Top 10 STEM Programs for High School Students
Written by Knovva Academy Staff
Top 10 STEM Research Programs for High School Students
In today’s fast-paced world, the demand for skilled professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is ever-growing. High school students with a passion for these fields can gain invaluable experience and a head start on their academic and career goals by participating in STEM research opportunities.
Across the United States, numerous programs cater to budding scientists, offering hands-on projects, mentorship, and the chance to make real contributions to scientific discovery. In this blog, we explore 10 of the best STEM research opportunities available for high school students.
1. Stanford Introduction to Logic
Stanford Introduction to Logic is an eight-week program designed for high school juniors and seniors as part of their college preparation. Participants work alongside leading researchers in fields like immunology, stem cell and regenerative medicine, and cancer biology. The program combines lab experience with lectures, culminating in a poster session where students present their findings.
Stanford offers an online class that covers the essentials of symbolic logic. This program is asynchronous, meaning you can register and begin whenever you want, and it’s suited for students at the high school level all the way through graduate school.
However, there is also an annual in-person Intrologic summer camp. According to the Stanford website, over 650,000 students have enrolled in the program.
Deadline: Varies throughout the year
Format: Online and in-person
Who it’s for: High school and college students
2. Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a prestigious six-week program hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It brings together exceptional high school students from around the globe right in the heart of Boston on MIT’s campus. Participants conduct original research under the guidance of renowned mentors, often leading to publication in scientific journals.
RSI at MIT is one of the most selective STEM programs for high school students. Each year, around 3,000 students apply while only 80 get accepted to the program.
Deadline: Usually in January
Format: In-person
Who it’s for: High school students in their junior year
3. Summer Science Program (SSP)
Aside from summer volunteering, the Summer Science Program (SSP) is yet another way students can make their vacation more productive. SSP offers a transformative experience for students interested in astrophysics, biochemistry, genomics, or synthetic chemistry. This residential program combines challenging coursework with research, giving participants a taste of college-level science study.
Over the course of 39 days, 36 or 24 participants, along with eight faculty members, collaborate in teams of three, creating a supportive environment where students can explore the sciences. Each SSP team conducts a real research project, collecting and analyzing original data. Upon completion, participants become part of a global network of over 3,700 alumni spanning all ages.
Prerequisites: Coursework in one or more of the following: physics, pre-calculus, chemistry, algebra II, biology
Deadline: January or February, depending on your country of residence
Format: In-person
Who it’s for: High school students
4. Carnegie Mellon University Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Focused on underrepresented communities, Carnegie Mellon University Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) introduces high school students to fields such as biology, physics, and computer science.
Participants earn college credit while building technical skills through rigorous coursework and projects. This program, while competitive, is fully funded and allows students to access resources not often available.
Deadline: Beginning of March
Format: In-person
Who it’s for: High school students
5. Research Experience for High School Students (REHSS) at Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University offers a well-known and respected research program for future STEM professionals. Research Experience for High School Students (REHSS) is a six-week internship that allows students to conduct scientific research under the mentorship of Vanderbilt faculty. Participants gain lab skills in STEM at either Vanderbilt University or Vanderbilt University Medical Center research lab.
This program is similar to having a job; most students work 40 hours per week for each of the six weeks.
Deadline: Late winter
Format: In-person
Who it’s for: High school students in their junior year
6. Columbia University Science Honors Program
Held on Saturdays, this program offers high school students in the New York metropolitan area the opportunity to take courses in diverse STEM disciplines, from physics to behavioral sciences. These courses take place in-person once a week for the entire spring semester, so students must be in the New York metropolitan area.
Because Columbia University offers this as an honors program aligning with school coursework, there is an annual fee of $600. Students should plan to pay at least $300 at the start of the semester.
Deadline: Varies between March-April
Format: In-person
Who it’s for: Students in grades 10-12
7. The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program
This STEM program for high school students provides team-based mentorship to advance their careers. The Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) gives students the chance to conduct laboratory research under the guidance of Rockefeller scientists.
This program requires full-time attendance of at least 35 hours per week from its participants, who must commit to the full length of the program. This STEM program further develops high school students through relevant elective courses, guest lectures, workshops, networking opportunities, and social events.
Deadline: January
Format: In-person
Who it’s for: High school juniors and seniors
8. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Summer Internship Program
The National Institute of Health (NIH) Summer Internship Program offers high school students a unique opportunity to engage in biomedical research at one of the most prestigious institutions in the world. Students in this STEM research program also have access to professional development opportunities, educational and career advising, and healthcare core competencies training.
Students in the program will also be able to present their research to the NIH community during a sponsored fair in the summer.
Deadline: Varies throughout the year
Format: In-person
Who it’s for: High school seniors
9. AwesomeMath Summer Program
Mathematically gifted students can enhance their problem-solving skills and explore advanced mathematical topics through this intensive three-week program.
The AwesomeMath Summer Program is a great opportunity for international students as it is offered entirely online. Students can choose from one of four available STEM programs: algebra, combinatorics, geometry, or number theory.
Deadline: Late winter
Format: Online
Who it’s for: Middle and high school students
10. Regeneron Science Talent Search
Offered through the Society of Science, the Regeneron Science Talent Search is one of the most prestigious science competitions for high school students.
It encourages students to pursue and gain recognition for original research. While it isn’t a learning program and doesn’t require coursework or weekly attendance, there may be an in-person awards program that students can attend at the end of the year.
Deadline: November
Format: Online and in-person
Who it’s for: High school students
Participating in any of these STEM programs can be a life-changing experience for high school students, but also prepare them for college and beyond. Aside from building technical skills, these opportunities foster curiosity, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the scientific process.
Whether you aspire to be a biochemist, engineer, or computer scientist, these programs will set you on the path to success. Start exploring today and unlock the doors to your future in STEM!