused on current research topics in reproductive health, including embryo development, epigenetics, female reproductive anatomy and physiology, and so on. The program also provides an opportunity to explore journal articles, discuss ethical decision-making, and prepare for future careers in science and medicine. If you attend all four sessions of this program, you’ll be eligible for a paid summer internship that may include more hands-on research.
8. UPenn: Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science (TREES)
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; Around 12-15 students
Dates: 5 weeks; Typically from early July to early August
Application Deadline: March (tentative)
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores to seniors from Philadelphia-area schools with a GPA of at least 3.0
The TREES program is a hands-on summer research experience where you’ll work alongside Penn faculty and graduate students on environmental science projects. As a participant, you’ll be placed in a research lab and conduct experiments related to topics like toxicology, watershed ecology, and community-based environmental health. In addition to lab work, the program includes field trips, data analysis training, and workshops on scientific communication. By the end of the program, you’ll be expected to write up a research report and present your findings at a poster session.
9. CHOP-RISES
Location: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipends and subsidies offered
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: June 30 – August 7 (CHOP-RISE I)
Application Deadline: Opens in January
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors (16+) at a public or charter school in the City of Philadelphia; Must complete CHOP-RISE I to be eligible for CHOP-RISE II & CHOP-RISE III
CHOP-RISES is designed to foster the next generation of scientists by placing students directly into labs focused on children's health. It is divided into three tiers of summer programs—CHOP-RISE I, II, & III—allowing you to learn pediatric research in greater depth over the years. As an intern, you will be paired with a mentor from CHOP's faculty and will contribute to an active research project. This program provides hands-on experience in basic, clinical, or translational research. In addition to your lab work, you will participate in professional development workshops, networking events, and showcase your achievements in a final presentation.
10. Penn Summer Biomedical Research Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $10,050; Full scholarships available to the School District of Philadelphia public or charter high school students
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July 11 – August 1
Application Deadline: Opens in December; Rolling till full
Eligibility: Current 9th-11th grade students; Prerequisites required; More details here
Penn offers this highly intensive, three-week-long academy that provides a deep dive into biomedical research. The program is centered on hands-on laboratory projects where you’ll learn fundamental techniques in molecular biology, genetics, and cell biology. It comprises three core aspects: lectures, the journal club, and a laboratory component. Lectures are where theoretical learning begins. They are taught by scientists, clinicians, and faculty from the Department of Biology and Penn's School of Medicine on topics like genome sequencing, CRISPR/Cas-9, vaccines, antibiotic resistance, and bioethics. In the journal club segment, you will be placed with small groups to discuss these lectures, as well as peer-reviewed research articles under the guidance of a Penn researcher or faculty member. Finally, the laboratory component provides excellent exposure to techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, restriction analysis, bacterial transformation, and ELISA, in the same high-tech labs where Penn undergraduates work.
11. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) Science and Health Summer Academy
Location: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 4 weeks
Application Deadline: April (tentative)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from the Philadelphia area
This four-week program is a fantastic opportunity for students interested in careers in medicine and biomedical research. It combines classroom learning about human anatomy, physiology, and genetics with significant hands-on laboratory experience. You will participate in heart and brain anatomy labs, learning techniques like CPR and more. You will also be able to perform clinical simulations in the Saltzburg Clinical Learning and Assessment Center! The program provides mentorship from and networking opportunities with PCOM faculty and graduate students and is designed to build a strong foundation for future STEM-M studies.
12. Penn Summer Neuroscience Research Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $10,050; Full scholarships available to the School District of Philadelphia public or charter high school students
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July 11 – August 1
Application Deadline: Opens in December; Rolling till full
Eligibility: Current 9th-11th grade students; Prerequisites required; More details here
This program offers a project-based exploration of the brain, combining university-level neuroscience lectures with hands-on research. As a participant, you will attend two lectures a day with Penn’s distinguished neuroscience faculty, during which you will learn about the biological foundations of the brain, the cellular foundations of the neuron, sensory systems, and how higher-order cognitive functions like memory, emotion, and morality work. You’ll also be taught how to peer-review scientific literature and develop scientific presentations, and visit institutions like the Mütter Museum and the Franklin Institute. The core of the program involves laboratory sessions where participants learn techniques in microscopy, neuroanatomy, and electrophysiology. The program is designed to build a strong foundation in neuroscience research, culminating in a final project presentation.
13. Baruch S. Blumberg Institute Summer Enrichment Program
Location: Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA
Cost: Not specified
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Varies by participating school
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens and are at least 16 years old
This program provides a rare and highly exclusive opportunity to conduct research at a world-class nonprofit research institute dedicated to combating hepatitis B and liver cancer. As a participant, you will be fully integrated into a research team and will work under the mentorship of a principal investigator on a specific project. You will complete the scientific process, designing and executing experiments using molecular biology techniques. This enrichment program is highly exclusive, and admission is only secured via nomination from participating schools, so you need to be a standout student at your school to have a shot.
14. Penn Summer Experimental Physics Research Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $10,050; Full scholarships available to the School District of Philadelphia public or charter high school students
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July 5 – 26
Application Deadline: Opens in December; Rolling till full
Eligibility: Current 9th-11th grade students; More details here
This three-week academy provides an intensive, university-level introduction to experimental physics. Through lectures, activities, projects, and discussions, you will learn the foundations of mechanics, electromagnetism, astrophysics, and quantum mechanics that go far beyond a typical high school curriculum. Additional class time will be dedicated to topics like the philosophy of science, the ethics of science, experimental design, how to choose education paths for yourself, and so on. You’ll also benefit from weekly research talks by Penn faculty. These talks often offer an in-depth understanding of various research specializations and the work involved, as well as question-and-answer sessions.
15. Drexel University: BIOMED Summer Academy
Location: Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $1,500 (early bird); $2,000 (late); Need-based scholarships available
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: Multiple 1-week sessions from July – August
Application Deadline: Opens on January 1; Rolling till full; Early bird tuition deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from the Philadelphia area and beyond; Requires one year of biology and an interest in math, engineering, or health sciences; Students with outstanding GPAs and teacher recommendations preferred
This one-week STEM program provides a thorough and grounded introduction to the field of biomedical engineering. As a participant, you will be introduced to core laboratory and research skills through a series of interactive, hands-on learning activities and design challenges. The academy explores how engineering principles are applied to solve complex problems in medicine and biology. The program helps you explore complex topics like biomaterials, medical device design, and tissue engineering. It also includes site visits and seminars from industry experts, providing a comprehensive overview of the biomedical field.
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