opportunities· beginner
The Junior Academy by the New York Academy of Sciences
The Junior Academy by the New York Academy of Sciences is a free, fully virtual STEM program for students ages 13–17 where participants collaborate in international teams to solve real-world problems through “Innovation Challenges.” Students work over ~10 weeks with guidance from STEM mentors, applying skills like research, data analysis, and design thinking to develop and present solutions. The program runs twice a year, requires a few hours per week, and emphasizes global collaboration, mentorship, and hands-on problem solving rather than traditional lab research.
opportunities· advanced
Research Science Institute (RSI)
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a highly selective, six-week summer program hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for high school students with exceptional talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Participants first receive intensive coursework from leading professors and then conduct original, independent research under the guidance of professional scientists and researchers. The program concludes with written research papers and formal presentations, simulating a real scientific conference. RSI is free to attend and is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious pre-college STEM programs in the world.
opportunities· beginner
The CCNY STEM Institute | The City College of New York
The CCNY STEM Institute at The City College of New York is a structured academic program designed to support undergraduate students pursuing STEM majors. It offers services such as one-on-one and group tutoring in core courses (like calculus, chemistry, and physics), faculty-led research opportunities, and workshops focused on academic skills, career readiness, and graduate school preparation. The institute often partners with federally funded initiatives (such as LSAMP and related programs) to increase retention and graduation rates of underrepresented students in STEM, while also providing stipends, advising, and access to internships and research placements.