15 Biomedical Research Opportunities for High School Students
If you’re a high school student interested in biomedicine, a research program is a good way to explore the field. Participating in research programs, courses, and internships will give you the chance to develop practical skills in scientific methods, data analysis, and lab techniques. These experiences offer you exposure to the biomedical industry and opportunities to build connections with professionals and peers. Conducting independent research in biomedicine can also help you stand out in a competitive college application pool.
We've curated a list of the top 15 biomedical research opportunities for high schoolers, focusing on summer options, competitive programs, and experiences that provide valuable insights into biomedical research.
1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $40 application fee (waivable); minimum stipend of $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 40-50 students
Dates: June 8- July 30 (tentative); 8 weeks
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, at least 16 years old, living in and attending high school in the US, who are US citizens or permanent residents
This program allows you to participate in an eight-week program conducting basic research with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers on medically oriented projects. The focus includes areas such as immunology, stem cell biology, cancer, neuroscience, bioinformatics, and cardiovascular medicine. You work in labs using techniques such as cell culture, microscopy, and data analysis to investigate biological processes. Mentorship from experts guides you through hypothesis development and experimental design. Special projects involve independent research contributions, with opportunities to present findings at a symposium. You will collaborate with professionals, which enhances your understanding of scientific inquiry. Site visits to advanced facilities will provide you with context for biomedical applications.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall (starts September 15), and Winter
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort – Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (August 24), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students able to commit 10-20 hours per week for 8-15 weeks.
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
3. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)
Location: Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free; financial award upon program completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 23 – August 15; 8 weeks
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
You engage in mentored research at a cancer research center, focusing on areas such as oncology, infectious diseases, and basic biomedical sciences. Projects involve lab techniques such as PCR, cell culturing, and genomic sequencing to study disease mechanisms. You develop skills in experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific writing under the guidance of scientists.
Collaboration with professionals includes weekly seminars and journal clubs to discuss current research. You will have opportunities to present your findings at the end of the program, which will strengthen your presentation abilities, as well as the opportunity to engage in community involvement through outreach activities. Benefits of this program include access to cutting-edge facilities for hands-on investigation.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Varies according to cohort
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA >3.3/4.0
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
5. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Location: New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; needs-based stipends available; MetroCard/OMNI card provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive (32 students)
Dates: June 23 – August 7; 35 hours/week; 7 weeks
Application Deadline: January 3
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors, aged 16+
You conduct independent research in biomedical sciences, working in labs on topics such as genetics, virology, and neuroscience. Projects utilize techniques such as CRISPR editing, microscopy, and biochemical assays to explore cellular processes. You acquire skills in hypothesis testing, data analysis, and lab safety protocols. Weekly lectures and workshops with scientists provide insights into current advancements. The program offers an opportunity to present your research at a symposium, which would help build your public speaking abilities. You can also expect to engage in collaboration with your lab team.
6. City of Hope Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy
Location: Duarte, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free with $4,500 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 2 - August 8; 10 weeks
Application Deadline: March 12
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+, who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
You select and pursue an inquiry-based biomedical research project in areas such as cancer biology and therapeutics. Full-time work in research teams involves experimental design, data collection using tools like flow cytometry, and result analysis. You develop skills in scientific reasoning and technical proficiency. Mentorship from physicians and scientists guides your progress. You will have opportunities to present findings, which fosters your communication skills. Community involvement through peer interactions enriches your overall experience.
7. Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
Location: Bar Harbor, ME or Farmington, CT
Cost/Stipend: Free; $7,000 stipend + room, board and travel provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: May 30 – August 7; 10 weeks
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors
You perform hands-on research in genomics and biomedical fields, focusing on model organisms and disease models. Projects include genetic sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, and phenotypic studies. You learn skills in computational tools and lab techniques such as PCR and microscopy. Mentorship from researchers supports project development and execution. Opportunities to attend seminars and present work advance your scientific communication skills. Collaboration with lab teams enhances teamwork. Site visits to genomic facilities are an exciting perk.
8. Ragon Institute RISE (Research Immersion) Program
Location: Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid ($17/hour)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective (20–30 students)
Dates: June 23 – August 8; 7 weeks
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors attending high school in Boston, Cambridge, Everett, Revere, Lynn, Brockton, Chelsea, or other Massachusetts Gateway cities; aged 16+; minimum 3.0 GPA; with a demonstrated interest in STEM; who are eligible to work in the U.S.
The Ragon RISE program immerses you in advanced immunology and infectious disease research at the Ragon Institute’s state-of-the-art labs. You assist with faculty-led projects, mastering techniques such as cell culture, flow cytometry, microscopy, and data analysis. Weekly workshops cover skills such as data visualization and research ethics, culminating in a symposium where you present your findings. A distinctive feature is its focus on translational research, involving experiments tied to vaccine development or immune therapies. You work closely with a PhD mentor alongside a team of high school interns. Based in Boston, this program offers hands-on lab experience for students seeking rigorous biomedical research opportunities.
9. The Wistar Institute High School Program in Biomedical Research
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $1500 stipend; SEPTA passes provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive (15 students)
Dates: July 7 – July 31
Application Deadline: April 7
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ who have completed at least one high school science course
You participate in lab-based biomedical research, exploring topics such as cancer biology and immunology. Activities include experiments with cell lines, molecular biology techniques, and data recording. You learn skills in pipetting, gel electrophoresis, and result interpretation. You will have opportunities to attend lectures and discuss findings, enhance your critical reading and analytical skills, and sharpen your academic knowledge of biomedicine. Collaboration with scientists fosters professional growth. Standout elements include a focused four-week immersion.
10. Magee-Womens Research Institute High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $1,800 needs-based stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive (~7-8 students); 8% acceptance rate
Dates: June 16 – early August; 6 weeks
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors aged 16+, who are residents of the local southwest Pennsylvania region
You contribute to basic, translational, or clinical research in women's health and reproduction. Projects involve lab work, sample processing, and data entry using tools like microscopes. You acquire skills in research ethics and technical procedures. You will have plenty of opportunities to shadow professionals and attend meetings. A unique feature of the program is the emphasis on gender-specific biomedicine.
11. Aspirnaut Summer Research Internships
Location: Nashville, TN
Cost/Stipend: Free; $2,000 stipend (after program completion) + room and board provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive (15-20 participants)
Dates: June 1 – July 12; 6 weeks
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school students aged 15+, with strong academics, high test scores in math and science, and a demonstrated interest in STEM; must have current health insurance
You are embedded in a biomedical lab for six weeks, working as part of a research team. Activities include hypothesis testing, experiments with models, and data analysis. Mentorship supports integration into team projects. You will have opportunities to present at group sessions, strengthening your scientific communication skills. Collaboration during the internship enhances your interpersonal abilities. This program takes an intensive team-based approach, advantageous for STEM careers, which rely on interdisciplinary collaboration.
12. Seattle Children's Research Training Program for High School Students
Location: Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $2,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: July 14 – August 8; 4 weeks
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors who reside within commuting distance of downtown Seattle, and are legally authorized to work in the US
You train in pediatric biomedical research, focusing on child health issues. Tasks include lab techniques, literature reviews, and project contributions. You develop skills in data management and ethical considerations. Staff mentorship guides your daily activities and presents networking opportunities. You will also present your work and attend workshops, enhancing communication skills and strengthening academic knowledge to prepare you for biomedical higher studies. Community involvement is ensured through outreach initiatives. The program’s focus on pediatrics will be of interest to those looking into health careers involving children.
13. Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine High School Summer Research Exposure Program
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Cost/Stipend: Free; Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive (8-10 positions)
Dates: June 23 – July 18; 4 weeks
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students aged 16-18
You experience mentored research in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Projects involve cell culturing, 3D printing, and biomaterial testing. You learn skills in experimental setup and analysis. Faculty researchers will be your mentors and provide you with hands-on instruction. You will have opportunities to tour facilities, shadow research teams, and discuss careers in biomedicine, expanding your network. A unique aspect of the program is the exposure you get to emerging tech in biomedicine.
14. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Summer Research Internship Program
Location: New Orleans, LA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $2,645 stipend; extra costs for parking
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive (~6-10 students)
Dates: June 2 – July 25; 8 weeks
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors, aged 16-18
You intern in genetics and biomedical research labs, assisting with real-world, ongoing studies. Activities in the internship include DNA extraction, sequencing, and result documentation. You acquire skills in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and research studies. University mentors will direct your involvement in projects and guide the development of your scientific communication skills through regular presentations. At the end of the program, you will present your research at medical or scientific conferences and have your research published in medical or scientific journals. You will have the chance to attend university-level seminars, preparing you for higher education.
15. University of Hawaii High School Opportunities in Research
Location: Honolulu, HI
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students interested in pursuing careers in health
You participate in biomedical research at a medical school, exploring health-related topics. Projects involve lab work, surveys, data processing, and physician shadowing. You learn skills in research design and statistics, and attend SAT preparation and career guidance workshops. You receive close and year-round mentorship from faculty to support your efforts and help build networks. You may also have opportunities to contribute to publications. Community involvement in local health issues bolsters your understanding of real-world applications of biomedicine. Island-specific biomedical contexts make this a unique and specific program.
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