Top 15 Medical Research Opportunities for High School Students
If you’re considering a career in medicine, biomedical research, or healthcare, gaining early exposure to research can be incredibly beneficial. Research programs, courses, and internships provide real-world experience, professional mentorship, and valuable skills—often at a fraction of the cost of pre-college programs. Many of these research opportunities for high school students are hosted by top universities, hospitals, and medical institutions, offering you the chance to work in labs, engage with medical experts, and explore innovative healthcare technologies.
Participating in research opportunities for high school students also helps with college applications, career exploration, and networking. To help you find the right fit, we’ve put together a list of the top 15 medicine research opportunities for high school students!
1. Fred Hutch Cancer Center Summer High School Internship (SHIP)
Location: Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: February 1 – March 31
Dates: June 23 – August 15
Eligibility: High school students in grades 11-12
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
One of the top research opportunities for high school students, the Fred Hutch Cancer Center Summer High School Internship (SHIP) is a full-time paid program for rising 12th graders from underrepresented backgrounds in biomedical science. It begins with two weeks of hands-on lab training in pipetting, DNA isolation, and lab safety techniques. You will join research teams for the remaining six weeks, collaborating with experienced mentors on real-world projects.
You’ll also attend research seminars, professional development workshops, and discussions on ethics, biostatistics, and career pathways. The program concludes with a final presentation, allowing you to share your research with peers and mentors. No prior science experience is needed.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 – $6,900; financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Rolling; April 27 for the regular admission into the summer cohort
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Veritas AI, created and led by Harvard graduate students, offers specialized programs for high schoolers interested in artificial intelligence. If you’re new to AI, machine learning, and data science, the AI Scholars program is a great starting point. This 10-session bootcamp introduces you to core concepts and allows you to apply your knowledge through real-world projects.
However, if you’re looking for a more in-depth experience, try the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase program. As a participant, you’ll be able to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities on a personalized project. An added benefit is access to Veritas AI’s publication team, which helps you get your work published in high school research journals. You can explore examples of previous student projects here and apply here.
3. Harvard Medical School Project Success
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: February 3
Dates: June 30 – August 15
Eligibility: Boston and Cambridge high school students; ages 16 and above by the program start date; a minimum GPA of 2.70
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Harvard Medical School’s Project Success is a seven-week, paid research internship designed for Boston and Cambridge high school students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds. As an intern, you will be placed in top-tier research labs, where you will collaborate with scientists and physicians on cutting-edge biomedical projects. The program offers structured mentorship, career exploration, and site visits to hospitals and biotech companies.
Additionally, you will engage in seminars focused on public speaking, technical skills, and biomedical career pathways. The support extends beyond summer, providing year-round academic seminars and networking opportunities. This immersive program will equip you with valuable hands-on research experience, industry insights, and meaningful professional connections.
Location: Remote
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort; May 11 for regular admissions into the summer cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; the summer cohort starts on June 2
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Ladder Internships is a competitive program designed for driven high school students to gain real-world experience by interning at innovative, fast-growing start-ups. On average, participating companies have raised over a million dollars in funding. These start-ups span a wide range of industries, including tech, deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can browse all available opportunities through their application form.
During the 8-week virtual internship, you will collaborate closely with your managers and a dedicated Ladder Coach on meaningful projects, culminating in a final presentation to the company.
5. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) – In-person
Location: Johns Hopkins, Baltimore
Stipend: $15/hour
Application Deadline: December 1 – March 1
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors living in Baltimore City
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is one of the top research opportunities for high school students that offers an intensive, eight-week paid summer experience for Baltimore City public high school juniors and seniors. As an intern, you’ll work on real neuroscience and neurology research at the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology, guided by experienced mentors. The program also includes clinical rotations, scientific seminars, and professional development workshops. Weekly mentorship meetings provide you with support in shaping your academic and career goals. At the end of the internship, you’ll participate in a final presentation where you’ll showcase your research.
6. The Wistar Institute High School Program in Biomedical Research
Location: Wistar Institute, Philadelphia
Stipend: $1,500
Application Deadline: April 7
Dates: July 7 – July 31
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years of age by the program start date and have completed at least one high school science course. Applicants from the School District of Philadelphia are prioritized.
Cohort Size: 15 students
As another one of the best research opportunities for high school students, the Wistar High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research introduces high school students to the world of biomedical science. You’ll receive hands-on training in Wistar’s state-of-the-art Training Lab, mastering essential lab techniques while working on real research projects.
The program also offers insights into career opportunities in biomedical science, guidance in analyzing scientific literature, and the chance to present research findings at the end of the program. Open to 15 students, this competitive fellowship requires no prior experience and provides an opportunity to develop research skills in a professional setting.
7. Scripps Research Summer High School Internship Program
Location: Scripps Research Institute, California
Stipend: $4,830
Application Deadline: April 4
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Eligibility: San Diego County high school students enrolled in one of the following schools: Barrio Logan College Institute, Crawford High School, Hilltop High School, Hoover High School, Lincoln High School, and Morse High School. Should have finished at least one year each of high school-level chemistry and biology, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
The Scripps Research High School Student Research Education Program provides an immersive, seven-week internship for students with an interest in biological and chemical sciences. The program starts with a three-day lab skills boot camp before placing you in research labs, where you’ll work alongside professional scientists.
Additionally, you will receive one-on-one mentorship from graduate students, who offer guidance on higher education and career options in STEM. This program equips students with hands-on research experience and valuable insights into the biomedical field.
8. Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation’s High School Summer Program in Biomedical Sciences
Location: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas
Stipend: $6,800
Application Deadline: November 18 – January 20
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Eligibility: Current Texas high school seniors age 18+ by program start
Cohort Size: Up to 12 students
The Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program in Biomedical Sciences is one of the top research opportunities for high school students and is a competitive 10-week, full-time research internship at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Open to 12 exceptional Texas high school students, this program offers immersive lab research under the mentorship of MD Anderson faculty.
As a participant, you will work Monday through Friday, engaging in scientific investigations, faculty-led seminars, and career development workshops. The experience also includes abstract and poster competitions, culminating in a final presentation and a celebratory luncheon. This internship provides valuable hands-on experience and prepares students for future studies and careers in biomedical sciences.
9. Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE)
Location: Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Massachusetts
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: February 3
Dates: 7-11 weeks starting June 18
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors; 16 years old at the start of the program; reside in and/or attend school in Massachusetts; at least 2 letters of recommendation from a science or mathematics teacher required
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
The CURE Program is a paid, full-time research internship lasting 7 to 11 weeks, designed for students interested in medical and scientific research. As a participant, you’ll work on mentored cancer research projects and gain hands-on experience in biomedical research techniques. You’ll also participate in journal clubs, scientific seminars, and networking events with experts in the field. Additionally, you’ll engage in career development workshops, professional training sessions, and social activities. By the end of the internship, you’ll complete a research abstract and present your findings.
10. Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI) High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pennsylvania
Stipend: $1,800 (only if you qualify for the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program for Pennsylvania)
Application Deadline: December 2 – February 7
Dates: 6 weeks starting on June 16
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors over 16 by program start; must reside in the local southwest Pennsylvania region.
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
The MWRI High School Summer Internship Program is one of the best research opportunities for high school students that offers a six-week, 240-hour immersive experience in biomedical research. During the program, you’ll be paired with a mentor at Magee-Womens Research Institute or Magee-Womens Hospital to contribute to research in reproductive biology, women’s health, or infant health.
The program also includes Lunch & Learn sessions, which offer exposure to career paths in biomedical science. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research findings. Past projects have explored gene analysis, ovarian cancer, fertility preservation, and maternal health disparities, spanning basic, translational, and clinical research areas.
11. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program
Location: Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Stipend: Minimum stipend of $500
Application Deadline: December 15 – February 22
Dates: June 9 – July 31
Eligibility: U.S. current high school juniors or seniors in the fall; 16 and above by the program start date
Cohort Size: 50
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is one of the top research opportunities for high school students that provides you with an intensive eight-week research experience in biomedical science. As an intern, you’ll work in Stanford laboratories, engaging in full-time research alongside faculty and postdoctoral mentors. The program includes morning lectures, hands-on lab work, and training in scientific communication. A key component is the research poster workshop, where you’ll refine your presentation skills before showcasing your projects at a final poster session.
12. Apprenticeship in Medicine (AIM)
Location: Medical College of Wisconsin, Wisconsin
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: November 1 – March 1
Dates: Mid-June – Early August
Eligibility: Rising junior, senior, or June graduate attending high school in the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), Milwaukee charter school, Milwaukee area private school, or a surrounding suburban school district; ages 16 and above
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
The Apprenticeship in Medicine (AIM) program offers a structured six-week experience to introduce you to careers in medicine, biomedical research, and allied health. Through clinical shadowing, hands-on simulations, and direct mentorship from medical students, you will develop a deeper understanding of the field. Weekly sessions will focus on common medical conditions affecting your community, providing insight into diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.
You will explore career paths with health professionals and specialists, gaining firsthand exposure to medical practice. The program culminates in an oral presentation on a disease or condition of your choice, enhancing your research and communication skills in a medical setting.
13. Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center High School & Undergraduate Summer Volunteer Program
Location: Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, D.C
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 1 – March 31
Dates: June 23 – August 15
Eligibility: Students who are 16 years of age by program start
Acceptance Rate: Selective
The Summer Research Volunteer Program at Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center is an eight-week intensive experience for students interested in biomedical research and cancer science, and is one of the best research opportunities for high school students. You will work full-time (40 hours/week) in cutting-edge laboratories, conducting independent research projects under the mentorship of experienced scientists.
The program includes working alongside postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, receiving guidance from top cancer researchers, and attending weekly seminars on cancer biology. You will explore genetics, tumor immunology, drug resistance, and clinical therapeutics, contributing to active projects. The program culminates in a presentation of your research findings, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in scientific discovery and communication.
14. Children's Hospital Colorado – Summer Child Health Research Internship
Location: Children's Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado
Stipend: $4,400
Application Deadline: Applications open in December (tentatively)
Dates: June 2 – August 1
Eligibility: High school seniors over the age of 18 who reside in Colorado
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
The Child Health Research Internship at Children’s Hospital Colorado is a summer research program designed for high school seniors interested in exploring pediatric medicine and scientific inquiry. You will be paired with a faculty mentor at the Anschutz Medical Campus, working on child health research projects in a state-of-the-art research setting. You will also attend weekly seminar sessions, engage in scientific discussions, and present your research through written reports and PowerPoint or poster presentations.
Exceptional research projects may be selected for conference presentations, with financial support provided. Your work will contribute to the advancement of pediatric health research, offering a practical introduction to academic and clinical research methodologies.
15. Medicine Institute: Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program
Location: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
Cost: $3,400
Application Deadline: Rolling, starting in November
Dates: July 6 – 11; July 20 – 25
Eligibility: Current 9th – 12th grade students
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
The Wake Forest Summer Immersion Medicine Institute is another one of the top week-long research opportunities for high school students. You will explore various medical specialties, including internal medicine, cardiology, pulmonology, neurology, and cancer care. You will also participate in clinical simulations, tour the Wake Forest School of Medicine, and visit Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
Hands-on activities include taking blood pressure, suturing, conducting ultrasounds, and working with standardized patients. This program provides exposure to cutting-edge medical technology in hospital settings, including the rehab center and cardiac cath lab.