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Extracurriculars for a Career in Chemist

17 high school activities and programs that build real experience toward a career in chemist.

The Summer Science Program
SSP International · Multiple · In-Person

The program includes rigorous lab work in synthetic chemistry and biochemistry with hands-on experimental research.

Research Science Institute
MIT · Cambridge, MA · In-Person

Intensive lab techniques and original research projects prepare students for chemistry research roles.

Regeneron Science Talent Search
Society for Science · Washington, D.C. · In-Person

Students design and execute independent research projects showcasing experimental design and chemical innovation.

Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) Program
Junior Science and Humanities Symposium · Multiple · Hybrid

The program emphasizes original research and competition in STEM, central to chemistry careers.

International Chemistry Olympiad
IChO Steering Committee · Multiple · In-Person

Direct preparation for chemistry careers through competitive problem-solving and advanced chemistry knowledge assessment.

Science Olympiad
Science Olympiad Inc. · Multiple · In-Person

Chemistry events within the 23 annual competitions provide direct exposure to chemical principles and experimentation.

USA Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO)
American Chemical Society

Direct preparation for chemistry careers through advanced problem-solving and experimental design competition.

Michigan State University High School Honors Science/Engineering/Mathematics Program
Michigan State University · East Lansing, MI · In-Person

Intensive lab-based research work develops practical skills central to chemical research and experimentation.

STEM Research Experience
CU Science Discovery · Boulder, CO · In-Person

Chemistry is listed as a past research topic, with students engaging in the full scientific research process.

UC Santa Barbara Summer Research Academies
University of California, Santa Barbara · Santa Barbara, CA · In-Person

Students develop and present original research topics in STEM tracks under faculty direction.

Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
Intel Corporation · Multiple · In-Person

Students design and execute chemistry experiments, analyze results, and communicate discoveries at an international science fair.

Oxford Summer Courses
Oxford Summer Courses · Oxford, England · In-Person

Biology and Chemistry courses provide hands-on laboratory experience and scientific methods relevant to chemistry work.

Simons Summer Research Program
Stony Brook University · Stony Brook, NY · In-Person

Laboratory techniques and active research team participation align with chemist work environments.

Science Internship Program (SIP)
University of California, Santa Cruz · Santa Cruz, CA · Hybrid

Eight-week intensive research internship provides hands-on lab experience and mentorship in chemistry research methods.

Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program
Olive Children Foundation · Fremont, CA · In-Person

Chemistry and biochemistry department mentors students in synthesizing novel compounds and materials research.

Avogadro Chemistry Exam
University of Waterloo · ON, Canada · Virtual

Students test chemistry knowledge directly through a specialized exam competition administered by a university chemistry department.

National Science Bowl®
U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science · Multiple · In-Person

Teams are tested on chemistry across multiple science disciplines including biology and Earth science.