15 Biology Internships for High School Students
If you're a high school student interested in biology, participating in an internship is a good way to gain experience in the field and develop new skills. Biology is a versatile subject that offers opportunities in various paths, such as research, medicine, ecology, environmental science, and biotechnology. Internships are also valuable additions to your resume, as they show college admissions officers your interest and achievements in biology.
A biology internship can help you figure out where your interests lie within the field. These internships offer diverse experiences, including conducting independent research, fieldwork, and engaging with emerging technologies. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to receive mentorship from experienced professionals and collaborate with peers.
In this list, we’ve gathered 15 biology internships for high school students that you should check out.
15 Biology Internships for High School Students
1. Monell Science Apprenticeship Program
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 10%; Approx. 18-24 interns
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 9
Eligibility: High school students from the greater Philadelphia area, including Camden, NJ
The Monell Science Apprenticeship Program is an intensive biomedical science and medicine program designed for high school students. During the seven-week program, you’ll be paired with a mentor and conduct research work in an area of your interest. Past interns have worked on research topics like sensory perception, neural signaling, computational modeling, taste science, and biological mechanisms of health. The program includes weekly rotations in which you’ll expand your technical knowledge in neuroscience, nutrition, psychophysics, and molecular biology. You’ll also attend workshops and lectures that will introduce you to new topics, help you with professional development, and explore different pathways. The program culminates in a capstone symposium where you’ll present your research work to faculty and peers.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program; Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program designed for motivated high school students. Throughout the eight-week program, you will work with high-growth start-ups across diverse industries, including biology, technology, deep tech, AI/ML, marketing, journalism, consulting, and others. The participating start-ups are typically fast-growing companies, with many having raised over one million dollars. As an intern, you will collaborate closely with your managers and a Ladder Coach on actual projects and have the opportunity to present your work to the company. You can apply here!
3. Broad Summer Scholars Program
Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA
Stipend: $3,600
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: November 24 – January 21
Eligibility: Massachusetts rising high school seniors living within commuting distance of the Broad Institute; Must have at least a B in science and math classes
The Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP) is a six-week research-based program for high school students interested in exploring biology and biomedical sciences. In the program, you’ll be paired with a scientist and work on your research in areas such as cancer biology, psychiatric disease, chemical biology, computational biology, infectious disease, and more. You’ll also explore the field, learn new topics, and expand your network through attending scientific talks, career exploratory workshops, college fairs, and social events. You’ll present your research work in a scientific poster session at the end of the program.
4. Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology (iCLEM)
Location: Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 16
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors (16+) residing in Alameda, Contra Costa, or San Francisco County; Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and must have completed Algebra 1 and Biology; Household income should be below the specified threshold
The Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology (iCLEM) is a summer program for students interested in the intersection of biotechnology, microbiology, and biofuels. As a participant, you will explore various concepts in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biofuels, and synthetic biology through seminars and lectures. You’ll gain research and scientific communication experience while working on your own research project and receiving mentorship from faculty researchers. The program includes guidance on the college admission process, career exploration, discussions with STEM professionals, and learning through field visits to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.
5. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Varies based on mentors; Multiple locations across the U.S.
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: High school rising seniors (16+) interested in fisheries/aquatic sciences
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is a fisheries and aquatic science-based internship experience that lasts eight weeks. During the internship, you will be matched with a mentor to gain insights into the responsibilities of fisheries scientists and participate in fieldwork. The program is unique to each participant, and you’ll get to engage in various activities, depending on your location and mentor. Previous participants have engaged in activities like fish population surveys, habitat restoration, water-quality testing, snorkelling or electro-fishing, and data collection and analysis.
6. High School Summer Research Experience in Cancer (SURE-CAN)
Location: Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; Limited funding available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: June 26 – August 7
Application Deadline: October 1 – January 2
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors (15+) residing in the Western New York counties: Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus, or Chautauqua
The Summer Research Experience in Cancer (SURE-CAN) is a six-week summer internship based in cancer research. As a participant, you will explore topics in cancer science, including cancer biology, imaging, genomics, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) methods, through lectures, laboratory research, and seminars. You will also gain insights into scientific communication, the integration of STEM disciplines with biology for cancer research, and research methodologies to support your independent project work. The program culminates in a research symposium where you’ll present your findings in a formal scientific poster presentation.
7. Stanford STaRS Internship Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: Approximately 20 students per year
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: November 30
Eligibility: High school students (16+)
The Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Summer Program is a seven-week-long healthcare and biomedical research-focused program for high school students. As a participant, you will explore core concepts in biomedicine through lectures and training in lab techniques and research methodology, including imaging, histology, and genotyping. You’ll gain practical research experience by working on a biomedical research project under the mentorship of Stanford faculty. The program culminates in a presentation showcase where you will present the findings of your research work. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage in professional development through skill-building workshops and networking with peers and professionals.
8. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Summer Student Program
Location: MSKCC Main Campus, New York, NY
Stipend: $1,200
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: June 29 – August 21
Application Deadline: December 1 – February 6
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (14+) with a minimum GPA of 3.5 in science subjects; Must reside within 25 miles of the MSKCC campus in Manhattan (NY/NJ/CT)
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center hosts a Summer Student Program for high school students interested in exploring biomedicine. The internship takes place over eight weeks, during which you’ll engage in biomedical or computational lab-based research. You’ll receive research training and be paired with a mentor to work on your own research project based in translational medicine. You will have the opportunity to conduct research in areas including cancer biology, molecular and cellular biology, computational biology, immunology, and drug development. The program includes laboratory meetings, professional development sessions, and networking with professionals.
9. SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station Internships
Location: Various locations in NY
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: 9 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: January – March 26
Eligibility: New York State high school students (16+) with a strong academic background in environmental or natural sciences
During the SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station Internships, you’ll gain practical experience in environmental science, ecology, and conservation research through fieldwork and laboratory studies. As a participant, you’ll develop valuable skills in field sampling, laboratory techniques, scientific writing, and data interpretation. You’ll also get to participate in activities such as water-quality monitoring, fisheries and plant surveys, and water-chemistry testing. By the end of the program, you will be expected to present your research findings.
10. City Of Hope Cancer Center: Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy
Location: City of Hope, Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Duarte, CA
Stipend: $4,500
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: January – March 12
Eligibility: High school students (16+) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; Strong coursework in biology/chemistry required
City of Hope's Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy offers you a biomedical research experience that takes place over ten weeks. As an intern, you’ll be part of the biomedical research team and work on a research project while receiving mentorship from faculty physicians and scientists. The program includes workshops and networking opportunities for professional development and provides a guide to research methodology, creating posters, and biomedical ethics. You'll also work on your presentation and scientific communication skills by presenting your research findings through weekly seminars.
11. The University of Michigan Aspirnaut Program
Location: University of Michigan, Life Sciences Institute, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipend offered
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 6-10 students/cohort
Dates: June 14 – July 24
Application Deadline: Applications open on December 1
Eligibility: Michigan rising high school seniors (16+)
The University of Michigan offers the Aspirnaut Program for high school students looking to gain hands-on research experience in life sciences. Over six weeks, you will work alongside faculty researchers and conduct basic science research on a topic of your choice. During your research, you’ll gain an immersive laboratory experience and discover what it’s like to be a scientist or researcher. The program includes career and college exploration activities, mentoring for the college application process, and workshops for professional growth. You’ll present your research findings at the end of the program.
12. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Transportation stipend of up to $500 (larger stipends may be available based on need)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 8 – July 30
Application Deadline: December 19 – February 21
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors (16+) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week program for students looking to gain research experience and explore their interest in biological sciences and medicine. During the program, you’ll work alongside Stanford faculty researchers to perform basic research on a medically oriented project. You can choose to base your project on areas such as immunology, neurobiology, cancer biology, bioengineering, cardiovascular biology, and bioinformatics. The program culminates in a poster session where you’ll present your research work over the summer.
13. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Location: Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; Need-based stipends may be available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 32 students
Dates: June 22 – August 6
Application Deadline: October 13 – January 2
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors (16+)
The Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) is a mentored research program that allows you to be part of a biomedical research team and gain laboratory-based research experience. As a participant, you’ll gain insight into how research is conducted, essential lab techniques, and the process of scientific inquiry. You’ll gain teamwork, scientific communication, and data analysis skills by working alongside peers on a research topic of your interest. You’ll also get to design and present a poster to share your research findings at the end of the program symposium.
14. UC Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: Commuter fee: $5,675; Residential fee: $13,274; Limited scholarships available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: December 15 – March 9
Eligibility: High school students in 10th-11th grade with a minimum GPA of 3.80
The Research Mentorship Program at UC Santa Barbara provides you with hands-on research experience, allowing you to learn about research methodologies and collaborate with faculty members. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to work on a project aligned with your interests, including fields such as biology, biochemistry, ecology, environmental policy, and marine biology. You’ll gain insight into the process of scientific inquiry by participating in fieldwork, working on data collection, and writing a research paper. You’ll also get to gain college credits during the program and present your research findings at the end of the program symposium.
15. UC Davis Young Scholars Program
Location: University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
Cost: $7,500 program fee + $45 application fee; Fee reductions + application fee waivers available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; Approx. 40 students
Dates: June 21 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 1 – March 1
Eligibility: High-achieving rising high school juniors or seniors (16+) who are permanent U.S. residents
The UC Davis Young Scholars Program is a research program for high school students interested in the fields of biological, agricultural, environmental, and natural sciences. Over six weeks, you’ll work alongside research faculty to work on an individual project. During the program, you will reside on campus and engage in college-level activities and assignments. These include maintaining research notebooks and preparing a written article about your research project. You’ll also get to present your work at a research symposium at the conclusion of the program.
Image Source - Monell Chemical Senses Center Logo