The classic path: reach out directly to a professor at a nearby university whose research interests you, ask to volunteer, shadow, or assist in their lab

Limits:

• Usually unpaid, especially for high schoolers — you're offering your time in exchange for experience.

• You are not doing independent research on a topic of your choice, usually joining a group and being assigned tasks 

Best for: students near a university who want real wet-lab or hands-on experience

Build a shortlist of professors or labs

Search your local university's department pages for faculty whose research interests you. 

Search: [university] + faculty + [subject of interest {chemistry, physics, history... etc.)]

Write a short, specific cold email

Introduce yourself in 1-2 lines, say exactly why their work interests you (reference something specific; find their past research on google scholar), and make a clear, small ask — e.g., to volunteer, shadow, or assist. Keep it under 150 words. (format provided below)

Send to 10-15 people, not just one

Response rates are low even with a great email. Treat this like a batch process: track who you emailed and when in a simple spreadsheet, and don't take individual non-responses personally.

Prepare for the replies

If someone says yes, be ready to share your availability, a resume or transcript if asked, and be flexible on the role — even a shadowing or admin-heavy start can turn into real research work.