16 Summer STEM Research Internships for High School Students
If you’re a high school student with an interest in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), summer internships and research programs can be a good way to explore these fields beyond the classroom. These programs typically combine hands-on lab work with comprehensive lectures and mentorship to provide you with exposure to real-world research methods.
Many of these programs are hosted by top universities and organizations, offering opportunities to learn from professionals and scholars already working in STEM fields. Internships such as these can help you develop practical skills, understand possible career options, and create networking opportunities in fields you're interested in exploring in college.
To help you navigate your options, we’ve put together a list of 16 summer STEM research internships for high school students!
1. Research Science Institute (RSI) – MIT
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Dates: Late June – Early August
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
Cost: Free
Hosted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), RSI is a cost–free summer science and engineering internship program that combines on-campus coursework in scientific theory with off-campus work in science and technology research. The program covers current research topics in biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, physics, and the humanities. It begins with a week of intensive STEM classes, then proceeds with five weeks of individual research projects under mentor supervision. In the final week, you'll present your results via oral and written reports. Throughout the program, you'll have access to MIT's computing resources and tools for finding publications, preparing scientific papers, and creating presentations.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid is available
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form.
3. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students who are 14 or older and U.S. citizens
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee
This virtual program is designed for high school students eager to learn about AI in healthcare innovation. As an intern, you'll investigate how AI tackles medical and healthcare challenges and collaborate on solving a real medical issue using AI tools. You'll join a team for research projects and participate in social activities, virtual group sessions, and career-focused talks led by guest speakers from various professional fields. You may also have the chance to participate in an extended research project after the program ends.
4. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites, see here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
5. NASA OSTEM High School Internship Programs
Location: Various NASA centers across the U.S.
Dates: Summer internships typically run 10 weeks from late May/early June to August
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. The Summer internship deadline is February 27
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens aged 16 and older with a minimum GPA of 3.0
Stipend: Paid internships; stipend amount varies
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) High School Internship Program offers paid, research-oriented internships that place students in active NASA projects across various disciplines, including science, engineering, technology, business, and finance. These internships aim to give you practical experience with NASA's work while helping you build technical skills, analytical thinking, and collaboration. You will learn directly from NASA scientists, engineers, and other experts. The internships usually last 10 weeks in the summer and are offered at multiple NASA centers nationwide, with some options available virtually. During this time, you can participate in activities like data analysis, experimental design, lab work, and software development.
6. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Location: Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Dates: June 23 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 3
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program.
Cost: Free
The Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) at Rockefeller University is a free, in-person, team-based mentored research program designed for high school juniors and seniors. As a participant, you will engage in biomedical research projects under the mentorship of Rockefeller scientists. The program emphasizes hands-on laboratory experience, critical thinking, and effective scientific communication. Throughout the program, you will be introduced to various research techniques and laboratory norms. The program culminates in data analysis and the design of a poster to present the findings at an end-of-program symposium.
7. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
Location: Bar Harbor, ME (high school seniors and undergraduates); Farmington, CT (undergraduates only).
Dates: May 31 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 27
Eligibility: High school seniors who are U.S citizens or lawful permanent residents who are at least 18 years old
Stipend: $6,500; includes room, board, and travel expenses.
The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program (SSP) is a 10-week, fully funded research internship for high school seniors and undergraduate students interested in mammalian genetics and genomics. The program involves independent research projects guided by experienced scientists, providing practical experience in advanced biomedical research. Students develop their own research questions, implement experimental plans, analyze data, and present their findings at a culminating symposium. The program emphasizes not only laboratory skills but also scientific communication and professional development. The SSP is hosted at two campuses: Bar Harbor, Maine, which accepts high school seniors and undergraduates, and Farmington, Connecticut, which is open to undergraduate students only.
8. Broad Summer Scholars Program
Location: Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 22
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who attend a high school in MA within commuting distance to the Broad, and have earned at least a B in science and math classes.
Stipend: $3,600 stipend
Created for high school students passionate about science, this program provides the chance to participate in original, advanced research projects supervised by Broad scientists. The research covers diverse fields such as cancer biology, psychiatric disorders, chemical biology, computational biology, and infectious diseases. Throughout the program, you will explore both experimental and computational techniques, attend scientific seminars, and participate in professional development workshops. The program culminates in a scientific poster session where you present your research findings to the Broad community. Additional activities include college preparation events, career exploration sessions, and social events that foster community among participants.
9. Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Janelia-Low Summer Internship
Location: Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 5
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program, reside in Loudoun County or attend Loudoun County Public Schools, and have a strong background in computational skills and an interest in biology
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; specific stipend amount not publicly disclosed
The Janelia-LCPS Summer Internship Program is an 8-week paid research opportunity for high school students living in Loudoun County or attending Loudoun County Public Schools. It allows participants to engage in advanced research projects under the guidance of Janelia scientists and engineers. You will engage in a variety of projects that may include machine learning algorithms, data annotation, neural network reconstruction, modeling, animal behavior analysis, website development, and computer vision. The program offers hands-on experience in computational and biological research, providing you with the opportunity to develop technical skills and contribute to ongoing scientific investigations.
10. SPARK Summer Mentorship Program (SPARK SMP)
Location: Various sites in the Greater Seattle area, WA
Dates: 8–10 weeks; timelines vary for different projects, but are usually between June and August
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in March/April and close in May
Eligibility: High school students who are permanent US residents and reside in the Greater Seattle area
Cost/Stipend: No cost; some projects offer stipends, while others are unpaid
The SPARK Summer Mentorship Program (SPARK SMP) is an 8–10 week, project-based summer internship designed for high school students in the Greater Seattle area. The program offers access to real-world research and mentorship, highlighting the expanding opportunities in STEM throughout the region. Participants will collaborate with mentors from academia, industry, and the community on practical STEM projects. Many past participants have co-authored research papers or continued their work beyond the program. The program also includes group events and networking opportunities to deepen understanding of professional fields.
11. Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Dates: Year-round, multi-year commitment starting in June
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Full-time 9th or 10th-grade students enrolled in SFUSD schools; minimum GPA of 2.5; eligible to obtain a valid work permit; commitment to program attendance requirements through high school graduation
Cost/Stipend: Paid hourly; starting at $12.53/hour with potential increases as interns advance
The Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program is a multi-year, paid internship open to high school students. It offers hands-on scientific activities such as fieldwork, museum visits, and interactive training sessions designed to enhance educational experiences. You will also have opportunities to attend STEM conferences, college tours, and contribute to academy exhibits and educational materials. During your internship, you will collaborate in small project teams with Academy researchers or partners on science or environmental initiatives. Additionally, you have the option to participate in the CiS Leadership Council or get personalized mentorship from Academy experts.
12. Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS)
Location: Various U.S. Army research laboratories and engineering centers across the United States.
Dates: Exact dates vary by location
Application Deadline: Specific deadlines vary by site
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-12 who are U.S. citizens
Cost/Stipend: No cost to participate; students receive a $125 per week stipend to offset participation costs
The GEMS program, sponsored by the U.S. Army, is a summer STEM enrichment initiative for students. Taking place at multiple U.S. Army research labs and engineering centers nationwide, GEMS offers hands-on STEM activities. You will work collaboratively with peers and near-peer mentors to explore topics related to the current U.S. Army research. The curriculum adopts a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing areas such as science, engineering, mathematics, computational sciences, computational biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry, and biology. Activities are conducted in a lab-based environment, prioritizing experiential learning over textbook instruction.
13. Idaho National Laboratory High School Internship Program
Location: Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID
Dates: 6-8 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students must be at least 16 year old, U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, enrolled as rising juniors, rising seniors, or recent high school graduates, and possess a minimum overall 3.0 GPA.
Stipend: Interns are paid between $15.38 and $16.41 per hour
The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Internship Program offers high school students in Idaho practical research experience in STEM disciplines. You will work alongside INL researchers and professionals on real-world projects in areas such as nuclear energy, cybersecurity, environmental science, and more. The program starts with goal-setting and resource planning with a mentor, then continues with guided research and project development. You will also participate in seminars and career-oriented events. At the internship's conclusion, you will showcase your work through posters, digital presentations, or videos.
14. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Department of the Navy Labs (multiple locations)
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12 who are 16 years old by the start of the program and are U.S. citizens
Stipend: $4,000 (new participants) | $4,500 (returning participants)
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) is a prestigious summer internship initiative by the U.S. Department of the Navy (DoN). Through this program, you’ll work in a Navy research lab for eight weeks, gaining practical exposure to active scientific and engineering efforts supported by the U.S. Department of Defense. You can participate in projects related to disciplines like computer modeling, marine systems, or electronics. Scientists and engineers at the lab act as mentors, guiding you through experimental procedures and helping you understand practical applications of STEM.
15. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: All 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Pacific Islands
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: High school students who live and have residency in the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada
Stipend: $3,000 stipend
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is a summer internship for high school students, provided by the American Fisheries Society. It offers you a chance to work alongside fisheries professionals, gaining practical experience in marine and freshwater environments. You will participate in activities like fish sampling, habitat restoration, and data analysis.
16. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Stipend: At least $500 stipend
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR), based at Stanford University in California, provides students the chance to perform biomedical research under the mentorship of Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers. You can choose from eight research fields, namely, Immunology, Cancer Biology, Stem Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Cardiovascular Medicine, Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Bioengineering. The program offers exposure to a wide range of Bioengineering topics, from protein engineering to brain-machine interfaces, through curated lectures. Students will collaborate in teams to practice engineering and critical thinking skills, develop solutions, create prototypes, and perform feasibility tests.