15 Best Biomedical Engineering Summer Programs for High School Students
If you want to gain practical experience and build a strong academic foundation, an excellent step would be to explore summer programs. These programs often balance affordability with quality learning, making them accessible and rewarding. Hosted by prestigious colleges and organizations, these programs deliver industry exposure and valuable mentorship opportunities.
If you’re passionate about biomedical engineering, you can benefit from exploring topics such as tissue engineering, biomechanics, and medical device design. Many programs offer hands-on lab experiences, research projects, and collaborative teamwork. They also provide opportunities for you to network with peers and professionals who share similar interests.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve compiled a list of the top 15 summer biomedical engineering programs for high schoolers.
1. The Immersive Summer Program for Education, Enrichment, and Distinction (ISPEED) in Biomedical Engineering
Location: John Hopkins Biomedical Engineering, Baltimore, MD
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 30 - July 25
Eligibility: High-school sophomores or juniors (10th or 11th grades) are eligible to apply; applicants must be at least 15 years of age on move-in day and not yet 18 years of age on the last day of the program
The ISPEED program at Johns Hopkins University provides a project-based, hands-on introduction to biomedical engineering. During the four-week session, you’ll live on campus, earn college credit, and study advanced topics such as cell and tissue engineering, healthcare design, and machine learning. You’ll participate in lab work, research projects, and presentations while collaborating with peers from around the country. The program also features career exploration, lab tours, and college preparation workshops. Additionally, you’ll get to attend seminars led by faculty and industry professionals.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available | None
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter; Fall cohort: September 14
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Fall cohort: August 24
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective program that gives you hands-on experience working with high-growth start-ups. Through this program, you’ll intern remotely with companies across industries such as bioengineering, technology, deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Many of Ladder’s start-ups are backed by Y Combinator and led by founders with experience at organizations like Google, McKinsey, and Microsoft. Throughout the internship, you’ll work closely with a start-up manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach on meaningful projects, finishing with a presentation of your work to the company. All available opportunities are listed on the program’s application form.
3. Tufts University Biomedical Engineering Research Scholars (TUBERS)
Location: Tufts University, Medford, MA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: July 1 - August 15
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years of age by the start of the program are eligible to apply; applicants must be residing in one of the following cities or towns in MA: Medford, Somerville, Arlington, Cambridge, Malden, Everett, Melrose, Revere, Chelsea, Winchester, Boston, and Quincy
TUBERS is a six-week research program where you conduct original research in Tufts’ biomedical engineering labs. You will work closely with faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates to design experiments, test hypotheses, and apply advanced techniques to real-world problems. The program offers you a rigorous introduction to scientific research in a university environment. It concludes with a formal presentation of your findings to peers, parents, and educators. You would also be encouraged to submit your projects to science fairs and competitions.
4. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program - Bioengineering Track
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $40 application fee, which can be waived; all students receive a minimum $500 stipend
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: June 9 - July 31
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors in the Fall who are at least 16 years old or older by the program start date are eligible to apply
SIMR is a competitive eight-week research internship for high school juniors and seniors hosted at Stanford University. You’ll work in Stanford labs under one-on-one mentorship in fields such as bioengineering, cancer biology, and neuroscience. The program includes a Bioengineering Team Internship, where you collaborate to design and prototype medical devices using tools such as 3D printing, circuit design, and machine learning. The experience provides you with hands-on exposure to advanced research and innovation. It concludes with a public poster session showcasing your research findings.
5. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Program Dates: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year. Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June)
Eligibility: Current high school students demonstrating a high level of academic achievement are eligible to apply (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective research opportunity for driven high school students. Over 12 weeks, you’ll work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor to design an independent research project and produce a full-length academic paper. The program also offers tracks in engineering, biology, chemistry, and related disciplines. Lumiere focuses on academic depth, individualized mentorship, and building strong analytical skills. If you want additional information and application details, they are available here.
6. Columbia Engineering's Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) - Biomedical Engineering Track
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: Commuter: $5,875 | Residential: $10,705; need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: March 3
Dates: Session I: July 7 - July 25 | Session II: July 28 - August 15
Eligibility: Current high school students; those who are 16 years and older can also apply to the residential option
SHAPE is a three-week academic program at Columbia University that helps introduce you to biomedical engineering and what to expect in the field. You’ll study medical technologies and innovations through hands-on projects and coursework guided by Columbia faculty. The curriculum covers areas such as biomechanics, medical imaging, and bioinstrumentation. Using tools such as 3D printers and laser engravers, you’ll design and prototype biomedical devices. Throughout the program, you’ll strengthen your problem-solving and design skills.
7. RISER Summer Program
Location: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 16
Dates: June 23 - August 1
Eligibility: High school rising seniors residing in or attending high school in South Jersey are eligible to apply
The Research Immersion in Biomedical Science and Engineering (RISER) program is a six-week, non-residential research experience for rising high school seniors in South Jersey. You’ll be placed in Rowan University labs focused on either biomedical engineering or biomedical sciences and work under faculty mentorship. Your research will center on topics related to your specific lab placement and take place at Rowan’s Glassboro, Camden, or Stratford campuses. It concludes with a closing symposium where you present your findings.
8. Duke Research in Engineering Program (DukeREP)
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC
Cost / Stipend: No cost; students receive a stipend
Application Deadline: February 16
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years or older are eligible to apply
DukeREP, hosted by Duke University’s Biomedical Engineering Department, is a seven-week summer program that will introduce you to academic research in engineering. You’ll join active research labs and contribute to ongoing biomedical engineering projects. The program also offers weekly seminars, college and career advising, and social activities. It emphasizes fostering diversity in STEM fields. Students from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
9. BIOMED Summer Academy
Location: Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $1,500; need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Rolling basis starting from January 1
Dates: Session I: July 7– July 11 | Session II: July 14– July 18 | Session III: July 21– July 25 | Session IV: July 28–August 1
Eligibility: Rising 11-12 graders residing in the Philadelphia area and beyond are eligible to apply
Drexel University’s BIOMED Summer Academy is a one-week, hands-on program that introduces you to biomedical engineering fundamentals. You’ll practice basic lab techniques and learn how biomedical engineers create innovative healthcare solutions. The program features seminars, guest lectures, and site visits for a comprehensive view of the field and covers topics such as prosthetics, medical imaging, and biotechnology research.
10. Boston Leadership Institute - Biomedical Engineering Program
Location: Boston Leadership Institute, Wellesley, MA
Cost: Three-Week Tuition: $2500 | Three-Week Residential Fee: $2097. Need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Dates: Session 1: June 23 – July 11 | Session 2: July 14 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply
This program provides an in-depth exploration of the science driving medical technologies through research, lab work, and design challenges. You’ll develop skills in areas such as 3D modeling, DNA analysis, and device prototyping. The curriculum also examines the societal and ethical considerations of biotechnology and emphasizes collaboration and hands-on learning throughout. It concludes with a team project where you present an original medical innovation supported by scientific evidence.
11. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, New York, NY
Stipend: $1,000
Application Deadline: February 21
Dates: June 2 – August 18
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors in the upcoming school year
NYU’s ARISE Program is a 10-week summer experience that blends research training with hands-on lab work. During the first four weeks, you’ll build foundational skills in safety, academic writing, and research methods. In the final six weeks, you’ll work in an NYU research lab, gaining approximately 120 hours of experience in fields such as bioengineering, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The program also helps you develop public speaking, critical thinking, and networking skills. It concludes with a research presentation at NYU and a poster symposium at the American Museum of Natural History.
12. RISE Internship / Practicum
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Cost:
Tuition: $5,700
Service Fees: $485
Room & Board: $3,276 (14 meals/week) or $3,600 (19 meals/week)
Application Fee: $60 (nonrefundable)
Limited need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: February 14
Dates: June 29 - August 8
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The RISE program at Boston University is a six-week opportunity designed for high school students interested in science and research. You’ll join a small group of peers and conduct laboratory or computational research under the mentorship of faculty or experienced researchers. As an internship participant, you’ll engage in full-time research across various scientific disciplines, like biomedical engineering, while as a practicum student, you will focus on daily lectures and team-based experiments in data science or computational neurobiology. The program also includes weekly academic workshops and networking opportunities with biotech professionals. It concludes with a program-wide Poster Symposium where you present your research.
13. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: Free; a stipend is provided
Application Deadline: February 7
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: Students in their junior year of high school at the time of applying; at least 16 years of age by the start of the program
The Simons Summer Research Program immerses you in scientific inquiry through close collaboration with a Stony Brook faculty mentor. You’ll join a lab team, contribute to an assigned project, and develop skills in lab techniques and real-time problem-solving. Some of the available fields of research include Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, and Astrophysics, among others. There will be weekly lectures from leading researchers as well as group activities, which will enhance your overall experience. At the end of the eight-week program, you’ll submit a research abstract and present your work at the final symposium..
14. University of Illinois Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
Stipend: Students receive a fellowship payment
Application Deadline: March 30
Dates: June 20 - August 1 (excluding orientation dates)
Eligibility: Rising 10th - 12th graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin
The Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a six-week immersive research experience. You’ll work on projects in fields such as neuroscience, bioengineering, and artificial intelligence under the guidance of faculty and graduate mentors. Weekly seminars on college readiness and scientific communication would help in supporting students from diverse STEM backgrounds. You will need to commit 30–35 hours per week to research activities. The program concludes with a research symposium where you present your findings, with housing, meals, and a fellowship award provided.
15. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee; waivers are available | None
Acceptance Rate: Selective, around 10%
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: 15 years or older by June 18
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University provides you with the opportunity to conduct innovative research alongside faculty mentors. You’ll gain hands-on experience with advanced technologies while exploring areas such as bioengineering, neuroscience, and climate science, among others. The program helps you build skills in scientific writing and problem-solving while connecting with STEM professionals. You can have your work published in scientific journals or presented at conferences. Past projects have included research in renewable energy, robotics, infectious diseases, and even exoplanet discovery.
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