15 Pediatric Internships for High School Students

Pediatric internships for high school students are worth exploring early since it pairs clinical science with patient communication, often involving children and their families together. They range from research to volunteering, shadowing, and clinical exposure. It also strengthens college applications. A sustained pediatric internship signals specific, demonstrated interest rather than a generic pre-med checkbox.

If you’re open to considering the online programs in other subjects, check out some science internships here & find economic internships here.

Why Should I Do a Pediatric Internship in High School?

Pediatrics demands a different skill set than other medical fields. It requires more patience, more attention to non-verbal cues, since younger patients often can't clearly explain what's wrong. A pediatric internship puts you in direct contact with that reality through shadowing, child-focused research, or structured patient-engagement work, so you find out if it suits you before committing to it as a career path. Most programs also pair you with a doctor, researcher, or med student who can answer questions such as what the training pathway actually looks like, what the daily work involves, and whether the field holds up once you've seen it firsthand.

To help you choose the best pediatric internships for high school students, we’ve compiled a list of 15 programs. Each offers structured mentorship and hands-on learning toward careers in pediatric medicine, nursing, psychology, or biomedical research.

Quick Look

• 15 pediatric internships total spanning biomedical research, clinical shadowing, child life support, and volunteer-based hospital exposure, hosted at institutions including St. Jude, Stanford, Weill Cornell, Duke, and Children's National Hospital

• The strongest disclosed stipends are St. Jude ($4,800), Children's Hospital Colorado ($4,400), Duke STAR ($4,000), and Stanford PIPS ($3,000 for students with financial need); several programs are unpaid or volunteer-based

• A few programs charge a participation fee rather than paying a stipend, including Rady Children's Hospital Summer Medical Academy ($3,000), Boston Leadership Institute ($699 plus $699 residential), and Nova Southeastern University ($1,800)

• Most programs are geographically restricted to local residents, including St. Jude (Memphis-Shelby County area), PIPS at Stanford (Northern California), and Cincinnati Children's (Cincinnati area); Duke STAR and Weill Cornell are more broadly accessible

• The earliest deadlines are Duke STAR (January 2) and Weill Cornell (January 5), so students targeting the most research-intensive programs should begin preparing materials in December

1. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital High School Research Immersion Program

Location: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
Stipend: $4,800
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: June 1 – July 25
Application Deadline: January 31 (Tentative)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (aged 16+) in the Memphis-Shelby County area or nearby counties with a minimum GPA of 3.0

The St. Jude High School Research Immersion Program allows you to work on real pediatric research questions alongside experienced mentors in one of the most recognized children’s research hospitals. During the eight-week program, you are placed in a research group focused on areas such as epidemiology, psychology, laboratory science, or clinical data analysis related to childhood diseases. You will spend significant time learning how research studies are structured, how data is interpreted, and how findings contribute to improving treatments for children. Alongside lab work, you also participate in sessions focused on scientific communication and reflecting on your role as a researcher. In the end, you present your findings at a formal poster session, giving you experience similar to that in undergraduate-level research environments.

2. Children's Hospital Colorado Child Health Research Internship

Location: Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO
Stipend: $4,400
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: June 1 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school seniors aged 18+ who are Colorado residents

The Child Health Research Internship at Children’s Hospital Colorado gives you the opportunity to contribute to research focused specifically on improving pediatric health outcomes. You are matched with faculty mentors from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and work on projects in areas such as stem cell biology, neonatology, or pediatric nutrition. Throughout the nine-week program, you learn how clinical research connects scientific discoveries to real treatment improvements for children. Weekly lecture sessions cover topics such as research ethics, experimental design, and scientific presentation methods. You also develop professional communication skills through written reports and presentations of your findings. 

3. Duke Summer Training in Academic Research (STAR) Program

Location: Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC
Stipend: $4,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: June 22 – July 24
Application Deadline: January 2
Eligibility: Rising seniors or graduating high school students

The Duke STAR Program is designed for students who want to understand how academic medical research is conducted and published, including research related to pediatric populations. During the first part of the program, you work with faculty mentors to review existing scientific literature and refine a research question. You then collaborate with a small team to analyze data and interpret results in a structured research environment. The program includes sessions on medical writing, statistics, and clinical research methodology, helping you understand how scientific papers are developed. You also attend lectures on topics like neonatology and epidemiology, which highlight real-world applications of research. At the end of the program, teams prepare a formal presentation and submit a thesis on their projects.

4. Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS)

Location: Stanford University, CA
Stipend: $3,000 stipend for students with financial need
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 35-40 students
Dates: June 8 – July 24
Application Deadline: February 23
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors living in Northern California

The Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS) introduces you to maternal and child health research through guided mentorship and structured workshops. Over six weeks, you work on projects related to pediatric health topics while learning how scientific research is conducted in academic settings. You attend sessions on research methods, leadership, and college readiness, helping you connect your internship experience to long-term academic goals. Weekly meetings with mentors allow you to ask questions and receive feedback on your progress. The program is especially supportive for students who may not have prior research experience but want structured guidance. You also interact with graduate students and researchers who share insights into careers in pediatric medicine. 

5. Weill Cornell Medicine—Department of Pediatrics Summer Internship

Location: Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Stipend upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 5
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors

In the Weill Cornell Pediatrics Summer Internship, you explore different dimensions of pediatric healthcare, including clinical research, patient education, and administrative support. You can participate in projects related to brain development, pediatric kidney disease, neonatal infections, or epilepsy research. The program offers both 6-week and 10-week formats, allowing flexibility depending on your availability. Throughout the internship, you receive mentorship from faculty and healthcare professionals who guide you through research processes and clinical concepts. Exposure to multiple departments helps you understand how pediatric specialists collaborate to treat complex conditions. This program provides a balanced introduction to both academic and clinical aspects of pediatric medicine.

6. Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center—High School Summer Internship Program

Location: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
Stipend: $13/hour (Tentative)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: 8 weeks following orientation on June 3 (Tentative)
Application Deadline: February 1 (Tentative)
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors residing in the Cincinnati area

The Cincinnati Children’s Hospital High School Summer Internship allows you to explore pediatric healthcare through clinical observation, mentorship, and structured learning sessions. During the eight-week program, you work part-time alongside healthcare professionals and observe how different pediatric departments function. Each participant follows a customized track aligned with their interests, which helps explore specialties within pediatric medicine. Weekly seminars introduce topics such as biomedical science, patient communication, and ethical decision-making in healthcare. You also participate in simulation exercises that demonstrate how clinicians approach pediatric cases. The internship concludes with a presentation where you reflect on your learning experience and professional growth. Note that the internship is unavailable for summer 2026. It’ll be redesigned and relaunched in November.

7. Children’s Health Summer Internship & Workforce Development Programs

Location: Dallas, Texas
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Summer (8–10 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: High school students from partner schools or the Dallas Metroplex

The Children’s Health Summer Internship provides structured exposure to pediatric healthcare environments through project-based learning and mentorship. During the program, you contribute to initiatives that improve patient services or operational efficiency within the hospital. Mentors guide you through tasks that help you understand how healthcare teams coordinate patient-centered care. Some pathways also allow year-round involvement through school partnerships, providing continuity beyond the summer experience. Through daily engagement with professionals, you learn how clinical and non-clinical roles support pediatric healthcare delivery. The program emphasizes professional communication, teamwork, and problem-solving while offering a practical introduction to healthcare systems that support children and families.

8. Children’s National Hospital METEOR & High School Pipeline Programs

Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid for select programs
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Summer (~7 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: High school students from the Washington, D.C. area

The METEOR program at Children’s National Hospital focuses on pediatric neuroscience research while also introducing you to broader healthcare career pathways. During the program, you participate in lectures and hands-on mentorship experiences within clinical or translational research environments. You learn how neurological research contributes to improving treatments for pediatric conditions affecting brain development. Additional initiatives, such as Urban Alliance, provide longer-term mentorship and career-readiness training. The program encourages skill development in communication, collaboration, and analytical thinking. You also gain exposure to how academic research connects to real clinical challenges in pediatric medicine. These opportunities support students interested in pursuing pathways in neuroscience and child health research.

9. Rady Children’s Hospital Summer Medical Academy

Location: Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, CA
Cost: $3000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 42 students per session
Dates: June 15 – June 26 | July 6 – July 17
Application Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: Students ages 15–19 who completed 9th grade

The Rady Children’s Hospital Summer Medical Academy introduces you to healthcare careers through structured workshops, lectures, and group activities. You learn from professionals across different medical roles, including physicians, nurses, and healthcare administrators. The program includes discussions about pediatric healthcare systems and patient care approaches. Interactive sessions allow you to explore practical topics such as medical decision-making and healthcare teamwork. Career panels help you understand the training required for different healthcare professions. You also collaborate with peers on group learning activities related to patient care. 

10. Nova Southeastern University Achieve in Medicine

Location: NSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, FL
Cost: $1,800
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 50 students per session
Dates: June 22 – 26 | July 6 – 10 | July 13 – 17
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.2

While this is not a typical internship, the 5-day summer camp at Nova Southeastern University introduces you to different healthcare disciplines, including pediatrics, through hands-on learning activities. Throughout the program, you explore topics such as anatomy, public health, and medical technology through simulations and demonstrations. Faculty and medical students guide you through collaborative exercises designed to show how healthcare teams operate. You also participate in discussions that explain how medical professionals approach patient care and diagnosis. Exposure to multiple specialties helps you understand the broader context of pediatric medicine within healthcare. Interactive sessions encourage you to apply concepts rather than just observe them. 

11. Boston Leadership Institute Pediatrics Program

Location: Bentley University, Waltham, MA
Cost/Stipend: $699 tuition + $699 residential fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: July 27 – July 31
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students

The Boston Leadership Institute Pediatrics Program introduces you to pediatric medicine concepts through structured lessons and guided clinical demonstrations. You learn about childhood conditions, including developmental disorders, infectious diseases, and adolescent health challenges. The program includes demonstrations of diagnostic techniques and discussions about pediatric treatment approaches. You also explore how doctors evaluate symptoms and create treatment plans for young patients. Exposure to neonatal and adolescent healthcare topics helps you understand how pediatric care evolves across age groups. Faculty-led sessions provide insight into medical decision-making processes. This short program offers a focused introduction to pediatric medicine concepts and clinical reasoning.

12. Nicklaus Children's Hospital Summer Youth Internship Program

Location: Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: July 1 – August 2
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th grade students in Miami-Dade County Public Schools

The Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Summer Youth Internship Program allows you to observe how pediatric hospitals operate through structured weekly work experience. Before starting, you complete a preparatory course that introduces workplace expectations and professional responsibilities. During the internship, you work under supervision while learning how healthcare teams coordinate patient services. You also complete academic assignments connected to your workplace learning. Exposure to hospital workflows helps you understand operational aspects of pediatric care environments. Mentors provide guidance on communication and professionalism in healthcare settings. This program offers practical insight into how hospitals support pediatric patient care.

13. Children’s National Summer High School Volunteer Program

Location: Children’s National Hospital, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: June 23 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: High school students age 15+

The Children’s National Summer High School Volunteer Program introduces you to pediatric healthcare environments through structured service activities. You assist hospital staff with responsibilities such as guiding visitors and supporting administrative operations. Workshops and career sessions help you understand educational pathways within healthcare. The program includes collaborative projects focused on improving patient experiences. Interaction with staff allows you to observe teamwork within clinical environments. You also learn about professional expectations in hospital settings. This volunteer experience helps you understand how non-clinical roles support pediatric patient care.

14. Children’s National Summer Child Life Volunteer Program

Location: Children’s National Hospital, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 1 – August 14
Application Deadline: Early February
Eligibility: Students aged 18+

The Children’s National Summer Child Life Volunteer Program focuses on supporting the emotional well-being of children receiving medical care. You assist Certified Child Life Specialists in organizing therapeutic play activities designed to reduce stress for pediatric patients. Observing specialists allows you to understand how psychological support contributes to patient recovery. The program includes seminars explaining certification pathways and career development within child life professions. Interaction with healthcare professionals helps you understand interdisciplinary patient support systems. You also learn how communication approaches vary when working with children in medical environments. This program highlights the psychological dimension of pediatric healthcare.

15. VolunTEEN Program at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

Location: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: Applications open in February
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18

The VolunTEEN Program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta introduces you to pediatric healthcare settings through structured weekly volunteering. During your shifts, you support hospital staff in patient units, play areas, and reception spaces. You interact with young patients through activities such as games, crafts, and recreational engagement. These interactions help you understand how supportive environments contribute to patient well-being. You also observe how healthcare teams coordinate responsibilities across departments. The program helps you develop communication skills while learning about hospital operations. VolunTEEN offers an accessible starting point for students exploring pediatric healthcare environments.

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Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs

1. What is the difference between the research-focused programs on this list and the volunteer or shadowing ones, and which is better for a college application?

Research programs like St. Jude, Duke STAR, and Children's Hospital Colorado place you in an active lab or clinical study where you contribute to real projects and often present findings at the end, which produces a concrete, verifiable outcome you can reference in college applications. Volunteer and shadowing programs like Children's National, VolunTEEN, and Nicklaus Children's Hospital give you direct exposure to pediatric hospital environments and patient interaction, which is valuable for demonstrating sustained commitment to healthcare but produces less of a standalone academic deliverable. For a strong application, pairing one research program with one clinical or volunteer experience across different summers tends to give the most well-rounded profile.

2. Several of these programs charge a fee rather than paying a stipend. Are the paid programs generally more competitive or more valuable than the ones that cost money?

Not necessarily — some of the most competitive and well-regarded programs on this list are free or stipended, including St. Jude, Duke STAR, and Stanford PIPS, which are selective precisely because demand far exceeds the limited spots available. Programs with fees, like Rady Children's Medical Academy and Boston Leadership Institute, tend to be more accessible and less selective, making them a practical option if you want structured exposure to pediatric medicine without going through a highly competitive admissions process. The value depends more on what you do with the experience than on whether it was paid or free.

3. I'm only a freshman or sophomore. Are any of these programs open to me, or is everything for juniors and seniors?

A handful of programs accept students earlier than junior year. Rady Children's Hospital accepts students from age 15 who have completed 9th grade, the VolunTEEN Program at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is open to students aged 15 and above, Children's National's Summer Volunteer Program accepts students aged 15 and older, and Nicklaus Children's Hospital accepts rising 10th graders. If you're a freshman or early sophomore, these volunteer and shadowing programs are your most realistic entry points, and completing one early also strengthens your application when you apply to the more competitive research programs in junior or senior year.