Research Programs in Pennsylvania 2026 | Penn, CMU & Hospital Research

Research experience is one of the strongest signals a high school student can show selective colleges. Working on a real project — in a university lab, a structured mentorship, or an independent study — demonstrates intellectual initiative that grades and test scores cannot. Pennsylvania spans the University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon, plus strong healthcare and tech hubs in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Well-known options include the Research Science Institute (RSI), Stanford's SIMR, the Summer Science Program (SSP), Pioneer Academics, and Polygence, alongside hundreds of university and hospital lab placements.

Admissions officers value research because it shows you can ask a question, stay with a hard problem for months, and clearly communicate what you found.

How to get started with research programs

  1. Pick a field you'd happily read about on a Saturday — biology, economics, machine learning — and narrow it to one specific question.
  2. Build a shortlist: structured mentorships (Polygence, Pioneer), free selective programs (RSI, SSP), and 8–10 professors whose recent papers you actually skimmed.
  3. Email professors a short, specific note — what you read, one question it raised, and how you'd help — rather than a generic 'can I join your lab.'
  4. Apply to 2–3 structured programs as a backup and track every deadline in the free Activities Tracker.
  5. Once you have results, share them: submit to a journal like JEI, present at a science fair (ISEF), or turn your project into a Common App essay.

Featured programs

Browse 4+ curated programs for high school students:

  • Penn Summer Academies — University of Pennsylvania: Immerse yourself in a hands-on summer program for high school students, exploring advanced STEM fields, gaining research experience, and boosting your
  • Penn Summer Academies in Biomedical Research — University of Pennsylvania: Immerse in a 3-week in-person biomedical research summer program at Penn. Gain hands-on lab experience, enhance STEM skills, and boost your college ap
  • Wistar High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research — The Wistar Institute: Explore biomedical research in this free, hands-on summer program for high school juniors and seniors. Build skills in molecular biology and boost you
  • Monell Science Apprenticeship Program — Monell Chemical Senses Center: Explore a paid high school research apprenticeship in taste and smell science. Build hands-on STEM skills, boost your college applications, and work w

Frequently asked questions

Are these research programs only in Pennsylvania?

These programs are based in or strongly tied to Pennsylvania, but many also accept students from out of state and some offer virtual participation. Always check eligibility on each listing.

Do I need prior experience to join a research program?

Most beginner-friendly options (Polygence, Pioneer, and many university labs) look for curiosity and commitment rather than published work. Start by emailing professors or applying to a structured mentorship.

Are high school research programs free?

Some are fully funded or paid (RSI, SSP, and many NIH and university labs), while mentorship platforms charge tuition. Filter by cost on the list below and look for need-based aid.

Can I publish my research as a high schooler?

Yes. Students publish in journals such as JEI and present at fairs like ISEF and the Regeneron Science Talent Search. See our guide on publishing research as a high schooler.