Top 5 High School Research Programs in 2025
A guide to costs, mentors, and outcomes.
RISE Global Education
ยท 3 min read
In this blog, you'll learn about the top 5 high school research programs for 2025, including what they cost, who the mentors are, and what outcomes you can expect. Here's what most students and parents ask: Which research programs offer the best mentorship? Are they worth the investment? What do students actually achieve? If you're aiming to stand out in college admissions or pursue your passion for research, this guide will help you make an informed choice.
1. RISE Research
RISE Research pairs students with mentors from top universities and industries, offering personalized research projects in STEM, humanities, business, and more. Students can publish their research, attend international conferences, and even earn college credit. Alumni have gone on to attend Ivy League and top global universities, often with scholarships. RISE Research also offers workshops on academic writing, data analysis, and college applications, offering ambitious students a full-fledged launching pad for their future.
- Cost: $1,600-$3,000
- Mentors: Oxbridge/Ivy Leagues Masters/PhD Students
- Key Outcomes: Published research papers, conference presentations, college credit, scholarships, and strong recommendation letters.
2. Polygence
Polygence supports highly personalized research projects under the guidance of PhD mentors. Students choose a topic, craft their research question, and are supervised through the entire research process, often culminating in a publishable paper or creative portfolio. This flexibility and deep mentorship make the program an excellent choice for students with niche interests or advanced research objectives.
- Cost: $3,000-$6,000
- Mentors: PhD candidates and graduates from leading universities
- Key Outcomes: Research publication or creative portfolio, college application enhancement, and skills in academic writing.
3. Pioneer Academics
Pioneer Academics provides rigorous, college-level research experiences in a cohort-based setting. Students work with peers from around the globe and receive direct feedback from professors. The program has a strong emphasis on original research and academic integrity, and many students earn college credit for their work.
- Cost: $2,500-$5,500
- Mentors: University faculty, subject experts
- Key Outcomes: College-level research experience, published research, conference participation, and a global peer network.
4. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)
The Regeneron STS is the oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Participants conduct original research and submit extensive reports to compete for scholarships and national recognition. Finalists exhibit their research in Washington D.C. among leading scientists.
- Cost: Free
- Mentors: High school teachers, university researchers
- Key Outcomes: Major scholarships (up to $250,000), national recognition, and networking with top scientists.
5. Google Science Fair
The Google Science Fair encourages students to use science and technology to solve real-world problems. They submit reports and videos for their projects, and finalists are mentored by Google and its partner organizations. The fair is focused on fostering creativity, teamwork, and global collaboration.
- Cost: Free
- Mentors: Online experts, Google engineers, science community
- Key Outcomes: Scholarships, technology prizes, mentorship from industry leaders, and international exposure.
Choosing the Right Program
When choosing a research program, consider your academic interests, budget, and the kind of mentorship you want. A program like RISE Research offers a compelling combination of stellar mentorship, flexibility, and tangible outcomes, making it a worthy investment for students aspiring to top universities and a career in research.
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