Updated October 2026
TL;DR
This list covers 15 paid STEM internships for high school students within national labs, university research programs, and specialty mentorships across fields like biomedical science, engineering, computer science, chemistry, and environmental science. Programs typically run 4 to 10 weeks over the summer, with compensation ranging from $500/week stipends to monthly pay of over $2,500, and a few offering lump-sum stipends between $1,000 and $5,600. Eligibility is often tied to citizenship, grade level, or geographic location, and competitiveness varies from selective national programs to smaller, more localized ones. Most require in-person participation at a lab or campus, though at least one option on this list is fully virtual.
If you want to explore STEM outside the classroom, a paid internship can be a practical way to get started. STEM internships can place you in real workplaces or universities to explore research, engineering, computer science, healthcare, biotechnology, or environmental science. Depending on the program, you might receive an hourly wage, a weekly stipend, or another form of financial support while working on a project or learning from professionals. A paid internship can give you both work experience for your profile and the chance to learn something new without worrying about financial constraints.
Why should you do a paid STEM internship?
A paid STEM internship can let you gain professional experience without having to choose between a structured learning experience and earning money during the summer. You will get the chance to contribute to research, support a technical project, work with a team, or learn about a STEM workplace while receiving compensation for your time. These internships can also give you experience with the expectations that come with a real job, such as following a schedule, completing assigned work, and taking responsibility for your projects. If you’re looking for a STEM opportunity that feels closer to a summer job, a paid internship can be worth considering. To ensure you get the most out of your experience, check out our guide on setting goals for your internship!
If you are looking for an entirely virtual internship, check out Ladder Internships, which can connect you with a startup in your field of choice.
How do you apply for a paid STEM internship?
Start by checking both the eligibility requirements and the compensation details for each program. Paid internships can differ in how they structure compensation, with some offering hourly wages and others providing a need-based stipend or other financial support. Check whether the position has requirements related to your age, grade level, location, citizenship, coursework, or previous experience. You should also look closely at the schedule and expected hours so you know what you are committing to. Finally, prepare application materials such as your resume, transcript, essays, or recommendations well before the deadline, especially if the internship has a competitive selection process.
To help you explore available options, we have narrowed down 15 paid STEM internships for high school students. Our list prioritizes options that come with rigorous STEM exposure, credible hosts, and strong networking opportunities.
Also check out our selection of summer STEM internships and STEM camps if you are looking for additional high school experiences.
Compare your options
|
Program type |
Top programs |
Cost/Stipend |
Best for |
|
National lab and Government Research Programs |
SEAP, AFRL Scholars Program, AEOP, Berkeley Lab EinR, Idaho National Laboratory Internships, Sandia National Laboratories Internships, Fermilab PRISM, NIH SIP |
Free; stipends range from ~$500/week to $4,500 for the summer |
Students who want a paid, structured research placement at a federal or national lab/agency; applicants are typically required to be U.S. citizens |
|
University-based research programs |
UChicago DSI Summer Lab, Project SEED, Washington University Summer Focus, NYU ARISE, UGA Young Scholars Program |
Free; stipends range from $2,000 to $5,600 |
Students seeking mentored research on a university campus, often with added support like tutoring, coursework, or college-application guidance |
|
Specialty and virtual programs |
Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center's Coding for Cancer |
Free; stipends range from $1,000 – $3,000 |
Students interested in a niche field like aquatic science or computational biology |
15 paid STEM internships for high school students
1. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: U.S. Department of the Navy labs (multiple sites in the country)
Stipend: $4,000 for new participants, and $4,500 for returning participants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~300 students across 38+ labs
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer; term can be extended to 10 weeks.
Application deadline: November 30
Eligibility: High school students, ages 16 and up, who have completed at least grade 9 and are U.S. citizens; some labs may be open to permanent residents or dual citizens (check individual lab pages for additional requirements here).
Each year, SEAP lets high schoolers join Department of the Navy labs to contribute to real STEM research and earn stipends in the process. At your assigned lab, you will work on active projects in STEM alongside scientists and engineers. Depending on the placement, you may help with testing and analysis of hardware or software systems, experiment design, data analysis, software development, engineering design, or lab-based work. While the day-to-day responsibilities vary by site, you will find the chance to connect with researchers, tour laboratories, and learn about pathways in research and STEM. Additionally, you will shadow STEM professionals and participate in seminars and technical meetings during SEAP.
Who it’s best for: Students looking for a paid apprenticeship focused on naval research and STEM.
2. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Multiple sites in the U.S.
Stipend: ~$506.80/week; a few sites offer bigger stipends + travel coverage (check details here)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Typically selective
Dates: Vary by site and internship; typically minimum commitment of 8 weeks required, with most internships running 10 – 12 weeks in the summer, spring, and fall. Application deadline: Summer: January 11 | Fall/Spring: Not specified
Eligibility: Upper-level high school students, undergraduates, and graduate students who are U.S. citizens and 16+
The ARFL Scholars Program is a paid program that lets high school and college students contribute to projects in STEM at Air Force research facilities. You will join a team at an Air Force lab, with placements spanning various areas, including physics, chemistry, computer science, engineering, and data science. Over the course of eight weeks or more, you will work in the assigned lab under the supervision of scientists, learn about Air Force R&D, and explore advanced research in STEM. Tasks can vary by placement: you may work with large datasets, run experiments, test prototypes or technical systems, or help document research. You can also participate in the program next year to continue engaging in research.
Who it’s best for: Students who want to work within Air Force research labs on real technical projects.
3. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Summer Internship Program (SIP)
Location: NIH campus, Bethesda, MD + other NIH locations
Stipend: $2,530/month before high school graduation | $2,840/month after high school graduation
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: May 10 – August 31
Application deadline: January 26
Eligibility: High school seniors, undergraduates, graduate students, or professional students enrolled at least half-time or accepted into a program; applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and 18 or older by September 30.
The NIH SIP offers high school and college students full-time mentored biomedical research experiences across NIH campuses. You will join a lab and work under a principal investigator, contributing to ongoing projects in fields such as engineering, computer science, epidemiology, psychology, biology, chemistry, bioinformatics, and health science-related areas. In addition to research work, you will participate in career exploration programming, professional development workshops, and well-being initiatives designed to prepare you for careers in science and healthcare. The summer schedule will also include a Graduate and Professional School Fair and a Summer Poster Day, where you will present your findings to the NIH community.
Who it’s best for: Students near NIH campuses looking for a paid, rigorous biomedical research experience.
4. University of Chicago Data Science Institute (DSI) Summer Lab
Location: UChicago Hyde Park campus, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $5,600
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by year; 22 students in the past cohort.
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application deadline: January 12
Eligibility: Undergraduate students or Chicago-area high school students; familiarity with programming languages and coursework in statistics, computer science, and math is preferred.
The DSI Summer Lab is a paid internship that lets high school and college students engage in interdisciplinary data science research. You will join a mentor and a lab and work on a research project in biomedical sciences, computer science, data science, public policy, or social science. You will experience working with computational methods, datasets, and research methodologies. The schedule will include a speaker series and sessions covering topics in STEM and research. Social and recreational activities such as picnics, sports, and trivia will help you explore life on campus and connect with other high schoolers. You will also practice communicating your research findings through a video, which will be presented at a symposium held at the end of DSI Summer Lab.
Who it’s best for: Chicago-area students looking for paid interdisciplinary research experiences on a university campus.
5. American Chemical Society’s Project SEED
Location: Participating labs across the U.S.
Stipend: $4,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~350+ students/year
Dates: 8- to 10-week summer research experience; dates vary by host site
Application deadline: April 6
Eligibility: High school students under 18 who have completed at least one year of high school chemistry; applicants’ annual family income should not be above 300% of the limits defined in Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Project SEED is a paid summer experience that connects high schoolers to universities or research facilities in the country. You will spend 8 to 10 weeks working within a laboratory on real research in chemical science alongside a scientist or research mentor. Depending on the placement, you may also go on field trips and campus tours, attend career panels, and access other professional development opportunities. Additionally, you may attend the American Chemical Society National Meeting, where you can share your findings with professionals. You may also be able to return to Project SEED the following summer to continue working on chemistry research.
Who it’s best for: Students who want a paid chemical science research experience and an opportunity to spend the summer working in a lab.
6. Washington University in St. Louis Summer Focus
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Stipend: $4,800 (pre-tax) + free monthly public transit passes available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 15 – 18 students/year
Dates: Orientation: May 27 – 29; Program: June 1 – July 24 (eight weeks)
Application deadline: January 26
Eligibility: High school juniors who are permanent residents of the Greater St. Louis area (Missouri or Illinois); students from under-resourced schools or groups underrepresented in science are encouraged to apply.
Summer Focus pairs you with a mentor and a tutor at Washington University and lets you work on a STEM research project in areas like cancer biology, chemistry, neuroscience, ecology, and biomedical engineering. Your mentor will be a graduate student, postdoc, or lab staff member who will work with you one-on-one in the lab, while your tutor will offer weekly assistance in reviewing background material relevant to your research. You will also enroll in two courses: one covering scientific writing and communication, and another, called NextUp, centered on college applications, financial aid navigation, and admissions test prep. The experience will conclude with a symposium where you will present your findings.
Who it’s best for: Students in the Greater St. Louis area looking for a paid mentored research experience.
7. AEOP (Army Educational Outreach Program) Internships and Fellowships
Location: Research sites across the U.S.
Stipend: Available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed; typically selective
Dates: June – August; dates can vary by opportunity.
Application deadline: Varies by lab position
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents; specific roles may have additional criteria.
Every year, AEOP places students at Army-funded research facilities and university labs to work with scientists or engineers on research. As an intern, you will work with a scientist or engineer on active research projects in STEM. Your daily work will depend on placement, but you may help collect and analyze data, run experiments, and conduct other laboratory work. The experience will also come with mentorship from a STEM professional. You will additionally access educational sessions and opportunities to connect with the broader AEOP internship network.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in STEM research who are looking for credible paid lab-based experiences and close mentorship.
8. Berkeley Lab’s Experiences in Research (EinR)
Location: Berkeley Lab, Berkeley, CA
Stipend: $500/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~10% acceptance rate
Dates: June 15 – July 24
Application deadline: March 22
Eligibility: 10th – 12th graders, ages 16 and up, who have a 3.0+ GPA, and live in Northern California
The Berkeley Lab’s EinR is a paid six-week internship for high schoolers interested in gaining work experience within laboratory settings. You will spend about 30 to 35 hours each week working with Berkeley Lab staff on projects in STEM and exploring data science, coding, administration, communication, and/or experimental research. Your daily responsibilities will depend on the assigned project and mentor’s needs. You may assist scientists and engineers in lab work or help carry out behind-the-scenes operations. You will also get to practice science communication and teamwork during the program.
Who it’s best for: Students in Northern California who want to work in a federally funded lab.
9. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Internships
Location: Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective.
Dates: 10 to 16 weeks; dates vary by opportunity
Application deadline: Varies by opportunity
Eligibility: Full-time students attending accredited high schools or colleges with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0; international students at accredited U.S. institutions must have valid Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization.
Internships at INL let college and high school students experience what it is like to work at a national laboratory within STEM areas such as biology, cybersecurity, materials science, civil/structural engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, energy, and more. You will work on real lab projects, engage in facility tours, attend seminars, and access networking opportunities during the program. You will also get to work closely with INL professionals who may serve as mentors throughout the internship and offer insights into potential career paths in STEM. The internship will end with a final project presentation.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in working at a national laboratory on STEM projects.
10. NYU ARISE (Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering)
Location: New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn (New York City), NY
Stipend: $2,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Exact details not specified
Dates: June 1 – August 14
Application deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors who live and are enrolled in schools in New York City
ARISE is a paid, 10-week program that offers high schoolers research training and lab experience on the New York University campus. In the initial four weeks, you will attend training sessions covering college-level writing and lab basics. Then, you will join an NYU lab and participate in a six-week STEM research experience. Placements span a range of STEM fields, including cybersecurity, chemistry, civil engineering, environmental engineering, biology, and data science. Over the course of the summer, you will receive college application advice, 150 hours of lab experience, and the opportunity to build a research presentation that you will deliver at the program’s conclusion. You will leave with access to the program’s alumni network.
Who it’s best for: NYC students who want a paid research opportunity and lab exposure on a university campus.
11. Fermilab’s Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM)
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL
Stipend: $500/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact details not published
Dates: July 12 – August 6
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Seniors or recent graduates of Illinois high schools who are U.S. citizens
PRISM is a paid, four-week summer experience that offers students exposure to real-world quantum science, particle physics, engineering design, and AI. As a participant, you will work closely with Fermilab professionals and learn about STEM fields and careers throughout the month. You will also attend lectures, participate in STEM activities, and tour Fermilab’s research facilities. You will complete a research project under the guidance of a mentor and share your work in the form of an abstract and a poster at the end of the program. This can be an opportunity to gain insight into a particle physics laboratory’s work.
Who it’s best for: Students looking for a paid opportunity to explore interdisciplinary STEM work and the inner workings of a particle physics lab.
12. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Opportunities throughout the U.S. You will work with a mentor in your area.
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by year; typically selective
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer; dates are flexible
Application deadline: January 24
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and recent graduates who are at least 16 years old and live in the U.S., Mexico, Puerto Rico, or Canada
Sponsored by the American Fisheries Society, this paid STEM program offers you exposure to real-world work in fisheries and aquatic science. As a participant, you will work with fisheries professionals who will serve as mentors and work on projects within aquatic habitat restoration, protection, and management. Tasks can vary by placement, with possible activities being electrofishing, fish tracking and tagging, examining aquatic specimens, taking fish population surveys, and analyzing data. Over eight weeks, you will gain exposure to the life of a fisheries biologist and learn about other roles in the animal and aquatic sciences.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in fisheries and aquatic resource management who are looking for a paid summer mentorship.
13. Internships @ Sandia National Laboratories
Location: Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA, or Albuquerque, NM
Stipend: Competitive hourly pay available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed; the number of spots can vary by role
Dates: Year-round and summer internships (10 to 12 weeks) available
Application deadline: Varies based on specific opportunity
Eligibility: Students, ages 16 and up, who are enrolled full-time at accredited high schools, colleges, or universities; a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher for undergraduate and high school students applying for clerical/labor-based positions and 3.0 or higher for undergraduate students and high schoolers applying for R&D, technical, or business positions is required.
Sandia National Laboratories’ internships let students engage in research and technical work in advanced lab settings. In your assigned lab, you will contribute to projects in engineering, energy, cybersecurity, or research centered on national security. Depending on the placement, you will work with researchers, engineers, or other professionals and receive guidance throughout. In addition to the daily lab tasks, you may attend networking events, participate in leadership sessions, and join professional development programs to build workplace skills and explore opportunities in STEM.
Who it’s best for: Students who want hands-on lab work experiences and can commute to Sandia’s facilities in California or New Mexico.
14. University of Georgia’s Young Scholars Internship Program (YSP)
Location: University of Georgia’s Athens, Griffin, and Tifton campuses, GA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed
Dates: June 1 – July 10
Application deadline: January 23
Eligibility: High school students, ages 16 and up by program start, who have completed their sophomore year, at least one lab-based high school science course, and one semester of algebra
YSP is a paid five-week summer internship at the University of Georgia where you will spend 30 hours each week conducting research in agricultural, food, or environmental science under the guidance of a faculty mentor. You will work at one of three UGA campuses in Athens, Griffin, or Tifton. On campus, you will also attend workshops and visit farms and agricultural sites to explore career paths. At the end of USP, you will participate in a three-day Young Scholars Pre-Collegiate Research Conference on the Athens campus, where you will present your findings during a poster session.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in agricultural or environmental science looking for a paid summer internship in Georgia.
15. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center’s Coding for Cancer
Location: Online
Stipend: $1,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: July 27 – August 21
Application deadline: March 29 (application); April 5 (teacher recommendation)
Eligibility: Students entering grades 11 or 12 in the fall; applicants who are Washington State residents are preferred.
This paid, four-week virtual program, run by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, lets you learn the R programming language and explore how coding is used in cancer biology research. The first phase of the program focuses on covering coding basics and cancer biology through small-group and individual activities, while the second phase is dedicated to your own research project. The experience will be guided by Fred Hutch postdoctoral fellows in computational biology. You will develop coding skills, learn about computational research, and work with tools researchers commonly use. Upon completing the program, you will receive a digital Credly badge that you can add to your profile.
Who it’s best for: Students looking for a paid, interdisciplinary virtual experience focused on coding and research.
What skills can you pick up in paid STEM internships?
Because paid internships often involve real workplace responsibilities, you may develop skills that go beyond the technical side of STEM. Depending on the position, you could practice using research or engineering tools, analyze information, write reports, follow procedures, or contribute to a team project. You can also learn workplace habits such as communicating with supervisors, meeting deadlines, managing your time, and asking for feedback. These experiences can help you become more comfortable working in a professional STEM environment.
Can a paid STEM internship help with your college applications?
A paid internship can give you an opportunity to show that you took on a meaningful responsibility during high school while exploring an academic interest. Here’s what you can highlight in your profile based on your internship experience:
Demonstrate your ability to take on structured responsibility: Explain what you were responsible for and how you managed the internship alongside your other commitments. You can discuss what you learned from working under a supervisor, meeting deadlines, or contributing to a team.
Explain how you explored your interests: Describe how the internship gave you a different perspective on a subject you had studied in class. If the internship helped you become more interested in a particular STEM field or career, you can explain that development.
Discuss the work itself: Specific responsibilities, projects, challenges, or lessons from the internship can give you more meaningful material for essays and interviews.
If you need additional tips, our guide to using high school summers for college admissions can be your next read!
Common questions about these paid STEM internships
1. Will you actually run experiments and collect data yourself, or mostly observe the research happening around you?
Most of these internships involve direct, hands-on participation rather than passive observation, so you can expect to contribute to tasks like running experiments, collecting and analyzing data, or testing systems and prototypes. That said, how much independence you get can vary depending on your specific lab placement and mentor.
2. How competitive is the selection process?
Selectivity ranges widely. A few programs come with acceptance rates in the single digits, while a few others don't publicly disclose their numbers but are still considered competitive.
3. Will you be given your own project, or will you be supporting work on an existing one?
This depends on the program. In some internships, you join an ongoing research effort and contribute to tasks within that larger project, while others have you develop and carry out a project of your own under a mentor's guidance, often culminating in your own presentation or poster. If you want to work on a real, personalized project, Ladder Internships can connect you to startups for a fully remote internship experience.
4. What grade level or age do you need to be to qualify for these internships?
Eligibility requirements differ by program. Some are open to students as young as 16 who have completed their sophomore year, while others are restricted to rising seniors or require you to be 18 by a certain date. It's worth checking each program's specific age and grade requirements before applying.