The 8 Most Prestigious Summer Research Programs for High School Students

If you are a high school student interested in spending your summer break exploring existing and emerging theories, participating in a research program is a great option.

These programs allow students to delve into a specific field of interest, such as STEM, while developing valuable skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. Through hands-on research, students gain insight into data collection, analysis, and presentation. Additionally, they may engage in lab work or learn how to conduct experiments, studies, and surveys. 

One of the best ways to gain a comprehensive research experience is by enrolling in a prestigious research program. These highly competitive opportunities are offered by renowned institutions and come with strict eligibility criteria. Gaining acceptance into one of these programs is an impressive achievement, offering the chance to work with leading researchers in state-of-the-art facilities while enhancing your academic profile. 

To help you get started, we have compiled a list of the 8 most prestigious summer research programs for high school students. 

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

• Subject areas: Biomedical sciences—immunology, neurobiology, cancer biology, bioengineering, stem cell and regenerative medicine, cardiovascular biology, bioinformatics, and genetics and genomics 
  
• Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA Cost/Stipend: No tuition fees. You can earn a minimum stipend of $500. A stipend of $2,500 or above is provided on a needs-based system. Housing and transportation costs are not covered.
• Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years of age can apply.
• Application deadline: Applications typically close in February.
• Program dates: The 8-week program typically runs from June to August. 

2. City of Hope Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy

• Subject areas: Biomedical sciences
• Location: City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 
• Cost/Stipend: No cost. You get a stipend of $4,000. 
• Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old and have completed chemistry and biology courses can apply. 
• Application deadline: Applications typically close in March. 
• Program dates: The 10-week program typically runs from June to August.

3. Nova Scholar Education

• Subject areas: Multidisciplinary—neuroscience, fluid dynamics, physics, theoretical mathematics, and behavioral economics 
• Location: Virtual 
• Cost: There is a fee. You can get the exact cost on their website. 
• Eligibility: Middle and high school students. Note that there is an interview with a current researcher.
• Application deadline: Rolling 
• Program dates: The 10-week or 17-week program typically runs year-round.

4. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University

• Subject areas: Multidisciplinary—nutritional sciences, cellular biology, microbiology, computer science, neurobiology, mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, history, and chemistry
• Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 
• Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students can get a $750 stipend upon completing the program. 
• Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 17 years old can apply. 
• Application deadline: Applications typically close in February. 
• Program dates: The 6- to 7-week program typically runs from June to August. 

5. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)

• Subject areas: STEM fields 
• Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 
• Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend is provided. 
• Eligibility: High school juniors who meet academic requirements can apply. 
• Application deadline: Applications typically close in December/January. 
• Program dates: The 6-week program typically runs from June to August. 

6. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program

• Subject areas: Various STEM fields 
• Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 
• Cost/Stipend: No tuition fee. On-campus accommodation and meals cost $2,781.50. A stipend may be offered. 
• Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16 years old can apply. 
• Application deadline: Applications typically close in February. 
• Program dates: July 1, 2024–August 9, 2024.

• Subject areas: STEM and medicine—cancer immunology, neuroscience, AI, physics, quantum mechanics, bioengineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering
• Location: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 
• Cost/Stipend: No cost. Housing and meals covered. Possible fellowship payment. 
• Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from specific Midwestern states can apply. 
• Application deadline: Applications close in March or April. 
• Program dates: June–August. 

8. PathIvy Research Academy

• Subject areas: Multidisciplinary—STEM, social sciences, humanities, business, and policy research
• Location: Virtual 
• Cost/Stipend: Varies based on program selection 
• Eligibility: High school students passionate about research and academic inquiry 
• Application deadline: Rolling admissions
• Program dates: Flexible 2-5 month duration 

This list provides some of the best opportunities for high school students seeking hands-on research experience. Choose the program that aligns best with your academic interests and career aspirations!