§ AK

Research programs in Alaska.

48 local programs run in Alaska, 40 of them free or paid, and 2 explicitly prioritize under-resourced or first-generation students. Plus 210 nationwide programs open to anyone in the US.

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Local to Alaska

University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service
Alaska 4-H Youth Development Program
Alaska's statewide 4-H program offers teen members (ages 15-18) project-based clubs and leadership opportunities spanning STEM, agriculture, citizenship, and life skills, taught by certified volunteer leaders across the state.
📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
SERRC – Alaska's Educational Resource Center
Alaska Academic Decathlon
High-school teams prepare across ten academic events and advance through optional online regional competition to Alaska's four-day state competition. The 2026–27 theme is "Journeys of Transformation: An Exploration of Travel and Transportation."
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Alaska Airmen's Association
Alaska Airmen's Association Aviation Scholarships
A set of named scholarships supporting Alaskans, including high schoolers, pursuing pilot training, aircraft maintenance, air traffic control, drone operations, and aerospace engineering careers.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Alaska Community Foundation
Alaska Community Foundation Scholarship Program
One application matches Alaska students to more than 60 scholarships, including awards based on geography, academics, career interests, financial need, community involvement, and other criteria.
🎓 Grade 12
Selective
Alaska FFA Association
Alaska FFA
A student-led agricultural and natural-resources leadership organization with chapters across Alaska's Interior, Southcentral, and Kenai Peninsula districts, offering Career and Leadership Development Events, hands-on agricultural experience, and scholarships.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Anchorage Bar Association
Alaska High School Mock Trial Competition
An annual statewide mock trial competition, sponsored by the Anchorage Bar Association, where high school teams argue a simulated court case in front of real attorneys and judges.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Alaska Historical Society (Alaska affiliate of National History Day)
Alaska History Day
Alaska's statewide affiliate of National History Day, where middle and high schoolers research a topic tied to an annual theme and present it as a documentary, exhibit, website, performance, or paper, with winners advancing to nationals.
📅 March🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Alaska Museum of Science and Nature
Alaska Museum of Science and Nature Volunteer Program
Volunteers assist with front desk operations, exhibit research and installation, education programming, and event outreach, typically committing to two 3-hour shifts per month.
📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education
Alaska Performance Scholarship
Merit scholarship for Alaska high-school graduates who complete the required rigorous curriculum and meet GPA or qualifying-test standards. Awards can reach $7,000 per year and $28,000 total at participating Alaska institutions or eligible CTE programs.
🎓 Grade 12
Selective
Alaska State Council on the Arts / Juneau Arts & Humanities Council
Alaska Poetry Out Loud
A statewide poetry recitation competition for grades 9-12 (with an exception for 8th graders enrolled in 9th-12th grade classes), progressing from classroom and school rounds to a state final in Juneau and National Finals in Washington, D.C.
📅 November🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
UAA WWAMI School of Medical Education
Alaska PreMed Summit
Participants hear from physicians, advisors and health-profession students and learn about prerequisites, admissions processes, medical education and how to become a competitive applicant for health-profession programs.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Junior Science and Humanities Symposium / University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska Regional Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)
A statewide STEM research symposium where Alaska high schoolers present original research to a panel of scientists and researchers, competing for recognition and scholarships with a pathway to the national JSHS competition.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Alaska Science & Engineering Fair
Alaska Science & Engineering Fair
Alaska students present original scientific or engineering projects, with high-school participants eligible to compete for Alaska's pathway to the International Science and Engineering Fair.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Alaska SeaLife Center
Alaska SeaLife Center Teen Volunteer Program
A hands-on volunteer program at Alaska's public aquarium and marine research center, where teens support visitor interpretation, conservation, and rehabilitation work with Alaska's marine wildlife.
📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
The Alaska Zoo
Alaska Zoo Volunteen Program
Teen volunteers age 16 and older assist with zoo operations, visitor education, and animal-care support after completing a background check and orientation.
📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 10–12
Selective
American Legion, Department of Alaska
American Legion Alaska Boys State
A week-long citizenship and government leadership program in which male high school juniors run a mock state government, covering elections, legislation, and civic responsibility.
📅 Varies🎓 Grade 11
Selective
American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Alaska
American Legion Auxiliary Alaska Girls State
A week-long government-in-action leadership program for young women who have completed their junior year of high school, teaching civics and leadership through a mock state government.
📅 Varies🎓 Grade 11
Selective
Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP)
ANSEP Acceleration Academy (Full-Time, Academic Year)
A full academic-year program letting rising 9th-12th graders take college coursework alongside high school, allowing students to earn three or more years of college credit before graduating.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP) / University of Alaska Anchorage
ANSEP Acceleration Academy (Statewide Summer)
A 5-week residential summer program at UAA where high schoolers live on campus and take a college-level math, science, or Alaska Native studies course while earning transferable college credit.
📅 March🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program
ANSEP Acceleration High School
Free year-round STEM acceleration for Alaska Native students.
⏱ School year + summer📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP) / University of Alaska
ANSEP Summer Bridge
A year-long transition program for Alaska high school seniors admitted to UAA or UAF in an ANSEP-approved STEM degree program, providing academic, social, and professional skill-building before and during freshman year.
📅 March🎓 Grade 12
Selective
Arctic Education Foundation (Arctic Slope Regional Corporation)
Arctic Education Foundation At-Large High School Scholarship
Awards $2,000 each to high school seniors who are Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC) shareholders or descendants, based on academic performance, leadership, and community service.
📅 June🎓 Grade 12
Selective
University of Alaska Anchorage College of Engineering
Artificial Intelligence — Summer Engineering Academy
Students use hands-on experiments, collaborative projects and challenges to learn foundational AI concepts and explore machine-learning applications to real-world problems.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
University of Alaska Anchorage College of Engineering
BIG Bridge Builders
High-school students study structural engineering, model bridges in 3D, construct small basswood structures, and then build and destructively test a roughly 16-foot bridge in UAA's structures laboratory.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Ulakaia Center (formerly The Aleut Foundation / Aleut Corporation)
Cash for Good Grades
An academic-incentive program from the Aleut Corporation's education arm that pays cash rewards to grades 7-12 students who are Aleut Corporation shareholders or descendants for good grades and attendance.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
The CIRI Foundation
CIRI Foundation Raven Fund Jump Start Scholarship
Provides up to $2,000 per year to Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI) shareholders and descendants who are concurrently enrolled in high school and college-level coursework, plus up to $500 annually for personal expenses.
📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Calista Education and Culture, Inc.
Ciutmuarluni
A youth leadership and postsecondary-readiness program for 11th and 12th graders in the Calista Region, combining Elder-led cultural immersion with college campus visits, financial-aid guidance, and career exploration.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 11–12
Highly Selective
University of Alaska Anchorage College of Engineering
Code, Create, and Computational Thinking
Students learn text-based JavaScript through p5.js while creating animations, digital art, interactive projects and simple games, with exposure to AI and computational thinking.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
University of Alaska Anchorage WWAMI School of Medical Education
Della Keats Health Sciences Program
Four-week residential health-sciences program in which students experience college life, complete health-related coursework and research projects, and participate in multiple medical or healthcare job shadows.
🎓 Grades 11–12
Selective
Doyon Foundation
Doyon Foundation High School Award
A scholarship for high school students who are Doyon, Limited shareholders or their children, covering the actual cost of a college-credit course or program up to $1,000.
📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
DVR Youth Summer Work Programs
Eligible students participate in paid 4–6 week work experiences through school districts, community agencies, parks, local businesses, and other employers while developing job-readiness skills. Many programs serve students with IEPs, 504 plans, disabilities, or potential DVR eligibility.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Alaska Airmen's Association
High Schools to Flight Schools
An Anchorage-area aviation scholarship program for high school juniors and seniors that funds ground school and flight training toward a private pilot license, paired with mentorship.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 11–12
Selective
Jr. Iditarod, Inc.
Junior Iditarod Sled Dog Race
A qualifying sled dog race for teen mushers ages 14-17, run the weekend before the Iditarod, from Knik Lake to Yentna Station Roadhouse and back with a mandatory rest stop.
📅 December🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Alaska Business Week
MatSu Business Week
Students spend a week in a hands-on business boot camp running a simulated company, making decisions under time pressure, and interacting with Alaska business professionals.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
University of Alaska Anchorage College of Engineering
Python Coding — Summer Engineering Academy
Introductory high-school programming camp teaching Python syntax, built-in libraries and third-party modules through practical programming challenges. No previous coding experience is expected.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
University of Alaska Anchorage College of Business and Public Policy
Real Estate Management + Investment (REM+I) Workshop
Three-day program where students learn why people invest in real estate, calculate cash flows and returns, analyze a property, tour real buildings, and meet Alaska property-industry professionals.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Rural Alaska Honors Institute (RAHI)
Free college-prep and research program for rural Alaska Native and rural Alaska students.
⏱ 6 weeks (summer)📅 March🎓 Grades 11–12
Selective
University of Alaska Anchorage College of Engineering
Smart Maps — Geomatics
Students perform surveying and outdoor fieldwork, collect real-world spatial data, convert it into digital maps, and use web applications to explore applications such as environmental planning and disaster response.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
State of Alaska, Division of Personnel
State of Alaska Student Internship Program
Student Intern I and II positions are specifically designed for high-school and pre-college students. Openings can occur in agencies including Fish & Game, Natural Resources, Law, and Transportation, combining employment with public-sector work experience.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
T3 Alaska
T3 Alaska Student Summer Program
A free residential summer program bringing Alaska high schoolers together on University of Alaska campuses to explore technology, energy, cybersecurity, and design thinking through hands-on, community-based projects.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Highly Selective
Anchorage Museum
Teen Climate Communicators
Teens meet weekly with museum staff and guest presenters to investigate climate change, create short-term projects, and collaboratively develop a public exhibition about climate action. Participants receive documented volunteer hours and a certificate.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
University of Alaska Anchorage College of Engineering
Trail Smart: ATV & Road Safety Lab
Students investigate ATV and roadway safety through hands-on scenarios, demonstrations, first aid, emergency response, traffic-safety concepts, and an AI-based safety training tool.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
University of Alaska
UA Scholars Award
Alaska students ranked in the top 10% of their high-school class at the end of junior year can receive a $15,000 award for study within the University of Alaska system.
🎓 Grade 12
Highly Selective
University of Alaska Anchorage College of Business and Public Policy
UAA Business Plan & Big Idea Competition
Local high-school students submit an entrepreneurial concept and finalists pitch live to investors, executives, and entrepreneurs for feedback and cash awards.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Music
UAF Summer Music Academy
Intensive two-week music program where middle- and high-school students work with UAF faculty, alumni, and guest artists through ensembles, lessons, composition, theatre and performances.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
University of Alaska Fairbanks
UAF TRiO Upward Bound
Eligible Upward Bound students receive free college-preparation support plus summer academic and career experiences. 2026 options included American history and civic leadership, applied ethnobotany, engineering, and a Sitka marine-science intensive.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
University of Alaska Fairbanks TRiO Upward Bound
UAF Upward Bound Summer Programs (Alaska Futures in Engineering & others)
Free summer enrichment programs for Upward Bound students, including an Alaska Futures in Engineering session at UAF's Troth Yeddha' campus and other tracks in ethnobotany, civic leadership, and science, several offering college or CTE credit.
📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Institute of the North
We the People of Alaska
A statewide civics competition in which Alaska Studies students form teams of three to five, research constitutional and Alaska governance topics, and present in simulated legislative hearings judged by community members.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective

Nationwide programs open to Alaska students

University of Pennsylvania
Academic English & University Readiness Academy
Two-week residential academy at Penn for non-native English speakers. Students do university-style work: reading, lectures, discussions, research and group projects, ending in a final presentation. Current 9th-11th graders; non-credit.
⏱ 2 weeks (July 26 - August 8, 2026)🎓 Grades 9–11
Highly Selective
Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP)
AEOP High School Apprenticeship Program
Students work alongside Army scientists and engineers on cutting-edge research projects in world-class laboratories.
⏱ 8 weeks📅 Early March🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
American Foreign Service Association (AFSA)
AFSA National High School Essay Contest
An essay contest designed to engage students in thinking about peace and conflict resolution.
📅 February 15🎓 Grades 11–12
Selective
Carnegie Mellon University
AI Scholars at CMU
Free AI-focused summer program for rising seniors underrepresented in computing.
⏱ 4 weeks (summer)📅 February🎓 Grade 11
Selective
AI4ALL
AI4ALL Open Learning
Girls in grades 6-12 learn AI and Python through interactive virtual classes.
⏱ 2 weeks📅 March 1🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Mathematical Association of America
AIME
Invitational round for top AMC scorers. 15-question, 3-hour exam that gates the USAMO. No fee for invited students.
⏱ 3 hours📅 February🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Freedom Forum
Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference
An all-expenses-paid journalism conference for one student from every US state and DC.
⏱ 1 week📅 February 15🎓 Grade 11
Selective
Amazon
Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship
Scholarship for high school seniors planning to study computer science in college.
⏱ 4 years scholarship📅 December 1🎓 Grade 12
Selective
Mathematical Association of America
AMC 10/12
The entry-level American Mathematics Competition. Top scorers qualify for AIME and the path to the USAMO. Open to all US high schoolers; school registration required.
⏱ 75 minutes📅 November🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
ACSL
American Computer Science League (ACSL)
A multi-division computer science competition covering both theory and programming.
⏱ School year📅 November 30🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
University of Pennsylvania
American Sign Language and Deaf Culture Online Seminar
Two-week online seminar (daily Zoom sessions) teaching basic ASL conversation and narrative skills in an immersion setting, plus Deaf community perspectives through vlogs, lectures and a panel of Deaf professionals. Current 9th-11th graders; non-credit.
⏱ 2 weeks (July 13 - 24, 2026)🎓 Grades 9–11
Highly Selective
Amgen Foundation
Amgen Scholars Future Track
Free online biotech simulations and pipeline programs preparing high schoolers for biomedical research.
⏱ Self-paced📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Apple Inc.
Apple Swift Student Challenge
Swift coding competition hosted by Apple to showcase creativity and app development skills.
⏱ 1 month📅 February🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Berklee College of Music
Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive
The world's premier summer performance program for contemporary music, including jazz, rock, and pop.
⏱ 5 weeks📅 March 1🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
University of Pennsylvania
Astronomical Techniques Research Academy
Two-week residential academy at Penn. Students learn observational astronomy and data analysis, build simple cameras and spectrometers, observe the Sun and stars, and analyze data with Python. Current 9th-11th graders; non-credit.
⏱ 2 weeks (July 11 - 25, 2026)🎓 Grades 9–11
Moderate
NCWIT
Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC)
Award for girls and non-binary students in computing, providing recognition and a cash prize.
⏱ One-time📅 April 15🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Bard College at Simon's Rock
Bard College at Simon's Rock Young Writers Workshop
A 3-week residential program where students engage in creative and analytical thinking through literature and history.
⏱ 3 weeks📅 April 1🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
MIT Lincoln Lab
Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)
Free MIT-led project-based courses in AI, robotics, cybersecurity.
⏱ 4 weeks (summer)📅 Early February🎓 Grade 11
Selective
ELASH / Bebras US
Bebras Computing Challenge (US)
An international computational thinking and informatics competition. Students can take the test remotely or through a local school coordinator.
⏱ 45 minutes📅 Early February🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Bennington College
Bennington Young Writers Awards
A prestigious creative writing competition for students to win cash prizes and publication.
📅 January 12🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective

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