For ambitious high school students
Find Real Research Opportunities— Even If You're “Too Young”
Helix helps ambitious high school students discover research internships, connect directly with university professors, and build a research portfolio that college admissions offices actually notice. No $5,000 mentorship program required.
500+
Research Programs
200+
PI Profiles
14-18
Ages Supported
$20/mo
Full Access
How Helix Works
Three steps between you and your first research position.
Discover
Search 500+ research programs filtered by your age, grade, location, and interests. See what you actually qualify for — no more hidden age floors.
Reach Out
Generate personalized cold emails to any professor in our directory. Our AI mentions their specific research and frames your age as the asset it is.
Land a Position
Track every email, follow-up, and application in one place. Set reminders so nothing slips through the cracks. Most students land a position after 10-15 emails.
Everything you need to launch your research career
Smart Opportunity Discovery
We index 500+ research programs and filter them by your age, grade, location, and interests. No more scrolling through listings that require you to be 18 or in college. You see what you actually qualify for, plus clear flags on programs where cold outreach is your best path in.
AI Cold Email Generator
Click a button, get a personalized cold email to any professor in our directory. Our AI drafts professional outreach that mentions their specific research, frames your age and grade as the assets they are, and asks for a conversation — not a job. You edit it, you own it, you send it from your own inbox.
Outreach & Application Tracker
Track every cold email, every follow-up, every formal application in one place. Know exactly where you stand with each lab and program. Set reminders so deadlines and follow-ups never slip through the cracks.
Real research shouldn't cost $5,000
Every year, families spend thousands on research mentorship programs. Helix gives you the tools to build your own path — at a fraction of the cost.
| Feature | Helix | Polygence | Lumiere |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $20/month | $4,500 - $7,000 | $3,500 - $6,500 |
| Opportunity discovery | 500+ programs | No | No |
| PI directory | 200+ professors | No | No |
| AI cold email generation | Yes | No | No |
| Outreach tracking | Full pipeline | No | No |
| Real lab placement | Student-driven | Virtual project | Virtual project |
| Cancel anytime | Yes | Non-refundable | Non-refundable |
For Parents
Your child's research journey shouldn't cost $5,000
Learn how Helix keeps students safe, why cold outreach works, and how we compare to $5,000+ programs.
Learn more →For Counselors & Teachers
Give your students a real path to research
Affordable tools that teach students professional outreach — no $5,000 program required.
Learn more →FAQ
Questions? We've got answers
Everything about cold emailing, safety, pricing, and how Helix works.
Learn more →Your research career starts before college
Every future scientist needs their first opportunity. Helix helps you find yours.
Free plan includes 3 AI-generated emails per month. No credit card required.
Built for students aged 14-18. COPPA-compliant. Parent-approved accounts for students under 16. Your data is never shared with universities or programs.