15 Pre-Med Research Opportunities for High School Students

Aug 19

If you are a high schooler interested in medicine, pre-med research opportunities can be a worthwhile way to explore the field in depth. As you engage in these programs, you will gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge laboratories, work alongside distinguished scientists, and contribute to authentic research projects, which can significantly enhance your academic profile and provide clarity on your future career path. These experiences will expose you to college-level academics, help you develop practical research skills such as experimental design and data analysis, and foster the critical thinking essential for medical professionals.

For other healthcare-related internships, check out a list of summer-specific internships here, and find a list of virtual healthcare internships here.

Why should you participate in a pre-med research opportunity in high school?

Participating in a pre-med research opportunity during high school allows you to see how scientific investigations translate into clinical applications. You will learn to formulate hypotheses, interpret complex data, and communicate scientific findings. You will also build a strong network of accomplished researchers, physicians, and like-minded peers, receiving mentorship and connections that can be instrumental in your journey to medical school. Whether you seek to immerse yourself in a university lab, contribute to a startup's innovation, or conduct virtual research from home, these opportunities offer a robust learning experience tailored to your aspirations.

To help you get started, here are 15 high school pre-med research opportunities that are worth checking out.

Key takeaways

This list gathers 15 pre-med research opportunities for high school students spanning major cancer centers, children's hospitals, and academic medical research institutions, with standout hosts including Stanford, MD Anderson, Mayo Clinic, and St. Jude.
Most of these are free to participate in and many offer strong stipends, with the highest reaching $7,200 for a ten-week cancer research program, making this one of the more well-funded categories for students interested in biomedical research.
One program runs for six months rather than the typical summer-only window, giving students who want a longer, more sustained research experience a distinctive option beyond the standard eight-week format.
Nearly every program here requires being local to a specific city, county, or state where the host institution is based, while Ladder and Lumiere are the only fully virtual options on this list.
The earliest deadlines fall in September and November for two of the most established research programs, so it's worth starting applications well before winter break wraps up.

1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR) Program

Location: Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $50 application fee; Limited need-based stipends
Dates: June 8 – July 30
Application Deadline: December – February 21
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors (16+) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; Must be able to commit to the entire eight-week program; Geographic preference given to Bay Area residents

As a participant in the Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program, you will be paired with PhD-level mentors, including faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students, who will guide you through your independent research project. The program kicks off with a comprehensive two-week orientation, where you will attend seminars, engage in journal club discussions, and receive foundational laboratory instruction to ensure you are well-prepared, regardless of your prior research experience. For the remaining six weeks, you will conduct original research in diverse fields like genetics, neuroscience, or immunology, gradually taking ownership of your project as you master laboratory techniques. At the program's conclusion, you will create and present a research poster showcasing your findings to the Stanford community, allowing you to refine your scientific communication skills and network with leading biomedical researchers.

2. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies (financial aid is available); Stipend not specified
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students who can commit to 10-20 hours per week for 8-12 weeks

Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you’ll work with high-growth start-ups on internships that range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups also, on average, raise over a million dollars. As an intern, you will work closely with your manager at the startup on real-world projects and present your work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long. Apply now!

3. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)

Location: Rockefeller University, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: None; Need-based stipends may be offered
Dates: June 22 – August 6
Application Deadline: January 2
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors (16+)

The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program offers you a highly competitive seven-week immersive experience. You will be one of only thirty-two selected students annually, working full-time in mentored laboratory research alongside distinguished faculty from Rockefeller University and its partners, including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Operating in research teams of eight to ten students, you will conduct hands-on investigations across vital scientific areas such as cancer biology, neuroscience, and immunology, committing approximately thirty-five hours per week to laboratory and research activities. Beyond the lab, you will participate in specialized courses on research methodology, attend lectures from leading scientists, and engage in workshops to develop crucial communication and professional skills. Your experience culminates in a capstone symposium where you present your research findings, gaining invaluable experience in scientific communication and receiving feedback from the broader research community.

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous program for high school students that offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities across a broad range of subject areas. You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, medicine, biology, computer science, chemistry, and more. As a participant, you will be paired with a Ph.D. mentor, who will work 1-on-1 with you on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.

5. Indiana University Simon Cancer: Summer Programs – Future Scientist Program

Location: IU – Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: November 15 – February 28
Eligibility: High school juniors from Indianapolis and Marion County public schools with a minimum GPA of 3.0

The IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center offers you several prestigious, mentored research internships designed to immerse you in the world of oncology and biomedical science. You will work in a professional lab environment, gaining exposure to basic, translational, or clinical research while developing technical skills for your CV. As a high school student, you can apply for programs like the Future Scientist Program, where you’ll spend eight weeks conducting hands-on research under the direct supervision of university scientists. Beyond the laboratory, you’ll participate in weekly professional development workshops and seminars that cover topics from science communication to the medical school admission process. By the end of the program, you will be expected to present your work at a final poster symposium.

6. Children's Hospital Colorado: Child Health Research Internship

Location: Children's Hospital Colorado – Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
Cost/Stipend: Free; $4,400 stipend
Dates: June 1 – July 31
Application Deadline: December 1 – February 1 (rolling)
Eligibility: Colorado high school seniors (18+) with a minimum 3.0 GPA; Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents; Must have a strong academic background in the sciences

The Child Health Research Internship is a nine-week immersive research experience that focuses on the intersection of pediatric medicine and biomedical research. You will be placed in active research laboratories and clinical settings, where you will participate in meaningful research projects related to child and adolescent health. You will gain hands-on laboratory experience and learn to practice core research techniques. You will also receive shadowing experiences that will allow you to observe clinical decision-making and patient care in pediatric settings. Throughout the program, you will receive comprehensive mentorship from experienced healthcare providers and researchers, developing essential professional skills like scientific communication and empathy in healthcare. The program concludes with a presentation where you will showcase your research findings, receiving valuable feedback on your work.

7. Monell Science Apprenticeship Program

Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: Opens in October
Eligibility: High school students from the greater Philadelphia area, including Camden, NJ; Must have a strong interest in science and research

The Monell Science Apprenticeship Program is a seven-week paid experience at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia designed to encourage interest in biomedical science and medicine. You will work independently on authentic research projects under the direct mentorship of established Monell scientists, who are experts in chemical senses research, neurobiology, and molecular biology. This program allows you to conduct hands-on investigations using state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring you develop genuine research skills rather than just observing. Monell also includes enrichment activities that build your professional competencies, such as public speaking, scientific writing, and understanding ethical principles in research. Your apprenticeship culminates in a public conference where you will present your research findings to scientific staff and your community.

8. Fred Hutch Cancer Center Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)

Location: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid
Dates: June 22 – August 14
Application Deadline: Opens in November
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (16+)

The Fred Hutch Cancer Center Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) is an eight-week internship for high school students from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical research. The initial two weeks are dedicated to intensive training in laboratory safety, fundamental techniques, and a comprehensive orientation, ensuring you acquire core skills before starting independent research. For the subsequent six weeks, you will be placed in mentored research groups, where you will conduct hands-on investigations under expert faculty supervision. You will engage in research team meetings, attend laboratory seminars, and interact daily with graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who serve as near-peer mentors. The internship strongly emphasizes professional development through workshops on college preparation, career exploration, and navigating academic environments. You will conclude your experience by presenting your research findings to the Fred Hutchinson community.

9. Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP)

Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $3,600 stipend
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: November 24 – January 21
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors attending school within commuting distance to the Broad Institute; Must have a B or better in science and math classes; More info here

The Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP) is a prestigious six-week opportunity to engage in authentic research projects at the Broad Institute. You will conduct investigations across multiple scientific disciplines vital to pre-medical preparation, including cancer biology, chemical biology, and computational biology. Working alongside leading scientists and research teams, you will develop practical laboratory skills, learn to design and execute scientific investigations, and interpret complex data to understand how basic research translates into therapeutic applications. Beyond the laboratory, you will attend scientific talks by Broad researchers and explore career options in biomedical science through structured conversations with professionals. Your experience culminates in presenting your findings at a scientific poster session.

10. Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS)

Location: Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Need-based stipends of $3,000 offered
Dates: June 8 – July 24
Application Deadline: February 23
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (16+) with a cumulative unweighted high school GPA of at least 3.0; Must reside within specific Northern California counties; More info here

The Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS) is an excellent entry point if you are considering a research career but have little to no prior experience. As a participant, you will engage in meaningful research projects under faculty mentorship, where you will design and execute investigations related to pediatric health in a supportive environment. You will work thirty hours per week. Beyond hands-on lab work, you will attend educational sessions on science, medicine, and research careers, led by Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students.

11. Mayo Clinic Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK)

Location: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 2 – December 3
Application Deadline: November 1 – December 31
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors enrolled in Duval or St. Johns County, Florida high schools; Must have a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA

The Mayo Clinic Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK) offers the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience at one of the nation's leading medical institutions. From June through December, you will work a minimum of twenty-five hours per week in state-of-the-art research laboratories, immersing yourself in authentic biomedical investigations. Your research will focus on dynamic and impactful areas such as immunology, neuroscience, and cancer biology, giving you exposure to cutting-edge scientific inquiry. You will receive comprehensive mentorship from top researchers at Mayo Clinic, who will guide your scientific questions and help you refine your skills. The program includes structured seminars where leading researchers discuss their investigations and career pathways.

12. MD Anderson Cancer Center High School Summer Program

Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free; $7,200 (10-week stipend), $6,480 (9-week stipend)
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 14
Eligibility: Current Texas high school seniors (18+); More info here

The MD Anderson Cancer Center High School Summer Program is a highly competitive 10-week research experience at one of the nation's premier cancer research and treatment centers. You will be paired with experienced MD Anderson faculty mentors who conduct active research, guiding your involvement in dedicated biomedical projects and providing one-on-one supervision in research methodology and cancer biology. The program begins with one to two weeks of intensive training in basic laboratory techniques and safety protocols, ensuring you develop competency regardless of your prior experience. For the remaining eight weeks, you will engage in substantive independent research, learning principles of scientific investigation and gaining hands-on experience with techniques like laboratory analysis and data interpretation. Beyond lab work, you will participate in faculty-led seminars on cancer research, attend interactive lectures, and eventually present your findings during a celebratory luncheon.

13. Winship Cancer Institute Summer Scholars Research Program

Location: Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $2,400 stipend
Dates: June 8 – July 17
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Rising or graduating high school seniors (16+)

The Winship Cancer Institute Summer Scholars Research Program at Emory University offers you an intensive research experience designed to expose you to the world of cancer research. You will be paired one-on-one with an accomplished Winship physician or laboratory-based researcher, who will mentor your involvement in active cancer research investigations. Working full-time in Winship laboratories, you will develop authentic research skills, learn advanced laboratory techniques, and make meaningful contributions to ongoing investigations in cancer science. Beyond direct laboratory work, the program deliberately broadens your understanding of cancer research and oncology careers through engaging field trips to sites like the Emory Proton Therapy Center and roundtable discussions with cancer survivors. You will also benefit from faculty-led lectures on cancer biology and career pathways. With ten to twelve students selected annually, you are assured intensive individual attention and mentorship.

14. St. Jude High School Research Immersion Program

Location: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
Cost/Stipend: Free; $4,800 stipend
Dates: June 1 – July 25
Application Deadline: Opens in September
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (16+) from the Memphis-Shelby County area and immediate surrounding counties in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas; Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0

The St. Jude High School Research Immersion Program gives you the chance to work in pairs with experienced research mentors across various fields, including laboratory, psychology, epidemiology, clinical, or data science research programs, conducting authentic investigations and developing genuine research skills. Simultaneously, you will collaborate with science educators to develop critical thinking about the nature of science and reflect on how your program experiences influence your identity as a scientist. This dual focus on technical skills and scientific identity will build your confidence in pursuing science and medicine careers. At the program's conclusion, you will showcase your research in a community exhibition by creating scientific posters and communicating your findings to a diverse audience.

15. UChicago Medicine: ResearcHStart

Location: Partner institutions in Chicago and Urbana-Champaign areas
Cost/Stipend: Free; $3,000 taxable stipend
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors (16+) residing in Illinois or Lake County, Indiana

ResearcHStart gives you the chance to work full-time in the laboratories of established cancer researchers at partner institutions, gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge areas like cancer immunology, bioengineering, and experimental cancer therapeutics. Beyond practical research skills, the program incorporates rigorous training complemented by career development workshops addressing topics such as scientific communication, graduate school preparation, and navigating career pathways in science and medicine. You will benefit from a faculty lecture series specifically focused on cancer biology and receive ongoing mentorship from a network of university faculty, research professionals, and peer mentors. The program culminates in a research symposium where you’ll present your findings to family, friends, and the scientific community.

Questions students often ask about these opportunities

1. Do I need prior lab experience to apply to these pre-med research opportunities?

No, most of these begin with a training period covering lab safety and foundational techniques, so no prior experience is expected. Genuine interest in medicine and strong science coursework matter more than hands-on background at this stage.

2. A couple of these programs require being 18 in addition to being a senior. Does that exclude younger seniors?

Yes, for those two specific programs, a senior who hasn't turned 18 yet by the program's start date wouldn't qualify. Most other programs on this list set the minimum age at 16, so younger seniors still have plenty of options.

3. Do I need to live near the host institution to apply to these programs?

Yes, nearly all of these require being local to the city, county, or state where the research institution is based, since the work happens on-site in a real lab. Ladder and Lumiere are the two fully virtual options if relocating isn't feasible for your situation.

Dhruva Bhat

Dhruva Bhat is one of the co-founders of Ladder, and a Harvard College graduate. Dhruva founded Ladder Internships as a DPhil candidate and Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, with a vision to bridge the gap between ambitious students and real-world startup experiences.