15 Children's Hospital Internships for High School Students
If you’re interested in healthcare, especially pediatrics, a high school internship program at a children's hospital can give you direct exposure to how hospitals function. There are quite a few options out there, but not all are equally structured or impactful. That’s why this list focuses only on internships hosted by children’s hospitals or closely connected institutions. These programs are designed to help you understand pediatric care, research, and hospital operations in a more meaningful way. Some of these high school internship programs at children's hospitals are selective and research-focused, while others are more observational or volunteer-based.
From a college admissions perspective, this matters a lot. Having a children's hospital internship high school experience shows initiative and genuine interest in healthcare, which stands out in competitive applications, especially if you’ve worked on projects, presentations, or research.
For other healthcare-related internships, check out a list of summer-specific internships here, and find a list of virtual healthcare internships here.
Why should I participate in a children's hospital internship in high school?
A children’s hospital internship gives you exposure to real patient care environments, which is something you can’t get from textbooks. You start understanding how doctors, nurses, researchers, and administrators work together. Another important thing is clarity. You might think you want to go into medicine, but once you see how hospitals function day-to-day, your perspective becomes more grounded. Some students realize they prefer research, while others lean toward clinical roles or even healthcare management.
If you’re trying to build a strong profile for college, choosing the right internship can make a real difference. Below is a list of 15 children’s hospital internships for high school students.
Quick Look
15 programs total spanning hands-on biomedical research, clinical shadowing, volunteer service, and long-term mentorship pathways, hosted at children's hospitals including St. Jude, Children's Hospital Colorado, CHLA, Weill Cornell, and UCSF Benioff
The strongest disclosed stipends are St. Jude's Research Immersion Program ($4,800), Children's Hospital Colorado ($4,400), and Nicklaus Children's Hospital ($1,500)
Several programs are multi-year or year-long commitments, including Samuels Family LA-HIP (year-long with summer lab), UCSF CHAMPS (three years beginning in 10th grade), and Project SEARCH (nine months)
Most programs have geographic restrictions tied to the hospital's local community, with St. Jude limited to Memphis and surrounding counties, Samuels Family LA-HIP to Los Angeles public schools, and UCSF CHAMPS to Oakland and Berkeley district schools
Programs range from highly observational (Cincinnati Children's, VolunTEEN, Children's Mercy) to research-intensive (St. Jude, Children's Hospital Colorado, Children's National METEOR)
1. Project SEARCH Internship Program - Nationwide Children's Hospital
Location: Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; up to 12 interns
Dates: 9 months (school year program)
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Central Ohio high school seniors with Autism and/or Intellectual Disability, an IEP, or OOD eligibility
In this program, you participate in a nine-month, intensive workforce training program designed for students with disabilities. You complete three 10-week rotations across different hospital departments, gaining hands-on experience in real work environments. Alongside internships, you receive daily classroom instruction focused on employability, communication, and life skills. You build job-ready skills, independence, and confidence through structured mentorship and support systems. The program provides specialized support through autism and behavioral health services within the hospital. By the end, you are prepared for competitive employment with strong practical experience in a healthcare setting.
2. Children’s Hospital Colorado Child Health Research Internship
Location: Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO
Stipend: $4,400
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: June 1 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school seniors who are Colorado residents, at least 18 years old by the start of the program
The Children’s Hospital Colorado Child Health Research Internship gives you a direct look at how pediatric research improves patient care. You will be matched with faculty mentors and work on projects in areas such as stem cell biology or pediatric nutrition. As you move through the internship, you will start connecting scientific research with real-world clinical outcomes. Weekly lectures introduce you to topics like ethics, experimental design, and data interpretation, helping you build a strong foundation. You will also prepare written reports and presentations, which improves how you communicate complex ideas. This internship is especially useful if you want to understand how research translates into medical practice.
3. Samuels Family LA-HIP High School Internship Program
Location: Children's Hospital Los Angeles, California
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~20–30 students
Dates: Year-long; Summer lab (June–August)
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors attending a public high school in the greater Los Angeles area; must identify as an underrepresented minority in medicine and science (e.g., Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino/a, Native American, Pacific Islander); must hold a valid Social Security Number or DACA authorization to work in California
The Samuels Family LA-HIP High School Internship Program offers a deeper and longer-term research experience compared to most programs. During the summer, you will work full-time in a research lab, where you conduct experiments related to pediatric diseases such as cancer or neuroscience. As you continue in the program, you also receive mentorship, college counseling, and SAT preparation, which help you build a stronger academic profile. You will learn how to write scientific reports and present your work at a formal symposium. The extended timeline allows you to develop a deeper understanding of both research and college preparation.
4. Cincinnati Children's – Summer High School Volunteer Program
Location: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; exact cohort size not officially published
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Early spring
Eligibility: Current high school students who are at least 15 years old by June 1; able to commit to a weekly two-to-three-hour shift across the summer with at least 80% attendance; meet medical requirements including a TB test and a Tdap vaccine; pass a criminal background check
In this program, you serve as a summer teen volunteer in patient care areas across Cincinnati Children's main campus and neighborhood locations, gaining an early introduction to the pediatric hospital environment. You support activity centers and outpatient clinics while providing clerical assistance in departments throughout the hospital, completing meaningful tasks under the direct supervision of hospital staff. Working a consistent weekly shift of two to three hours, you interact with patients, families, and busy clinical teams in a professional healthcare setting. You also navigate real hospital workflows, attendance expectations, and health and safety standards that mirror professional clinical environments.
5. Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Pediatrics Summer Internship
Location: Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
Stipend: Modest amount
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 5
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Pediatrics Summer Internship gives you exposure to both clinical and research aspects of pediatric healthcare. You may work on projects related to brain development, infections, or kidney diseases, depending on your placement. As you move through different departments, you will see how specialists collaborate to treat complex conditions. Mentorship from faculty helps you understand both research methods and clinical applications. The program also offers flexibility in duration, which can help you plan around your schedule. This makes it a balanced children's hospital internship high school experience if you want exposure to multiple areas.
6. Children’s National Hospital METEOR v 3 Program
Location: Children’s National Hospital, Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~11 high school students
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Enrolled in a DMV high school, 16 years or older by April of the application year, rising juniors or seniors, and U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Children’s National Hospital METEOR program focuses on introducing you to pediatric neuroscience and related research pathways. You will attend lectures and participate in mentorship-driven experiences within research and clinical environments. As you engage with the program, you will learn how neurological research contributes to improving treatments for children. You will also develop analytical and communication skills through structured activities. Some tracks extend beyond summer, offering longer-term mentorship opportunities. This internship is especially valuable if you are interested in brain science and research.
7. Children’s Health Summer Internship & Workforce Development Programs
Location: Children’s Hospital, Dallas, Texas
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies by track and department capacity
Dates: Summer (8–10 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies annually
Eligibility: High school students residing in the Dallas Metroplex
The Children’s Health Summer Internship focuses on helping you understand how pediatric hospitals operate beyond direct patient care. You will work on projects that improve hospital services or efficiency, which gives you a different perspective on healthcare systems. As you collaborate with mentors, you will see how different teams coordinate to deliver patient-centered care. You will also build communication and teamwork skills through daily interactions. Some pathways even allow continued involvement beyond the summer. This internship is useful if you are interested in healthcare systems and operations.
8. Bethany Children's Health Center – Volume Summer Program
Location: Bethany Children's Health Center, Bethany, Oklahoma
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size is not officially published
Dates: June 1–18
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Enrolled in 11th or 12th grade during the current school year; documentation of Varicella, MMR, and two tuberculosis tests
In this program, you explore healthcare and allied-health careers through direct hands-on experience. You interact one-on-one with pediatric patients at bedside and in special education classrooms, shadow professionals such as physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and psychologists, and attend discipline presentations on educational and career pathways. You take part in skill, character, and team-building activities alongside peers from across Central Oklahoma. The curriculum centers on professional and personal development to prepare you for medicine, allied health, and healthcare administration fields. No prior medical experience is required, and the hospital provides all training. You gain firsthand exposure to a working pediatric hospital and clearer direction about your future path.
9. Nicklaus Children's Hospital Summer Youth Internship Program
Location: Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Miami, FL
Stipend: $1,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: July 1 – August 2
Application Deadline: Typically falls between March and May
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th grade high school students (ages 15–18) currently enrolled in a Miami-Dade County Public School
The Nicklaus Children's Hospital Summer Youth Internship Program helps you understand how pediatric hospitals function through structured workplace experience. Before you begin, you will complete a preparatory course that introduces workplace expectations and responsibilities. During the internship, you will work under supervision while observing how different teams coordinate patient care. You will also complete assignments that connect your experience to learning outcomes. Mentors guide you on professionalism and communication throughout the program. This experience is good if you are just starting to explore healthcare environments.
10. Children’s National Summer High School Volunteer Program
Location: Children’s National Hospital, Washington, D.C.
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: June 23 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years old by the start of the program and a current high school student returning to high school in the fall
The Children’s National Summer High School Volunteer Program introduces you to hospital environments through service-based roles. You will assist staff with administrative and patient support tasks, which helps you understand hospital workflows. As you continue, you will participate in workshops that explain different healthcare career pathways. You will also work on projects aimed at improving patient experience. Interaction with staff allows you to observe teamwork in clinical settings. This children's hospital internship and high school experience is useful for gaining initial exposure.
11. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago – Summer Intensive Volunteer Program
Location: Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact cohort number is not published
Dates: August 4 and August 7
Application Deadline: April 9
Eligibility: At least 16 years old by July 1; new applicant to the hospital's volunteer program
In this program, you join a focused, two-day learn-and-serve experience designed to introduce you to careers across a major pediatric academic medical center. You contribute to service projects that directly benefit hospitalized patients, giving you a practical sense of how a children's hospital supports young patients and their families. You take part in a healthcare career panel where hospital professionals describe their roles and the pathways that led them into medicine and allied health fields. You also complete interactive healthcare training that exposes you to clinical concepts and the patient-care environment. By finishing both sessions, you earn a certificate of participation documenting your early exposure to the healthcare field.
12. VolunTEEN Program at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Location: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 100 students
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18 by the program start date; commit to volunteering at least 1 day a week for 3 hours, missing no more than 2 days of the summer commitment; complete a volunteer assessment and score at least 80%; provide proof of immunizations (MMR, Varicella, Tdap, and current Flu shot); willing to receive a Tuberculosis (TB) blood test if accepted; pass a criminal background check (if 18 or older)
The VolunTEEN Program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta helps you engage directly with patients and hospital staff. You will assist in play areas and patient units, interacting with children through activities. As you spend time in the hospital, you will observe how different departments function together. These experiences help you understand patient care beyond clinical procedures, and you will also develop communication skills through real interactions. This children's hospital internship high school option is a strong starting point for beginners.
13. Children's Mercy Kansas City – High School Student Volunteer Program
Location: Children's Mercy, Adele Hall Campus, Kansas City, Missouri
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 30 students
Dates: Summer volunteer session and an Academic Year Session
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students; at least 16 years old by June 1 of the program year; volunteers under 18 complete a parent/guardian consent and waiver
In this program, you serve as a high school volunteer at Children's Mercy in Kansas City, supporting patients, families, and staff inside a nationally ranked pediatric hospital. Working in guest services and hospitality roles, you welcome visitors at entry points, help families feel comfortable, and guide them through the building from the moment they arrive. In outpatient roles, you engage children and their families with activities that help pass the time in waiting areas and keep clinics running smoothly. You build skills in compassionate communication, professionalism, and patient-centered service while observing how a hospital cares for vulnerable kids.
14. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital High School Research Immersion Program
Location: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
Stipend: $4,800
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~32 students
Dates: June 1 – July 25
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (16+ years old) from the Memphis-Shelby County area and immediate surrounding counties in TN, MS, and AR with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
The St. Jude High School Research Immersion Program is an 8-week, paid summer internship designed for rising high school seniors in the Memphis, Tennessee area. Managed by the St. Jude STEMM Education and Outreach Program, it provides students with hands-on, mentored biomedical research experience to help cultivate the next generation of scientists. You will work directly with mentors to design and conduct research projects, and as you progress, you will build skills in data analysis and scientific writing. The program also includes sessions focused on identity and personal statements. You will present your work at a formal research exhibition.
15. UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland – Community Health and Adolescent Mentoring Program for Success (CHAMPS)
Location: UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, CA
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: Three-year internship beginning in 10th grade and continuing through senior year
Application Deadline: Not specified; students apply through partner high schools and the program directly
Eligibility: Students enrolled at a partnering local high school such as those in the Oakland or Berkeley Unified School Districts
As a CHAMPS intern, you explore health care careers through a structured three-year experience at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland that begins in 10th grade. You rotate through six- to eight-week clinical placements in hospital departments you select based on your interests, shadowing doctors, nurses, and technicians across real care settings. You take health care classes for high school credit and a letter grade, complete hands-on projects, and receive academic tutoring along with college-prep support like SAT prep, personal statement help, and financial aid workshops. One-on-one case management and mentoring from the adolescent medicine team guide you throughout.
Bonus: Ladder Internships
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; 100% financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students per cohort
Dates: Multiple 8–12 week cohorts throughout the year, including summer, winter, spring, and fall
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students able to commit 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks
In the Ladder Internships program, you work remotely with startups to tackle real company needs instead of simulated case studies. You can intern across various fields, including artificial intelligence, software engineering, finance, health tech, environmental science, media, journalism, and consulting. During the eight weeks, you will meet weekly with a manager, analyze real-world data, build actionable prototypes, and deliver a final project presentation. The program’s unique features include its fully virtual format, direct placement with startup founders, and an assigned secondary coach for guidance. By completing these concrete tasks, you will develop critical professional skills like time management, workplace communication, and project management. Apply now!
Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs
1. I have no prior medical or research experience. Which programs on this list are designed for complete beginners?
Several programs are explicitly built for students with no prior background. Cincinnati Children's, VolunTEEN Atlanta, Children's Mercy Kansas City, and Children's National's volunteer program are all observational or service-based, meaning the role itself teaches you the basics rather than assuming you already know them. Bethany Children's Health Center also states that no prior medical experience is required and provides all training on-site. If you want research experience but are starting from scratch, Children's National METEOR and the Nicklaus Summer Youth Internship Program include preparatory components before placing you in a more substantive role.
2. How do volunteer programs differ from research internships on this list, and does the distinction matter for college applications?
Volunteer programs, like VolunTEEN Atlanta, Cincinnati Children's, and Children's Mercy, focus on patient interaction, hospital service, and observational exposure to clinical environments, which demonstrates compassion, reliability, and early healthcare commitment. Research internships, like St. Jude, Children's Hospital Colorado, and Samuels Family LA-HIP, involve contributing to actual scientific projects, producing a written report or poster, and working directly with faculty mentors. Both are valuable, but they tell different stories in a college application. Volunteer roles show sustained engagement with patient care; research roles show intellectual initiative and the ability to contribute to scientific work. If possible, combining one of each over your high school years builds the strongest overall profile.
3. Some of these programs are extremely geographically specific. What are my options if I don't live near one of these hospitals?
If you don't live near a participating hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine in New York and Bethany Children's in Oklahoma are among the more broadly accessible in-person options, without the same strict local school district or county requirements as programs like UCSF CHAMPS or St. Jude. Samuels Family LA-HIP and Children's National METEOR are restricted to specific local communities specifically to serve underrepresented students in those areas. For students outside these regions, Ladder Internships is the only fully remote option on this list, and while it isn't hospital-based, health tech placements within the program can provide meaningful exposure to the healthcare field from anywhere.