15 Biochemistry Internships for High School Students
If you’re actively looking for a biochemistry internship, you’re likely trying to go beyond classes and build something more concrete for your profile. Internships give you a way to do that by adding real experience to your resume – whether that’s working in a lab, contributing to a research project, or learning how scientific work is actually carried out. You’ll also start building connections with mentors, researchers, and peers who are already in the field, which can be useful long after the program ends. Compared to many pre-college programs, these opportunities are often funded or stipend-based, making them a more accessible way to explore your interests. Many are hosted by universities, research institutes, hospitals, and national labs, so the experience is often aligned with how science is done at the college or professional level.
If you want to check out other STEM- related internships, find a list in our blog here!
Why should I participate in a biochemistry internship in high school?
If you’re considering biochemistry as a potential major or career path, an internship helps you test that interest in a real setting rather than relying only on coursework. You might find yourself working with molecular biology concepts, analyzing experimental data, supporting lab work, or understanding how research connects to areas like medicine, drug development, or biotechnology. This kind of exposure gives you material to talk about in applications, from specific projects to skills you’ve developed, which can make your college essays and interviews more grounded.
To make your search more targeted, we’ve narrowed down a list of 15 biochemistry internships that stand out for their research depth, mentorship quality, and overall relevance for high school students.
Quick Look
15 internships total spanning molecular biology, genomics, cancer research, biotechnology, and clinical/translational science, hosted by institutions including MIT, NIH, UCSF, and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
Stipends vary widely, from unpaid options like the Scripps Research Translational Institute to fully funded programs like ACS Project SEED ($4,000) and iCLEM at the Joint BioEnergy Institute ($3,000)
Standout programs include Research Science Institute at MIT, one of the most selective research programs in the country, and the NIH High School Summer Internship Program, which places you directly in an active biomedical research group
Several programs are designed with accessibility in mind, including iCLEM, which specifically serves students from qualifying income backgrounds, and Magee-Womens Research Institute, which ties its stipend to household eligibility for free or reduced lunch
Deadlines start as early as December 10 for Research Science Institute, with most other programs falling between January and April, so early preparation matters for the most competitive options
1. Research Science Institute
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~2.5% applicants selected; 100 students/year
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 28 – August 8
Application Deadline: December 10
Eligibility: High school juniors who meet the RSI academic prerequisites
Research Science Institute gives you a structured way to experience the full research cycle, from reading scientific literature to presenting original findings. You’ll begin with advanced seminars across STEM fields, which can help strengthen your grounding in biology, chemistry, and the methods used in scientific inquiry. The research phase places you under the guidance of a mentor, where your project may involve biochemistry, molecular systems, materials, or another lab-based discipline depending on placement. You will learn how to define a research question, interpret technical papers, and use evidence to refine your approach. Students are expected to produce both a research paper and a conference-style presentation. The program also connects you with scientists, researchers, and peers working across different disciplines.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 – 25%; 70 – 100 students
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available) / No stipend
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, winter, fall, and spring; Summer Cohorts I and II start June 2 and July 14, respectively
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; Summer Cohorts I and II deadlines fall on May 12 and June 23, respectively
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students able to commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–16 weeks
The Ladder Internship Program pairs you with an early-stage startup for a structured virtual internship built around project-based work. You are matched with a company based on your interests, with options that can include areas like health tech, biotechnology, environmental science, or data-driven research.Throughout the program, you work under a company supervisor while also receiving ongoing guidance from a dedicated mentor who helps you stay on track and refine your output. Your role typically involves contributing to a defined project, which may include research, analysis, or strategy depending on the organization’s focus. A key component of the experience is the final presentation, where you share your work directly with the startup team and stakeholders. The program also creates opportunities to interact with professionals and mentors from established companies and startup ecosystems.
3. Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology (iCLEM)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA
Stipend: $3000
Dates: One prep week: June 8 – June 12 | In-person research: June 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 20
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
This biochemistry internship for high school students is built for those who want practical exposure to biotechnology, microbiology, and the molecular science behind modern biomanufacturing. You will learn core ideas in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biofuels, and synthetic biology while applying them through a research project in a professional lab setting. The program emphasizes hands-on work, so you are introduced to research techniques, lab safety, scientific communication, and experimental thinking. There will be mentorship from researchers and undergraduate assistants who will help you understand how scientific questions are developed and tested in a laboratory. The experience also covers college preparation, including personal statement work and guidance on admissions and financial aid. Field visits and career discussions also show you how biotechnology and pharmaceutical research connect to possible academic and professional pathways.
4. NIH High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Location: NIH campuses across the country
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 8 weeks in summer between mid-June and mid-August
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: High school students who are 18 and enrolled in an accredited educational institution, and are U.S. citizens and permanent residents
The NIH High School Summer Internship Program places you in a biomedical research group where you contribute to ongoing scientific work under the supervision of a principal investigator. Depending on your placement, your work may involve laboratory experiments, computational analysis, literature review, or interpretation of biological data. The program is especially relevant for biochemistry-focused students because NIH research spans molecular biology, disease mechanisms, genetics, immunology, and translational medicine. You’ll learn how professional research teams operate, including how experiments are planned, documented, and evaluated in this biochemistry internship for high school students. There will be seminars and career-focused programs that help you understand the broader pathways available in biomedical science.
5. Texas Tech University’s Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 12 students
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Stipend: $750
Dates: June 21 – August 6
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (i.e., students graduating high school in the program year or the next) who are at least 17 by the start date and U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program gives you the chance to pursue an independent research project under the guidance of a university faculty mentor. Although the program spans several disciplines, students interested in biochemistry can use the experience to explore biology, chemistry, biomedical science, or related laboratory research. Much of the work centers on developing a research question, collecting or analyzing evidence, and learning how to communicate findings clearly. Weekly seminars and discussions add academic context beyond your individual project and expose you to how scholars approach problems across fields. The final report and presentation also provide opportunities to practice formal research communication. Field trips and group activities further help you see how academic research connects to professional settings and real-world applications.
6. American Chemical Society Project SEED Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Location: Varies based on lab choice
Stipend: $4000
Dates: 8-10 weeks, June–August
Application Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, seniors, or recent graduates, with one completed high school chemistry course; Students whose family income does not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines are preferred
ACS Project SEED places you in a professional research laboratory where chemistry is applied through hands-on investigation. Depending on your host lab, you may work on projects related to organic chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, pharmaceutical chemistry, or environmental research. You’ll learn how to follow lab protocols, assist with experiments, record observations, and interpret results under the supervision of a scientist. The biochemistry internship for high school students also introduces you to lab safety, research ethics, scientific careers, and college preparation through enrichment activities. Biochem-minded students can find placements that connect chemical principles with biological systems, drug discovery, or molecular processes.
7. J.Craig Venter Institute’s (JCVI) High School Internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Location: Rockville, MD
Stipend: $17.50/hour
Dates: May - August; 10-15 week opportunities are offered throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and above
The J. Craig Venter Institute internship introduces you to research environments focused on genomics, bioinformatics, synthetic biology, and molecular science. You will work with a dedicated mentor and contribute to projects suited to your academic background, which may involve laboratory methods, computational analysis, or interpretation of biological data. The experience is especially relevant if you are interested in how DNA, gene systems, and molecular tools are used to answer biological questions. Seminars, journal clubs, and workshops help you understand current research while building professional skills. One of the key features is the judged poster presentation, where you communicate your work to scientists at the institute.
8. Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internships at the University of Florida Health
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, Jupiter, FL
Stipend: $4,480
Dates: June 5 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, will begin their junior or senior year in a Palm Beach or Martin County high school in the fall, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and will be 16 years old by the first day of the program
Kenan Fellows places you in a biomedical research laboratory where scientists work on questions tied to biological and chemical research. You’ll learn how lab investigations are planned, how data is collected, and how experimental results are interpreted in areas such as drug discovery, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, or disease research. The internship emphasizes bench experience, research planning, and interaction with laboratory personnel, which gives you a closer look at daily scientific work. Weekly seminars introduce you to a broader range of research topics and career possibilities in biomedical science. The experience concludes with both an oral and a poster presentation, helping you practice formal scientific communication.
9. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Summer High School Internship (SHIP) Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Location: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
Stipend: Paid
Dates: June 22–August 14
Application deadline: March 13
Eligibility: High school students entering their senior year or final term after the summer with a strong science background
Fred Hutch’s Summer High School Internship Program is designed to introduce you to biomedical research through a carefully staged lab experience. The biochemistry internship for high school students begins with training in lab safety and techniques, giving you a foundation before you join a research group. After that, you’ll work with mentors on projects connected to cancer biology, molecular science, or related biomedical questions. You also attend seminars and workshops that cover scientific careers, research communication, college planning, and professional development. The program concludes with a presentation, giving you the chance to explain your work to the Fred Hutch community and guests.
10. Scripps Student Research Internships
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Location: Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla, CA
Stipend: Unpaid
Dates: June 1 – August 7 | June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 30
Eligibility: High school students who will be at least 16 years old by the internship start date
Scripps Student Research Internships introduce you to translational research, especially the connection between biological data, human health, and personalized medicine. You may explore topics such as genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, mobile health, clinical study design, or disease monitoring depending on your mentor match. The experience focuses on understanding how research questions are designed, how data is analyzed, and how findings can inform healthcare decisions. If your interests lean toward biochemistry, the genomics and molecular-health components can help you see how biological markers are studied in relation to disease. You’ll also practice presenting scientific concepts, including study design, data interpretation, and research findings, to peers and mentors.
11. UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program (RMP)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: Commuter: $5,675 | Residential: $13,274
Dates: June 16 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: Students in 10th and 11th grades with a minimum 3.8 weighted GPA (exceptional 9th-grade students may be admitted on a case-by-case basis)
UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program pairs you with a university mentor to carry out a project in a research area that may include biochemistry, biomedicine, biology, chemistry, or environmental science. You will spend significant time each week working on your project, learning how research questions are framed, tested, and communicated. Depending on your placement, you may engage with lab techniques, data collection, literature review, fieldwork, or technical analysis. The research methods course and GRIT Talks help you understand both the process of investigation and the broader research landscape at UCSB. Interns are also required to complete a technical paper and present their findings at a formal academic symposium.
12. Emory University Winship Cancer Institute’s Summer Scholars Research Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 – 12 students
Location: Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA; virtual option is also available.
Stipend: $2,400
Dates: June 8 – July 17
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Rising and graduating high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and 16 or older when the program begins
Winship’s Summer Scholars Research Program places you in a cancer-focused research setting where molecular biology, biochemistry, and clinical questions often overlap. You are paired with a physician or lab-based researcher and work on a project that may involve cancer biology, molecular oncology, public health, or clinical research methods. Faculty-led lectures help you understand how cancer research moves from biological mechanisms to treatment strategies and patient care. Roundtable discussions and site visits add context by showing how research connects to oncology practice and broader health systems. The biochemistry internship for high school students ends with a symposium where you present your project to researchers, clinicians, peers, and invited guests.
13. Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI)’s High School Summer Internship Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Location: Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh
Stipend: $1800 (if household qualifies for the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program for Pennsylvania)
Dates: June 15–July 24
Application Deadline: February 9
Eligibility: High school students currently in their sophomore or junior year and 16 years old by the program start date; Permanent/primary residence in the local southwest Pennsylvania region
Magee-Womens Research Institute gives you direct exposure to biomedical research focused on reproductive biology, women’s health, infant health, and related clinical questions. You are placed on a defined project under the guidance of investigators and research staff, which helps you understand how scientific studies are carried out in a specialized institute. Depending on your lab, the work may involve basic, translational, or clinical research methods, including data collection, analysis, or support for experimental studies. Weekly Lunch & Learn sessions add value by showing how scientists build careers in biomedical research. The program concludes with a formal presentation, allowing you to explain your findings to faculty, staff, and fellow interns.
14. UCSF Summer Student Research Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 35-40 students per year
Location: San Francisco and Oakland, CA
Stipend: $3,000
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors | Age 16+ by June 1 | At least one year of completed math and biology
The UCSF Summer Student Research Program pairs you with a mentor for a project in clinical or basic science research. Your work may connect to molecular biology, immunology, infectious disease, cancer, stem cell research, or developmental biology, depending on the mentor and project. The program combines research work with seminars, workshops, simulations, journal clubs, and small-group mentoring. Students interested in biochemistry get to see how molecular and cellular research connects to healthcare questions. The experience ends with poster and oral presentations at a research symposium, giving you practice in organizing and communicating scientific results.
15. Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard’s Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
Stipend: $3,600
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 21
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors attending a Massachusetts high school within commuting distance to the Broad Institute; Must have a grade of B or better in science and math classes; U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or work authorization required
The Broad Summer Scholars Program places you inside a research environment known for genomics, chemical biology, cancer biology, infectious disease, and computational biology. You’ll work with Broad scientists on an original project, which can help you understand how large-scale biomedical research is organized and carried out. Depending on your placement, you may engage with experimental techniques, biological data, computational tools, or literature connected to molecular science. Scientific talks and career programming broaden your view of the research pathways available in genetics, biochemistry, medicine, and biotechnology. The poster presentation is a key part of the experience because it requires you to translate complex research into a clear scientific explanation.
Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs
1. A lot of these programs sound extremely competitive. Are there any realistic options if I don't have a strong research background yet?
Yes, several programs are built with newer students in mind. iCLEM specifically welcomes sophomores and juniors and starts with a full prep week before the research portion begins, so no prior lab experience is expected. ACS Project SEED only requires that you have completed one high school chemistry course, making it accessible even if this would be your first hands-on research experience. Ladder Internships is also a strong option if you want a structured, mentored project without needing a science research background walking in.
2. Several of these programs focus on cancer or disease research specifically. Is that too narrow if I'm interested in biochemistry more broadly?
Not at all. Programs like Fred Hutch's SHIP and Emory's Winship Cancer Institute use cancer research as the setting, but the underlying work draws on core biochemistry concepts like molecular biology, genomics, and cellular processes that apply across many areas of science. If you want a broader range of biochemistry topics within one program, JCVI and UCSF's Summer Student Research Program both offer placements spanning genomics, immunology, and molecular science depending on your mentor match.
3. How do I decide between a program that pays a stipend and one that's unpaid, like Scripps?
Think about what each program offers beyond compensation. Scripps Research Translational Institute is unpaid, but it gives you exposure to translational research connecting biological data to real health outcomes, which is a distinctive angle not every program offers. If the financial component matters most, programs like NIH's HS-SIP and Fred Hutch's SHIP are paid and still offer strong mentorship and research depth, so you don't have to sacrifice one for the other. Many students also factor in whether a program covers housing or requires commuting, since that affects the real cost of participating even when a stipend is offered.