Physics Programs & Competitions for High School Students

Physics extracurriculars run from F=ma and the USAPhO ladder to astronomy research programs and university summer courses in mechanics, relativity, and astrophysics.

Physics olympiad results and research are heavily weighted by top engineering and physics departments.

54 verified programs match this page; 25 of the featured listings are completely free; 6 can be done online.

Featured programs

Browse 30+ curated programs for high school students:

• USA Physics Olympiad — AAPT: Compete in the elite USA Physics Olympiad to sharpen problem-solving skills, enhance college applications, and aim for the International Physics Olymp
• Columbia University Science Honors Program (SHP) — Columbia University: Selective Saturday science/math program during the academic year in NYC.
• Fermilab Saturday Morning Physics — Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory: Free Saturday physics lectures at Fermilab. Learn particle physics from working scientists.
• Brookhaven National Lab Science Associates Program — Brookhaven National Laboratory: Summer research internship at DOE's Brookhaven National Laboratory. Work with scientists on physics, chemistry, and biology research.
• Fermilab TARGET Program — Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory: Summer research internship at premier US particle physics laboratory. Work with world-class physicists on cutting-edge experiments. Exceptional prepar
• CTD Equinox Academic Program — Northwestern University - Center for Talent Development: Intensive summer courses in advanced math and science at Northwestern.
• Penn Experimental Physics Research Academy — University of Pennsylvania College of Arts & Sciences: Hands-on physics experiments and data analysis at Penn.
• International Astronomy Olympiad (IAO) Team Member — IAO: Represent USA at International Astronomy Olympiad. Team of 5 selected through USA Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad.
• SLAC National Accelerator Lab Student Programs — SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory: Particle physics research at Stanford's national lab.
• Physics Unlimited Premier Competition — Physics Unlimited: Challenging physics competition testing conceptual understanding and problem-solving
• Lawrence Berkeley National Lab High School Internship — Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory: Research experience at DOE national laboratory in energy sciences.
• MITES Summer — MIT Office of Engineering Outreach Programs: Six-week, residential MIT program for underrepresented rising seniors in STEM.
• CERN Beamline for Schools Competition — CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research): Winning teams conduct actual experiments at CERN particle accelerator. One of world's most prestigious high school physics opportunities. Full expense
• Los Alamos National Lab High School Collaboration — Los Alamos National Laboratory: Research collaboration with leading national security lab.
• American Association of Physics Teachers High School Physics Photo Contest — AAPT: Unique competition combining physics concepts with photography
• Fermilab TARGET Summer Research Program — Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory: Summer research at America's premier particle physics laboratory. Work with world-class physicists on cutting-edge experiments. Paid internship.
• USA Physics Olympiad (USAPhO) Semifinalist — American Association of Physics Teachers: Top 400 students on F=ma exam advance to USAPhO semifinal. Demonstrates exceptional physics ability and strong predictor of success in STEM fields.
• US Physics Team Training Camp Invitee — American Association of Physics Teachers: Top ~20 USAPhO scorers invited to training camp. Final 5 represent USA at International Physics Olympiad.
• Korean Physics Olympiad (KPhO) — Korean Physical Society: National physics competition and training program in Korea selecting students for the International Physics Olympiad.
• International Young Physicists' Tournament — International Young Physicists' Tournament Association: A global team-based physics research and debate competition for high school students.
• International Physicists' Tournament (IPT) — International Physicists' Tournament Association: Team-based international physics tournament where students solve open-ended research problems and debate their solutions.
• Ceres Connection Student Naming Program — MIT Lincoln Laboratory: A recognition program that names asteroids after top U.S. math and science students and teachers.
• International Observe the Moon Night — NASA: A yearly global public event inviting people to observe, learn about, and celebrate the Moon through organized in-person and online activities.
• School Astronomical Olympiad by Correspondence — International Astronomical Union: A free international astronomy problem-solving competition for school students held entirely by correspondence.
• American Astronomical Society Scholarships — American Astronomical Society: Explore astronomy scholarships for high school seniors pursuing astrophysics. Boost college applications, gain STEM recognition, and take the next ste
• Rube Goldberg Machine Contest — Rube Goldberg Inc: Design intricate machines in this hybrid STEM competition for high schoolers. Boost creativity, engineering skills, and college applications with hand
• AAPT Physics Bowl Competition — American Association of Physics Teachers: Compete in the international Physics Bowl, a challenging high school competition that sharpens STEM skills, enhances college applications, and tests y
• National Science Bowl (High School) — U.S. Department of Energy: Compete in the National Science Bowl, a thrilling high school STEM competition. Build expertise in biology, physics, and math while boosting college a
• U.S. Physics Olympiad (USAPhO & F=ma) — American Association of Physics Teachers: Challenge your problem-solving skills in the U.S. Physics Olympiad, a free online competition for grades 9-12. Boost college applications and join top
• Stony Brook Simons Summer Research Program — Stony Brook University: Explore STEM fields in this free summer research program for high school juniors. Gain hands-on lab experience and boost your college applications thr

Frequently asked questions