A Guide to High School Research Internships
High schoolers typically do not have many opportunities to do research. Often they are rejected or overlooked when considering internships or research opportunities. But did you know that there are actually many research internship programs designed FOR high schoolers?
If you are a high schooler and want to participate in structured research programs, then this blog post is for you. We will go over high school research internships that are made for high schoolers just like you.
Why Should High Schoolers Participate in Research Internships?
Research internships offer high schoolers the opportunity to participate in graduate level research and to begin their research involvement early. This can lead to high schoolers deciding to focus on academia instead of a conventional job. It can also lead to an increasing knowledge base in the chosen field. Finally, high school research internships can lead to better connections with other students and with professors.
Additionally, high school research internships are immensely beneficial to individuals seeking to get into top colleges and universities. By demonstrating the ability to conduct research, High Schoolers can show college admittance officers their competitiveness and their hardworking nature.
List of High School Research Internships and Programs
There are so many high school research internships and programs out there, but below we’ve compiled a list of a few of our favorites.
INSPIRIT AI SCHOLARS
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful research project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
INSPIRIT AI + X 1:1 MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
The AI+X 1:1 Independent Mentorship program offered at Inspirit AI is an excellent way to start researching a field of your passion!
This program is primarily offered to those that have completed the AI Scholars program, which enables students to create a socially impactful project and explore the intersection between artificial intelligence and multi-disciplinary fields.
The AI+X 1:1 Mentorship allows high school students to receive one-on-one instruction from mentors as they connect artificial intelligence to real-world problems and create a project centered around machine learning. Research can be displayed in science fairs or even published in academic journals!
THE SUMMER SCIENCE PROGRAM (SSP)
This program allows high school students to conduct research in astronomy, genetics, and biochemistry. Students work with experts and mentors for six weeks to complete a research project. The program's fee varies according to household income. The SSP program dates vary by university and discipline; for example, the UNC Chapel Hill Astrophysics program runs from June 11 through July 19th. However, all programs start on either June 11 or 18, and end on July 19 or 26.
THE RESEARCH SCIENCE INSTITUTE (RSI)
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a prestigious program that is hosted at MIT and offered by the Center for Excellence in Education. Every summer, 80 exceptional students from all over the world gather at MIT to participate in a rigorous six-week program where they conduct original research in STEM fields. RSI is free for students and combines on-campus coursework in scientific theory with off-campus work in science and technology research.
Gaining admission to RSI is highly competitive; on average, there are more than 1600 applicants for only 80 spots, which translates to an acceptance rate of less than 5%. Admissions decisions are based solely on academic achievements and accomplishments, with no preference given to legacy or personal connections. Students are expected to have achieved high marks during their high school career and may have even led a club or started their own business or nonprofit. While the average GPA and test scores vary from year to year, students are typically in the top 1%.
THE SIMONS SUMMER RESEARCH PROGRAM
Offered by Stony Brook University, the Simons Summer Research Program is a prestigious program that provides high school students with the opportunity to engage in hands-on research in science, math, or engineering. Students work with distinguished faculty mentors and become part of active research teams while learning laboratory techniques and tools. The program also offers students the chance to experience life at a research university. The program runs for 7 weeks.
With an acceptance rate of around 8%, the program is highly competitive. Simons Summer Research Program provides high school students with a unique opportunity to conduct hands-on research in STEM fields at Stony Brook University. The program offers valuable experience and connections that can benefit students in their academic and professional pursuits.
COSMOS: CALIFORNIA STATE SUMMER SCHOOL FOR
MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE
COSMOS (California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science) is a summer residential program that provides high school students with the opportunity to engage in hands-on research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. The program is open only to California high school students and is offered at four University of California campuses: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz.
NASA’S GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER INTERNSHIPS
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) offers a variety of internship opportunities for students interested in gaining hands-on experience in space-related research and engineering. These internships provide valuable insights into NASA's missions and projects while allowing students to work alongside scientists, engineers, and other professionals at one of NASA's leading research centers.
How to Apply to High School Research Internships
Applying to a high school research internship involves several key steps.
STEP 1: FIND RESEARCH INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Research and identify internships that align with your interests and career goals. Explore opportunities at local universities, research institutions, or online databases. Or, apply to one of the opportunities listed above!
STEP 2: PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION & PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO REQUIREMENTS
Once you've found a suitable internship, carefully review the application requirements and deadlines. Prepare a strong application package that typically includes a well-crafted resume highlighting your relevant skills and experiences, a well-written cover letter expressing your enthusiasm and explaining why you're a good fit for the internship, and letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors who can attest to your academic abilities and work ethic. Pay close attention to any specific application instructions provided by the internship program.
STEP 3: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Finally, submit your application ahead of the deadline, and be prepared for potential interviews or follow-up questions. Demonstrating your passion for research, commitment, and a genuine desire to learn will increase your chances of securing a high school research internship.
Conclusion
These are just a few examples of the many high school research internships available. When looking for a good high school research internship, it’s important to consider the program’s reputation, the quality of mentorship provided, and the opportunities for hands-on research experience.
In conclusion, high school research internships offer numerous benefits to high school students looking to gain experience in their field of interest and stand out in college admissions. By participating in one of these programs, high schoolers can gain valuable skills and connections that will serve them well in their academic and professional careers.
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
