Why should high school students get involved with research? Diving into a research program offers more than just academic credit. It’s a golden chance to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world challenges. Students receive the opportunity to collaborate with experts, honing both technical skills and soft skills like communication and teamwork. These experiences are not merely resume boosters, but also personal growth catalysts, helping students discover their passions and potential career paths.
Student interested in submitting research to science fairs can check out the MehtA+ Science & Engineering Mentorship program. For a personalized list of research programs and support with applications, check out the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program.
Here are 7 outstanding research opportunities that offer financial aid or full scholarships to international students.
1. Science Internship Program (SIP)
Type: Research Internship
Age: High school students
Timeline: 9 weeks (includes 2 weeks of online research prep and 7 weeks of in-person active research)
Location: UC Santa Cruz, California
Cost: Financial aid available; international students are eligible for up to a full scholarship
The Science Internship Program (SIP) offers high school students the opportunity to spend their summer working on authentic open-ended research projects in science, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and art under the mentorship of UCSC researchers. Applications are usually due in early to late March.
2. Summer Science Program (SSP)
Type: Research Program
Age: High school students
Timeline: 39 days
Location: Multiple locations (various campuses across the U.S.)
Cost: Financial aid available; international students are eligible for up to a full scholarship
The Summer Science Program offers teens an exhilarating and inspiring immersion into hands-on experimental science. Working in teams of three, 36 or 24 participants and 8 faculty form a supportive “living and learning community” over 39 days. Each team completes a real research project, taking and analyzing original data. Applications are usually due from late December to mid-February.
3. MehtA+ AI/Machine Learning Research Bootcamp
Type: Virtual Research Program
Age: Students in grades 8–12
Timeline: 6 weeks (last two weeks of June and the month of July)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Financial aid available; international students are eligible for up to a full scholarship (includes being part of an internship)
The AI/Machine Learning Research Bootcamp is a rigorous 6-week virtual program designed for students in grades 8–12. Led by instructors from MIT and Stanford, participants delve into the mathematical foundations of AI, machine learning, and deep learning models. They learn advanced data preprocessing techniques and gain hands-on experience in developing complex AI models from scratch, completing AI research in conjunction with professors from the world’s top universities. By the program’s end, students will possess the fundamental skills required for entry-level positions as data scientists and machine learning engineers. Applications open up in early October.
4. Pioneer Academics
Type: Virtual Research Program
Age: High school students
Timeline: Various deadlines (Summer, Spring, and Winter programs available)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Financial aid available; international students are eligible for up to a full scholarship
The Pioneer Research Program is a virtual research institute with the highest standards of selectivity and academic rigor. It is the only fully accredited online research program for high school students. The Pioneer Research Program provides undergraduate-level research opportunities to talented, intellectually motivated high school students from around the world.
5. Project SMART at University of New Hampshire
Type: Research Program
Age: High school students entering grades 10–12
Timeline: Summer program (specific dates vary)
Location: University of New Hampshire
Cost: Financial aid available; international students are eligible for up to a full scholarship
Project SMART (Science and Mathematics Achievement through Research Training) aims to challenge, educate, and motivate high school students entering grades 10–12 in science and technology. Specifically, the program’s focus is on “animal, human, plant and microbial biotechnology,” which students will gain exposure to through lectures and discussions.
6. Cambridge Future Scholar Programme
Type: Virtual Research Program
Age: High school students
Timeline: Various deadlines
Location: Virtual
Cost: Financial aid available; international students can be eligible for up to a full scholarship
The Future Scholar Programme is an online research-focused initiative for small groups of 2–5 students, led by current teaching faculty from top-tier institutions including the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and other Ivy League universities.
7. Neoscholar CIS Summer Research Camp
Type: Research Program
Age: High school students
Timeline: Various deadlines
Location: Virtual and in-person options available
Cost: Financial aid available; international students are eligible for up to a full scholarship
As Neoscholar’s signature program co-developed with the leading education nonprofit SixThirty Group, the CIS Summer Research Camp invites professors from top universities around the world to guide students through a comprehensive research journey. The program offers a fully immersive research experience, during which students will develop essential research skills and work side-by-side with an esteemed researcher. For most students, the CIS experience represents their first-ever research journey in life.
As you can now see there are ample opportunities to dive into the world of researchers (hello, future scientists!) and possibly show your academic acumen to college admissions officers (just one of the many positives of doing research). We here at MehtA+ wish you the best of luck in conquering your favorite opportunities and exploring the interests you have.
Wishing you all the good things out there. Sayonara!
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By Arpon N, Editor of MehtA+ High School Thriving Guide