A Guide to Navigating the Confusing Field of High School Research Programs
High school research programs have always been a tough field to navigate, especially if you don’t know what you want to major in college or what college you want to attend. If you do, that's an excellent thing to know! However, don’t fret if you have no idea what awaits you in the future - this blog will help introduce you to various high school research programs that can fit your resume and make it look better!
Types of High School Research Programs
In the High School Research Programs field, there are three primary providers to give this amazing opportunity to students around the United States. Each type of program has their unique benefits and cons of participating within it.
College offered High School Research Programs
College High School Research Programs are a great way for any high schooler to improve their resume and gain college-level experience. Especially for students who already know their top choice of a college, if you get into that college’s high school research program, it will be an amazing resume builder. However, this type of high school research program’s true potential can be reached if you already know what college you want to get into.
Private Companies offered High School Research Programs
Private company high school research programs are a great way for students to get an understanding of the professional workforce and the expectations within them. By getting into a high school research program offered by a private corporation, students will get a feel of what environment they may get involved in the future. This is also a great resume builder for students who do not know what college they want to get into.
Government offered High School Research Programs
Government high school research programs are a great alternative for students to get into free research programs designed for them! While some private companies and colleges may charge students for entering high school research programs, the government is less likely to charge a fee - and maybe just pay you back. This is a great way for students to get involved with their local community while taking on the challenge of any high school research program.
Most Popular High School Research Programs
While this blog can’t cover every single high school research program out there, we will summarize and provide you with resources to access the most popular types out there. Whether you want to save humanity as a scientist or serve in the area of community and social sciences, we have you covered!
Scientific Based
Biology
The realm of biology will provide students with critical knowledge of genetics, ecology, microbiology, and maybe even a taste of biochemistry. Biology high school research programs may even dive into virology a little - but that depends on who is offering the program and where. Some major biology high school research programs are the:
Chemistry
Chemistry is a topic that most high school students fear and dislike - but for the few who enjoy it, there are a copious amount of programs out there just waiting for you to join! In chemistry high school research programs, students will explore chemical concepts and even help conduct experiments, which often include a lot of lab work. Some major chemistry high school research programs are:
Physics
The realm of physics is much more complex than simply dropping objects, and students will be able to discover more through the various high school research programs entities may offer. Here are some below that may help students discover if wormholes really exist, or if dropping an apple on their head will turn them into the modern-day Issac Newton:
Computer Science Based
Behind every computer, every robot, and every technological invention was a programmer typing away into the keyboard, giving life to the machine. These high school research programs will allow students to embrace and nurture their innovation into something more. As computer science is the future, these high school research programs are highly competitive to get into, but they are very rewarding
Social Sciences & Communities Based
While this may come as a shocker, there are a decent amount of high school research programs that are involved in social sciences and ethics. These programs are great for students who are passionate about their community, and making a difference through means that are not related to the STEM field. Each and every experience based around social sciences offers something to learn, whether it is the importance of community to how ethics has evolved throughout the years.
Engineering based
In the field of engineering, there are a lot of pathways a person could take - and even more high school research programs for students to get involved in. While these programs may get competitive and tiresome, they are a great way for students to get a head start.
Electrical
Whether they want to “shock” the world with their newfound discoveries (pun intended), or just want to gain experience, there are tons of high school research programs for future electrical engineers.
Chemical
Chemical Engineers are one of the highest-paid engineers in the field itself. Chemical Engineers can often benefit from programs researching chemistry, but programs that specialize in chemical engineering are even better. Dive into a world where chemicals mix with technology to truly push humanity's capabilities beyond the limits.
Civil
Civil Engineering high school research programs allow students to learn all about architecture and maintaining infrastructure. Arguably one of the most important aspects of the field of engineering, students will learn key methods of the engineering design process and how professionals do it within the field.
Mechanical
Mechanical Engineering High School research programs encourage students to improve their skills in designing and manufacturing mechanical systems. Being the foundational part of providing key resources to other fields of engineering, mechanical engineering is an essential role in our society. If a student is new to engineering but wants to pursue a high school research program in a STEM field, this is definitely one to consider.
Benefits of High School Research Programs
Professional Experience Before College
Hands-on research is one of the key defining things that colleges look for in all of their applicants. Not only will students be able to see what it is like in the professional field, but they will be able to ask questions and get real, personalized answers. Having the chance to just talk and work with professionals is a big opportunity any student would crave.
Stimulating Innovation and Creativity
In order for students to do well in college, especially for STEM majors, students must develop their innovative and creative skills early on. High school research programs are a great way to do this - not only will it work on their skills of collaboration, but it will truly let students work and help improve themselves for the future.
Developing your passion
Most people say you should get a career related to your passion - which is true in most cases. Having high school research programs allows students to get a feel to truly test if this is their passion, and if it is something they want to cultivate in the future.
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.
