14 Science Internships for High School Juniors

If you’re a high school junior interested in exploring science outside the classroom, doing an internship is a great way to gain practical experience and work on projects alongside experts and mentors. Many internships offer you the chance to work on research projects, engage in fieldwork, and develop communication skills.

Many top institutes and organizations offer science internships for high school juniors. These programs allow you to explore various fields within science, including aerospace engineering, naval science, fisheries, biomedicine, and computer science. Many of these programs are accessible, and some even offer a stipend. In this blog, we’ve narrowed down the top 14 science internships for high school juniors.

1. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)

Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost: Free ($25 application fee)
Acceptance rate: Competitive 
Dates: June 18 - August 8
Application Deadline: February (exact dates not specified)
Eligibility: 15 years of age by the start of the program

The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program is an 8-week summer research experience for high school students. You’ll receive mentorship from the faculty at George Mason University and work one-on-one with researchers on a project in an area of your interest. You can focus on areas such as bioengineering, chemistry, environmental science, and machine learning, among others. During your research, you’ll learn how to work with scientific equipment and technology while developing your technical and scientific writing skills. The program includes interactions with STEM professionals to help you explore various career pathways. 

2. Ladder Internship Program

Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). 
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!

Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships 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 are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.

3. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)

Location: Various Department of Navy laboratories across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Free; students are paid a stipend for participation
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: 8 weeks (exact dates not specified)
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors; Must be 16 years old by the internship start date; Must be a U.S. Citizen (some labs may allow permanent residents or dual citizens)

The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program offers you an 8-week-long research experience in various laboratories of the Department of Navy. This program will help you explore pathways to science and engineering-aligned careers within the Navy. During your research, you’ll receive mentorship from scientists and engineers while learning in-depth about naval research and technology. You can apply to specific labs for your research interests, such as oceanography, industrial engineering, systems engineering, and R&D, among others. Selection to the program is competitive and is based on academic achievement, personal statements, recommendations, and career and research interests.

4. Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science (TREES) Program

Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate: Selective
Program Dates: June 30–August 8
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students must have completed grade 9, 10, or 11 before the summer; minimum GPA of 3.0; strong interest in environmental science and research

The Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science Program is a research-based mentorship program for students interested in exploring Environmental Science. The program takes a scientific approach, allowing you to address environmental problems through scientific methodology, lab work, library research, and fieldwork. You’ll work alongside a mentor on a research report of your interest, which you’ll present at the end of the summer. 

5. Lockheed Martin High School Internship

Location: Multiple Lockheed Martin Space facilities across the U.S.
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: 9 weeks during summer (June-August)
Application Deadline: December 19
Eligibility: Enrolled in high school; at least 16 years old

Lockheed Martin Space provides an Internship Program for high school students looking to explore aerospace-aligned pathways. In the program, you’ll work on defense tech projects under the mentorship of aerospace scientists and engineers. The focus areas during the internship include engineering, computer science, and cybersecurity. Previous interns have worked on various tasks such as coding, assisting in testing tech, and participating in simulations.   

6. Scripps Student Research Internships

Location: Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA
Stipend: $4,830
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 2 – August 8 or June 16 – August 22
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school students who will be at least 16 years old by the internship start date

Scripps Research Translational Institute offers a 10-week summer research program in which you can focus on translational research. The program is designed for students interested in exploring health sciences, statistics, and computational and computer science-aligned pathways. During the internship, you’ll explore current topics in translational science and design and analysis procedures relevant to translational research. Some of the areas you’ll explore include human genetics, mHealth (or mobile health), and digital health technologies. You’ll also explore the various steps involved in undertaking clinical trials and presenting scientific concepts. 

7. Idaho National Laboratory Internship

Location: Idaho Falls, ID
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: Not specified
Application Deadline: Applications processed on a rolling basis
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, or graduate student; must have U.S. work authorization

Idaho National Laboratory offers an internship program where you’ll work alongside and learn under the mentorship of scientists and engineers. You’ll explore subjects such as nuclear energy, integrated energy systems, and security. The first few weeks will be spent outlining the scope of your work with a mentor, after which you’ll continue receiving support from them on your final project, which can be presented as a poster, electronic presentation, or video. The program also includes professional development and networking through weekly seminars, tours, and career exploration activities. 

8. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program

Location: Seattle, WA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Eight weeks full-time in summer
Application Deadline: March 31; students typically apply in their junior year
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old; Reside in Greater Seattle/surrounding area

The Fred Hutch Cancer Centre Summer High School Internship Program is an eight-week internship experience for high school juniors and seniors. You’ll spend the first two weeks in lab safety and techniques, after which you’ll join a research group and receive mentorship throughout your project. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage in research seminars, attend professional development workshops, and participate in professional development workshops with like-minded peers. The program culminates in a presentation where you will present your research findings over the summer. 

9. KP Launch High School Program

Location: Kaiser Permanente offices across the U.S.
Stipend: $24 per hour
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: Not specified; applications open in November
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors between the ages of 16 to 19; eligible to work in the U.S.

Kaiser Permanente offers high school students the opportunity to explore healthcare-aligned careers through this internship experience. You’ll engage in a 7-week-long paid summer experience where you’ll work alongside mentors and gain insight into healthcare by shadowing professionals. You can choose the Information Technology or the Research and Development track. The program includes professional development through weekly workshops, and you’ll have the ability to network with peers and healthcare leaders through work-based activities, community service projects, and social events

10. NIST Summer High School Intern Program

Location: Multiple locations in Boulder, CO, and Gaithersburg, MD
Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer (exact dates not specified)
Application Deadline: Exact dates not specified; typically close in late January
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors; U.S. citizens only; Minimum GPA of 3.0

The National Institute of Standards and Technology offers a summer experience to high school students interested in exploring STEM. During the internship at NIST, you’ll work under the mentorship of NIST scientists on your own research project. The program is divided across different labs that have a focus on engineering, communications technology, IT, and Neutron research, among others. You can choose your area of study based on your interests. 

11. Tufts University Biomedical Engineering Research Scholars (TUBERS)

Location: Tufts University, Medford, MA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate: Selective
Program Dates: July 1 - August 15
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Must be 16 years old by July 1; must reside in specified MA cities, including Medford, Somerville, Arlington, Cambridge, Malden, Everett, Melrose, Revere, Chelsea, Winchester, Boston, or Quincy

​The Tufts University Biomedical Engineering Research Scholars is a biomedical engineering-focused research experience for high school students. As part of the program, you’ll spend 6 weeks working on research at Tufts, learning about research techniques, and focusing on a field you’re interested in. Working under the mentorship of lab supervisors, you’ll observe the work of professional researchers and understand how to apply protocols to your own research. You’ll present your research findings at the end of the program. 

12. Biobus Junior Scientist Internships

Location: New York City, NY
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: July 7 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 11
Eligibility: High school students in NYC with an interest in science research & teaching

Biobus offers a science exploration, research, and teaching experience for NYC-based high school students. In the program, you’ll receive training and mentorship from research scientists. You’ll be able to develop research and communication skills also work on your independent research project. You’ll gain educational communication experience by teaching science programs to younger students. 

13. JCVI Summer Internship Program

Location: Rockville, MD & La Jolla, CA
Stipend: $17.50/hr
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: Summer program runs May through August
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: 16 or older and enrolled in high school; Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0/B average; Authorized to work in the U.S.

The JCVI Summer Internship Program is a STEM internship for high school students interested in exploring scientific research-aligned pathways. During the program, you’ll work on your research project while receiving guidance from a dedicated mentor. You’ll also have the ability to deepen your scientific knowledge and develop scientific and professional skills through seminars, workshops, and interaction with experienced scientists. You will present your research findings over the summer at a poster presentation. 

14. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program

Location: Location varies based on mentors
Stipend: Stipend is $3,000 for the 8-week program
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: High school students (typically juniors or seniors)

The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program allows you to explore and pursue fisheries and aquatic science-aligned career pathways. You’ll understand the work of fisheries scientists and other professionals by shadowing and working on projects. The program will match you with a mentor near your area, making every internship experience unique. Some of the activities previous interns had engaged in include electrofishing, data processing, water quality testing, taking fish population surveys, and establishing aquatic vegetation, among others. The selection to this program is competitive and requires a statement of interest, two short essay questions (one of which requires a video response), a Student Reference Form, and student transcripts.

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