11 Neuroscience Internships for High School Students
If you are a student interested in neuroscience, internships can be a worthwhile way to explore the field. Neuroscience internships provide experience that allows you to explore potential career paths while developing professional skills. These experiences enhance your resume and college applications, and they help you determine whether a future in neuroscience aligns with your long-term goals. Through laboratory work, mentorship from researchers, and exposure to the scientific method, you will gain practical competencies that strengthen your employability and academic readiness.
For students who want to understand the human brain and nervous system, neuroscience internships offer opportunities to engage in research alongside scientists and clinicians. Many universities, along with research centers, provide lab experiences that expose you to neuroscience methods and discoveries. To help you get started, we have put together 11 neuroscience internships for high school students.
1. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology, Baltimore, MD (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: In-person participants receive an hourly stipend and transportation assistance
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: June – August; the in-person program runs for 8 weeks
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: You must be a current high school junior or senior; in-person applicants must attend school in Baltimore City, MD
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences provides high school students with a comprehensive introduction to careers in neurological sciences through an intensive laboratory experience. As an in-person participant, you’ll conduct hands-on, mentored research within Johns Hopkins' Department of Neurology, working directly on active research projects under the guidance of faculty scientists and graduate students. The program includes scientific seminars, educational resources covering core neuroscience concepts, and career guidance workshops designed to inspire future researchers and clinician-scientists. Both in-person and remote program formats include professional development workshops, college preparatory classes, mentorship training, and networking opportunities with neuroscience professionals. If you participate remotely, you’ll explore science-related activities and learn basic laboratory techniques through remote instruction, while following the same professional curriculum as in-person interns. The in-person participants must prepare a final oral or poster presentation describing their summer research work, presenting their findings to faculty and fellow students. If you apply for the competitive in-person program but are not selected, you may be offered placement in the remote cohort, ensuring broader access to this valuable learning experience.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote (accessible from anywhere)
Cost/Stipend: Program costs vary depending on the track; full financial assistance is available for qualified
applicants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective admission process
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter), each running 8-12 weeks
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines corresponding to each cohort; the Summer cohort typically closes in April
Eligibility: You must be a high school student able to commit 10-20 hours per week for the entire program duration
Ladder Internships connects high school students with startups and nonprofit organizations worldwide, offering opportunities to work on real-world projects in fields such as healthcare, biotechnology, and mental health. If you are interested in neuroscience, you can select organizations working in healthcare and medicine, biotech research, or mental health services during the application process. As an intern, you will work closely with a manager from your assigned organization while receiving guidance from a dedicated Ladder Coach who serves as a mentor and provides required resources throughout your internship experience. The program emphasizes professional skill development through one-on-one coaching sessions and group training workshops that prepare you for workplace readiness and scientific communication. You’ll contribute to meaningful organizational projects, gaining insight into decision-making processes typically reserved for experienced professionals. The flexible virtual format allows participation from anywhere in the world, removing barriers that limit access to quality internship experiences. The program concludes with a final presentation to organizational leadership, showcasing the skills you have developed and the contributions you have made to your host organization's mission. Apply now!
3. Columbia Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC)
Location: Columbia University Zuckerman Institute, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; you will receive a stipend at program conclusion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; limited slots are available
Dates: Training begins in January; the full-time internship runs July 1 through August 16.
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in October
Eligibility: You must be a high school student nominated by partner programs, including S-PREP, BioBus, Lang Youth Medical, Columbia Secondary School, or Double Discovery Center. You must reside in New York City
The BRAINYAC offers summer research experiences in Columbia University neuroscience laboratories, giving you the opportunity to connect with scientists and develop skills required in professional research environments. The program begins with a comprehensive training phase during which you’ll learn fundamental neuroscience concepts and core laboratory techniques, including microscopy methods, pipetting, dissection procedures, neuroethics, computer programming for experimental control and data analysis, and methods for reading scientific literature. Following this preparatory phase, you’ll work directly on research projects with assigned mentors at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute neuroscience laboratories, engaging daily with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty scientists, and BRAINYAC alumni. You will develop research posters summarizing your summer work, which you will present at a program symposium typically held in August at the Zuckerman Institute. Participants also present their findings at a STEM event for young scientists at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. The program's structure allows you to develop both technical laboratory skills and professional competencies that include scientific communication, collaborative research, and critical thinking. Through this intensive experience, you will gain an enhanced understanding of how laboratory research drives transformative discoveries and innovation.
4. The Rockefeller University Summer Neuroscience Program
Location: The Rockefeller University, Manhattan, New York
Cost/Stipend: Free; all expenses are covered, including MTA passes, meals, and necessary equipment and supplies
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; a small cohort of selected students
Dates: August 4 –15
Application Deadline: Applications for summer typically close in early spring
Eligibility: You must be a student enrolled in New York City public schools who is at least 16 years old by program start
The Summer Neuroscience Program at Rockefeller University is a 2-week intensive course that introduces you to ongoing neuroscience research led by Rockefeller graduate students. The program explores key questions about brain function, including how memories form, the nature of sensory perception, the purposes of sleep and dreaming, brain evolution, the cellular mechanisms underlying brain function, and the neurological changes that occur in conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and addiction. You will participate in interactive lectures presented by Rockefeller scientists, covering topics from basic principles to cutting-edge discoveries in neuroscience research. As a program participant, you will read, analyze, and present scientific research papers in journal club format, developing critical skills for evaluating scientific literature. You will design and conduct an original neuroscience experiment, presenting your findings to the group and gaining direct experience with the scientific method. Additional program activities include visits to research facilities, meetings with Rockefeller scientists, and hands-on experiences such as brain dissection that deepen understanding of neuroanatomy. The program seeks motivated and curious students, particularly those who have had limited prior access to scientific opportunities, and welcomes applicants regardless of grades or previous science experience.
5. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience High School Internship
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL
Cost/Stipend: You will receive compensation of $13 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive selection
Dates: Mid-June through late July (six-week program)
Application Deadline: March 4
Eligibility: You must be a student entering your junior or senior year at a Palm Beach or Martin County high school; you must be at least 16 years old by the internship start date
The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience Summer Research Internship offers an introduction to professional laboratory experiences alongside MPFI researchers studying the structure, function, and development of the brain. You’ll work within one of three specialized tracks: neuroscience (hands-on wet lab techniques), scientific programming (computational analysis of neural data), or mechanical engineering (design and fabrication of custom research equipment). If you choose the neuroscience track, you’ll gain experience in genetic engineering, histological staining, microbiology preparations, and various advanced microscopy techniques used to investigate neural circuits and answer fundamental questions about brain function. All interns prepare a written scientific abstract based on their research project and deliver a short presentation to the MPFI research community at the end of the program. The program provides valuable insights into advanced research methodologies and career pathways in neuroscience while developing technical skills applicable across diverse scientific disciplines.
6. Duke University Neuroscience Experience (DUNE)
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; you will receive a stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 15 – August 7 (eight-week program)
Application Deadline: February 8 (application period opens in mid-December).
Eligibility: You must be a current high school sophomore, junior, or senior who does not plan to attend college in the fall; you must be at least 16 years old by program start; you must attend a public or charter school in Durham, NC; you must be a U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident, or legal resident; you must have reliable transportation to the Duke campus
DUNE engages local high school students in summer research within neuroscience laboratories at Duke University, providing experience aligned with their interests. You’ll work directly on research projects under individualized mentorship from professional scientists, gaining hands-on experience with experimental design, data collection, and analysis, and scientific reasoning. The program features a comprehensive series of workshops on neuroscience concepts, scientific communication techniques, presentation skill development, and career exploration across academia, industry, and medicine. College preparation guidance helps you understand application processes and identify pathways aligned with your academic and career goals. You’ll meet regularly with peers and mentors during provided lunches, creating a supportive community of young scientists. The program welcomes students from all backgrounds, including those without any prior research experience, emphasizing skill-building and mentorship as central pillars. The summer concludes with you presenting your research findings to the DUNE community, demonstrating both the scientific knowledge you have acquired and your ability to communicate complex information effectively.
7. Barrow Neurological Institute Summer High School Internship Program
Location: Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona
Cost/Stipend: No information available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not all applicants are accepted; selective process
Dates: June 8 (first day) – July 9 (High School Symposium); mandatory Orientation on June 5
Application Deadline: February 10 (applications open January 6)
Eligibility: You must be 16 years or older
The Barrow Neurological Institute's Department of Translational Neuroscience offers you opportunities to gain experience in professional scientific research environments. For over 2 decades, the program has allowed high school volunteers to participate in hands-on laboratory work using cutting-edge technology throughout the year, with a focus on providing top-tier, long-lasting mentorship, helping you with the tools needed for successful career development. You can apply for positions in research laboratories or in support roles in research, such as Marketing, Neuroscience Publications, or the Barrow Neurological Foundation, offering multiple pathways for engagement with neuroscience beyond traditional bench research. Program objectives include deepening your knowledge of basic biological principles and mechanisms contributing to disease causation and treatment, teaching you to analyze scientific literature, developing communication skills, and training you in advanced scientific techniques for addressing research questions. You’ll work in an environment designed to support the development of scientific projects designed for presentation at local and national scientific competitions or possible publication in scientific journals. The program also highlights the importance of non-laboratory ancillary departments that support and enable research studies. If you are selected, you will receive notification of acceptance between mid-February and late March, with non-selected applicants notified by late March.
8. Albany Medical College Next-Gen Neuroscience
Location: Remote with optional in-person research opportunities for local students
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Last Monday of June through the first Friday of August (six-week program)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: You must be a high school student over 16 years of age
The Albany Medical College's Next-Gen Neuroscience Summer Program combines live remote classes with optional in-person research, offering flexibility based on your availability and location. All participants, designated as "Neuroscience Exposure students," attend real-time lectures on neuroscience topics, build personal statements and CVs, and engage with professionals through structured interactions. If you are accepted into the more selective Neuroscience Immersion track, you’ll spend approximately 20 hours per week on mentored research projects, either in-person at designated laboratories or remotely, while completing all Exposure program requirements. The program emphasizes building scientific communication skills through instruction on creating research posters, writing scientific papers, and delivering ten-minute oral presentations. Academic development sessions cover database searching techniques, proper citation practices using tools like EndNote, and conducting quality literature reviews. The professional development curriculum covers graceful self-promotion, personal statement writing, CV development, and preparation for graduate school, including both PhD and MD/PhD pathways. You’ll learn about various career trajectories through symposia featuring representatives from local colleges and professionals in laboratory and non-laboratory roles. The program concludes in a career symposium where you can network with laboratory technicians, principal investigators, research coordinators, instructors, and company representatives to explore diverse neuroscience career paths.
9. sci-MI Neuroscience Mentorship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate; accommodates interested students when possible
Dates: June 23 – August 8 (five-week program)
Application Deadline: Typically mid-May
Eligibility: You must be a high school student
The sci-MI Neuroscience Mentorship Program offers free and accessible opportunities for high school students to explore neuroscience using open-source software, open-access papers, and guidance from volunteer mentors. You can choose between a synchronous track that features a personal mentor and live sessions or an asynchronous track for self-paced learning while accessing program materials, providing flexibility based on your individual schedules and learning preferences. All participants work on independent research projects using publicly available resources, showing that meaningful scientific engagement does not require expensive equipment or exclusive access to specialized facilities. You’ll attend weekly journal clubs and lectures, meetings to discuss scientific papers, and hear presentations on various neuroscience topics from program instructors and guest speakers. During the final week, each student presents their individual project in a 10 to 15-minute oral presentation to peers and mentors, sharpening their critical scientific communication skills. You can submit their written work that can be used as research supplements in college applications or submitted to student journals, though the program emphasizes that its central focus is enabling you to think carefully and deeply as scientists.
10. LINC Camp - Large-Scale Imaging of Neural Circuits
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Information not specified
Dates: June 18 – August 8 (seven-week program)
Application Deadline: Information varies; check the program website for more details
Eligibility: You must be a current high school student; you should have completed Algebra I; you must be available for all live remote seminars; proficiency in English is mandatory
The LINC Camp introduces you to neuroscience, neuroimaging, and coding through scientific seminars and activities while offering guidance on college readiness and STEM career opportunities. You will complete a 6-week introductory Python coding course through a partnership with Joy of Coding, an online program developed at the University of Michigan, introducing high school students to programming. The self-paced, asynchronous coding course requires approximately 4 to 6 hours of work per week and includes completing integrated modules featuring lectures, readings, and coding assignments on your own schedule. Weekly live scientific seminars provide required synchronous components, covering topics such as neuroanatomy, basic and clinical neuroscience, scientific communication, entrepreneurship, and the college admissions process. During the final project week, you will apply your newly acquired coding skills to analyze brain imaging data, experiencing the connection between coding and neuroscience firsthand. You’ll benefit from valuable insights shared by undergraduate and graduate student panels, connecting your learning to future opportunities in STEM.
11. Broad Summer Scholars Program
Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: $3,600 as stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 29 – August 7 (six-week program)
Application Deadline: Late January
Eligibility: You must be a rising high school senior (students apply during junior year); you must attend a Massachusetts high school within commuting distance to the Broad Institute; you must have earned a B or better grades in science and math classes
The Broad Summer Scholars Program allows you to work on research projects at the Broad Institute in fields such as cancer biology, psychiatric disease, chemical biology, computational biology, and infectious disease. You’ll be paired with Broad scientists who supervise research projects, providing mentorship and guidance as you learn both experimental and computational research techniques. The program provides access to on-staff tutors who review scientific concepts related to student projects, ensuring you understand the theoretical foundations underlying your research work. You’ll receive training focused on creating scientific posters and developing best practices for presenting research findings to scientific audiences. Social and team-building activities complement the research experience, fostering connections among students who share similar intellectual interests and career aspirations. By the end of the program, you’ll gain exposure to both computational and experimental approaches, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern biological research.
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