What research opportunities are available for gap year students?

I'm thinking about taking a gap year before college and would like to do some research work during this time. Does anyone know of any programs or organizations that offer research opportunities specifically for gap year students?

Research opportunities for gap year students depend plenty on the specific field you're interested in. Regardless, there are various organizations out there which provide structured research opportunities for students taking a gap year.

One example is the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) IRTA program (Intramural Research Training Award), which provides research opportunities in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related disciplines for students during their gap year.

In the realm of environmental science, you can also look into the Ecological Society of America, which offers multiple fellowships throughout the year.

For tech, the Microsoft Research Internship Program is an excellent choice, creating a platform for in-depth research in various areas of tech such as AI, Data Science, and many more.

While not all opportunities cater exclusively to gap year students, they are often open to students who have recently graduated high school or are in college. This might require a fair amount of applicant competition, so it's a good idea to start looking and applying as soon as possible to broaden your chances. Also, keep in mind that while these are structured programs, you might also be able to approach professors or researchers individually to inquire about possible opportunities. Good luck with your research pursuits!