15 Competitive Biology Internships for High School Students

If you’re a high school student interested in biology, consider doing an internship. Biology internships are a solid way to explore your interests while gaining field-specific knowledge, practical experience, and meaningful connections with scientists and professionals. Most biology internships include a research component, giving you the chance to see how scientific studies are designed, conducted, and analyzed. You may work in a lab, participate in fieldwork, or shadow professionals in hospitals or research centers. These experiences can introduce you to subfields such as molecular biology, genetics, health sciences, nursing, surgical assistance, and laboratory research.

Many biology internships provide stipends for your work and may be offered either virtually or in person. Whether you are interested in the cellular world observed through a microscope or the environment of healthcare and surgery, these internships can help you strengthen your college applications by demonstrating your achievements in biology. With that, here are 15 competitive biology internships for high school students you can check out!

15 Competitive Biology Internships for High School Students

1. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program 

Location: Various locations across the U.S.
Stipend: $3,000 
Acceptance Rate: Competitive 
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer 
Application Deadline: November 21 – January 25
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or recent graduates (16+)

The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid summer internship that allows you to explore real scientific work in fisheries, aquatic biology, and environmental conservation. As a participant, you will be matched with a professional fisheries scientist in your local area and take part in hands-on experiences such as field sampling, lab research, habitat assessments, ecological monitoring, and data collection. Throughout the program, you will build practical research skills, learn how scientists study and protect aquatic ecosystems, and gain a clearer understanding of careers in fisheries and environmental science.

2. Ladder Internships

Location: Virtual  
Cost: Varies by program; Financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students

Ladder Internships places you with a fast-growing startup for an eight-week virtual internship in areas like AI, health tech, journalism, marketing, and more. Many of these startups are backed by Y Combinator or led by founders with experience at Microsoft, Google, or Facebook. As an intern, you’ll also attend professional development workshops and receive guidance from venture-backed CEOs and a Ladder Coach. Along the way, you’ll develop communication, time management, and other essential skills. By the end of the program, you’ll be expected to present your final project directly to your company. 

3. Max Planck Florida Internship for Neuroscience (MPFI): Summer Research Internship 

Location: Max Planck Florida Campus, Jupiter, FL
Stipend: $13/hour
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: January – March 4
Eligibility: U.S. high school rising juniors or seniors (16+) who reside in Palm Beach or Martin Counties 

The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience High School Internship is a six-week summer program where you’ll learn how the brain works through real scientific research. You’ll work with scientists in advanced labs and practice techniques like genetic engineering, microscopy, microbiology, and tissue staining. Throughout the program, you’ll design experiments, collect and study data, and use advanced tools to explore how brain cells function. You can choose from three tracks: Neuroscience, Scientific Programming, and Mechanical Engineering. The internship concludes with the preparation and presentation of a concise report on your findings, providing you with valuable experience in neuroscience and biology research.

4. Research Science Institute (RSI)

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Non-refundable application fee of $75; None 
Acceptance Rate: Less than 2.5%
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: December 10
Eligibility: High-school juniors in good academic standing; More details here

The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a prestigious, fully funded summer program that brings together exceptional high school students from around the world for an intensive six-week research experience hosted at MIT. During the program, you will spend the first week in scientific coursework and lectures led by researchers, followed by a five-week research internship under the guidance of MIT faculty, graduate students, or top scientists in the Boston area. You will work on advanced, college-level research projects in fields such as engineering, computer science, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics. Throughout the summer, you’ll participate in seminars, workshops, and mentorship sessions designed to strengthen your scientific thinking and communication skills.

5. Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP)

Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA
Stipend: $3,600
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective 
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: November 24 – January 21
Eligibility: High school rising seniors with a B or more in science and math; Must be within commuting distance of the Broad Institute

The Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP) is a fully funded summer research experience that lets you explore the world of cutting-edge biomedical science at the Broad Institute. As a participant, you will spend the summer working alongside Broad scientists on research projects in areas like genomics, computational biology, cancer, infectious disease, and more. You will learn hands-on lab techniques or computational methods, attend seminars led by leading researchers, and take part in workshops that strengthen your scientific communication and career skills. Throughout the program, you will be supported by mentors who guide your research and help you understand how major scientific questions are explored in real labs. 

6. Simons Summer Research Program

Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: Residential fees available; Stipend offered
Acceptance Rate: Less than 5%
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 5
Eligibility: High school juniors (16+);  U.S. citizens or permanent residents

The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University is a six-week research internship for students passionate about science, math, or engineering. As a participant, you’ll work with faculty mentors on independent research projects in various subject areas like biochemistry, molecular biology, marine sciences, and more. You can see the list of mentors and research topics for the upcoming year here. The program provides instruction in essential laboratory techniques, along with research presentations, workshops, and field excursions to enhance your understanding of scientific concepts. This hands-on experience helps you develop academic and professional skills, explore future STEM careers, and connect with other motivated students from across the country.

7. Stanford STaRS Internship Program

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort Size: 20 students per year
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: November 30
Eligibility: U.S. high school students (16+)

The STaRS Internship focuses on advanced medical techniques, especially in reconstructive surgery, highlighting how innovation aids patient recovery. As an intern, you’ll work with surgeons and researchers on projects in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and medical device design. The program includes hands-on workshops, interactive learning sessions, and opportunities to observe real surgeries. You’ll also receive training in medical software and professional skills, gaining both technical knowledge and practical experience in cutting-edge medical research.

8. Genomics Research Internship Program for High School Students (GRIPS)

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive; 20 students per year
Dates: June 15 – August 6
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students (16+) from Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz counties; Must have prior knowledge in biology, chemistry, or programming, and hold a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA

The Genomics Research Internship Program for High School Students (GRIPS) at Stanford University is an eight-week summer internship giving you hands-on experience in biomedical and genomic research. As a participant, you’ll work in labs alongside faculty and researchers on projects in molecular biology, human genetics, and bioinformatics. The program also includes seminars, workshops, and career panels to build skills in research methods, data analysis, and scientific communication. It’s a good way to gain real lab experience, network with scientists, and explore careers in genetics, medicine, and research.

9. Rockefeller University: Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)

Location: Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: None; Need-based stipends may be available
Cohort Size: 32 students per cohort 
Dates: June 22 – August 6
Application Deadline: October 13 – January 2
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors (16+) 

The Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) at Rockefeller University lets high school students explore advanced biomedical research. You’ll work with experienced scientists on projects in genetics, molecular biology, and neuroscience, gaining lab experience. The program also offers optional science classes, talks by leading researchers, social activities, and group discussions to connect with peers and mentors. At the end, you’ll present your research at a symposium, sharing your findings.

10. NHLBI’s Summer Internship Program (SIP)

Location: NIH, Bethesda, MD, or Framingham, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: 6-8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: December 8 – February 18
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors (18+) enrolled at least half-time when applying; U.S. citizens or permanent residents

The NHLBI Summer Internship Program allows high school students to explore the world of biomedical research. As an intern, you’ll work in NIH laboratories alongside scientists, contributing to research focused on improving heart, lung, and blood health. Throughout the internship, you’ll attend seminars, workshops, and networking sessions designed to strengthen your understanding of science and prepare you for future careers in research and medicine. This hands-on experience lets you see how scientific discoveries happen while developing valuable lab and professional skills.

11. Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy

Location: Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
Stipend: $4,500
Acceptance Rate: Around 9% (of both college and high school applicants)
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8 (tentative)
Application Deadline: January – March 12 (tentative)
Eligibility: U.S. high school students (16+) who have completed chemistry and biology classes

The Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy at City of Hope is a ten-week research program that allows you to explore biomedical science. During the program, you’ll work full-time in a City of Hope research lab under the guidance of faculty mentors, gaining experience in areas such as molecular biology, cancer research, genetics, and immunology. You’ll learn how to design experiments, analyze data, and present scientific findings. In addition to lab work, you’ll attend seminars, workshops, and group discussions led by City of Hope researchers, where you’ll explore topics in cutting-edge biomedical research and career development. 

12. HOPP Summer Student Program Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Manhattan, NY
Stipend: $1,200
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 2%; 20 students per summer
Program Dates: June 29 – August 21
Application Deadline: December 1 – February 6
Eligibility: NY, NJ, or CN high school juniors (14+) with a GPA of 3.5+ in science subjects 

The HOPP Summer Student Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) is an eight-week, research-focused program for high school students interested in science and medicine. During the program, you’ll work on an independent research project in a laboratory under the mentorship of researchers, including postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, or research technicians. You’ll also take part in lab tours, training sessions, and seminars led by experts, giving you a closer look at careers in biomedical research. By the end of the program, you’ll present your findings at a formal poster session, gaining experience in scientific communication and research presentation. 

13. Harvard’s Project Success

Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Competitive 
Program Dates: June 29 – August 14
Application Deadline: February 4
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors (16+) from Boston or Cambridge, MA; Must have a minimum GPA of 2.70 and have finished algebra, biology, and chemistry 

Harvard Medical School’s Project Success is an eight-week summer program designed for high school students interested in biomedical science. During the program, you’ll conduct research in a Harvard Medical School laboratory under the mentorship of faculty, postdoctoral fellows, or graduate students. You’ll also take part in seminars, workshops, field visits, and skill-building sessions that introduce you to careers in science and medicine. The program includes application mentorship to help you prepare for college and future academic opportunities.

14. Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship Program

Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Stipend: $3,000
Cohort Size: 6 students 
Program Dates: June 15 – July 24
Application Deadline: December 1 – February 15
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (16+) in Michigan

The Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship Program at the University of Michigan offers a six-week, on-campus research experience for those interested in life sciences. During the program, you’ll work with faculty and research teams at the U-M Ann Arbor campus on your own research project in basic science. In addition to lab work, you’ll take part in professional development workshops, enrichment activities, and networking events that help you explore future paths in STEM. You’ll also join cultural and social programs that allow you to connect with peers and experience university life at one of the nation’s leading research institutions.

15. Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center: Future Scientist Program

Location: Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Competitive 
Dates: 8 weeks from June – July
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school juniors from Marion County public schools with a minimum 3.0 GPA

The Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center Summer Research Program is an eight-week internship at the IU School of Medicine in Indianapolis (IUPUI). During the program, you’ll be paired with a research mentor and will get to take part in a cancer research project. You’ll learn to collect data, prepare and analyze samples, and understand how scientific studies are developed and communicated. With a small group of students, you’ll get personal guidance from faculty and researchers. This program is ideal if you’re interested in biology, medicine, or cancer research.

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