15 Science Internships in Massachusetts for High School Students
Science internships allow high school students to experience how STEM concepts are applied in real-world environments. Through research projects, laboratory work, field experiences, and mentorship opportunities, you can develop practical skills in data analysis, scientific communication, experimental design, and problem-solving. These programs also expose students to different scientific disciplines, helping you explore potential academic or career interests before college.
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!
What Science internships are available for high school students in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is home to well-renowned universities, hospitals, biotechnology companies, and research institutions, making it one of the strongest regions in the United States for STEM learning opportunities. For high school students interested in science internships, you will find access to programs ranging from biomedical research and genetics to engineering, marine science, and public health. Many internships in Massachusetts are connected to active research environments, allowing you to observe how scientific studies are conducted in professional laboratories, academic centers, and industry settings. The state also offers the right mix of university-based programs, nonprofit initiatives, and museum or aquarium internships, giving students opportunities to explore both research and science communication pathways.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled 15 science internships in Massachusetts for high school students that offer hands-on experience across a range of scientific disciplines.
Key takeaways
This list gathers 15 science internships for Massachusetts high schoolers spanning biomedical research, engineering, marine science, and museum-based science communication, with standout hosts including MIT, Harvard Medical School, and the Broad Institute.
Most of these are free or paid, with strong stipends reaching $3,600 at one genomics-focused research program and $17 an hour through a statewide apprenticeship initiative, while a few of the shorter specialized programs charge a program fee instead.
A couple of these stand out for their structure, including a two-year program that builds from lab training into a full research placement, and a forensic science program that uses case-based simulations rather than traditional lab research.
Nearly all of these cluster around Boston and Cambridge, reflecting where most of the state's major research institutions are based, while Ladder remains the only fully virtual, location-independent option on the list.
The earliest deadline falls on December 10 for one of the most competitive national research programs, with several more clustering into February and March, so it's worth starting applications well before winter break wraps up.
1. MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 100 students globally
Dates: June 28 - August 8
Application Deadline: December 10
Eligibility: High school juniors who meet the academic requirements
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a highly selective research program where high school students participate in advanced STEM coursework and independent research projects. The program begins with seminars and classes covering subjects such as mathematics, engineering, computer science, and the natural sciences before transitioning into full-time research work. You’ll be paired with mentors such as graduate students, researchers, and faculty members and contribute to ongoing scientific investigations in laboratory or academic settings. Throughout the program, you learn how to review scientific literature, formulate research questions, and communicate technical findings through written papers and presentations. The experience concludes with conference-style presentations where you present your work to peers and scientists.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students
Ladder Internships pairs high school students with startups for project-based work in fields such as data science, engineering, healthcare, and business research. Instead of following a traditional laboratory structure, the program emphasizes remote collaboration through weekly meetings, collaborative assignments, and mentor feedback sessions. Depending on the placement and subject area,you may work on literature reviews, market research, coding projects, or data analysis. Several internships offered through the program emphasize research communication and independent project development, with students creating final reports or presentations by the end of the experience. The structure is designed to simulate collaborative professional work environments, giving you experience with deadlines, virtual teamwork, and mentor-guided research processes.
3. Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) High School Apprenticeship Challenge
Location: Several organizations in MA
Cost/Stipend: $17/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Greater than 150 internships/year
Dates: 6 weeks of full-time work between May 1 and April 30
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Massachusetts high school students and recent graduates (16+ years) from underrepresented or financially disadvantaged backgrounds | Check detailed requirements here
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) High School Apprenticeship Challenge places high school students in Massachusetts with internships at biotechnology companies, research institutions, and life sciences organizations. Many students complete work related to biomedical research, laboratory operations, biotechnology techniques, or healthcare-related data collection. Before beginning your placement, the program also offers pre-internship biotechnology and professional skills training through partner organizations. You may learn laboratory safety procedures, experimental methods, workplace communication, and basic research practices before beginning work with a host institution. These science internships are structured to introduce students to real-world research and industry environments while helping them build both technical and professional skills.
4. Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center’s Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE)
Location: Longwood Medical Area, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Stipend is provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 7 - 11 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors (16+ years) who live in and/or attend school in Massachusetts
The Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) program introduces high school students to biomedical and cancer research through mentored laboratory experiences. You will work alongside scientists and research professionals while learning how experimental design, data collection, and scientific analysis are applied in medical research settings. The program includes exposure to topics such as cancer biology, genetics, epidemiology, and public health research methods. In addition to laboratory work, you will participate in seminars and discussions focused on scientific careers, ethics, and current research developments. You’ll also gain experience presenting research findings through posters or oral presentations at the end of the internship.
5. Broad Summer Scholars Program
Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: $3,600
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 29 - August 7
Application Deadline: January 21
Eligibility: Rising seniors in the Greater Boston area with a B or higher grade in math and science
The Broad Summer Scholars Program gives high school students in Massachusetts experience working in research groups at the Broad Institute. You will contribute to projects in areas such as genomics, computational biology, and biomedical science. Students are matched with mentors and contribute to active research projects using laboratory techniques, coding tools, or data analysis methods. You may learn how large biological datasets are processed, genomic technologies are used in modern research, or computational approaches support disease studies. The program also includes scientific seminars, workshops, and discussions that introduce students to current topics in genetics and biotechnology. Throughout the internship, you’ll build technical communication skills by discussing research progress with mentors and peers.
6. LEAH Knox Scholars Program
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Up to $2,250 (summer) and $2,000 (school year)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 6 - August 7
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (16+ years) from school systems in the greater Boston area who have completed a high school biology class
The LEAH Knox Scholars Program is a two-year science internship for high school students in the Boston area that combines laboratory training, mentorship, and research placements. During the first year of the program, you participate in an intensive laboratory course covering techniques such as micropipetting, gel electrophoresis, and quantitative data collection. The program includes workshops and seminars on scientific communication, professional development, and broader STEM career pathways. In the second year, students are placed into university or industry research laboratories where they contribute to ongoing scientific projects under mentor supervision. The structure emphasizes long-term skill development rather than a single summer experience, giving you exposure to both classroom-style instruction and independent research environments.
7. Northeastern University Young Scholars Program (YSP)
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 22 - July 30
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who live within commuting distance of Northeastern University and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Northeastern University Young Scholars Program allows high school students to work in university research laboratories across engineering, science, and health-related disciplines. Research topics vary and may include areas involving cancer therapeutics, battery chemistry, robotics, computational modeling, or environmental science. You work alongside faculty members and researchers while learning how laboratory investigations are designed, tested, and documented. In addition to research work, the program includes seminars introducing concepts in engineering, biotechnology, computer science, and applied physics. You’ll also participate in technical challenges, collaborative projects, field trips, and career counseling.
8. Harvard Medical School’s Project Success
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, and HMS-affiliated laboratories in MA
Cost/Stipend: Stipend is provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 29 - August 14
Application Deadline: February 4
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (16+ years) who live in Boston/Cambridge, have completed algebra, biology, and chemistry, and have a GPA of 2.7+
Project Success is a biomedical research internship where high school students work in Harvard Medical School and affiliated laboratory settings under the guidance of scientists and research staff. You assist with ongoing scientific projects while learning how laboratory research is conducted in areas related to medicine, biology, and public health. Depending on your placement, you may gain experience with data collection, laboratory procedures, scientific reading, or experimental analysis. The program also includes group learning sessions focused on STEM careers, scientific research pathways, and professional development. Since students work directly within active research labs, the experience emphasizes day-to-day scientific workflows and collaboration with research teams.
9. Forsyth Institute Student Scholars Summer Program
Location: ADA Forsyth Institute, Somerville, MA
Cost/Stipend: Minimum wage available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 29 - August 21
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: 9th to 11th graders in the Eastern Massachusetts/Boston area
The Forsyth Institute Student Scholars Summer Program introduces high school students to research in oral health, microbiology, biomedical engineering, and related life science disciplines. You’ll be matched with researchers and contribute to laboratory projects that may involve experimental procedures, data analysis, or scientific literature review. You learn how research questions are developed and tested while working within active biomedical research environments. In addition to laboratory work, the program often includes seminars and discussions focused on research ethics, scientific communication, and emerging topics in dental and craniofacial science. You’ll also prepare presentations or research summaries based on the work completed during the end of the internship.
10. BioBuilder’s High School Apprenticeship Challenge
Location: BioBuilder Learning Lab at Allston Labworks, Boston, MA or virtual
Cost/Stipend: $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Thursdays (online) and Saturdays (in person) | October - December (fall) and March - May (spring)
Application Deadline: Applications open in September (fall) and January (spring)
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old and enrolled in Massachusetts public high schools
The BioBuilder High School Apprenticeship Challenge places high school students into science internships with biotechnology companies, university laboratories, and research organizations across Massachusetts. Before beginning placements, you complete technical training in biotechnology concepts, laboratory practices, and workplace communication skills. Internship projects may involve synthetic biology, molecular biology techniques, laboratory operations, or scientific data organization. You work with mentors in professional research settings while learning how biotechnology research and product development are performed outside the classroom environment. The program also emphasizes collaboration, scientific problem-solving, and exposure to industry-standard laboratory environments.
11. Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers (LLRISE)
Location: MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, MA, and MIT Campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 12 - 25
Application Deadline: March 11
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors interested in STEM
LLRISE is an engineering-focused research program where high school students explore radar systems, electronics, and applied physics through project-based learning activities. The curriculum introduces concepts related to signal processing, electromagnetic waves, programming, and hardware design while students work in collaborative technical teams. You participate in laboratory exercises and engineering challenges that demonstrate how radar technologies are used in scientific and defense-related applications. Throughout the program, instructors guide students through the process of building, testing, and troubleshooting technical systems using professional engineering practices. In addition to technical instruction, you’ll develop experience with teamwork, technical presentations, and problem-solving under project constraints.
12. Museum of Science Summer Youth Internship Program
Location: Museum of Science, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Paid and unpaid opportunities are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Opens February/March
Eligibility: High school students who are 14- 19 years old
The Museum of Science Summer Youth Internship Program combines science communication training with hands-on experience in museum education and public engagement. High school students collaborate with museum staff to learn how scientific concepts are presented to diverse audiences through demonstrations, exhibits, and educational programming. You may assist with facilitating activities, interacting with visitors, or supporting informal STEM learning experiences across different museum departments. The internship also includes workshops focused on communication, collaboration, and professional development skills related to science education environments. Rather than focusing solely on laboratory research, the program emphasizes public-facing applications of STEM knowledge and science outreach.
13. Zon Lab’s Camp Zon
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Stipend is provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 - 17
Application Deadline: April 24
Eligibility: High school students (16+ years) who live in Massachusetts
Camp Zon is a laboratory research program led by the Zon Lab within Boston Children’s Hospital that introduces high school students to experimental biology and biomedical science. You participate in hands-on laboratory activities related to genetics, developmental biology, and disease research using model organisms such as zebrafish. You learn basic research techniques while exploring how scientists study gene function, cell development, and human disease pathways in laboratory settings. The program also includes discussions on scientific careers, research ethics, and current developments in biomedical science. Many activities are structured around collaborative experiments and guided mentorship from researchers and laboratory staff.
14. New England Aquarium Summer Teen Internship Program
Location: New England Aquarium, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Stipend is provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 7 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Typically mid-March
Eligibility: High school students (14+ years) | Most internships are open to residents of Boston and Cambridge
The New England Aquarium Summer Teen Internship Program gives high school students experience working in marine science, animal care, and environmental education. Interns assist aquarium staff with educational programming, visitor engagement, and projects related to marine ecosystems and conservation topics. Depending on your department placement, you may learn about animal husbandry practices, ocean science communication, or environmental research involving aquatic species and habitats. The internship also emphasizes workplace readiness and collaborative skills through group projects, workshops, and mentorship activities. You’ll also gain experience explaining scientific concepts to the public while observing how aquariums support research and conservation initiatives.
15. HMS MEDscienceLAB Forensics
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: $2,800 (scholarships available for Boston area students)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Several 5-day sessions in June and July
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students (16+ years)
HMS MEDscienceLAB Forensics introduces high school students to forensic science through case-based medical and laboratory simulations. You investigate mock crime scenes and analyze evidence using scientific principles drawn from biology, chemistry, anatomy, and pathology. You’ll work through scenarios that involve evidence interpretation, laboratory testing, and medical reasoning while learning how forensic investigations connect to healthcare and biomedical science. The curriculum emphasizes analytical thinking and scientific problem-solving rather than lecture-based instruction. Activities may include examining biological samples, interpreting laboratory findings, and collaborating with peers to reconstruct forensic cases.
Questions students often ask about these internships
1. Do I need prior research experience to apply to these science internships?
It depends on the program. Several of the most selective research fellowships do favor students with strong science coursework, though not necessarily hands-on lab experience. The museum and public-facing programs are generally more open to students building that background for the first time.
2. Most of these programs are based in Boston and Cambridge specifically. Do I need to live there to apply?
Many do require being local to that area or able to commute regularly, since the research happens on-site at a lab or institution. Ladder remains the one fully remote option if you're located elsewhere in Massachusetts or beyond.
3. Some of these programs run for just a few weeks while others last a full year or longer. How should I choose?
It depends on how much time you can commit and whether you're looking for a quick introduction or a deeper, sustained research experience. The shorter programs are a good starting point, while the longer, multi-year options suit students ready for a bigger commitment.