10 Best Biomedical Engineering Summer Internships for High School Students
Summer internships for high school students are a great way to explore various fields and careers. These experiences build skills, provide exposure to research, and create meaningful connections.
Many of these opportunities are hosted by leading universities and institutions, some of which even offer paid positions, making them more accessible and rewarding. If you’re a student interested in biomedical engineering, these internships can be a great way to dive into a field that blends biology, technology, and problem-solving.
In this guide, we’ve handpicked the 10 best biomedical engineering summer internships for high school students, including both in-person and virtual options.
1. Johns Hopkins University’s ISPEED in Biomedical Engineering
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Cost: Free
Dates: June 30 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th grade students (sophomores and juniors) who are at least 15 years old and no older than 18.
The ISPEED program at Johns Hopkins (short for Immersive Summer Program for Education, Enrichment, and Distinction) offers high school students a hands-on introduction to biomedical engineering. Throughout four weeks, students delve into a wide range of topics, including biology, life sciences, healthcare design, coding, and machine learning, all viewed through the perspective of biomedical innovation.
It blends classroom learning with project-based experiences, lab sessions, and real-world applications. Students explore state-of-the-art labs, such as the Cell & Tissue Engineering lab, attend research talks led by faculty and students, and participate in field trips that connect their learning to careers in the field. The program wraps up with a final showcase where students present their own work to peers and faculty.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: The AI Scholars program costs $2,290 for 10 weeks, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase costs $5,400 for 15 weeks, and enrolling in both programs costs $6,900. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. Apply here.
Dates: Offered in multiple 12–15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Programs are offered on a rolling basis, with cohorts starting in Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students worldwide; AI Fellowship applicants should have either completed the AI Scholars program or demonstrate prior experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI offers a supportive space for high school students passionate about artificial intelligence to dive deeper into the field. These AI research programs for high school students blend collaborative learning, hands-on project work, and personalized 1-on-1 mentorship. Students should have a basic grasp of Python, and if not, it’s recommended they first complete the AI Scholars program before moving on to the Fellowship.
Through the AI Fellowship, students undertake independent AI research projects over 15 weeks, with the freedom to integrate AI with any other area they're interested in. You can view examples of past student projects here.
3. UChicago Medicine’s ResearcHStart
Location: University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free; $3,000 stipend
Dates: The program typically runs from the second full week of June through the first week of August
Application Deadline: January 20
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old at the time they submit their application
UChicago Medicine’s ResearcHStart gives high school students a rare chance to step into the world of real cancer research. Designed for those curious about medical science, it offers hands-on lab experience and the opportunity to work alongside professional researchers tackling real-world problems.
Students explore various topics like biochemistry, biophysics, bioengineering, and more, all while learning the core scientific skills that research careers are built on. You’ll be trained in practical lab techniques, scientific thinking, and collaborative problem-solving, all within a high-level academic setting.
Students work in some of the most advanced labs at UChicago Medicine, guided by leading scientists and mentors who help connect the dots between classroom learning and cutting-edge research.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Dates: The program runs in multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter sessions
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort. Programs typically begin in January (Spring), May (Summer), September (Fall), and November (Winter)
Eligibility: Open to high school students, college undergrads, and gap year students who can commit to 10–20 hours per week for 8 to 12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a competitive program that connects motivated high school students with high-growth start-ups across a wide range of industries. Whether you're curious about AI, health tech, marketing, journalism, or even consulting, there’s likely a start-up that matches your interests.
Over the course of this 8-week virtual internship, you’ll work directly with a company on meaningful projects, alongside a dedicated manager and a Ladder Coach who’s there to guide you through the experience. These aren’t just small businesses either; many Ladder start-ups have raised over a million dollars in funding and are growing fast.
By the end of the program, you’ll present your work to the company, building both your confidence and your resume. It's a unique opportunity to explore a career path, sharpen professional skills, and see what it’s like to be part of an innovative, fast-paced environment.
5. Tufts University’s Biomedical Engineering Research (TUBERS) Program
Location: Tufts University, Medford, MA
Cost: Free
Dates: July 1 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Applicants should be 16 or older by the program's beginning. The program strongly welcomes students from diverse or historically underrepresented backgrounds
While it’s not a traditional summer internship for high school students, Tufts’ TUBERS program is a strong option for students interested in biomedical engineering. Known for its excellence in the field, Tufts offers this six-week commuter program as a chance for high school students to get hands-on with practical research.
During the program, you’ll explore key questions in biomedicine, dive into experimental methods, and develop a deeper understanding of a specific research topic. The experience is designed to sharpen your critical thinking and academic research skills, which can be useful if you're aiming for science fairs or planning future college-level research.
By the end of the program, students often take their completed projects and submit them to science competitions or continue developing their work independently.
6. ARISE Program at NYU
Location: Over 80 NYU research labs
Cost: Free; $1,000 stipend upon completion
Dates: June 27 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: 10th/11th graders who are NY residents
The ARISE program at NYU (Advanced Research and Innovation in STEM Education) offers a fully-funded, 10-week summer internship for high schoolers interested in fields like biomedical engineering, robotics, and molecular science. It’s open to rising juniors and seniors who live in New York and comes with a $1000 stipend.
What sets ARISE apart is its emphasis on real research. Students work directly with NYU faculty and grad students, contributing to ongoing projects in labs that focus on everything from bioengineering to machine learning. Along the way, you’ll build your research skills, sharpen your problem-solving abilities, and learn how to communicate scientific work clearly. At the end of the program, students present their research to peers and mentors, gaining valuable experience in academic communication.
7. Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) - Internship Track at Boston University
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Cost:
Tuition: $5,700
Service Fees: $485
Room & Board: $3,276 (14 meals/week) or $3,600 (19 meals/week)
Application Fee: $60 (nonrefundable)
Limited need-based financial aid is available
Dates: June 29 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Boston University’s RISE program allows high school students to enter real university labs and work on research projects alongside BU faculty, postdocs, and grad students. There are two tracks: the Practicum (more structured) and the Internship (more independent). If you're interested in biomedical engineering, the Internship track might be more suited for you.
As a RISE intern, you'll choose a research focus and spend your summer developing the technical and analytical skills that scientists and engineers use daily. Alongside lab work, you’ll take part in weekly workshops covering topics like research ethics, how to read academic papers, and tips for networking in the STEM world.
To wrap up the program, interns present their work at a formal poster symposium, and some even go on to submit their projects to national competitions like the Regeneron Science Talent Search.
8. University of Arizona’s KEYS Research Internship
Location: University of Arizona campus, Tucson, AZ; Virtual options available
Cost: Free; Unpaid internship with financial aid for select fees
Dates: June 2 – July 18
Application Deadline: December 13
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older, U.S. citizens or legal residents, and must have lived in Arizona for at least one year by the time they apply
The KEYS Research Internship provides high school students with an opportunity to explore significant topics in bioscience, data science, biomedical engineering, and more. Participants work on real-world research projects under the guidance of University of Arizona scientists.
This seven-week summer program begins with an intensive one-week course designed to equip you with essential bioscience and data science skills quickly. Afterward, you will join a research lab, receive mentorship, and participate in hands-on projects. Throughout the program, you will also attend faculty-led seminars and engage with fellow students at social events. At the end of the program, you’ll present your work at a showcase open to friends, family, and faculty.
9. Washington University Young Scientist Program (YSP) Summer Focus
Location: Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Cost: Free; $4,000 stipend
Dates: June 2 – July 25
Application Deadline: January 27
Eligibility: High school juniors who live in the Greater St. Louis area, including parts of Missouri and Illinois
The Young Scientist Program (YSP) at Washington University in St. Louis is built to support high school students from groups historically underrepresented in science. About 16 to 18 students are selected for this immersive summer experience each year.
As part of this summer internship for high school students, you'll be matched with two key mentors: a research mentor, typically a grad student, postdoc, or lab staff member, who guides you through your own biomedical research project, and a tutor who helps you stay on track and get the most out of your lab experience. Past projects have included work in areas like biomedical engineering, giving students an honest look at what scientific research looks like in action.
In addition to lab work, students take two summer courses: one focused on science communication, and another designed to help with college preparation. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research at a symposium attended by your mentors, peers, and the broader university community.
10. Harvard Medical School’s Project Success
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Cost: Free
Dates: June 30 – August 15
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors from Cambridge or Boston, at least 16 years old, and have a minimum GPA of 2.7. Students should have completed courses in chemistry, biology, and algebra before applying
Project Success is a six-week paid internship designed to help high school students explore what a future in biomedicine might look like, up close and hands-on. Hosted by Harvard Medical School, the program places students in research labs across the university and its affiliated institutions.
As a participant, you’ll conduct lab-based research, connect with scientists and physicians, and attend seminars that cover everything from hospital visits to careers in biotech. Along the way, you’ll also build essential writing, public speaking, and computer science skills, all part of preparing you for college and beyond.
The program strongly encourages applications from students who are underrepresented in medicine or from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Image Source - Johns Hopkins University Logo