For ambitious high school students, finding meaningful research opportunities can feel overwhelming.
Many programs sound impressive on the surface, but only a small number truly offer hands-on experience that reflects how research works at the college level. This list of the 52 college-based research opportunities for high school students (2026) was curated to help students and families identify programs that provide real academic substance, credible mentorship, and exposure to university life. These opportunities allow high school students to learn alongside undergraduate students, often through structured labs, seminars, or dedicated outreach programs hosted by universities.
Students are drawn to college-based research programs because they offer access that is otherwise difficult to secure. Whether it is a young scholars program, a junior academy, or a summer science initiative connected to high school biology, aerospace engineering, or the health care field, these programs give students a chance to work on real-world problems under expert guidance.
Many are open to juniors and seniors, rising juniors, and, in some cases, even middle school participants through feeder or preparatory tracks. Some programs run for 2 weeks, while others extend across the academic year, offering deeper engagement and professional development opportunities that go well beyond a typical classroom experience.
Beyond research skills, these programs help students understand what it means to attend university as a serious scholar. Participants gain early insight into university life, explore internship opportunities, and learn how academic research connects to future careers. Whether a student is testing an interest, building experience for college applications, or looking for structured ways to grow intellectually, these programs provide a rare chance to learn, contribute, and grow in an authentic academic environment.
This list intentionally highlights established programs with strong academic foundations, not programs that rely primarily on SEO, branding, or marketing claims.
Format: OnlineFields: STEM, humanities, social sciences, interdisciplinary fieldsDuration: 10–14 weeksSelectivity: Competitive
Pioneer Academics is the only fully accredited online research institute for high school students, offering 4 college credits. Pioneer students conduct research under the direct supervision of university faculty. Students participate in cohort-based seminars before transitioning to one-on-one research mentorship, developing original research papers certified by Pioneer.
Though not run directly by a college, Pioneer Academics meets full college-level accreditation standards through Oberlin College’s active role in its academic system. This unique accredited structure is why Pioneer Academics is included among prestigious college-based research programs.
Why it’s reputable:
Format: Residential, MITFields: STEMDuration: 6 weeksSelectivity: Among the most selective in the world
RSI combines university-level coursework with hands-on research supervised by leading scientists. Students work within MIT and the surrounding research institutions.
Format: ResidentialFields: Mainly STEM, with one social science offered from year to yearDuration: 7 weeksSelectivity: Very selective
The Clark Scholars Program pairs students with faculty mentors from Texas Tech University across a range of disciplines, including natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
Format: ResidentialFields: STEMDuration: 7 weeksSelectivity: Highly competitive
Students conduct hands-on research with Stony Brook faculty in disciplines like biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and more.
Format: Online, yearlong with mentorshipFields: Pure mathematics, theoretical computer science, computational biologyDuration: 12 monthsSelectivity: Very competitive
PRIMES is one of the country’s most respected high school math research programs. Students work closely with MIT researchers and graduate students.
Format: ResidentialFields: Astrophysics, biochemistry, genomicsDuration: 39 daysSelectivity: High
SSP emphasizes collaborative research projects where students solve complex scientific problems under faculty guidance.
Format: ResidentialFields: Polymer chemistry, materials science, engineeringDuration: 7 weeksSelectivity: Moderate to high
The Garcia Program immerses students in interdisciplinary materials science research, emphasizing nanotechnology and engineering.
Format: ResidentialFields: STEM, including engineering, marine biology, computing, and biomedicineDuration: 4 weeksSelectivity: Competitive, especially in popular clusters
COSMOS offers advanced coursework combined with project-based research experiences guided by UC faculty.
Format: ResidentialFields: STEMDuration: 7 weeksSelectivity: High
HSHSP is one of the oldest research programs for high school students, providing individualized research plans and faculty mentorship.
Format: In-person, varies by institutionFields: All disciplinesDuration: CustomizableSelectivity: Varies widely
Many students secure research experiences directly with professors through email outreach. These opportunities can include:
Format: Residential or commuter, Boston UniversityFields: STEMDuration: 6 weeksSelectivity: Highly selective
BU RISE offers rising high school seniors a chance to conduct authentic, faculty-mentored research in active BU labs or structured research groups. Students finish the program with a formal poster presentation.
Why it’s reputable:• Faculty- and graduate-level research mentorship• Clear distinction between Internship (individual research) and Practicum (guided group research)• Longstanding BU-administered research program
Format: Residential, hybrid (virtual prep + in-person research)Fields: Science, engineering, humanities, social sciences and artsDuration: 8 weeks total (1 week of online research + 7 weeks of in-person research)Selectivity: Highly selective
SIP places high school students directly into ongoing university research projects, where they work closely with UCSC faculty, graduate students, or postdocs on open-ended research questions.
Why it’s reputable:• Research is not pre-designed for students; it’s real faculty work• Strong priority to independent inquiry• Final research symposium and paper-style outputs
Format: Non-residential, UT Austin campusFields: Natural sciences (biochemistry, biology, environmental science, genetics, neuroscience, genome engineering, data analytics, ecology, and more)Duration: 5 weeksSelectivity: Highly selective
HSRA involves high school students in firsthand lab research within UT Austin’s College of Natural Sciences, supported by the Freshman Research Initiative model.
Why it’s reputable:• Direct lab research experience• Mentorship from UT faculty and research staff• Poster seminar modeled on undergraduate research conferences
Format: Residential, University of Iowa campusFields: STEM and academic research fieldsDuration: 5.5 weeksSelectivity: Extremely selective
SSTP is an intensive research program for academically advanced high school students, with original inquiry, faculty mentorship, and scholarly communication.
Why it’s reputable:• Hosted by the Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education• Individual faculty-mentored research studies• Heavy stress on research methodology and ethics
Format: Residential or commuter, UIUC campusFields: STEMM (cancer immunology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, physics, quantum mechanics, bioengineering, electrical engineering, and more!)Duration: 6 weeksSelectivity: Selective
In this summer program, participants get introduced to university-level STEMM research, often through lab exposure, guided projects, and engineering-focused inquiry.
Why it’s reputable:• Operated by UIUC’s Grainger College of Engineering• Develops professional skills through weekly seminars• Strong pipeline to advanced STEM education
Format: Non-residential, University of UtahFields: EngineeringDuration: 8 weeksSelectivity: Selective
High school students work directly in engineering research laboratories, contributing to ongoing faculty projects and developing technical and presentation skills.
Why it’s reputable:• Full-time research commitment• Faculty-supervised engineering projects• Formal research posters and presentations
Format: Hybrid (school-year research + summer institutes)Fields: Molecular biology, bioinformaticsDuration: Yearlong (summer initiation)Selectivity: Selective
WSSP immerses high school students in authentic molecular biology research, contributing data to national research databases while learning advanced lab techniques.
Why it’s reputable:• Nationally recognized research consortium• Real contribution to published scientific research• Focus on data analysis and genomics
Format: Non-residential, Rutgers University campusesFields: STEM, social sciences, humanitiesDuration: 8 to 10 weeks (program dependent)Selectivity: Selective
The Aresty Research Center coordinates multiple faculty-mentored research opportunities, including summer research pathways for advanced high school students. Students are placed in Rutgers research environments rather than simulated projects.
Why it’s reputable:• University-administered research placements• Direct faculty or graduate-mentor supervision• Strong integration into Rutgers’ research ecosystem
Format: Residential or commuter, University of Notre DameFields: STEM, humanities, social sciences (program dependent)Duration: Summer (varies by department)Selectivity: Highly selective
REHs place high school students into faculty-mentored research experiences, often aligned with the University of Notre Dame’s ongoing research initiatives and interdisciplinary centers.
Why it’s reputable:• Direct faculty supervision• Projects tied to real university research agendas• Focus on academic writing and presentation
Format: Non-residential, UCLA campusFields: STEM, engineering, life sciencesDuration: Summer (depends on course)Selectivity: Highly selective
UCLA offers lab-based research opportunities for high school students through department-led initiatives, placing students into active UCLA research laboratories.
Why it’s reputable:• Direct lab immersion at a major research university• Faculty and graduate student mentorship• Research outcomes often include posters or reports
Format: Non-residential, McGovern Medical School campusFields: Biomedical science, medicine, public healthDuration: 4 weeksSelectivity: Highly selective
In this summer program, high school students conduct biomedical or clinical research under faculty mentors at one of the largest medical schools in the United States, often contributing to data collection and analysis.
Why it’s reputable:• Hosted by a major academic medical center• Real exposure to translational and clinical research• Poster presentations modeled on medical conferences
Format: Residential or commuter (program dependent)Fields: Cancer biology, oncology, biomedical researchDuration: 7 to 11 weeksSelectivity: Extremely selective
CURE places high school students into cutting-edge cancer research labs affiliated with Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber, focusing on real-world oncology research.
Why it’s reputable:• Direct affiliation with Harvard Medical School• Students contribute to ongoing cancer research• Longstanding, NIH-aligned research training model
Format: Non-residential, virtualFields: Neurology, HIV research, public healthDuration: 4 to 6 weeksSelectivity: Highly selective
This summer program engages high school students in public health and clinical research related to HIV and neurological outcomes, often involving community-linked research models.
Why it’s reputable:• Operated through Yale-affiliated research centers• Emphasis on ethical, community-based research• Strong mentorship and academic writing components
Format: In-person, Stanford UniversityFields: Biomedical science, medicineDuration: 8 weeksSelectivity: Extremely selective
SIMR immerses students in faculty-led biomedical research within Stanford labs. Participants conduct original research and present their findings formally. The program closely mirrors undergraduate research experiences.
Format: ResidentialFields: Molecular biology, geneticsDuration: 7 monthsSelectivity: Extremely selective
Students conduct advanced wet-laboratory research at a world-renowned molecular biology institute. The program emphasises experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. Training closely resembles early undergraduate research.
Format: In-person, Broad Institute (MIT & Harvard)Fields: cancer biology, psychiatric diseases, chemical biology, computational biology, infectious diseases, and more.Duration: 6 weeksSelectivity: Extremely selective
Participants work on cutting-edge genomics and computational biology research. Projects align directly with ongoing institute initiatives. The program is highly valued in biomedical and data-driven science pathways.
Format: In-personFields: Genetics, genomics, biomedical researchDuration: 10 weeksSelectivity: Highly selective
This program immerses students in genetics research at a leading research center. Participants gain experience in experimental methods and data interpretation. The training is rigorous and lab-intensive.
Format: ResidentialFields: Biomedical sciencesDuration: 7 weeksSelectivity: Extremely selective
Students engage in intensive biomedical research at one of the most research-focused universities in the worldwide. Small cohorts allow for deep mentorship and independence. The program carries exceptional academic credibility.
Format: In-personFields: Cancer biology, clinical researchDuration: 8 weeksSelectivity: Highly selective
Participants contribute to translational and clinical cancer research projects. The program offers exposure to both laboratory and medical research environments. It is well-suited for students interested in biomedical careers.
Format: In-person, Johns Hopkins UniversityFields: Biomedical science, engineeringDuration: 8 weeksSelectivity: Highly selective
ASPIRE places students in active research labs at Johns Hopkins. Interns develop lab skills, research independence, and scientific communication abilities. The program is widely respected for its depth.
Format: In-personFields: Biological sciencesDuration: 8 weeksSelectivity: Extremely selective
Students conduct high-level biological research at the Salk Institute. Small cohorts enable close mentorship and meaningful lab contributions. The program is academically elite.
Format: In-person, Penn State UniversityFields: STEM, engineering, sciencesDuration: Summer (varies)Selectivity: Selective
REHS offers faculty-mentored research across multiple disciplines. Students gain hands-on research experience in university labs. While less famous, it is academically solid and credible.
Format: In-person, Georgia Institute of TechnologyFields: Engineering, applied sciencesDuration: 5 weeksSelectivity: Selective
This program focuses on applied engineering and technology research. Students work on projects aligned with Georgia Tech’s strengths. It offers strong preparation for technical majors.
Format: In person or online, Washington University in St. LouisFields: Humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, and moreDuration: 5 weeksSelectivity: Highly selective
Students work in medical and biomedical research labs at WashU. The program emphasizes experimental research and scientific communication. It is well regarded for pre-med and life sciences pathways.
Not all reputable research requires paid enrollment. Students can find high-quality, free opportunities such as:
These options are excellent for students who are self-motivated and able to take initiative.
Format: Non-residential, Lehman College (CUNY)Fields: STEMDuration: 6 weeksSelectivity: Moderately selective
This program is part of CUNY’s College Now initiative, offering high school students structured exposure to STEM research methods and lab-based projects under faculty guidance.
Why it’s reputable:• Operated by a public research university system• Emphasis on academic research readiness• Designed as a pipeline to college STEM research
Format: Non-residential, Wayne State UniversityFields: Engineering, energy technology, applied sciencesDuration: 4 weeksSelectivity: Selective
Wayne State’s program offers rising high school students the opportunity to work on emerging energy technologies, CAD/3D modeling, or fuel cells, often connected to real-world urban and energy challenges.
Why it’s reputable:• University-led engineering research work• Focus on teamwork, creativity and problem-solving• Strong mentorship within engineering departments
Format: Non-residential, Yale University–affiliated (day-based and pipeline programs)Fields: STEM, biomedical sciences, public healthDuration: Varies by program (summer programs typically 6 to 8 weeks; some multi-year pipelines)Selectivity: Highly selective
Yale Pathways to Science is an umbrella initiative that includes lab placements, research projects, and structured scientific training for high school students, often prioritizing students from New Haven and surrounding communities.
Why it’s reputable:• Direct Yale-affiliated research environments• Faculty and graduate-level mentorship• Priority on scientific identity, ethics, and research communication
Format: Hybrid (virtual research + on-site experience)Fields: Aerospace, earth science, engineering, data scienceDuration: 8 weeksSelectivity: Highly selective
NASA SEES gives students the chance to work on real applied research problems using data from actual NASA missions. Participants assist with scientific and engineering issues related to the projects. The program gives high school students some of the best non-laboratory research experiences.
Format: In-person, NIH research campusesFields: Biomedical science, public health, engineeringDuration: 8 weeksSelectivity: Extremely selective
HS-SIP places students into federally funded NIH research labs. Interns contribute to real scientific investigations alongside professional researchers. It is considered one of the strongest research credentials available to high school students.
Format: Non-residential, university lab placementsFields: STEM, social sciences, selected humanitiesDuration: Summer (varies by lab)Selectivity: Highly selective
Through LAUSD’s College & Career Enrichment / CES pathway, selected high school students are placed into real research labs at UCSB, UCSD, and USC, working on ongoing faculty research projects.
Why it’s reputable:• Direct placement in active university labs• Research is not pre-designed for high schoolers• Strong academic screening through LAUSD
Format: Residential or commuter, UCSB campusFields: STEM, humanities, and social sciencesDuration: 4-week summer programSelectivity: Highly selective
SRA mixes college-level coursework with directed research, allowing high school students to explore academic research through faculty-designed projects tied to university disciplines.
Why it’s reputable:• Research tied to UCSB faculty-designed curriculum• Importance on academic writing and presentation• University credit-bearing structure
Format: Non-residential, Emory UniversityFields: STEMDuration: 3 weeksSelectivity: Moderately selective
These are research-oriented academic courses, not full lab internships. High school students learn research methods, data interpretation, and discipline-specific inquiry under Emory instructors.
Why it’s reputable:• Offers a wide range of more than 100 courses, all taught by Emory faculty• Emphasis on research literacy and methodology• Strong academic rigor, though limited lab immersion
Format: Residential, University of FloridaFields: STEM (science, medicine, math, computer science, or engineering)Duration: 7 weeksSelectivity: Highly selective
UF SSTP places high school students into real faculty labs, where they work on authentic research projects and present findings at a final symposium.
Why it’s reputable:• Longstanding university research program• Faculty-mentored lab research• Strong track record of alumni in STEM fields
Format: Residential or commuter, University of RochesterFields: STEM, biomedical sciences, engineeringDuration: 10 weeksSelectivity: Selective
Students gain exposure to research environments and inquiry-driven projects, often tied to Rochester’s strengths in optics, medicine, and engineering.
Why it’s reputable:• Research-focused academic design• Access to university research infrastructure• Focus on scientific communication
Format: Residential, University of Chicago campusFields: Biology, biomedical sciencesDuration: 4 weeksSelectivity: Highly selective
RIBS immerses high school students in experimental biology through lab-intensive research modules, focusing on hypothesis testing, data analysis, and scientific writing.
Why it’s reputable:• Hosted by a top research university• Exposes students to a broad range of molecular, microbiological and cell biological techniques• Emphasis on experimental design and results communication
Format: Fully Residential (Noncredit), University of PennsylvaniaFields: Biomedical scienceDuration: 3 weeksSelectivity: Moderately selective
High school students engage in biomedical research methodologies, data interpretation, and applied projects informed by Penn faculty expertise.
Why it’s reputable:• Hosted by an Ivy League research institution• Strong focus on translational science concepts• Research-style capstone projects
Format: Residential (Noncredit), University of PennsylvaniaFields: PhysicsDuration: 3 weeksSelectivity: Selective
High school students explore experimental physics research, focusing on data-driven inquiry, instrumentation, and scientific reasoning.
Why it’s reputable:• Strong alignment with Penn Physics research themes• Emphasis on data analysis and experimentation• Capstone-style research outputs
Format: Residential (Noncredit), University of PennsylvaniaFields: Social justice, interdisciplinary researchDuration: 2 weeksSelectivity: Selective
This program guides high school students through independent research projects, mentored by graduate-level scholars, culminating in a formal paper or presentation.
Why it’s reputable:• Focus on research writing and methodology• Strong mentorship model• Clear academic deliverables
Format: Residential, Carnegie Mellon UniversityFields: Artificial intelligence, computer science, ethicsDuration: 4 weeksSelectivity: Selective
This program teaches students how to make, evaluate, and test real AI research questions. Participants work on AI projects that show how useful ethical reasoning and computational thinking can be. This experience will help future AI or computer science research have a strong conceptual basis.
Format: In-person, University of ChicagoFields: Data science, statistics, computational researchDuration: 8 weeksSelectivity: Selective
This program puts students to work on real data science research projects. Participants work on research questions that need to be figured out using statistics and computation. It offers strong preparation for quantitative and data-driven fields.
Format: Non-residential, online or in-person, UT DallasFields: Computer science, AI, engineering, data scienceDuration: 8 weeksSelectivity: Moderately selective
UT Dallas offers department-led research exposure and project-based programs, particularly strong in computing and emerging technologies.
Why it’s reputable:• Strong CS and AI research ecosystem• Faculty-guided projects and workshops• Access to university research infrastructure ($1,000 fee)
Here are factors students and families should consider:
Are you preparing for STEM, humanities, or interdisciplinary study?
Does the program require independent inquiry and structured research output?
Does the program provide experienced researchers or university faculty?
Summer residential programs require full-time immersion; online programs may offer more flexibility.
Understand whether financial aid is available.
Higher selectivity often correlates with deeper academic engagement.
The best research opportunity for a high school student depends on academic goals, readiness for advanced work, and availability. Programs like RSI, Clark Scholars, SSP, MIT PRIMES, and Pioneer Academics stand out for their academic rigor and strong mentorship. Meanwhile, university lab experiences and independent research pathways offer flexibility and accessibility.
The key is to choose a research experience that deepens learning, builds skills, and authentically reflects a student’s intellectual curiosity.
Based on the Pioneer students’ self-reported college admission results, 71% of colleges our students got admitted into are the top 20 U.S. colleges and universities. Six percent of Pioneer’s alumni attended university-affiliated programs in the summer.
If you’re interested in conducting the highest level of research for high school students, consider joining a Pioneer information session to learn more about the Pioneer Research Institute.
If you are a 9th or 10th grader, you should check out the Global Problem-Solving Institute today. You’ll have the rare opportunity to study current world problems in an interdisciplinary approach and earn college credits from UNC-Chapel Hill at a young age.
Doing research is commonplace. How do you choose the research opportunity that makes a difference?
Join us for a free online info session to learn about Pioneer
Check exclusive sharings From directors of prestigious programs
Please complete the below form with any questions or concerns you may have.
Thank you for your interest in Pioneer’s Global Problem-Solving Institute (GPSI). The application for the Fall 2025 terms is now available. Please select your country/region below:
