15 STEM Internships for High School Students in Pennsylvania
Doing a STEM internship in high school lets you apply what you learn in school to problems, whether through working in a research lab, supporting engineering projects, or helping with data analysis. You'll build practical skills in your field and get a clearer sense of which area of STEM suits you before committing to a college major. An internship also strengthens your college applications by showing admissions officers that you've already gained experience in the field.
What STEM internships are available for high school students in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has strong internship options for high schoolers interested in STEM. Major institutions like Penn State, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and the Hepatitis B Foundation offer opportunities to work on research projects across areas like pediatric oncology and environmental science. The state also has a network of cross-sector partnerships through the Pennsylvania Department of Education's STEM Ecosystems, connecting you with local companies.
Here are 15 STEM internships for high school students in Pennsylvania to help you get started.
1. Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI) High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
Stipend: $1,800
Acceptance rate/cohort size: <8% acceptance; approximately 12 students each year
Dates: June 15 – July 24
Application Deadline: February 9
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors who are over 16 years old and have permanent or primary residence in the southwest Pennsylvania region (Green, Fayette, Somerset, Westmoreland, Allegheny, Washington, Beaver, Lawrence, Mercer, Butler, Armstrong, Indiana, and Cambria counties)
The Magee-Womens Research Institute High School Summer Internship Program allows you to participate in basic, translational, or clinical research and explore biomedical research as a possible career path. During the six-week, 240-hour program, you’ll work on your own research project with guidance from an investigator and their team at MWRI or Magee Women's Hospital. You’ll also join informal Lunch and Learn sessions where researchers share their personal experiences and career journeys in biomedical science. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research in a PowerPoint to fellow interns, MWRI faculty and staff, and guests during the annual Presentation Day.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance Rate: Around 19%; 70–100 students
Dates: Programs run year-round in 8–12 week sessions during spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November); apply here
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, or gap year students who can work 10–20 hours a week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a remote program that connects high school students with nonprofits and startups worldwide. Many of these organizations are backed by Y Combinator or led by individuals with experience at McKinsey, Google, and Microsoft. Started by Harvard graduates, the program offers internships in areas like health tech, finance, nonprofits, mental health, AI, environmental science, software engineering, consulting, and journalism. As an intern, you’ll work on real projects for your host organization and present your work at the end of the program. You’ll also develop communication and time management skills, join group sessions with other interns, and get guidance from a Ladder coach and a site manager throughout your internship.
3. Monell Science Apprenticeship Program
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 10% acceptance; typically 18–24 students
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 9
Eligibility: High school students from the greater Philadelphia area, including Camden, NJ, who are eligible to work in the United States
In this program, you’ll take on real research responsibilities and contribute to active projects at the Monell Center, a research institute focused on chemical sciences. You’ll join enrichment activities that will help you develop scientific skills and attend a weekly seminar series for future researchers. You might work on projects such as cloning and testing olfactory receptors, studying flavor preferences across age groups, creating non-lethal pest repellents, or exploring how air quality chemistry affects health perceptions. You’ll finish the program by presenting your work at the Capstone Symposium for family, friends, community members, and Monell faculty and staff.
4. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Several lab locations across the country, including Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: New participants get a $4,000 stipend, and returning participants receive $4,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: < 10%; 15–25 students annually
Dates: 8-week summer internship, with optional 2-week extension
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 or older, are U.S. citizens, and have completed at least 9th grade, including graduating seniors; some labs may have extra requirements
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program allows students to work on real research projects with Navy scientists and engineers at Department of the Navy labs. You can list up to three labs on your application and get matched to a project based on your interests. Projects cover fields like engineering, math, chemistry, oceanography, computer science, meteorology, physics, astronomy, biology, and more. In Pennsylvania, opportunities are available at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Philadelphia, which focuses on Navy surface, undersea, and amphibious systems. You may explore areas such as cybersecurity, environmental systems, electrical and power systems, control systems, propulsion, mechanical and thermal systems, life support, and structural design.
5. The College of Physicians of Philadelphia Girls One Diaspora Club
Location: The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 10–15 students
Dates: After-school sessions run once a week throughout the school year, usually from September to May
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in a Philadelphia School District high school, including public, private, parochial, or charter schools
In this program, you’ll explore careers in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine while learning about the experiences of teen girls from Africa or the African Diaspora, including schooling, ethnicity, ancestry, and adjusting to a new culture. You’ll attend weekly after-school sessions during the school year in a safe and supportive space. Club facilitators offer mentorship, tutoring, and support with academics, career exploration, and college and career planning. You’ll connect with other students, learn how plants are used in medicine, wellness, and food from both cultural and scientific perspectives, and work on creating an exhibit. You’ll also discuss bullying and discrimination and practice ways to respond to these challenges.
6. Penn Engineering Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internship
Location: GRASP Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; approximately 10–15 students
Dates: June 20 – August 5
Application Deadline: Typically, mid-February
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents
The Penn Engineering Army Educational Outreach Program High School Internship is a seven-week summer research program for rising high school juniors and seniors from Philadelphia schools who are interested in STEM. It matches you with a mentor in a field that fits your interests. You will work on research projects designed around your interests and practical applications, guided by doctoral candidates and faculty principal investigators. You’ll be part of a collaborative, university-level research environment and participate in college and career readiness workshops. At the end of the program, you will present your work in a poster session.
7. The Wistar Institute’s High School Program in Biomedical Research
Location: The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: $1,500 stipend and SEPTA passes to help cover the cost of traveling to and from the Institute
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 15 students
Dates: Four weeks in July
Application Deadline: Typically in late March or early April
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 or older by the program start date and have completed at least one high school science course can apply
The Wistar Institute’s High School Program in Biomedical Research allows students to learn best practices in biomedical lab techniques and contribute to active research in Wistar’s advanced training lab. This program is designed for motivated high school students passionate about science who want hands-on experience in biomedical research. Over four weeks, you’ll explore different careers in biomedical research, learn how to read scientific literature, and present your work at the end of the program. The program runs Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. With support from Wistar scientists, you’ll also receive personalized mentorship and daily exposure to professional research lab settings.
8. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Neurology High School Scholars Program
Location: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: $1,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 5–8 students per year
Dates: July 14 – August 15; poster presentation: August 21
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are 16 or older by the start of the program
The Neurology High School Scholars Program at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is a five-week paid internship for high school students. You’ll work with a neurologist or neuroscientist on a basic science or clinical research project, shadow doctors, and attend a weekly learning session. Your schedule is set with your mentor based on the project. You’ll create a research poster and present it on the final day at a conference. Past projects have explored topics like genetic findings from exome data, GDF2-related symptoms in children, and telemedicine use among Spanish-speaking families in pediatric neurology clinics. Some projects may also have extra research or training requirements.
9. College of Physicians of Philadelphia Out4STEM Program
Location: The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically, 15–20 students
Dates: The after-school program runs every Monday for the full academic year, usually from September to May
Application Deadline: Typically, mid-to-late August/Rolling admissions in some years
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in a Philadelphia School District high school, including public, private, parochial, or charter schools; home-schooled students in the Philadelphia area are also eligible
Out4STEM is an after-school internship from the College of Physicians of Philadelphia that supports local LGBTQIA+ youth and students interested in these topics. You will participate in weekly Monday sessions during the school year that focus on STEM, healthcare, and college and career preparation. You’ll explore science, medicine, and related careers, as well as connect with professionals and other motivated students. You’ll also learn about LGBTQIA+ history and community experiences, including how identity connects with race, religion, class, and other civil rights movements. The program covers topics like stress and mental health, coping strategies, and the effects of bullying and discrimination. It will also help you develop supportive relationships and career awareness.
10. STEM Scholars | The Franklin Institute (Science Museum)
Location: The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: STEM internships in the summer may be paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 20 students
Dates: October – February (academic year); the academic year start date varies by cohort | 5 weeks after July 4 – early August (summer session)
Application Deadline: November 15
Eligibility: High school freshmen from Philadelphia and the surrounding areas
The STEM Scholars Program is a four-year college- and career-prep program for Philadelphia-area students in grades 9–12 interested in STEM. You’ll participate in workshops, STEM and STEAM industry exposure, academic enrichment, professional development, entrepreneurship activities, college essay help, ACT prep, and college and career readiness. Workshops are led by partners such as Drexel University, the University of Pennsylvania, the Philly Solar Energy Association, CHOP iSTEM, and more. You’ll meet weekly during the school year on weeknights and four days a week during the five-week summer program. Rising seniors will also complete an off-site internship matched with professionals for real-world experience.
11. Project SEED by American Chemical Society (ACS)
Location: In-person and virtual research projects are available. There are 10 SEED projects currently offered in Pennsylvania; you can find the exact lab locations here
Stipend: $4,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 2–5 students per site
Dates: 8–10 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent graduates who have taken at least one chemistry class and have a family income at or below 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines based on family size can apply
In this program, you’ll work about eight hours a day for eight to ten weeks at a government lab, university, or similar site, either on your own or with a team. This program will help you explore chemistry careers and build your college-readiness skills. You will finish the program by writing a report or creating a poster about your research. You may also get to present your work at the American Chemical Society National Meeting. If you complete the full program and plan to major in chemistry or another STEM field, you can apply for scholarships of up to $5,000 per year for up to four years.
12. Teen Research Internship Program (TRIP)
Location: William Tennent High School, Warminster, PA
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; typically, 8 students
Dates: January 17 – March 28; the symposium is held on April 18
Application Deadline: Typically, October
Eligibility: Philadelphia-area students in grades 9–12 who will be at least 14 by January 3
The Teen Research Internship Program at William Tennent High School runs in three phases. In the project design phase, you’ll choose your own experimental conditions to study how inflammation, diet, and environmental stress affect development, health, and behavior. In the experimentation phase, you’ll run experiments, collect and analyze data, and work through challenges that strengthen scientific reasoning. In the communication phase, you’ll share your results through a recorded presentation and a blog published on the program website, connecting your research to real-world uses. You’ll also receive one-on-one mentoring from Fox Chase faculty, participate in team-building and leadership activities, and learn about careers in science and medicine.
13. Forensic Sciences Mentoring Institute (FMI)
Location: The Center for Forensic Science Research & Education, Horsham, PA
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 12–15 students each year
Dates: June 17 – July 31; Presentation Day is held on August 1
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: High school students who will be at least 16 years old by June 17 and have completed or are currently enrolled in biology, algebra, and chemistry with passing grades
This program allows you to solve a crime using forensic tools and lab techniques. You’ll get hands-on experience with the same equipment used in professional forensic labs across three areas. In forensic toxicology, you’ll study how drugs and chemicals affect the body to determine causes of death, impairment, or drug exposure. In forensic chemistry, you’ll analyze controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine, and synthetic drugs, along with evidence from arson and explosives cases. In forensic biology, you’ll identify body fluids like saliva, semen, and blood, and use DNA analysis to determine their source. After examining the evidence, you’ll present your conclusions as an expert witness in a mock trial before a judge.
14. UPenn Provost’s Summer Mentorship Program (SMP)
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; around 100 students each summer
Dates: July 6 – 31
Application Deadline: February 14 (tentative)
Eligibility: Current 9th and 10th grade students who attend a Philadelphia high school, including public, Catholic, private, or charter, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA
This program matches you with one of five University of Pennsylvania graduate or professional school partners to get direct exposure to careers you’re interested in. You’ll take part in hands-on learning and also develop skills in areas like financial literacy, time management, study habits, SAT prep, and personal statement writing to support the college application process. The four-week program takes place on campus and focuses on exploring STEM and legal careers through activities designed by Penn’s graduate and professional schools. You may also have the chance to complete an internship in one of Penn’s professional schools, including Engineering, Medicine, Dental, Law, or Nursing.
15. Penn State Harrisburg’s STEM Summer Enrichment Program
Location: Penn State Harrisburg, Middletown, PA
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 25–30 students
Dates: June 15 – 26
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: High school students currently in grades 9 and 10
This program will help you develop skills through hands-on activities across computer science, math, physics, biology, chemistry, and mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering. You’ll participate in experiments, projects, demos, and field trips, and practice creating scientific presentations. In the first week, you will work on projects like polymer synthesis, X-ray diffraction, cryptography and hyperspace, DNA extraction, aerodynamics and 3D printing, and a zombie apocalypse-themed project, along with a visit to the Penn State Hershey Clinical Simulation Center. During the second week, you’ll focus on bridge building, robotics, encoding and encryption, and artificial intelligence. You’ll also explore college and STEM careers, visit Constellation, and present your projects.