High School Research Programs: Diving Deep Into Your Passions
Research programs for high school students provide students with the opportunity to peak their interests while also gaining professional experience and impressive knowledge in any field. Not only does this strengthen a student’s expertise in a specific topic, this also narrows the scope of possible college majors to pursue in the future while bolstering college applications.
In this blog post, we discuss how to get started on your own research program as a high schooler, as well as what a high school research program really is and its clear benefits.
What are High School Research Programs?
High school research programs are designed to give students the chance to conduct research in a specific field of interest, under the guidance of experienced professionals. These programs are typically offered by universities, research institutions, or non-profit organizations, and they can take many different forms.
Some programs are designed to be completed over the summer, while others may be ongoing throughout the school year. Some programs are residential, meaning that students live on campus for the duration of the program, while others are non-residential and allow students to commute from home.
Why Participate in a High School Research Program?
There are many benefits to participating in a high school research program. For one, it gives students the chance to explore their niche interests and gain a deeper understanding of a particular field. It also allows students to work with experienced professionals and learn from their expertise. Additionally, participating in a research program can help students build their resumes and stand out when applying to colleges and universities. Finally, research programs can be a lot of fun - students get to work on interesting projects, meet new people, and learn new skills.
If you ever wanted to delve into a certain topic and never had the chance to do so, research programs are perfect!
Types of High School Research Programs
There are many different types of high school research programs available, depending on a student's interests and goals. Some examples are:
SUMMER RESEARCH PROGRAMS:
These programs are typically offered by universities and research institutions and are designed to be completed over the summer. They may be residential or non-residential and can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. You can look out for these by searching for them through a specific institution of your choosing or generally through a specific research topic.
RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS:
Some companies and organizations offer research internships for high school students. These programs can either be virtual, hybrid, or in-person and are typically over the summer. Make sure that you research the company or organization that you are possibly interning for to see if their goals align with your own. Since these are during the summer, make sure you are spending your time wisely and commit to working times that are convenient to you.
SCIENCE FAIRS AND COMPETITIONS:
Science fairs and competitions are a great way for students to showcase their research and compete against other students. These events can be local, regional, or national in scope and may offer prizes or scholarships to winners. Sometimes, even high schools have programs such as Advanced Scientific Investigations where students can create their own research project throughout the year with the help of teachers and compete in science fairs.
How to Find High School Research Programs
There are many resources available to help students find high school research programs. Some good places to start include:
INSPIRIT AI:
Inspirit AI offers research programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence and machine learning. If you are interested in researching artificial intelligence or looking to explore the interplay between various topics and machine learning (ex. Psychology and AI), you should seek out programs at Inspirit AI. Their website offers a plethora of information on their programs, as well as tips for finding other research opportunities.
COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY WEBSITES:
Many colleges and universities offer high school research programs, and their websites are a great place to start your search. Look for programs in your area of interest and be sure to check the application deadlines. Some universities require short essays and teacher letters of recommendations, so leave enough time to dedicate to that.
COMPANIES AND ORGANIZATIONS:
Although more difficult to obtain, research programs within organizations such as NASA definitely exist through their internship opportunities. You should also look out for companies that interest you that might be having research opportunities. Remember, you do not have to reach for a top company to succeed in a high-rewarding research opportunity.
SCIENCE FAIRS AND COMPETITIONS:
Check with your school or local science center to find out about upcoming science fairs and competitions. These events can be a great way to get involved in research and meet other students with similar interests.
Benefits of High School Research Programs
Participating in a high school research program can have numerous benefits – some listed below.
GAIN HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
One of the biggest benefits is that it allows you to gain hands-on experience in your chosen field. Not only can you gain the expertise of studying your interest at a high level, you can also find out if this certain topic is not what you want to pursue.
WORK WITH EXPERIENCED MENTORS
Another benefit of high school research programs is that you get to work with experienced mentors and qualified professionals. This can be a great way to learn from successful people who can offer valuable advice and guidance.
STAND OUT ON APPLICATIONS
Participating in a high school research program can also help you shape your resumes and stand out when applying to colleges and universities. With some research programs under your belt, you are showing others that you are willing to go above and beyond what is required and are committed to pursuing your interests.
HAVE FUN
Finally, high school research programs can be a lot of fun. You get to work on interesting projects, meet new people, and learn new skills. It can be a great way to spend the summer or school year and can help you identify what it is that you enjoy doing.
Start Your Own Research Program as a High Schooler
Research programs are a great way for high school students to explore their interests, gain valuable experience, and build their college applications or resumes. A research program can be started through various different alleys such as universities, companies, or you could even start your own research project. Whether you're interested in artificial intelligence, biology, law, or any other field, there's a high school research program out there for you.
If you are interested in seeking out ideas on combining your interests with a socially benefiting research program, you should seek our programs at Inspirit AI. The Inspirit AI live online program 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.
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.
