15 Remote STEM Internships for High School Students
If you are a high school student, an internship is an excellent way to explore your interests and enhance your resume. Remote STEM Internships for high school students give you hands-on experience, help you develop valuable skills, and allow you to build professional connections that support your academic and career goals. For those interested in STEM, remote internships offer a unique opportunity to participate in research, coding, engineering projects, and scientific exploration from home. These programs allow you to collaborate with mentors and peers while contributing to real-world work.
If you want to check out more STEM-related internships, check out here! Or if you’re more interested in seeing what sort of research opportunities are available to high schoolers, check out a list here!
Why should I do a remote STEM internship in high school?
The remote format specifically removes one of the biggest barriers to early STEM experience: geography. You do not need to live near a university, national lab, or tech company to access a high-quality mentorship or research opportunity. Programs like Ladder Internships and Lumiere's Research Scholar Program are designed specifically around this flexibility, letting you contribute to meaningful work from wherever you are.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 15 remote STEM internships for high school students.
Quick Look
15 remote STEM programs total spanning aerospace, cancer research, physics, plasma and fusion energy, foreign policy research, and science education, hosted by organizations including NASA, Stanford, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, and the Smithsonian
Costs vary widely, from fully free options like Rowan's BEAM program, CMU SAMS, Princeton Plasma Physics Lab, and the Junior Academy to paid programs like UCI's Summer Youth Science Fellowship ($2,290) and Harvard's Secondary School Program (up to $14,950)
Stanford appears twice with distinct programs: AIMI focuses on AI applied to medical imaging, while SPINWIP is a physics-focused program designed specifically for young women in the field
Several programs are highly selective with small cohorts, including Stanford AIMI (25 students) and Princeton Plasma Physics Lab, while the Junior Academy accepts around 1,000 students worldwide
The earliest deadlines are the CMU Summer Academy for Math and Science (February 1), the UCI Fellowship (February 28), and GMU's ASSIP (February 2), so students targeting the most selective options should start preparing materials in the fall
1. NASA’s Internship Programs
Location: NASA centers/facilities & remote options available
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June to August
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Full-time student (from high school to graduate-level) and part-time college students enrolled in a minimum of 6 semester hours
NASA’s remote STEM internships for high school students offers a hands-on opportunity to explore aerospace, engineering, computer science, and STEM research. You will work on real NASA projects under the guidance of scientists and engineers. You will participate in workshops, team projects, and remote or on-site lab activities. The program also features site visits, professional collaboration, and exposure to NASA facilities. At the end of the program, you will present your research work to mentors and peers, gaining practical skills in research, problem-solving, and project management.
2. Ladder’s Healthcare Internship
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Multiple cohorts throughout the day, including Fall, Winter, Spring & Summer
Dates: Varies depending on each cohort
Application Deadline: Varies depending on each cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, or gap year students
Ladder’s Healthcare Internship is a remote STEM internship for high school students that provides hands-on experience in healthcare and medical research. You will work on real-world projects under the guidance of experienced professionals, learning skills in data analysis, research methods, and healthcare technology. You will collaborate in teams, attend virtual workshops, and present your findings to peers and mentors. This program also offers exposure to healthcare environments and valuable insights from industry experts.
3. UCI Cancer Research Institute’s Summer Youth Science Fellowship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Tuition for each 3-week session is $2290
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session One: June 23 – July 11, Session Two: July 14 – August 01
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Students aged 15–18 years with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.3/4.0; must provide a letter of recommendation from a current or former teacher.
The UCI Cancer Research Institute’s Summer Youth Science Fellowship Program offers high school students an intensive 6-week experience in cancer research. Participants work closely with UCI faculty and researchers on laboratory-based research. The program features didactic lectures, cohort reflections, and social activities to enhance learning. Students gain hands-on experience in scientific research methodologies and contribute to ongoing projects. The program concludes in a research symposium where students present their findings to faculty, peers, and the community. This opportunity provides valuable exposure to the field of cancer research while fostering professional growth in a collaborative environment.
4. Wake Forest University: Online Medical Programs for High School Students
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Tuition fee $1,595
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: December 21 – January 04
Application Deadline: December 14
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9-12, aged 13+ years
In this remote STEM internship for high school students, you will explore medical and health-science topics through guided video lectures, interactive simulations, and mentorship support from Wake Forest University faculty. You will analyze case studies, design a capstone project on a medical topic of your choice, and present your findings through an e-portfolio or webinar. Throughout the program, you will collaborate with peers from around the world, participate in live discussion sessions, and develop skills in research, communication, and scientific reasoning.
5. Rowan University “BEAM” Virtual Bioengineering Summer Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: August 11 – 22
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (accepting applicants on a first-come, first-served
basis until filled); early application is encouraged; registration may close as soon as the cohort is full
Eligibility: High school students
In this 2-week remote STEM internship for high school students, you will explore the connection between biology and engineering through interactive workshops, presentations, and Q&A sessions led by Rowan University faculty and students. You will take part in remote lab demonstrations, small group activities, and learn about current research in biomedical engineering. Alongside educational content, this program also features fun activities like Kahoot! trivia games with prizes. You will gain insight into the field, build your teamwork skills, and develop problem-solving skills.
6. Summer Academy for Math and Science
Location: Remote, followed by in-person at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 20 to August 1; Part one: June 16 and June 17 are remote
Application Deadline: February 01
Eligibility: 16-year-old high school students in 11th grade
In this 6-week remote STEM internship for high school students, you will immerse yourself in math, science, and computational thinking through lectures, labs, and group projects. You will work on a team research project under the guidance of faculty and graduate mentors, learning how to design experiments and present your findings at a final symposium. Daily sessions are designed to challenge you, while community events and peer-led activities build your collaboration and leadership skills.
7. Secondary School Program at Harvard University—medical courses
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, or remote options available
Cost/Stipend: $4,050 – $14,950 plus $75 as application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 20 – August 08
Application Deadline: Early deadlines on January 7, regular deadlines on February 11 & late applications on April 1
Eligibility: High school student; aged 16+ years by June 21, and under 19 years before July 31
The Harvard University remote STEM internships for high school students explore topics in human biology, anatomy, and health sciences. You will collaborate with peers, work on mini projects, and participate in faculty-led workshops.You will engage through lectures, interactive discussions, and virtual lab simulations to develop practical understanding. You will also attend seminars on medical careers and research pathways, offering valuable insights from Harvard instructors.
8. The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) - Summer Research Internship
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Program fee is approximately $850 plus a $40 application fee; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25 students
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9 through 12; must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
In this summer internship, you will explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and medical imaging through remote research projects. You will work with Stanford mentors on tasks such as data analysis, image processing, and algorithm development, gaining hands-on experience in AI-driven healthcare. You will also attend workshops on research methodology, coding, and ethical use of AI in medicine. You will collaborate with peers on team assignments, attend guest lectures, and participate in remote site visits to Stanford labs. AIMI offers research exposure, mentorship, and practical AI experience in medicine.
9. SA Worx Summer Internships
Location: San Antonio, TX (on-site, hybrid, or remote options available)
Stipend: Paid $12.00/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June – July
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 – 19 years enrolled in a Bexar County high school
The SA Worx Summer Internships provide high school students with hands-on experience across diverse industries while helping them build practical skills and professional connections. You will work on projects ranging from healthcare and IT to manufacturing and finance. This remote STEM internship for high school students includes mentorship from industry professionals, exposure to real workplace practices, and collaboration opportunities with peers on real-world assignments. You will gain valuable insights into career paths, strengthen your resume, and develop skills that will benefit your future academic and professional goals.
10. Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; highly selective and small cohort
Dates: July 07 – 25
Application Deadline: May 01
Eligibility: High school students between 9th to 11th grade at the time of application; students from countries outside the US are welcome to apply; preference will be given to rising seniors and to the students from under-resourced backgrounds.
SPINWIP at Stanford offers female high school students an immersive introduction to physics through research, workshops, and mentorship. You will conduct experiments, work on computational projects, and collaborate with peers under the guidance of faculty and graduate mentors. The program features seminars on key physics concepts, professional development sessions, and opportunities to present your work. You will attend lab tours, connect with researchers, and participate in team projects. As one of the leading remote STEM internships for high school students, SPINWIP provides hands-on research experience, exposure to real-world physics, and a supportive environment to build your skills and confidence.
11. High School Summer Internship, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; small cohort
Dates: June 30 – August 01
Application Deadline: March 01
Eligibility: High school students at least 16 years of age or a graduating senior in high school when the internship begins
At the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), you will spend over a month working alongside scientists on real plasma-physics and fusion-energy projects. Under guidance of faculty mentors, you will engage in simulations or lab systems, practice programming or CAD, and attend seminars on advanced energy science. You will also collaborate with other interns, present your research findings, and tour PPPL facilities to experience life at a national research laboratory.
12. Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) High School Internship
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Free; paid internship stipends are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited
Dates: February – April (Spring Session), June – August (Summer Session), October – December (Fall Session)
Application Deadline: November/December for Spring Session, April for Summer Session, July for Fall Session
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
During the internship at the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI), you will work closely with policy scholars and research teams to study global issues such as security, diplomacy, and regional affairs. You will write research briefs, analyze data, and attend weekly seminars on policy and career development. You will collaborate with peers, gain exposure to in-person or remote events, and may get an opportunity to publish your work in the FPRI’s “Intern Corner”.
13. Smithsonian Science Education Center Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Free/Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 09 – August 25
Application Deadline: March 17
Eligibility: High school students of at least 16 years of age
At the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC), you will work on projects that shape the future of STEM education. Mentorship from Smithsonian professionals helps you learn how STEM connects to education and sustainability. From developing science curriculum materials to supporting digital outreach and teacher programs, you will gain hands-on experience in research and communication. This remote STEM internship for high school students includes seminars, peer discussions, and virtual collaboration opportunities. This internship also helps you apply scientific thinking beyond textbooks while contributing to meaningful educational initiatives that make a global impact.
14. The Junior Academy by The New York Academy of Sciences
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 1,000 students worldwide
Dates: Twice a year, September and February
Application Deadline: July 08
Eligibility: Open to international students aged 13–17 years during the program; must be proficient in English and able to work in teams.
The Junior Academy connects you with a global network of students collaborating on STEM-based challenges from anywhere in the world. Working in remote teams, you will research, brainstorm, and design innovative solutions to real-world problems in sustainability, health, and technology. Experienced mentors from academia and industry guide you throughout the process, helping you build both scientific and teamwork skills. At the end of the program, you will present your results through online presentations and project summaries.
15. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP), GMU College of Science
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee (which may be waived based on financial need)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 18 – Aug 08
Application Deadline: February 02
Eligibility: Interns for remote internships must be 15 years or above
At George Mason University, the Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) offers high school students the opportunity to conduct hands-on research with faculty mentors in fields like biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science. You will learn how to design experiments, analyze data, and present your findings in a professional environment. This remote STEM internship for high school students encourages independent thinking and builds technical and analytical skills valuable for future STEM careers. Additionally, you will often contribute to real research publications and present your work at the program’s final symposium.
Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs
1. A lot of these programs charge tuition or a program fee even though they're remote. Is that normal, and are there free options?
Yes, several remote programs charge for structured coursework and mentorship, similar to an online course, including Wake Forest's Online Medical Program ($1,595), UCI's Fellowship ($2,290), and Harvard's Secondary School Program (up to $14,950). If cost is a concern, several strong options are completely free, including Rowan's BEAM program, CMU's Summer Academy for Math and Science, Princeton Plasma Physics Lab, the Smithsonian SSEC internship, and the Junior Academy, so it's worth prioritizing those if budget is a limiting factor.
2. I'm interested in physics specifically. How do I choose between Stanford's SPINWIP and Princeton Plasma Physics Lab?
It depends on your background and what kind of experience you want. SPINWIP is specifically designed for young women in physics, spans grades 9-11, and combines research with mentorship and community-building, making it a strong entry point if you're newer to the field. Princeton Plasma Physics Lab is open to all students at least 16 years old and places you directly on real fusion-energy and plasma-physics research projects alongside scientists, which suits students who want a more advanced, research-intensive experience.
3. Several programs here are only a couple of weeks long, like Rowan's BEAM and Stanford AIMI, while others like CMU SAMS run six weeks. Does program length matter for a college application?
Longer, research-intensive programs like CMU SAMS and Princeton Plasma Physics Lab tend to carry more weight since they involve sustained project work and a final presentation or symposium, which gives you a concrete deliverable to reference in applications. Shorter programs like Rowan's BEAM or Stanford AIMI are still valuable for building foundational knowledge and exploring a field before committing to a longer, more competitive program in a later year. If you're earlier in high school, starting with a shorter program and working toward a longer one is a reasonable strategy.