research opportunities for international high school students

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

31 Research Opportunities + Internships for High Schoolers in 2024

What’s covered:.

Research Opportunities and Internships for High School Students
How to Find Research Opportunities in High School
How Will Doing Research Impact Your College Chances?

Research drives innovation across every field of study, from natural sciences to health to history. Pursuing curiosity can impact industries, drive policy, and help us to better understand the world around us. Without curiosity and research, our society would surely stagnate.

Contrary to popular belief, however, you don’t have to be a seasoned professional to conduct meaningful research. There are plenty of opportunities for high school students to get a head start on their future careers and contribute to substantial change. Keep reading to learn about 30 great opportunities for students looking for early chances to conduct research!

Research Opportunities and Internships for High School Students

1. memorial sloan kettering human oncology and pathogenesis program.

Application Deadline: February 9

Location: New York, NY

Duration: Eight weeks (June 27 – August 22)

Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) is one of the most well-known cancer centers in the world. The Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) at MSK hosts a Summer Student Program for students to conduct independent research projects while participating in extracurricular activities, training, and other opportunities.

During the eight-week program, participants work with a mentor who will act as a supervisor to help them develop their research skills. Additionally, students have the opportunity to complete an independent research project that aligns with their mentor’s work. All participants will present their projects at a poster session at the end of the summer.

To participate, you must have completed at least 9th grade by June 2024, be at least 14 years old by June 27, have a 3.5 GPA in science subjects, and submit two letters of recommendation. This is a paid opportunity—participants will receive a stipend.

2. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program

Application Deadline: January 5

Duration: Seven weeks (June 24 – August 8)

The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program allows high school students to conduct real, innovative research over seven weeks through the renowned Rockefeller University, under the guidance of leading scientists.

SSRP scholars will be able to design and conduct their own research project as part of a themed research track, which is modeled after a Rockefeller research topic and/or technique, with the help of scientist mentors from the Rockefeller community. Most of the research will be conducted in the RockEDU Laboratory—a 3,000-square-foot research space specifically dedicated to developing biomedical research skills.

Students must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program to participate.

3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Application Deadline : Varies by cohort. Main summer deadlines are March 15, April 15, and May 15

Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year

Founded by Harvard & Oxford researchers, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program pairs high-school students with PhD mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project . At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have written an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as medicine, computer science, psychology, physics, economics, data science, business, engineering, biology, and international relations.

This program is designed to accommodate your schedule—you can participate in the summer, fall, winter, or spring, and the program is also conducted fully remotely. While you must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate high academic achievement (most students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3), no previous knowledge of your field of interest is required. The cost of the program ranges from $2,800 to $8,900, but financial aid is available.

Note that this is a selective program. Last year, over 4000 students applied for 500 spots in the program. You can find more details about the application here .

4. Research Science Institute (RSI)

Application Deadline: December 13

Location: Cambridge, MA

Duration: Five weeks (June 23 – August 3)

The prestigious RSI, which takes place at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) annually, brings together 100 of the world’s top high school students. The free program blends on-campus coursework with off-campus science and technology research.

Participants complete individual research projects while receiving mentorship from experienced scientists and researchers, and present their findings through oral and written reports in a conference-style setting at the end of the program.

5. NYU Tandon – Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

Application Deadline: March 6

Duration: 10 weeks (June 3 – August 9)

Open to New York City high school students who will complete 10th or 11th grade in June 2024, the ARISE program provides access to college-level workshops and lab research across fields like bio, molecular, and chemical engineering, robotics, computer science, and AI.

Over the course of 10 weeks—four virtual and six in person—participants will receive guidance from graduate or postdoctoral students at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering.

6. Simons Summer Research Program

Application Deadline: February 7

Location: Stony Brook, NY

Duration: Five weeks (July 1 – August 9)

During Stony Brook ’s Simons Summer Research Program, high school students conduct hands-on research in areas like science, math, and engineering while working with faculty mentors. Simons Fellows have the opportunity to join real research teams and learn about laboratory equipment and techniques. They also attend weekly faculty research talks and participate in special workshops, tours, and events.

At the closing poster symposium, students will receive a stipend for their participation. To apply, you must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and currently be in your junior year.

7. SPARK Summer Mentorship Program

Application Deadline: N/A

Location: Greater Seattle area

Duration: 8-10 weeks

SPARK is a summer mentorship program that pairs high-achieving and highly motivated high schoolers with industry experts, university professors, and mentors to conduct research on customers and financial markets. The program is only open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

8. MDI Biological Laboratory – Biomedical Bootcamp 2024

Application Deadline: March 18

Location: Bar Harbor, ME

Duration: One week (July 15 – 19)

In this bootcamp, students will receive a hands-on introduction to biomedical research at MDI Biological Laboratory. Participants will learn essential scientific skills such as experimental design and hypothesis testing, cutting-edge laboratory techniques, data analysis, bioinformatics, and scientific communication.

During the program, scientists and bioentrepreneurs at the lab will help participants explore scientific ethics at large, as well as career paths in biomedicine, research, and entrepreneurship in Maine and beyond.

Participants must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and must be entering their junior or senior year in September 2024, or graduating in June 2024.

9. Boston University – Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Internship

Application Deadline: February 14

Location: Boston, MA

Duration: Six weeks (June 30 – August 9)

RISE is a six-week program for rising seniors with an interest in pursuing a major and/or career in STEM. There are a multitude of tracks available, in areas such as astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, and neuroscience. In each track, students conduct research under the mentorship of Boston University faculty, postdoctoral fellows, or graduate students. They will also attend weekly workshops with their peers.

10. The Wistar Institute – High School Program in Biomedical Research

Application Deadline: March 31

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Duration: Four weeks (July 15 – August 8)

A leading biomedical research organization, The Wistar Institute is an ideal setting for students to learn research skills. Participants will complete their own research project while being trained in a principal investigator’s laboratory. They’ll also attend seminars, receive mentorship, and deliver a final presentation about their work.

Students are expected to participate Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Absences of more than two consecutive days cannot be accommodated. Students will receive a stipend of $1,000 upon completion of the program, to compensate for commuting costs or other personal expenses accrued during the program.

11. California Academy of Sciences – Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program

Application Deadline: April 1, 2024

Location: San Francisco, CA

Duration: Multi-year, year-round participation (after school and on weekends)

This long term program gives San Francisco students from communities that are underrepresented in STEM the opportunity to learn about the world of science and sustainability. Students receive mentorship, develop career skills, and more—all while getting paid for their work. Students also attend workshops and conferences throughout the course of the program.

12. NASA OSTEM Internship

Application Deadline: February 2

Location: Varies

Duration: Varies

NASA offers a variety of internships for high school students across its numerous campuses. Interns gain real-world work experience by working side by side with research scientists and engineers, which will strengthen their resume and help prepare them for their eventual careers. All participants must be at least 16 years old and enrolled in high school full time.

13. New-York Historical Society Student Historian Internship Program

Application Deadline: April 7

Duration: July 9 – August 15

Not all research is conducted in STEM subjects! Developed for students interested in history, the New-York Historical Society’s Student Historian Program gives participants the opportunity to conduct research on a history topic—2024’s theme is Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass’ America . During the program, participants will work with historian mentors, visit history archives around New York City, lead gallery tours, and develop their historical thinking, communication, and digital media skills.

Applicants must be entering grades 10, 11, or 12, and live in the New York City metro area. This opportunity is unpaid for most participants, but some interns with demonstrated financial need can potentially receive a stipend.

14. Adler Planetarium Summer High School Internship

Application Deadline: March 1

Location: Chicago, IL

Duration: Six weeks (July 8 – August 14)

During this summer internship program, students will learn about the Adler Planetarium and the career opportunities within it and planetariums and museums in general, in areas ranging from Visitor Experience and Learning to Research. Students will also get the chance to see how research gets translated into a museum experience.

15. Zuckerman Institute Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia University (BRAINYAC)

Application Deadline: TBA for 2025 program

Duration: Eight weeks

BRAINYAC participants receive the rare opportunity to work on research in a lab at Columbia University , one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, as high school students, which results in a stronger, more comprehensive understanding of how scientific discovery happens. They connect with real scientists, acquire essential research and laboratory skills, and learn about advances in neuroscience research.

In order to apply, you must be in 10th or 11th grade and must be nominated by one of the program’s partners—S-PREP, Lang Youth Medical, Double Discovery Center, Columbia Secondary School, or BioBus.

16. Brookfield Zoo King Conservation Science Scholars Program

Application Deadline: Rolling admission

Location: Brookfield, IL

Duration: N/A

Interactive workshops, fun activities, research, and community-based projects are at the core of this exciting internship. It’s an excellent opportunity for students who love animals and also want to gain research skills in the domains of zoology, environmental science, and conservation.

As a King Scholar, you’ll learn about different topics through Foundation Courses, such as Diversity Awareness and Introduction to Conservation, all while networking with others and preparing for college and an eventual career in a related field. After one year of participation, you’ll be invited to apply for scholarships and paid positions at the zoo.

17. The Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) at the American Museum of Natural History

Application Deadline: March 8

Duration: One year (August to June)

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the most iconic and fascinating places in New York City. Its Science Research Mentoring Program is an amazing opportunity for NYC high school students to conduct a yearlong research project with Museum scientists.

Students in SRMP get paid to learn how scientific research is conducted. Depending on their topic of study, students can learn a variety of different research skills, like working with DNA in the lab, analyzing data from space-based telescopes, reading scientific articles, and learning to code and analyze data in Python, R, and other programming languages.

18. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

Application Deadline: February 15

Location: Lubbock, TX

Duration: Seven weeks (June 16 – August 1)

Through the Anson L. Clark Scholar Program, an intensive seven-week summer research program for twelve highly qualified high school juniors and seniors, students will gain hands-on experience with practical research alongside experienced and knowledgeable faculty at Texas Tech University .

Students can choose to participate in research in one field from a broad variety of options, including cell and molecular biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, engineering, history, and more!

To apply, students must complete an online application that includes short essays, high school transcripts, test scores (at least a PSAT if no others are available), three recommendations (at least two from teachers), and a list of the student’s top five activities.

19. UChicago Data Science Institute Summer Lab Program

Application Deadline: January 16

Duration: Eight weeks (June 10 – August 2)

The Data Science Institute Summer Lab Program is an immersive eight-week paid summer research program at the University of Chicago . During the program, high school and undergraduate students are paired with a data science mentor, whose expertise could be in computer science, data science, social science, climate and energy policy, public policy, materials science, biomedical research, or another related field.

Participants will hone their research methodology, research practice, and teamwork skills. No prior research experience is required to apply. All participants will receive access to applied data science research, which they will use to craft a research project. The project findings will be presented in a video that will be shown at an end-of-summer symposium.

20. UT Austin College of Natural Sciences High School Research Academy

Application Deadline: March 24

Location: Austin, TX

Duration: Five weeks (June 10 – July 17)

Through UT Austin ’s HSRA, high school students participate in interdisciplinary research projects being conducted by active College of Natural Sciences laboratories in fields such as biochemistry, biology, environmental science, genetics, neuroscience, genome engineering, data analytics, ecology, and more.

There is a scholarship fund for underserved groups, so some stipends and free tuition scholarships may be available to students with demonstrated financial need.

21. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience – Summer Research Internship

Location: Jupiter, FL

Duration: Six weeks (June 17 – July 26)

The MPFI Summer Research Internship offers rising juniors and seniors an immersive laboratory experience where they can learn from seasoned researchers. The program is designed specifically for students with an interest in brain structure, function and development, and the advanced imaging techniques and technologies used in neuroscience.

Program participants will participate in research projects alongside MPFI scientists, prepare a written scientific abstract based on their research project, and deliver a short presentation at the end of the summer. Research tracks include neuroscience, scientific computer programming, and mechanical engineering as it relates to neuroscience.

Applicants must be entering their junior or senior years in a Palm Beach or Martin County high school, be residents of one of those two counties, and be at least 16 by the beginning of the internship. Interns will be paid at a rate of $12.50 per hour.

22. Lincoln Park Zoo Malott Family Zoo Intern Program

Application Deadline: March 11

Duration: Seven weeks (June 24 – August 9)

During this paid seven-week program, high school students learn how to educate others about animal and conservation sciences while crafting digital messages to engage audiences. The program culminates in a final project. Throughout the internship, students meet with researchers and the Animal Care staff to explore careers in the animal science and conservation fields.

Applicants must be Chicago residents between the ages of 15-18, and must be entering grades 10-12 or their freshman year of college by the start of the internship.

23. The Scripps Research High School Internship Program

Application Deadline: April 19

Location: La Jolla, CA

Duration: Seven weeks

The Scripps Research Institute’s La Jolla, California headquarters is proud to offer a seven-week hands-on research experience for San Diego County high schoolers. The program is specially designed to expose students to careers in the biological and chemical sciences, to provide hands-on laboratory experience, and to motivate and prepare students for continuing education in STEM.

Because Scripps is committed to increasing the number of students from underrepresented communities in STEM college programs, a special emphasis is placed on identifying and recruiting students who are from groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences. All students will receive a $4,760 stipend.

24. QuarkNet Summer Research Program

Application Deadline: January 31

Location: DuPage County, IL

Duration: Seven weeks (June 17 – August 2)

High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a strong interest in STEM have a unique opportunity to work with scientists on research projects during this paid seven-week program at the prestigious Fermilab, located just outside of Chicago near Batavia, IL.

Interns are encouraged to indicate areas in which they have a particular interest, although research projects vary yearly based on the work ongoing at the lab. Broadly speaking, Fermilab’s focus is on particle physics.

Required application materials include a questionnaire, a letter of recommendation, and an essay. To apply, students must have U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status and must provide evidence of identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Participants will be paid at a rate of $17.20 per hour.

25. RISE Environmentor Internship

Location: Far Rockaway, NY

Duration: Six weeks (July 1 – August 15)

The Environmentor Internship offers a great opportunity for 9th through 11th graders who live or attend school near the Rockaway Peninsula to gain firsthand research experience. Participants are mentored by scientists from local universities and research institutions as they work on projects focused on the Rockaway shoreline. Past research topics have included sea turtle strandings, octopus behavior, mussel denitrification, and dolphin fin morphology.

Students will also take part in water safety courses, receive CPR training, and explore on-water activities like kayaking and surfing. Students receive up to a $1,200 stipend, as well as community service hours for their participation in the program.

26. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Application Deadline: February 24

Location: Stanford, CA

Duration: Eight weeks (June 10 – August 1)

Students in this summer program are given the chance to perform research on a medically oriented project and work side by side with Stanford University students, researchers, and faculty. Students can choose from eight areas of research, including topics like immunology, cancer biology, and bioinformatics, which are all designed to increase their interest in the biological sciences and provide a deeper understanding of how scientific research is conducted.

The program is open to current high school juniors and seniors. Students will receive a minimum $500 stipend for their participation in the program.

27. Secondary Student Training Program

Application Deadline: February 16

Location: Iowa City, IA

Duration: June 19 – July 26

High schoolers in grades 10 and 11 can take part in an immersive research experience, which will allow them to explore their interests, enhance their academic skills, and build relationships with their peers during this research-focused summer program.

Participants can choose from a multitude of research areas, ranging from biology to industrial and systems engineering to religious studies. The program culminates with students creating and presenting a poster of their findings. All participants will live on the University of Iowa ‘s campus for the duration of the program, and have access to all of the university’s libraries, study areas, and computer facilities.

Although this program is quite expensive, with a fee of $7,500, financial aid is available to cover up to 95% of the cost.

28. Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program

Location: Urbana, IL

Duration: Six weeks (June 20 – August 2)

This program, offered by the prestigious Grainger College of Engineering at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) , allows students to gain hands-on research experience in fields such as cancer immunology, AI, physics, quantum mechanics, and electrical engineering. They will also build valuable general life skills by participating in seminars on topics ranging from the college admission process to how to communicate scientifically.

The program is open to rising 10th through 12th graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

29. Summer Science Program (SSP)

Duration: Varies depending on location and field of focus

Students in the SSP get the chance to work in small teams on a real research project and gain firsthand experience taking and analyzing data. Research opportunities are offered in three fields—astrophysics, biochemistry, and genomics—and are held at a variety of institutions, including University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Georgetown University , Purdue University , and New Mexico State University .

The program is open to high school juniors, although a small number of exceptional sophomores have attended the program. You must be between 15-19 to participate, and have completed prerequisite coursework, which varies by field. Financial aid is available for this program.

30. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program

Application Deadline: January 29

Location: Bar Harbor, ME, and Farmington, CT

Duration: 10 weeks (June 1 – August 10)

Students immerse themselves in genetics and genomics research while learning about laboratory discovery and scientific communication, as well as building professional skills. Over the course of the 10-week program, students work with a mentor to develop a research project, implement their plan, analyze their data, and report their results.

This prestigious program is competitive. Just 40 students are selected to participate annually. Participants receive a $6,500 stipend and have their room, board, and travel expenses covered.

31. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program

Application Deadline: March 31

Location: Seattle, WA

Duration: Eight weeks (June 24 – August 16)

This full-time, paid internship opportunity offers students a chance to immerse themselves in activities at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, one of the top cancer research centers in the world. The program begins with two weeks of laboratory training and is followed by six weeks of mentored activities, research seminars, workshops focused on college and careers, and social activities.

The program is open to high schoolers entering their senior year with a strong interest in science and high academic achievement, and is specifically aimed at students from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical science. Interns receive a stipend upon successful completion of the program.

How to Find Research Opportunities in High School

Define your area of interest .

Before you start looking for opportunities, narrow your area of interest a bit, whether it’s cancer, engineering, computer science, neuroscience, or something else entirely. Also bear in mind that while there may be more STEM opportunities available for high school students, research isn’t limited to these fields—research is also a key component of the social sciences, humanities, and other non-STEM fields.

While you should be somewhat specific about what you’re hoping to research, don’t narrow your scope so much that it’s impossible to find a valuable opportunity, especially since opportunities for high schoolers in general are more limited than they are for students who have completed at least some college.

Talk to People in Your Immediate Circle

Teachers, neighbors, your family, parents of friends, friends of your parents—any of these people could know about a research opportunity for you, or at least know someone else who does. Throughout your life, you will find that networking is often the key to finding career opportunities.

Leveraging your network can help you uncover unique opportunities crowdsourced by the people who know you best—the best opportunities aren’t always hosted by large universities or programs.

Reach Out to Local Institutions and Laboratories

In addition to networking with your immediate circle, reach out to local facilities, such as labs, hospitals, clinics, and universities that conduct research. Even if opportunities aren’t publicized, these institutions and laboratories may be willing to make room for you. Remember: when pitching your idea, don’t make it too niche—this will make it more difficult to find a fit and market your skills to labs.

Cast a Wide Net

Research opportunities are hard to secure, especially when you’re a young student, so you need to be persistent. You may need to write a hundred emails, but if you put in the effort and cast a wide net, you’ll vastly improve your chances of landing a great opportunity.

Try not to be too picky, either. Of course, you shouldn’t just accept any offer , especially if it doesn’t appeal to you. But even if the opportunity doesn’t align perfectly with your skills and interests, it can still be a great chance to gain experience and make you a better candidate for future experiences.

How Will Doing Research Impact Your College Chances?

How much participating in research enhances your college admissions profile depends on many factors, including the scope of the project, the prestige of the program or institution, your individual role and performance, the institution’s connections to or sponsorships by certain colleges, and even how much weight a college places on extracurricular activities in general.

Generally speaking, there are four tiers of extracurricular activities that colleges think about when reviewing applicants’ activities. Selective, competitive, and prestigious activities are often found in the top tiers, Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 includes things such as being a highly recruited basketball player or an award-winning national science fair competitor.

Tier 2 is similar, but is usually reserved for activities that are less exceptional than those in Tier 1. Tiers 3 and 4 are reserved for more common extracurricular achievements, such as holding school leadership positions or being a member of a debate team.

Research usually falls into Tier 2, and some particularly prestigious opportunities could even be Tier 1. That’s because it’s somewhat unusual for high school students to conduct research in professional and collegiate settings, so it’s more likely to impress colleges than other kinds of extracurricular activities.

Do you want to find out the impact research and other extracurricular activities might have on your chances of admission to top colleges and universities? Try using CollegeVine’s free chancing calculator !

Our tool evaluates your admissions profile, by accounting for factors like your grades,standardized test scores, and extracurriculars (including research!) to show you how you stack up against other applicants and how likely you are to get into hundreds of different colleges and universities. You’ll also receive tips on how to improve your profile and your odds—all for free.

Disclaimer: This post includes content sponsored by Lumiere Education.

Welcome to Indigo Research , formerly known as Crimson Research Institute (CRI)! You’ve been redirected here from our old website, but don’t worry, we’re still the same team committed to providing our students with the highest quality research experience.

Explore research innovate publish with indigo.

research opportunities for international high school students

Indigo Research students supported since 2019

Indigo alumni acceptance rate to the Ivy Leagues, 2.91x higher than the global average

Academic journals that have published our students’ work

Mentors from the world's leading universities

Indigo Research is the premier provider of academic research mentorship for students in high school and college

Why research.

To get into a great college you have to build a 3 dimensional profile

How indigo research supports students, turn passion into publication, cultivate intellectual curiosity outside class, transform your university applications, forge connections with elite academics, earn college credit from ucsb, indigo alumni admission rates.

Why students and parents choose Indigo

First, research with us. Then, get admitted to top schools.

Want to add your top schools to our list.

Hear from our students

“Working with a professor gave me more freedom and independence in decision making and where I wanted to take the project. The expertise also meant that I could always have ideas reviewed and concepts clarified. My experience with Indigo Research has been truly unique and insightful and has allowed me to push my own interests beyond my original boundaries”

“This program allowed me to acquire knowledge in the field of organizing research work, to understand how the task is formulated and the experiment is conducted. Doing research opens up a new vision of many subjects. For me this is the story of the development of my passion for Computer Science, as well as the discovery of a new interest in mathematics”

“This course has given me the opportunities to improve my skills, to connect with experienced mentors, and has taught me how to better manage my time. I'd recommend this program to future students because it gave me valuable experience for the future. I plan to go into neurosurgery, so taking this course gave me a detailed look at what I'd be dealing with”

“Research is a journey of learning and discovering, and you should definitely maximize the experience by picking an interesting and challenging topic. Don’t pick a topic that is too complicated though. Know your limits, and don’t make yourself feel pressured. Most importantly, be sure to enjoy the experience!”

“Working with my mentor and with Indigo Research has deepened my understanding of the publishing process and of conducting research. I've gained invaluable insight into academic medicine”

“It’s been great working with my Indigo Research Mentor! I have been able to learn from his experience with research projects, learn about a new field of research, and incorporate some tips my mentor has figured out along the way in his PhD in my research project”

How Indigo works

When to start

Develop extracurriculars and research skills to prepare young minds for college and beyond.

Strengthen college applications though a unique research project and develop professional skills along the way.

Lay the foundation for thesis work, publish your findings, and expand your CV through research and professional support.

Meet a few Indigo mentors

Our mentors.

Research interests: Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Catalysis, Carbon-Based Materials

Vladimir graduated from Moscow State University, Chemistry Department in 2017, during his Bachelor/Master. He has visited Utrecht University to study solid-state NMR and its application for protein research, Friedrich-Alexander University to work on synthesis of sp2-carbon-based materials, and Novartis to work on bioconjugates. In 2018, he moved to Friedrich-Alexander University to continue his studies on carbon materials as a PhD student. After his thesis defense in 2019, he began his Postdoc at Martin-Luther University to work on heterogeneous catalysis. In 2022, he joined Pentelute group at MIT, where he is currently working on peptide-protein interactions and drug development.

Research interests: Russian Language and Literature, Russian History, African Literature and History, Philosophy, Comparative Literature, European History

Professor Jeanne-Marie J. research spans Russian language and literature, Russian history, African literature and history, Philosophy, Comparative literature, and European history. Her first book, South African Literature's Russian Soul, is centrally concerned with how Russia's nineteenth-century "Golden Age" of literature and ideas provides a model for the study of South African realist forms and epistemologies, both during and after apartheid. Her second book, The African Novel of Ideas, tells a story of how the novel has negotiated between liberal selfhood and awareness of liberalism's failings across key African intellectual contexts.

Research interests: Machine Learning, Computer Systems, Bioinformatics

Dr. Eric S. has BS, MS, and PhD degrees from Cornell University. His research includes work in dynamical systems, machine learning, system theory, computer systems, communications systems and bioinformatics. He is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Morgan State University, a public research university in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Eric S. also has a breadth of industry experience in the fields of pattern recognition, machine learning, speech recognition, signal processing and power systems. He has been a participating member of the IEEE, Sigma Xi, and Sigma Pi Sigma. Dr. Eric S. is currently working on machine learning techniques for financial data analysis and blockchain applications and is currently a member of the Morgan State University Fintech Center for Blockchain Technology.

The Student Research Institute (SRI) by the Harvard Undergraduate OpenBio Laboratory is a virtual summer program to increase access to research for high school students in the natural and physical sciences.

SRI aims to democratize access to research opportunities for students across the world, empowering them to develop skills and knowledge to make meaningful research contributions. We invite students to apply for this opportunity to immerse themselves in scientific research.

Program Details

Students selected for SRI will be paired with a PhD student and will work alongside them to conduct an original research project or literature review in their specific field. Students will have the opportunity to hone their skills in research. At the culmination of the program, students will share their projects with the SRI team and other Harvard undergraduates to sharpen their ability to present and communicate scientific research.

Following the program, SRI staff will work with selected participants who have conducted exceptional research projects to share their research in an undergraduate research journal and showcase their work conducted over the summer!

SRI is free of charge for accepted students.

Application Process

Thank you for your interest in SRI. Applications for SRI are now closed. Application decisions will be communicated as soon as possible.

We are committed to equitable and inclusive access to research opportunities, training, and education. To support operational costs, there is a nominal $20 application fee for students interested in SRI. Should this application fee pose a barrier, students can request for a fee waiver by reaching out to SRI leadership via email. A limited number of fee waivers are available.

The SRI Handbook

Learn more about SRI.

Coming Soon

Interest Form

Fill out the interest form to stay updated with the program.

Harvard Undergraduate OpenBio Laboratory

Explore other programs and events by the Harvard Undergraduate OpenBio Laboratory.

MIT THINK SCHOLARS PROGRAM

THINK 23-24 semifinalists have been announced!

Rather than requiring students to have completed a research project before applying, THINK caters to students who have done extensive research on the background of a potential research project and are looking for additional guidance in the early stages of their project. The program is organized by a group of undergraduates at MIT.

the PREMISE

Selected finalists have weekly mentorship meetings with THINK team members for technical guidance, helpful resources, and updates on the projects progress and are given up to $1,000 in funding for their project. Additionally, if permitting, finalists are invited to a four-day all-expenses paid trip to MIT's campus , where they tour labs, present their research to MIT students and faculty, and hang out with members of the THINK team.

THINK project proposals are science, technology, and engineering ideas that span many fields, from green technologies and practical devices to software applications. As long as it can be completed in one semester with a $1,000 budget, almost anything is fair game! A good proposal has an insightful idea , clearly defined goals , and a well thought-out procedure for implementation .

For complete information on how to apply and an example finalist proposal, please download and read the full guidelines.

Nov ember . 1, 2023.

Applications to the MIT THINK Scholars Program open online at think.mit.edu. High school students generate exciting STEM research ideas to submit to the competition.

Jan uary . 1, 2024

Applications are due. Students finish submitting project proposals to be evaluated by the MIT THINK committee and professors.

Jan uary . 30, 2024

Semifinalists are announced and interviewed.

Feb uary . 5, 2024

Finalists are announced and notified of mentorship from MIT professors and researchers in their field and project funding!

Feb ruary . 2024

Finalists virtually get guidance on projects, engage in thought-provoking conversations with mentoring professors, learn about research in MIT labs, tour MIT and Boston, bond with fellow finalists and the THINK team, and receive loads of THINK swag.

Jun e . 2024

Finalists complete their projects. Upon completion of their projects, finalists present their final results to the THINK team, their fellow finalists, and other MIT students.

Contrail Reduction Algorithm and Data Live E-system (CRADLE)

Edward wu | pittsford sutherland high school, ny.

Escaping Synthetic Carcinogens: An Integration of Chemically-Based Testing Methods for Detecting Carcinogens in Personal Care and Cosmetic Products

Chloe sow | the downtown school, wa.

Development of Photosensitive Cellulose Resin for Stereolithography 3D-Printing

Elliott hirko | gainesville high school, fl.

Wall-Climbing Robot in Disaster Zones

Emily stanton and anna brusoe | university high school and homeschool, wv.

From Weed to Wheat: Seaweed as a Potential Staple in the Global Freshwater Crisis

Jun ru chen | jericho high school, ny.

Echo: A Sound Solution For Mapping and Navigation in Firefighting

Agastya pawate | lynbrook high school, ca.

Despite the aviation industry’s one billion tons of CO2 produced annually, its biggest contributor to global warming is not CO2 pollution but condensation trails (contrails for short)–long cloud streaks that airplanes produce at high altitudes. These artificial clouds trap infrared radiation fleeing Earth’s surface and significantly contribute to the rising threat of global warming. Resolutions to reduce contrail harm lack, especially in the area of finding ways to avoid high-impact contrail airplane routes. Other approaches are either too costly or harm the environment even more such as altering engine design or adding chemicals to plane fuel. My proposal is Contrail Reduction Algorithm and Data Live E-system (CRADLE), a fully computerized program that aims to alleviate contrail airplane routes. I plan to carry out my proposal through three phases. In phase one, the program first identifies contrails from any land- or satellite-based sky image by employing state-of-the-art computer vision AI models. Then, in phase two, by matching contrail regions with flight routes and considering contrail formation conditions including temperature, humidity, and pressure, the algorithm calculates alternate flight routes that reduce contrails and is maximally fuel-efficient. Finally, to address a lack of available contrail image data, phase three focuses on creating an interactive smartphone app that allows users to take an image of contrails anywhere, which is then collected into a usable dataset to improve CRADLE’s accuracy.

Eddy is a junior at Pittsford Sutherland High School who is interested in the environment and applied physics. In summer 2022, he conducted quantum physics research through the University of Rochester Research Experience for High School Students. Over the years, he has noticed how his region has been getting fewer snow days, which inspired him to read deeply about the environment. Having a fascination for planes since he was little, Eddy was motivated to solve the pressing contrails problem. He is incredibly excited to further his CRADLE project through MIT THINK. His overall goal in science is to pursue a career in physics academia to make a positive impact on the world. Outside of research, Eddy is a hockey player, saxophonist, and debater as the co-president of his school’s Model UN club. He is involved in his local community as a junior hockey coach helping kids with developmental disabilities.

A lack of transparency and regulation in the consumer products industry, specifically in personal care and cosmetic products, makes it difficult for consumers to know what is in the products they use and their potential risks. Personal care and cosmetic products, including items such as makeup, hair care, skincare, and fragrance, may contain various chemicals and ingredients that can potentially harm human health. For instance, some of these substances, known as carcinogens, can cause cancer in humans or animals, while others may cause irritation, allergic reactions, or other adverse health effects. Thus, herein, we propose the development of an origami paper-based microfluidic device capable of simple and rapid colorimetric detection of multiple carcinogens and other harmful chemicals in personal care and cosmetic products. Origami in paper-based microfluidic devices creates 3-D paper microfluidic channels as liquid fluids wick through paper through capillary action, carrying and mixing reagents, enabling the fluid exchange between layers without the assistance of a bonding agent with a lower cost and with more straightforward fabrication. Thus, with an inexpensive, rapid, and accessible device utilizing chromatography paper, wax, and colorimetric reagents—easily customized for the desired carcinogens—the general population will moreover be able to readily identify unknown irritants and toxins that may potentially affect their well-being.

Chloe Sow is a current junior at The Downtown School in Washington, who is absolutely thrilled to be a part of MIT THINK as a finalist. Interested in pursuing engineering, ubiquitous computing, and/or synthetic epigenetics, having independently conducted research, as well as at the UbiComp Lab at the University of Washington, she has presented at a few research symposiums (being absolutely roasted by the judges, of course!). In her free time, other than spending time with family and friends, she loves to watch documentaries (+ k-dramas), translate novels, and make music. With the support and resources of MIT THINK, for her project, inspired by the Stink! documentary (which is a definite must-watch!), she hopes that the device will provide greater transparency and insights, assisting consumers in making more informed decisions about the personal care products they use.

Over the past several decades, there have been huge advances in tissue recellularization, a field which involves the growth of specific tissue cells onto a porous network called a scaffold to produce a functioning organ. One of the drawbacks keeping these methods from reaching the medical field is the lack of a scaffold for the organ needed (O’Brien, 2011). Herin a potential system for producing 3 dimensional cellulose structures with extreme precision for use in tissue recellularization is presented. Cellulose, the most abundant polysaccharide on the planet, is both biocompatible and very low cost. Additionally, it’s chemical properties fill the prerequisites required for being a good cell scaffold material (Encheva et al., 2004). The only issue is there is no readily available way to directly manipulate cellulose into precise 3 dimensional objects since it neither melts or dissolves in common solvents. One of the most precise 3D printing process called stereolithography typically employs a laser to solidify a photosensitive resin layer by layer until a 3 dimensional object is made (Hubs, n.d). To allow for this method to be applied to cellulose, a metal complex called tetraamine copper II hydroxide or Schweizers reagent (SWR) will be tested under the influence of a photoacid generator (PAG) called coumarin-4-ylmethyl (c4m) to generate a photosensitive cellulose solution that can be utilized with a custom made stereolithography printer to produce 3 dimensional cellulose structures.

Elliott is a junior at Gainesville High School in Florida. He has always had an interest in absorbing information from the world around him an applying it to projects he finds interesting. He puts a great emphasis on chemistry and engineering because it is with these disciplines that he can obtain the ability to create almost anything through his work. He hopes to one day apply this knowledge in a way as to aide in the energy crisis. He enjoys creating things and performing various organic synthesis projects along with long walks through nature and hanging out with his friends (when they actually manage to agree on plans).

Over the years, natural and man-made disasters have persisted at an alarming rate, devastating the lives of many, and leaving behind an unceasing death toll. Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy way to prevent these disasters from happening. So the best we can do is help preserve the lives of those caught in disasters and those risking everything to save others. This is where the wall-climbing robot comes in. The wall-climbing robot can climb up buildings, taking 3D visuals of the damaged area and providing necessary materials to people stuck inside, such as air masks and water. To accomplish this task, we are creating a robot that can climb up and across walls using a modified suction system that can work on any type of wall, even walls with crevices and dirt. Our robot also utilizes pneumatic powered limbs for greater reach. We plan on using a Lidar sensor for the 3D mapping aspect of our design.

Emily is a student at University High School in Morgantown WV who has always had a love for creating things, whether it be robots or novels. This has led her to join Mountaineer Area RoboticS (MARS), her local FRC team, where she has learned how to work with others to build robots quickly. This last year, she has interned at the Biomedical company, Intermed Labs, where she learned more about material science and the process of researching an idea. In her free time, she also loves writing sci fi and fantasy novels and short stories, swimming, and discussing crazy ideas with Anna.

Anna is a homeschooled senior from Morgantown, West Virginia. With her goal of becoming a mechanical and aerospace engineer, she hopes to design innovative technology that can be used to help others. Anna is passionate about expanding STEM education access and resources to rural areas and has written a children’s book about five women in STEM to help students learn about science and engineering. As a member of the mechanical sub-team of FIRST Robotics Competition team Mountaineer Area RoboticS(MARS), Anna has learned a lot about engineering design and fabrication of materials. She is very thankful to have been selected as a finalist for the MIT THINK Scholars Program, and she is very excited to continue collaborating with Emily to continue research on wall-climbing robots. Outside of her STEM related interests, Anna is a classically trained pianist and is learning to play the organ.

Often endearingly referred to as the elixir of life, water is an indispensable commodity required by all aspects across the biological spectrum. Yet, most of freshwater is inaccessible and locked away in glaciers or blended with salts. To conserve this declining resource for our growing population, this project will introduce and demonstrate scale model processing of novel crop and explore dietary shifts for minimizing irrigative water reliance while increasing global crop yield. I will model a scale biochemical process that will render common kelp, specifically, Saccharina japonica into a common grain substitute similar to rice flour. The fungal fermentation with Paradendryphiella salina seeds the sample with accessible nutrients; complex sugars are broken down to build protein rich mycelium. A session of solar baking sanitizes the newly enriched sample. Through another round of fermentation with lactic acid bacteria instead, free protons from lactic acid promote the formation of hydrogen iodide gas with aqueous iodine. Finally, the sample is baked by the sun for the last time— when dehydrated, remaining hydroiodic acid would reform into a dispersed gas. With the acute concentration of iodine removed, myoprotein enriched seaweed powder can easily replace consumer flour with a myriad of advantages. This iodine depressed flour would serve as a low glycemic, high nutrient, and environmentally friendly grain, grown completely past the need for any of our dwindling freshwater supplies. Seaweed as a crop holds untapped potential as a source of an enriched and sustainable diet for future capitalization.

Jun Ru Chen is a sophomore at Jericho High School in New York and a student of the science research program there. Since a brief cooking unit in middle school, food has been one of the major topics sitting on the backburner. With a fear of spicy food and salmonella, he avoids cooking protein himself— drifting into simple cooking, tasting quite bland. In pursuit of this, he researches a superior ingredient and debates on creating a club to support his ventures. Among the existing clubs that he is currently in, he competes in SciOly, Mathletes, and occasionally drops by into whatever club was running that day. Despite having no background in physics, he was placed into all three physics events by the team leader. Armed with spite, he is now lobbying his guidance counsellor to waive AP Physics I prerequisites for Physics II, a class vacant for over 20 years.

Across the western US, destructive fires are larger, hotter and more frequent every year. Their white-hot flames rise high to singe the crowns of tall redwood trees and blacken vast tracts of forest; their smoke and ash turn the skies an eerie yellow. But firefighters on the frontlines are increasingly in need of better equipment and technology in order to be more effective. Currently, they rely on thermal imaging cameras to find their ways around in these situations, but these cameras white out under the intense heat of these blazes, fail to show obstacles and lack crucial depth of field information. My proposal for overcoming these limitations is to use narrow-beam ultrasonic mapping for imaging. By scanning the surroundings of a user with repeated pulses of ultrasound and plotting the resulting distance measurements on a full field of view, my camera will not white out in extreme heat and will be able to image through plumes of smoke. Measuring distance rather than temperature will produce images with clear depth of field and a view of surrounding obstacles. An innovative capture system using a stepper and a DC motor will allow for optimum resolution and measurement quality, and a dual gyroscope system enables crucial odometry for a real-time display. Multiple sensor inputs will be threaded together for efficient operating speed and signal. With this array of sensors and motors, my proposal would provide accurate, three-dimensional mapping in firefighting situations.

Agastya is a junior at Lynbrook High School in San Jose, CA and is excited to be a THINK finalist this year! Ever since he got a Python book from the library and an Arduino for his tenth birthday from his parents, he has done numerous robotics projects using microprocessors and sensors (especially his favorite - the ultrasonic distance sensor). He is a member of his school’s robotics team, where he learned and taught skills such as creating Arduino projects and using power tools for machining. Outside of academics, Agastya is an avid runner on the Lynbrook Cross Country and Track teams and plays clarinet in his school’s Wind Ensemble. In his free time, he enjoys exploring new routes in the hills near his home, going on trips up and down the West Coast and reading whatever he can get his hands on.

See a full list of THINK winners from past years , 2019 , 2018 , 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 .

Alexander greer, class of 2024 | computer science and molecular biology.

Greer is a junior studying computer science and molecular biology. In his free time, he enjoys playing the piano, designing infographics, managing his Google calendar, and learning new things. He is keen on helping THINK make STEM research at the high school level ever more exciting and accessible.

Alexandra So

Class of 2023 | brain and cognitive sciences, business analytics.

Alexandra is a senior from Los Angeles, California, who is double majoring in business analytics (Course 15-2) and brain and cognitive sciences (Course 9). Along with THINK, she is involved in MIT EMS (campus ambulance service) and the Sloan Business Club. Alexandra is excited to continue to share her love of research and provide opportunities for high school students to pursue the scientific projects that they are passionate about through MIT THINK.

Caitlin Ogoe

Class of 2025 | computer science and engineering, chemical engineering.

Caitlin is a sophomore from Western Colorado. She plans on studying computer science and chemical engineering. Caitlin is super excited to get to help extend an opportunity for students from rural schools to gain research experience and to learn a ton from the super talented students who pass through this program every year. She loves picking new color palates for her Google Calendars, obsessing over the latest tech drop's specs, and asking her mom for pictures of her cat, Sherbert.

Class of 2025 | ELectrical Engineering and Computer Science

Emma is a sophomore studying computer science and engineering. In her free time, she can often be found hanging out with friends, watching Kdramas, or munching on chips in her dorm room. With THINK, Emma has enjoyed giving back to communities and empowering high school students and is excited to continue mentoring high school students just like the mentorship she got inhigh school.

Class of 2024 | Computer Science and Engineering

Grace is a junior from Westford, Massachusetts majoring in computer science and minoring in political science. Outside of school, Grace loves to have deep talks with friends, play violin, and weightlift. Grace has really enjoyed mentoring as well as her research experiences and is excited to help high schoolers discover and pursue their interests in research.

Kenneth Choi

Class of 2025 | electrical engineering and computer science.

Kenneth is a sophomore from Ridgefield, Connecticut, planning to major in a computer science related field. Having conducted research and participated in research competitions throughout high school, Kenneth has a passion for mentoring students in their science and engineering projects. His next research goals are to explore the fields of computational biology and natural language processing. Outside of THINK, Kenneth is involved with Science Olympiad, Korean Cultural Association, and IEEE/ACM.

Mulan Jiang

Director | class of 2023 | mechanical engineering with computer science.

Mulan is a senior from Leawood, Kansas planning to study mechanical engineering with a concentration in medical devices and pre-med. Outside of academics, she can be found designing book covers in Photoshop, trying to dance, and eating too many Asian snacks. Coming from an area with fewer opportunities to work in research labs, Mulan is excited to help organize a program accessible to any high school student who is passionate about STEM!

Tiffany Chen

Class of 2022 | computer science and engineering, humanities and mathematics.

Tiffany is a MEng student from New York City majoring in computer science and a joint major between humanities and mathematics. Social and computer science research was a major part of her senior year experience, and she joined THINK to help high school students hone their interest in STEM with resources and mentorship. When she’s not internally dying from her psets, she’s grabbing food or bubble tea with her friends, walking around Boston, or writing letters to her friends back home.

Class of 2025 | Physics, Computer Science and Engineering

Zimi is a freshman from Long Island, NY. Academically, Zimi is interested in maybe too many things, and she is planning to pursue some combination of physics and computer science. Outside of classes, she can be found playing the piano, doodling, and learning how to cook. As a part of THINK, She is excited to share her love of STEM and provide an opportunity for high school students to pursue their passions through scientific research.

Alexandra Volkova

Class of 2026 | computer science and molecular biology, finance.

Alexandra is a freshman from Bergen County, NJ, about half an hour from NYC. She is planning to double major in Computer Science and Molecular Biology (6-7) and Finance (15-3), and as that choice shows, is interested in pretty much everything. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, listening to music and podcasts, playing board games, losing track of hours in the Harvard library and other libraries and bookstores, and spending time with family and friends. She is excited to help bring THINK to an even greater audience of highschoolers and discover the innovative ideas others have.

Class of 2026 | Computer Science and Molecular Biology

Iris is a freshman from Shoreline, Washington, planning on majoring in computer science and molecular biology (Course 6-7), biochemistry (Course 5-7), or bioengineering (Course 20). She is interested in biotechnology, drug design, and personalized medicine! Outside of classes and work, she loves to work out, play Smash, watch Zelda theories, and bead!

Abena Kyereme-Tuah

Class of 2026 |.

Abena is a freshman from Northern Virginia. She is interested in the intersection between computer science and medicine, as well as the process behind business management. In her free time, Abena enjoys dancing, baking, and reading books. She is very excited to be a part of THINK and be able to help students gain access to resources to further their passions.

Katherine Xie

Class of 2026 | computer science and neuroscience.

Katherine is a freshman from New Jersey. She is planning to study computer science and neuroscience. In her free time, she can be found listening to music, playing squash, or hanging out with friends. As a part of THINK, Katherine is excited to create STEM research opportunities for high schoolers and give back to the community as a mentor.

Thomas Larsen

Class of 2026 | mechanical and biological engineering.

Thomas is a freshman from Staten Island, New York, planning to major in Mechanical and Biological Engineering. Throughout high school, he developed and presented research projects in regional and national science competitions, becoming a two-time finalist in NYCSEF and semi-finalist in MIT Think. He is now a researcher in the Biomechatronics Group in the MIT Media Lab, interested in researching the intersection between robotics and human physiology. In his free time, Thomas enjoys playing the Alto Saxophone, designing 3D printing projects, and petting his adorable cat, Shadow. As a member of THINK, Thomas is excited to mentor high school students throughout their research projects and provide them with the resources they need to succeed.

Class of 2024 | Computer Science and Cognitive Science

Claire is a junior from Houston, Texas majoring in computer science and cognitive science with a minor in biomedical engineering. As part of THINK, she is excited to support high school students from all backgrounds in pursuing their research interests! Outside of THINK, Claire is a traditional choreographer for the Asian Dance Team. In her free time, she can always be found listening to music, embroidering, or exploring Boston.

Benjamin Gao

Class of 2023 | computer science.

Ben is a senior from Gainesville, Florida. He is majoring in Computer Science, and after graduation will be working at Palantir as a Software Engineer. In his free time, Ben enjoys working out, reading, and rock climbing. He is looking forward to reading all the amazing applications and mentoring some awesome projects!

How do I apply?

Can my proposal be longer than ten pages, do references/cover pages/figures count in the ten page limit, i am in a team of two. how do we create an account for two people, i am an international student. can i still apply, who judges these applications, how will i know if i won, where can i send my other questions.

DRW is a diversified trading firm with decades of experience bringing sophisticated technology and exceptional people together to operate in markets around the world and across many asset classes. We value autonomy and the ability to quickly pivot to capture opportunities, and so we operate using our own capital and trading at our own risk. Headquartered in Chicago with offices in the U.S. and Canada as well as Europe and Asia, we trade all the things you’d expect from a leading firm, including Fixed Income, Equities, FX, Commodities and Energy. We also have leveraged our expertise and technology to expand into three non-traditional strategies: real estate, venture capital and cryptoassets. We operate with respect, curiosity and an open mind, and the people who thrive here share our belief that it’s not just what we do that matters but also how we do it. It’s a place of high expectations, integrity, innovation and a willingness to challenge consensus.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. We offer a variety of scholarship programs, internships, and full-time opportunities designed to empower you. Imagine the impact you can have and jumpstart your career at microsoft.com/university .

Interested in sponsoring THINK? Please contact us at think-cr [at] mit [dot] edu.

Subscribe to our mailing list to keep up with updates!

Success Stories
AI Scholar Program
Startup Internship Program
Research Scholar Program
GOALS Academic Support Program
Test Prep Program
Passion Project Program
For Families
For Schools
For Employers
Partnerships

Content Guides

News And Awards
College Admissions
Events and Webinars

Applications

Research Projects

40 Incredible Research Opportunities for High School Students

Pre-Application
Acceptance Rates
Exams (ACT, AP, SAT)
Extracurricular(s)
Interviews & Networking
Letters of Recommendation
Summer Programs
Arts (Fine & Performing)
Business & Economics
Engineering
Computer Science
Humanities & Social Science
Mathematics
Hard Sciences

Grade Levels

Undergraduate
High School
Middle School

Madeleine Karydes

Lead admissions expert, table of contents, start your search for your dream research opportunity, 40 incredible research opportunities for high schoolers, 1. research mentorship program, 2. aspiring scholars directed research program (asdrp), 3. quarknet summer research program, 4. student research institute, 5. student research internships, 6. simons summer research program.

7. Summer Research Experience Program

8. WYSE Summer Engineering Camp

9. WYSE Young Scholars Summer STEMM Program

10. Biomedical Research Academy

11. Chemistry Research Academy
12. Experimental Physics Research Academy
13. Neuroscience Research Academy
14. Social Justice Research Academy

15. Medical Sciences Summer Institute

16. high school summer research experience, 17. summer science research experience, 18. medical institute summer research program (simr), 19. grips program, 20. summer student research program, 21. educational pathways for cancer research, 22. future scientist program, 23. kimberly querrey summer research program, 24. student research apprentice program, 25. summer experience for students, 26. research in the biological sciences (ribs), 27. high school summer internship program, 28. summer high school research program, 29. biomedical research workshops, 30. college now stem research academy, 31. bioengineering research programs, 32. life sciences research program, 33. marine science research program, 34. school of medicine research program, 35. business research program, 36. summer research program, 37. high school internships with aspirnaut, 38. student volunteer program, 39. student scholars program, 40. full research programs.

Stay up-to-date on the latest research and college admissions trends with our blog team.

40 Incredible Research Opportunities for High School Students

Why are research opportunities for high school students in 2024 so exciting? Well, there are a few reasons. Firstly, teenagers in the 21st century are coming of age during a thrilling era of cutting-edge scientific development. Technology advances exponentially every day, breaking down barriers to interdisciplinary knowledge. What’s more, high school students have unprecedented access to research opportunities that can significantly enhance their academic and professional futures. Under the right guidance, research experience can add a serious competitive edge to a young student’s resume.

It’s true. Engaging in research not only cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills for young adults, but also provides a platform for today’s students to contribute to real-world advancements and innovations. As we step into 2024, the breadth and diversity of research opportunities available to high school students are more varied than ever, encompassing fields from the sciences and engineering to the humanities and social sciences.

Are you excited yet? Let’s dive into what options are available.

This article explores the myriad of incredible research opportunities accessible to high school students this year, detailing programs, internships, and competitions that can help aspiring scholars gain invaluable experience and make meaningful contributions to their chosen fields .

Whether your interest lies in laboratory research, social science studies, or interdisciplinary projects, there is an opportunity waiting to help you unleash your potential and prepare for the future. Let’s get this research party started!

Next up we have a list of some of the best research opportunities out there for high school students in 2024, presented for you to browse. These options are presented in no particular order.

Along with their mentor, students will learn about research techniques, gain insight into professional research-based opportunities, and mature their academic goals. The GRIT talks lecture series will connect students to some of the best minds within the UC Santa Barbara research community as they present their ground-breaking research and innovative technology.

Apply to : University of California, Santa Barbara
Age Eligibility : Freshman (9th), Sophomores (10th), and Juniors (11th)
Location : Santa Barbara, California

Students participate in research projects across various subjects in STEM, including chemistry, biology, computational modeling, computer science, and much more. Students publish and present their work as well in venues within and outside of ASDRP. Research in ASDRP is supervised by highly skilled scientists and engineerson the research faculty, who are clustered under one of three departments—Biological/Human/Life Sciences, Chemistry/Biochemistry/Physics, or Computer Science & Engineering.

Apply to : Olive Children Foundation Engineering Research Laboratory
Age Eligibility : All high school students (9th-12th)
Location : Fremont, California

QuarkNet offers summer research opportunities in science and technology for students who have demonstrated a strong interest in and aptitude for science and mathematics. Students work with scientists for seven weeks on projects related to the Fermilab research program.

Apply to : Fermilab Research Alliance
Age Eligibility : Sophomores (10th), Juniors (11th), and Seniors (12th)
Location: Fermilab campus in Illinois

Projects will focus on using Python, Java or other programming languages for interesting applications such as in cryptography or in global data trend evaluations. Computational science projects will utilize molecular modeling and drug design methods for biological or medicinal applications (cancer and other diseases).

Apply to: Quest SRI
Age Eligibility: Sophomores (10th), Juniors (11th), and Seniors (12th)
Location: Virtual meetings

The Student Research Internship Program is a 10-week summer program designed for high school, undergraduate, graduate and professional students. The primary goal is to equip students interested in health sciences, statistics, and computational/computer science to become future leaders in the realm of translational medical research.

Apply to: Scripps Research Institute
Age Eligibility: All high school students (9th-12th)
Location: San Diego, California

The Simons Summer Research Program gives academically talented, motivated high school students the opportunity to engage in hands-on research in science, math or engineering at Stony Brook University. Simons Fellows work with distinguished faculty mentors, learn laboratory techniques and tools, become part of active research teams, and experience life at a research university.

Apply to: Stony Brook University
Age Eligibility: Juniors (11th)
Location: New York campus

7. Summer Research Experience Program

Computer Science and Informatics Summer Research Experience Program (CSIRE) is a 6-week research experience program on computer science and informatics for high school students. The program assumes the participant already has good skills in programming or data analytics. Since launching in 2017, the program has become increasingly competitive.

Location: New York campus OR virtual meetings

These summer camps are designed to allow students to experience authentic & challenging projects & activities, world-class instructors, and a collegiate experience from one of the best engineering schools in the world. Camps provide exposure to different areas of engineering through demonstrations, lab tours, classroom presentations, hands-on activities, and interactions with various students, staff, and professors in those fields.

Apply to: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Age Eligibility: All high school students (91th-12th)
Location: Urbana-Champaign, Illinois campus

9. WYSE Young Scholars Summer STEMM Program

Participate in an authentic STEMM research experience at a world-class research university for 6 weeks during the summer. Students will gain hands-on experience in areas at the forefront of various STEMM fields, such as cancer immunology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, physics, quantum mechanics, bioengineering, electrical engineering, and more!

Location: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin

Aerial view of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Biomedical Research Academy introduces the experimental basis of cellular, molecular, and genetic aspects of biology, focusing on relevance to diseases. Fusing daily lectures, faculty research talks, laboratory experiments, and small group investigations into current research topics, students gain insight into the core of biomedical research.

Apply to: The University of Pennsylvania
Age Eligibility: Freshman (9th), Sophomores (10th), and Juniors (11th)
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

11. Chemistry Research Academy

Penn Chemistry is a leading center for molecular research and instruction, whose researchers are at the frontier of modern chemistry, tackling a wide variety of important societal challenges. The Chemistry Research Academy provides students with the foundational knowledge to understand this cutting-edge research, while providing opportunities to hear and learn directly from several of the research professors and students.

Age Eligibility: Sophomores (10th) and Juniors (11th)

12. Experimental Physics Research Academy

The Experimental Physics Research Academy focuses on current physics, specifically mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum dynamics, and astrophysics. Through lectures, activities, projects, and discussions with their instructors, students move past memorized equations to gain an understanding of cause and effect, and ultimately an appreciation of physics on a higher level.

13. Neuroscience Research Academy

The Neuroscience Research Academy explores the biological foundations of the brain, progressing from the cellular foundations of the neuron to an understanding of the sensory systems, and culminating with higher-order cognitive functions such as memory, emotion, and morality. Taught by members of Penn’s Biological Basis of Behavior program, the Neuroscience Academy introduces students to this cutting-edge field in both research and medicine, which has provided important insights into understanding the mind in both health and disease.

Age Eligibility: Freshman (9th), Sophomores (10th)s and Juniors (11th)

14. Social Justice Research Academy

The Social Justice Research Academy brings students from around the world together for three weeks to dive deep into the past, present, and future of social justice. Designed to encourage discussion and critical thinking about the political, historical, and cultural context of inequality and resistance, the program welcomes students with a variety of academic interests across the social sciences, humanities, and arts. Topics vary from year to year but include a selection of significant historical struggles as well as those that define our recent past and present.

The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine has created a summer workshop for those who are at least 16 years old, interested in careers in medicine, or other healthcare related fields, and wish to gain some experience in medical research in a state-of-the art laboratory. Students will learn to formulate hypotheses, design experiments, analyze data and communicate their conclusions at a research symposium at the end of the course.

Apply to : University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

In addition to lab work, you’ll have classroom instruction on cancer basics, seminars with invited speakers, and professional development opportunities. At the end of the summer, you’ll give a poster presentation at a research conference just like our graduate students and post-doctoral scholars do.

Apply to: Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
Location: Buffalo, New York

SSRP Scholars will participate on a research team designed and guided by Rockefeller trainees. SSRP teams mirror the structure of a Rockefeller laboratory, where one trainee serves as team lead with support from dedicated scientist-mentors. Each team will have their own space in the RockEDU laboratory.

Apply to: The Rockefeller University
Location: New York City, New York

This is an eight-week program in which high school students with a broad range of experiences, interests and backgrounds are invited to perform basic research with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students and researchers on a medically-oriented project. The goals of the program include increasing interest in biological sciences and medicine in high school students and helping students to understand how scientific research is performed.

Apply to: Stanford University
Age Eligibility: Juniors (11th) or Seniors (12th)
Location: Palo Alto, California

GRIPS is a twenty hour, eight week long research intensive experience for high school students. Program participants will be placed in a research laboratory for the summer and conduct genomics research under the supervision of a lab mentor.

Location: Palo Alto, California (with hybrid meetings)

This summer program provides one-on-one mentorship with health care providers and researchers, along with access to unique workshops, seminars, training, simulations, and networking opportunities. The program culminates in a formal research symposium in which each student presents their project findings to the scientific community, many of which continue on as future grants, publications, and advances in healthcare.

Apply to: University of California, San Francisco
Age Eligibility: Juniors (11th) and Seniors (12th)
Location: San Francisco, California

Video: An Opportunity Awaits

The EPCR summer program provides mentored, high-quality, cancer-focused research experiences for graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students. Participants will develop skills to think analytically and critically; design, perform and troubleshoot experiments; interpret research data; formulate new ideas; and propose meaningful strategies for testing those ideas through experiments with guidance from mentors.

Apply to: Indiana University
Age Eligibility: Seniors (12th)
Location: Bloomington, Indiana

The Future Scientist Program at IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center is a summer science program for high school juniors at Indianapolis and all Marion County public schools, providing the opportunity to spend eight weeks on a research project under the mentorship of a university researcher.

The Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care’s Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program offers a six- to eight-week paid, competitive research experience at Northwestern University for rising high school seniors and undergraduate college/university students interested in the biological sciences. Our program combines intensive research training with support for students’ academic and professional development.

Apply to: Northwestern School of Medicine
Location: Evanston, Illinois

This is a five-week summer program that provides students with a research experience in one of the basic science or clinical laboratories.

Apply to : University of Connecticut Health
Location: Storrs campus in Connecticut

This is a paid opportunity for high school and college students to work alongside world-renowned scientists and researchers and gain insights into careers in science or related areas. Through our four-week Summer Experience program, we offer a limited number of students an exclusive opportunity to be a part of the day-to-day research activities in dynamic research and biobanking environments, and we offer the possibility to experience biobank operations.

Apply to: Coriell Institute for Medical Research
Location: New Jersey

This four-week intensive training program is designed to expose students to a broad range of molecular, microbiological, and cell biological techniques currently used in research laboratories. Students are immersed in the research experience, giving them a taste of ‘life at the bench.’

Apply to: T he University of Chicago
Location: Chicago, Illinois

Our program provides students with the opportunity to participate in basic, translational, or clinical scientific research with the goal of stimulating interest in biomedical research as a potential career. During the 6-week, 240-hour program (holidays included) each student will have the opportunity to work on their own research project under the guidance of an investigator and their staff at MWRI or Magee-Womens Hospital.

Apply to: Magee Womens Research Institute
Location: Southwest Pennsylvania region

Students are selected from a pool of applicants for a five-week full-time summer research experience. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and be recommended by their high school science teacher and/or science chair. Students are assigned to Einstein research labs and will join the lab team under the guidance of the laboratory director (or principal investigator) who will serve as a mentor.

Apply to: Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Our online workshops include Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Medicinal Chemistry and Medical Bioinformatics. Intro to Cellular and Molecular Medicine is our entry-level workshop that is only two hours/day. Students in the Medicinal Chemistry and Medical Bioinformatics workshops learn how to use online tools to analyze biochemical data. For students interested in doing research or working on a project for a science fair, this is a great way to get started.

Apply to: Rosetta Institute of Biomedical Research

This is a two-part program designed to provide students with an opportunity to develop the essential skills to be strong scientific thinkers by engaging in authentic enquiry based research activities. The first component of the program is a high school credit scientific investigative course (DNA Detectives) offered during the spring semester, and the second component is a six week college credit course (BIO189, 1 credit) that meets during the summer, in which students work in research labs under the supervision and mentorship of Lehman College faculty and their graduate students. Students are selected to participate in the summer mentorship based upon successful completion of the spring semester DNA Detectives course, and meeting additional eligibility criteria.

Apply to : Lehman College

The UC San Diego Department of Bioengineering and UC San Diego Extended Studies are pleased to offer courses to high school students who are excelling in scholarship and would like to explore Bioengineering. The course offerings are based on fun, experiential, remote, at-home, hands-on lab activities.

Apply to: The University of California, San Diego
Age Eligibility: Sophomores (10th), Juniors (11th), or Seniors (12th)
Location: San Diego, California (or hybrid meetings)

In partnership with Boz Institute, we will offer a unique science research learning experience. Our programs will involve field work, fundamental molecular biology topics, modern laboratory techniques, and relevant bioinformatics and statistical applications. Learn to synthesize life science fundamentals, review literature, formulate hypotheses and design experiments, collect and process samples, execute experiments, analyze data, and showcase your work through poster presentations attended by local scientists and industry leaders.

The following programs are designed to empower high school students to share learning, network with peers, and become environmental advocates. The goal of this program is to develop problem solving, organization, creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and leadership skills that will support future career goals and aspirations.

The following programs are designed with faculty from UC San Diego School of Medicine and are designed for high school students who wish to go into fields of medicine.

The following course is designed to prepare students for careers and advanced education in business innovation, entrepreneurship, and management with a solid grounding in fundamentals. While learning about topics of business innovation, design, venture financing, and growth strategy, students will gain the knowledge necessary to build an innovative business proposal and gain economic acumen.

Location: Virtual Meetings

For eight weeks in the summer, student interns usually work with the mentors in laboratories or clinics. Interns learn techniques used in the health sciences laboratories, gain research study skills, and experience professional development and career preparation through weekly program seminars. Additionally, they receive training in presentation skills, including how to prepare a presentation for a scientific meeting. At program end, all interns present their research findings at a poster session or oral symposium.

Apply to: Louisiana State University
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

High school students are embedded in a biomedical research laboratory for six weeks as a member of a team of researchers (chemists, biologists, physicians, mathematicians, engineers) working on diabetes, cancer and regenerative biology projects. Students conduct their own research and gather results that contribute to the data and goals of the larger research team. At the conclusion of the experience, students present their research to peers and mentors through both oral and poster presentations.

Apply to: Vanderbilt University
Location: Nashville, Tennessee

NRL seeks volunteers that are currently enrolled in high school or college and possess an interest in science and engineering. Volunteer service is limited to services performed by a student as part of an agency program established for the purpose of providing educational experience for the student. The work is done strictly on an uncompensated basis.

Apply to: US Naval Research Laboratory
Location: Based in Washington, D.C.

The selected interns gain valuable hands-on experiences working with full-time AFRL scientists and engineers on cutting-edge research and technology and are able to contribute to unique, research-based projects.

Apply to: The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
Location: Several locations across the United States

Our student-driven research programs teach the process of science through the creation of a field research project. By studying locations near your school campus, students strengthen their connection to the ecosystems in your community. In addition to delivering increased academic confidence, better social skills, and building science and language skills, all of our programs are designed in a fun and engaging way.

Apply to: Headwaters Science Institute
Location: Multiple locations in California

Summer internships: your edge in college applications. Click to download your free ebook now.

There you have it, folks. That’s our roundup of incredible research opportunities for high school students in 2024. Nonetheless, if none of these options strike your fancy, there are more out there. Check out this article for more tips on STEM academic programs for high schoolers. You can also consider a more customized program like Empowerly’s Research Scholar Program . No matter your academic interest area, there’s a project out there for your student!

When it comes to your education, there’s no need to compromise. Work with the experts to ensure you’re on the right track for academic success.

Share this article:

College apps can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. empowerly college counseling is in it with you., related articles.

10 Psychology Research Programs for High School Students (2024)

19 Computer Science Research Opportunities for High School Students

Which Research Programs Are Good for College Applications?

Research Science Institute

Note: Applications for RSI 2024 are now closed. Thank you to all who applied!

Participants experience the entire research cycle from start to finish. They read the most current literature in their field, execute a detailed research plan, and deliver conference-style oral and written reports on their findings.

RSI scholars first participate in a week of intensive STEM classes with accomplished professors. The heart of RSI is the five week research internship where students conduct individual projects under the tutelage of mentors who are experienced scientists and researchers. During the final week of RSI, students prepare written and oral presentations on their research projects.

For more detailed information about RSI:

Life at RSI

Apply to RSI

High school juniors are eligible. High school seniors are not.

Stay informed about all CEE's STEM events and programs:

Master Course List
STEM Courses
Social Science Courses
Project Extensions
Instructors
How It Works
Why Participate
Student Testimonials
Examples of Student Work

What is Horizon Academic?

Horizon Academic (HARP) is a trimester-long online research program for extraordinary high school students to refine their interest in an academic subject. Students will develop a college-level research project under the individualized guidance of a professor from a globally renowned university.

How Does It Work?

Horizon scholars choose their own field of inquiry and work with their professor to develop a unique research proposal. after a trimester of reading, writing, and exploring, horizon scholars finish their final projects, most often a 20-25 page research paper. by showcasing a student's very best work, horizon gives students the opportunity to get letters of recommendation, seek outside recognition of the quality of their work, and demonstrate their exceptional talent to universities., how we support student research.

"I got into the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program at UMICH, largely because of the work I did with Horizon."

John L. Miller Great Neck North High School

"I loved the whole program, I just loved it. It felt like some part of me was doing something that really matters, like I was contributing to something bigger."

Robert College

Meet Danielle's & Gunay's Mentor:

Edoardo gallo assistant professor and director of studies (economics) at university of cambridge.

Dr. Gallo is also the Ajit Singh Official Fellow in Economics at Queens' College, Cambridge and a Fellow at the Cambridge Endowment for Research in Finance. His research sits at the intersection of the economics of networks, experimental economics, and behavioral economics questioning how the structure of social networks causally affects individual behavior and economic outcomes.

Environmental Engineering Horizon Seminar Course Icon: How do ecosystems collapse? How can we engineer solutions to environmental catastrophe? Dr. Truncer’s course explores how human society can react to environmental systems collapse. Students may examine and research a variety of sustainability issues with regard to agricultural production, urbanization, infrastructure, resource use, and modern day engineering innovations. Dr. Truncer has previously taught this course at Harvard University and Stanford University.

"A big thank you to you for all that you've done for me, from the Horizon program to the publication process after. You have gone over and beyond."

Branksome Hall

Meet Darynne's Mentor:

James truncer lecturer at harvard university extension school, former lecturer at stanford university .

Dr. Truncer has taught environmental engineering and environmental systems collapse courses at Harvard & Stanford University. His work has led to an interest in sustainability issues with regard to changing agricultural production, urbanization, resource use, and systems collapse.

International Relations Horizon Seminar Course Icon: What are the causes of war and peace? How does the international system affect the behavior of states, and how does this affect people on the ground? We explore the theories, patterns, and frameworks of international relations. We critically examine controversies surrounding current phenomena such as world governance, state failure, international injustice, and great power competition. Professor Rezvani had previously taught this course at Dartmouth, Harvard, and Oxford.

"One of the most exciting parts of Dr. Rezvani's class is that he never directly tells us how to think about a problem because it may hinder our intellectual development; he will seek our opinions and encourage everyone to participate in the discussion."

Western Academy of Beijing

Xing (tamia) wentong.

Liaoning Province Experimental High School

Meet Ally's & Tamia's Mentor:

David rezvani research assistant professor at dartmouth college.

David Rezvani has previously taught at Harvard University, MIT, Oxford University, and Boston University. His research interests include political integration, Asian politics, and US foreign policy. Rezvani's work has appeared in the Political Science Quarterly , Journal of Contemporary Asia , Ethnopolitics , and the International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences .

Neuroscience Horizon Labs Course Icon: Horizon Academic offers a wide range of 57 sub-topics in neuroscience, ranging from social neuroscience, neurobiology, and more than a dozen topics about neurodegeneration disorders. Originally created in collaboration with two of our instructors working at the Department of Physiology Anatomy & Genetics at Oxford, our neuroscience offerings have continued to grow in recognition of our students' diverse interests in this exciting field.

"I'm attending UCLA for neuroscience and actually decided that I love this major and want to pursue it as my career after completing the Horizon research program."

Dhirubhai Ambani International School

Meet Prarthna's Mentor:

Elisa phd researcher at the university of chicago.

Elisa researches in a clinical addiction and a fMRI memory laboratory, where she hopes to uncover more about the similarities and differences between various types of addictions and how individuals experience substance use and dependence. Her interest lies in the neural basis of motivated behaviors leading to substance abuse, reuse, and maintenance of addiction.

Applications of Machine Learning Horizon Labs Course Icon: Machine learning and predictive analytics can be used in a stunning number of ways. From predicting the price of a stock you buy, to estimating the chances that your flight will be delayed, to estimating how well your favorite sports team might do next game, to even guessing the outcomes of a Supreme Court case, machine learning can help us predict the world around us. This course examines interesting and unlikely applications of machine learning that advance social goals, improve economic efficiency, or better understand the world around us.

"It’s an opportunity to showcase my work to the entire world. Horizon has invested a lot into helping me through the process."

James Logan High School

Meet Karthik’s Mentor:

Parsa a. research associate at the university of cambridge.

Parsa's work focuses on Statistical Genetics. He has both academic and commercial experience in the application of statistical analysis to generate commercial and scientific value. Parsa also co-founded an online technology platform allowing the open source online generation of content by users.

"It was a great learning experience, and I will carry what I learned throughout college and in my future career."

Canton High School

Meet Harshitha’s Mentor:

Patrick liu phd researcher at the university of oxford .

Patrick studies Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at the University of Oxford. His research takes a neurobiology approach to understanding the molecular processes underlying sleep homeostasis and how neural circuits are able to temporally integrate information to effect meaningful behavioral output.

CRISPR & Gene Editing Horizon Labs Course Icon: How did life begin? What is the basis for human life and how are scientists learning to manipulate our genetic code? How can CRISPR allow use to control genetic expressions and human development? How is CRISPR being used in cutting edge diagnostic approaches and treatments? How can we theorize and understand the medical and social risks of CRISPR? This course allows students to interpret, understand, and perhaps build on leading scientific research on CRISPR and Gene Editing.

"My time with Horizon helped me prepare extensively for research in similar fields at university!"

Jayashree Periwal International School

Meet Diya's Mentor:

Nadia nasreddin phd researcher at the university of oxford.

Nadia works at the Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics at the University of Oxford. Her research focuses on colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, looking into the link between inflammation and tumorigenesis, with the ultimate goal of improving patient management and treatment.

Examples of Our Students' Work

Horizon Academic alumni may submit their final manuscript to be included in our pre-print server, enabling them to quickly share their work with others.

Students interested in pursuing publication opportunities may apply to external journals, or they may apply to have their papers published in the Horizon Academic Research Journal.

Our Purely Online Program, By the Numbers

Programs for High School Students

Main navigation.

For additional camps, see the Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE) list of summer camps here .

Advanced Science Exploratory Program

Advanced Science Exploratory Program is a non-profit 501(c)(3) offering educational seminars aimed to ignite excitement about science, scientific research, and scientific career paths. Each series offered aims to equip students with the knowledge to incite their curiosity, and make informed decisions as they take their next steps in their education towards their career pursuits. A number of different types of seminars are currently open for enrollment, including 1) Mentorship Series such as "think like a scientist" (equip students with the knowledge, insight and skills required for success in their career pursuits); 2) Foundations Series such as "how scientists study the brain" (inspire interest, and both inform and expand student’s scope of career opportunities through exposure to various fields) 3) Focused Series such as "understanding emotion and its relationship with the brain" (use specific topics as a vehicle to exemplify the range of methods and approaches one can use to study within a field).

See available seminars here! https://www.asciencepro.org/upcomingseminars

A significant part of our mission is to actively diversify the field of scientific research by extending opportunities to students whom wouldn’t otherwise have the resources required to pursue transformative scientific opportunities. Please contact us if you are interested in an income-based scholarships for one of our seminars.

AI in Medicine Summer Programs (by the Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging)

Applications for Stanford AIMI's Summer Programs for high school students are now live! Explore healthcare's future through our AI in Medicine Summer Research Internship and Bootcamp! During the two-week virtual programs, we aim to spark interest and empower the next generation of AI leaders in medicine. Our hope is to inspire students to develop innovative AI solutions to advance human health for all.

Summer Research Internship: Dive into AI's impact on healthcare through expert-led sessions, a hands-on project, & mentorship from Stanford researchers. Open to ambitious high school students entering 9th-12th grade in Fall 2024 who want to apply their technical skills to real-world clinical problems. Learn more and apply here: https://aimi.stanford.edu/education/summer-research-internship

Summer Bootcamp Program: Designed for high school learners of all technical levels, this free virtual bootcamp offers a curated curriculum that covers the fundamentals of machine learning in healthcare settings. Discover the intersections through this series of virtual lectures led by Stanford’s leading health AIexperts. Learn more and apply here: https://aimi.stanford.edu/education/aimi-summer-bootcamp

Key Dates: Applications Due: March 31, 2024, 11:59pm PT Program dates (internship & bootcamp): June 17-28, 2024 (Mon-Fri,9am-12pm PT)

Campus Walking Tours

The Stanford Visitor Center offers a range of no-cost tours, exploring the highlights of Stanford’s beautiful campus.

Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills Summer Internship

This two-week course is designed to educate high school students considering careers in science and medicine in cardiothoracic surgical anatomy and physiology. It is an intensive course that will provide knowledge of and exposure to basic and advanced cardiothoracic surgery and technical skills (e.g., knot tying, tissue handling, suturing, and coronary artery bypass and valve replacement surgery). Lectures and skills sessions are conducted by Stanford University faculty and surgical residents. Currently, we are planning two virtual on-line sessions during Summer 2024. There is a program fee, and financial assistance is available for applicants in need. Check the program page for detailed information: https://med.stanford.edu/cssec/summer-internship.html . Please check the website for the application due date.

Clinical Anatomy Summer Program (CASP)

The Clinical Anatomy Summer Program (CASP) offers high school students the unique opportunity to explore anatomy and health careers in a week-long, non-residential, in person program. Summer program students engage with virtual modalities of learning anatomy, hands-on suturing and dissection workshops, and the opportunity to interact with human cadaveric specimen! In 2024, CASP is offering both an in-person and virtual program. For more information, please visit: https://med.stanford.edu/anatomy/education/virtual-casp.html . The last day of registration for this program is April 19, 2024.

Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X)

The Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) is an intensive summer program that generally follows a student’s sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school. During a two-week session either online or on the campus of Stanford University, participants are exposed to the breadth of research found in the Stanford Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Three sessions will be offered in 2024: Session 1 (June 17- June 28) will be held virtually via Zoom. Sessions 2 (July 8-July 19) and 3 (July 22-August 2) will be held in-person at the Stanford campus. There is a program fee and financial assistance is available for applicants in need. Learn more and apply on the website: https://med.stanford.edu/psychiatry/special-initiatives/CNIX.html . Applications will be accepted until March 1, 2024.

Educational Studies Program/Splash!

ESP/Splash! offers a Saturday or Sunday on campus full of academic and non-academic classes taught by Stanford students. ESP invites students to attend classes that could vary from completely “non-academic” stuff like cookie baking and origami, to complicated and challenging classes on machine theory or quantum mechanics.

Farm to Table Summer Camp

Our Farm to Table Camp, offered for the 12th summer in collaboration with Santa Clara Unified School District, provides students in kindergarten through 8th grade with engaging and empowering learning experiences on our organic 11-acre suburban farm located in Santa Clara.

Future Advancers of Science and Technology

FAST is a program in which Stanford University graduate students mentor Future Advancers of Science and Technology (FAST) toward achieving their goals of answering open questions in science and engineering clever solutions to problems in their society. High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors of Andrew P Hill High School and James Lick High School meet with Stanford PhD students during afternoons of two Saturdays each month. The goal is to brainstorm projects and carry out experiments / build prototypes between September and February. In late January through March, high school students present their work at local science fairs, state science fairs, and at a Symposium at Stanford University. FAST also offers a series of online workshops to help high school students navigate the college process.

Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS)

The Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS) brings summer internship opportunities in computational genetics and genomics to Bay Area high school students. GRIPS offers highly talented high school students a unique research experience, professional development, and community building opportunities. GRIPS is a twenty hour, eight week long research intensive experience for high school students. Program participants will be placed in a research laboratory for the summer and conduct genomics research under the supervision of a lab mentor. Application deadline is February.

Health Career Collaborative (HCC)

The Health Career Collaborative is a student-driven health career exposure & mentorship program that connects 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students from East Palo Alto Academy to undergrads, medical and graduate students, and faculty at Stanford. The HCC's goal is to expose students from disadvantaged and/or underrepresented backgrounds to the exciting field of healthcare in aims of making the future workforce of medicine more representative, and its delivery more equitable. If you are interested, please reach out to the contacts listed on the HCC webpage .

High School Chemistry Outreach

Beginning in 2009, the Stanford Chemistry department teamed up with American High School in Fremont to bring in novel hands-on guided inquiry lab experiences. In these labs, students work together in small groups to carry out an exciting activity that would otherwise not be possible with the minimal equipment and supplies available to most high schools. The lab topics fit within the California Curriculum Standards, presented with an emphasis on how these concepts apply in the real world.

Inspiring Future Scientists through Shadowing (IFSS)

IFSS is a two-week program hosted each summer by the chemistry department to give rising juniors and seniors in high school an opportunity to experience cutting edge chemical research while shadowing a graduate student mentor as they work in the laboratory.

Introduction to Logic High School Summer Camp

The Introduction to Logic High School Summer Session is a two-week, non-residential program offering an introduction to logic from a computational perspective. With applications in mathematics, science, engineering, business, law, a Stanford Computer Science professor and logician and an award-winning high school instructor jointly teach this workshop. The 2024 session will take place on the Stanford campus. Scholarships are available. For more information, see http://intrologic.stanford.edu/studentcamps/logicisfundamental.html .

MRS Outreach Ambassadors

MRS Outreach Ambassadors are graduate students in the Stanford Chapter of the Materials Research Society who offer in-class demonstrations and lectures on the materials of our world, materials of the future, and careers in science and engineering. Teachers may request a school visit at no charge.

Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS)

The Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS) is a 6-week program in which high school students from diverse backgrounds are invited to learn about science, medicine, and research with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students and researchers on a medically-oriented project. The goals of the program include increasing interest in biological sciences and medicine in Bay Area high school students, helping students to understand how scientific research is performed, and increasing diversity of students and researchers in the sciences. Students will spend 30 hours per week in the program (Monday through Friday, approximately 6 hours/day) .There is no cost associated with participation in this program – priority will go towards students underrepresented in medicine (racial/ethnic minority, first-generation college, low-income, etc)

Pre-College Opportunities within Energy Research (POWER)

POWER is a Stanford Energy Club program that offers hands-on workshops to introduce local high school students from historically marginalized communities to topics in sustainability and energy research. We are motivated by the goal of diversifying the pipeline of future energy leaders. To find out more about POWER’s past workshops, please visit https://www.stanfordenergyclub.com/past-workshops

Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics Courses

These online courses are designed for motivated and academically advanced high school students to explore their intellectual passions, develop analytic reasoning and creative thinking, and study directly with expert instructors. Courses are offered for credit throughout the summer and academic year, and give students the opportunity to take a broad offering of math and physics courses not typically offered in secondary schools.

Science Accelerating Girls' Engagement (SAGE)

SAGE (Science Accelerating Girls' Engagement) is a one-week summer camp for public high school students (age 14-17) hosted by scientists and engineers to share what life is like in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professions.

This program aims to foster innovation, grow the STEM community, and engage intelligent, creative, and passionate young women in the everyday life of scientists and engineers. Throughout the week, students will participate in job shadowing, hands-on projects, professional development, networking activities and more!

Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Summer Internship Program

Each year, the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery hosts 15-30 talented high school and undergraduate students in our research laboratories. The program is free to participants. STARS interns spend 7 weeks mastering basic lab techniques, participating in research projects, and presenting their work all under the mentorship of experienced researchers. Typically the internship begins in late June and extends to the first week in August, exact dates to be determined.

Seeds of Change

Seeds of Change partners Stanford undergraduates in technology disciplines with high school students interested in advancing the participation of women and girls in STEM, and provides an integrated curriculum of mentoring, training and skills development. The program’s goal is to establish and retain young women in technology fields, and create future women STEM leaders.

SHTEM Summer Internship Program

The Stanford Compression Forum hosts its annual SHTEM internship program every summer. This internship is intended to provide early exposure to research transcending traditional disciplinary boundaries. Students will be grouped to multifaceted projects that will benefit from their existing interests and strengths, while exposing them to new areas. Projects will be mentored by students, faculty and staff of the Stanford Compression Forum and its affiliated organizations. Themes will span and combine the science of information and communication, engineering, the arts, linguistics, psychology, biology, neuroscience, computer science, technology, philosophy, and design, among other areas. There is no fee to participate, but students must commit to attending the duration of the program. The 2024 program will be virtual. Applications are being accepted until February 23rd, 2024.

SIMR - Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program

SIMR is for high school juniors and seniors interested in hands-on research in immunology, stem cell, cancer, neuroscience, bioinformatics or cardiovascular medicine. This eight week program enables students to take part in research, attend introductory lectures and present their work at a poster session open to the Stanford community. There is no cost to participate; interns earn at least a $500 stipend.

SMASH Academy on Stanford Campus

SMASH is a state of the art Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) summer enrichment program for high school students at Stanford, and other colleges. High potential Black, Latino/a, Native American, Southeast Asian or Pacific Islander high school students participate in this three-year 5-week summer math and science enrichment program. There is no cost to participate.

SLAC Summer Internship Program

Participants in this program include high school (ages 18 and older), undergraduate and graduate level college students. Our internship programs are designed to provide students with stimulating, real-world work experiences. Interns can work up to twelve weeks from May until September, depending upon department needs and student school schedules. All students must be authorized to work in the U.S. and must pass a basic background check.

Stanford AI4ALL

Stanford AI4ALL aims to increase diversity in the field of Artificial Intelligence. During this three-week online program, students are immersed in AI through a combination of lectures, hands-on research projects, and mentoring activities. Participants engage with professionals in the field to learn about cutting-edge ideas, such as how AI can be applied in medicine, disaster response, and combatting poverty. The program also aims to build a close-knit community and encourage interest among underrepresented populations in the field.

Stanford Clinical Science, Technology and Medicine Sumer Internships

This program is designed for high school (rising juniors and seniors) and pre-medical undergraduate students interested in pursuing careers in medicine, STEM, medical research and development, or health care design, with a specific focus on Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine. Three sessions will be offered in 2024: Session 1 June 24 - July 5, 2024, Session 2 (Clinical Skills) July 15-July 19, 2024, Session 3 (Virtual) July 29-August 9, 2023. Tuition varies depending on session.

Stanford Clinical Summer Internship

The Stanford Clinical Summer Internship brings together curious learners from differing backgrounds to actively engage in the exploration of the art and science behind world-class medicine. Discover, contribute, and make meaningful connections and friendships while working alongside dedicated and dynamic Stanford medical students, residents, and faculty, who are all eager to share the joy they have found in medicine.

Stanford High School Summer College

High School Summer College allows high-achieving students between 16-19 years to access undergraduate courses at Stanford University. This eight- or nine-week experience provides academic, social, and intellectual opportunities not found in a high school classroom. Rolling admission is open until May 1st for Summer 2024.

Stanford EXPLORE: A Lecture Series on Biomedical Research

The Stanford Explore Lecture Series covers the basic fundamentals and current research areas in Immunology, Neuroscience, Regenerative and Stem Cell Medicine, Cancer Biology, Bioengineering and Bioinformatics. Students must be in 9th-12th grade at the time of registration. This will be a 3-week virtual program in July.

Stanford Math Circle

Math circles are weekly online gatherings of high school, middle school, and elementary school students working on problems involving complex and advanced mathematical topics, guided by mathematicians and educators.

Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)

The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program offers five weeks of intensive science and health training each summer. Participants are mentored throughout the five-week program by medical professionals, faculty, and college students with a passion for science. There is no cost to participate. The program is open to low-income, underrepresented high school juniors who live in Northern and Central California.

Stanford Medicine Art & Anatomy Summer Program

The Art & Anatomy Program is a 2-week summer immersion in visual storytelling. We offer both an in-person, and a virtual program. The program will include a speaker series from leading anatomists, physicians, and creatives whose work blend art and medicine. This will be followed by a week of drawing mentorship to develop a resolved final illustration. Students will present their final projects to a panel of artists, museum curators, and physicians. The program will take place June 17-28, 2024. No prior drawing or anatomy experience is required. Apply by March 18, 2024.

Stanford Medicine Clinical Summer Internship (MEDCSI)

MEDCSI is a rigorous 2 week program in Medicine that is open to highly motivated high school rising juniors and seniors, and premed students. Workshops and sessions are taught by Stanford faculty and include hands-on experiences such as performing bedside ultrasounds, dissections, suturing, splinting and visits to the Stanford emergency life flight station and free clinics. There are two identical sessions each summer, and both virtual and in-person sessions are available. There is a fee to participate. Applications are due February 25, 2024.

Stanford Online

Stanford Online offers free online courses taught by Stanford faculty to lifelong learners worldwide, and a variety of professional education opportunities in conjunction with many of the University’s schools and departments.

Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies (SPCS)

Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies offers online and residential academic enrichment opportunities for academically motivated youth, both in the summer and during the academic year.

Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics

Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics offers 13 courses throughout the year, giving students an advanced offering of math and physics courses not typically available in secondary schools.

These online courses bring motivated and academically talented high school students together to allow them to explore their intellectual passions, develop analytic reasoning and creative thinking, and study directly with expert instructors. Courses in the University-Level Online Math & Physics programs are largely self-paced. Expert instructors are available for optional office hours to meet with students online and offer assistance as they progress through the course material. All courses carry Stanford University Continuing Studies credit, and students earn a Stanford Continuing Studies transcript.

Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)

The Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP) is a virtual summer outreach program hosted by the Stanford Physics Department, designed to get high-school girls excited about physics. This 3-week program is completely free to participants, and is held through video chat. First-generation students and students from underrepresented backgrounds in physics are particularly encouraged to apply. Absolutely no prior knowledge of physics or coding is required.

Students will learn about cutting edge research in physics in fields such as quantum physics, quantum computing, astrophysics, and cosmology. They will learn how to code in Python, and then apply their coding skills to physics-based projects. Students will attend lectures by Stanford professors and researchers and work in small groups led by Stanford undergraduates, as well as attend college planning and career development workshops. Students will have the opportunity to form mentorship relationships with Stanford students and professors. Applications will be accepted until May 1, 2024

Stanford seeME

Stanford seeME is an outreach event to introduce young students to engineering! The Mechanical Engineering (ME) department at Stanford opens its doors to high school and middle school students in Spring 2022, where they will learn hands-on engineering from current Stanford students. By connecting middle- and high-school students with little or no background in Engineering, to diverse graduate students who are passionate and eager to teach it, we hope to create meaningful experiences that encourage every participant to explore a potential academic or professional career in Engineering. seeME lets students explore hands-on classes such as: wind energy, driverless cars, predicting the spread of disease, industrial engineering, fire, and data science.

Stanford School of Medicine Art & Anatomy Summer Program

This is a 2-week virtual program for rising 9th to 12th grade students that will combine lectures and drawing mentorship, led by Stanford Lecturer Lauren Toomer, who is jointly appointed in the Clinical Anatomy and Art & Art History Departments. For more information, visit our website . Applications for this program are open until until March 18th, 2024.

Stanford Science Penpals

Stanford Science Penpals connects 6th-12th graders across the U.S. to Stanford scientists. The goal is to expose kids to diverse scientific careers, answer science questions, and share a love of science! Penpal exchanges start in September and end in June. We encourage students to get in touch with us.

Stanford Summer Humanities Institute

Stanford Summer Humanities Institute is a summer enrichment program where rising high school juniors and seniors explore the big questions at the heart of the humanities in seminars led by distinguished Stanford professors.

Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)

SUMaC leads participants on a journey in advanced mathematics through lectures, guided research, and group problem solving. In an environment centered on mathematics, participants explore current lines of mathematical research, the historical development of important areas of mathematics, and applications across scientific disciplines. Online and residential options are available.

Stanford ValleyCare Clinical Academy Program

The Stanford ValleyCare Clinical Academy Program is a two-week program in Pleasanton, CA for high school juniors and seniors with a strong interest in medicine as a career. Students will participate in an enriched curriculum consisting of hands-on activities, interactive lectures, and simulation experiences . Students must be 16 years old to participate. There is a $50 application fee and a $4,000 fee to participate. Applications close March 8, 2024.

Stanford Young Investigators

At the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, high school scholars spend the summer working in research groups and laboratories on the main Stanford campus. Since 2004, over 300 high school students have worked in our research labs and learned about the process of science first hand. We offer several different options , with different areas of focus and time commitments. Students are supervised directly by graduate scholars, post docs and lab managers. Once a week we have talks, lab tours, and field trips as a group.

Unpaid Internships for High School Students

In addition to formal internship programs for high school students, Stanford labs sometimes host high school interns on an informal basis, usually in unpaid internships. The Office of Community Engagement is not able to help individual students identify a host lab or project, but if you click on the red title above, you will find some information and tips.

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

Research Opportunities for High School Students

Hands-on laboratory-based research experiences are coveted by just about every STEM-oriented teenager on the planet. Of course, this level of demand renders research apprenticeships a valuable and rare commodity for high school students. Fortunately, there are a number of reputable summer programs run by universities, government agencies, and private research laboratories that afford young scientists this highly sought after experience. Research opportunities during the actual school year are more challenging to locate as colleges are, at that time, catering to their own students, and the rigidity of the high school calendar makes participation a further challenge.

College Transitions’ list of Research Opportunities for High School Students includes a bevy of summer program choices as well as a list of internships and apprenticeships that are indeed offered during the school year. For each entry, we list the geographic location of the program, whether there is a residential component offered, the length of the program, any associated costs or—on the other end—stipends, when the application window opens and closes, and the eligibility criteria for participation. We hope that this collection of research opportunities leads to you/your teen finding the laboratory experience of their dreams.

To view additional data columns, click the + icon to the left of the program’s name

Colleges Worth Your Money

2025 edition.

A Guide to What America's Top Schools Can Do for You

College Transitions Dataverse Book Image

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

I am a... Student Student Parent Counselor Educator Other First Name Last Name Email Address Zip Code Area of Interest Business Computer Science Engineering Fine/Performing Arts Humanities Mathematics STEM Pre-Med Psychology Social Studies/Sciences Submit

This is Broad Learn about our mission, our values, our history, and partner institutions.
People Meet our members, staff scientists, fellows, leadership, and other Broadies.
Join Broad Find out how to join the Broad as an employee or associate member.
Contact us Find our contact information, directions to our buildings, and directory.
Broad@20 Broad turns 20 this year! See how we’re celebrating our 20th anniversary.
Cardiovascular disease
Brain Health
Infectious disease and microbiome
Kidney disease
Rare disease
Chemical biology and therapeutics science
Drug discovery
Genome regulation, cellular circuitry, and epigenomics
Medical and population genetics
Data sciences
Genetic perturbation
Metabolomics
Spatial technologies
Patient-partnered research Patients partner with our scientists to accelerate the pace of discovery and find better treatments.
Partnering and licensing We work closely with pharmaceutical, biotech, and technology partners to accelerate the translation of our discoveries.
Publications A catalog of scientific papers published by our members and staff scientists.
Resources, services, and tools Key scientific datasets and computational tools developed by our scientists and their collaborators.
Collaborations and consortia We join with institutions and scientists the world over to address foundational challenges in science and health.
Carlos Slim Center for Health Research The Slim Center aims to bring the benefits of genomics-driven medicine to Latin America, gleaning new insights into diseases with relevance to the region.
Gerstner Center for Cancer Diagnostics The Gerstner Center is developing next-generation diagnostic technology for cancer detection and tracking disease progression.
Klarman Cell Observatory The Klarman Cell Observatory is systematically defining mammalian cellular circuits, how they work together to create tissues and organs, and are perturbed to cause disease.
Merkin Institute for Transformative Technologies in Healthcare The Merkin Institute is supporting early-stage ideas aimed at advancing powerful technological approaches for improving how we understand and treat disease.
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease This center is developing new paradigms and technologies to scale the discovery of biological mechanisms of common, complex diseases, by facilitating close collaborations between the Broad Institute and the Danish research community.
Eric and Wendy Schmidt Center The EWSC is catalyzing a new field of interdisciplinary research at the intersection of data science and life science, aimed at improving human health.
Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research The Stanley Center aims to reduce the burden of serious mental illness by contributing new insights into pathogenesis, identifying biomarkers, and paving the way toward new treatments.
Art and science connection Explore the connection between art and science and how we bring together artists and Broad scientists through our artist-in-residence program, gallery exhibitions, and ongoing public conversations.
Broad Discovery Center Visit our free public educational space that showcases how researchers at the Broad and their colleagues around the world seek to understand and treat human disease.
Learning resources Access free classroom materials and more for STEM educators, parents, students, tutors, and others.
Public programs Discover remarkable stories of scientific progress, and explore the intersections of science, medicine, and society.
Student opportunities Learn about Broad Institute's mentored research offerings for high school students, college students, and recent college graduates.
Visit Broad Come see what Broad is all about.
Sign up for our newsletter Receive regular updates on Broad news, research and community.

Broad Summer Scholars Program

2023 scholars.

The Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP) invites highly motivated high school students with a strong interest in science to spend six weeks at the Broad Institute. We match students with Broad scientists to conduct original, cutting-edge research projects in areas such as: cancer biology, psychiatric disease, chemical biology, computational biology, infectious disease, and more. In addition to original research, students will get to explore scientific careers; attend interesting scientific talks; present their research to the Broad community in a scientific poster session; attend a college fair; participate in fun social events; and meet other students who share similar interests.

Additional program benefits

No cost to apply or attend
$3,600 stipend
Partial reimbursement for transportation costs
Access to an on-staff tutor to review scientific concepts related to student projects
Trainings focused on creating scientific posters and best practices for presenting
Exposure to both computational and experimental techniques
Social and team-building activities

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply to BSSP, applicants must:

Be a rising senior in high school (i.e. students can apply their junior year)
Attend a high school in MA within commuting distance to the Broad
Have earned a B or better in science and math classes
Demonstrate excitement for science! No previous research experience is required.
Be a US citizen, permanent resident, or non-US citizen with employment authorization (i.e. DACA)
Be available for the entire 6-week duration of the program. Students cannot be enrolled in other courses or programs, or commit to other employment, during program hours.

We especially encourage applications from students who meet one or more of the following criteria:

Underrepresented in the sciences—these groups include Native Americans or Alaska Natives, Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinxs, Native Hawaiians or Other Pacific Islanders, as well as individuals with disabilities.
Underserved, as indicated by qualifying for free or reduced lunch.
Could be the first person in their family to attend college.
Demonstrate a commitment to issues of diversity and inclusion through extracurricular and/or community activities that address social, educational, or economic disparities in the United States.

Important dates

Application available: mid-November
Application deadline: January 22, 2025 at 11:59PM ET
Notifications: mid-March
Program dates: June 30 - August 8, 2025

For more information about the Broad Summer Scholars Program, please visit our FAQ page or email [email protected] .

an illustration of a mentor and a student at a whiteboard, with text Broad Summer Scholars Program

In the news

Alumni of the Broad’s summer research programs discuss the personal and professional impact of their time at Broad
Broad’s summer research programs for high school and college students have helped shape the careers of more than 300 young scientists

Latest news

High schoolers get hands-on college research experience and support system through STEM internship

August 26, 2024

The Winter cohort application deadline is November 24, 2024.

Click here to apply.

13 Free Online Research Programs for High School Students

Research programs are a great way for you to dive into a topic you’re interested in. These programs offer a unique and enriching experience that can significantly boost your college applications by showcasing your dedication to a particular subject. Admission committees highly value candidates who demonstrate a genuine commitment to their chosen field.

However, it's important to recognize that research programs are not a one-size-fits-all experience. For students who prefer hands-on, practical projects and learn better by building, creating, or experimenting, these programs may not be the best match due to their online format. Research programs typically involve a great deal of deep reading, data analysis, and critical thinking and you should ensure that this aligns with your learning styles. To help pick the right fit for you, we have detailed 10 free online research programs designed specifically for high school students.

1. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation’s Breakthrough Scholar Program

Application Deadline : There are 4 annual cohorts - summer, spring, winter, and fall (You can apply here!)

Program Dates : 12 weeks starting from when you and your mentor start the project

Eligibility :

You must be currently enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall of 2024.

Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note. Students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)

No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!

Note: While there is no cut-off for income, past scholars have typically come from households earning less than $50,000 annually (for a typical household of 4) with minimum assets.

The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation is a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Born out of the Lumiere Research Scholar Program (one of the largest 1-on-1 research initiatives for high school students), the foundation offers the same independent research opportunities at no cost. The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education.

In this flagship program, talented high school students will be paired with top Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll learn about the cutting edge of your field and develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more.

2 . Veritas AI - AI Fellowship

Location : Virtual

$1,790 for the 10-week AI Scholars program

$4,900 for the 12-15 week AI Fellowship

$4,700 for both

Need-based financial aid is available. You can apply here .

Application deadline : On a rolling basis. Applications for fall cohort have closed September 3, 2023.

Program dates : Various according to the cohort

Program selectivity : Moderately selective

Eligibility : Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit past experience with AI concepts or Python.

Application Requirements: Online application form, answers to a few questions pertaining to the students background & coding experience, math courses, and areas of interest.

Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI a suitable environment to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. These programs are designed and run by Harvard graduate students and alumni and you can expect a great, fulfilling educational experience. 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 have students pursue their own independent AI research project. Students work on their own individual research projects over a period of 12-15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. In the past, students have worked on research papers in the field of AI & medicine, AI & finance, AI & environmental science, AI & education, and more! You can find examples of previous projects here .

3. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)

Location : Virtual

Application Date: May 21, 2024 for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024 for the fall cohort

Program Dates:

Summer seminar - June 24, 2024 - September 2, 2024

Fall seminar - October 23, 2024 - February 19, 2025

Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.

Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here .

Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!

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. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.

This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and on college applications. Apply here !

4. SHTEM: Summer Internships for High Schoolers at Stanford University

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.

Program dates: June 17, 2024 - August 9, 2024

Eligibility: Students who will be in grades 11-12 at the time of application, OR full-time community college students (within the first 3 years of community college), are eligible to apply.

The SHTEM: Summer Internships for High Schoolers at Stanford University is a solid, prestigious opportunity for you to virtually explore research projects during the summer. This program is designed to provide early exposure to research that goes beyond what is typically taught in school . You will be grouped into multifaceted projects that align with your interests and strengths, while simultaneously introducing you to new and unexplored areas. These projects are diverse and integrative, covering a broad spectrum of fields including the science of information and communication, engineering, arts, linguistics, psychology, biology, neuroscience, computer science, technology, philosophy, and design, among others . Mentoring is a key component of the program, with guidance provided by Stanford Compression Forum’s students, faculty, and staff, as well as its affiliated organizations.

The goals of the SHTEM program is to provide high school and community college students with early exposure to cutting-edge research in an academic setting, and help them develop essential research, analysis and writing skills. The program places a strong emphasis on the inseparability of humanities and the human element from STEM research . By integrating these aspects, the SHTEM program fosters a holistic approach to learning and research, encouraging you to explore the interconnectedness of different fields.

5. EnergyMag Research Internship

Application Deadline : Applications are open all year-round, you can apply here .

Program Dates : Flexible. Students may request lengthening an internship by a week or two because of conflicting time pressure from school.

Eligibility : Sophomores, juniors and seniors who have taken at least one honors science or honors English class, with a minimum GPA of 3.25, can apply.

Note: Students can expect a competitive selection process as this program is open to college students as well!

This internship program is perfect for students interested in renewable energy and the energy storage industry. Offered in both half-time and quarter-time formats, these internships cater to different availability and commitment levels. Half-time internships, ideal for a more immersive experience, are available during the summer and run from 2 to 8 weeks, requiring about 20 hours of work per week. On the other hand, quarter-time internships are offered throughout the year, ranging from 1 to 9 months, with a commitment of approximately 8 hours per week.

During the internship, you will engage in various activities focused on renewable energy and energy storage. You will conduct research on emerging technologies, analyze market trends, or contribute to articles and reports that EnergyMag publishes. The final outcome often involves a substantial research project or a series of smaller projects.

6. The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS): Project Pipeline Baltimore

Application Deadline: March 1, every year.

Program Dates: 8 weeks, June 2024 - August 2024 (in-person); 5 weeks, July 2024 - August 2024 (virtual)

Eligibility:

Juniors and seniors from around the country are eligible to apply to the 5-week, virtual program.

Juniors and seniors residing in Baltimore City and the metro area, who have a strong passion and interest in science and medicine, are from underrepresented groups, and have an academically strong background are eligible for the in-person program.

Note: This program offers both virtual and in-person options. The in-person program will be held at the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology on the East Baltimore campus.

The program also offers a stipend: In-person participants receive an hourly stipend (amount varies), while virtual interns receive a stipend of $500.

This 5-week virtual research program is for bright high school students from underrepresented communities. The program aims to make the field of neurological sciences more inclusive and representative. During the program, students will participate in research under the guidance and mentorship of leading researchers in the field and will take part in hands-on projects, discussions, scientific seminars, weekly personal and professional development sessions, and interactions with leading neuroscientists at JHU. At the end of the program, you will present your research via an oral or poster presentation. Get an idea of past projects here !

7. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships

Application deadline: Varies from internship to internship. Spring programs typically have an August deadline, summer internships have an October deadline, and fall internships come with a January deadline.

Program dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions – Fall (16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December) | Spring (16-week program, from mid-January to early May) | Summer (10-week program, from late May or early June to August).

Eligibility: Internships are available for full-time high school students who meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.

Note: These internships are offered across NASA facilities, along with several virtual options.

The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) provides an opportunity for high school students to participate in ongoing research at the agency through this internship program. You will have the chance to contribute to current projects at NASA, working under the guidance of experienced NASA mentors. Internships are offered in a range of subjects and disciplines, including space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, space microbiology, ecology, and even outreach and communications.

This program allows students to work with the best science, engineering, financial, information technology and business minds in the world. During this internship, you may be involved in designing experiments, analyzing data from space missions, or developing new technologies – engaging in real-world experiences, gaining valuable experience and insight into NASA's work. These internships also include a component on personal and professional development.

You can check out a complete list of positions here - you may have to use the “Filter” option to see opportunities only open to high school students.

8. Internships at the American Psychological Association (APA)

Application Deadline: Rolling, see the application portal for open opportunities

Program dates: Year-Round

Eligibility: High school student, specific details vary based on the internship

Note: These internships are offered both in-person (Washington, D.C.) and remotely.

Internships at APA are intended for students passionate about applying psychological knowledge for societal benefit, with roles in policy, communications, operations research, IT and financial services. As an intern, you will have a variety of responsibilities, depending on the needs of the office you’re assigned to and your particular interests and skills. You may participate in research, writing and web-based projects, and assist staff with administrative tasks and special projects. Interns will have an opportunity to engage in different activities in their office, applying theoretical knowledge to practice and foster a better understanding of a workplace environment in professional psychology. Interns will report directly to their supervisor for daily tasks and support for overall learning objectives. Interns may also attend workshops, discussions, participate in group projects, or other various tasks.

9. MITES Semester

Application Deadline: February 1, 2024

Program dates : Six months from June to December

Eligibility : High school juniors; underrepresented, underserved, and first generation students are especially encouraged to apply.

The MITES Semester Program offers high school students a unique six-month, hybrid learning STEM and college preparation experience that will equip you with the foundational knowledge you need to know for future research experiences. This national program, running from June through December , combines engaging, rigorous online courses with weekly virtual webinars, including social events, workshops, and meetings, to build students' skills and confidence necessary for success .

You will tackle two courses in science and engineering disciplines, ranging from Machine Learning to Thermodynamics and Astrophysics, and engage in one project-based course alongside a supplemental core course in areas such as Calculus, Physics, Computer Science, or Science Writing and Communication . This curriculum will prepare you for your future research pursuits and the college application process through admissions counseling and networking opportunities with STEM professionals. With live, online classes held in the evenings, this program will also allow you to balance it with other commitments. The fall schedule primarily focuses on college application support through tailored weekly webinars .

10. Medicine Encompassed

Application Deadline : Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Program Dates : Internships with ME are offered year-round.

Eligibility : All high school students are eligible.

Medicine Encompassed is best for students interested in exploring the medical field through active participation in various committees focused on researching and developing medical education resources. In this program, you primarily take on the roles of researchers, writers, and resource creators across 18 diverse committees.

You will be tasked with creating educational content and resources that contribute to an inclusive medical curriculum. This may involve researching medical topics, writing informative articles or guides, and developing educational materials that can be used by others to learn about various medical fields. Additionally, you can contribute to the ‘Project Cultivation’ outreach initiative, which aims to increase awareness and accessibility of medical education. The final outcome of the program typically includes a comprehensive set of educational materials that students have contributed to or created.

11. Crowd Math

Application Deadline : November 30

Program Dates : Year long program

Eligibility : Everyone is eligible

CrowdMath is a joint program between MIT PRIMES and the Art of Problem Solving. It is a massive online collaborative year-long research project open to all high school and college students around the world. At Crowdmath, you are invited to participate in a free, year-long program that is an extraordinary opportunity for high school students to engage in advanced research . In this program, you will work on individual and group research projects, as well as participate in reading groups. The program encompasses mathematical concepts like number theory, linear algebra, etc, .

Every year, PRIMES offers a crowdmath project where high school students from around the world can collaborate with undergrads to conduct independent research projects . For 2024, the project is on Generalizations of the Notion of Primes . 2023’s project was on Arithmetic of Power Monoids and 2022’s program was on Factorizations in Additive Structures . These projects are a great way for students to get a sense of what college level research looks like and is especially valuable for those who want to pursue computational research in the future.

12. Building-U High School Internship

Cost : Free

Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines, it is recommended that you apply as soon as possible.

Program Dates: Usually 3 months from June to August. If the intern is keen, the internship can be extended!

Eligibility: All high school students can apply.

The Building-U High School Internship is oriented around its mission to research and compile a comprehensive database of opportunities including internships, scholarships, contests, and educational programs specifically tailored for high school students. The organization is looking for interns to assist in the administrative/business aspect of the organization.

Once selected as an intern, you join one of their teams – these include R&D roles, student ambassador roles, Business Development roles, and others that you can read about here . These teams might concentrate on areas like digital marketing, content writing, web development, or data analytics. This structure not only allows interns to employ research skills in areas that align with their interests and skills but also promotes teamwork, leadership, and project management skills.

13. Stanford AI4ALL: Live Virtual Program

Need blind financial aid

Application Deadline : January 8, 2024

Program dates : Three weeks (late June to mid-July)

Eligibility : Rising high school sophomores (summer between freshman and sophomore year)

At Stanford AI4ALL, you'll have the opportunity to be a part of a pioneering program that focuses on increasing diversity in artificial intelligence (AI). This three-week live virtual program is designed to immerse you in the world of AI through a unique blend of lectures, hands-on research projects, and mentoring activities . You will learn about how AI can be applied to critical areas like medicine, disaster response, and combating poverty.

During your time at Stanford AI4ALL, you'll benefit from a learning approach that allows you to explore how AI tools can be used to better the world. You'll find yourself in a supportive community of peers, connecting and learning with students from diverse backgrounds, all sharing a passion for AI . This is a chance to not just learn about AI but to engage with it actively, guided by mentorship from outstanding professionals and researchers in the field . The program emphasizes the practical application of AI, encouraging you to think about how this technology can be used to solve problems that you care about.

One other option - Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you are interested in building a university-level research project this summer, you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program , a selective online high school program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here .

Jessica attends Harvard University where she studies Neuroscience and Computer Science as a Coca-Cola, Elks, and Albert Shankar Scholar. She is passionate about educational equity and hopes to one day combine this with her academic interests via social entrepreneurship. Outside of academics, she enjoys taking walks, listening to music, and running her jewelry business!

Image Source: Lumiere logo

[email protected]
(650) 338-8226

Cupertino, CA

Our Philosophy
Our Results
News, Media, and Press
Common Application
College Application Essay Editing
Extracurricular Planning
Academic Guidance
Summer Programs
Interview Preparation

Middle School

Pre-High School Consultation
Boarding School Admissions

College Admissions

Academic and Extracurricular Profile Evaluation
Senior Editor College Application Program
Summer Program Applications
Private Consulting Program
Transfer Admissions
UC Transfer Admissions
Ivy League Transfer Admissions

Graduate Admissions

Graduate School Admissions
MBA Admissions

Private Tutoring

SAT/ACT Tutoring
AP Exam Tutoring
Olympiad Training

Research Programs

Science Research Program
Humanities Competitions
Passion Project Program
Ad Hoc Consulting
Athletic Recruitment
National Universities Rankings
Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings
Public Schools Rankings

Acceptance Rates

University Acceptance Rates
Transfer Acceptance Rates
Supplemental Essays
College Admissions Data
Chances Calculator
GPA Calculator

National Universities

College Acceptance Rates
College Overall Acceptance Rates
College Regular Acceptance Rates
College Early Acceptance Rates
Ivy League Acceptance Rates
Ivy League Overall Acceptance Rates
Ivy League Regular Acceptance Rates
Ivy League Early Acceptance Rates

Public Schools

Public Schools Acceptance Rates
Public Schools Overall Acceptance Rates
Public Schools Regular Acceptance Rates
Public Schools Early Acceptance Rates

Liberal Arts

Liberal Arts Colleges Acceptance Rates
Liberal Arts Colleges Overall Acceptance Rates
Liberal Arts Colleges Regular Acceptance Rates
Liberal Arts Colleges Early Acceptance Rates

15 Economics Competitions for High School Students

By Eric Eng

Economics competitions are a great way for high school students to showcase their knowledge and skills and offer valuable learning experiences and opportunities. Participating in these competitions can enhance students’ understanding of economic principles, critical thinking abilities, and problem-solving skills.

Moreover, they provide a platform for students to network with professionals in the field and gain recognition for their accomplishments. This article will explore the importance of economics competitions, tips for successful participation, an overview of top competitions, specific insights into competition formats and judging criteria, and the post-competition opportunities available, including scholarships and career prospects.

1. National Economics Challenge

Location: New York City
Registration Fee: Unspecified
Eligibility: The competition is open to all high school students interested in economics, with two divisions available: the David Ricardo Division for first-time competitors and the Adam Smith Division for advanced placement, international baccalaureate, honors students, and returning competitors.
Important Dates: April 22-26, 2024, with the finals scheduled for June 1-3, 2024

The National Economics Challenge, organized by the Council for Economic Education, is a prestigious competition that showcases high school students’ knowledge of economic principles. Teams participate in written and oral rounds, tackling questions on microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, and current events.

This challenge tests students’ understanding of economic concepts and encourages critical thinking and teamwork, providing a platform for young economists to demonstrate their analytical skills and passion for the subject.

2. Fed Challenge

Location: Federal Reserve Bank of New York for schools in the Second Federal Reserve District
Eligibility: High school teams from eligible schools within the Second Federal Reserve District can participate
Important Dates: September 2024

Sponsored by the Federal Reserve, the Fed Challenge is an enriching competition where high school students explore the intricacies of monetary policy. Participants analyze economic indicators, assess the current economic situation, and present their monetary policy recommendations to judges.

This hands-on experience immerses students in central banking, allowing them to apply economic theories to real-world scenarios. The Fed Challenge fosters a deep understanding of economic policy-making processes, providing a unique opportunity for students to explore the complexities of monetary decisions and economic stability.

3. International Economics Olympiad (IEO)

Location: Saint Petersburg, Russia
Registration Fee: $300
Eligibility: High school students from 10th to 12th grade
Important Dates: April 30, 2024

The International Economics Olympiad is a global competition that brings together high school students with a passion for international economics. Participants tackle challenging problems related to trade, economic policies, and global economic issues, showcasing their analytical and problem-solving skills.

4. EconChallenge

Location: Online platform
Registration Fee: $125
Eligibility: High school students interested in economics
Important Dates: April 13, 2024

The EconChallenge, organized by the National Association of Economic Educators, is a comprehensive competition designed to evaluate students’ economic understanding. With multiple-choice tests and critical thinking rounds, participants thoroughly assess their knowledge of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economics.

This challenge tests theoretical knowledge and emphasizes the application of economic principles to real-world scenarios, fostering a holistic understanding of economic concepts. The EconChallenge is a platform for high school students to demonstrate their economic acumen, critical thinking abilities, and enthusiasm for the field.

5. Finance Challenge

Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Registration Fee: Unspecified
Eligibility: High school students who have taken economics
Important Dates: May 2024

The Finance Challenge, run by the Council for Economic Education, focuses on personal finance and economic concepts. High school students participate in a competition that evaluates their understanding of budgeting, investing, and financial decision-making.

The challenge not only equips students with practical financial skills but also emphasizes the importance of financial literacy for making informed and responsible economic decisions. Through the Finance Challenge, students gain valuable insights into managing personal finances and navigating the complexities of the modern economic landscape.

6. Stock Market Game

Registration Fee: $15 to $30
Important Dates: March 3 to March 6

The Stock Market Game, organized by the SIFMA Foundation, is a simulation that allows high school students to experience the stock market dynamics. Participants receive virtual money to invest in stocks, learning about financial markets, investment strategies, and the impact of economic events on stock prices.

This interactive experience enhances students’ understanding of financial markets and instills crucial skills such as risk management and strategic decision-making. The Stock Market Game provides a hands-on approach to financial education, empowering students to make informed investment choices and develop a nuanced understanding of the complexities of the financial world.

7. International Economic Summit (IES)

Location: Unspecified
Registration Fee: $699 to $1069
Eligibility: High school students
Important Dates: September 26

The International Economic Summit (IES) is a unique competition that simulates international diplomacy and trade negotiations. High school students participate in a hands-on experience where they take on the roles of diplomats and policymakers, engaging in negotiations and decision-making processes related to economic and geopolitical issues.

This summit tests students’ knowledge of economic principles and hone their diplomatic and negotiation skills. The IES fosters a collaborative environment where participants work together to address global challenges, offering a holistic perspective on the interconnected nature of international economics and diplomacy.

8. National Personal Finance Challenge

Important Dates: May 19-20, 2024

The National Personal Finance Challenge, hosted by the Council for Economic Education, is a competition that evaluates high school students’ understanding of personal finance topics. Participants engage in budgeting, investing, and financial planning challenges, showcasing their ability to make informed financial decisions.

This challenge emphasizes the importance of personal financial literacy and encourages students to develop practical skills for managing their finances responsibly. The National Personal Finance Challenge serves as a platform for students to apply economic principles to real-life scenarios, empowering them to navigate the complexities of personal finance confidently.

9. International Finance Olympiad (IFO)

Location: India
Registration Fee: $11
Eligibility: Students in grades 8 to 12
Important Dates: Unspecified

The International Finance Olympiad (IFO) is a global competition that challenges high school students to apply their knowledge of finance and investment. Participants engage in problem-solving activities, case studies, and assessments related to financial markets, investment strategies, and economic decision-making.

This Olympiad not only tests students’ analytical and critical thinking skills in finance but also provides a platform for them to showcase their expertise on the global stage. The IFO fosters a spirit of healthy competition and encourages students to delve into the intricacies of finance, preparing them for future endeavors in the dynamic world of global finance.

10. Harvard Pre-Collegiate Economics Challenge

Location: Harvard University
Eligibility : Open to all high school students interested in economics

The Harvard Pre-Collegiate Economics Challenge is a competition that allows high school students to collaborate in teams, solve economic problems, and present their findings to a panel of judges. Participants engage in case studies, discussions, and presentations assessing their understanding of economic concepts and ability to apply economic theories to real-world scenarios.

This challenge evaluates students’ analytical and problem-solving skills and allows them to experience the collaborative and dynamic nature of economic decision-making. The Harvard Pre-Collegiate Economics Challenge prepares students for academic and professional pursuits in economics, offering a platform to showcase their expertise in the field.

11. Euro Challenge

Registration Fee: May vary
Eligibility: Open for high school students

The Euro Challenge is a competition focused on the European Union, challenging high school students to analyze economic and policy issues affecting EU member countries. Participants engage in research, presentations, and discussions about the EU’s economic challenges and opportunities.

Young students of language school on color background

12. Economics for Leaders (EFL) Case Competition

Location: Ottawa, Canada
Registration Fee: $1,995
Eligibility: Eligible teams often consist of students from different disciplines or backgrounds to form interdisciplinary teams capable of addressing complex challenges.

Part of the Foundation for Teaching Economics, the Economics for Leaders (EFL) Case Competition challenges high school students to apply economic principles to real-world scenarios. Participants engage in case analyses, discussions, and presentations, showcasing their ability to apply economic concepts to decision-making processes.

This competition evaluates students’ economic understanding and emphasizes the practical application of economic theories to solve complex problems. The EFL Case Competition provides students a platform to hone their analytical and communication skills, preparing them for leadership roles in various fields.

13. International Trade Challenge

Location: Asia Pacific Region
Registration Fee: Vary depending on the specific challenge
Eligibility: Students typically must be aged between 15-19

The International Trade Challenge, organized by the International Trade Centre, involves high school students creating and marketing a new product, emphasizing international trade concepts. Participants engage in the entire product development process, from conceptualization to market entry, gaining insights into the challenges and opportunities of international trade.

This challenge assesses students’ business acumen and enhances their understanding of the global marketplace. The International Trade Challenge provides a hands-on experience that encourages students to think strategically about international trade and prepares them for careers in the dynamic world of global business.

14. National Economics Olympiad (NEO)

Registration Fee: INR 180
Eligibility: Open to all school students in classes XI and XII from India and South East Asia
Important Dates: August 2024

The National Economics Olympiad (NEO) is an Indian competition that assesses high school students’ understanding of economic theories, policies, and current affairs. Participants engage in written exams and case studies, showcasing their knowledge of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economics.

This Olympiad evaluates students’ theoretical understanding and emphasizes the practical application of economic principles to solve real-world problems. The NEO serves as a platform for students in India to demonstrate their economic prowess and prepare them for future academic and professional pursuits in economics.

15. Australian Economics and Business Studies Competition (AEBSC)

Location: Australian School of Business at the University of New South Wales
Eligibility: The AEBS competition is open to high school students across Australia with a basic understanding of economics and business studies.

The Australian Economics and Business Studies Competition (AEBS) is open to high school students in Australia, evaluating their knowledge of economics and business studies through a comprehensive exam. Participants engage in assessments covering various topics, including economic principles, business concepts, and current economic issues.

This competition tests students’ theoretical understanding and emphasizes their ability to apply economic and business principles to practical scenarios. The AEBS competition is a platform for Australian students to showcase their economics and business studies expertise, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities of economic and business concepts.

Understanding the Importance of Economics Competitions for High School Students

Economics competitions significantly promote economic literacy among high school students. These contests create a competitive environment, encouraging participants to deepen their understanding of economic concepts and theories. Students demonstrate their ability to apply economic principles to real-world scenarios by participating and fostering critical thinking and analytical skills.

Furthermore, economics competitions offer a unique opportunity for students to engage with professionals and experts in the field. The feedback and guidance received from judges can help students refine their knowledge and skills, shaping them into well-rounded individuals with a deeper understanding of economics.

Group of student working on their laptops.

Benefits of Participating in Economics Competitions for High School Students

Participating in economics competitions brings numerous benefits to high school students. Firstly, it allows them to develop a strong foundation in economics. Through extensive research and preparation for these competitions, students delve into various economic concepts and theories, expanding their knowledge base.

Secondly, economic competitions promote teamwork and collaboration. Many competitions require participants to work in teams, allowing students to learn from each other’s strengths, leverage diverse perspectives, and enhance their ability to work collectively to solve complex economic problems.

But that’s not all. Let’s uncover another benefit of participating in economics competitions.

How Economics Competitions for High School Students Enhance Learning?

Economics competitions go beyond traditional classroom learning. They provide a hands-on approach to understanding economics by simulating real-world scenarios. Students are challenged to think critically, analyze data, and develop innovative solutions to economic problems.

Additionally, these competitions often incorporate elements of research, allowing students to explore economic topics in-depth. Through this process, students gain a deeper understanding of economic theories , their applications, and their implications in the larger socio-economic context. This experiential learning approach enhances students’ understanding and fosters a sense of curiosity and a passion for economics.

Furthermore, by participating in economics competitions, students develop essential skills such as time management, problem-solving, and decision-making. The rigorous preparation required for these competitions strengthens their ability to work under pressure and effectively manage their time—a skill that has far-reaching benefits beyond the competition itself.

As you can see, economics competitions provide a platform for high school students to deepen their understanding of economics, develop valuable skills, and engage with professionals in the field. These competitions are a stepping stone toward a future where economic literacy is widespread, and individuals are equipped with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions in the ever-evolving economic landscape.

Preparing for Economics Competitions

Essential skills for economics competitions.

Successful participation in economics competitions requires a combination of knowledge, skills, and preparation. Here are some essential skills that students should focus on developing:

Analytical Thinking: Participants must analyze complex economic scenarios, identify key factors, and develop logical arguments based on economic principles.

Data Interpretation: Competitors should possess strong skills in interpreting and understanding data. This includes analyzing graphs, charts, and other forms of graphical representation of economic data.

Research: A strong foundation in research skills is vital. Participants must conduct extensive research to support their arguments and provide evidence for their solutions.

Communication: Effective communication skills are crucial for presenting their findings and ideas clearly and persuasively to judges and fellow competitors.

Developing these essential skills requires consistent practice, self-study, and seeking guidance from mentors or economics teachers. It is also recommended that people actively engage in discussions or join clubs related to economics to enhance their knowledge and critical thinking abilities.

Furthermore, to excel in economics competitions, it is important to have a solid understanding of economic theories and concepts. This includes supply and demand, market structures, fiscal and monetary policies, and international trade. With a strong grasp of these fundamental principles, participants can approach competition problems with confidence and accuracy.

In addition to knowledge and skills, time management is another crucial aspect to consider when preparing for economics competitions. Participants must learn to allocate their time effectively during the competition, as they often have limited time to analyze and respond to complex economic scenarios. Practicing time management techniques, such as setting specific time limits for each task and prioritizing key elements, can greatly enhance performance under pressure.

Tips for Successful Participation in Economic Participation for High School Students

Here are some tips to help high school students successfully navigate economics competitions:

Start Early: Embarking on your competition journey necessitates a strategic and well-thought-out approach. Initiate the preparation process well to provide ample time for extensive research, dedicated practice sessions, and thorough revisions. By beginning early, you not only alleviate the pressure but also create a conducive environment for in-depth learning and skill development.

Understand the Format: Understanding the competition format, rules, and judging criteria is paramount for effective preparation. Familiarize yourself with every nuance of the competition’s structure, ensuring that your efforts are precisely aligned with the expectations set by the organizers. This insightful understanding allows you to strategize your approach, optimizing your chances of standing out among the participants.

Work collaboratively: Collaboration becomes a cornerstone of success for competitions that permit team participation. Leverage the unique strengths of your teammates, fostering a cooperative environment that thrives on effective communication and shared goals. Delegate tasks strategically, recognizing and utilizing each team member’s expertise, thereby maximizing the collective potential of your group.

Practice, Practice, Practice: Practice is the linchpin of preparation. Use mock competitions and relevant exercises to refine your skills and build unwavering confidence consistently. Repetition not only reinforces your understanding of key concepts but also familiarizes you with the rhythm and expectations of the competition environment.

Seek Feedback: In your quest for excellence, actively seek feedback from mentors, teachers, and those who have traversed similar competition paths before. Constructive insights from experienced individuals provide invaluable perspectives, allowing you to identify areas for improvement and refine your strategies. Embracing feedback not only accelerates your growth but also positions you on a trajectory toward success in your chosen competition.

By following these tips, students can optimize their preparation process and increase their chances of success in economics competitions.

Overview of Top Economics Competitions

National level economics competitions for high school students.

Several national-level economics competitions provide an excellent platform for high school students to showcase their skills and compete with peers nationwide. These competitions often require participants to undertake research, present their findings, and participate in rigorous economic simulations.

Some notable national-level economics competitions include the National Economics Challenge, sponsored by the Council for Economic Education, and the Economics for Leaders program organized by the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE).

The National Economics Challenge, for example, consists of multiple rounds where students are tested on their knowledge of micro and macroeconomics , international economics, and current events. Participants engage in intense quiz bowl rounds, written exams, and critical thinking challenges, all designed to push their understanding of economic principles to the limit. Winners of the National Economics Challenge receive cash prizes and recognition from top colleges and universities, opening doors to future academic and professional opportunities.

International Level Economics Competitions for High School Students

If you are looking for more global exposure, several international economics competitions offer opportunities to compete against the best students worldwide. These competitions often require participants to solve complex economic problems, propose innovative solutions, and present their findings to an international panel of judges.

Notable international-level economics competitions include the International Economics Olympiad, the World Economics Olympiad, and the Hult Prize Global Finals.

For instance, The International Economics Olympiad brings talented high school students together to compete in a series of challenging theoretical and practical economics tasks. Participants are tasked with analyzing real-world economic issues, developing policy recommendations, and defending their solutions before a prestigious jury of economists and academics. The competition fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills and promotes cross-cultural exchange and collaboration among young economists from diverse backgrounds.

Insights into Specific Economics Competitions for High School Students

Breakdown of competition formats.

Competition formats vary significantly, ranging from written exams to oral presentations, research papers, and economic simulations. It is essential to understand the competition format you are interested in, as this will determine the specific skills and knowledge you need to focus on during your preparation.

Some competitions, such as the National Economics Challenge, include multiple-choice exams and team presentations. Others, like the International Economics Olympiad, involve written tests and extemporaneous speeches.

Moreover, certain economics competitions incorporate real-world case studies or policy analysis tasks to test participants’ ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. These competitions provide a holistic view of economic problem-solving and decision-making processes, challenging participants to think critically and creatively.

Judging Criteria in Economics Competitions for High School Students

Judging criteria in economics competitions typically evaluate participants based on their understanding of economic principles, clarity of presentation, creativity of solutions, and ability to articulate arguments effectively. Judges may also assess teamwork (in team competitions), research skills, and analytical thinking.

Understanding the judging criteria of the specific competition you are participating in is crucial to tailor your approach accordingly.

Furthermore, in some economics competitions, there is a strong emphasis on applying interdisciplinary knowledge, where participants are required to integrate concepts from fields such as sociology, political science, and mathematics into their economic analyses. This multidisciplinary approach enriches the competition experience and highlights the interconnected nature of various academic disciplines in addressing complex economic issues.

Post-Competition Opportunities

Scholarships and awards from economics competitions for high school students.

Winning or placing well in economics competitions can open doors to various post-competition opportunities. Many competitions offer top performers scholarships, cash prizes, or internship opportunities. These rewards recognize the students’ achievements and provide financial support for further education in economics or related fields.

For instance, the prestigious Smithson Economics Competition awards a generous scholarship to the winner, covering tuition fees for a four-year undergraduate degree in economics at any university of their choice. This relieves the financial burden on the student and allows them to pursue their passion for economics without any constraints.

Furthermore, high-ranking participants in prestigious competitions may receive invitations to join exclusive economic societies or participate in advanced training programs, enhancing their academic credentials. The Keynesian Society, for example, extends an invitation to the top ten performers of the Hayek Economics Competition to become lifetime members, providing them with access to a network of esteemed economists and exclusive research opportunities.

Career Prospects after Participating in Economics Competitions for High School Students

Participating in economics competitions can have lasting impacts on students’ career prospects. Participants develop a competitive edge when applying to renowned universities or economics programs by demonstrating their knowledge and skills. The recognition gained from these competitions can also impress future employers, showing a commitment to excellence and a passion for economics.

Moreover, participating in economics competitions often allows students to connect with economists, professors, and industry professionals, expanding their network for future opportunities within the field. For instance, the Adam Smith Economics Competition hosts an annual networking event where participants can interact with influential figures in the industry, potentially leading to internships or job offers.

Furthermore, the exposure gained from participating in economics competitions can pave the way for speaking engagements at conferences and seminars. This not only enhances the participant’s reputation but also provides a platform to share their insights and contribute to the field of economics.

Overall, economics competitions offer a platform for high school students to take their love for economics to a new level. Whether you are keen on developing your economic knowledge, improving essential skills, or exploring career prospects, participating in these competitions can be a transformative experience. So, dive into the world of economics competitions and unleash your potential!

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

Why College Admissions Isn’t Perfect

US News Rankings

A person's hand writing in spiral notebook placed on a wooden desk.

The Personal Statement: The Holy Grail of College Admissions

The Modern Day 4.0 and 1600 SAT Score Student Is No Longer Impressive

The Competitive Nature of College Admissions for Asian Americans

A professor talking to a student while they walk outside the classroom

The College Application

a woman sing laptop while "admission" word appears on screen

Our Comprehensive Approach

Ivy League Schools

a student daydreaming while sitting at the corner in library

How Early Should You Prepare for College?

Featured in US News & World Report Best Colleges Publication

Congratulations to AdmissionSight Students and their Acceptances!

A female student listening to the class lecture while holding a pen.

College Rejection

Group of students writing on their desks.

College Rankings

a fountain in front outside the building

College Consultants Could Make A Difference

A person holding a pen with a laptop in front.

College Admissions Scandal and Higher Education

What is the University of Texas at Austin Known For?

Here Are the 7 Best Colleges for Sports

Young woman walking in the school campus.

What is the Princeton Early Action Acceptance Rate for 2024?

Graduating with Honors in High School: A Complete Guide

Does Harvard Have Sororities? All You Need to Know

students in high school classes for ivies

Discover the High School Classes That Ivies Require

What Exactly Is Dartmouth’s Mascot?

Do Colleges Look at Attendance? Insights and Tips

Group of students walking together in the campus.

What Is the Columbia ED Acceptance Rate for 2024?

Everything You Need to Know About UCLA’s Campus Tour

Discover the Best Calculators for Calculus

Can You Go to College with a GED? Insights and Tips

Top 15 Universities with the Largest Endowments

Top 10 US Schools That Look Like Hogwarts

Everything You Need to Know About Interact Club

Fun Facts About UCLA: A Deep Dive into One of America’s Top Universities

MIT Extracurriculars for High School Students

Recent Articles

What is the University of...

Here Are the 7 Best...

What is the Princeton Early...

Graduating with Honors in High...

Does Harvard Have Sororities? All...

Discover the High School Classes...

Do Colleges Look at Attendance?...

What Is the Columbia ED...

Everything You Need to Know...

Discover the Best Calculators for...

Can You Go to College...

Admissions Counseling

Academic & Extracurricular Profile Evaluation

Destination: Family Medicine—a learning opportunity for high school students

Nov 22, 2024 — 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Do you know a high school student interested in learning more about a day in the life of a physician?

Family Medicine is the cornerstone of health care, providing continuous and comprehensive care for all ages, genders, and health conditions. It’s about building lasting relationships with patients, managing a diverse range of health issues, and making a profound difference in people’s lives.

Friday, November 22, 2024

7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

University of Ottawa Skills and Simulation Centre / The Ottawa Hospital - Norman Paterson Amphitheatre

1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9

This interactive experience includes:

Practical, hands-on experience with real medical techniques.
Career insights from experienced family physicians about what it takes to thrive in this crucial medical specialty.
Understanding how Family Medicine serves as the backbone of our health care system, providing care that keeps families healthy and thriving.

Study Abroad Aide

The Best Study Abroad Site

25 Best Universities In Saint Petersburg For International Students 2024

Saint Petersburg is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in Russia . This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 28 universities and colleges in Saint Petersburg, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 28 universities in Saint Petersburg , Saint Petersburg State University and ITMO University are the top-performing schools in Saint Petersburg. This list covers both public and private institutions in Saint Petersburg.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Saint Petersburg. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Saint Petersburg.

Program	Focus	Location	Time Available	Residential	Length	Costs	App. Opens	Deadline	Eligibility
American Chemical Society - Project SEED Program	Chemistry	Multiple (see website)	Summer Only	No	4 weeks	Free/Stipend	3/31	5/15	All high school students
Argonne National Laboratory - Exemplary Student Research Program	Engineering	Lemont, IL	All Year	No	1 school year	Free	Summer	Prior to August	Application must be completed by participting teacher
Army Education Outreach Program - Apprenticeships	STEM	Various	All Year	No	3 months	Free	12/16	3/15	Grades 10-12 in: AL, CA, IL, MD, MA, MS, NM, TX, VA
Baruch College STEM Research Academy	STEM	New York, NY	Spring/Summer	No	11 weeks	Free/Stipend	October	December	All NY City public high school juniors (some 10th)
Baylor University CASPER High School Scholars Program	Astrophysics	Waco, TX	All Year	No	Varies	Free	N/A	N/A	Rising 11th, 12th, local
Boston University RISE	STEM	Boston, MA	Summer Only	Yes	6 weeks	~$7,700	12/15	TBD	Rising 12th
Burke Neurological Institute - High School Opportunities	Neuroscience	White Plains, NY	All Year	No	Semester	Free	By Season	8/1, 12/1. 4/1	Rising 10th, 11th, 12th
California Academy of Sciences - Careers in Science (CIS) Intern	STEM	San Francisco, CA	All Year	No	Multiple years	Free	Early Spring	Early April	9th or 10th, underrepresented group
Cedars Sinai High School Outreach Program	Pre-Health	Los Angeles, CA	All Year	No	7 weeks	Free	Multiple	Multiple	11th
Chicago EYES on Cancer	Biomedicine	Chicago, IL	All Year	No	2 years	Free	Early Fall	Fall	10th, 11th, 12th
CHORI Summer Student Research Program	Biomedicine	Oakland, CA	Summer Only	No	8 weeks	Free/Stipend	Available	2/7	Rising 11th, 12th
City of Hope Summer Student Academy	Biomedicine	Duarte, CA	Summer Only	No	10 weeks	Free/Stipend	Available	3/9	16 years old
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute	Pre-Health	Cleveland, OH	Summer Only	No	9 weeks	Free/Stipend	1/6	2/29	Grades 10-12
Columbia Zuckerman Institute - BRAINYAC Program	Neuroscience	New York, NY	Summer Only	No	7 weeks	Free	Fall	TBD	10th, 11th
Cooper Union Summer STEM	STEM	New York, NY	Summer Only	No	3 weeks	$1,125-$1,375	TBD	3/3	10th, 11th, 12th
Coriell Institute for Medical Research	Biomedicine	Camden, NJ	Summer Only	No	4 weeks	Free/Stipend	Available	4/3	Age 17 by July 1
Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy	Biomedicine	Duarte, CA	Summer Only	No	10 weeks	Free/Stipend	Winter	3/15	Age 16 by start of internship
Fox Chase Cancer Center - High School Research Programs	Biomedicine	Philadelphia, PA	All Year	No	11 weeks	Free	Mid-October	Early November	Age 16, completed bio & chem
Garcia Scholars (Stony Brook University)	STEM	Stony Brook, NY	Summer Only	Yes	7 weeks	~$4,500-$10,500	Available	2/22	16 years old
George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Internship Program	STEM	Various (VA)	Summer Only	No	8 weeks	Free	12/6	2/2	Age 16 by June
High School Honors Science, Math and Engineering (Michigan State)	STEM	East Lansing, MI	Summer Only	Yes	7 weeks	~$3,800	N/A	TBD (March)	Rising 12th
Jackson Lab - Academic Year Fellowships	Genetics	Bar Harbor, ME	All Year	No	1 year	Free	5/1	7/1	11th, 12th
Jackson Lab Summer Student Program	Genetics	Bar Harbor, ME	Summer Only	Yes	10 weeks	Free/Stipend	Available	2/2	Rising 12th
Jefferson Lab High School Summer Honors Program	STEM	Newport News, VA	Summer Only	No	6 weeks	Free	N/A	2/24	16 years old, within 60 miles of lab.
Los Alamos National Laboratory - High School Internship Program	STEM	Los Alamos, NM	All Year	No	11 weeks	Free	8/1, 1/1	11/9, 4/13	16 years old, Northern New Mexico
MDI Biological Laboratory Summer Research Fellowship	Biology	Bar Harbor, ME	Summer Only	Yes	7 weeks	Free/Stipend	Available	1/7 (Nominations)2/4 (Applications)	16 years old
Microsoft High School Internship	Computer Science	Redmond, WA	Summer Only	No	10 weeks	Free	February	TBD	11th,12th grade in Western Wasihington
NASA Internships	Aerospace	19 Locations (see website)	All Year	No	4-12 weeks	Free	Varies	Varies	16 years old
NIH Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research	Biomedicine	Multiple	Summer Only	No	8 weeks	Free/Stipend	mid-November	3/1	Age 17 or older
OHSU School of Medicine - Partnership for Scientific Inquiry	STEM	Portland, OR	All Year	No	1 year	Free	November	1/1	10th, 11th in Portland area
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory - Work-Based Learning	STEM	Richland, WA	All Year	No	1 year	Free	February	Varies	Age 16 or older
Penn State College of Medicine - Research Observation & Internships	Pre-Health	Hershey, PA	All Year	No	1 day-several months	Free	Varies	Varies	Rising seniors
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory	Physics	Princeton, NJ	All Year	No	Semester	Free	9/25,11/22, 2/1	11/30, 1/31. 4/30	Rising Seniors
Princeton Summer Internships for High School Students	STEM	Princeton, NJ	Summer Only	No	5-6 weeks	Free	2./1	3/20	Age 16 by 6/15
Research Science Institute (MIT)	STEM	Cambridge, MA	Summer Only	Yes	6 weeks	Free	Available	1/15	Rising 12th
Rosetta Institute of Biomedical Research	Biomedical	Multiple	Summer Only	Yes	2 weeks	$2,780	Available	Rolling	Ages 14-18
Rutgers University Clinical Research Experience for HS Students	Biomedical	New Brunswick, NJ	All Year	No	One year	Free	TBD	TBD	Underrepresented minority or ED 11th/12th grade student in NJ
Sandia National Laboratories - Internships	Computer Science	Albequerque, NM & Livermore, CA	All Year	No	10 weeks-8 months	Free	Varies	Varies	Age 16
Science Internship Program (SIP)	STEM	Santa Cruz, CA	Summer Only	Yes	8 weeks	~$3,300-$9,100	3/1	3/21	14 years old (16 for some)
Scripps College Student Research Internship	Genetics/Biology	Claremont, CA	Summer Only	No	8 weeks	Free	Available	3/13	Age 16 by start of internship
Seattle Children's Hospital - Research Training Program for HS Students	Biomedicine	Seattle, WA	Summer Only	No	3 weeks	Free/Stipend	January	TBD	Underrepresented minority or ED 11th/12th grade student in WA
Secondary Student Training Program (University of Iowa)	STEM	Iowa City, IA	Summer Only	Yes	6 weeks	$6,395	Available	1/10	Rising 11th, 12th
Simons Summer Research Program (Stony Brook University)	STEM	Stony Brook, NY	Summer Only	Yes	6 weeks	Free/Stipend	Available	1/23	Rising 12th
Sloan Kettering Summer Student Program	Biomedicine	New York, NY	Summer Only	No	8 weeks	Free/Stipend	12/6	2/7	Rising 10th, 11th, 12th
Smith College Summer Science and Engineering Program	STEM	Northampton, MA	Summer Only	Yes	4 weeks	$6,540	1/6	3/1 (Early Decision)	Rising 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th (Women only)
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History - YES! Program	Natural Sciences	Washington, D.C.	All Year	No	4.5 months	Free/Stipend	November	TBD	Grades 9-11 in Washington, D.C. area
STEM Research Academy at City Tech	STEM	Brooklyn, NY	All Year	No	6 months	Free	Fall	12/20	NYC Public HS students
Stony Brook University - Biotechnology Summer Scholars Program	Biotechnology	Stony Brook, NY	Summer Only	Yes	4 weeks	$2,400	December	4/1	Rising 10th, 11th, 12th
Student Science Training Program (University of Florida)	STEM	Gainesville, FL	Summer Only	Yes	7 weeks	$4,800	Available	Rolling (February)	Rising 12th, 16 years old
The Clark Scholars Program (Texas Tech University)	STEM	Lubbock, TX	Summer Only	Yes	7 weeks	Free/Stipend	1/10	2/10	Rising 11th, 12th
The Summer Science Program	STEM	Multiple	Summer Only	Yes	6 weeks	$7,150	12/15	2/28	Rising 12th
UCSB Research Mentorship Program	STEM	Santa Barbara, CA	Summer Only	Yes	6 weeks	~$4,500-$10,500	12/15	Rolling	Rising 11th, 12th
UCSB Summer Research Academies	STEM	Santa Barbara, CA	Summer Only	Yes	4 weeks	$2,100-$7,899	1/15	Rolling	Rising 10th, 11th, 12th
UMass Medical School - Neuroscience/Mental Health Internship	Neuroscience	Amherst, MA	Summer Only	No	2 weeks	Free	Spring	5/13	All high school students
UMass Summer Programs - Forensic Chemistry	Chemistry	Amherst, MA	Summer Only	Yes	2 weeks	~$3,100	Available	Rolling	Rising 10th, 11th, 12th
University of California, San Francisco - HS Intern Program	Biomedical	San Francisco, CA	Summer Only	No	8 weeks	Free/Stipend	Nov. (nomination)	February	Rising senior in SF public school
University of Chicago - Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS)	Biology	Chicago, IL	Summer Only	Yes	4 week	$12,200	Fall	1/22	Current 10th, 11th
University of Kansas (Edwards Campus)- Research Apprentice Program	Biology	Kansas City, Kansas	All Year	No	Semester	Free	Varies	Varies	Current 11th, 12th
University of Minnesota Lillehei Heart Institute Research Scholars	Pre-Health	Minneapolis, MN	Summer Only	No	9 weeks	Free/Stipend	12/15	2/15	Rising 11th, 12th
University of Rochester - Summer Research Program	Physics	Rochester, NY	Summer Only	No	8 weeks	Free/Stipend	February	MId-March	Rising 12th, Upstate NY resident
University of Washington GenOM Project -Programs for HS Students	STEM	Seattle, WA	Summer Only	No	8 weeks	Free/Stipend	January	TBD	Rising 12th
UPenn GRASP Lab - High School Internships	Robotics	Philadelphia, PA	Summer Only	No	6 weeks	Free/Stipend	Available	3/1	Rising 12th
Virginia Tech Fralin Life Sciences Institute - Research Experience for HS	STEM	Blacksburg, VA	All Year	No	Semester	Free	Varies	Vaires	11th, 12th
Waksman Student Scholars Program	Biology	New Brunswick, NJ	All Year	No	1 year	Free	Through School	Through School	High School biology students
Werner H. Kirsten Student Intern Program	Biomedicine	Frederick, MD	All Year	No	1 year	Free/Stipend	10/1	3/31	MD/WV 16 years old
Yale School of Medicine - Discovery to Cure HS Internship Program	Biomedicine	New Haven, CT	Summer Only	No	8 weeks	Free	Available	3/1	Rising 12th, CT students
Yale University Social Robotics Lab - High School Interns	Robotics	New Haven, CT	Summer Only	No	6 weeks	Free	February	3/31	11th, 12th
OrthoCarolina Student Shadowing Program	Healthcare	Charlotte, NC	All Year	No	1 week	Free	Available	Multiple	Age 16 or older


1	Russia	Public
2	Russia	Public
3	Russia	Public
4	Russia	Public
5	Russia	Public
6	Russia	Public
7	Russia	Public
8	Russia	Public
9	Russia	Public
10	Russia	Public
11	Russia	Public
12	Russia	Public
13	Russia	Public
14	Russia	Public
15	Russia	Public
16	Russia	Public
17	Russia	Public
18	Russia	Public
19	Russia	Public
20	Russia	Public
21	Russia	Public
22	Russia	Public
23	Russia	Public
24	Russia	Private
25	Russia	Public

How do I get admission to the best universities in Saint Petersburg?

Applying to the universities in Saint Petersburg involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Saint Petersburg to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Saint Petersburg?

Tuition fees at Saint Petersburg’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 185,000 RUB to 496,700 RUB , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 193,700 RUB to 1,381,700 RUB. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Saint Petersburg !

As we cover the best universities in Saint Petersburg for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Saint Petersburg for International Students

1 saint petersburg state university.

Regarded as the longest-running university in Russia, Saint Petersburg State University is one of the country’s most renowned public universities. Besides delivering quality education in various academic fields, Saint Petersburg State University is known for its student-friendly campus as they are located in one of Russia’s best cities.

International students are warmly welcomed on their campus as they foster a diverse atmosphere for these students. Interestingly, these students are provided with various services as they adapt to their new country.

2 ITMO University

ITMO University is one of the most distinguished universities in the region of Saint Petersburg. This university was founded approximately 122 years ago and is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the country. The aim of the university has not changed at all throughout this long period of time, and it still remains to help and support local students in order to create a better and well-educated society.

3 Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University

The Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University is one of the most innovative institutions in the area. This institution is recognized internationally for its innovative teaching techniques that are in cooperation with practical values. It is also worth noting that this university offers reasonable tuition fee prices for both domestic and international students and will provide the most talented and promising students with scholarships in order to help with their academic advancement.

4 Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia

The service of the Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia has lasted for more than 200 years. To this day, the university continues to provide top-quality education through its Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs. Students have a wide variety of choices, amounting to around 1300 programs. Its academic infrastructure is composed of 7 faculties, 16 academic institutes, 5 research institutes, and 98 departments.

5 Saint Petersburg State Electrotechnical University

Saint Petersburg State Electrotechnical University has served the youth since 1886. The university offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs. These programs are handled by 7 faculties, which include the Faculty of Electronics and the Faculty of Computer Science and Technology. Research is an integral contribution of the university to the academic community. This is proven through its partner Research Centers and Institutes. Additionally, research projects are regularly conducted and published at Saint Petersburg State Electrotechnical University.

6 Saint-Petersburg Mining University

Saint Petersburg Mining University is a technical university in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It was founded in 1773 as the Mining School, and it was Russia’s first technical university. Later, it was renamed the Leningrad Mining Institute. Outstanding specialists, scientists, geologists, and politicians have graduated from the university, including Russia’s current president, Vladimir Putin.

7 Saint Petersburg State University of Economics

The Saint Petersburg State University of Economics is committed to providing excellent specialized education in economics and finances while prioritizing internationalization. This university is focused on giving students real-world experiences through hands-on learning, which is why it collaborates with local businesses. Actually, many of its graduates are now leaders of major companies like Gazprom. Students are also a central part of the institution and often organize events like research contests and scientific conferences.

8 St. Petersburg State University of Aerospace Instrumentation

Founded during the height of World War II, St. Petersburg State University of Aerospace Instrumentation (SUAI) has proven its resilience and quality education since 1941. SUAI’s mission is to provide integrated educational opportunities, develop research, meet societal needs, train competent scholars, and inspire growth. Aside from this mission, SUAI has a policy dedicated to promising students quality education. Extra-curricular activities are also promoted through theater associations, musical groups, social clubs, and many more.

9 European University at St. Petersburg

The European University at St. Petersburg is an institution of higher education that focuses on postgraduate studies and offers programs mostly centered on Russian history. This university is located in the heart of Saint Petersburg, Russia, and was established in 1994. The students who graduate from this university go on to become successful professionals in their respective fields.

10 Bonch-Bruevich St. Petersburg State University of Telecommunications

The Bonch-Bruevich Saint Petersburg State University of Telecommunications is a public university in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It was founded in 1930 as the Leningrad Institute of Communication Engineers. The university offers degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in communication, humanities, military education, information technologies, economics, computer science, advertising, and management through its eight faculties.

11 Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical Academy

Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University is a public medical university in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It was founded in 1925 as the Institute for Protection of Maternity and Infancy and is the oldest independent pediatric university in the world. The university offers programs in the field of medicine, including medical science, pediatrics, clinical psychology, stomatology, and dentistry.

12 Baltic State Technical University “Voenmeh”

Baltic State Technical University “Voenmeh” is a place where technical creativity prospers, giving students a productive environment to pursue their scientific-related careers. The university is equipped with the resources and tools needed to keep up with the research activities of its future scientists. With constant innovation, the university has become a popular destination for students that are passionate about engineering, robotics, and mechanics, among others.

13 Saint Petersburg State Institute of Technology

The Saint Petersburg State Institute of Technology is a public institution in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It was founded in 1828 as the Imperial Petersburg Institute of Technology and is considered one of the country’s oldest universities. The university currently provides degree programs in natural sciences, medicine, ecology, engineering, and public relations.

14 St. Petersburg State Conservatory

The St. Petersburg State Conservatory is a higher education institute of music that is located in Saint Petersburg, Russia. This university was formerly known as Petrograd Conservatory and Leningrad Conservatory, which started its educational path in the early year of 1862. It offers programs in vocal art, choreographic art, and musical and instrumental art.

15 North-Western State Medical University

Providing quality education for over a century, North-Western State Medical University is one of the oldest universities in Russia. It offers Bachelor’s, Specialist’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs. Preparatory courses, Residency programs, and Summer and Winter School classes are also offered at the university. All programs and courses are specialized in Medical and Health related fields of study.

16 Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping

Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping is a public university specializing in maritime education. It was established in 2012 by the Russian Federation’s Ministry of Transport. The university has four institutes that offer degree programs: Maritime Academy, Institute of Water Transport, Institute of International Transport Management, and Professional Development Programs Institute.

17 St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design

The St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design is a small university that houses around 6,000 domestic and international students. The university, as it is stated by its name, is located in Saint Petersburg, and it is known for its long history in the educational field. This university is mostly focused on the fields of technology and design and offers a lot of dual degree programs.

18 St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University

The roots of St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University can be traced as far back as 1899 with the founding of St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute. However, the university’s official founding only happened when only one department survived through wars and opened as Leningrad Shipbuilding Institute in 1930. It eventually became what it is now and continues to provide higher education for over 90 years. The university is currently open for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students from in and outside of Russia.

19 St. Petersburg State University of Civil Aviation

The Saint Petersburg State University of Civil Aviation is a public aviation school in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The USSR government established it in Leningrad in 1955 as the High School of Civil Aviation. During its half-century of operation, the school has trained 25000 managers and highly qualified specialists for civil aviation, many of whom have made significant contributions to the industry.

20 St. Petersburg State University for Culture and Arts

Saint-Petersburg State Institute of Culture is a public university in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. It was founded in 1918 and is one of the largest institutions in the nation that focuses on the arts and culture. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in subjects including psychology, tourism, design, linguistics, sociology, folk singing, and other related fields. It is the top humanitarian and creative education institution in Russia.

21 St. Petersburg State Agrarian University

St. Petersburg State Agrarian University was established in 1904 and is one of Russia’s oldest agricultural universities. The university is dedicated to training highly knowledgeable and skilled individuals who can penetrate and improve the local and regional agricultural sectors. It offers programs in various specializations related to agriculture such as agri-business, agricultural technology, and agricultural law.

22 Russian State Institute of Performing Arts

Russian State Institute of Performing Arts is a public theatre school in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It was founded in 1779 as the Emperor’s Theatre, the oldest theatre school in Russia. The institution has merged with several schools over the years, including the Ostrovsky Leningrad Theatre Institute and the Leningrad Institute of Art History. With over 1550 students, it is currently Europe’s largest professional theatre school.

23 Saint-Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical University

Saint Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical University is a public university in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It was founded in 1919 as the Petrograd State Chemical-Pharmaceutical Institute, which was notorious for its high drop-out rate. Since then, the university has been reinvented, and it now offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in drug technology, pharmacy, and chemistry.

24 St. Petersburg University of Management Technologies and Economics

St. Petersburg University of Management Technologies and Economics is a private university in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It was founded in 1990 and is one of the largest universities providing European education in Russia. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in business, finance, economics, management, social sciences, and law.

25 Saint-Petersburg State Institute of Film and Television

Saint-Petersburg State Institute of Film and Television has the honor of being Russia’s first cinematography university. With more than a century of experience, it is a premier institute and trailblazer in mass media and communication. The bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist programs it offers encompass mass media’s diversity, from film to television. Even behind-the-scenes courses, like scriptwriting and audiovisual engineering, are taught at the institute, so students get well-rounded and quality training.

We know that choosing your dream school in Saint Petersburg not an easy task. After all, you need to consider other factors like the cost of your education, school background, and population, as it can be overwhelming on your part.

So, to help you out further in weighing your school options for studying in Saint Petersburg , make sure to visit our list of the best public and private universities in Saint Petersburg! These articles will surely help you in deciding your next study destination!

Record number of students enroll in Fayetteville State for third consecutive year

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- A record number of students are choosing Fayetteville State University ; the school announced Tuesday it has almost 20 percent more students than in 2018.

The rising enrollment here at Fayetteville State University is part of an increase in students attending HBCUs nationwide. Students say they're drawn to the affordable tuition and the distinct culture of historically Black universities.

"Being around people that look like me--I really appreciated that. I didn't want to go somewhere where I felt that I was going to stand out. But--I feel like I stand out but am a part of the culture," said Freshman Drew Herring.

"I'm originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, so I'm traveling a long way to FSU and I really wanted to go to an HBCU--you know, in Wisconsin, we don't have those there. And also, I was doing some research and I saw that FSU has one of the best nursing programs out of all the HBCUs so I was like, I need to go there," said Tamia Hughes, also a freshman at FSU.

RELATED | Fayetteville State nursing program awarded $1.5M federal grant for SANE training

The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reports that undergrad enrollment for HBCUs rose by four percent nationwide in the last year. Fayetteville State says it now has more than 7,000 students enrolled--another record high for the third year in a row.

"We have been marketing and recruiting in a way that explains to our prospects what we have to offer --whether it's through degree programs, support through our students' success opportunities, as well as opportunities for free summer school or free laptops," said Dr. Pamela Baldwin, FSU's associate vice chancellor for student success and enrollment management."

We're making sure that our prospects understand that we are here to support them through the process. Dr. Pamela Baldwin

"Along with enrollment, we're starting to see the expansion and growth that we so desperately need to see here. With that, our research dollars--2021 when I got here, we were around $15 million in terms of research, sponsored research," said Chancellor Darrell Allison. "I'm happy to say that we're a little over three years--$33 million in sponsored research. So, we're really seeing increases in those key areas--giving back to the university, expansion of the campus, along with our enrollment numbers."

One sophomore, Jayda Morrison, offered advice for the hundreds of new students coming onto campus as the school continues to grow.

"Travel around, walk around, learn where to go. It's cool to make friends and be a part of stuff. That really just makes it easier."

ALSO SEE | Fayetteville State University maintains rich legacy of educating teachers of tomorrow

Law enforcement leaders, SROs call for more school safety measures

Gun used in drive-by that killed Fayetteville 7-year-old found

3 hours ago

Republican Liz Cheney endorses Kamala Harris

Driver killed in fiery crash on I-95

Officials identify victims in fatal shooting at Georgia high school

2 hours ago

Prostate Cancer: Daughter spreads awareness after father's death

Brothers arraigned for murder of woman in Wendell

Safety on the minds of NC school leaders after shooting in Georgia

Election 2024
Entertainment
Newsletters
Photography
AP Buyline Personal Finance
AP Buyline Shopping
Press Releases
Israel-Hamas War
Russia-Ukraine War
Global elections
Asia Pacific
Latin America
Middle East
Election results
Google trends
AP & Elections
U.S. Open Tennis
Paralympic Games
College football
Auto Racing
Movie reviews
Book reviews
Financial Markets
Business Highlights
Financial wellness
Artificial Intelligence
Social Media

Chinese families seeking to escape a competitive education system have found a haven in Thailand

Chinese mother Jiang Wenhui, left, records her son Rodney Feng playing the acoustic guitar in Chiang Mai province, Thailand, Tuesday, April 23, 2024.(AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Chinese mother Du Xuan gestures during an interview with The Associated Press in Chiang Mai province, Thailand, Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Chinese mother Du Xuan, left, picks up her daughters May Yu, center, and Annie Yu from school in Chiang Mai province, Thailand, Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Rodney Feng plays with his pet, an albino ball python called Banana, in Chiang Mai province, Thailand, Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Rodney Feng arranges his clothes after returning from school in Chiang Mai province, Thailand, Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Rodney Feng plays the acoustic guitar in Chiang Mai province, Thailand, Tuesday, April 23, 2024.(AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Copy Link copied

CHIANG MAI, Thailand (AP) — The competition started in second grade for DJ Wang’s son.

Eight-year-old William was enrolled at a top elementary school in Wuhan, a provincial capital in central China. While kindergarten and first grade were relatively carefree, the homework assignments started piling up in second grade.

By third grade, his son was regularly finishing his day around midnight.

“You went from traveling lightly to carrying a very heavy burden,” Wang said. “That sudden switch, it was very hard to bear.”

Wang, who traveled often to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand for his job in tourism, decided to make a switch , moving his family to the city that sits at the base of mountains.

The family is among a wave of Chinese flocking to Thailand for its quality international schools and more relaxed lifestyle. While there are no records tracking how many are moving abroad for education, they join other Chinese expats leaving the country , from wealthy entrepreneurs moving to Japan to protect their wealth , to activists unhappy with the political system , to young people who want to opt out of China’s ultra-competitive work culture, at least for a while.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story is part of the China’s New Migrants package , a look by The Associated Press at the lives of the latest wave of Chinese emigrants to settle overseas.

Jenson Zhang, who runs an education consultancy, Vision Education, for Chinese parents looking to move to Southeast Asia, said many middle-class families choose Thailand because schools are cheaper than private schools in cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

“Southeast Asia, it’s within reach, the visa is convenient and the overall environment, as well as people’s attitude towards Chinese people, it allows Chinese parents to feel more secure,” Zhang said.

A 2023 survey by private education company New Oriental found Chinese families also increasingly considering Singapore and Japan for their children’s overseas study. But tuition and the cost of living are much higher than in Thailand.

Within Thailand, the slow-paced city of Chiang Mai often ends up being the top choice. Other options include Pattaya and Phuket, both popular beach resorts, and Bangkok, though the capital is usually more expensive.

The trend has been ongoing for about a decade, but in recent years it’s gathered pace.

Lanna International School, one of Chiang Mai’s more selective schools, saw a peak of interest in the 2022-2023 academic year, with inquiries doubling from a year earlier.

“Parents were really in a rush, they wanted to quickly change to a new school environment” because of pandemic restrictions, said Grace Hu, an admissions officer at Lanna International, whose position helping Chinese parents through the process was created in 2022.

Du Xuan of Vision Education says parents coming to Chiang Mai fall into two types: Those who planned in advance what education they want for their kids, and those who experienced difficulties with the competitive Chinese education system. The majority are from the second group, she said.

In Chinese society, many value education to the point where one parent may give up their job and rent an apartment near their child’s school to cook and clean for them, and ensure their life runs smoothly. Known as “peidu,” or “accompanied studying,” the goal is academic excellence, often at the expense of the parent’s own life.

That concept has become twisted by the sheer pressure it takes to keep up. Chinese society has come up with popular buzzwords to describe this hyper-competitive environment, from “neijuan” — which roughly translated means the rat race that leads to burnout — or “tang ping,” rejecting it all to drop out, or “lie flat.”

The terms reflect what success looks like in modern China, from the hours of cramming required for students to succeed on their exams to the money parents spend hiring tutors to give their kids an extra edge in school.

The driving force behind it all is numbers. In a country of 1.4 billion people, success is viewed as graduation from a good college. With a limited number of seats, class rank and test scores matter, especially on the college entrance exams known as the “gaokao.”

“If you have something, it means someone else can’t have that,” said Vision Education’s Du, whose own daughters attend school in Chiang Mai. “We have a saying about the gaokao: ‘One point will topple 10,000 people.’ The competition is that intense.”

Wang said his son William was praised by his second-grade teacher in Wuhan as gifted, but to stand out in a class of 50 kids and continue to get that level of attention would mean giving money and gifts to the teacher, which other parents were already doing before he was even aware of the need.

Back in Wuhan, parents are expected to know the material covered in extracurricular tutoring classes, as well as what is being taught in school, and ensure their child has mastered it all, Wang said. It’s often a full-time job.

In Chiang Mai, freed from China’s emphasis on rote memorization and hours of homework, students have time to develop hobbies.

Jiang Wenhui moved from Shanghai to Chiang Mai last summer. In China, she said, she had accepted that her son, Rodney, would get average grades because of his mild attention deficit disorder. But she could not help thinking twice about her decision to move given how competitive every other family was.

“In that environment, you’ll still feel anxious,” she said. “Should I give it another go?”

In China, her energy was devoted toward helping Rodney keep up in school, shuttling him to tutoring and keeping him on top of his coursework, pushing him along every step of the way.

In Thailand, Rodney, who’s about to start 8th grade, has taken up acoustic guitar and piano, and carries around a notebook to learn new English vocabulary — all of it his own choice, Jiang said. “He’d ask me to add an hour of English tutoring. I thought his schedule was too full, and he told me, ‘I want to try and see if it’s OK.’”

He has time to pursue hobbies and hasn’t needed to see a doctor for his attention deficit disorder. After bonding with one of his teachers about snakes, he is raising a pet ball python called Banana.

Wang says his son William, who is now 14 and about to enter high school, finishes his homework well before midnight and has developed outside interests. Wang, too, has changed his perspective on education.

“Here, if he gets a bad grade, I don’t think much of it, you just work on it,” he said. “Is it the case that if he gets a bad grade, that he will be unable to become a successful adult?”

“Now, I don’t think so.”

ICEF Academy
Subscribe For Free
Agent Management
Agent Surveys
Agent Performance Data
Agent Training
Agent Trends
Education Trends
Education Improvements
Study Abroad and Exchange
Transnational Education
Alternative Credentials
K-12 / Secondary
Immigration Processes and Rules
Immigration Trends
Travel Advice
Student Markets
Codes of Conduct
Quality Assurance
Best Practices
Foreign Language News
English Language News
Language Proficiency Testing
Junior Market
Student Mobility
Governmental Education Updates
Economic Growth
Sustainability and Climate Action
Student Recruitment Marketing
Social Media
Digital Marketing
Education Marketing
Search and SEO
Content Marketing
Insights Magazine
Graduate Outcomes
Alumni Relations
Costs of Study and Living Abroad
Financial Services
Scholarships
Online Learning Trends
Market Reports
Study Abroad Insights
Student Housing Trends
Student Housing Finance
Student Support
Financial Aid
Tech Advancements
Technology for Online Learning
EdTech News
Canada Visa Information
Australia Visa Information
UK Visa Information
US Visa Information
New Zealand Visa Information
Asia Visa Information
Europe Visa Information
Africa Visa Information
South Africa
United States
Philippines
South Korea
New Zealand
Czech Republic
Netherlands
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Saudi Arabia

University websites: How can we make them better for international student recruitment?

The following is a guest post by Guus Goorts, and is excerpted with permission from his forthcoming book, Genuinely helpful: A practical guide to effective university websites . Guus is a Netherlands-based author, digital marketing specialist, and online marketing trainer specialising in the higher education sector.

I know plenty of examples where an organisation got tired of their existing, ugly website and replaced it with a better-looking one – and ended up with worse performance: lower engagement, fewer conversions or less search traffic compared to their old site. It has happened to me, too.

If a website has been around for a while, some portions will probably do their job brilliantly, even if everyone feels they look outdated. So before you make significant changes to your existing website or start designing a new one, make a plan. While nothing in life goes entirely according to plan, knowing where you’re heading will help you stay on course.

When you have a solid plan, it will also become easier to say ‘no’ to ad hoc requests from across the institution – you can simply explain that they would take the website off track (and why).

Fortunately, there are proven methodologies to help you improve your website. To be clear: when I say ‘improve’, I don’t necessarily mean redoing everything. Sure, there are times when it is best to start from scratch, but that isn’t always feasible immediately. The good news is, you can usually achieve a lot just by changing text and images and perhaps adding and removing a few pages.

In this book, we will use SEO as the main framework for website planning and design because it encompasses much of what people do on your website, from discovering your website in the first place to navigation and engagement.

But there are many other methodologies that partially overlap with SEO and have valuable perspectives to add. You’ll likely already be familiar with many of them. While I won’t cover all of them in depth, it is helpful to introduce the most important ones here. That way, you’ll know what expertise is available and how the different approaches can support each other.

Student journey

I don’t like the phrase ‘student journey’ – it sounds very much like bullshit to anyone who isn’t familiar with the concept. For any non-marketers in the room, consider replacing it with a phrase like ‘communicating consistently with students across organisation units’.

But semantics aside, the student journey is an important lens for looking at your website (though the concept encompasses much more than that) and it’s supported by a community of experts and documented best practices. This phrase uses the metaphor of a journey that the student makes, from deciding where to study, to applying and onboarding, to being a regular student, and then to graduating and maybe becoming part of the alumni association.

Different departments are responsible for specific portions of this journey and things often don’t work smoothly when responsibility for the student passes from one team to another.

Students remain the same person along the journey, though, and regard your institution as a single entity. They don’t care if the message comes from marketing or the registrar’s office, they just want an answer – and they don’t want to be asked for the same information repeatedly.

Student journey mapping is a way of graphically representing all the interactions a (prospective) student will have with your institution. By bringing groups representing different departments together, you can identify the gaps and points of friction and adjust processes to make the journey smoother for students. Called the ‘customer journey’ in the business world, ‘journey mapping’ can be applied to any audience an organisation serves, whether it’s students, staff, external scientists or another group. It just so happens that for most universities, students take priority: they’re the largest group and have the most complex needs.

How does the student journey relate to marketing and building better websites? Web content is a very effective way to support students on their journey. During the stages of their journey, students will visit different webpages and other content to find out what to do. When they search in Google, they will use different keywords depending on the stage they are at. By making sure the right content is available and easy to find on your website every step of the way, you can take away a lot of guesswork and uncertainty on the part of students and save yourself from repeatedly answering the same questions.

For example, NHL Stenden’s English homepage has information about all stages of the student journey available year-round, but highlights different content in the top section depending on the time of the year. In February, it emphasises open days and webinars, while in June, the homepage starts with a huge banner that advertises their housing guarantee. You can read more about how they did this and how they plan to take things even further in the NHL Stenden case study (Chapter 12).

If you get a knot in your stomach when you hear the words ‘student journey’, you’re not alone. At an organisational level, student journey mapping is a complex and protracted process which can be rife with conflicts. Don’t worry about the organisational process here, and certainly don’t wait to apply the student journey lens to your website with what you know today.

Wherever your institution is in the organisational student journey mapping process right now, as a marketer you can ensure that the content on your website supports (prospective) students during each step of their journey. Even if it’s not perfect right away, get going and you can always come back to the content and fine-tune it later. In Chapter 4, we will discuss planning and creating relevant website content. The stage of the student journey reached by the prospective student is one of the key factors to consider.

Is your website accessible?

Here’s another lens for viewing your website: is it accessible to as many people as possible? An inclusive and diverse institution should be easy to interact with, even if a website visitor has a visual, auditory, motor, speech or cognitive impairment. For example, people with visual impairments may use screen readers that read out the website text to them. Screen readers only work well when website content is clearly structured with descriptive page titles and helpful headings. If you miss this structure, the website may look no different to a non-impaired visitor but will become much harder to use for someone who relies on a screen reader.

Compliance with accessibility standards is often mandated by law. Public institutions are often held to higher standards. The most common framework for implementing accessibility is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Accessibility isn’t only about the technical setup, design and structure of your website: the content matters, too. The question any wheelchair user will have when they are about to visit a building is, ‘Will I be able to get around in my wheelchair?’

As a marketer, you’re not in charge of building wheelchair ramps, but even if your building has serious accessibility issues, having a clear accessibility page signposted in your menu can make things much more straightforward. Provide advice on which entrance to use and who to contact for support – and you’ll take a lot of guesswork out of the visit.

Good accessibility practice fits well with SEO best practices, but there are additional things to keep in mind. I will cover accessibility in more depth in Chapter 6.

Conversion rate optimisation (CRO)

While it’s great if your website is helpful, just having the world’s most helpful university website will not get you far. At a certain point, your website also needs to lead visitors to their next action, such as:

• Initiating a chat with a student ambassador • Filling in an enquiry form • Signing up for a newsletter • Getting started with an application

Each of these actions can be referred to as conversions. The percentage of website visits that includes a conversion is the conversion rate.

Conversion rates vary greatly between websites and they can make all the difference. Imagine that two websites both get 2000 visits in a day. If the first website has a 5% conversion rate, while the conversion rate of the second is 10%, it could mean the difference between 100 and 200 email addresses captured daily on your website. If all your marketing activities together are a football team and the website is the star striker, can you imagine how much of a difference it makes when your striker is twice as likely to score when they get the ball?

Achieving a good conversion rate overlaps with all the other approaches: relevant, discoverable and accessible website content builds trust and confidence to set your audience up for further engagement. Beyond all the above, there are specific things you can do on your site to encourage people to take action. For example, CRO best practice asks for clear calls to action (CTAs) on your website to encourage people to take the next step.

A specific CRO-related pitfall in higher education is to scatter prominent ‘apply’ buttons across the website. Since applying entails a lot of work for prospective students, it’s not something they can do quickly. That’s why prospective students usually leave a site if they get asked to apply too soon unless they are sufficiently motivated. It’s better to emphasise smaller steps, such as ‘chat with a current student’ or ‘register for a webinar’, as your key CTA. These deeper interactions will build the confidence that your institution is worth the effort of applying.

Web analytics

Simply putting all of the above approaches to work is no guarantee of success. You may believe your website is perfectly optimised – it looks beautiful, and its content is relevant and inspires action.

But just like in a football game, it’s not about which star players are on your team. Ultimately, it is the scoreboard that counts. Web analytics is what you can use to keep score. Popular software for web analytics includes Google Analytics 4, Matomo and Piwik PRO.

In football, the main thing you want to keep track of is the number of goals. But there are many other things you can track which will give you an insight into what is already working and what needs improvement, such as shots on goal, fouls and ball possession.

In analytics, the ultimate goal on the student front would be enrolments. Steps along the way that you’ll also want to track include website visits, number of pageviews, open day registrations and so on. By keeping score, you can pinpoint bottlenecks and focus your efforts on alleviating them. For example, it won’t do you much good to focus on improving a website’s conversion rate if barely any prospective students visit your website.

Another important role for web analytics is to share performance with internal stakeholders. This can help everyone get on board and stay engaged with improving the website experience. I will cover analytics and communicating results in Chapter 11.

Search engine optimisation (SEO)

I started off the previous chapter by likening your website to a party. The previous approaches were all about making sure the people at the party have a great time. But before you can have a party, you need a crowd. Without enough people, it’s not a party. You also need the right mix of people.

SEO is concerned with attracting the right profile of people to your website. The kind of people you want to draw close to your institution. That includes prospective students who fit your ideal profile but there are other people you would want to attract, too.

For example, a city official who is thinking of revitalising and greening a neighbourhood may discover the work of your architecture faculty. Or a scientist at another institution might discover a project at one of your faculties that’s closely related to a study they are working on.

While you could (and probably should) advertise your programmes and projects, doing so requires constant effort and expenditure. The SEO framework is all about putting in the foundational work to make sure your website gets discovered by as many of the people you want to be at your ‘party’ as possible – when they are looking for answers, and not only when you get around to promoting yourself.

Most universities never get around to strategically using SEO, which is a giant missed opportunity – and it’s also one of the main reasons I wrote this book. As you can read in its case study (Chapter 15), the University of Rochester managed to get the same content viewed ten to twenty times more by optimising it for search engine discovery. SEO has amplified everything these pages were previously doing by a factor of ten!

That’s why SEO is the main focus of this book. SEO is the method for making sure your intended audience finds your well-crafted content listed prominently in the search engines, right at the moment when they need it most: when they search for it.

Conclusion: Approaches for improving your website

In this chapter, I have briefly introduced the key approaches that you can use to improve your website. They all overlap to some extent, but each provides a slightly different angle. To keep this book manageable, we’ll look at your website mainly from the angle of SEO, but I will also bring other approaches into the discussion where they have something important to add.

For additional information, please see:

“ Building better landing pages for international student recruitment ”
“ Could you be missing a competitive advantage in marketing to international students? ”
“ Move over Google: Social media is also a search engine ”

Most Recent

Most Popular

Because you found this article interesting

Legal Information
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Sponsored Articles
Macro Trends

IMAGES

Top 10 Opportunities for International Students, Researchers and
Understanding Research Opportunities for High School Students
10 Research Opportunities for High School Students
45 Best Academic & Summer Research Programs for High School Students
3 Types of Research Opportunities for High School Students
Research with International Students

VIDEO

Delta School District
Why choose The University of Grenoble Alpes from France?
Scaling Internships with International Organizations and Innovation Hubs
Top 10 Tips for a Successful and Fun American Experience!
Research Matters
International High School Tours || University Representative Experience || Western University

COMMENTS

10 Research Opportunities in the US for International High School Students
Here are 10 research opportunities in the US for international students -. 1. UC Santa Barbara's Research Mentorship Program. Subject: 24 fields (e.g., biology, economics, engineering, mathematics, etc.) Location: Mix of virtual and in-person in Santa Barbara, California. Cost: $4,700 (commuter), $6,599 (residential)
17 Virtual Research Opportunities for High School Students
Here are 17 Virtual Research Opportunities for High School Students: 1. Perimeter Institute International Summer School for Young Physicists (ISSYP) ISSYP is a summer program for current juniors and seniors who are interested in theoretical physics and want to pursue it in college. Students attend Perimeter Institute experts' talks on the ...
31 Research Opportunities + Internships for High Schoolers in 2024
Duration: 10 weeks (June 3 - August 9) Open to New York City high school students who will complete 10th or 11th grade in June 2024, the ARISE program provides access to college-level workshops and lab research across fields like bio, molecular, and chemical engineering, robotics, computer science, and AI.
Indigo Research
Join a global community of intellectually curious and ambitious Indigo Research high school students. Schedule a research planning call with us. Indigo Research is an online research program that opens up research opportunities for high school students, under the guidance of mentors from top universities around the world.
45 Best Academic & Summer Research Programs for High School Students
Onsite: June 23 - July 5, 2024. July 14 - July 26, 2024. Pre-College Program - Carnegie Mellon University. Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College programs offer rising high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to see for themselves how undergraduate students experience college both academically and personally.
10 International Relations Summer Programs for High School Students
Commuter option: Around $5,000. Residential Option: Around $12,000. Application deadline: March 15, 2023. Program dates: June 20 - August 4, 2023. Eligibility: Students all over the world who are in 10th and 11th Grade with a minimum GPA of 3.8. 2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program - International Relations Track.
5 Free Virtual Research Opportunities For High School Students
Virtual research opportunities for high school students are programs that provide hands-on experience and research projects in various STEM fields, such as mathematics, computer science, computational biology, physics, neuroscience, and engineering. These programs are designed to deepen students' understanding of STEM and help them develop the skills needed to succeed in their academic and ...
Home
About SRI. The Student Research Institute (SRI) by the Harvard Undergraduate OpenBio Laboratory is a virtual summer program to increase access to research for high school students in the natural and physical sciences. SRI aims to democratize access to research opportunities for students across the world, empowering them to develop skills and ...
Cambridge Future Scholar Program
the Cambridge Future Scholar Programme Explore your passions through a research course The Future Scholar Programme is an online 2-5 student research-focused programme taught by current teaching faculty members at the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and select Ivy League universities. Each Spring, Summer, and Fall round will be offering […]
Home
1, 2023. Applications to the MIT THINK Scholars Program open online at think.mit.edu. High school students generate exciting STEM research ideas to submit to the competition. Jan uary. 1, 2024. Applications are due. Students finish submitting project proposals to be evaluated by the MIT THINK committee and professors. Jan uary.
40 Incredible Research Opportunities for High School Students
The primary goal is to equip students interested in health sciences, statistics, and computational/computer science to become future leaders in the realm of translational medical research. Apply to: Scripps Research Institute. Age Eligibility: All high school students (9th-12th) Location: San Diego, California. 6.
Research Science Institute
Each summer, 100 of the world's most accomplished high school students gather at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for the Research Science Institute (RSI). RSI is the first cost-free to students, summer science & engineering program to combine on-campus course work in scientific theory with off-campus work in science and ...
Horizon
Horizon Academic is a program for high school students interested in doing a college-level academic research together with a professor. By doing academic research with us, a high school student has the opportunity to get into a better university, get a letter of recommendation from a professor, and even get their research published.
Programs for High School Students
SMASH Academy on Stanford Campus. SMASH is a state of the art Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) summer enrichment program for high school students at Stanford, and other colleges. High potential Black, Latino/a, Native American, Southeast Asian or Pacific Islander high school students participate in this three-year 5-week summer ...
Pioneer
Pioneer is the only fully-accredited online college research program for high school students — earning college credits with your research. The journey to your possible starts here. ... The Political Economy of International Development (Econ.) Film Noir and its Contexts (Film Studies) Great Scientific Controversies in Context (Science ...
Research Opportunities for High School Students
Research Opportunities for High School Students. Hands-on laboratory-based research experiences are coveted by just about every STEM-oriented teenager on the planet. Of course, this level of demand renders research apprenticeships a valuable and rare commodity for high school students. Fortunately, there are a number of reputable summer ...
Broad Summer Scholars Program
The Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP) invites highly motivated high school students with a strong interest in science to spend six weeks at the Broad Institute. We match students with Broad scientists to conduct original, cutting-edge research projects in areas such as: cancer biology, psychiatric disease, chemical biology, computational biology, infectious disease, and more.
15 Summer Research Programs for High School Students in 2024
Overview: The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program is tailor-made for high school students with a passion for biomedical research. This program offers a hands-on experience in cutting-edge laboratories, allowing participants to explore various aspects of biomedical research under the guidance of experienced mentors.
Summer programs
MITES Summer is an intensive six-week residential academic enrichment program for high school juniors who intend to pursue careers in science, engineering, and entrepreneurship, especially those from underrepresented or underserved communities. The program is free of charge to participating students, not including transportation.
High schoolers get hands-on college research experience and support
The six-week After School Matters STEM Lab summer research program for Chicago public high school students, led by the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering in partnership with After School Matters, paired Raez with rising fourth year PhD student Andrea Diaz as her mentor and offered hands-on research experience and college and career ...
13 Free Online Research Programs for High School Students
To help pick the right fit for you, we have detailed 10 free online research programs designed specifically for high school students. 1. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation's Breakthrough Scholar Program. Application Deadline: There are 4 annual cohorts - summer, spring, winter, and fall (You can apply here!)
15 Economics Competitions for High School Students
Location: Cleveland, Ohio. Registration Fee: $15 to $30. Eligibility: High school students who have taken economics. Important Dates: March 3 to March 6. The Stock Market Game, organized by the SIFMA Foundation, is a simulation that allows high school students to experience the stock market dynamics.
Destination: Family Medicine—a learning opportunity for high school
International students; Fees and financial support; Bilingual studies and language learning; ... discover research opportunities, learn about life as a graduate student and find resources for you. Explore graduate studies ... Family Medicine—a learning opportunity for high school students. Friday, November 22, 2024
25 Best Universities In Saint Petersburg For International Students 2024
19%. Total Number of students - 14,634. International Number of students - 2,850. ITMO University is one of the most distinguished universities in the region of Saint Petersburg. This university was founded approximately 122 years ago and is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the country.
Internships/Jobs for international students
Scientific Internships in Russia. Jobs/Internships for SPbPU international students. Contacts. Department of International Educational Programs. [email protected]. +7 (812) 534-25-31. room 227, 28, Grazhdanskii prospect, 195220, St.Petersburg, Russia. Share this page.
International Students || St. Petersburg College
At St. Petersburg College, we value the intellectual and cultural diversity international students bring to our campuses. We understand that choosing a college is a big decision and we want to help you make the right one. Currently SPC has more than 200 students from 60 different countries around the world. As a degree-seeking student you can ...
Record number of students enroll in Fayetteville State for third
Fayetteville State says it now has more than 7,000 students enrolled--another record high now for the third year in a row. "I was doing some research and I saw that FSU has one of the best nursing ...
Chinese families flock to Thailand to avoid high-pressure school system
The terms reflect what success looks like in modern China, from the hours of cramming required for students to succeed on their exams to the money parents spend hiring tutors to give their kids an extra edge in school. The driving force behind it all is numbers. In a country of 1.4 billion people, success is viewed as graduation from a good ...
2024 Most Valuable Engineering Degree Programs Ranking ...
Merit-based aid is also prevalent, rewarding students with strong academic records. Graduates have shared how their hard work in high school paid off with scholarships that madeattending their dream schools possible. Lastly, work-study programs allow students to gain valuable experience while earning money to support their education.
University websites: How can we make them better for international
Student journey mapping is a way of graphically representing all the interactions a (prospective) student will have with your institution. By bringing groups representing different departments together, you can identify the gaps and points of friction and adjust processes to make the journey smoother for students.