15 Best Neuroscience Summer Programs for High School Students
What if you could explore the workings of the human brain while still in high school? The best neuroscience summer programs for high school students give them the chance to gain hands-on experience, learn from experts, and build connections that could shape their future academic and career paths.
Often, the best neuroscience summer programs for high school students are hosted by top universities and research institutions, making them high-quality yet often more affordable than long-term courses. Some even provide free or virtual options, making them accessible to a wider range of students.
For those passionate about the brain, cognition, and related sciences, the best neuroscience summer programs for high school students provide an ideal platform to explore advanced concepts and real-world applications. In this blog, we have compiled a list of the best neuroscience summer programs for high school students.
15 Best Neuroscience Summer Programs for High School Students
1. Massachusetts General Hospital’s Youth Neurology Education and Research Program
Location: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 30–August 8
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and recent high school graduates living or studying in Massachusetts during the program who have authorization to work in the U.S.
In this program, you spend your summer conducting neurology research at Massachusetts General Hospital, working closely with mentors from the neurology department. The experience begins with a short “bootcamp” that prepares you for the lab environment through research and clinical training, networking sessions, and skill-building workshops. You’ll then join a research lab in pairs, contributing to ongoing projects under the guidance of an MGH Neurology faculty mentor. Weekly lectures by neurologists and neuroscientists introduce you to a variety of topics in brain science, and occasional field trips and lunches provide additional chances to connect with professionals. The summer concludes with a presentation of your research to peers, mentors, and faculty.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program - Neurology Track
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies based on program type; full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June); Summer I cohort: June 2; Summer II cohort: July 14
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort; Summer I: May 11, Summer II: June 23
Eligibility: Currently high school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
This program enables you to work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor to design and complete your own neuroscience research project over 12 weeks. This track allows you to explore areas such as neurobiology, cognitive science, computational neuroscience, or brain-computer interfaces, depending on your interests. Your mentor will guide you through each stage of the research process, from forming a question to analyzing results and writing a formal academic paper. You’ll also gain experience in academic writing, research methodology, and critical thinking. By the end, you’ll have produced a research paper and be eligible to earn credit from the University of California at San Diego (UCSD).
3. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $40 application fee which can be waived under certain criteria / $500 stipend, $2,500 for eligible students in extra need-based aid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are 16 or older and living and attending school in the U.S. | Permanent residents with a green card
SIMR places you in one of Stanford University’s medical research institutes for eight weeks to conduct neurobiology research. You’ll work under the guidance of a mentor on a project in an area you choose during the application process, such as neurobiology, cancer biology, stem cell science, or bioengineering. Your work may involve lab experiments, data analysis, or specialized techniques, depending on the institute’s focus. The program also offers an optional bioengineering track where you can join a team to identify a medical problem and create a prototype solution, rather than working in a traditional lab. You’ll attend lectures and discussions that introduce you to diverse scientific fields and career paths.
4. Horizon Academic Research Program - Neuroscience Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program type; full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: Summer Regular 1 & Regular 2 - June 16; Summer 2 - July 14 (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: Summer 1 Regular 1 - April 20; Summer 1 Regular 2 - May 18 | Summer 2 - June 22; apply here
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA | Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders | Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here
Through Horizon Academic, you can conduct an in-depth research project in neuroscience with the support of a university professor or Ph.D. scholar. The program allows you to choose a focus that fits your academic interests, whether it’s experimental neuroscience, cognitive psychology, or computational modeling. Over a trimester, your mentor will guide you in developing a 20-page research paper that could be submitted to academic journals or serve as a strong portfolio piece for future applications. The neuroscience track often combines insights from psychology, philosophy, and data science, providing a broader perspective on topics such as perception, memory, and neurodegenerative diseases. By the end, you’ll have both a substantial research project.
5. Mayo Clinic SPARK Research Mentorship Program
Location: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 3 – December 2
Application Deadline: December 31
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors enrolled in Duval or St. Johns counties in Florida | Minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA
At the Mayo Clinic’s Jacksonville campus, the SPARK program allows you to conduct mentored research in fields such as neuroscience, cancer biology, immunology, or regenerative sciences. As a SPARK scholar, you’ll dedicate at least 25 hours each week to working in a lab, learning techniques, and contributing to ongoing studies. The program includes weekly Lunch and Learn sessions where you’ll tour specialized facilities, hear from guest speakers, and discuss topics like college planning and research presentation skills. You’ll also prepare a project for entry into local or regional science fairs, with many participants continuing to state or national competitions. The summer ends with an oral presentation of your work.
6. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS)
Location: Virtual or in-person at Johns Hopkins campus, Baltimore, MD
Cost: None / $15 per hour (in-person); none for virtual interns
Dates: In-person: 8 weeks June – August | Virtual: 5 weeks (July to August)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (in the U.S. for the virtual program and in Baltimore City, MD, for the in-person program).
At JHIBS, the in-person track selects a small group of juniors and seniors from Baltimore City public schools for an eight-week experience at Johns Hopkins, where you’ll join a research project, attend seminars, shadow neurologists in clinical rotations, and present your work at the end. The virtual track is open nationwide and runs for five weeks, focusing on educational presentations, lab technique instruction, professional development, and mentorship training. Both versions give you opportunities to interact with faculty, staff, and student mentors while building skills in scientific communication. Participants in the in-person program receive hourly pay and transportation funds, while virtual participants earn a completion certificate.
7. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee / $750 tax-free stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective / 12 students
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 24
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 17 by the start date | U.S. citizens or permanent residents | Graduating this year or next
This seven-week residential research program at Texas Tech University brings together 12 high-achieving juniors and seniors from across the country and beyond. You’ll work closely with a faculty mentor on a research project in your chosen field, which can range from neuroscience and other sciences to the humanities and fine arts. Alongside your project, you’ll take part in weekly seminars, discussions, and field trips designed to broaden your perspective and sharpen your critical thinking. The program provides a $750 stipend upon successful completion of your final research report. Admission is competitive, with selection based on academic achievement, recommendations, and stated career goals.
8. Stanford University Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X)
Location: Virtual or in-person at Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Virtual - $1,595 | In-person: $2,895 (Scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 12%
Dates: Virtual - June 16 – 27 | In-person Session 1: July 7 – 18 | In-person Session 2: July 21 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 1 (rolling admissions)
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–18
Over two intensive weeks, CNI-X introduces you to the intersection of neuroscience, psychiatry, and psychology through interactive seminars, team projects, and faculty-led discussions. You’ll dive into topics like neuroimaging, behavioral neuroscience, sports psychiatry, eating disorders, and psychiatric innovations, as well as learn about career paths in medicine and research. Working in small groups, you’ll develop a capstone project that addresses a mental health or neuroscience-related social issue, then present your solutions at the program’s closing session. Sessions include guest lectures from Stanford researchers, lab tours, and conversations about practical self-care skills for young adults.
9. Albany Medical College Next-Gen Neuroscience
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive (open to a wider pool of applicants)
Dates: Last Monday of June – First Friday of August
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students over age 16 (local students are given preference)
This six-week program blends live virtual classes with optional in-person research opportunities, offering flexibility based on your availability and location. All participants, called ‘Neuroscience Exposure students,’ attend real-time lectures on neuroscience topics, develop a personal statement and CV, and engage with professionals in the field. If accepted into the more selective Neuroscience Immersion track, you’ll spend about 20 hours a week on a mentored research project, either in-person at a designated lab or virtually, while also completing all Exposure requirements. The program emphasizes building communication skills, with instruction on creating a research poster, writing scientific papers, and delivering a ten-minute oral presentation.
10. Max Planck Florida Institute (MPFI) for Neuroscience’s High School Internship
Location: MPFI, Jupiter, FL
Cost/Stipend: None / $13 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Typically mid-June to late July
Application Deadline: March 4
Eligibility: Open to Palm Beach or Martin County high school students entering their junior or senior year during the coming school year | Reside in Palm Beach or Martin Counties | At least 16 years of age by the internship start date | Legally authorized to work in the United States
In this six-week internship, you’ll work alongside scientists at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, contributing to research on brain structure, function, and development. The program introduces you to advanced imaging techniques and lab methods such as genetic engineering, histological staining, and microscopy. As you assist with ongoing projects, you’ll learn how these techniques are applied to investigate neural circuits and answer fundamental questions in neuroscience. Each intern prepares a written abstract of their work and gives a final presentation to the research community, highlighting what they’ve accomplished. With access to advanced facilities and expert guidance, this internship provides valuable insights into advanced research methodologies and neuroscience.
11. Duke University Neuroscience Experience (DUNE)
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC
Cost/Stipend: None / Paid, amount unspecified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 9
Eligibility: Open to current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors | At least 16 years old by June 16 | Attend a public or a charter school in Durham, NC, list here | U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Through DUNE, you can spend eight weeks conducting neuroscience research at Duke’s labs, working alongside experienced scientists and mentors. This internship matches you to a lab based on your research interests. Over the summer, you’ll carry out a guided research project, participate in workshops on topics like scientific communication and career planning, and explore pathways in academia, industry, and medicine. The program also includes opportunities to connect with peers and mentors through lunches, discussions, and a final research presentation. Whether you have prior research experience or are just getting started, DUNE’s focus on skill-building and community can help you navigate future STEM opportunities.
12. sci-MI Neuroscience Mentorship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application Deadline: Typically mid-May
Eligibility: All high school students (preference is given to students underrepresented in neuroscience or without prior research experience)
If you’re curious about neuroscience but want a flexible, accessible way to explore it, the sci-MI Neuroscience Mentorship Program might fit your style. This free, five-week program offers two tracks–synchronous, with a personal mentor and live sessions, or asynchronous, where you can learn at your own pace while still accessing program materials. You’ll work on an independent research project using open-access resources, meet weekly for journal clubs and lectures, and present your findings in a final talk and written paper. Past students have also submitted their work to student journals, but the emphasis is on developing your ability to think critically and creatively like a scientist.
13. Johns Hopkins University – Neuroscience and Human Behavior (AS.080.140)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,950 + $85 application fee; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Session One: June 23–July 4 | Session Two: July 7–18 | Session Three: July 21–August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
This course offers an in-depth introduction to behavioral neuroscience, focusing on how brain cells and chemicals influence complex behaviors such as language, social bonding, and neurological disorders. Delivered primarily through an online, asynchronous format, you will engage with case studies including stroke recovery affecting language skills and the role of specific neural receptors in animal social behaviors. The program involves regular assignments and provides optional live sessions for enriched discussions and support. It is designed for those interested in exploring the fundamental concepts of behavioral neuroscience and the functioning of the mind.
14. UCLA Neuroscience High School Scholars Program
Location: Virtual or in-person at UCLA campus
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 15 – July 23
Application Deadline: February 9
Eligibility: High school students between grades 9-12
In this six-week program, you will explore neuroscience with a particular focus on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Designed to address both the science and the social aspects of these conditions, the program examines health disparities, cultural factors, prevention, and treatment approaches. Whether you join in person or virtually, you’ll participate in neuroscience seminars, journal clubs, and neurology grand rounds, as well as receive mentorship and guidance on a research project. The in-person format also includes hands-on experiences like brain cutting sessions and community outreach activities. By the end, you’ll have a finished project highlighting your understanding of how neuroscience research connects to real-world health challenges.
15. UCLA Brain Research Institute NeuroCamp
Location: UCLA Brain Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive, small cohort
Dates: Week 1: June 16 – 18 | Week 2: June 23 – 24, 26 – 27
Application Deadline: April 27
Eligibility: All high school students
NeuroCamp, hosted by UCLA’s Brain Research Institute, is a free summer course that introduces high school students from the Los Angeles area to neuroscience through a mix of lectures and lab work. In the program, you’ll learn about molecular neurobiology, neurophysiology, and neuroanatomy while practicing essential lab skills such as microscopy and experimental recording. The program is designed to give you a practical understanding of how the brain’s systems work, from the cellular level to complex functions. Alongside technical learning, you’ll engage in discussions and guided experiments that connect concepts to active research questions.
One more option: Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type (financial aid available) / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10% / 70-100
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Summer cohorts. Summer Cohort I: 8 weeks from June 2 | Summer Cohort II: 8 weeks from July 14
Application Deadline: Summer Cohort I: May 11 | Summer Cohort II: June 23
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 10–20 hours per week, for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships is an 8-week remote internship program designed for high school students. The program matches you with high-growth startups to work on real projects in fields like software engineering, AI, machine learning, mental health, and health tech. Throughout the internship, interns meet regularly with company mentors, develop skills using industry tools, and contribute to projects aligned with the startup’s goals. There is also an option to apply for the CEO Internship Program, where interns work directly with startup founders from FAANG companies and top universities. Interns typically dedicate 10–20 hours per week and receive a completion letter from the company upon finishing the program.
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