15 Medicine Internships for High School Students
If you want to explore your interests in a structured way, internships can help you do that while you’re still in high school. Internships give you experience working in professional settings, where you can develop skills such as communication, organization, and problem-solving. They also help you understand what different medical careers involve day to day, which can be useful when you’re thinking about college majors and future plans.
Why should I participate in a medicine internship in high school?
A medicine internship gives you early exposure to healthcare, research, and patient-focused work that is difficult to gain through classes alone. Depending on the program, you may observe clinical environments, assist with research, or learn how medical teams collaborate. For students interested in pre-med majors, these internships can strengthen college applications by showing interest in medicine and providing concrete experiences to discuss in essays and interviews.
Here are 15 medicine internships for high school students!
1. Science Enrichment Program (SEP) – Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NY
Cost/Stipend: None | $4,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: November 15 – August 26
Application deadline: September 1
Eligibility: High school juniors who have completed a full year of biology courses and are members of groups historically underrepresented in medicine and science
The Science Enrichment Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering offers high school students a year-round opportunity to explore the fascinating world of cancer research. From November through June, you will attend after-school sessions covering cancer biology, clinical research methods, laboratory skills, computational sciences, and professional development. The experience continues with an eight-week summer internship, where students work one-on-one with a mentor on biomedical or computational projects, such as immunology, pharmacology, genomics, or structural biology. Throughout the program, you’ll take ownership of a self-directed research project that contributes to ongoing research, and sharpen your scientific and analytical skills along the way. The program culminates in a poster presentation, where you’ll share your research findings with faculty, mentors, and peers.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program (up to 100% financial aid available) | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
The Ladder Internship Program gives high school students an opportunity to gain real-world experience virtually by working with startups and nonprofits, including those in healthcare and medical technology. Over eight weeks, you’ll work on meaningful projects that align with your interests, while receiving mentorship from both a company supervisor and a Ladder-assigned coach. By the end of the program, you’ll present your work to company leaders, showcasing your achievements and receiving valuable feedback. Beyond the project itself, you’ll connect with professionals and alumni from leading companies, and explore various career pathways in tech.
3. UChicago Medicine – ResearcHStart
Location: Various colleges in Chicago
Cost/Stipend: None | Taxable stipend of $3,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Second week of June – first week of August
Application deadline: January 20
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (16+) residing in Illinois or Lake County, Indiana
ResearcHStart is an eight-week summer medicine internship for high school students to step into cancer research laboratories at leading institutions in Chicago and Urbana - Champaign. You’ll contribute to projects spanning cancer immunology, bioengineering, experimental therapeutics, pharmacology, and health disparities, gaining lab experience and understanding the research process. This medicine internship includes skill-building workshops, a faculty lecture series, and ongoing mentorship to help you strengthen both technical knowledge and critical thinking. Beyond lab work, students examine the broader impact of cancer on local communities and gain insights into medical and scientific career paths. The program culminates in a research symposium, where you’ll present your findings to peers, mentors, and members of the scientific community.
4. Monell Science Apprenticeship Program
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: None | Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: About 10%
Dates: June 23 – August 15
Application deadline: December 31
Eligibility: High school students in the greater Philadelphia area, including Camden, NJ, with work authorization in the U.S.
The Monell Science Apprenticeship Program is a seven-week paid summer medicine internship for high school students interested in biomedical research or medicine, with a focus on supporting underrepresented groups in science. As an apprentice, you’ll work full-time alongside Monell scientists on projects in neuroscience, sensory biology, and other areas of medical research. The program also includes enrichment activities such as lectures on scientific topics, workshops on communication and ethics, and discussions about career paths in science and medicine. By the end of the program, you’ll complete a research project and present your findings at a public symposium, sharing your work with mentors, peers, and family members.
5. Brigham and Women's Hospital – Youth Summer Program
Location: BWH campus, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: None | Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive / Not specified
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer (June – August)
Application deadline: Typically early April
Eligibility: Boston residents enrolled in high school who will be at least 16 years old by June 1
The Youth Summer Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital gives high school students a paid, six-week internship experience in one of the country’s leading hospitals. You’ll be placed in departments such as radiology, research labs, materials management, and patient transport to gain exposure to the daily operations of a large healthcare system. Along the way, you’ll build professional skills such as time management, communication, and teamwork. In addition to your departmental duties, you’ll attend workshops on healthcare careers, community health, and professional development. A year-round option of this internship program is also available – offering part-time opportunities, academic support, and college counseling – for students who want to remain involved beyond the summer.
6. Harvard Medical School – Project Success
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: None | Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive / 13 students
Dates: June 30 – August 15
Application deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Boston/Cambridge high school juniors and seniors | Over 16 years of age by June 30 | From underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds | GPA of 2.7+ | Completed courses in biology, algebra, and chemistry
Project Success at Harvard Medical School is a seven-week paid medicine internship for high school students to explore biomedical research at Harvard and its world-class teaching hospitals. As an intern, you’ll work alongside scientists and medical professionals on research projects that investigate disease mechanisms, treatments, and public health challenges. You’ll gain hands-on experience in data collection, analysis, and scientific communication, while learning essential lab techniques and research design. Beyond the lab work, you’ll attend weekly seminars on topics such as ethics, public health, and career development. The program also includes site visits to hospitals and biotechnology companies, as well as opportunities to network with peers and other program participants.
7. CHESS – Cancer Health Equity Summer Scholars
Location: University of Illinois, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: None | $3,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 16 - August 8
Application deadline: January 20
Eligibility: High school students completing sophomore, junior, or senior years from underrepresented backgrounds
The CHESS program is an eight-week research experience for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds who are passionate about cancer research and health equity. You’ll be paired with a faculty lab at the University of Illinois and work on independent projects in areas such as molecular biology, computational science, and biostatistics. This internship includes lectures, workshops, and skill-building sessions on bioethics, scientific writing, and health informatics, helping you strengthen both your research abilities and professional skills. The program concludes with a student research symposium, where you’ll present your findings to faculty, mentors, and peers.
8. MD Anderson Cancer Center UPWARDS Summer Program
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center
Cost/Stipend: None | $6,800
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective, 10 students
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer (July–September)
Application deadline: January 20
Eligibility: Under-represented incoming high school seniors | 18 or older by the start of the program
The UPWARDS Summer Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center gives high school students from underserved communities a chance to conduct research in cancer science and biomedical fields. You’ll be paired with a faculty mentor and participate in laboratory-based research projects, alongside college-level coursework and professional development sessions that prepare you for future academic and career success. The internship includes scientific lectures, seminars, and networking opportunities to help you gain insights into the latest advancements in cancer research and connect with professionals in the field. The program wraps up with the CATALYST poster symposium, where you’ll present your findings.
9. Dana Farber Harvard Cancer Center – CURE Summer Only
Location: Dana‑Farber and Harvard Cancer Center labs in Boston
Cost/Stipend: None | Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, around 34 interns
Dates: 7–11 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: Typically around early February
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who reside and attend school in Massachusetts | U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents | At least 16 years old by program start
The CURE Summer Program is a paid, full-time internship that gives high school students an opportunity to explore cancer research at Dana-Farber and affiliated institutions. Over 7–11 weeks, you’ll work with scientists on lab projects, learning experimental techniques, analyzing data, and contributing to ongoing research. The medicine internship also includes scientific seminars, journal clubs, and skill-building workshops to help strengthen your technical, analytical, and communication skills. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of networking opportunities to connect with researchers and program alumni. At the end of the program, you’ll write an abstract and present your findings to faculty and peers, gaining experience in both scientific writing and public speaking while experiencing what it's like to work in a research community.
10. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Neurology High School Scholars Program
Location: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Cost/Stipend: None | $1,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 14 - August 15, with a poster presentation on August 21
Application deadline: March 7
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who will be 16 years of age by the start of the program
The Neurology High School Scholars Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is a five-week paid internship that introduces high school students to the exciting world of neuroscience and clinical research. As an intern, you’ll work with neurologists or neuroscientists on basic science or clinical research projects. You’ll also shadow physicians to see patient care up close in a hospital environment. Each week, you’ll join educational sessions on neurology, research methods, and science communication, enhancing both scientific and professional skills. The program culminates with a research poster presentation, where you’ll share your findings with faculty, mentors, and peers.
11. MD Anderson – Partnership for Careers in Cancer Science and Medicine
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
Cost/Stipend: None | $6,800
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, by nomination only
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application deadline: January 20
Eligibility: Current high school seniors who are at least 18 years old by the program start date (applicants must be nominated by their school) | U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident
The Partnership for Careers in Cancer Science and Medicine (PCCSM) Summer Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center gives high school students an opportunity to explore cancer science and medicine. The program kicks off with an orientation and HotStart, a foundational training series that introduces you to essential lab techniques and research ethics. After training, you’ll work under the supervision of MD Anderson faculty mentors on research projects in basic science, computational research, translational studies, and epidemiology. The program also incorporates seminars and workshops on scientific communication and professional development, helping you strengthen your research and career skills. The experience concludes with the MD Anderson’s Summer Experience Final Event, where you’ll present your findings to faculty, mentors, and peers.
12. UMass Chan High School Health Careers Program (HSHCP)
Location: UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA
Cost/Stipend: None | Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified / Approximately 16 students per year
Dates: June 29 – July 25
Application deadline: March 3
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors who are residents of Massachusetts and attend a high school in the state
The High School Health Careers Program at UMass Chan Medical School is a four-week, fully-funded residential program designed for sophomores and juniors from disadvantaged backgrounds who are interested in exploring healthcare careers. During the program, you’ll take an integrated curriculum that includes biology, mathematics, language arts, information technology, and communication skills alongside seminars on cultural and contemporary health issues. Students also complete a Health Disparities Research Project focused on a Massachusetts cultural group and gain practical experience through internships with healthcare professionals. You’ll receive a certificate of achievement at the end of this program.
13. Weill Cornell Department of Pediatrics – Summer Internship
Location: Weill Cornell Medicine, NY
Cost/Stipend: None | Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 6 or 10-week program from June 2 to August 8
Application deadline: January 5
Eligibility: High school, college, and graduate students
Weill Cornell’s Department of Pediatrics Summer Internship gives high school students an introduction to pediatric medicine and research. As an intern, you’ll be matched with a pediatric division aligned with your interests and work on projects in epilepsy research, health policy advocacy, or patient education. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, you’ll also take part in tasks such as data collection, literature review, attending clinical rounds, and shadowing healthcare providers. Along the way, you’ll strengthen key professional skills in research documentation, teamwork, and critical thinking, while gaining a clearer understanding of what it's like to work in medicine and healthcare.
14. Bridge to Biostats Summer Program – Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application deadline: February 7
Eligibility: Rising sophomores through rising seniors who are New York City residents and attend school in NYC
The Bridge to Biostats Summer Program is a paid internship program in New York City that introduces high school students to the exciting intersection of data science, statistics, biostatistics, and cancer research. You’ll learn how data drives medical discovery by studying statistical analysis, programming in R, and research design while working on projects using cancer datasets. You’ll also take part in workshops on academic development, SAT prep, and research communication to strengthen both your technical and academic skills. The experience concludes with a research presentation, where you’ll share your findings and showcase your ability to interpret data and communicate scientific results like a true researcher.
15. Massachusetts Life Science Center – High School Apprenticeship Challenge
Location: Various life‑science workplaces across MA
Cost/Stipend: None | $17/hour, up to $4,080 per intern
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive, approximately 150 placements each year
Dates: Internships must occur between May 1 and April 30
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Massachusetts high school students who will be at least 16 years old by the internship start date | Enrolled in a school that meets one of these requirements
This program gives high school students an opportunity to explore biotechnology and medical research through paid internships at life sciences companies and academic research labs throughout Massachusetts. Each summer, the program funds over 150 positions, connecting students with hands-on projects in biotechnology, biomedical research, and related fields. Before starting the internship, students may participate in pre-internship training programs that teach laboratory techniques and professional skills. Internships typically last around six weeks and can be full- or part-time, giving students the flexibility to gain real-world experience while building workplace readiness for future STEM careers. The program prioritizes students from underrepresented and low-income backgrounds.
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