12 Lab Research Internships for High School Students
If you're curious about science and want to gain some practical experience in a lab setting, summer lab internships for high school students are one of the most effective ways for you to explore what lab work is really like. These programs give you access to professional laboratories, experienced mentors, and hands-on projects that go far beyond the classroom. Whether you're drawn to biology, chemistry, neuroscience, or computer science, there are a range of opportunities that let you work on meaningful research while building valuable technical and analytical skills.
Most summer internships for high school students take place over six to ten weeks and include lab safety training, guided research, and opportunities to present your findings. Many also offer seminars, college prep resources, and the chance to connect with other motivated students and STEM professionals. Some programs even provide stipends or course credit!
1. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: <5% (100 students worldwide)
Dates: June 22 – August 2
Application Deadline: December 11
Eligibility: High school juniors with strong academic and extracurricular achievement. Check here for more eligibility requirements
Cost/Stipend: None
If you’re looking for one of the most intensive summer internships for high school students, the Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT is it. Offered at no cost, RSI combines a week of advanced STEM coursework with five weeks of mentored lab research in fields such as biology, chemistry, engineering, and physics, guided by professional scientists at top Boston-area institutions. RSI is designed to take you through the full research cycle: you’ll analyze scientific literature, carry out your own project, and present your findings in conference-style papers and presentations. You’ll also gain hands-on experience using MIT’s computing tools and attend evening lectures featuring experts like Nobel laureates.
2. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: <3%
Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Students from the Bay Area are preferred
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $40 application fee (waived for qualifying students); stipend of $500 (up to $1,500+ for need-based awards)
Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week summer internship designed for high school students who want to dive into scientific investigation. You’ll select from one of eight research areas—immunology, stem cell and regenerative medicine, neurobiology, cardiovascular biology, cancer biology, bioinformatics, bioengineering, and genetics and genomics—and then be matched with a Stanford faculty-hosted lab. After a mandatory orientation and safety training, you’ll spend most weekdays conducting hands-on experiments under the guidance of a graduate student or postdoctoral mentor. You’ll also attend lectures that deepen your theoretical understanding during the first two weeks while steadily transitioning into full-time lab work. Throughout SIMR, you’ll develop practical skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication before presenting your findings at a poster session.
3. Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Summer Student Program
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 2%
Dates: June 30 – August 22
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: High school juniors who live in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut within 25 miles of the Main Campus of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Applicants should have a minimum 3.5 GPA in science subjects and have an interest in biomedical sciences and translational cancer research. Students from underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply!
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend of $1,200; no housing or transportation provided
The Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Summer Student Program is an eight-week lab-based opportunity, and one of the more advanced summer internships for high school students focused on biomedical research. You’ll be paired with a mentor and placed in a cancer-focused research lab to work on a self-directed project that contributes to ongoing investigations. You'll gain practical experience in techniques relevant to cancer biology, immuno-oncology, pharmacology, and related fields while attending meetings, seminars, and training sessions that introduce you to the broader MSK research community and the professional world of translational science. By the end of the program, you’ll have completed a full research project while building the technical and analytical skills necessary for biomedical science.
4. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Location: The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 32 students are accepted
Dates: June 23 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 3
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are 16 years or older by the start of the program
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students experiencing financial hardship may be awarded stipends
The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) offers a team-based lab research experience for students interested in biomedical science. Over seven weeks, you’ll work as part of a small research team led by scientists from Rockefeller, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and Weill Cornell Medicine. Each team is based in a RockEDU lab and follows a structured research process, from developing a research question to collecting and analyzing data. SSRP includes direct lab research alongside workshops, elective courses, and guest lectures that build your technical knowledge and understanding of scientific careers. You’ll wrap up the program by creating and presenting a research poster at a final symposium.
5. Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~5%
Dates: June 16 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students who reside in the following areas: Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz counties, have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0, have prior knowledge of biology, chemistry, or computer programming, and are at least 16 years old by the start of the internship
Cost/Stipend: None; no stipend; need-based financial aid is available
The Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS) is a part-time research opportunity for Bay Area high school students interested in computational genetics and genomics. You’ll spend 20 hours per week conducting guided lab research under the mentorship of a Stanford scientist. Alongside lab work, GRIPS includes weekly cohort sessions, seminars on biomedical career paths, and one-on-one check-ins with your mentor. You'll gain experience with genomic datasets and lab protocols while developing a clearer understanding of how research contributes to advances in medicine and biology.
6. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; 76–80 spots are available each summer
Dates: June 2 – August 14
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are NYC residents attending NYC schools
Cost/Stipend: No cost, students receive a $1000 stipend upon completing the program
ARISE is a free, 10-week summer internship for NYC students focused on STEM lab research. In the first four weeks, you'll undergo safety training, sharpen your writing and research skills, and prepare for lab work. The final six weeks are dedicated to hands-on research in one of 80+ NYU labs, where you'll assist with active faculty-led projects. You'll log around 120 hours of lab research experience, making ARISE one of the more comprehensive summer internships for high school students. You'll also participate in seminars, network with professionals, and present your research at both NYU’s Colloquium and the American Museum of Natural History.
7. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: <10%
Dates: Typically starts mid-June
Application Deadline: March 4
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who attend a high school and reside in Palm Beach or Martin County, are at least 16 years old, and are legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Interns will be paid $13/hour
The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship offers six weeks of hands-on lab research for high school students entering their junior or senior year. As an intern, you’ll work closely with MPFI scientists on real neuroscience projects, whether you're in the wet lab using techniques like genetic engineering and microscopy, or working on scientific programming or mechanical design. The program is ideal for students with strong backgrounds in biological sciences, coding, or engineering. This is a solid technical summer internship for high school students, giving you the chance to develop tangible lab skills, write a scientific abstract, and present your findings at the end of the program.
8. Stanford STaRS Internship Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 20 students are accepted each year
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 10
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 by the start of the internship
Cost/Stipend: None
The Stanford STaRS Internship Program is a 7-week, in-person summer research internship that places high school students in labs alongside clinical and research mentors. You’ll engage in guided biomedical lab research, gaining direct exposure to professional lab practices, experimental techniques, and the daily routines of healthcare-focused scientists. Before beginning research, all interns complete lab safety and PPE training to ensure readiness for a clinical research environment. Once trained, you’ll contribute to ongoing lab projects while building foundational skills in scientific inquiry and teamwork.
9. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)
Location: Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~4–8%
Dates: June 23 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with a strong scientific interest and good academic background. Students from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply
Cost/Stipend: No cost; financial awards are available to those who successfully complete the internship
The Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) is an eight-week, full-time summer internship for high school students offering hands-on lab research experience. You’ll start with two weeks of foundational training in lab techniques such as PCR, DNA isolation, and sterile handling before spending six weeks conducting mentored research in a Fred Hutch lab. The program includes weekly workshops covering research ethics, data visualization, and presentation skills, as well as sessions on college preparation and career development. You’ll conclude by presenting your research findings to the Fred Hutch community, family, and peers.
Location: Various university campuses
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~10%
Dates: Varies by program area; all programs typically begin mid to late June
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: High school juniors who have completed the relevant coursework or will complete it by the start of the program. Applicants must also be 15–18 years old during the program
Cost/Stipend: The program fee is $9,800; however, SSP offers fully discounted to partially discounted fees to all students depending on family income. There is also a stipend of $3,000 for students who would typically need to work during the summer
The SSP International Summer Science Program offers a five-week residential lab research internship for high school juniors focused on hands-on experiences in fields like astrophysics, biochemistry, bacterial genomics, synthetic chemistry, and cell biology. You’ll work closely with STEM graduate students and researchers to conduct real lab research using professional equipment and techniques. The program emphasizes immersive lab work, exposing you to current scientific challenges and methodologies. Alongside your lab research, the program provides structured mentorship, guest lectures from leading scientists, and community-building activities.
11. High School Research Academy
Location: The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Exact numbers aren’t available, but the program is typically considered selective
Dates: June 9 – July 16
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are at least 15 years old before the start of the program. Texas residents are prioritized
Cost/Stipend: $4,000; need-based scholarships (stipend + free tuition) may be available
The Summer High School Research Academy (HSRA) at UT Austin offers a five-week, non-residential lab research internship designed for high school students interested in STEM. You’ll engage directly in authentic research projects within active College of Natural Sciences labs, gaining hands-on experience in fields like genetics, neuroscience, environmental science, and data analytics. Beyond lab work, HSRA includes weekly seminars featuring guest speakers and culminates with a research symposium where you present a printed poster of your project. You’ll also earn UT extension course credit for your participation.
12. Boston University RISE Internship Track
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~7%
Dates: June 29 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Rising seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Cost/Stipend: $5,700 (tuition) + $1,000 nonrefundable deposit + room and board costs (if applicable). Financial aid is available based on need
The Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Internship Track at Boston University offers academically motivated rising seniors a full-time, six-week research experience. You'll spend 40 hours per week in a university lab, working under the guidance of a faculty member or advanced researcher on a focused project in fields such as neuroscience, biomedical engineering, public health, or computer science. You’ll also join weekly workshops covering topics like research ethics, how to read scientific literature, and creating posters for scientific presentations. The program concludes with a Poster Symposium, where you'll present your findings, and many students also submit their work to national science competitions.
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships offers a selective, virtual program where high school students collaborate with startups and nonprofits across various industries. Interns are assigned meaningful projects that address real needs within their host organizations and present their work at the end of the program. Alongside startup managers, students also receive guidance from a dedicated Ladder Coach throughout the internship. It's a hands-on opportunity to build skills and contribute to impactful work. If you’re interested, apply now!