TL;DR
This list covers 15 STEM internships for high school students in Pennsylvania, spanning hospital and biomedical research experiences, university lab programs, national research programs, and specialty programs in fields like forensic science and fisheries biology. Most options run for 4 to 9 weeks over the summer (though a few extend across the school year or multiple years), and are free to join with stipends that typically range from about $1,300 to $4,500. Eligibility often depends on your grade level, age, and sometimes your home county or school district, and a few programs give priority to local or Philadelphia-area students. One option on the list is fully remote and open to students anywhere.
If you are considering a future in STEM, an internship can give you the chance to work on science, technology, engineering, or math as practitioners do, rather than as a classroom exercise. Depending on the program, you may help collect and analyze lab data, build a prototype, write code for a research tool, or test a hypothesis alongside graduate students and professionals. The work can help you learn to deal with unexpected results, revise your approach, and explain your reasoning to others. Most placements pair you with a mentor or a small team, so you also get insight into how projects are planned and reviewed.
Why should you do a STEM internship in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania offers an unusually broad mix of STEM settings that invite high schoolers to engage in research or project work. The city of Philadelphia itself has a large concentration of life sciences, with universities, children's and teaching hospitals, and pharmaceutical and biotech companies operating close together. Elsewhere in the state, you will find research universities, as well as energy, agriculture, and engineering employers. This variety means you can find an internship that fits a specific interest, whether that's biomedical research, computing, environmental science, or engineering, without leaving the state. If you do not want to commute or are looking for a fully virtual experience, Ladder Internships connects you with a startup for hands-on project work.
How do you apply for a STEM internship?
It helps to start planning a few months ahead, since many programs set deadlines well before the summer and some review applications on a rolling basis. Begin by checking each program's eligibility, which often depends on your grade level, age, or residency, along with its cost, length, and format. Most applications ask for a transcript, a short résumé or activity list, and written responses about your interests, and some also require a teacher recommendation or a completed course in a relevant subject. If you have limited experience, you can draw on science fair projects, robotics or math club involvement, coding you've done on your own, or advanced classes. You can also use our guide to applying for internships without any experience to strategically prepare for the process.
To make the search easier, we have put together a list of 15 STEM internships for high school students in Pennsylvania. Our selection prioritizes programs that come with strong networking opportunities and rigorous, real-world exposure to STEM.
If you are also looking for STEM opportunities beyond Pennsylvania, check out our selection of summer STEM internships and remote STEM internships.
Quick internship overview
|
Program type |
Top programs |
Cost/Stipend |
Best for |
|
Nationwide research or science programs |
Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program, American Chemical Society's Project SEED, Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program |
Free; stipends ranging from $3,000 to $4,500 |
Students who want a paid, structured research placement through a national program, often in a lab or field setting tied to a specific scientific discipline |
|
University programs |
Penn Engineering High School Internship, Penn Summer Science Initiative |
Free; HIP offers a stipend |
Students who want mentored STEM experience on a university campus |
|
Hospital and biomedical research institutes |
Monell Science Apprenticeship Program, Magee-Womens Research Institute Internship, Wistar's High School Fellowship, TRIPxJ&J at Fox Chase Cancer Center, CHOP-RISES |
Free; stipends ranging from about $1,300 to $1,800 |
Students interested in biomedical science or medicine who want lab-based research experience at a hospital or research institute |
|
Industry and specialty STEM programs |
Lockheed Martin Space High School Internship, College of Physicians' Out4STEM Internship, The Franklin Institute's STEM Scholars, Fredric Rieders Family Foundation Forensic Sciences Mentoring Institute |
Free; most of them offer stipends |
Students drawn to a specific industry or niche field, such as aerospace, forensic science, or a long-term college-prep track, rather than general lab research |
|
Remote startup internships |
Cost varies, with financial assistance available |
Students who want a fully virtual, project-based internship with a startup rather than an in-person lab placement |
1. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: U.S. Department of the Navy labs, including in PA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $4,000 stipend for new participants, and $4,500 stipend for returning participants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~300 placements across 38+ labs nationwide
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer
Application deadline: November 30
Eligibility: High school students, ages 16 and up, who have completed at least grade 9 and are U.S. citizens; some labs may be open to permanent residents or dual citizens (check individual lab pages for additional requirements here).
SEAP connects high school students to Department of the Navy labs to contribute to real naval research over eight weeks in the summer. As a participant, you will join a naval research lab to work on projects in science, tech, and engineering alongside researchers. Depending on the site, you may assist with data collection, experiment design, software development and design, testing and analysis of various software or hardware systems, data analysis, and lab-based work. While the day-to-day tasks can vary, you will find the chance to connect with researchers, tour research facilities, and learn about paths in research and STEM. Additionally, you will shadow professionals and participate in seminars and technical meetings at SEAP.
Who it’s best for: Students looking for a paid internship focused on naval tech and STEM research.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote! You can participate from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts every year, including Fall, Summer, Spring, and Winter
Application deadline: Varies by cohort; Fall (September), Spring (January), Summer (May), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Students who can work 5 – 10 hours/week for 8 weeks; open to high school, undergraduate, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective startup internship program for ambitious high school students! Through the program, you will work with a high-growth startup on an internship. Startups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from AI/ML and tech/deep tech to journalism, health tech, marketing, consulting, and more. Ladder’s startups are high-growth companies that, on average, raise more than $1 million. You will work closely with a manager on real-world projects and present your work to the company. The virtual internship is usually eight weeks long. Apply now!
Who it’s best for: Students looking for opportunities to work with startups on hands-on STEM projects in a fully remote format.
3. American Chemical Society’s Project SEED
Location: Participating labs across the U.S., including in Pennsylvania
Cost/Stipend: Free; $4,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~350+ students/year (Pennsylvania-specific numbers not available)
Dates: 8- to 10-week summer research experience; dates vary by host site
Application deadline: TBA for next cycle; typically, April 6
Eligibility: High school students under 18 who have completed at least one year of high school chemistry; applicants’ annual family income should not be above 300% of the limits defined in Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Project SEED is a paid summer experience that connects high schoolers to universities or research facilities. You will spend 8 to 10 weeks within a laboratory working on research in chemistry under the guidance of a scientist or research mentor. Depending on the site, you may also attend career panels, go on field trips and campus tours, and access other professional development opportunities. Additionally, you may attend the American Chemical Society National Meeting to share your chemistry research findings with professionals. You may be able to return to Project SEED the next summer to continue working on research.
Who it’s best for: Students who want a paid chemistry research experience and an opportunity to work in a lab with a mentor.
4. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Opportunities throughout the U.S., including in Pennsylvania + sites available in Canada, Puerto Rico, and Mexico (placements offered close to students’ homes)
Cost/Stipend: Free; $3,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by year; typically selective
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer; dates are flexible
Application deadline: January 24; applications will open on November 23.
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and recent graduates who are at least 16 years old and live in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico, or Canada
Sponsored by the American Fisheries Society, this paid STEM internship places students in field or lab settings to engage in real-world operations in fisheries and aquatic science. Over eight weeks, you will work closely with fisheries professionals and contribute to tasks in aquatic habitat protection, restoration, and management. Your daily schedule can vary by your mentor and site, with possible tasks including analyzing data, tracking and tagging fish, conducting fish population surveys, electrofishing, and examining aquatic specimens. During the experience, you will develop an understanding of the life of a fisheries biologist and pathways in the environmental sciences.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in fisheries and aquatic sciences who are looking for a paid summer experience near them.
5. Penn Engineering High School Internship (HIP)
Location: Penn Engineering GRASP Laboratory at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: TBA for next cycle; typically, seven weeks in June – August
Application deadline: TBA; typically, March 31
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors in the U.S.; priority consideration will be given to Philadelphia residents.
HIP is a paid internship that offers you the chance to spend seven weeks alongside research mentors in laboratory settings. As an intern, you will gain research experience while working on real STEM projects with Ph.D. mentors. You will gain firsthand exposure to a collaborative university research environment and receive mentorship from doctoral candidates and faculty principal investigators. HIP will also run workshops on college and career readiness. At the end of the internship, you will showcase your work through a poster presentation.
Who it’s best for: Students looking for paid, mentored introduction to research within a laboratory environment.
6. Dr. Charis Eng Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP)
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Centre, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~10% acceptance rate; 18 – 24 students/cycle
Dates: TBA; typically, around June 15 – July 31
Application deadline: Typically, January (exact dates TBA for the next cycle); applications open in October
Eligibility: High school students in the greater Philadelphia area, including Camden, NJ; non-U.S. citizens and international students can apply, but must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
MSAP is a paid summer program designed to provide high school students an opportunity to explore research in biomedical science and medicine. For around eight weeks, you will work closely with a Monell scientist and conduct full-time structured scientific research. You will also attend lectures covering topics in science, public speaking and written communication skills, and the ethics underlying human and animal research. The program will end with a public conference where you will present your research work to the Monell community, peers, and family.
Who it’s best for: Students looking for a paid introduction to lab-based research and the chance to build science communication skills.
7. Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI) High School Summer Internship Program
Location: MWRI or Magee-Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend of $1,800 available for students whose household qualifies for the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program for Pennsylvania
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Six weeks with a commitment of 240 hours (exact dates not specified)
Application deadline: TBA; next cycle opens in December.
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors who are over 16 by the program start date; applicants must have permanent or primary residence in southwest Pennsylvania, in Washington, Greene, Fayette, Beaver, Lawrence, Mercer, Butler, Somerset, Westmoreland, Allegheny, Armstrong, Indiana, or Cambria County.
This six-week research internship places you at MWRI, one of the largest institutes in the U.S. focused on reproductive biology, women's health, and infant health. Over six weeks, you will work on your own basic, translational, or clinical research project under the guidance of an investigator and their staff. Recent projects have covered topics such as ovarian cancer in a mouse model, male fertility preservation, menstrual health in teenage girls, and maternal health after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. You will also attend informal Lunch & Learn sessions where investigators will describe their careers and journeys in biomedical science. At the end of the program, you will present your findings in a PowerPoint at the annual High School Internship Presentation Day to an audience of fellow interns, MWRI faculty and staff, and other invitees.
Who it's best for: Southwest Pennsylvania students who want an in-depth, mentored research project in women's health or reproductive science.
8. Wistar’s High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research
Location: The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $1,500 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 15 students/year
Dates: TBA for next cycle; typically July 6 – 30
Application deadline: Spring; dates TBA for the next cycle
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 or older and have completed at least one high school science course; the program prioritizes School District of Philadelphia students.
The High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research at Wistar Institute lets you spend four weeks working in lab settings, exploring biomedical lab techniques and contributing to active science projects. As a participant, you will also learn how to read scientific literature and work with scientific data. The summer schedule will additionally let you explore careers in biomedical research. At the end, you will present your work to peers and professionals. Following the program, you may get to spend an additional three weeks at Wistar working on individually mentored research within a cancer research lab.
Who it’s best for: Students looking for a paid opportunity to engage in biomedical research within lab settings.
9. TRIPxJ&J (Teen Research Internship Program, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson) @ Fox Chase Cancer Center
Location: Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $1,300 stipend (about $15/hour for lab and prep time)+ a SEPTA pass available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: TBA; typically, September 8 – November 7 + symposium on November 21
Application deadline: TBA for next cycle
Eligibility: High school students in the Philadelphia School District or Montgomery County, PA, who are at least 16 years old; completion of at least one high school biology or chemistry course is recommended but not required.
TRIPxJ&J is a paid hands-on research program in which you will learn basic laboratory skills, including micropipetting, diluting solutions accurately, and working with fruit flies. It has three phases: Project Design, Experimentation, and Communication. In the first half of the sessions, you will learn the techniques and protocols you might use, then brainstorm your own project to investigate how diet, inflammation, and environmental stress affect health, development, and behavior. You will then spend several sessions working independently or with peers to experiment and gather data, with help from faculty and teaching assistants. Over the course of the program, you will complete homework packets through Google Classroom, receive one-on-one mentoring from Fox Chase faculty, and gain exposure to careers in science and medicine. At the end, you will present your findings in a recorded presentation, in a blog post, and at the symposium.
Who it's best for: Philadelphia and Montgomery County students who are curious about scientific research and can commit to a full fall schedule with weekly homework.
10. Lockheed Martin Space High School Internship Program
Location: Several Lockheed Martin sites in the U.S., including in King of Prussia/Valley Forge, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend available (amount not listed)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially specified
Dates: June – August (9+ weeks)
Application deadline: January 3; applications open on November 2.
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old at the start of the internship, currently enrolled at local high schools within commuting distance of participating facilities; high school seniors graduating in May are not eligible.
Lockheed Martin Space’s internship lets students work alongside professionals to gain hands-on exposure to defense technology, science, engineering, and aerospace operations. Over nine weeks or more, you will take on placement-specific project tasks, undergo on-the-job training, receive mentorship from professionals, shadow company leaders, and attend professional development workshops to build technical and soft skills. You will also participate in community service, networking events, tours of Lockheed Martin facilities, and social activities during the internship. The internship can be your chance to get an early introduction to workplace expectations and career paths in defense and aerospace industries.
Who it's best for: Students who want paid, hands-on exposure to the aerospace industry and can commute to the King of Prussia Lockheed Martin facility.
11. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Internship for Scholars and Emerging Scientists (CHOP-RISES)
Location: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipends + travel subsidies available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Two- to three-year program running over four to eight weeks each summer; dates vary
Application deadline: TBA for the next cycle; applications will open in February.
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, ages 16 and up, enrolled in public or charter schools in Philadelphia who are legally authorized to work in the U.S.; applicants from West Philadelphia are given priority consideration.
CHOP-RISES is a two-year internship (with an optional third year) that offers students the chance to explore careers and research in science, engineering, tech, math, and medicine at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As an intern, you will engage in research experiences and explore STEM-M career paths over six weeks in the summer over two to three years. CHOP-RISES I: Science Curious will take place in the first year, offering lab training, career-building workshops, and personal growth opportunities. This component will end with a presentation of your work and set you up for the research-based experience in your second year. CHOP-RISES II: Science Confident, run in the second year, will zero in on research specialization and hands-on work, letting you complete an independent research project as well as work in a research team over eight weeks. This phase will also include skill-building activities, as well as mentorship and leadership training. At the end of this program, you will present a poster of your project to the CHOP community. The third phase, CHOP-RISES III: Science Competent, will be optional and offer a more extensive four- to seven-week research experience that will build on CHOP-RISES I and II.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in STEM and medicine looking for a paid, multi-year research experience.
12. Penn Summer Science Initiative (PSSI)
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free; no stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 14 students/cohort
Dates: July 12 – August 5
Application deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Students entering their junior or senior year of high school and residing in the greater Philadelphia region within commuting distance of the PSSI site; applicants must have taken chemistry and/or physics courses and should be U.S. citizens/permanent residents.
PSSI is a fully funded four-week experience designed to introduce high school students to the field of materials science. Over the course of the program, you will engage in materials science workshops, attend laboratory report-writing seminars, and participate in hands-on activities on the University of Pennsylvania campus. You will explore themes like scanning electron and optical microscopies, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, and X-ray diffraction techniques. Field trips to facilities such as the Nanoscale Characterization Facility and the GRASP Laboratory may also be part of the experience. You will additionally develop research skills while writing lab reports and completing projects at PSSI.
Who it’s best for: Greater Philadelphia students looking for a free, hands-on introduction to materials science.
13. College of Physicians of Philadelphia’s Out4STEM Internship
Location: Mütter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Weekly after-school sessions every Monday during the school year (start and end dates not specified)
Application deadline: TBA for the next cycle
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in Philadelphia high schools (public, private, parochial, or charter) or home-schooled students in the Philadelphia area; if applicable, students need Pennsylvania state work permits. The program is primarily aimed at LGBTQIA+ students.
This is an after-school internship for Philadelphia high school students, designed to provide a safe, inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ youth and others interested in STEM. You will attend weekly Monday sessions, coordinated by the College of Physicians of Philadelphia's Center for Education, where you will explore a range of STEM and healthcare careers. The sessions will additionally cover LGBTQIA+ history, the body's physiological response to stress, stress-relieving techniques, and responses to bullying and discrimination. You will hear from activists, scientists, educators, medical practitioners, and historians who support the community. The program will also focus on how LGBTQIA+ experiences connect with race, class, and religion, and offer discussions focused on other civil rights movements.
Who it's best for: Philadelphia students, especially LGBTQIA+ youth and allies, interested in STEM and healthcare looking for a supportive after-school community and mentorship.
14. The Franklin Institute’s STEM Scholars
Location: The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend available for rising seniors (four-year program starting in freshman year)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 20 high school freshmen/year
Dates: Four-year program with weekly workshops during the academic year + summer program between July and August.
Application deadline: Typically, November 15
Eligibility: High school freshmen from Philadelphia and the surrounding area with a minimum GPA of 3.0; students must be able to continue to participate in the program for four years.
STEM Scholars is a four-year college- and career-preparation program that supports students throughout high school by providing them with hands-on STEM learning and academic enrichment opportunities. You will attend science, engineering, tech, and math-focused weekly workshops during the school year, participate in summer sessions, go on field trips, and engage in activities led by the program’s university, industry, and community partners. You will access professional development opportunities, college and career readiness support, guidance for ACT preparation, and college essay tutoring as you progress through the program. When you are a rising senior, you will engage in an off-site STEM internship under the guidance of mentors.
Who it’s best for: Students in their freshman year seeking long-term college prep and career exploration support focused on STEM.
15. Fredric Rieders Family Foundation Forensic Sciences Mentoring Institute (FMI)
Location: The Center for Forensic Science Research & Education lab, Horsham, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free; no stipend, but need-based travel scholarship available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: TBA; typically, June 17 – July 31 + presentations on August 1
Application deadline: TBA; typically, February 13
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students, ages 16 and up, who have completed, or are enrolled in, algebra, biology, and chemistry with passing grades and reside in the U.S.; preference given to high school seniors over juniors.
FMI is a seven-week summer program run by the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, in which you will investigate and solve a crime using actual forensic techniques and instrumentation. You will engage in hands-on work in three disciplines: forensic biology (identifying body fluids and analyzing DNA), forensic chemistry (identifying controlled substances and analyzing evidence from arson and explosives investigations), and forensic toxicology (studying the effects of drugs and chemicals in the body). After you examine the evidence and analyze the data, you will serve as an expert witness presenting your case before a judge in a trial setting, where your friends and family will also be invited. The schedule will include a behind-the-scenes tour of NMS Labs, a visit to a local university, a talent show, a potluck, and a picnic day. Mentors will help you with college preparation, including timelines, choosing a school, and writing essays.
Who it's best for: Students who want a free hands-on forensic science experience from examination of data to presentation of results.
What skills can you pick up in STEM internships?
The skills you gain will depend on the field and program focus. In a lab setting, you will learn to follow protocols, record observations carefully, and handle data with accuracy. In engineering or computing programs, you may work with tools such as Python, MATLAB, CAD software, or electronics kits, and learn to test and refine a design over several rounds. Across nearly all STEM internships, you will practice reading technical papers, using statistics to interpret results, and writing or presenting your findings in a clear way. You will also develop habits that carry over to any career, such as managing deadlines, asking precise questions, and collaborating with people who have different levels of experience.
Can a STEM internship help with your college applications?
The experience can help, particularly if you're applying to science, engineering, or health-related programs. Here's how it tends to boost your profile:
Shows sustained interest: Admissions readers look for evidence that you've explored a subject beyond your coursework, and a focused internship demonstrates that.
Gives you concrete material to discuss: A project, poster, or dataset you worked on can anchor your essays and interviews with specific detail.
Leads to credible recommendations: A mentor who has seen your work up close can write a more informed letter than someone who knows you only from class.
Helps clarify your major: Knowing which areas you enjoy, and which you don't, lets you describe your goals more convincingly.
Common questions about these STEM internships
1. Do I need prior research or coding experience, or specific coursework, to qualify?
Most programs don't require prior research experience, but several do expect you to have completed or be enrolled in a relevant course, such as chemistry, biology, or algebra, depending on the subject area. If a program doesn't list a coursework requirement, it's usually designed to introduce you to lab or research skills from the ground up.
2. Will I actually run experiments and collect data myself, or mostly observe researchers at work?
Across this list, you can expect genuinely hands-on work rather than passive observation — you may collect and analyze data, run lab techniques, test a hypothesis, or work directly with specimens or equipment under a mentor's guidance. How much independence you get varies by program, but even shorter placements emphasize learning techniques you then apply yourself.
3. How much do these internships cost, and what's the typical stipend?
Nearly all of these internships are free to apply to, and most pay a stipend, generally somewhere between $1,300 and $4,500 for the full program, though a few don't offer a stipend and instead provide a need-based travel allowance. A small number also require you to arrange your own participation costs, so it's worth checking each program's details individually.
4. Will I work on my own independent project, or support a team's existing research?
Both setups show up on this list. Some programs have you design and carry out your own research question from start to finish, while others place you on an existing research team where you contribute to a larger ongoing project under a mentor's direction. If you want to work on a real, personalized project, Ladder Internships can connect you to startups for an entirely virtual internship experience.