14 Summer Medical Research Internships for High School Students
Summer internships for high school students are some of the best opportunities available to gain medical research experience before college. The experience you gain from such programs can be valuable for your future medical career and college applications. Remember to start early in the year when applying to these internships, as many have application deadlines in February and March. Focus on programs that align with your specific interests within medicine. Many of these summer internships are highly competitive, so applying to multiple programs and having backup options can be beneficial.
To help you get started, we've carefully curated this list of the top 14 medical research summer internships for high school students. Each program offers unique advantages, from laboratory work to clinical exposure, and many provide stipends that make them accessible.
1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, CA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive, ~ 50 students
Dates: 8 weeks, June 9 - July 31 (tentatively)
Application Deadline: February 22 (tentatively)
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors must be 16+ by program start
Cost/Stipend: $40 application fee (waived for special circumstances); $500 stipend
SIMR offers you an intensive eight-week journey into biomedical research at one of the world's leading medical institutions. As a participant, you'll work directly with Stanford faculty and graduate students on research projects in areas like immunology, neuroscience, and bioinformatics. The program is a good fit for students who want to understand what medical research looks like before committing to a pre-med track. The program culminates in a research symposium where you'll present your findings/prototype to the Stanford community.
Location: Virtual (worldwide)
Acceptance rate: Moderately selective
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), Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Cost: Varies based on program type
Ladder Internships connects you with high-growth startups that, on average, raise over a million dollars. In the program, you'll collaborate with your manager and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects in the medical field that align with your interests. You will also have the opportunity to present your work to the company by the end of the internship. The virtual format makes this one a good fit for students who might be limited by location.
3. Cincinnati Children's Hospital High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive, limited spots
Dates: 8 weeks starting in early June
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors, Cincinnati area residents only
Stipend: $13 per hour for 20 hours/week
The High School Summer Internship Program at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center offers you an eight-week experience working alongside pediatric specialists and researchers. As a participant, you'll work 20 hours per week with a dedicated mentor in specialized areas like critical care, neonatology, human genetics, or molecular cardiovascular biology. This internship provides exposure to clinical practice and biomedical research, where you'll shadow your mentor in clinical settings, participate in research projects, and gain insights into how pediatric medicine works. You'll also participate in training sessions using computerized simulated pediatric patients in the SIM Center. The program culminates with a presentation where you'll share your experiences and research findings with the entire group.
4. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)
Location: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: June 23 - August 15 (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: End of March (tentative)
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders from underrepresented backgrounds
Stipend: Financial award on completion, ORCA card provided
SHIP at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center offers an eight-week internship for rising 12th graders. The program is specifically designed for students from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical science and includes training in laboratory techniques. This program introduces you to cancer research and related biomedical fields, giving you training in laboratory techniques that you'll use throughout any future scientific career. You'll work within research groups, participating in experiments and data analysis while attending seminars and professional development workshops. The program concludes with a presentation to the Fred Hutch community, family, and friends.
5. Boston University RISE Internship
Location: Boston University, MA
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: June 29 – August 8 (tentatively)
Application Deadline: February 14 (tentatively)
Eligibility: Rising seniors with a strong academic record
Cost: $5,700 tuition plus additional fees (financial aid available)
The RISE program at Boston University gives you the opportunity to conduct university-level research while still in high school. As a RISE intern, you'll work 40 hours per week in faculty research labs, treating this experience like a full-time job in scientific research. You'll be assigned to specific research projects in areas ranging from biomedical engineering to public health, working under faculty supervision. The program includes weekly workshops where you'll learn about different aspects of scientific research and career development.
6. Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy
Location: City of Hope, Los Angeles, CA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: June 2 – August 8 (tentatively)
Application Deadline: March 12 (tentatively)
Eligibility: High school or undergraduate students, 16+ years old, and completed high school courses in chemistry and biology
Stipend: $4,500
Hosted by City of Hope, this 10-week program allows you to select and design your own biomedical research project with guidance from physicians and scientists. You'll work with faculty mentors who are leaders in their fields, from cancer research to diabetes treatment. The program focuses on developing your critical thinking skills and scientific reasoning, preparing you for advanced study in medicine or biomedical sciences. Throughout the summer, you'll attend seminars, participate in journal clubs, and present your research at scientific meetings.
7. Roswell Park High School Summer Cancer Research (SURE-CAN) Program
Location: Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 26 – August 8 (tentative)
Application Deadline: January 31 (tentative)
Eligibility: Rising juniors, 15+, local Western NY residents only
Stipend: Paid internships are granted to eligible applicants based on funding criteria, with limited subsistence allowances for a few
This six-week program at one of the nation's first cancer research centers gives you direct exposure to cancer research and medical imaging technologies. You'll work alongside researchers who are developing the next generation of cancer treatments, from immunotherapy to precision medicine approaches. The program includes laboratory work, where you'll learn techniques used in cancer research, as well as exposure to clinical research and patient care aspects. You'll attend weekly seminars on topics ranging from cancer biology to bioethics, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the field. The program culminates in a research symposium where you'll present your findings to the Roswell Park community, including faculty, staff, and fellow students.
8. Children's Hospital Colorado Child Health Research Internship
Location: Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO
Acceptance rate: Highly competitive
Dates: June 2 – August 1 (tentatively)
Application Deadline: Early December – Early February
Eligibility: High school seniors 18+ years old, Colorado residents
Stipend: $4,400
The Child Health Research Internship at Children's Hospital Colorado offers you a nine-week research experience focused on pediatric health and medicine. You'll work directly with faculty members from the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado on the Anschutz Medical Campus, contributing to research in areas like stem cell biology, neuroscience, nutrition, hematology, and neonatology. This program allows you to choose your research mentor from a diverse group of highly respected faculty, ensuring your internship aligns with your specific interests in child health research. The internship culminates with both written and oral presentations of your research. If your work is accepted for presentation at a scientific meeting, the program will fund your travel and registration.
9. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; Summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), Spring (March - June)
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November).
Eligibility: Motivated high school students with strong academic records
Cost: $2990+ (financial aid available)
Lumiere pairs you with Ph.D. mentors for intensive one-on-one research experiences across various subjects, including medicine and biomedical sciences. The program's strength lies in its personalized approach. You'll work closely with a graduate student or postdoc mentor who will guide you through an independent research project. Throughout the program, you'll learn not just research techniques but also how to think like a scientist, formulate hypotheses, and analyze data critically. The program culminates in a research paper, giving you a substantial piece of work for college applications.
10. Magee-Womens Research Institute High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective (<8% acceptance)
Dates: 6 weeks; June 16 onwards (tentatively)
Application Deadline: December 2 - February 7 (tentatively)
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors, 16+ years old, permanent/primary residence in the local southwest Pennsylvania region
Stipend: $1,800 for qualifying participants of the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program in Pennsylvania
The Magee-Womens Research Institute offers a specialized summer internship for high school students, focusing on reproductive biology, women's health, and infant health research. As an intern, you'll work on your own research project under the guidance of investigators at MWRI or Magee-Womens Hospital. This program focuses on women's health research, giving you exposure to specialized areas like fertility preservation, ovarian cancer research, and pregnancy complications. You'll gain experience with laboratory techniques while working on projects that could have a real impact on women's healthcare outcomes. The program culminates with the annual High School Internship Presentation Day.
11. Garcia Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, NY
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: 7 weeks; June 26 - August 8 (tentatively)
Application Deadline: March 3 (tentatively)
Eligibility: Rising seniors; 16+; GPA 3.8/4.0); SAT 60%+
Cost: $4,000 laboratory usage, $50 registration, plus additional fees
If you’re curious about polymer science and want to experience scientific research, the Garcia Summer Research Program might be what you’re looking for. Over seven weeks, you’ll work with Garcia faculty and staff on your own research project. Plus, you’ll have chances to showcase your work in national competitions, get your research published in scientific journals, or even present at national conferences.
12. Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
Location: Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, or Farmington, CT
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; ~40 students
Dates: 10 weeks; May 31 – August 8 (tentative)
Application Deadline: Late October - January 27 (tentative)
Eligibility: High schoolers who have completed Grade 12, 18+, U.S. citizens
Stipend: $6,500 stipend plus room, board, and travel
This program provides you with research experience in genetics and genomics at one of the world's leading genetics research institutions. The program includes intensive training in molecular biology techniques, bioinformatics, and data analysis methods used in modern genetics research. You'll attend weekly seminars by Jackson Laboratory scientists, participate in career development workshops, and present your research at the end-of-summer symposium.
13. Stanford Clinical Summer Internship
Location: Stanford University Medical Center, CA, and virtual
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: Summer 2 weeks; Fall 10 weeks
Application Deadline: Summer: November to February; Fall: May
Eligibility: Rising juniors, seniors, and pre-med undergraduates, 16+
Cost: Fall $1,980+, Summer $4,380+
Stanford's Clinical Summer Internship gives you direct exposure to clinical medicine through a combination of lectures, workshops, and hands-on experiences with Stanford physicians. You'll participate in interactive sessions covering various medical specialties, from cardiology to emergency medicine, while learning essential clinical skills. This program includes simulation exercises where you'll practice medical procedures like suturing, injections, and trauma response in Stanford's facilities. You'll attend lectures on topics ranging from medical ethics to healthcare policy, giving you a comprehensive understanding of modern medicine.
14. Harvard Medical School MEDscience Summer Program
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive, limited enrolment
Dates: Various 1-week sessions
Application Deadline: January 1 – March 25
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 12
Cost: $2,800 for most week-long programs (limited scholarships available for eligible students)
MEDscience introduces you to simulated medical environments where you'll learn clinical skills and medical decision-making through realistic case-based scenarios. The program uses Harvard Medical School's simulation facilities to give you experience with medical procedures and patient care. You'll work in teams to diagnose and treat simulated patients, learning to think critically under pressure and communicate effectively with healthcare team members. The program includes lectures by Harvard faculty on various medical specialties, ethics discussions, and career guidance sessions.