Neuroscience Programs & Competitions for High School Students

Neuroscience is one of the fastest-growing interests among applicants — these research programs, summer courses, and brain-science competitions let you show depth beyond an intended major checkbox.

19 verified programs match this page; 14 of the featured listings are completely free; 1 can be done online.

Featured programs

Browse 19+ curated programs for high school students:

  • Society for Neuroscience Young Investigator Award — Society for Neuroscience: Recognizes exceptional high school students conducting neuroscience research. Winners present at annual neuroscience conferences.
  • National Brain Bee USA Champion — Society for Neuroscience: Test knowledge of neuroscience. US champion competes at International Brain Bee.
  • UChicago Research in the Arts and Sciences: Neuroscience — University of Chicago Summer Session: College-level neuroscience with labs and data analysis.
  • Salk Institute High School Research Scholars — Salk Institute for Biological Studies: Research program at iconic Jonas Salk's institute.
  • International Brain Bee - USA Finals — International Brain Bee: USA national championship in neuroscience. Winner to international competition.
  • Deutsche Neurowissenschaften-Olympiade — Deutsche Neurowissenschaften-Olympiade e.V.: German neuroscience competition for high school students leading to participation in the International Brain Bee.
  • UCLA Brain Research Institute High School Summer Research Program (BRI-SRP) — UCLA Brain Research Institute: Gain hands-on neuroscience research experience in UCLA labs this free summer program for high schoolers. Boost college applications with lab skills an
  • Brain Awareness Week Competitions — Society for Neuroscience: Exciting neuroscience competition for grades 9-12 blending outreach and hands-on projects. Build STEM skills, gain recognition, and boost your college
  • Michigan Math and Science Scholars (MMSS) — University of Michigan: Discover a premier summer program for high schoolers in grades 10-12 to explore mathematics, neuroscience, and astrophysics. Boost college apps and ga
  • Heithoff-Brody High School Summer Scholars — Salk Institute for Biological Studies: Gain hands-on lab experience in biology, genetics, and neuroscience through this free summer program for high school juniors and seniors. Boost your c
  • High School Student Research Internships — Scripps Research: Explore hands-on biomedical research in this free high school internship for grades 11-12. Gain lab skills, mentorship, and a boost for college applic
  • Janelia High School Internships — HHMI Janelia Research Campus: Paid summer internship for high school juniors and seniors to explore neuroscience, imaging, and computational biology. Gain hands-on research skills
  • Notre Dame Summer Scholars — University of Notre Dame Pre-College: Transform your summer with this immersive high school program offering hands-on experience in neuroscience, law, and more. Boost college readiness and
  • Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) — George Mason University: Explore hands-on STEM research in neuroscience, cybersecurity, and bioinformatics with ASSIP's summer internship. Boost college prospects and build pr
  • Monell Science Apprenticeship Program — Monell Chemical Senses Center: Explore a paid high school research apprenticeship in taste and smell science. Build hands-on STEM skills, boost your college applications, and work w
  • USA Brain Bee — International Brain Bee - U.S.: Challenge your neuroscience skills in this free high school competition. Build expertise, boost college applications, and compete for a chance at nati
  • Partners for the Future — Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory: Gain hands-on research experience in molecular biology, neuroscience, or genetics with this free high school lab placement. Boost college applications
  • BRAINYAC Youth Science Council — Columbia University Zuckerman Institute: Gain hands-on neuroscience research experience in a paid NYC apprenticeship for high school students. Build skills, work with mentors, and boost your
  • Neuroscience Research Prize — American Academy of Neurology: The American Academy of Neurology's national prize for original neuroscience research by students in grades 9-12: winners receive $1,000 and present a

Frequently asked questions

How many neuroscience programs are listed for high school students?

ExtracurricularHub currently lists 19 verified neuroscience opportunities for high school students, each with cost, eligibility, deadline, and an official application link.

Are any of these neuroscience programs free?

Yes — 14 of the programs featured on this page charge no participation fee. Free programs are often funded and can be more selective, so apply early.

Which deadlines are coming up soonest?

The next deadlines: National Brain Bee USA Champion (November 1, 2026); BRAINYAC Youth Science Council (November 30, 2026); Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (December 18, 2026). Deadlines change every cycle — always confirm on the program's official site.

Do neuroscience extracurriculars help with college admissions?

Yes — sustained, escalating involvement in neuroscience (participation → awards or leadership → independent work) reads far stronger than scattered one-off activities. Pick one or two programs from this page and go deep.