15 Summer Biomedical Internships for High School Students
For high school students interested in biomedicine or STEM fields in general, an internship can provide insight and experiences. Internships give students the chance to work at research institutions, laboratories, and tech companies, where they collaborate with professionals on actual biomedical projects.
Pursuing a biomedical internship can also help you figure out whether this field is right for you. From engaging in data analysis and scientific communication to tackling innovative research, interns build skills. These experiences are also strong additions to college applications, signaling drive, curiosity, and a genuine passion for science. A number of renowned institutes and universities offer high school students the opportunity to contribute to advanced biomedical research, deepen their understanding of complex concepts, and explore career possibilities in this field. To help you get started, we’ve curated this list of the top 15 summer biomedical internships for high school students. Let’s take a look!
1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, California.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students earn a minimum stipend of $500. A stipend of $2,500 or above is offered on a needs-based system. Housing and transportation costs are not covered.
Application deadline: February 24
Dates: June 10 –August 1
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years of age can apply
This competitive eight-week internship is for high school juniors and seniors interested in biological sciences and medicine, with a 3% acceptance rate and a cohort of about 50 students. SIMR pairs students with a Stanford graduate student or postdoctoral fellow for a personalized research experience. Interns choose from eight research areas: immunology, neurobiology, cancer biology, bioengineering, stem cell and regenerative medicine, cardiovascular biology, bioinformatics, and genetics and genomics. The program is a great option for students interested in biomedicine, offering an opportunity to explore advanced biomedical topics, engage in laboratory work, and understand the scientific foundations in healthcare and medical research. The program begins with orientation, followed by two weeks of morning lectures and lab training, and then six weeks of intensive research, joint lectures, and skills workshops. The program ends in a poster presentation, where students share their research with peers, faculty, and family.
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies based on program description
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year; varies with the cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Eligibility: High school, college, and gap-year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week
Ladder Internships is a selective virtual internship program founded by Harvard alumni, designed for high school students across the world. It connects students with startups and nonprofits, allowing each participant to choose an industry that matches their interests, including medicine, healthcare, and health tech for those interested in biomedical fields. During the program, you will work on a project relevant to your host organization and present your results at the end of the internship. Each intern is paired with an experienced mentor at their organization as well as a dedicated Ladder Coach for extra support and guidance. The program also offers 1-on-1 skills training and group sessions, fostering both professional development and peer learning.
3. Student Research Internship Program at Scripps Research Translational Institute
Location: Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California. The institute provides a few resources to help students find housing
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will receive a stipend, the amount may vary
Application Deadline: March 30
Dates: You can choose from 2 sessions: June 3 – August 9, or June 17 – August 23. If these dates do not work for you, the institute recommends you mention specific available dates in the application, provided you complete 10 weeks
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old
The Scripps Research Translational Institute offers a 10-week Student Research Internship Program for high school students interested in health sciences. This program provides experience in translational medical research, focusing on areas such as the genetic basis of traits and diseases and using mobile technologies to monitor and enhance healthcare. As an intern, you will explore clinical trial processes, particularly those involving genomics and mobile patient monitoring. Each intern is paired with a primary mentor aligned with their interests, who guides them both in the research and their future career planning. The program also includes weekly seminars and an opportunity to develop and carry out an independent research project. It ends in a poster symposium, where students present their research.
4. Project Success by Harvard Medical School (HMS)
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will receive a stipend, but information on the amount is not available
Application Deadline: February 2
Dates: July 8 – August 16 (exact dates may vary year on year)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in Boston and Cambridge who are at least 16 years old and have a minimum GPA of 2.70 can apply. Students should have also completed biology, algebra, and chemistry
Project Success is a paid summer internship for high school juniors and seniors from Boston and Cambridge. Since 1993, the program has provided research experience at HMS and its affiliated science laboratories. Interns are paired with mentors (scientists or physicians) who guide them through laboratory work, helping them hone both technical skills and scientific curiosity in the biomedical sciences. During the program, you will gain experience in active research labs, attend seminars led by leading researchers and clinicians, and participate in site visits to hospitals and biotechnology organizations. Additional training in computer skills, scientific writing, and public speaking is also offered to help students learn how to present their research and ideas. Beyond the summer, the program offers seminars and networking opportunities during the academic year.
Note: Students from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine and/or from a disadvantaged background are encouraged to apply.
5. The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS)
Location: Virtual or in-person at the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology, East Baltimore Campus, Baltimore, Maryland
Cost/Stipend: No cost. The in-person program provides an hourly stipend and covers transportation, but not housing. The virtual program offers a $500 scholarship to interns to support their education
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: June–August. The in-person program will last 8 weeks, while the virtual program will run for 5 weeks
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (living in the US for the virtual program and in Baltimore City, Maryland, for the in-person program) from underrepresented backgrounds are eligible to apply
This selective summer research program offers high school students a chance to explore neurological science and biomedical research. The program offers both an 8-week fully funded in-person internship and a 5-week virtual option. Interns in the in-person track conduct research projects under the close mentorship of leading professionals in neurology and neurosurgery, gaining exposure to the scientific method and responsible research practices. Participants also attend scientific seminars, receive career guidance in brain medicine, and access educational resources. Virtual interns engage in activities such as basic laboratory techniques, scientific presentations, and professional development workshops. All participants will receive mentorship training, attend college preparatory classes, and participate in networking opportunities with peers and experts. In-person interns end their program by presenting their work orally or as a poster. Take a look at past JHIBS research topics here!
6. City of Hope Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy
Location: City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, California
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students receive a $4,000 stipend
Application Deadline: March 13
Dates: June 3 – August 9
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old and have completed chemistry and biology courses can apply
This is a competitive 10-week research internship for high school and undergraduate students interested in biomedical science. As an intern, you will work under the mentorship of City of Hope faculty and collaborate closely with postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and laboratory staff at the renowned Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences. During the program, you will design and conduct your own biomedical research project, exploring areas such as cancer biology, neural stem cells, DNA repair, and plant signaling pathways. The program balances lab work with educational seminars, weekly meetings, scientific discussions, and workshops on research methods and professional development. Interns are expected to attend regular laboratory and program meetings and engage with both faculty and peers. Interns are expected to complete a research paper and present it to the scientific community at City of Hope.
7. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)
Location: Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend is provided, details for which will be provided during the interview. You are required to arrange for your own transportation and accommodation. However, a free ORCA card will be offered to interns for commuting in the greater Seattle area
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: June 24 – August 16
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors are eligible to apply
The Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship is an intensive, 8-week, full-time program for rising high school seniors from underrepresented communities who are keen to explore biomedicine. The program starts with two weeks of skills training in laboratory safety and fundamental research techniques, after which interns engage in research. Working in pairs, you join expert mentors and participate in ongoing projects within Fred Hutch’s state-of-the-art Seattle labs. As an intern, you will attend research seminars, professional development workshops, and receive individualized mentorship from leading scientists. The program emphasizes both scientific training and personal growth, offering community-building events that encourage peer networking. At the end of the internship, you will present your research findings to the Fred Hutch community, your family, and teachers, showcasing what you’ve learned and worked on.
8. High School Summer Internship at Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI)
Location: Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will be eligible for a $1,800 stipend if their household qualifies for the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program for Pennsylvania. Check the eligibility guidelines for the program here. Housing is not provided
Application Deadline: January 31
Dates: 6-week summer internship beginning in June
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who are at least 16 years old and have a permanent/primary residence in the local southwest Pennsylvania region can apply
This is a competitive, six-week, full-time research internship for students interested in women’s and infant health. The program allows you to participate in 240 hours of biomedical research focused on reproductive biology, maternal care, and infant health, fields at the heart of MWRI’s mission. During the program, you will design and carry out your own research project under the close mentorship of an investigator at MWRI or Magee-Womens Hospital. Your work may explore topics like gene expression, fertility preservation, or health disparities in maternal outcomes, giving you exposure to both basic and clinical research settings. Weekly Lunch & Learn sessions let you hear from scientists about their paths into biomedical science, providing insight for your education and career. At the end of the internship, you’ll present your findings to peers, faculty, and staff.
9. The Wistar Institute's High School Program in Biomedical Research
Location: The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will be paid $1,000
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: July 15 – August 8
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old and have completed at least one high school science course can apply
This is a fairly competitive, four-week summer internship designed to introduce high school students to the fundamentals of biomedical science. Around 15 students are selected every year, with special encouragement for applicants from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds. During the program, you will receive training in essential laboratory techniques in Wistar’s advanced Training Lab and participate in ongoing research projects focused on areas such as cancer biology, vaccine development, and infectious diseases. You’ll also learn how to critically analyze scientific literature and explore diverse career paths in biomedical research. The internship concludes with a presentation where you share your research findings with peers and mentors. No prior research experience is required to apply. This program offers an opportunity to gain practical skills and deepen your understanding of biomedical science.
Note: The program may give preference to students enrolled in the School District of Philadelphia.
10. Washington University Young Scientist Program Summer Focus
Location: Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
Cost/Stipend: $4,000 stipend for the summer
Application Deadline: February 12
Dates: June 3 – July 26
Eligibility: Rising high school senior students from the Greater St. Louis area (Missouri and Illinois) can apply. Students from under-resourced public school districts and/or groups that are historically underrepresented in science are encouraged to apply
The Washington University’s Young Scientist Program (YSP) aims to increase diversity in science by supporting students from underrepresented groups. Each year, 16–18 students are selected for the summer internship to work one-on-one with a mentor and receive support from a tutor, both typically graduate students or lab staff. You will engage in biomedical research in fields like genetics, developmental biology, cancer biology, neuroscience, and biomedical engineering. Along with lab work, you will take courses to improve your science communication skills and prepare for college. The internship provides a thorough research and professional development experience, concluding with a symposium where you present your research to mentors and peers.
Location: Most Helios scholars work at TGen headquarters in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. Some may work at the Translational Drug Development (TD2) in the Mayo Clinic campus in Scottsdale, Arizona, or the Pathogen Genomics Division in Flagstaff, Arizona
Cost/Stipend: High school students will be paid $14.35/hour
Application Deadline: February 7
Dates: June 10 – August 2
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old and graduates of an Arizona high school by June 10 can apply. Check all the eligibility requirements here.
This program at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a paid eight-week internship that gives students a chance to explore biomedical research. You will work closely with TGen scientists on projects focused on the genetic components of diseases such as diabetes, neurological disorders, cancer, and infectious diseases. The program offers a comprehensive experience in laboratory research, computational biology, bioinformatics, mathematics, and research administration. Throughout the internship, you will gain skills in data analysis, laboratory techniques, and scientific writing while participating in educational seminars and networking events. At the end of the program, you will present your research findings in a scientific symposium, showcasing your work. This internship provides an environment to develop both technical expertise and professional skills. High school sophomores and juniors in Arizona can consider the Bioscience Leadership Academy at TGen. This is a two-week bioscience program wherein TGen scientists and staff share their research expertise and expose students to technical skill basics. Interns also get to shadow lab professionals and engage with clinical trials, bioethics, experimental design, clinical application of genomic medicine, and the translational process. Each participant receives a $1,000 scholarship at the end of the program.
12. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Summer Program
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will be paid $6,800 ($6,120 if participating for 9 weeks instead of 10)
Application Deadline: January 17
Dates: June 3 – August 9
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors in Texas who are at least 18 years old at the start of the program can apply
The Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program in Biomedical Sciences is a 10-week internship. Each summer, up to 10 high school students from Texas are selected to explore concepts in biomedical research. As an intern, you will spend your time working alongside faculty and lab teams on research projects, developing a deep understanding of scientific investigation and the daily life of a biomedical researcher. You will also attend seminars led by faculty on a range of research topics and participate in workshops that enhance your scientific and professional skills. Activities such as abstract, poster, and elevator speech competitions give you opportunities to present your work and sharpen your communication skills. The internship concludes with a formal presentation of your research and a celebratory luncheon.
13. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio
Cost/Stipend: No cost. $13 per hour
Application Deadline: February 1
Dates: 8 weeks following an orientation day on June 4
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors in Cincinnati can apply
The Cincinnati Children’s Hospital High School Internship Program is an eight-week paid internship for graduating high school seniors in the Cincinnati area who are interested in exploring biomedicine. As an intern, you will be paired with a mentor in your preferred pediatric specialty, gaining exposure through shadowing in clinics and active participation in clinical or research projects. You can state your mentor and specialty preferences, based on your interests, in your application. During the program, you will attend weekly group lunches, skill-building workshops, and training sessions. The program includes seminars and community service activities, which will give you an opportunity to connect with experienced professionals from different specialties and start building your professional network. Alternatively, you can explore the Biomedical Research Internship for Underrepresented Students (BRIUS) offered by the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. This is a nine-week paid research opportunity for graduating high school seniors from underrepresented backgrounds interested in pursuing a career in biomedical sciences.
14. Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP) at the Monell Center
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cost/Stipend: A stipend is offered, but the amount is not specified
Application Deadline: Applications typically close between January and February.
Dates: June 18 - August 16 (tentative)
Eligibility: Open to high school students from the greater Philadelphia area, including Camden, NJ
MSAP is a competitive summer opportunity for students interested in biomedical and medical research. Every year, only 18–24 students are selected from a pool of about 200 applicants, with an acceptance rate under 10%. As an apprentice, you will collaborate with leading researchers in a multidisciplinary setting, taking part in research projects and developing a broad array of laboratory techniques. During the program, you will attend scientific lectures and participate in workshops that focus on public speaking, writing skills, and the ethical considerations of human and animal research. The curriculum is designed to provide both practical laboratory experience and essential communication abilities. At the end of the program, you will present your research findings to scientific staff, family members, and friends.
15. UCSF Fresno Summer Biomedical Internship Program
Location: University of California, San Francisco, Fresno, California
Cost/Stipend: Free
Application Deadline: December 13 - January 17
Dates: June 23 - August 6
Eligibility: Current junior in high school; Must be at least 16 years old by June 1; 3.0 or better GPA; Live within the following counties - Fresno, Madera, Merced, Kings, Tulare, and Mariposa
The UCSF Fresno Summer Biomedical Internship Program offers high school juniors entering their senior year a 6–7 week experience in biomedical research. As an intern, you’ll be matched with a faculty mentor at UCSF Fresno to work on a research project alongside university scientists and lab staff. Your placement depends on mentor availability, ensuring you engage directly with ongoing research. Beyond lab work, the program offers opportunities to visit local hospitals, explore different project sites, and attend talks with healthcare professionals. These experiences can help you gain a deeper understanding of biomedical science and explore different healthcare careers. Exceptional students may be invited to present their research at academic conferences.
Bonus! Here are a few more programs you can consider: