Chemistry research programs offer high school students hands-on lab experience in fields like biochemistry, materials science, and environmental chemistry. With expert mentorship and real research projects, they’re ideal for students exploring science, medicine, or engineering. To help you get started, we’re recommending top programs worth considering.
1. Research Science Institute (RSI) – MIT
Location: Cambridge, MA
Program Dates: Late June – Early August (6 weeks)
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (U.S. and international)
Deadline: Early January
RSI is a chemistry research program hosted at MIT and brings together high school scientists from all over the world. Students conduct original research under expert mentorship. The program includes a week of STEM lectures and five weeks of research. Many projects provide experience in advanced work in chemistry, materials science, and bioengineering.
2. RISE Global
Location: Online
Program Dates: Flexible, year-round enrollment with customized timelines based on student needs.
Cost: $2,000 (publication included)
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students (grades 8–12) from any country.
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Scholarships: Merit-based
RISE Global provides high school students exclusive one-on-one mentoring, helping them to create research projects that lead to esteemed publications. RISE helps students succeed academically and stand out on college applications by matching them with mentors from prestigious international universities like Harvard, Columbia, and Cambridge. RISE alumni have gained unique talents by pursuing a variety of fields, including psychology, economics, sustainability, and artificial intelligence.
3. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford, CA
Program Dates: Mid-June – Early August (8 weeks)
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors from the San Francisco Bay Area
Deadline: February
SIMR is a summer research program that provides hands-on experience in chemistry projects. Participants work in Stanford labs on real research projects. The program includes the Biosciences and Bioengineering fields, with chemical components. This program is suitable for those interested in chemistry applications in biomedicine.
4. MIT LL Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) – Chemistry Track
Location: Cambridge, MA (virtual/hybrid)
Program Dates: July – Early August (4 weeks)
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with teacher nomination
Deadline: March
BWSI offers a summer course with project-based learning. The chemistry-focused projects combine coding, physics, and molecular science. Students need to complete an online prerequisite before they are assigned a capstone team project. It’s suitable for students who are interested in applied and interdisciplinary chemistry.
5. Summer Science Program (SSP) – Biochemistry Track
Location: Purdue University or Indiana University
Program Dates: Mid-June – Late July (6 weeks)
Cost: ~$8,500 (financial aid available)
Eligibility: Rising seniors (exceptional juniors considered)
Deadline: February
SSP is a research program with real-world scientific projects. The Biochemistry projects focus on drug discovery and enzyme kinetics. Participants will work in teams under the mentoring of university faculty, gaining experience in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.
6. Boston University – Research in Science & Engineering (RISE)
Location: Boston, MA
Program Dates: Early July – Mid-August (6 weeks)
Cost: ~$6,000 (financial aid available)
Eligibility: Rising seniors
Deadline: February
RISE pairs students with BU faculty for advanced STEM research. Students can choose a chemistry lab or related interdisciplinary projects. Participants can gain lab experience, attend workshops, and present findings. It’s suitable for those interested in university-level chemistry studies.
7. Garcia Summer Research Program – Stony Brook University
Location: Stony Brook, NY
Program Dates: Late June – Early August (7 weeks)
Cost: ~$6,700 (financial aid available)
Eligibility: Grades 10–12
Deadline: Rolling admissions from December
Garcia focuses on polymer chemistry, materials science, and engineering. Students are exposed to original research and take part in publishing scientific posters. They work with university researchers and PhD candidates.This is a leading program for chemistry with a materials and nano focus.
8. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) – George Mason University
Location: Fairfax, VA
Program Dates: Late June – Early August (7.5 weeks)
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors (U.S. citizens or permanent residents)
Deadline: Mid-February
ASSIP places students in advanced labs at George Mason University. Students conduct research in chemistry, biochemistry, and forensic science. The program provides opportunities to learn scientific writing and professional development. It is suitable for students seeking lab experience and mentorship.
9. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
Location: Bar Harbor, ME or Farmington, CT
Program Dates: Mid-June – Early August (10 weeks)
Cost: Free (stipend and housing included)
Eligibility: High school seniors (must be 18 by program start)
Deadline: Early February
In this program, students work in genetics and molecular biology with chemical applications. Each participant has an independent research project, which they design and execute. Renowned scientists mentor students who want to explore biomedical sciences. Advanced topics often involve chemistry, bioinformatics, and gene therapy.
10. RISE at Rutgers (Research in Science and Engineering)
Location: New Brunswick, NJ
Program Dates: Early June – Early August (10 weeks)
Cost: Free (stipend provided)
Eligibility: High school seniors entering college
Deadline: February
The RISE program at Rutgers University is a nationally acclaimed summer research initiative aimed at providing students from diverse backgrounds with hands-on research experience.This program includes research in chemistry, pharmacology, and chemical biology. Participants receive mentorship, stipends, and professional development. It is suitable for advanced seniors looking for collegiate-level research.
If you’re a student hoping to build a college profile that truly reflects who you are and what you care about, take a look at RISE Global Education. RISE connects you with mentors from leading universities, guides you through independent research, and helps you publish your work.