Science Enrichment

Research Opportunities:

• Fox Chase Cancer Center: Home | Rankin Fellowship

  • Applications are now open for the Rankin Fellowship Program, a paid research and professional development opportunity for students interested in biomedical research, health sciences, and related career pathways. The Rankin Fellowship is designed for students who are curious about research careers and would benefit from structured mentorship, hands-on experiences, and exposure to scientific and professional environments. We are particularly eager to reach students who may have had limited prior access to research opportunities but demonstrate strong motivation, curiosity, and potential.

  • Application deadline: February 28, 2026

• Fox Chase Cancer Center TRIP Initiative:  TRIP Explore is a hands-on learning program for high school students who are motivated to explore their interests in science and medicine. At its core, the program aims to foster a love for science whilst building resiliency, communication, and critical thinking skills outside the traditional confines of school. Importantly, this program is free for all students.  Our previous sessions of the program have shown it to be transformative to students, giving them a much-needed peek into the science world that both excites their imagination and helps with career path decisions.  Please see flyer for more information: ABOUT THE PROGRAM_TRIP Explore_2026.pdf
  • Application Deadline: April 20, 2026
• Wistar Summer Research Opportunities: Wistar Education Application

  • Wistar Institute’s High School Program in Biomedical Research, a four-week, in-person summer research internship for high school students ages 16 and older who are currently enrolled in a science course and interested in biomedical research and related careers. The Summer 2026 program will run from July 6 through July 30 and offers students hands-on laboratory experience, exposure to professional research environments, and mentorship from Wistar scientists and staff. The program is offered at no cost to participants and includes a stipend upon completion, as well as SEPTA passes to support transportation.

  • Application deadline: March 20, 2026

• PA Biotechnology Center Research Opportunities:  High School Programs – Baruch S. Blumberg Institute
  • Students, ages 16 and older, interested in learning about life sciences research, biotechnology, and/or public health can apply to participate in this two-week program. Presented within the context of hepatitis B and liver disease, students will complete the scientific process, design and execute hands-on experimental projects using molecular biology techniques, and attend professional seminars to learn from industry experts

Local, State and National Competitions Involving Science:

Talk to your science teacher to see if your school has a team or teacher sponsor.  

• The Bucks County Science Research Competition is our local science fair.  From this fair students can gain eligibility to compete in:
  • The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) is the world’s largest international pre-college science competition.  Approximately 1,700 high school students from over 75 countries, regions, and territories are awarded the opportunity to showcase their independent research and compete for approximately $4 million in prizes.
• The STEM Video Game Challenge national competition motivates interest in STEM learning among America’s youth by tapping into students’ natural passion for playing and making video games.  Click here to sign up for notifications or visit the website to learn more.
• The Science Olympiad is a team based competion like an academic track meet, consisting of a series of 23 team events in each division. 
• The You Be A Chemist Challenge is an academic competition for students in grades 5 - 8, where the excitement and value of chemistry takes center stage!

Getting ready for summer?  Here are some local camp options for your budding scientist!

• The Bucks County IU Fab Lab offers a variety of STEM camps for students: Fab Lab Center | Bucks IU-Bucks County Intermediate Unit-BCIU.
• Villanova University is offering multiple summer coding camps and summer programs: Villanova University Summer Coding Camps and STEM Programs
• The CB Community School offers a variety of programs such as Bricks4kids and Science Explorers.
• The Da Vinci Science Center’s Summer Camps let students enjoy a world of playful hands-on adventures in exciting week-long morning and afternoon sessions.
• The Penn State Abington Kids & Teen College offers seven weeks of Summer Camps for elementary, middle and high school students.
• The Mercer Museum offers a series of summer camps in Lego Robotics for the budding engineers.  
• The Peace Valley Park’s Nature Adventure Camps take groups of 5 to12 children on adventures that will awaken their senses to the wonders of the outdoor world.
• The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth offers eligible students the opportunity to engage in challenging academic work in the company of peers who share their exceptional abilities and love of learning.  
• The Pennsylvania University's Penn Engineering Summer Academy welcomes highly motivated and talented students to explore Engineering at the college level.
• Kids on Campus at Bucks County Community College's Newtown Campus offers a variety of camps in Art, Music, Languages, Sports, Science, and Computer Science.  
• MIT Open Courseware (OCW) is a web-based publication of virtually all MIT course content. MIT makes OCW open and available to the world.  Students can find a course that interests them and begin to explore learning at the undergraduate level.