First, for high schoolers trying to shine when applying to colleges and universities, especially in the most competitive categories, there is no replacement for real experience researching with university-level scholars. Becoming involved in an undergraduate research mentorship program allows students to engage with advanced topics (in a host of disciplines), develop critical thinking skills, and contribute to projects that are often real to some degree. Beyond resumes, they engender curiosity and confidence. Here's a playlist of 10 of the most recognized mentorship-based research possibilities to high school students around the world who aspire to begin their own journey as researchers.
1. RISE Research
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.
Location: Online
Program Dates: Flexible, year-round
Cost: $2,000 (includes publication)
Eligibility: Grades 8–12, international
Deadline: Rolling
Scholarships: Merit-based
2. Pioneer Academics
A virtual research mentorship model that connects high-achieving students with university professors, Pioneer Academics mentors students. Students conduct original research and produce a paper that is of publishable quality. As a research body, Pioneer Academics emphasizes rigor, collaboration, and integrity as core values. Research can range from philosophy to astrophysics and papers will be reviewed by an academic panel comprised of Professors and Ph.D. students.
Location: Online
Program Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall
Cost: ~$6,000
Eligibility: Grades 10–12
Deadline: Varies by cohort
Scholarships: Need- and merit-based
3. MIT RSI (Research Science Institute)
Held at MIT, RSI is a prestigious, fully-funded program that pairs high schoolers with MIT researchers. Over six weeks, students engage in academic lectures and research in labs. RSI alumni often publish and win science competitions like Regeneron and ISEF.
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Program Dates: Mid-June to late July
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Rising seniors worldwide
Deadline: Dec/Jan
Scholarships: Not applicable
4. Clark Scholars Program – Texas Tech
Clark Scholars complete a rigorous seven-week summer research project under the mentorship of Texas Tech faculty. This selective program offers a range of disciplines from STEM to fine arts and leadership development. Each student receives a stipend and housing.
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Program Dates: June–August
Cost: Free + $750 stipend
Eligibility: Ages 17+, rising juniors/seniors
Deadline: Mid-February
Scholarships: Not required (fully funded)
5. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
SIMR provides students with eight-week placements in Stanford research labs to conduct hands-on research in the fields of bioengineering, cancer biology, and stem cell research. It also provides ethics seminars and culminates with a final symposium.
Location: Stanford University, CA
Program Dates: June–August
Cost: Free; stipends available
Eligibility: U.S. 11th graders
Deadline: Late February
Scholarships: Covered
6. Garcia Summer Research Program – Stony Brook
Garcia gives you a first-hand look at polymer and materials science based research. Students work in university laboratories and either publish, compete in regional or national science fairs, or develop designs for competitions. Seminars and networking events are built in as well.
Location: Stony Brook, NY
Program Dates: Late June–August
Cost: ~$6,000 (includes housing)
Eligibility: Grades 10–12
Deadline: February
Scholarships: Limited, need-based
7. Boston University RISE Internship Program
RISE provides students with lab research opportunities at BU with topics such as biology, chemistry, and engineering. Students work with faculty supervisors, are trained in research methods and data analysis, and conclude the program with a final presentation.
Location: Boston, MA
Program Dates: July–August
Cost: ~$5,500 (commuter), ~$6,900 (residential)
Eligibility: Rising seniors in the U.S.
Deadline: Mid-February
Scholarships: Available
8. HSHSP – Michigan State University
HSHSP is a prestigious and well-established program that allows high school junior students to conduct research, with MSU faculty members in the realm of science and environmental study. Students complete a final paper and gain skills in research, critical analysis, and scientific communication.
Location: East Lansing, MI
Program Dates: Mid-June–August
Cost: ~$4,000 (includes housing)
Eligibility: U.S. rising seniors
Deadline: March
Scholarships: Need-based
9. Polygence
Based on your interests, Polygence provides individualized, online research mentorship across a variety of topics, ranging from medicine to game design. Students work one-on-one with a mentor. They do a final presentation in the form of a research paper, website, or podcast. The program is flexible and appropriate for STEM and humanities.
Location: Online
Program Dates: Rolling, 10–15 weeks
Cost: Starts at $2,500
Eligibility: Grades 8–12, international
Deadline: Rolling
Scholarships: Need-based
Mentorship programs for undergraduate research facilitate deeper academic inquiry, encourage personal development, and enhance your college applications and resumes. Through these programs, high school students conduct actual research under the supervision of professional mentors. This experience helps generate interest and build confidence, regardless if your career goals are in a STEM field, humanities, or another type of interdisciplinary workforce. Having early mentorship opportunities can help you to be a critical thinker, collaborative worker, and thoughtful contributor. Start the process early, remain curious, and look for a program that can align with your career ambitions and passions.
FAQs
1. Can I apply if I don’t have prior research experience?
Yes. Most programs look for curiosity, strong academics, and potential. You don’t need prior lab work but must show commitment and eagerness to learn.
2. Are these programs only for U.S. citizens?
Not always. Programs like Pioneer, RSI Korea, and YYGS accept international students. Check eligibility requirements for each program individually.
3. Do these programs guarantee Ivy League admission?
No program guarantees admission. However, they significantly strengthen your profile by demonstrating initiative, intellectual depth, and collaboration skills.
4. How do I find mentors outside of these programs?
You can reach out to university professors via email with a brief, thoughtful message showing interest in their research and asking about remote mentorship or lab shadowing.
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 Research. RISE connects you with mentors from leading universities, guides you through independent research, and helps you publish your work.
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