List of opportunites⤵︎

1. Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholarship: This is the oldest, most prestigious competition to find the future of  STEM through a reserch competition. All high school seniors who wish to participate will submit an independent original, reserch paper that is either scientific or mathematical along with essays, and recomendations. About 2,600 high school seniors qualify to compete for number 1 out of the 40 final students. $250,000 will be given to the first place student. 

Requirements:

1. Must be a U.S. citizen either in the United States or abroad

2. Must be in their final year of high school (senior year)

3. Applicants who wish to apply must NOT have competed in the past

4. Applicants who wish to apply must have not graduated high school before the application deadline

Application deadline: Thursday, November 5th, 2026

2. Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship: The Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship supports high school seniors in underserving communites who intend to pursue higher education competor science in the future. The winner revices a $40,000 scholarship along with a paid internship at Amazon. Students who wish to apply must write a 250 word essay on why they should win the scholarship along with documents such as the tax 1040, and a teacher reccomation (that is sent to your computor science, engineering or robotics teacher).

Requiremnts:

1. Must be a high school senior who have enrolled in any computor science, engineering, or robotics course like AP Computor Science A, AP Computor Science Principles, IB Computor Science and others. If you can take an exam if you have not taken any of the following courses and others.

2. Must have a 2.3-4.0 GPA

3. Must be needing finincial assitence

4. W0rk eligiable in the Uniated States for at least 2 years. This includes U.S. citizens, United States permanent residents (holders of a Permanent Resident Card), or Employment Authorized to work in the United States.

Application deadline: TBD (will be updated/posted once it comes out!)

3. Davidson Fellows Scholarship: The Davidson Fellows Scholarship is award to high aciveing, gifted students. Students who choose to particpate have to complete a STEM related project. The winners recieve a $25,000-$100,000 scholarship. 

Reqiurments: 

1. Must be 18 years old or younger.

2. Must have completed a significant project/piece of work.

3. Can work alone or with a team (students who choose to work in a team must meet the age requirements)

4. Project must meet the crietiera.

5. Application form that is sent out must be signed by a parent or guardian.

Deadline: TBD (2027 applications will be open fall of 2026)

1. Children's Science Center Lab (Virginia): Open to students aged 13-16+ in Fairfax, Virginia where students can help prepare hands on activites, prepare science nights with kids, and can help at local elementary schools in the area.

2. National Air and Space Musem (Virginia): Open to students (including high school students)  in Chantilly, Virginia where students can help facilitate hands-on learning activities and interactive experiences or can apply for long-term roles such as astronomy education volunteers or help out at visitor services. These require monthly time commitment and orientation. 

3. STEMShareKids (online): STEMShareKids is a program that allows middle and high school volunteers to share their STEM knowledge with younger children. Open to middle and high school volunteers teach younger kids remote topics like Scratch programming, math, and 3D design via Zoom or Webex. 

4. STEM non-profits on Instagram: If you are a high school student that has Instagram, you can get volunteer hours through different STEM non-profits by making cards, teaching STEM concepts and more. You can apply to these on Instagram, TikTok or their websites.

Here ares some STEM/STEAM non-profits to apply to!

• Cancer Kids First

• STEAM & Stories

• Neuroscience Nation

1. FIRST Robotics competition (USA and International):

A competition for students in grades 9-12 (ages 14-18)  interested in robotics. Students in teams will work with professional engineering mentors to design, build, and program industrial-sized robots (up to 125 lbs) to play a difficult field game against competing teams to win awards in engineering, creativity, and being able to work in a team.

Payment & Registration Opening: September 24, 2026 (teams can make payments and begin event preferences)

Kickoff Event Selection Dates: September 24, 2026 (Noon ET) – November 17, 2026 (Noon ET) 

Season Kickoff / Game Reveal: January 9, 2027 

Event date: April 29 – May 2, 2026 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX.

2. International Science Olympiad (United States and International):

The International Science Olympiad (ISO)—formerly structured under the National Science Olympiad by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF)—is an annual global competition designed for students in classes 1 through 12 who are interested in STEM.

Exam Dates: October 30, November 19, and December 3, 2026 

Eligibility: Students in Classes 1 through 12 are eligible to participate.

Registration: Individual student applications are not accepted; registrations must be submitted collectively through the participating student's school.

Deadline: Schools generally require application forms and fees to be submitted at least 30 days prior to the chosen exam date.

Exam Format:

• Conducted as Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).

• Classes 1–4 answer 35 questions; Classes 5–12 answer 50 questions

3. Congressional App Challenge (USA)

The 2026 Congressional App Challenge is an annual coding competition hosted by members of the U.S. House of Representatives for middle and high school students.

Eligibility: Open to middle and high school students who are U.S. residents and live or attend school in a participating congressional district.

Team Size: Students may compete individually or in teams of up to four members. For teams, at least 50% of the members must reside or go to school in the district where they submit their entry.

Submissions: Limit of one application per student per year. The app must be original and created using any programming language.

May 1, 2026: Challenge officially launches and submission period opens.

October 26, 2026 (12:00 PM EDT): Deadline for students to register and submit their apps online.

November 2026: Judging period.

December 2026: Winners announced by congressional offices.

Spring 2027: #HouseOfCode Science Fair for winners (TBA).

4. MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge (M3 Challenge) (USA and International)

The MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge (M3 Challenge) is a free, internet-based applied math competition for high school juniors/seniors and sixth form students where teams solve an unknown, real-world problem using math and data within a 14-hour window. 

Format: Teams of 3 to 5 students choose any 14 continuous hours during the Challenge weekend to download an unrevealed, open-ended real-world problem, build mathematical models, and submit a written solution paper.

2026 Topic: Online sports betting and its societal risks/trends (predicting individual money gains/losses over a year).

Prizes: Over $100,000 in total scholarship awards.

Participants: High school juniors and seniors in the U.S. (including territories/DoDEA) or sixth form students (ages 16–19) in England and Wales. 

Dates for 2027 competition: TBD

1. RSI:

The Research Science Institute (RSI) is an exceptionally prestigious, cost-free, six-week summer residential program co-sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It brings together roughly 100 of the world’s most accomplished high school students.

Participants experience the entire research cycle from start to finish. The program begins with one week of intensive STEM classes with accomplished professors, followed by a five-week research internship where students conduct individual, original projects under the direct mentorship of experienced scientists and university faculty. During the final week, students deliver conference-style oral and written reports on their findings.

Requirements:

Target Eligibility: Students apply during the middle of their junior year (Grade 11) to participate the summer before their senior year. Current high school seniors are not eligible.

U.S. vs. International Applicants: U.S. citizens and permanent residents apply directly through the CEE portal. International students must apply through a CEE-recognized partner organization in their home country.

Application Fee: A non-refundable $75 fee (fee waivers are available for students with financial need).

Key Components Required:

• Detailed essay responses demonstrating academic goals, deep STEM interests, and intellectual history.

• Two to three recommendation letters from math/science teachers or research supervisors.

• Official high school transcripts showing elite grades.

• Nationwide standardized test scores (PSAT, SAT, ACT, or AP).

Recommended Test Scores: 

• PSAT Math: 740 or higher

• PSAT EBRW: 700 or higher

• ACT Math: 33 or higher

• ACT Verbal: 34 or higher

Important Dates: 

• Application Opens: Mid-October

• Application Closes: Second week of December

• Application Review: January - February 2027

• Admission notifications: March - Early April 2027

• RSI Program Dates: Late June - Early August 2027

2. MITES: 

A six-week residential program hosted directly on the MIT Campus. Students take a demanding load of five courses (math, physics, life sciences, humanities, and a project elective) and present their work at a final symposium. Room, board, and tuition are completely free/

• Summer / Semester: Applicants must be high school juniors (applying in the winter of 11th grade to participate as rising seniors).

Residency: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Academic Records: An unofficial high school transcript detailing grades from 9th, 10th, and early 11th grade. Standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, PSAT, AP) are completely optional but strongly recommended.

Recommendations:

• Summer / Semester: 3 required letters (one math/science teacher, one humanities teacher, and one counselor/administrator).

Essays: Five short-answer essay prompts (300-word limit each) reflecting your individual circumstances, background, and intellectual drive for STEM.

Dates:

Applications Opens: November 2026

Student Application Deadline: February 1, 2027

Recommender Deadline: February 15, 2027

Admissions Decisions Released: Mid-to-Late April 2027

Program Start Window: Late June 2027 

3. Girls Who Code:

The Girls Who Code Pathways Program (formerly covering online summer self-paced tracks and year-round options) is a free, virtual tech experience for high school students.

Program Description

• Focus: High school girls and non-binary students explore cutting-edge technology fields at their own pace.

• Tracks: Choose from curriculum areas including AI + Society, Data Science + AI, Cybersecurity, Game Design, and Web Development.

• Format: Flexible, self-paced virtual learning (taking about 3–6 hours per course or 6–7 weeks total), supported by a global Discord community, corporate partner events, and industry mentors.

• Cost: Completely free.

Requirements

• Gender: Open to students who identify as girls or non-binary.

• Grade Level: U.S. students in 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade (including rising 9th graders and graduating seniors). International students ages 14–18 are also welcome.

• Experience: No prior coding or computer science experience is required.

Dates: 

• Fall Pathways Program 2026: Runs from October 19, 2026 to December 4, 2026.

4. SPINWIP:

The Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP) is a free, 3-week virtual summer outreach program hosted by the Stanford Physics Department and KIPAC for high school students. 

 Program Description

• Core Curriculum & Coding: Explores cutting-edge topics like astrophysics, cosmology, and quantum computing, alongside basic Python programming for physics projects.

• Structure & Cost: Features lectures by Stanford professors, small-group mentoring with undergrads, and college/career workshops with no costs

Requirements & Eligibility

• Background: No prior physics or coding experience is needed.

• Demographics: Open to high school students in grades 9–11 at application time. While focused on women and gender minorities, all genders may apply. It is fully virtual and open to international students, with preference for rising juniors/seniors and underrepresented or under-resourced backgrounds.

• Application: A standard form is required, with an optional teacher recommendation.

 Program Dates & Deadlines

• Application Deadline: Early May 2027 (May 1 in 2026).

• Program Run: Early to late July 2027 (July 6 – July 24, 2026), Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM PDT

For students in Virginia, United States

George Mason ASSIP:

Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University (GMU) is a highly selective, 8-week research mentorship designed for high school and undergraduate students. Selected interns work hands-on, one-on-one with GMU faculty researchers using state-of-the-art technology to solve advanced, hypothesis-driven scientific questions. Participants frequently earn 3 college credits from GMU, contribute to projects that can lead to scientific journal publications, and present their findings at a final research symposium. 

Formats: In-person (commuter style at Fairfax, Manassas, or Woodbridge campuses), hybrid, or fully remote/virtual options.

Core Research Fields: Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Bioinformatics, Proteomics, Molecular Medicine, Bioengineering, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Drug Discovery, Nanotechnology, and Astronomy.

Cost: $1,299 tuition fee (for the 3 credits, though mandatory fees are waived) plus a $25 application fee. Need-based waivers are available.

Age Limits: Minimum ages are strict due to safety and liability rules and must be met by the orientation date:

• 15 years old for remote/virtual or in-person computer-lab research.

• 16 years old for in-person or hybrid "wet-lab" research (involving chemicals, biohazards, electrical, or mechanical risks).

Exclusions: Letters of recommendation and transcripts are not required and will not be accepted or reviewed.

Expectations: Interns work roughly 30 hours per week (typically Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM). Students must arrange their own transportation or pay for campus housing if they are 18 or older (housing is not provided for minors).

Applications Open: Fall 2026 (Typically late November / early December)

Application Deadline: Mid-February 2027 (Hard cutoff at 11:59 PM)

Review & Interviews: Late February – March 2027 (Interviews conducted directly by faculty mentors)

Decision Notifications: Early April 2027

Program Duration: Mid-June – Mid-August 2027 (~8 weeks, full time)

Final Research: August 2027 (Required concluding poster presentation) 

VESSS:

The Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) program is an interactive, NASA-connected STEM program designed for high school juniors and seniors. It is managed by the Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) in partnership with NASA Langley Research Center. The program focuses on the global impacts of climate change, weather patterns, and Earth’s dynamic systems using real-world NASA and NOAA data. 

Online Course (December – May): A rigorous 16-week interactive online course covering Earth system science, atmospheric composition, and climate variability. Students can earn 4 transferable dual-enrollment college credits (Geology 105) through Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC, formerly TNCC) at no cost. 

Summer Academy (July): Top-performing students from the online course are selected to attend an all-expenses-paid, 7-day residential Summer Academy at NASA Langley Research Center. Scholars collaborate in teams alongside NASA scientists and engineers to design a hypothetical satellite mission. Completion adds 1 additional college credit.

Requirements:

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Grade Level: Must be a current high school junior (11th grade) or senior (12th grade).

• Residency: Must be a Virginia resident and a U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident.

• Academic Standing: Must have a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.7.

• Tech Access: Must have regular access to a computer with an internet connection.

• Interest: Must possess an interest or skill in math, science, engineering, or technology.

Dates for 2026/2027 Cycle:

• Applications Open: August 19, 2026

• Application Deadline: October 26, 2026 (Note: Counselor/teacher endorsements are typically due around this timeframe as well).

• Online Course Duration: December 2026 – May 2027

• Summer Academy: July 2027