Eleven of the best chemistry-focused summer research programs for high schoolers, with what each involves and who can apply. Dates and details change year to year, so confirm with each program.
1. Research Science Institute (RSI)
What it is: a highly competitive, free summer research program from the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) with MIT. Students do mentored research (including chemistry) alongside leading scientists, combining coursework with hands-on work and a final presentation.
Eligibility: rising seniors (U.S. or international) with strong academics and an interest in science and math.
2. Summer Science Program (SSP)
What it is: a residential program where students work in teams on real research, including an organic chemistry track, with lectures, lab work, and field trips.
Eligibility: rising seniors (and occasionally juniors) worldwide with strong academics.
3. MITES (MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science)
What it is: a rigorous six-week MIT program for students from underrepresented backgrounds, covering engineering and science (including chemistry), with classes, research, and MIT mentorship.
Eligibility: rising seniors from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds with strong STEM records.
4. Garcia Summer Scholars Program
What it is: a Stony Brook program where students do research in polymer science and technology on individual projects under faculty mentors, learning lab techniques and scientific communication.
Eligibility: rising juniors and seniors interested in science and engineering. Prior research experience helps but isn’t required.
5. COSMOS (California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science)
What it is: a four-week program across several UC campuses, with clusters including chemistry, combining hands-on labs, lectures, and a research project.
Eligibility: high-achieving students in grades 8-12; California residents, though out-of-state students may apply.
6. Boston University RISE Internship / Practicum
What it is: two tracks, an internship (lab research in chemistry and related fields) and a practicum (computational projects), both with mentoring and a final presentation. Note it’s a paid program.
Eligibility: rising seniors (U.S. citizens or permanent residents) with a strong science and math background.
7. Michigan State High School Honors Science, Math, and Engineering Program (HSHSP)
What it is: a seven-week residential program at Michigan State where students do research across STEM (including chemistry), attend seminars, and build scientific communication skills.
Eligibility: rising juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with strong STEM records.
8. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
What it is: Stanford’s summer institutes include chemistry courses (e.g. molecular biology, chemical engineering), with hands-on labs and Stanford faculty.
Eligibility: academically talented high schoolers worldwide, typically aged 14-17.
9. NYU Tandon ARISE
What it is: a seven-week NYU Tandon program with research across STEM (including chemistry), lab work, seminars, and faculty mentoring, geared toward college-level research.
Eligibility: NYC high school sophomores and juniors with a strong record and an interest in STEM.
10. Columbia University Science Honors Program (SHP)
What it is: a selective Saturday program at Columbia where students dig into advanced science and math (including chemistry) through weekly lectures and lab sessions.
Eligibility: students in grades 9-11 with exceptional ability in science and math. Admission is competitive.
11. University of Pennsylvania Chemistry Research Academy
What it is: a program at UPenn where students do advanced chemistry research, learning lab techniques and attending lectures across the field.
Eligibility: high schoolers with a strong chemistry background and an interest in research.
More opportunities
Rishab Jain, an ISEF winner, has run many research projects. His free STEM Student Guide lists 50+ opportunities and competitions, and you can also sign up for the International Research Olympiad.
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