Internship/Research at a local university?

Pre-College Issues Summer Programs
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<p>Not really a summer program question, per se, but I wanted to ask.
I've read in posts that a few of you have worked with professors at local universities or CCs - and frankly, that sounds awesome. Just the opportunity to work with professionals, to get hands-on experience in the realms of science that I'm really passionate about is enough to make me drool.
But how exactly do you get there? Do you have to be dual-enrolled? Recommended?</p>

<p>I turn 15 in March, which is when most jobs open up for teenagers (I'm not implying the research has to be paid, I'd do anything to land this for no pay xD but regarding its relevance to child labor law), though I doubt they'd take anyone that young. There's usually NOTHING for me to do during the summer though (I've spent the past 4 years laying around or eating popcorn to an MIT OCW lecture when vacation comes around) so research seems like a fine idea.</p>

<p>Can anyone give me some info on this?</p>

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<p>I suggest you try to do some community service. it’ll help you out more in the long run and be an overall more rewarding experience.</p>

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<p>There are lots of things to do besides laying around. Why not read 30 books this summer? Do volunteer work of some kind and help your community? Start a small business? Teach yourself a computer language? Write short stories to submit to contests? Take an online science course? Start working on a science fair project? Find a cause and develop a youth organization to raise awareness, collect volunteers or raise money for it? Endless possibilities if you take initiative.</p>