Chemistry programs for high schoolers.
60 programs indexed in chemistry. 35 are free or pay a stipend. 5 prioritize under-resourced or underrepresented students. This page updates whenever we add a new chemistry program.
All chemistry programs
- Highly SelectiveAgency for Science, Technology and ResearchA*STAR Scientific Research Programme
Government research placements for pre-university students in Singapore.
📍 Singapore⏱ 8 weeks📅 May🎓 Grades 11–12 - SelectiveCase Western Reserve University Department of ChemistryACS Project SEED — CWRU
Economically disadvantaged students conduct eight weeks of hands-on chemistry research with professional scientists and receive mentoring and a fellowship award.
📍 OH🎓 Eligibility not confirmed - ModerateUniversity of South CarolinaAdventures in Pharmacy
Carolina Master Scholars Adventure Series one-week pre-college track.
📍 SC🎓 Grades 9, 12 - SelectiveArmy Educational Outreach Program (AEOP)AEOP High School Apprenticeship Program
Students work alongside Army scientists and engineers on cutting-edge research projects in world-class laboratories.
📍 Nationwide⏱ 8 weeks📅 Early March🎓 Grades 9–12 - ModerateNew Hampshire Academy of ScienceAfter School Scientific Research Program
Students conduct authentic research under STEM professionals using laboratory tools and methods in areas such as molecular biology, analytical chemistry, bioinformatics, machine learning, water quality and optical engineering. The 2026–27 program is currently open.
📍 NH🎓 Grades 9–12 - ModerateAuburn UniversityAlabama Science and Engineering Fair — Senior Division
Students who advance through affiliated regional fairs present original science and engineering research for judging, awards, and advancement opportunities.
📍 AL🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveAlaska Science & Engineering FairAlaska Science & Engineering Fair
Alaska students present original scientific or engineering projects, with high-school participants eligible to compete for Alaska's pathway to the International Science and Engineering Fair.
📍 AK🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveAmgen FoundationAmgen Scholars — Europe & Asia
Fully funded summer research at host institutions across Europe and Asia for undergraduates in the sciences.
📍 Various📅 January🎓 Grade 12 - SelectiveAmgen FoundationAmgen Scholars Future Track
Free online biotech simulations and pipeline programs preparing high schoolers for biomedical research.
📍 Remote (nationwide)⏱ Self-paced📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12 - ModerateJohns Hopkins UniversityApplications of Chemistry in Medicine
College-level program examining applications of chemistry to medicine.
📍 MD🎓 Grades 10–12 - ModerateNew Hampshire Academy of ScienceApplied Scientific Research Summer Program
Three-week intensive in which students formulate a hypothesis and complete an original research project with PhD-level mentorship. The academy lists possible research papers, presentations and conference participation; registration for summer 2027 is already open.
📍 NH🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveArgonne National LaboratoryArgonne Exemplary Student Research Program
Chicago-area students conduct year-long research mentored by Argonne scientists.
📍 IL⏱ School year📅 October🎓 Grades 11–12 - ModerateUniversity of MississippiARISE@UM
Students spend four weeks conducting mentored research in fields including biology, chemistry, engineering, neuroscience, nanomaterials, physics, and renewable-energy chemistry while also earning up to six college credits. Summer 2027 applications are forthcoming.
📍 MS🎓 Grades 11–12 - SelectiveArizona Science CenterArizona Science and Engineering Fair (AzSEF)
Students advancing from qualifying fairs present original science or engineering research at Arizona's statewide fair. Senior Division Grand Award winners advance to Regeneron ISEF.
📍 AZ🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveAspiring Scholars Directed Research ProgramASDRP (RISE)
Free year-round Bay Area lab research. Open application.
📍 CA⏱ Year-round📅 May🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveMissouri University of Science and Technology / ASM InternationalASM Exploring Materials in Your World
Free selective materials-science program using laboratory equipment, experiments and team problem solving to investigate how materials behave and are engineered.
📍 MO🎓 Grades 11–12 - ModerateAuburn UniversityAuburn Summer Science Institute
Hands-on STEM research at Auburn — Alabama residents prioritized; in-state tuition aid available.
📍 AL⏱ 1 week (summer)📅 March🎓 Grades 10–12 - SelectiveUniversity of Mississippi Medical CenterBase Pair Biomedical Research Mentorship
High-school students, primarily from Murrah High School and the Jackson Public School District, complete rigorous biomedical-research preparation and then work in UMMC laboratories with faculty mentors. Students can earn high-school credit and have historically co-authored scientific presentations and publications.
📍 MS🎓 Grades 9–12 - ModerateUNLV College of SciencesBeal Bank USA Southern Nevada Regional Science & Engineering Fair
ISEF-affiliated regional fair for Nevada high-school research in chemistry, engineering/computing, environmental science, medicine, molecular biology, behavioral science, physics and astronomy. Cash prizes are offered and the overall winner may advance to ISEF.
📍 NV🎓 Grades 9–12 - ModerateNC State UniversityBiomass to Brilliance: Engineering a Greener Future
Residential program explores biomass, paper engineering, biofuels, recycling, bioplastics and printed electronics through laboratory work.
📍 NC🎓 Grades 11–12 - SelectiveJohns Hopkins UniversityBiophysics Research for Baltimore Teens (BRBT)
Rising sophomores through seniors spend five weeks conducting hands-on biophysics and biomedical research while studying scientific writing, mathematics, data analysis, and bioethics. The program is a paid internship; Hopkins materials list a $5,500 stipend.
📍 MD🎓 Grades 10–12 - SelectiveGenspaceBioRocket Internship
Six-month biotechnology internship combining spring training with summer research in molecular/synthetic biology. Participants receive a $2,000 stipend.
📍 NY🎓 Grades 9–12 - ModerateGeorgetown UniversityBiotechnology for Science & Health Academy
Two-week academy focused on biotechnology and its applications in health and biological science through intensive Georgetown programming.
📍 DC🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveLawrence Livermore National LaboratoryBiotechnology Summer Experience
Students conduct an authentic molecular-biology and bioinformatics project involving DNA purification, PCR, restriction digestion, gel electrophoresis and analysis of gene sequences using professional bioinformatics tools.
📍 CA🎓 Grades 11–12 - Highly SelectiveBoston UniversityBoston University Lab Apprenticeship in Science & Technology (BLAST)
Boston-area students participate in a paid biomedical-science internship featuring laboratory practicums and mentoring; the longer-term program can lead into immersive laboratory research.
📍 MA🎓 Grades 11–12 - SelectiveBreakthrough Prize FoundationBreakthrough Junior Challenge
Create a short video explaining a big idea in science or math. Global competition for ages 13–18 with a $250K college scholarship.
📍 Global📅 June🎓 Grades 7–12 - SelectiveBroad Institute (MIT & Harvard)Broad Summer Scholars Program
Paid genomics research for Boston-area rising seniors from underrepresented groups.
📍 MA⏱ 6 weeks (summer)📅 January🎓 Grade 11 - SelectiveUniversity of Louisville Brown Cancer CenterBrown Cancer Center High School Summer Research Program
Students complete two weeks of intensive wet-lab and drug-discovery work followed by seven weeks of mentored cancer research, then present their results at a poster showcase and research retreat. Participants receive $3,500.
📍 KY🎓 Grades 10–12 - ModerateOhio Academy of ScienceBuckeye Science & Engineering Fair
Independent statewide ISEF-affiliated research fair. Ohio students present original STEM research; six projects advanced directly to Regeneron ISEF in 2026.
📍 OH🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectivePrinceton Plasma Physics LaboratoryBuild Big Dreams Youth STEM Conference
More than 800 students attended the 2026 conference for hands-on STEM activities, demonstrations, panels and direct interaction with scientists and engineers. Grades 9–10 fall within its 7–10 eligibility range.
📍 NJ🎓 Grades 9–10 - SelectiveNorth Dakota NASA Space Grant ConsortiumBuild the Moon Challenge
Teams design lunar-regolith concrete mixtures while applying aerospace engineering, materials science, prototyping and experimental design.
📍 ND🎓 Grades 9–12 - ModerateCalifornia Science & Engineering FairCalifornia Science & Engineering Fair (CSEF)
Students qualifying through affiliated county or regional science fairs present original science and engineering projects at California's statewide competition.
📍 CA🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveUniversity of CambridgeCambridge Chemistry Challenge
Global chemistry problem-solving competition for Y12 / 11th-grade students; open worldwide.
📍 Global📅 Late June🎓 Grade 11 - ModerateThe College of New Jersey School of ScienceCamp Innovate and Investigate
Rising sophomores through seniors conduct hands-on work across biology, chemistry, physics, computer science and mathematics, including sustainability-focused investigations. The 2026 fee was $500.
📍 NJ🎓 Grades 10–12 - SelectiveDuke University Department of Cell BiologyCell Biology Academy (CeBA)
Six-week paid laboratory research academy for Triangle-area high-school students, with close mentoring in contemporary cell and molecular biology.
📍 NC🎓 Grades 10–12 - Highly SelectiveUniversity of Kentucky STEM ExperiencesChem Camp for High School Students
Students complete investigative chemistry laboratory experiences that extend high-school chemistry and expose them to university laboratories and research environments. No prior chemistry experience is required.
📍 KY🎓 Grades 9–12 - ModerateUniversity at BuffaloChem-E Camp
Week-long chemical-engineering program for upperclassmen interested in chemistry, physics and mathematics. The 2026 fee was $400.
📍 NY🎓 Grades 11–12 - SelectiveUniversity of Kansas Wonderful Institute for Sustainable EngineeringChemical Engineering Experience in Research (ChEER) for Youth Interns
Students ages 15–18 conduct non-hazardous chemical-engineering research under graduate or postdoctoral mentors, participate in research meetings, analyze data, and present results. The internship is unpaid and intended for students who can commute locally.
📍 KS🎓 Grades 9–12 - ModerateCU Science DiscoveryChemical Engineering for a Changing World
Students design experiments, analyze data, optimize systems and investigate how chemical engineers address energy, medicine, sustainability and technology challenges.
📍 CO🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveUniversity of PennsylvaniaChemistry Research Academy
Delve into modern chemistry through a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory experience. Work on research projects under the guidance of Penn faculty and graduate students.
📍 Multiple🎓 Eligibility not confirmed - ModerateIllinois Institute of Technology Elevate College PrepChemistry Scholars
An intensive high-school chemistry summer program offered through Illinois Tech's Elevate College Prep portfolio. The listed 2026 program price was $4,500.
📍 IL🎓 Grades 9–12 - ModerateUniversity of Louisville J.B. Speed School of EngineeringChemistry Summer Camp
Students conduct experiments and laboratory activities involving real-world chemistry such as food and medicine while interacting with UofL faculty and students. The 2026 fee was $250.
📍 KY🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveNYC College of Technology / CUNYCity Tech STEM Research Academy
High-school students complete research preparation and summer projects in engineering technology, computer science, biology and chemical technology.
📍 NY🎓 Grades 10–11 - Highly SelectiveTexas Tech UniversityClark Scholars Program
Intensive research with TTU faculty across STEM and humanities. $750 stipend, room and board covered.
📍 TX (nationwide eligibility)⏱ 7 weeks (summer)📅 February🎓 Grades 11–12 - ModerateLouisiana State UniversityCoast and Environmental Sciences Camp
Students collect environmental samples in the field, analyze them in LSU laboratories, visit conservation/research sites, and examine issues including microplastics, pollution, hypoxia, and coastal ecosystems.
📍 LA🎓 Grades 10–12 - SelectiveChildren's National HospitalColaco Scholar Program
One or two area high-school students spend about eight weeks in Children's National's clinical laboratory learning medical testing, shadowing pathologists/hematologists and participating in research projects.
📍 DC🎓 Grades 9–12 - ModerateOregon State UniversityColor Innovation Workshop
Interdisciplinary exploration of color science, chemistry, materials and design.
📍 OR🎓 Eligibility not confirmed - ModerateColorado State University / Colorado State Science FairColorado Science & Engineering Fair
Students qualifying through one of Colorado's regional fairs present original research at the statewide science and engineering fair in categories ranging from chemistry and biomedical science to physics, computer science, and engineering.
📍 CO🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveColumbia UniversityColumbia Junior Science Journal
Peer-reviewed high-school-authored science journal at Columbia.
📍 Online⏱ Year-round📅 Annual (opens July, closes October)🎓 Grades 9–12 - ModerateUMBCComputational Materials Chemistry
High-school students explore materials chemistry using computational approaches.
📍 MD🎓 Grades 9–12 - ModerateNorthern Kentucky University CINSAMCooking with Chemistry Jr. Academy
Students investigate the chemistry behind cooking and baking in a chemistry laboratory and then apply those concepts through hands-on food experiments. High-school eligibility extends through rising grade 10.
📍 KY🎓 Grades 9–10 - SelectiveNorthern Arizona University ¡MIRA!Cultural and Academic Research Experience (CARE)
High-school students conduct hands-on STEMM research with mentors while receiving college-preparation training. In-person participants can receive housing, meals, and a stipend up to $4,500; a virtual research track is also offered.
📍 AZ🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveCommunity Foundation of Northern NevadaCynthia Chapman Memorial Scholarship
Northern Nevada seniors with a background in music who intend to pursue a science-related degree may apply; preference is given to Eureka County applicants.
📍 NV🎓 Grade 12 - SelectiveUniversity of Michigan Department of ChemistryD-RISE
Cass Technical High School students spend seven weeks doing full-time mentored chemistry research while living on the U-M campus during the week.
📍 MI🎓 Grades 11–12 - SelectiveDAADDAAD RISE Germany
Summer research internships in Germany for undergraduates from North America, UK, and Ireland; monthly stipend + travel.
📍 Various📅 December🎓 Grade 12 - SelectiveDavidson InstituteDavidson Fellows
Scholarships of USD 10K, 25K, and 50K for students under 18 with significant work in STEM, literature, music, or philosophy.
📍 Online application⏱ Project-based📅 February🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveOffice of the State Superintendent of EducationDC STEM Fair
DC students present original STEM research at the District's official science and engineering fair. High-school overall winners and runners-up can advance toward Regeneron ISEF.
📍 DC🎓 Grades 9–12 - Highly SelectiveUniversity of MississippiDiscover Engineering at UM
Rising ninth graders can explore chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering through hands-on challenges and university laboratory activities.
📍 MS🎓 Grade 9 - ModerateMissouri University of Science and TechnologyDiscovering Chemistry
Laboratory-centered chemistry camp exploring molecules, reactions and experimental chemistry. The 2026 fee was $800.
📍 MO🎓 Grades 9–12 - SelectiveWayne State University School of MedicineDiscovery to Cure Summer Internship Program
Rising seniors age 16+ spend eight weeks working roughly 40 hours per week in a C.S. Mott Center research laboratory studying areas such as reproductive biology, immunology, oncology, toxicology, and precision medicine.
📍 MI🎓 Grade 12