20 Best Paid STEM Internships for High School Students in 2025
Internships for high school students are a great opportunity to gain practical skills, industry exposure, and valuable professional connections before entering college or the workforce. Unlike traditional summer programs that may be costly, paid internships for high school students allow you to learn, gain experience, and earn a stipend at the same time. These programs provide hands-on opportunities in STEM fields such as engineering, computer science, biotechnology, and environmental science.
If you are interested in STEM careers, internships offer exposure to cutting-edge research, mentorship from industry experts, and real-world problem-solving experiences. Many prestigious organizations offer competitive, paid STEM internships for high school students, making these opportunities highly sought after. To help you find the best options, we have made a list of the top 20 paid STEM internships that provide both experience and financial support.
1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR) Program
Location: Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California
Acceptance rate: Highly selective, ~50 students per year
Cost/Stipend: $500–$1,500+ for underrepresented students (Application fee: $40)
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application deadline: December 15 - February 22
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (16+), U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR) Program is an elite, research-intensive internship that allows high school students to conduct cutting-edge biomedical research. You will work under the guidance of Stanford faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers.
You can select from eight specialized research tracks, including Immunology, Neurobiology, Cancer Biology, Bioengineering, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Biology, Bioinformatics, and Genetics & Genomics. You will participate in full-time lab work, attend specialized research lectures, and develop independent projects. The program concludes with a research poster presentation, showcasing your contributions to the scientific community. With a low acceptance rate, SIMR is one of the most competitive high school research internships in the country, admitting only about 50 students per year.
2. Young Scientist Program: Summer Focus at Washington University in St. Louis
Location: Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
Acceptance rate: 15–20 students selected per cohort
Cost/Stipend: $4,500
Program Dates: June 2 – July 25
Application deadline: November 4 - January 27
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from the Greater St. Louis area (Missouri & Illinois), especially from underrepresented or under-resourced backgrounds
The Young Scientist Program: Summer Focus at Washington University in St. Louis is a highly selective, fully funded biomedical research internship designed to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM. The program is open to rising high school seniors from the Greater St. Louis area, with a focus on students from under-resourced schools and underrepresented backgrounds.
You will conduct independent research projects in genetics, microbiology, cancer biology, and biomedical engineering, under the mentorship of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff. The program also includes college readiness workshops, tutoring, and training in scientific communication. The 8-week, full-time internship requires a 40-hour weekly commitment and concludes with a research symposium, where you will present your findings to faculty and peers.
3. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internships
Location: Various U.S. locations, including ARL Central in Chicago, IL
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Cost/Stipend: Varies by location and program duration
Program Dates: Summer (exact Program Dates vary by location)
Application deadline: Rolling applications, opens December 4
Eligibility: Current high school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents (additional criteria may apply depending on location)
The Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internship offers students the opportunity to work in university research labs or U.S. Army Research Laboratories. You will gain hands-on experience in STEM research and innovation. You will be paired with university researchers or Department of Defense (DoD) scientists, working on high-tech projects using advanced laboratory equipment. Research areas include robotics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, environmental science, and engineering.
This program provides you with access to research facilities, allowing you to collaborate with professional scientists and engineers on projects that address real-world challenges. You will develop critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while gaining exposure to STEM careers in defense research.
4. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship
Location: Jupiter, Florida (MPFI Campus)
Acceptance rate: Highly competitive
Cost/Stipend: $13/hour
Program Dates: June 23 – August 1 (6 weeks)
Application deadline: January 7 – March 4
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (16+), residents of Palm Beach or Martin County with U.S. work authorization
The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship is a highly competitive, full-time STEM internship for students interested in neuroscience, engineering, and computational research. For six weeks, you will participate in hands-on projects exploring brain structure, function, and development using advanced imaging technologies and cutting-edge methodologies. You can specialize in neuroscience, scientific programming, or mechanical engineering.
You will commit to a 40-hour workweek and conclude the program by creating a scientific abstract and delivering a formal research presentation to peers and mentors. This internship offers an introduction to scientific research, professional collaboration, and technical problem-solving.
5. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Johns Hopkins Department of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland | Virtual
Acceptance rate: Highly selective (5–6 students per cohort)
Cost/Stipend: In-person interns receive hourly wages ($15/hr) & transportation support; virtual interns receive a $500 Cost/Stipend
Program Dates: In-person: June – August (8 weeks) | Virtual: July – August (5 weeks)
Application deadline: December 1 – March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; in-person applicants must live in Baltimore City or attend a Baltimore-area high school
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a highly selective neuroscience research internship designed for high school juniors and seniors interested in exploring neurological sciences. During the internship, you will work closely with renowned neuroscientists on cutting-edge research projects, gaining exposure to laboratory techniques, scientific discussions, and professional development activities.
The program offers both in-person and virtual formats, ensuring flexibility for students across different locations. You will participate in guided research projects, attend seminars, and receive mentorship from faculty. The program concludes your presentation on your research through oral or poster presentations.
6. Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
Acceptance rate: Highly selective and competitive
Cost/Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application deadline: February 7
Eligibility: High school juniors (16+), U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University provides high school juniors the opportunity to engage in advanced STEM research under the guidance of faculty mentors. You will conduct hands-on projects in fields such as biochemistry, computer science, medicine, neurobiology, physics, chemistry, and geosciences.
During the application process, you can rank your top three mentor preferences to align with your academic interests. The program includes weekly workshops, faculty-led lectures, and campus tours, offering a well-rounded research experience. It concludes with a research symposium, where you will present your findings through abstracts and scientific posters.
7. Student Research Internship Programs at Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI)
Location: Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
Acceptance rate: Highly competitive (40 spots across high school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional applicants)
Cost/Stipend: Program I: Funding details TBA | Program II: $4,000 – $8,000
Program Dates: Program I: June 2 – August 8 or June 16 – August 22 (10 weeks) | Program II: May 19 – July 28 (8 weeks)
Application deadlines: Program I: March 31 | Program II: January 26
Eligibility: High school students (16+) with a strong passion for research
The Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI) Student Research Internship is a highly competitive, hands-on internship that exposes high school students to cutting-edge research in precision medicine and translational science. The program is designed to introduce students to genomic and genetic association studies, digital health, and community engagement.
You will be paired with dedicated mentors who will guide you through data analysis, research methodologies, and clinical trial observation. You will gain firsthand experience in the scientific research process, from study conception to analysis. The program culminates in a final presentation, where you will showcase your findings to peers and faculty mentors.
8. Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP)
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Acceptance rate: Less than 10% (18–24 students selected per year)
Cost/Stipend: Paid (amount unspecified)
Program Dates: June 23 – August 15 (8 weeks)
Application deadline: December 31
Eligibility: High school students from the Greater Philadelphia area, including Camden, NJ
The Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP) provides high school students from the Greater Philadelphia area with an opportunity to engage in hands-on biomedical and medical research. This highly competitive, paid internship allows you to work alongside renowned scientists, gaining practical experience in laboratory research, scientific communication, and ethical considerations in research.
Throughout the eight-week program, you will participate in laboratory work, attend educational seminars, and receive mentorship from professionals in various STEM fields. The program culminates in a public research presentation, where you will showcase your findings to Monell staff, peers, and family. With an acceptance rate of less than 10%, only 18–24 students are selected from a pool of over 200 applicants.
9. Stanford STaRS Internship Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, California
Acceptance rate: Highly selective (~20 students per year)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Program Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application deadline: Typically in November
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older
The Stanford Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Internship Program offers high school students a unique opportunity to explore biotechnology and medical innovation, specifically in reconstructive surgery. You will work alongside leading surgeons and researchers, gaining hands-on experience with medical tools and surgical techniques.
The program covers tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and medical device innovation, helping you understand the role of advanced biotechnology in surgical techniques and patient care. STaRS is highly competitive, admitting only about 20 students per cohort.
10. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center High School Summer Program
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Acceptance rate: Highly selective (12 students per year)
Cost/Stipend: $6,800
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8 (10 weeks)
Application deadline: November 18 - January 20
Eligibility: Texas high school seniors (18+ by the program start date)
The MD Anderson Cancer Center High School Summer Program is a prestigious, fully funded biomedical research internship designed for Texas high school seniors interested in diagnostic, technical, and healthcare research careers. You will be paired with MD Anderson faculty mentors, including department heads and expert researchers, to work on dedicated biomedical research projects.
The program also includes faculty-led seminars, interactive activities, and research competitions. At the end of the 10-week internship, you will present your research findings at a formal luncheon. With only 12 students selected annually, this program is one of the most competitive high school STEM internships in Texas.
11. SLAC Summer Internship Program
Location: SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California
Acceptance rate: Varies by department
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Program Dates: Up to 12 weeks between May and September
Application deadline: Varies based on department needs
Eligibility: High school students (18+), undergraduates, and graduate students authorized to work in the U.S. (Must pass a background check)
The SLAC Summer Internship Program provides high school seniors (18+), undergraduates, and graduate students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a cutting-edge research environment at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. You will take on various roles depending on department needs, ranging from entry-level tasks to advanced technical projects in science, engineering, and business administration.
You will work on projects in Computer Science, Data Science, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Laser Physics, Accelerator Physics, Structural and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Science Communication, and more. Additionally, high school students can volunteer for SLAC’s Regional High School Science Bowl and SAGE Camp (Science Accelerating Girls' Engagement).
12. California Academy of Sciences Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, California
Acceptance rate: Selective
Cost/Stipend: Above minimum wage
Program Dates: Year-round participation after school and weekends for 2–3 years until graduation
Application deadline: February 1 - April 1
Eligibility:
- Full-time 9th or 10th-grade student in SFUSD
- Minimum 2.5 GPA with a grade of C or higher in science and math
- Must obtain a valid work permit
- Must be able to commute to the Academy
The Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program at the California Academy of Sciences is a multi-year, paid STEM internship designed for San Francisco public school students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM. The program provides hands-on fieldwork, science communication training, and exposure to environmental sustainability projects.
You will facilitate science education for visitors, engage in financial literacy and college prep training, and connect with STEM professionals for career guidance. As you advance through the program, you will collaborate on independent research or environmental sustainability projects under the guidance of Academy researchers or partner organizations.
13. Project SEED by American Chemical Society
Location: Various lab choices, including San Francisco State University for SF students
Acceptance rate: Selective
Cost/Stipend: $4,000
Program Dates: 8–10 weeks (June – August)
Application deadline: December 1 - February 6
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, seniors, or recent graduates who have completed at least one high school chemistry course and whose family income does not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
The Project SEED internship program, sponsored by the American Chemical Society (ACS), is a paid summer research fellowship that provides high school students from low-income backgrounds with hands-on chemistry research experience. You will conduct independent projects in the university or research labs, gaining mentorship and exposure to professional scientific environments.
You will also attend career development workshops, university preparation camps, and field trips. The program culminates in a research presentation, and you may have the opportunity to present your findings at the ACS National Meeting.
14. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois
Acceptance rate: 30 lab spots available
Cost: No cost (housing, meals, and fellowship payment provided; transportation not covered)
Program Dates: June 17 – August 1
Application deadline: February - March/April
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 highly motivated high school students the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge STEMM research. This program selects only 30 students to work in neuroscience, cancer immunology, artificial intelligence, bioengineering, and other fields.
You will participate in hands-on lab work, faculty-led seminars, and mentorship sessions, gaining a deeper understanding of STEMM subjects. The program aims to increase diversity in STEMM fields, particularly by supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds. The program culminates in a final research poster symposium, where you will present your work to faculty and peers.
15. University of Chicago Medicine’s ResearcHStart
Location: University of Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, Rush University (IL)
Acceptance rate: Highly selective (30 students per year)
Cost/Stipend: $3,000 taxable stipend
Program Dates: Second week of June – First week of August (8 weeks)
Application deadline: January 20
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors (16+), from the Chicago and Urbana-Champaign areas
The ResearcHStart program is a prestigious eight-week cancer research internship that allows high school students to work in advanced laboratory settings at institutions such as the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Rush University, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. You will collaborate with expert researchers in fields such as bioengineering, cancer immunology, and experimental therapeutics, receiving comprehensive research training, faculty mentorship, and career development workshops.
The program concludes with a research symposium, where you will showcase your findings to faculty and peers. With only 30 spots available annually, this highly competitive program provides an invaluable opportunity for students pursuing careers in biomedical research.
16. Northwestern University’s Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program
Location: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
Acceptance rate: Selective
Cost/Stipend: Provided (exact amount unspecified); participation is free, but interns must arrange their own housing and transportation. A competitive stipend will be paid to each intern
Program Dates: June 9 – August 1 (8 weeks)
Application deadline: January 1- January 26
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (16+)
The Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is an intensive, research-focused internship that provides high school seniors with hands-on experience in biomedical research related to lung disease. You will be paired with a Northwestern faculty mentor and assigned a research project, either hypothesis-driven or hypothesis-generating, in basic or clinical science.
You will contribute to ongoing research in lung disease, gain valuable lab experience, and enhance your understanding of disease mechanisms. The program also includes workshops to strengthen college applications, professional development activities, and networking opportunities. The experience culminates in the Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Symposium, where you will present your findings.
Location: University of Chicago, Illinois
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Cost/Stipend: $4,800
Program Dates: June 16 – August 8 (8 weeks)
Application deadline: January 12
Eligibility: High school students from Chicago (familiarity with programming and relevant coursework preferred)
The DSI Summer Lab at the University of Chicago is an 8-week, paid research program designed for high school and undergraduate students interested in applied, interdisciplinary data science research. You will work closely with experienced mentors on research projects in computer science, data science, climate policy, energy systems, and machine learning.
You will develop technical and analytical skills through hands-on research in machine learning, data visualization, and statistical analysis. The program is highly competitive and requires you to have familiarity with at least one programming language and relevant coursework in computer science, statistics, or mathematics.
18. NASA Internships
Location: Various NASA facilities across the U.S. (virtual options available)
Acceptance rate: Highly competitive
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on the internship. Check here.
Program Dates: Fall (16 weeks), Spring (16 weeks), Summer (10 weeks)
Application deadline: Summer: February 28; Fall: May 16
Eligibility: High school students (U.S. citizens) with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The NASA Internship Program offers high school students hands-on experience in STEM fields, including engineering, data analysis, astrophysics, and aerospace technology. You will contribute to real-world projects at NASA centers across the U.S. and through virtual internships.
As a NASA intern, you will assist in research, analyze data, and support mission-driven projects, gaining valuable exposure to industry-leading scientists and engineers. With internships available in fall, spring, and summer cohorts, you can align your work with your academic schedule.
19. I.C.Stars – Technology Leadership Program
Location: Virtual/Physical (varies by program)
Acceptance rate: Selective
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Program Dates: 4 months of immersive training, followed by 2 years of ongoing support
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to individuals passionate about technology, problem-solving, and leadership
The I.C.Stars Technology Leadership Program is a four-month paid internship designed for individuals interested in technology, business, and leadership. The program focuses on real-world problem-solving, where you will develop web-based applications, learn coding, and gain business insights through hands-on projects.
You will receive mentorship from IT corporate leaders and work with corporate sponsors on technology-driven challenges. After completing the four-month training, graduates benefit from two years of career support, with a 90% job placement rate and an average salary increase of 300%.
20. Adler Planetarium OpenSpace Intern
Location: Adler Planetarium, Chicago, Illinois
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Program Dates: Summer
Application deadline: TBD (Applications open in February)
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with an interest in space science, UX design, and communication
The Adler Planetarium OpenSpace Internship provides high school students with hands-on experience in space science, UX design, and data visualization. You will work in the Space Visualization Lab (SVL), a collaborative space where scientists, artists, technology experts, and educators create innovative ways to explore the universe.
Under the mentorship of Adler staff, you will learn how to use OpenSpace visualization software to develop interactive, immersive experiences that explore NASA missions, space phenomena, and astronomical datasets. This internship is ideal for students with strong communication and analytical skills who are interested in space science, UX design, and research.
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