By Arpon N, Editor of MehtA+ High School Thriving Guide
MehtA+ High School Thriving Guide is designed by MehtA+ to guide high school students as they start thinking about their future. While our guide is not comprehensive, we hope that it is a starting points for students in their journey. Our hope for each student is that they not only survive, but thrive in the next phase of their life!
In part 10 of the MehtA+ High School Thriving Guide, we talk about research programs for international high school students. For students interested in participating in MehtA+’s AI/ML Research Bootcamp, check out https://mehtaplustutoring.com/ai-ml-research-bootcamp/.
Why should high school students get involved with research? It’s because diving into a research program offers more than just academic credit. It’s a golden chance to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world challenges. Students receive the opportunity to collaborate with experts, honing both technical skills and soft skills like communication and teamwork. These experiences are not merely resume boosters, but also personal growth catalysts, helping students discover their passions and potential career paths.
But what high school research opportunities are out there for international students — especially, those that offer financial aid or full scholarships? They are definitely hard to find, but we here at MehtA+ have compiled a list of hidden gems!
1. Science Internship Program (SIP)
Details: The Science Internship Program (SIP) offers high school students the opportunity to spend their summer working on authentic open-ended research projects in science, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and art under the mentorship of UCSC researchers. Usually, SIP is a 9-week program including 2 weeks or online research prep and 7 weeks of in-person active research.
Financial aid availabilities: Yes (International students are eligible for up to a full scholarship)
Usual Application Deadline: Early to Late March
2. Summer Science Program (Multiple Locations)
Details: The Summer Science Program offers teens an exhilarating and inspiring immersion into hands-on experimental science. Working in teams of three, 36 or 24 participants and 8 faculty form a supportive “living and learning community” over 39 days. Each team completes a real research project, taking and analyzing original data.
Financial aid availabilities: Yes (International students are eligible for up to a full scholarship)
Usual Application Deadline: Late December to Mid February
3) MehtA+ AI/Machine Learning Research Bootcamp (Virtual)
Details: The AI/Machine Learning Research Bootcamp is a rigorous 6-week virtual program designed for students in grades 8–12. Led by instructors from MIT and Stanford, participants delve into the mathematical foundations of AI, machine learning, and deep learning models. They learn advanced data preprocessing techniques and gain hands-on experience in developing complex AI models from scratch, completing AI research in conjunction with professors from the world’s top universities. By the program’s end, students will possess the fundamental skills required for entry-level positions as data scientists and machine learning engineers. The camp usually takes place last two weeks of June and the month of July.
Financial aid availabilities: Yes (International students are eligible for up to a full scholarship which includes being part of an internship)
Usual Application Deadline: Applications open up in early October
4) Pioneer Academics (Virtual)
Details: The Pioneer Research Program is a virtual research institute with the highest standards of selectivity and academic rigor. It is the only fully accredited online research program for high school students. The Pioneer Research Program provides undergraduate-level research opportunities to talented, intellectually motivated high school students from around the world.
Financial aid availabilities: Yes (International students are eligible for up to a full scholarship)
Usual Application Deadline: Various deadlines (Summer, Spring, and Winter programs available)
5) Program Name: Project SMART, UNH
Details: Project SMART (Science and Mathematics Achievement through Research Training) aims to challenge, educate, and motivate high school students entering grades 10–12 in science and technology. Specifically, the program’s focus is on “animal, human, plant and microbial biotechnology,” which students will gain exposure to through lectures and discussions.
Financial aid availabilities: Yes (International students are eligible for up to a full scholarship)
Usual Application Deadline: Various deadlines (Summer, Spring, and Winter programs available)
6) Cambridge Future Scholar Program (Virtual)
Details: The Future Scholar Programme is an online research-focused initiative for small groups of 2–5 students, led by current teaching faculty from top-tier institutions including the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and other Ivy League universities.
Financial aid availabilities: Yes (International students can be eligible for up to a full scholarship)
Usual Application Deadline: Various deadlines
7) Neoscholar CIS Summer Research Camp (Virtual and in-person)
Details: As Neoscholar’s signature program co-developed with the leading education nonprofit SixThirty Group, the CIS Summer Research Camp invites professors from top universities around the world to guide students through a comprehensive research journey. The program offers a fully immersive research experience, during which students will develop essential research skills and work side-by-side with an esteemed researcher. For most of our students, the CIS experience represents their first-ever research journey in life.
Financial aid availabilities: Yes (International students are eligible for up to a full scholarship)
Usual Application Deadline: Various deadlines
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As you can now see there are ample opportunities to dive into the world of researchers (hello, future scientists!) and possibly show your academic acumen to college admissions officers (just one of the many positives of doing research). We here at MehtA+ wish you the best of luck in conquering your favorite opportunities and exploring the interests you have.
Wishing you all the good things out there. Sayonara!
