15 STEM Internships for Undergraduates in Pennsylvania
If you are an undergraduate student looking to build practical experience in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, a STEM internship provides a structured pathway to gain exposure to the professional world while strengthening your resume. Depending on the program, you may contribute to research projects, assist with laboratory work, support data analysis, or perform technical tasks within research institutions and organizations. These experiences can also help you explore different areas within STEM and gain insight into professional workflows across different domains.
Why should I do a STEM internship in college?
A STEM internship provides practical experience with the tools, methodologies, and technologies used in your field. It can also strengthen your resume by demonstrating that you have project-based or research experience beyond the classroom. Many internships involve collaboration with researchers, engineers, or industry professionals, giving you exposure to workplace expectations and building professional connections. These experiences can enhance your employability after graduation by showing employers that you have professional experience. Internships can also allow you to explore specific areas within STEM, helping you identify your interests before you enter the workforce or pursue graduate studies.
To help you get started, we have put together a list of 15 STEM internships for undergraduates in Pennsylvania.
1. Sustainable Physics REU at Penn State
Location: Penn State University Park, State College, PA
Stipend: $7,000 | on-campus housing will be paid for NSF-funded students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: May 26 - July 31
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Undergraduates who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents (Penn State Physics students may be of any nationality), and who are enrolled in a bachelor’s‑level or transfer program | participants must be at least 18 years old to live in on‑campus housing
The Sustainable Physics: From Subatomic to the Cosmos REU at Pennsylvania State University is a summer research program that allows undergraduate students to participate in faculty-mentored projects in physics and materials science. During the program, you will work in a research group on projects spanning areas such as astro-particle physics, condensed matter physics, optics and photonics, nanoscale materials, and cosmology. The program involves full-time research activity alongside graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. In addition to research activities, you attend seminars and professional development sessions focused on scientific communication and sustainability in scientific research. The program also includes weekly meetings, networking activities, and outreach events related to physics and public science engagement.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 25% | around 100 students per cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort – spring (January), summer (May), fall (September), and winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 8 - 12 weeks, devoting 10 - 20 hours/week
The Ladder University Internship Program is an eight-week virtual internship that connects undergraduates with early-stage startups to work on real-world projects. You will be matched with a company based on your interests and project alignment, and collaborate with a company coach to plan, develop, and refine deliverables throughout the program. Intern responsibilities vary by placement and can include research, market analysis, product support, or business strategy tasks, concluding in tangible project outcomes. You meet regularly with your coach and company manager to receive guidance and feedback, and the program concludes with a presentation showcasing your completed work. Apply now!
3. MindCORE Summer Fellowship Program @ UPenn
Location: University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) in Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free | paid (exact amount not listed)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: May 31 - August 7
Application Deadline: January 5
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited institution | graduating seniors are not eligible | non-Penn applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The MindCORE Summer Fellowship Program at the University of Pennsylvania is a summer research experience for undergraduate students interested in interdisciplinary studies of the mind and brain. You are matched with a MindCORE faculty mentor based on your research interests and preferences. Over the summer, you will conduct research in areas such as cognitive science, neuroscience, psychology, linguistics, computer science, and related fields. The program begins with an introductory workshop that covers interdisciplinary research methods, after which you participate in mentored research in a faculty lab. You also attend weekly lunches focused on research discussions and faculty seminars, receive training in research ethics and technical skills, observe lab demonstrations, and participate in professional development sessions.
4. Summer Undergraduate Internship Program (SUIP)
Location: University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) in Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free | stipend of $5,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 1 to August 7
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduates who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents | participants must be enrolled in a four-year college for the fall semester following program completion
The Summer Undergraduate Internship Program (SUIP) at the University of Pennsylvania is a full‑time, 10‑week biomedical research internship that places undergraduate students in faculty labs based on shared research interests and career goals. You will work with a Principal Investigator and lab team to conduct research in areas such as biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, genetics, immunology, pharmacology, epidemiology, and computational biology. The program includes a structured summer seminar series and professional development workshops that cover scientific topics, research ethics, and preparation for doctoral programs. It concludes with a SUIP symposium where you present your research findings to faculty and fellow interns.
5. PPL Corporation’s Pennsylvania Internship & Co-op Program
Location: Multiple service centers in Pennsylvania
Cost/Stipend: Free | paid internship | exact amounts may vary
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on specific project
Application Deadline: Varies based on specific project
Eligibility: Undergraduates who are eligible to work in accordance with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are enrolled full-time in an accredited four-year college with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (2.5 for certain LG&E and KU engineering roles) | 18 years or above
The PPL Corporation Internship Program offers undergraduate students paid opportunities to work on projects in engineering, technology, business, and operations. You collaborate with mentors and supervisors, contributing to assignments while gaining practical experience in a corporate environment. The program includes professional development sessions, networking opportunities, and community engagement activities, along with a full-day orientation that introduces you to company operations. Throughout the internship, you receive feedback and guidance to refine your work and build skills relevant to your field. Some locations provide housing or stipends to support participation.
6. UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s Summer Research Internship Program (SRIP)
Location: John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free | stipend of $15/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 1 to July 24
Application Deadline: January 11 (tentative)
Eligibility: Undergraduates who are enrolled in a degree program | have completed at least two semesters of coursework or have at least one semester remaining (or be accepted into an advanced degree program), and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher | participants are required to submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal status
The Summer Research Internship Program (SRIP) at the John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center in Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh, offers an eight-week, paid opportunity to engage in pediatric biomedical research. You will work with faculty and researchers at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, covering specialties including immunosuppressant management, juvenile diabetes, and therapies for childhood disease and disability. You conduct research in areas including adolescent and young adult medicine, general pediatrics, hematology, oncology, endocrinology, diabetes, metabolism, genetics, genomic medicine, cardiology, pulmonology, infectious diseases, allergy, immunology, nephrology, neurology, child development, and neuroscience. The program guides you through research rationale, design strategies, methodologies, and techniques while you contribute to ongoing studies. You participate in professional discussions with mentors and peers and present your research findings at the end of the program.
7. Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation College Summer Internship
Location: Magee-Womens Research Institute in Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free | paid | stipend amount not listed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 8 students per summer, but additional students may be accepted if supported fully by a mentor
Dates: June 1 to July 28
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: Undergraduates enrolled in college
The College Summer Internship Program at Magee-Womens Research Institute is an eight-week summer research program focused on biomedical science and women’s health. You will work with investigators at the institute, many of whom are affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, to complete an independent research project. Research areas include reproductive biology, women’s cancers, pregnancy, infectious diseases, and regenerative medicine. You contribute to ongoing laboratory studies while learning about research design, experimental methods, and the broader process of conducting biomedical investigations. The program also includes lunch & learn sessions where researchers discuss their work and career pathways in biomedical science. At the end of the internship, you present your research findings to faculty, staff, and fellow participants.
8. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Summer Internship Program
Location: Multiple DEP regional offices in Pennsylvania, including DEP headquarters in Harrisburg, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free | paid | stipend amount not listed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on the specific internship
Application Deadline: Varies based on the specific internship
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who are currently enrolled full-time in a bachelor's degree or advanced degree program, have completed their freshman year, are in good academic standing, and are Pennsylvania residents or are attending a Pennsylvania college or university
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Internship Program offers undergraduate students paid opportunities to work on projects related to environmental protection across the state. You will contribute to initiatives aligned with the agency’s mission of safeguarding Pennsylvania’s air, land, and water resources while working with professional staff in various program areas. Internship placements may involve areas such as water quality, oil and gas regulation, dam safety, environmental monitoring, and ecological challenges such as West Nile virus and acid mine drainage. The program offers engineering, scientific, technical, and government services roles, depending on the department and project area. During the internship, you work under the supervision of experienced professionals and contribute to projects that support environmental research, regulation, and public service initiatives.
9. Wistar Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program
Location: The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: $650/week and a weekly meal allowance of $85/week | travel stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Typically in summer | exact dates vary each year
Application Deadline: Exact dates vary each year
Eligibility: Students from any two- or four-year college may apply if they have earned a grade of B or higher in general biology and chemistry courses for majors
The Wistar Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program at The Wistar Institute is a 10-week summer research program focused on cancer biology and related areas of biomedical science. You begin with a two-week laboratory orientation that introduces core molecular and cellular biology techniques, followed by eight weeks working with a faculty mentor on a defined research project. Research topics include the molecular mechanisms of cancer, genome instability, apoptosis, innate immune responses, stem cell biology, and cellular stress pathways. The program also includes weekly workshops and group meetings covering research ethics, science communication, and graduate study pathways. As an intern, you meet with mentors and peers to review research progress and scientific literature. The internship concludes with a research symposium where you present a poster summarizing your project to researchers at the institute.
10. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – State Government Internship Program
Location: Several locations, including PennDOT and DCNR in Pennsylvania
Cost/Stipend: Free | paid | stipend amount varies based on specific internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on the specific internship
Application Deadline: Varies based on the specific internship
Eligibility: Internship opportunities available for both high school and college students
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Internship Program offers students opportunities to work on projects within state government agencies across a range of fields, including engineering, environmental science, healthcare, transportation, social services, and information technology. You will contribute to projects that support public programs and services while working with professionals across departments throughout the state. The program provides mentorship from experienced staff and introduces you to how government agencies plan, manage, and deliver services to communities. Internship placements vary by agency and may involve research, policy analysis, technical work, or administrative support, depending on the department.
11. Medical Examiner’s Office Internship Program
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free | paid position available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on specific internship
Application Deadline: Varies based on specific internship | For toxicology, Summer: March 15, Fall: July 31, Spring: November 30
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled in a degree program at a school that has an existing internship agreement with the City of Philadelphia
The Medical Examiner’s Office Internship with the City of Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office offers students an opportunity to observe and contribute to work related to forensic investigations and death review processes. You may be placed in units such as bereavement support services, the fatality review program, pathology, or toxicology, depending on your academic background and program arrangements. Internships allow you to know how medical examiners determine the cause and manner of death and how forensic laboratories analyze postmortem samples for drugs, poisons, and other substances. In some units, you assist with research, data review, and laboratory-related tasks that support forensic investigations and public health monitoring. The program also introduces you to the interdisciplinary collaboration between forensic pathologists, toxicologists, investigators, and public health professionals involved in death investigations.
12. The Laboratory for Research on the Structure of Matter (LRSM) REU Program
Location: Laboratory for Research on the Structure of Matter, University of Pennsylvania, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free | $7000 as a stipend | housing provided | travel assistance offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: May 26 - July 31
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed their junior year by the start of the program, though exceptionally qualified sophomores and freshmen may also be considered
The Laboratory for Research on the Structure of Matter (LRSM) REU Program at the University of Pennsylvania is a 10-week summer research program focused on interdisciplinary materials science. You work with faculty mentors on a defined research project in areas such as chemistry, physics, biochemistry, biophysics, and materials engineering. The program also partners with the AI-driven RNA BioFoundry (AIRFoundry), an NSF-funded initiative developing new approaches to RNA design, synthesis, and delivery through bioengineering, chemical engineering, and artificial intelligence. Selected fellows in this track conduct research in AIRFoundry laboratories while remaining integrated within the broader LRSM REU cohort. Participants attend workshops and seminars on scientific research, professional development, and emerging topics related to materials science and biotechnology.
13. NASA OSTEM Internships
Location: Several locations across the US
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on project
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on project
Application Deadline: Varies based on project
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students who are U.S. citizens | who are at least 16 years old, with a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
The NASA Internship Programs offered by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration provide students with opportunities to work on projects aligned with the agency’s research and mission areas in science, aeronautics, engineering, and space exploration. Through internships coordinated by NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, you will work alongside scientists, engineers, and technical specialists on projects ranging from spacecraft systems and robotics to Earth science, data analysis, and mission planning. Internships may take place at NASA centers and facilities across the United States, as well as in virtual formats, depending on the project.
14. UPMC’s Summer Associates Program
Location: Pittsburgh and other locations in Pennsylvania
Cost/Stipend: Free | paid | exact amount varies based on position
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies each year
Application Deadline: Applications open in August
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with 90+ completed credits and a minimum GPA of 3.0
The Summer Associates Program at UPMC is a summer internship offering experience in multiple areas, including administrative and operational roles within a large healthcare system. You will be placed in a specific department based on your area of interest, where you will contribute to team projects and ongoing initiatives. As part of the program, you will have the opportunity to interact with professionals across departments and gain insight into how large health systems manage their operations.
15. Summer Undergraduate Research Internship Program (SURIP)
Location: Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free | stipend of $5,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 8 students
Dates: May 26 to July 31
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students between their 2nd and 3rd years or between 3rd and 4th years of college with a minimum overall GPA of at least 3.0 | International students can apply
The Summer Undergraduate Research Internship Program (SURIP) at Penn State College of Medicine is a summer research internship focused on biomedical and life sciences research. You will work full-time in a laboratory or clinical research environment with a faculty mentor, contributing to ongoing studies in areas such as molecular biology, pharmacology, neuroscience, bioengineering, and public health. The program emphasizes the fundamentals of scientific investigation, introducing you to experimental design, data analysis, and research methodology used in biomedical science. Alongside your research project, you attend weekly scientific seminars and career development sessions that explore research careers and graduate study in the biological sciences. The program also includes a visit to the NIH Graduate and Professional School Fair, where you learn about doctoral and professional training pathways in biomedical research.
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