Opportunities
The chemistry hub for competitions, internships, and more.
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Internships & Programs:
Internships & Programs:
Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program provides a rare opportunity for highschoolers and undergraduate college students to collaborate with certified researchers to create new cutting-edge technology in the STEM field. This event will take place at George Mason University in Virginia. The application window closes in February of 2024, and all will be reviewed by March, upon which a select few will be interviewed. This is an 8-week program that lasts through summer.
Why should you apply? You can gain experience with advanced technology in fields you might be pursuing, gain communication and writing skills, learn about possible careers in the STEM field with advice from professionals, and be able to demonstrate your creativity!
You MUST be 15 or older to apply for a remote internship, and 16 years or older to apply for a “wet-lab” / in-person internship (includes biochemical hazards and electrical risks). Your name could be published in a scientific journal, so don’t miss out! Participation in ASSIP can lead to meaningful, fulfilling job prospects in STEM.
This is a quote from a former student:
"My experience at ASSIP for the last two summers was probably the most beneficial and impactful experience I have had in my life so far. It taught me how to be a better scientist and engineer, how to develop new ideas, and how to make those ideas a reality. I accomplished a lot that I never thought I was capable of doing as a high school student such as filing for three patents and inventing new technologies to be used by companies to help others. The ability to see that my work has the capability of helping others and that I can make a difference, even as a high school student, has given me the confidence I need to continue innovating."
For more information, please visit https://science.gmu.edu/assip
*Applications for ASSIP are open until February 11, 2024. Note that there is a $25 application fee. Please visit the page for details.
Summer Academy for Math and Science
The Summer Academy for Math and Science is a 6 week long summer program lasting from late June to early August. Students in underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply if they are interested in delving into the STEM field! Students will learn from renowned professors at Carnegie Mellon University, allowing them to develop a better understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Students will be engaged in various projects, classroom instruction, and communicate with professors.
The goal of SAMS is to create a diverse community of students who are thinking about pursuing a career in the STEM field and attending top-rated universities. This program expands your knowledge in STEM, promotes the pursuit of STEM careers, provides access to opportunities relating to the subject, and allows you to develop skills that can be applied to various STEM careers. You must be at least 16 years old, a junior in high school, and a citizen of the United States in order to apply.
For more information, please visit https://www.cmu.edu/pre-college/academic-programs/sams.html
*Applications for SAMS 2024 are due by March 1st. Decisions will be announced on April 5th.
Science Internship Program
The Science Internship Program is a 9-week program, complete with 2 weeks of online research and 7 weeks of research taking place in person. This program focuses on several different fields even beyond science, including engineering, social sciences, humanities, and the arts, all of which are under the supervision of respectable UCSC researchers! The specific dates for workshops and application deadlines are listed on the website, linked below.
SIP works tirelessly to ensure that students from underrepresented backgrounds are eligible to apply. This is a great internship that allows you to learn more about a scientific area of interest, plus harness skills that are invaluable in the workforce.
Listen to these SIP Testimonials:
For more information, please visit https://sip.ucsc.edu
*Applications for the Science Internship Program in 2024 are open from March 1st to March 31st.
Joint Science Education Program (JSEP)
The Joint Science Education Program, funded by Greenland, JSEP is a collaboration between the three nations of the United States, Greenland, and Denmark to inspire new generations on STEM. First introduced in 2007, high school and university students work with teachers from these three countries to research polar environments. Students learn about science and engineering in the context of preserving nature under the supervision of international scientists.
You can participate in JSEP through a remote or in-person program. Both of these programs have different requirements and eligibility, so be sure to check the website for further information. The remote program is open to all students who are citizens of the United States and juniors in high school (11th graders) at the time of their application. The field program contains three criteria: students who are U.S citizens, have done a remote JSEP program in 2022 or 2023, and are no older than 18 years of age by June 1, 2024. These requirements are subject to change in future JSEP opportunities. If you are passionate about climate change, particularly in polar areas that are not suited for warmer conditions, consider applying to make a change!
JSEP Remote Program Application: https://forms.gle/eZhcHEuLbkGs8A8QA
JSEP Field Program Application: https://forms.gle/97ZJUrFiXcQeRoGt7
For more information, please visit https://sites.google.com/dartmouth.edu/jsep2020/how-to-apply/jsep-students/u-s?authuser=0
*Applications for JSEP during the summer of 2024 are open now through January 31st, 2024.
University of California Berkeley’s Extension Program
University of California Berkeley is offering a year-round program meant to engage students in a different approach to studying chemistry, creating opportunities with easier access and flexibility. There is an Introduction to Chemistry course online where students have 180 days to complete. This course lets students work at their own pace, reviewing interactions of atoms, chemical bonds, and chemical reactions. High-schoolers from 9th to 12th grade are eligible to participate!
Students have control over when they want to go through courses. Since there are no lab activities that require the physical presence of the student, this program is open to a wide range of aspiring scientists!
For more information, please visit https://extension.berkeley.edu
*Applications are continuous–apply whenever you want! Program dates are year-round.
UCLA Summer Sessions
University of California Los Angeles is providing high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with an opportunity to take college-level chemistry classes. This program has very flexible scheduling, with eight different sessions ranging from July to September to choose from. There are courses outside of chemistry too, but some of the chemistry courses include Chemistry for Life Scientists and CHEM 20A Chemical Structure. This is an environment where students can discover and pursue their interests, improve their understanding in chemistry, and meet fellow peers.
What are some benefits of participating? Students can earn college credit! Not only that, but being at UCLA’s Californian campus is an experience to be remembered. This program prepares high schoolers with university level equivalents to academics.
For more information, please visit https://summer.ucla.edu
*Registrations are currently open. Payment deposit deadline is June 21st, 2024.
Brown University Pre-College Program
Brown University is offering a pre-college program for high school students to introduce them to fascinating chemistry concepts, and courses in subjects outside of science as well! Select from over 300 different courses ranging from environmental studies to history! Courses last about 6 weeks, and students will get the chance to stay at Brown University and attend college-level classes within the company of friendly and motivated peers.
All high school students are eligible to apply. You can choose to experience these courses online, commute, or live on campus. Challenge yourself by trying out one from the huge selection of courses. Experience and learn how to be excited about science, technology, engineering, and math, or embrace your creative side and study literature, history, or the arts! Regardless of which course you choose, you will have the opportunity to grow and learn how to be more responsible, independent, and how to manage time without pressure to achieve good grades!
For more information, please visit https://precollege.brown.edu
*The registration deadline for the summer of 2024 is on May 10th.
Cornell University Pre-College Studies
Cornell University’s pre-college studies are available for all high school students who have taken a chemistry course during their high school career. Students learn comprehensively about certain aspects of chemistry including chemical transformations, periodic trends, the structure of elements, and chemical bonding. These extensive lessons are perfect for individuals who are seeking a possible career in chemistry, enjoy the subject and want to explore more, and for those who want an experience to test the waters.
By participating, students can earn college credit while still being a high school junior or senior! You will also get the opportunity to study at an Ivy League school–Cornell–and work with remarkable professors who want to help you achieve your full potential!
For more information, please visit https://sce.cornell.edu/precollege
*Applications for Cornell University Pre-College Studies are currently open. Different summer sessions have varying deadlines; please check the website to see which works best for you!
Yale Summer Session
Yale Summer Session offers academically challenging summer courses. There is a large catalog of summer programs to explore. These programs are available to high schoolers, college students, and international students! Experience this opportunity online, in New Haven, and even abroad.
What are some benefits of applying? Gain experience in a rigorous college environment, participate in unique and immersive programs tailored to your interests, and earn college credit!
For more information, please visit https://summer.yale.edu
*Applications are currently open. Session A starts May 27th until June 28th. Session B lasts from July 1st until August 2nd.
Tufts University Pre-College Summer Programs
Tufts University is offering these summer programs in order to prepare high schoolers for the rigorous environment of college. Tufts has a wide set ranging from Mini Medical School to Studio Art. These summer programs are led by esteemed faculty and scholars who are encouraging and knowledgeable in their respective fields. Peers who are just as passionate for learning create an invigorating environment that will inspire anyone.
If you’re looking for a challenge when it comes to academics, getting adjusted to college life, meeting people with similar interests, or you’re just exploring potential career fields, Tufts’ programs are there for you!
For more information, please visit https://universitycollege.tufts.edu/high-school
*Applications for 2024 are currently open. The deadline for all materials and payment are due on May 15th. The deadline for enrollment forms is on June 1st.
World Scholars Academy
Discover summer medical programs to learn about complex concepts in medicine taught by a renowned medical professor. This is a two-week course for high schoolers ages 15 to 18. There are two curriculums; the World Doctors Academy introduces potential medical degrees and careers, teaches studying skills to prepare for college, human anatomy, biochemistry and pharmacology, nutrition, neuroscience, case studies, and even a mock-hospital experience. The program begins on July 8th and ends on July 19th.
Whether you are actively pursuing a career in medicine or testing the waters to see if it’s right for you. It doesn’t hurt to take this opportunity and leave with lifelong knowledge in medicine and skills in health optimization and build a path towards academic success.
World Doctors Academy (Ages 15-18)
Discover Medicine Academy (Ages 12-14)
For more information, please visit https://www.worldscholarsacademy.com/medical-courses
*Early enrollment for the summer medical program costs $2,695 and ends by March 31st. Standard prices occur after this deadline, at $2,795.
High School Summer Internship Program
HI-SIP offers the chance to study biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences for students interested in STEM. These are research opportunities for students currently in the 11th or 12th grade. Programs will take place on all NIH campuses in Maryland. Interns have access to development programs led by professionals, career advice, and a resilience program. HI-SIP prioritizes diversity, so people of different ethnic backgrounds, disabilities, LGBTQ+, and the disadvantaged are welcomed.
Why should you participate? HI-SIP has opportunities in a wide range of subjects, including but not limited to: biology, engineering, epidemiology, psychology, mathematics, chemistry, pharmacology, nursing, physics, computer science, and more! If you are thinking of pursuing a career in medical science research and healthcare, please consider applying for this internship.
HS-SIP: NIH High School Summer Internship Program (How to Apply)
For more information, please visit https://www.training.nih.gov/research-training/hs/hs-sip/
*Applications for HI-SIP are open until February 16th, 2024. Reference letters are due by the 23rd of February.
Boston University is offering one, two, three, and six week programs meant to prepare up and coming scholars for college. There are five accredited programs to select from that specialize in STEM and beyond! Work in research labs with others just as excited to share similar interests relating to the future of higher education! There will be fun activities, group projects, and seminars that combine lectures with hands-on learning, projects, and discussions.
Some benefits of signing up include the fact that you can earn college credit! You can also learn more about a subject you’re interested in. Not only that, but the experiences you will gain from participating will no doubt be invaluable and memorable. The BU Summer High School Programs will provide you with the opportunity to get adjusted to college life and push your academic prowess.
Academic Immersion
For more information, please visit https://www.bu.edu/summer/high-school-programs/ to see the full list of programs and eligibility requirements. Scroll down to the bottom of the page for residency details.
*Applications for these pre-college summer programs are currently open and close in middle to late May. Application deadlines for specific programs are listed on the website.
Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation Pre-College Programs
This summer, Johns Hopkins is offering college-level engineering classes for high school students interested in engineering and STEM. Those who have passion for mathematics, science, and technology, are able to discover a diverse selection of engineering careers. There are multiple different programs to select from, including engineering, sustainable energy, and biomedical engineering.
Want to be an engineer? There is a wide range of options to explore. Refine your skills in STEM, computer science, leadership, engineering, environmental science, and more. High school students are encouraged to apply! You can even earn college credit!
For more information, please visit https://teenlife.com/l/summer/johns-hopkins-engineering-innovation-pre-college-programs/
*Applications for these internships offered by Johns Hopkins in summer of 2024 are open until the middle of May. Note that there is a tuition fee. See website for more details.
US Naval Academy Summer STEM Program
The Naval Academy’s Summer STEM Academy is a great place to learn about careers in computer science, coding, robotics, and engineering. Here, you’ll work on your problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. This program is open for rising 9th, 10th, and 11th graders. Details for specific sessions and locations are listed on the website.
Why should you apply?
You can talk to real naval cadets, design and build your own project, be mentored by USNA staff, meet new people, and have the opportunity to learn at a prestigious leading public STEM university!
Gallery
https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Programs/STEM-Gallery.php
Brochure
For more information, please visit https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Programs/STEM
*Applications for USNA in 2024 are open until April 15th.
Simons Summer Research Program
This summer program takes place at Stony Brook University, where academically strong high school students are presented with the opportunity to engage in STEM research, learn how to work in a laboratory, and get to experience a bit of college life. Students are paired with mentors and can join a team with others to work on a project and write a research paper. To apply, you must be at least 16 years old, be in the 11th grade when applying, and be a permanent resident of the United States.
Simons Summer Research Program accepts students from across the nation, where they can learn valuable laboratory techniques and participate in weekly tours and workshops. Students will receive a stipend award upon completing this program.
For more information, please visit https://www.stonybrook.edu/simons/
*Applications for Simons SRP are open from June 26th to August 11th.
NASA
NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) paid internships are being provided, which allow high school and college students to get involved with projects, working under an experienced mentor from NASA! They are looking for students who are interested in achieving sustainability and engineering to support the Goddard Sustainability & Energy Program Manager, and maybe even NASA HQ. The program involves researching, collecting data, writing, environmental engineering, pollution prevention, etc. To apply for the OSTEM internship, a student must be a U.S. citizen, have and maintain a high school GPA of at least a 3.0, and be at least 16 years old upon the time the application is submitted.
Consider applying! NASA is not only offering engineering internships. There are other opportunities for students who plan on majoring in other fields of science. This is a chance to gain valuable work experience from a company as prominent and large as NASA.
For more information, please visit https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/internship-programs/
*Applications for the 2024 NASA internship are open until February 2nd, 2024. For specifics about international students and other internships, visit the site linked.
Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (or simply AIMI) is harnessing cutting-edge artificial intelligence for the purpose of research in medicine, promoting healthcare equity, and advancing technologies in the medical field. This is a virtual program lasting two weeks, aiming to teach the next generation about AI and the basics of healthcare. Stanford students and researchers will be mentoring participants. There will be group activities and opportunities to learn about possible career paths, higher education, and volunteering.
AIMI combines AI and medicine, so if you’re a high school student and interested in either or both, consider applying! There is no application fee and those who complete the two-week course will receive a special certificate of completion.
Some eligibility requirements:
You must be a high school student entering 9th to 12th grade by fall of 2024
You have to be at least 14 years old when the program officially begins
Preference will be given to students with good math/computer science skills
Students must be committed to the program starting from 9AM to 12 PM for two weeks
Only students from the United States may apply
Students in under-represented communities are encouraged to apply
For more information, please visit https://aimi.stanford.edu/education/summer-research-internship
*Applications for AIMI 2024 are open until March 31st.
Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP)
Offered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, students
interested in STEM can spend time in labs with top scientists to complete a research project. SHIP is a free (excluding transportation and housing), 8-week program that will give students the chance to be a part of cutting-edge research with NIST. You must be a junior or a senior by the time of your application and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to apply. This program is looking for young scholars who are genuinely interested in science research, so you must be comfortable committing to the 8-week learning period!
For students who want to make a difference in advanced research into science and engineering, this opportunity is perfect. Some skills that will increase an applicant’s odds of getting accepted include knowledge in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and programming.
Here are some stories from former SHIP students:
For more information, please visit https://www.nist.gov/iaao/academic-affairs-office/high-school-students-ship
*Applications for SHIP 2024 are open on December 1st until the middle of February. See the application page for more details.
Competitions:
Competitions:
ChemiCo
ChemiCo, organized by StemCo, is a major international competition for
high-schoolers looking to test their knowledge of chemistry. Basic
concepts are tested, including stoichiometry, reactions, the periodic table, chemical bonds, and the structure of an atom. There are sample problems that will help prepare you and school tests are provided as well. Awards are given to exceptional students; and there’s a hall of fame!
Well, why participate? The competition gives awards to competitors, anyone between the 7th and 12th grade can compete, and it gives you the chance to flaunt your knowledge of chemistry!
Here are some practice questions:
For more information, please visit https://stemco.org/chemico/
*Applications for ChemiCo are open until February 2024. Please visit the page for details.
The CCIR Academy: Science research
Polygence: Science research
AEOP Apprenticeships: Science research
SEAP: Science and Engineering Apprentice Program: Science research
Givology: Science research
Hutton Fisheries Program: Science research
Echinaea Project: Science research
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, ASPIRE: Science research
MITRE: Tech internship
USDA AgDiscovery Summer Program in Plant and Animal Science: Science internship
Further Resources:
Further Resources:
Veritasium
Veritasium is a YouTube channel with over 14.6 million subscribers that creates educational videos on chemistry, mathematics, physics, and psychology. The videos generally consist of questions and theories about the universe and technology. Some examples are “How Do Night Vision Goggles Work?” and “How Dangerous is a Penny Dropped From a Skyscraper?” The host of the channel also acts as the subject for many experiments like being trapped in a silent room to see if he goes crazy, or going to the most radioactive places on Earth. He’s a combination of Mark Rober and Vsauce type videos, so if this seems interesting, why not watch a couple videos?
https://youtube.com/@veritasium/featured
The Organic Chemistry Tutor
The Organic Chemistry Tutor provides insightful and digestible content for complete subjects in chemistry, physics, and mathematics. These videos are helpful if you’re struggling to understand a concept in class, or you just want to learn more! The Organic Chemistry Tutor delves into a wide range of topics. There will often be a useful video for a very specific problem, so it doesn’t hurt to check this channel out!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEWpbFLzoYGPfuWUMFPSaoA
Instructional Videos on Chemistry Concepts
This series delves into the fundamentals of chemistry and the history of science. These videos are easy to understand for 9-12 graders, and introduce information that even college-level students and adults can gain something from. The videos are easily accessed through the menu on the right side of the page and topics are divided into different tabs for convenience.
https://www.learner.org/series/chemistry-challenges-and-solutions/
NileRed
NileRed is a channel on YouTube that makes content involving chemistry. He tends to focus on more creative experiments, like making purple gold, creating superconductors, turning plastic gloves into hot sauce, and making cotton candy from cotton balls. His videos are very educational, yet entertaining! If explosions, fire, and deadly chemicals are your thing, be sure to check him out!
https://youtube.com/@NileRed?si=TXPTyxSF2XzGzzJz
Science Articles
Tons of articles not just about chemistry but science in general. The website is constantly being updated with the latest news on cutting-edge technology in fields like engineering, robotics, biology, and chemistry. There are videos, podcasts, and blogs which are not only entertaining but informative as well. Feel free to use this website for school projects or even just for fun!
Cooking is Chemistry
Fans of cooking are sure to like this one. There’s actually a lot of chemistry behind cooking. Mixing ingredients together, heating them up, dissolving spices into sauces all involve techniques that are used in lab experiments. Isn’t a kitchen just a lab? The website linked includes some recipes that you can try at home and learn some chemistry behind the cooking.
https://sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/explore-cooking’s-chemical-reactions
Other competitions:
US National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO)
Washington University Chemistry Tournament (WUCT)
National Science Bowl (NSB)
US Crystal Growing Competition (USCGC)
Science Olympiad
High school academic research competition
Sigma Xi
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