15 Medical Summer Programs for High School Students in Massachusetts
If you’re based in Massachusetts and serious about pursuing medicine, you don’t have to wait until college to start learning. Medical summer programs for high school students in Massachusetts are a smart way to build practical skills, explore medical careers, and connect with mentors—without the high cost of private coaching or long-term prep.
Top universities and hospitals in Massachusetts, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Massachusetts General Hospital, offer programs that place you in real labs, simulations, or research teams. Because they’re local, these medical summer programs for high school students in Massachusetts also help reduce housing and travel costs.
Most importantly, these programs show you how medicine works beyond textbooks. To help you choose, we’ve put together 15 of the best medical summer programs for high school students in Massachusetts, including a few virtual options open to Massachusetts students.
15 Medical Summer Programs for High School Students in Massachusetts
1. Massachusetts Life Science Center High School Apprenticeship Challenge
Location: Life sciences companies, incubators, and research institutions across Massachusetts, with special training sites in Brockton, New Bedford, Worcester, and Greater Boston
Cost/Stipend: None / $17 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified / 150+ students
Dates: May 1 – April 30
Application Deadline: No fixed application deadline; placements and funding are allocated on a first-come first-served basis
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old by the internship start | Currently in high school, whose qualification can be seen here
The High School Apprenticeship Challenge offers Massachusetts high school students the opportunity to gain paid, hands-on experience in the life sciences by working directly in research labs, biotech companies, and related industry settings. You will contribute to real projects, developing both technical laboratory skills and essential workplace competencies such as teamwork, communication, and time management in this program. Host organizations receive wage subsidies, enabling them to dedicate more time and resources to training, mentorship, and immersive learning experiences. You are matched with experienced mentors who guide daily tasks, career pathways, and the broader role of life sciences in society.
2. Ladder Internships – Healthcare and Medicine Track
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 10% / 70-100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring; Fall Cohort: September 15
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year; Fall cohort: August 24
Eligibility: High school students who can contribute 10-20 hours/week for 8-16 weeks
In the Ladder Internships Healthcare and Medicine Track, you work remotely with startups and nonprofits in areas such as health tech, biotech, public health, and medical communications, contributing to real-world projects that directly support organizational objectives. Ladder’s startups are backed by Y Combinator, whose founders have experience at companies like Google, McKinsey, and Microsoft. You will be paired with a startup mentor for industry-specific guidance and a Ladder Coach for personalized career development support. Throughout the internship, you will attend interactive workshops focused on essential professional skills, including communication, time management, and problem-solving. Project work culminates in a final presentation, allowing you to showcase your contributions and gain feedback from professionals.
3. Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Youth Neurology Education and Research Program
Location: Work locations will vary depending on the lab interns are matched with
Cost/Stipend: None / $13.50 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective / Approximately 14 interns
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Current 11th grader who lives in Massachusetts or attends school there
In this immersive 6–8 week program, you’ll join MGH neurology labs and assist in active research under expert faculty. You will start with an onboarding “boot camp” for lab protocols, safety, and professional expectations. You’ll attend weekly seminars led by neurologists and neuroscientists, participate in lab work, and collaborate on projects that matter. Social events and field activities help you connect with peers and professionals. At the end, you’ll present your findings to mentors and the MGH community. This paid opportunity includes career advising, networking, and ongoing support to help you explore neurology and build a path forward.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Medicine track
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program type; full financial aid is available / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective / Around 25 students per cohort
Dates: Multiple year-round cohorts; Fall cohort: September 14
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort; Fall cohort: August 24
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school | Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous program that offers high school students extensive research opportunities across a broad range of subject areas, including medicine. In this program, you will work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor to explore medical or life sciences questions. Over 12 weeks, you select your research question, review relevant literature, design and execute the study, and write a structured research paper. Along the way, you will receive timely feedback from your mentor, plus optional writing sessions to sharpen clarity and structure. The program’s flexibility lets you work around your schedule, and financial aid ensures access for students from diverse backgrounds. By the end, you’ll have a research paper.
5. Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center YES for CURE - Summer Only
Location: Laboratories across Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and other DF/HCC member sites in the Boston/Cambridge area
Cost/Stipend: None / Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely competitive / Approximately 20 students per year
Dates: 7-11 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Typically late November
Eligibility: High school sophomore or junior | 16 years at the program’s start | Reside in and/or attend school in Massachusetts | Be able to travel to the Longwood Medical Area in Boston five days a week in the summer
The YES for CURE Summer Only program immerses you in cancer research in full-time lab work at Dana-Farber, guided by expert faculty. You begin with orientation and scientific skills training, then conduct mentored experiments across basic, clinical, or population science areas. You will engage in journal clubs, seminars, and professional development workshops. You will also mentor middle-school students and build your development plan. Social events, family engagement, and conference opportunities supplement the experience. This program is apt if you want sustained research experience and a clear path into biomedical science. You will also get opportunities to expand personal and professional networks via organized networking roundtables and personal interviews.
6. Mini Med School at Tufts University
Location: Tufts University, Medford, MA
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program type; limited need-based scholarships are available / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive / Around 25-30 students
Dates: Session 1: June 23 – 27 (Commuter only); Session 2: July 6 – 18 (Residential and Commuter); Session 3 (Residential and Commuter): July 20 – 27
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Entering grades 11–12 or graduating in spring | At least one year of high school biology | Age 16+ by program start
The Mini Med School at Tufts University is a summer intensive program designed for driven high school students interested in medical school and health professions. You will step into the shoes of a medical student and learn through engaging seminars, clinical simulations, and anatomy labs. You practice skills like taking vitals, suturing, and intubating in their state-of-the-art simulation center. You also explore veterinary science and microbiology across Tufts campuses. Additionally, you also work on a capstone video project or clinical skill and interact with faculty, medical students, PAs, and admissions staff to better see what careers in health look like.
7. High School Health Careers Program at UMass
Location: UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA
Cost/Stipend: None / Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective / Around 20 students
Dates: June 29 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: Massachusetts residents who are sophomores or juniors in a Massachusetts high school
The High School Health Careers Program (HSHCP) at UMass Chan Medical School is a four-week, tuition-free, residential program specifically for Massachusetts high school sophomores and juniors. In this program, you’ll work in pediatric research labs with faculty at Children’s Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado School of Medicine. You’ll assist with experiments, manage data, and participate in weekly research seminars. You’ll also develop your own project write-up and present your findings in oral or poster format. Faculty may support abstract writing and funding for you to attend a scientific conference. The program includes mentorship from experienced researchers and real laboratory experience in child health studies.
8. Secondary School Program at Harvard University - Medical Courses
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, or virtual
Cost/Stipend: $4,050–$14,950 + $75 application fee; financial aid is available / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective / Not specified
Dates: 4-week: July 12 – August 8; 7-week: June 20 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school student | Age 16+ by June 21 and under 19 before July 31
The Secondary School Program (SSP) at Harvard University offers high school students the opportunity to take college-level medical and premedical courses during the summer. You will enroll in real, college-level medical-focused courses like biochemistry, biomedical ethics, or epidemiology, and earn official Harvard credits. Whether you choose the 4-week residential format or the flexible 7-week option (online, commuter, or residential), classes remain small and interactive. You won’t just learn in lecture halls, but engage in group discussions, connect with faculty, and access campus resources. In this program, you’ll also attend social events, college prep workshops, and enjoy student life on campus.
9. Boston Leadership Institute: Medicine Programs
Location: Multiple campuses in Greater Boston including Boston, Wellesley (Olin College), and Waltham (Gann Academy/Bentley University)
Cost/Stipend: Three-week tuition: $2,500; Three-week residential: 2,097; one-week tuition and residential: $699 / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive / Not specified
Dates: Session 1: June 23 - July 11; Session 2: July 14 - August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students (usually grades 8-12) with strong academic performance | Must have completed or be enrolled in Honors, AP, or IB science and math courses with a minimum grade of B+ and a GPA of at least 3.5 or attendance at a competitive admissions school
In these programs, you will explore topics such as anatomy, physiology, clinical medicine, and surgical research while engaging in hands-on activities like medical simulations, biomedical experiments, and patient case studies. The programs have small cohort sizes for personalized mentorship, access to professionals with advanced degrees, and a curriculum built to mimic real-world medical practice. Throughout the program, you will develop skills in critical thinking, scientific inquiry, teamwork, and effective communication. These activities give your college applications a competitive edge by demonstrating commitment, practical experience, and leadership potential in a rigorous academic setting.
10. Brigham and Women's Hospital Youth Summer Program
Location: Brigham and Women’s Hospital campus, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: None / Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive / Around 30-40 students
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Typically late March or early April
Eligibility: High school student | Boston resident | Age 16+ by the program start date
The Brigham and Women's Hospital Youth Summer Program is a paid, 6-7 week job experience designed for high school students who are residents of Boston and at least 16 years old. In this program, you will work 30 hours weekly within departments like radiology, transport, materials management, or research labs. You gain a realistic view of healthcare operations by doing hands-on tasks, whether assisting in diagnostics, helping with logistics, or observing clinical teams. The program also offers weekly professional development, guided by hospital staff who value your contributions. You develop work habits and learn career options in healthcare behind the scenes.
11. Boston Medical Junior Summer Volunteer Program
Location: Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: None / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive / Around 70 students
Dates: June 30 – August 22
Application Deadline: March 17
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
The Boston Medical Center Junior Summer Volunteer Program is a structured volunteer initiative for high school students, especially those from the Boston area, to gain valuable exposure to healthcare settings. In this program, you’ll spend eight weeks gaining insight into hospital operations through a once-weekly 3-hour volunteer shift in outpatient areas. You’ll help patients, assist with tasks like greeting visitors or staffing the food pantry, and support staff across departments. Weekly lectures led by Boston Medical Center professionals, surgeons, nurses, and social workers offer a window into healthcare careers. You’ll also receive a completion certificate and documentation of hours that you can add to your resume or applications.
12. Forsyth Institute Student Scholars Summer Internship Program
Location: Forsyth Institute’s new building and research facilities in Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: None / Minimum wage for 35 hours/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive / Around 12-15 students per cohort
Dates: July 7 – August 15
Application Deadline: May 19
Eligibility: Current high school students in grades 9–11 at a school in the Eastern Massachusetts/Boston area
The Forsyth Institute Student Scholars Summer Internship Program is designed to immerse high school students in hands-on biomedical research, primarily focused on oral health sciences. In this internship, you spend six weeks working in real research labs with world-class scientists. You learn lab techniques and conduct experiments in areas like immunology, oral health, and microbiology. Weekly lectures by Forsyth researchers deepen your understanding of science. You present your project in weekly updates and a final poster at the program’s close. Additionally, you also receive mentorship, meet peers who share your passion, and experience a professional lab environment.
13. Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP)
Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: None / $3,600
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective / <20 students annually
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 22
Eligibility: Rising high school senior | Attend a Massachusetts high school within commuting distance to the Broad Institute | Grade of B or higher in science and math | US citizen or permanent resident; non-US citizen will require employment authorization
The Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP) is a prestigious six-week summer internship at the Broad Institute, designed for highly motivated Massachusetts high school students who have a strong interest in biomedical sciences and research. In this program, you work side-by-side with Broad Institute scientists on authentic projects in areas like cancer biology, computational, or infectious disease research. You’ll gain lab and computational skills, and learn how real science happens, from designing experiments to data handling. During the program, you attend scientific talks, use on-site resources like the Discovery Center, and take part in a college fair. You’ll also present your findings to the Broad community.
14. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $850 tuition + $40 application fee; full financial aid available / None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective / 25 interns per session
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school student | Above 14 years old | Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or provide documentation of valid visa status
Stanford’s AIMI is a two-week virtual program that introduces high school students to the point where artificial intelligence, healthcare, and computer science meet. You will be part of lectures from Stanford faculty, hands-on coding workshops, and learn how AI tools can advance medical diagnostics and treatment. You will also take part in Career “Lunch & Learns” which will connect you with professionals from academia, technology, and healthcare sectors. The program ends in a final research symposium where you will present your work to mentors, peers, and faculty. You can also continue to research innovative AI solutions for improved healthcare through AIMI’s extended independent research opportunity, subject to qualification.
15. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: <3% / About 8 students
Dates: July – August (5 weeks)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science (JHIBS) is a selective research program for high school students interested in neuroscience and medical research. You will work on research projects focused on brain science, such as neural imaging, neurodegenerative diseases, or brain development. You’ll work with neurologists and researchers and learn lab basics via interactive presentations and mentor-guided training. The program culminates in a final research presentation. You will build lab skills, scientific knowledge, and receive career direction in neuroscience. The program emphasizes long-term mentoring and aims to expand access for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
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