NIDA Summer Research Internship Program for High School Students - Our Review

If you’re keen on pursuing a summer internship in high school, a solid way to approach it is via government institutes rather than just private college internships. Colleges look for students who demonstrate initiative, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to engage in hands-on learning, and there’s few better ways to demonstrate these qualities than by striving to get a spot in a limited-capacity, highly competitive internship program. Government research programs allow you to explore advanced topics in real-world settings, and are far more competitive than the more plentiful private offerings most students apply to. Gaining research experience at the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the NIH, for example, not only enhances your academic credibility but also helps you develop professional connections and decide if a future in research or science is the right fit for you.

What is the NIDA Summer Research Internship Program?

The NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) Summer Research Internship Program is an intensive, eight-week long, paid research internship that provides high school sophomores, juniors and seniors with the opportunity to gain experience in biomedical and behavioral research related to drug abuse and addiction. The program is a rich opportunity to conduct practical, field research with NIH professionals in a field that works for the betterment of society, and earn a stipend while you learn. The internship offers you the chance to learn about topics like neuroscience, behavioral science, public health, and the science of addiction, while developing research skills that are vital for future academic and professional careers.

How is it structured?

The NIDA Summer Research Internship is conducted across 8 weeks starting in June, and pairs you with leading NIDA scientists at partner universities across the United States. The curriculum includes hands-on research experience like data collection, laboratory experiments, data analysis, patient interviews, literature reviews, and even formal courses. You will be involved in your mentor’s ongoing research projects, with additional educational opportunities to build your scientific skills, and even the opportunity to present your findings at the end of the program. Depending on the location of your placement, you are highly likely to have access to advanced laboratory facilities and equipment. You will be expected to work full time for the entire 8 week duration, for which you will be paid a stipend of $15 an hour along with a $2,500 reimbursement for housing if you’re required to travel to a different state for the internship.

Is it prestigious?

This program is highly regarded for its focus on a critical area of public health—drug abuse and addiction. The fact that it’s a paid initiative run by the National Institutes of Health makes it extremely exclusive and selective and adds to its prestige. Once accepted into the program, you gain invaluable exposure to cutting-edge research and have the chance to network with leading scientists. The experience equips you to pursue careers in medical research, public health, or other science-related fields, and your experience with NIDA can make your profiles stand out in college and scholarship applications. Previous participants have greatly praised the mentorship they have received from project mentors, exposure to laboratory work, and the skill-building opportunities the program offers.

Who is eligible to apply?

To apply for the NIDA Summer Research Internship Program, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old by May 31 of the internship year.
- Be a high school sophomore, junior or senior.
- Not have participated in the NIDA Summer Research Internship previously.
- Be committed to working for 8 consecutive weeks across the summer.
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

How does the application process work?

The application process for the NIDA Summer Research Internship requires you to provide the following:

1. Online Application: Submit an application through the NIDA website.

2. Letters of Recommendation: Include two letters of recommendation from a teacher or mentor.

3. Transcripts: Submit your most recent school transcripts.

The deadlines for the 2025 batch are as follows:

• September 27, 2024 — Internship Site PI registration opens. You can choose the site where you would like to do your internship.

• October 20, 2024 — Internship Site PI registration closes.

• November 12, 2024 — Internship application opens online.

• January 3, 2025 — Intern application closes.

• Late February 2025 — Final decisions communicated.

Pros and Cons of the NIDA Summer Research Internship

Pros:

1. Extremely valuable mentorship on offer: You’ll be working closely with established NIDA scientists and assisting them with active research projects like any research assistant would, learning directly from them. There are at least three interactions with your mentor per week, so you will be learning a lot from them and working with them closely.

2. Stipend and financial aid available: You will earn a solid stipend as well as receive financial support to cover living expenses, making the program accessible to a broader range of students.

3. A unique focus on public health: The program tackles significant public health issues, giving you the opportunity to contribute to meaningful research on drug abuse and addiction.

4. Great networking opportunities: The program connects you with top researchers at the NIH, providing a robust foundation for future academic and career networking.

Cons:

1. Limited eligibility: The program is only open to students who are 18 or older, which excludes many high school students from applying.

2. The admissions process is highly competitive: Due to the program's focus on increasing diversity in research as well as the limited projects available, the application process is quite competitive and it’s hard to get accepted.

3. The schedule is very demanding: The eight-week program is intensive, which may require a significant time commitment that could conflict with other summer plans or activities.

Is it legit?

In conclusion, the NIDA Summer Research Internship Program offers an excellent opportunity to gain real-world research experience in public health and drug addiction. While it is extremely competitive, the benefits — ranging from the exclusive mentorship opportunities to the rigorous and practical research tasks you engage in — make it a valuable experience that can massively boost your resume when applying for college.