Top 12 Paid Biology Internships for High School Students
If you're a high school student interested in exploring the world of science, biology internships for high school students can be a great way to gain hands-on experience. These opportunities allow you to learn real lab techniques, collaborate with mentors, and build professional networks.
In fact, some of the most competitive internships also offer stipends, making them a practical and rewarding option for motivated students. Whether you're helping with microbiology research, studying environmental systems, or analyzing genetic data, you'll build valuable skills that can support your future college and career goals. There are several highly regarded biology internships for high school students offered by universities, hospitals, and nonprofit research institutes.
In this post, we’ve highlighted the top 12 paid biology internships for high school students, chosen for their rigor and accessibility.
1. Stanford STaRS Internship Program
Location: Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; ~20 students accepted
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application Deadline: Typically in November
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older by June
Cost/Stipend: Applicants may apply for stipend support
The Stanford Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Internship is a distinguished program emphasizing biomedical innovation. You’ll gain direct exposure to fields such as tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and surgical device development. The program emphasizes the intersection of biology, patient care, and engineering, offering lab-based research, hands-on demonstrations, and mentorship from Stanford faculty.
Collaborative projects and seminars can enhance your understanding of how biological science translates into real-world medical solutions. STaRS is especially well-suited for students with an interest in both biology and healthcare innovation.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small cohort sizes
Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; May 25 for summer
Eligibility: High school students with prior experience in AI/ML or completion of a Veritas AI program
Cost/Stipend: $2,490; financial aid available
The Veritas AI Internship offers high school students the chance to solve real-world problems using machine learning while working alongside VC-backed startups. You’ll join a small cohort and collaborate with mentors from institutions like Harvard and Google to build project-based solutions in fields such as healthcare, sustainability, and finance.
Projects often incorporate biological datasets, particularly in public health and biotechnology, making it a strong option for students exploring computational biology. Throughout the 8-week program, you’ll develop a portfolio-ready final project and receive personalized mentorship and a detailed completion letter. This internship is ideal for students interested in the intersection of biology and AI.
3. Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP)
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 18 – 24 students
Dates: June 23 - August 15
Application Deadline: Varies annually; typically in early spring
Eligibility: High school or undergraduate students from the Greater Philadelphia area (including Camden, NJ); must demonstrate eligibility to work in the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Paid full-time research position
The Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP) is a well-regarded, fully paid summer research program that encourages underrepresented students to explore careers in biomedical science. Over the course of seven weeks, you’ll work full-time with Monell scientists on research related to sensory biology, genetics, or human health.
The program also includes enrichment sessions on scientific writing, ethics, and public speaking, culminating in a public research presentation. You will gain exposure to multiple medical and scientific career paths.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to all high school students, including undergraduates and gap-year students; must be able to commit 10–20 hours per week
Cost/Stipend: Starting at $ 2,490; financial assistance available
Ladder Internships links high school students to startups in sectors such as healthcare, biotechnology, sustainability, and machine learning. You will work on a real-world project aligned with your interests, such as biology, environmental science, or health innovation.
You will be matched with a company manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach, who provides weekly mentorship and helps guide your growth in a professional setting. Projects often end in formal presentations and offer strong portfolio-building opportunities. The virtual structure and flexible hours make this internship accessible to students worldwide who want to gain experience in a biology-related field while earning mentorship support.
5. SUNY Oneonta Summer Research Internship
Location: SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station, Otsego Lake, NY
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective, 1-3 students per year
Dates: 9 weeks of June – August
Application Deadline: March 26
Eligibility: New York residents aged 16 or older
Cost/Stipend: $3,000 stipend
The SUNY Oneonta Summer Research Internship gives high school students the chance to participate in environmental biology fieldwork focused on lake and watershed ecosystems. Over nine weeks, you will conduct research on Otsego Lake and the Susquehanna Watershed, focusing on water quality, aquatic organisms, and ecological health.
You will receive training in data collection, lab analysis, scientific writing, and public speaking, culminating in a formal presentation of findings. This internship is particularly strong for students interested in field biology, ecology, or conservation science, and it’s fully compensated with a $3,000 stipend.
6. Aspirnaut Internship Program
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 5–10 students accepted annually
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors attending a Michigan high school; must be at least 16 years old by the program start
Stipend: Stipend provided
The University of Michigan’s Aspirnaut Internship Program provides a competitive six-week residential experience centered on the life sciences. You will conduct full-time research alongside university faculty, gaining first-hand lab skills and exposure to biomedical science.
You will also benefit from test prep, mentorship, and college readiness programming, all while living on the University of Michigan campus. The program combines academic rigor with holistic support, helping you build confidence in both research and the college application process.
7. SEP High School Intern Program
Location: University of California, San Francisco, CA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 25 students selected
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: High school juniors from SFUSD, SF charter schools, or College Track SF; priority given to underrepresented students in STEM
Stipend: $3,200 (part-time) or $4,500 (full-time)
The UCSF SEP High School Intern Program offers an 8-week, paid research internship for students interested in biomedical science. You will be paired with UCSF researchers to work on projects in neuroscience, cancer biology, immunology, and other fields.
The program combines intensive lab experience with college readiness workshops, including resume building, campus tours, and mentorship. SEP fosters a strong sense of community, giving you the opportunity to learn from peers, scientists, and professional staff in a supportive academic environment.
8. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR) Program
Location: Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 50 students admitted
Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors aged 16 or older; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Stipend: $500 minimum stipend; $1,500+ for students from underrepresented backgrounds
The SIMR Program is one of the most prestigious biology internships for high school students in the U.S., offering a full-time, 8-week biomedical research experience at Stanford. You’ll work in one of eight specialized tracks, from immunology and cancer biology to bioengineering.
In addition to lab research and data analysis, you’ll participate in daily lectures, scientific writing workshops, and community-building activities. The program concludes with a poster symposium where you will present your work. SIMR emphasizes equity, offering enhanced stipends and strong mentorship for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
9. MD Anderson Cancer Center High School Summer Program
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 12 students selected annually
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Texas high school seniors, 18 years or older by program start
Stipend: $6,800 stipend
This 10-week internship at MD Anderson Cancer Center offers one of the most competitive and well-funded biology internships for high school students in the U.S. You will be paired with faculty to conduct oncology research in areas such as diagnostics, therapeutic development, and molecular biology.
In addition to daily lab work, you will also participate in professional development sessions. The internship concludes with a formal research presentation during a celebratory luncheon. The program is designed to support Texas-based students exploring careers in biomedical science, healthcare, or cancer research by offering both a substantial stipend and a prestigious institutional setting.
10. Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP)
Location: Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 22
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors in the Greater Boston area with a grade of B or better in math and science courses
Stipend: $3,600 stipend
The Broad Summer Scholars Program immerses high school students in advanced biomedical and genomic research at one of the nation's leading research institutions. Over six weeks, you’ll conduct an original research project in fields such as cancer biology, infectious diseases, or computational biology.
You’ll work one-on-one with a Broad scientist, participate in journal clubs, and attend workshops on data science, career planning, and scientific communication. The program ends with a formal symposium where you will present your work. This fully funded, high-impact internship is ideal for students interested in biology and data-driven medical research.
11. Fred Hutch Cancer Center Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)
Location: Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
Dates: June 24 – August 16
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school students entering senior year or final term after the summer; must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Stipend: Provided upon completion
The SHIP program at Fred Hutch is a highly regarded, full-time summer internship for students from underrepresented backgrounds in biomedical research. Over eight weeks, you’ll begin with hands-on lab training in safety and technical skills before joining a research group for a mentored project.
You’ll gain real lab experience, participate in scientific seminars, and explore college and career options through development workshops and peer engagement activities. With a focus on mentorship and inclusion, SHIP provides a robust foundation for students pursuing futures in cancer biology, healthcare, or biomedical research.
12. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD / Virtual
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 8 students accepted for in-person internship
Dates: 8 weeks in-person and 5 weeks virtual in summer
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; in-person interns must attend a Baltimore City high school
Stipend: In-person: hourly wages + transportation support; Virtual: certificate of completion and a $500 stipend
The JHIBS program offers high school students a unique opportunity to explore brain sciences through both in-person and virtual research internships. You will work under the mentorship of Johns Hopkins faculty and participate in neuroscience projects, professional development sessions, and educational seminars.
In-person students gain lab experience and attend weekly scientific meetings, while virtual students focus on developing research skills and scientific literacy through online modules. The program emphasizes mentorship, diversity, and career exploration in biomedical research, especially for students interested in neuroscience, medicine, or behavioral biology.