Research Programs for High School Students in 2025
- BetterMind Labs
- Apr 1
- 6 min read
Are you a high school student ready to explore exciting fields like research, STEM, or other cool areas? Whether you dream of building rockets, solving medical problems, or diving into the humanities, plenty of programs are designed just for you. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of top programs to help you find the best fit for your future. Think of this list as your starting point to research each program and find the one that matches your goals and interests! Let’s get you on the path to success.
STEM Focused Programs
Research Science Institute (RSI)
Application Deadline: January 12, 2025
Area: STEM (varied disciplines)
Program Dates: June 23 - August 3, 2025
MIT’s Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES)
Application Deadline: February 1, 2025
Cost: Free
Area: Engineering & Science
Program Dates: June 22 - August 2, 2025
Stanford University’s High School Summer College
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Cost: $16,000 (financial aid available)
Area: Various STEM and Humanities courses
Program Dates: June 22 - August 18, 2025
Pre-Medical Programs
Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Cost: Free
Area: Pre-Med
Program Dates: July 6 - August 3, 2025
National Institutes of Health (NIH) High School Summer Internship Program
Application Deadline: February 1, 2025
Cost: Free (stipend provided)
Area: Biomedical Research
Program Dates: Varies by project (generally 8 weeks in summer) General Research & Leadership Programs
Summer Science Program (SSP)
Application Deadline: March 3, 2025
Cost: $5,950 (financial aid available)
Area: Astrophysics, Biochemistry
Program Dates: June 22 - July 31, 2025
Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)
Application Deadline: January 10, 2025 (Priority), February 6, 2025 (Final)
Cost: $6,500
Area: Interdisciplinary (STEM, Humanities, Social Sciences)
Program Dates: June 16 - August 2, 2025
Carnegie Mellon Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
Application Deadline: March 15, 2025
Cost: Free (includes room, board, and supplies)
Area: STEM, Math, Science
Program Dates: July 6 - August 9, 2025
Princeton University Summer Journalism Program
Application Deadline: February 15, 2025
Cost: Free (travel included)
Area: Journalism
Program Dates: August 1 - August 14, 2025
Boston University Research in Science & Engineering (RISE)
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
Cost: $5,150
Area: STEM
Program Dates: July 7 - August 15, 2025
Cornell Summer College
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Cost: $6,310 per course (financial aid available)
Area: Various STEM, Humanities, and Pre-Law
Program Dates: June 24 - August 6, 2025
University of Chicago’s Pathways in Molecular Engineering
Application Deadline: February 29, 2025
Cost: $3,250 (financial aid available)
Area: Molecular Engineering
Program Dates: July 8 - July 28, 2025
Columbia University Summer Immersion Program
Application Deadline: March 15, 2025
Cost: $11,000
Area: Interdisciplinary (STEM, Humanities, Arts)
Program Dates: June 24 - August 2, 2025
Northwestern University College Prep Program
Application Deadline: May 1, 2025
Cost: $8,300
Area: STEM, Humanities, Business
Program Dates: July 1 - August 4, 2025
California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)
Application Deadline: February 1, 2025
Cost: $4,550 (financial aid available)
Area: STEM
Program Dates: July 7 - August 3, 2025
University of Michigan Math and Science Scholars
Application Deadline: March 15, 2025
Cost: $3,950 per session
Area: Math and Science
Program Dates: July 8 - July 27, 2025 (Session 1)
University of Pennsylvania’s Summer Academy in Applied Science and Technology (SAAST)
Application Deadline: March 5, 2025
Cost: $7,495
Area: STEM (Applied Science & Tech)
Program Dates: July 7 - July 27, 2025
Duke University’s Summer Session for High School Students
Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
Cost: $7,745
Area: STEM, Humanities
Program Dates: July 10 - August 1, 2025
Brown University Pre-College Programs
Application Deadline: Rolling until May 15, 2025
Cost: $4,200 per session
Area: Interdisciplinary
Program Dates: June 26 - August 3, 2025
Vanderbilt University’s Summer Academy
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Cost: $4,250
Area: STEM, Humanities, Business
Program Dates: July 6 - July 27, 2025
Stevens Institute of Technology Pre-College Program
Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
Cost: $2,700
Area: Engineering, Technology
Program Dates: July 8 - July 28, 2025
University of Notre Dame’s Leadership Seminars
Application Deadline: January 24, 2025
Cost: Free
Area: Humanities, Social Justice
Program Dates: July 13 - August 3, 2025
Carleton Liberal Arts Experience (CLAE)
Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
Cost: Free
Area: Liberal Arts
Program Dates: July 7 - July 14, 2025
Boston Leadership Institute
Application Deadline: Rolling until June 1, 2025
Cost: $2,200 per session
Area: STEM, Medicine, Business
Program Dates: Varies by session (3-week and 1-week options available)
University of Southern California’s Bovard Scholars Program
Application Deadline: January 19, 2025
Cost: Free
Area: College Prep, Leadership
Program Dates: July 8 - July 28, 2025
George Washington University Pre-College Program
Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
Cost: $3,500 per session
Area: Interdisciplinary
Program Dates: July 7 - August 2, 2025
Wake Forest University Summer Immersion Program
Application Deadline: Rolling until June 1, 2025
Cost: $2,500 per session
Area: STEM, Business, Law
Program Dates: June 25 - July 29, 2025 (Multiple sessions)
Aspire High School Program (UCLA Extension)
Application Deadline: May 15, 2025
Cost: $4,500
Area: Interdisciplinary
Program Dates: July 10 - August 7, 2025
Marist Pre-College Programs
Application Deadline: June 1, 2025
Cost: $3,700
Area: Business, Fashion, STEM
Program Dates: July 14 - August 2, 2025
Washington University in St. Louis Pre-College Programs
Application Deadline: March 15, 2025
Cost: $6,000 per course
Area: Interdisciplinary
Program Dates: July 7 - August 2, 2025
Smith College Summer Science and Engineering Program
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Cost: $5,500
Area: STEM (Science & Engineering)
Program Dates: July 5 - July 31, 2025
Spelman College Early College Program
Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
Cost: $3,500
Area: Humanities, STEM
Program Dates: July 1 - July 29, 2025
Barnard College Pre-College Programs
Application Deadline: April 10, 2025
Cost: $5,700
Area: Humanities, Arts
Program Dates: June 30 - July 25, 2025
The Experiment Digital: Global Issues
Application Deadline: May 1, 2025
Cost: $1,250
Area: Humanities, Social Justice
Program Dates: July 9 - August 2, 2025
Wake Forest University Summer Immersion Program
Application Deadline: Rolling until June 1, 2025
Cost: $2,500 per session
Area: STEM, Business, Law
Program Dates: June 25 - July 29, 2025 (Multiple sessions)
Aspire High School Program (UCLA Extension)
Application Deadline: May 15, 2025
Cost: $4,500
Area: Interdisciplinary
Program Dates: July 10 - August 7, 2025
Marist Pre-College Programs
Application Deadline: June 1, 2025
Cost: $3,700
Area: Business, Fashion, STEM
Program Dates: July 14 - August 2, 2025
Washington University in St. Louis Pre-College Programs
Application Deadline: March 15, 2025
Cost: $6,000 per course
Area: Interdisciplinary
Program Dates: July 7 - August 2, 2025
Smith College Summer Science and Engineering Program
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Cost: $5,500
Area: STEM (Science & Engineering)
Program Dates: July 5 - July 31, 2025
Spelman College Early College Program
Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
Cost: $3,500
Area: Humanities, STEM
Program Dates: July 1 - July 29, 2025
Barnard College Pre-College Programs
Application Deadline: April 10, 2025
Cost: $5,700
Area: Humanities, Arts
Program Dates: June 30 - July 25, 2025
The Experiment Digital: Global Issues
Application Deadline: May 1, 2025
Cost: $1,250
Area: Humanities, Social Justice
Program Dates: July 9 - August 2, 2025
Joining a research program as a high school student is an amazing way to discover your passions, gain real-world experience, and make your college application shine. With this list of diverse opportunities, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re interested in science, art, leadership, or anything in between. Time is ticking, so start your applications today and take that first step toward an exciting and successful future!
At BetterMindLabs, we’re here to guide you through every step of your college prep journey. Our tailored programs help you explore research opportunities, refine your application materials, and build the skills that will set you apart. Whether you're looking for advice on choosing the right program or need assistance with your application, BetterMindLabs is your go-to resource for turning your college dreams into reality. Let’s work together to make sure you stand out and reach your goals!
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