15 Best Research Internships for High School Students
Research internships and academic programs offer the opportunity to gain experience, apply what you’ve learned in class, work on problems, and connect with mentors in the field. If you're curious about how research works, these internships are a good way to learn more. You’ll see how labs run, how teams work, and how research takes shape.
This list covers 15 research internships for high school students, including remote ones, if you need flexibility. Most programs focus on STEM, with work in biology, computer science, engineering, and more. Whether you’re getting ready for college or just exploring, these internships offer a solid way to learn through practical application!
1. Ladder Internships
Location: Fully remote; participate from anywhere in the world
Cohort Size: Approximately 70 interns selected per cohort
Dates: The summer cohort starts in June & July
Application Deadlines: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Ladder’s Research Program gives students the chance to work directly with startup founders while pursuing an independent research project guided by an expert. In the first 8 weeks, students join a high-growth startup and collaborate closely with a CEO from a FAANG-level company or top global university. You'll contribute to projects, analyzing data, building decks, or developing business proposals, while gaining insight into entrepreneurship. Over the following 15 weeks, students dive into mentored research on a topic of their choice, working one-on-one with a researcher or academic mentor to produce a final paper, case study, or prototype.
2. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Several Air Force bases across the U.S.
Cohort Size: Not specifically stated, but each site hosts multiple students annually
Dates: May – August
Application Deadline: December
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen, high school students must be at least 16 years old and enrolled full-time in high school (or higher education) at the time of application
Stipend: Provided
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program is a competitive paid internship for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students interested in STEM. As a high school student, you’ll work on research projects alongside scientists and engineers at one of AFRL’s facilities across the U.S. These projects focus on fields like aerospace, materials science, cybersecurity, and mechanical engineering. Most interns are matched with a mentor who guides them through their research. Depending on the location and project, you may work on simulations, prototype design, coding tasks, or technical data analysis. Some scholars also get the chance to contribute to larger Department of Defense efforts.
3. Research Science Institute
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
Cohort Size: Approximately 100 students
Dates: June to August
Application Deadline: January
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (U.S. and international); must be citizens or permanent residents of their country of residence
Cost/Stipend: Free of cost
Research Science Institute (RSI) is a free, six-week residential summer program hosted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for high school juniors. It blends on-campus STEM coursework with a practical research experience under the guidance of scientists and researchers. In the first week, you will take college-level lectures in fields like genomics, machine learning, or quantum mechanics. After that, you will spend five weeks conducting independent research in a university lab or corporate research center. Projects range from artificial intelligence to molecular biology. You'll be paired with a mentor, typically a PhD researcher or professor, who helps guide your work. You’ll write a formal research paper and present your findings in a symposium-style setting.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote (conducted virtually via Zoom or similar platforms)
Cohort Size: 1-on-1
Dates: Rolling cohorts throughout the year, Summer Cohort (June-August/September)
Application Deadline: May
Eligibility: High school students (typically in grades 9–12) worldwide
Cost: Varies depending on program type, financial aid available
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors from top universities to work one-on-one on a research project. Over 12 weeks, you’ll choose a topic you’re passionate about, from psychology to physics, and develop an original research paper. The work is independent but guided, with structured milestones and regular check-ins to build research, writing, and analytical skills. You’ll start with topic exploration and literature review, then move into methodology and analysis, depending on your field. Many students complete projects in subjects like computer science, economics, or biology. While this isn’t an internship, there’s a huge focus on research and mentorship!
5. Student Research Internship Program
Location: La Jolla, California
Cohort Size: Approximately 10–12 students
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; no cost to participate
The Student Research Internship Program at the Scripps Research Translational Institute gives high school students the chance to explore biomedical science through a guided experience. Over 10 weeks, you’ll work on a dedicated research project, typically within fields like genomics, digital medicine, or translational research. You will be matched with mentors, scientists, and staff from Scripps, who help shape the project, guide analysis, and offer career insights. You also attend weekly seminars led by professionals across departments, covering topics from bioinformatics to public health. These talks introduce you to the broader applications of science. A key part of the program is the final presentation, where you’ll showcase your work to faculty and peers, gaining experience in communicating research clearly and professionally.
6. Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
Cohort Size: Approximately 30 high school students
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, a current high school junior, and at least 16 years old by the start of the program
Stipend: $1,000
The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University offers high school juniors a chance to work alongside faculty mentors on ongoing research projects in science, math, and engineering. Over seven weeks, you'll engage in lab work, data analysis, literature reviews, and discussions. Projects span areas like biomedical engineering, physics, chemistry, and genetics, depending on faculty availability. The program includes weekly faculty seminars, workshops on research ethics, and skill-building sessions in scientific communication and poster design. At the end of the program, you’ll present your findings in a university-wide research symposium.
7. UC Davis Young Scholars Program
Location: University of California, Davis (Davis, CA)
Cohort Size: 40 high-achieving high school students
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (16 years old by start, under 18 by end)
Cost: Program fee: $7,500 (includes housing, meals, program activities, and 5 university credits) & an application fee: $40 (waivers available if requested before deadline); Need-based reductions available
The UC Davis Young Scholars Program is a six-week summer internship for high school students, including seniors, interested in science and math. You’ll live on the UC Davis campus and work closely with research faculty on individual projects in fields like biology, environmental science, and chemistry. You’ll design experiments, analyze data, and discuss findings with mentors and peers. Faculty mentors guide you through the full research process, and you’ll end the program by writing a formal scientific paper and presenting your results at a symposium.
8. Research Mentorship Program
Location: UC Santa Barbara campus, Santa Barbara, California
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: High school students in 10th or 11th grade with a weighted GPA of 3.80 or higher
Cost / Stipend: Program fee applies
The Research Mentorship Program (RMP) at UC Santa Barbara offers internships for high school students. It is a structured, six-week experience where you work alongside researchers, faculty, and graduate students. You’ll engage in research across disciplines such as engineering, psychology, marine science, and computer science. You'll contribute to research and build technical and academic writing skills through a college-level Research Methodology course while spending around 30–40 hours a week working on a focused research project with a dedicated mentor. You’ll also attend research seminars and interact with UCSB researchers, giving you a closer look at academic careers.
9. Anson L. Clark Scholar Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
Cohort Size: 12 students
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: At least 17 years old by program start date, is a high school junior or senior, and is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Stipend: $750 awarded upon successful completion
The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program is a prestigious seven-week summer research opportunity at Texas Tech University for high school juniors and seniors. If selected, you’ll work one-on-one with a faculty mentor on an independent research project across disciplines such as chemistry, computer science, medicine, engineering, or the humanities. You’ll attend seminars, site visits, and participate in community service events alongside peers from around the country. The experience builds your research, writing, and public speaking skills.
10. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia (In-person only)
Cohort Size: Approximately 250 students
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students (must be 16 or older by the start of the program)
Cost/Stipend: No cost to participate; Unpaid
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University is an internship for high school students with lab experience. Over 8 weeks, you’ll work on original research in areas like neuroscience, environmental science, computer science, and physics. You’ll be matched with a mentor, often a faculty member, graduate student, or industry expert, who supports you through each part of the research. The program includes ethics training and science communication workshops. Many students work on projects that feed into published research or university studies. ASSIP is known for its strong mentorship, access to high-end labs, and focus on scientific problems.
11. High School Internship Program by Idaho National Laboratory
Location: Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Mid-June - mid/late July
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors of at least 16 years of age and are legal U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents with a minimum of 3.0 GPA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; no cost to participate
This research internship for high school students provides you with the opportunity to work in science and engineering, including energy, cybersecurity, nuclear research, and environmental studies. You will have the opportunity to make valuable contributions in a team while being mentored throughout your lab work. The goal is to gain useful experience, build practical skills, and learn how research happens in a professional setting. Additionally, you will visit sites and meet with professionals from different areas of the lab.
12. Summer High School Academic Program For Engineers
Location: Columbia University, New York City
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Various sessions throughout the year
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: Open to all current high school students who are at least 16 years of age
Cost: Starting at $5,500 (Need-based scholarships available)
SHAPE is a three-week academic engineering research internship for high school students. Courses include biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, and sustainable design, taught by Columbia faculty and graduate students. Throughout the program, you’ll work on lab experiments, solve technical problems, complete group design projects, and build skills in analytical thinking, communication, and teamwork. Additionally, you also get to visit Columbia’s engineering labs and facilities. At the end of the program, you’ll present your work in a showcase event attended by faculty, peers, and families.
13. Biorocket Research Internship Program
Location: Genspace Lab, Brooklyn, NY
Cohort Size: 13
Dates: Spring Session conducted from February to May
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Must be 16 years of age and live in or attend a NYC public or charter high school within 45 minutes of Genspace (exceptions may apply)
Stipend: $2,000
If you're a New York City public or charter high school student aged 16 or older, the Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace offers a six-month experience in genetic engineering and biology. Throughout the course, you will collaborate with peers and scientists to design and conduct research projects. The program includes behind-the-scenes lab tours, field trips, and improv training to help you effectively share your scientific insights. Historically underrepresented groups in the sciences are encouraged to apply.
14. Jefferson Lab High School Summer Honors Program
Location: Jefferson Lab, Newport News, Virginia
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students at least 16 years old, must attend a local high school within 60 miles of Jefferson Lab, and have a minimum 3.3 GPA
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
The Jefferson Lab High School Summer Honors Program gives you the chance to engage in scientific research in national laboratories. You will be guided by a mentor and will assist in research or technical assignments contributing to data analysis, equipment preparation, or documentation. You will gain experience in understanding lab protocols and using scientific tools.
15. Field Biology Internship
Location: Alley Pond Park, Queens, NYC
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Fall Session (October - November), Spring Session (March - May)
Application Deadlines: Fall (August), Spring (January), Summer (May)
Eligibility: At least 14 years old and currently in high school
Cost: $150 participation fee after acceptance
A research internship for high school students who are interested in nature and science, the Field Biology Internship at Alley Pond Environmental Center offers an opportunity to explore local ecosystems in Queens, NYC. You will engage in activities like biodiversity surveys, water quality testing, and native plant restoration, while developing research and public speaking skills. The program requires a commitment to attend sessions and complete a final presentation.