15 Biology Internships for High School Students
Doing an internship is a great way for high school students to gain work experience without committing to expensive courses or summer programs. These opportunities can help you build practical skills, develop clarity about future careers, and connect with mentors in your field.
Many top colleges, hospitals, and research organizations offer internships for high school students. If you are interested in biology, internships are especially valuable, offering lab work, exposure to advanced research, and sometimes even a stipend.
In this blog, we’ve shortlisted the 15 best biology internships for high school students, including in-person and virtual options.
1. National Institutes of Health – High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program
The NIH HiSTEP is a 5-week summer program designed to introduce high school students from underrepresented backgrounds to biomedical research and healthcare careers. In this program, you engage in various activities, including career exploration sessions, college readiness workshops, and laboratory experiences. The program emphasizes developing professional skills and provides mentorship opportunities from NIH scientists and healthcare professionals. You will participate in seminars and workshops that cover topics such as scientific writing, public speaking, and ethics in research.
Location: NIH campus in Bethesda, MD
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies; competitive selection process
Dates: Typically runs for 5 weeks during the summer; exact dates vary annually
Application Deadline: Applications usually open in December and close in February
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, attend school within 40 miles of the NIH Bethesda campus, and are from disadvantaged backgrounds
Cost/Stipend: Ranges from $2,530 to $2,840
2. Veritas AI + Medicine
The Veritas AI Deep Dive: AI + Medicine is a 10-week online program designed for high school students curious about the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare. Although not a traditional internship, we’ve included this program because it culminates in a biology AI project that you can use as a portfolio when applying to future biology internships and jobs. The program combines theoretical lectures with practical coding sessions, diving into concepts such as neural networks, convolutional neural networks (CNNs), and medical data analysis. Students will engage in projects, including tasks like image classification and segmentation, using tools such as TensorFlow and Keras.
Additionally, the program covers the ethical implications of AI in clinical settings. You work in small teams, collaborating on projects that will be presented at the end of the program. Upon successful completion, you may also be eligible to earn 3 post-baccalaureate credits through UC San Diego Extended Studies.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort sizes vary
Dates: June 30 – July 25
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application recommended
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) with prior experience in Python or completion of the Veritas AI Scholars program
Cost/Stipend: $2,290; need-based financial aid available
3. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
SIMR is an intensive 8-week summer internship designed for high school juniors and seniors interested in biomedical research. You will be paired with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers to engage in medical research projects. The program offers 8 research areas: Immunology, Neurobiology, Cancer Biology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Biology, Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, and Genetics. The program culminates in a poster session where you will present your research findings to the Stanford community.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 60 students selected annually
Dates: June 9 – July 31
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Cost/Stipend: No cost to participate; a stipend is provided, minimum $500.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Ladder Internships is a virtual program that connects high school students with startups working in fields like biology, biotechnology, and health tech. As an intern, you get to work on real-world projects such as biomedical research, product development, or data analysis, depending on the host organization’s focus. The program emphasizes personalized mentorship, pairing students with startup founders and professionals for regular guidance and feedback.
You’ll build skills in communication, research, and critical thinking, all while gaining practical exposure to how biology applies in innovative, real-world settings. The remote structure allows for flexibility, making it accessible to students worldwide.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort sizes vary
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring sessions
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year; for example, the summer cohort has early admission deadlines in February and regular admission deadlines in April
Eligibility: High school students who can commit to 5–15 hours per week for 8–16 weeks
Cost/Stipend: Program fees start at $1,990; need-based financial aid is available
5. Project Success by Harvard Medical School (DICP)
Project Success: Opening the Door to Biomedical Careers is a seven-week, paid internship for high school students hosted by Harvard Medical School's Office for Diversity Inclusion and Community Partnership. The program is designed for high school students from Boston and Cambridge, particularly those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds. You will be placed in research laboratories at Harvard Medical School or its affiliated institutions, where you will engage in research under the mentorship of faculty. In addition to laboratory work, you will attend seminars with researchers and physicians, participate in site visits to hospitals and biotechnology organizations, and receive training in computer skills, scientific writing, and public speaking.
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Information not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 30 – August 15
Eligibility: High school students residing in Boston or Cambridge who are at least 16 years old by early July. Applicants should have completed courses in biology, chemistry, and algebra, and possess a minimum GPA of 2.70.
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
6. Research Science Institute - Center for Excellence in Education - MIT
Hosted at MIT and organized by the Center for Excellence in Education, RSI is a competitive six-week summer program for high school students that combines STEM lectures with research. After intensive academic sessions, you will work on an individual research project under the guidance of mentors. If you are interested in biology, you can explore topics like molecular biology, biochemistry, or bioengineering. The program emphasizes data analysis, scientific writing, and presentation skills, culminating in a research paper and symposium presentation. Mentorship, peer collaboration, and access to world-class labs make RSI a standout opportunity.
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 100 students; acceptance rate under 5%
Dates: June 23 – August 3
Application Deadline: June 15 – January 12
Eligibility: High school juniors (rising seniors) with a strong academic interest in STEM
Cost/Stipend: None (fully funded)
7. The Jackson Laboratory - Summer Student Program
The Jackson Laboratory's Summer Student Program is a 10-week research experience in mammalian genetics and genomics for high school and undergraduate students. You will undertake an independent research project under the mentorship of scientists, focusing on areas such as neurodevelopment, sensory disorders, and bioinformatics. The program emphasizes laboratory discovery, scientific communication, and professional growth. You will present your findings at a symposium attended by researchers, peers, and family members. The program is hosted at two campuses: Bar Harbor, Maine, and Farmington, Connecticut.
Location: The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine & Farmington, Connecticut
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 40 students selected annually
Dates: May 31 – August 8
Eligibility: High school seniors and undergraduate students
Cost/Stipend: $6,500 stipend; includes room, board, and travel expenses
8. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)
SHIP is an 8-week, full-time internship for rising high school seniors, particularly those from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical sciences. The program begins with two weeks of laboratory safety and skills training, followed by six weeks of mentored research within Fred Hutch labs. It also includes seminars, college and career workshops, and a final research presentation.
Location: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; exact cohort size not specified
Dates: June 24 – August 16
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; no cost to participants
9. City Of Hope Cancer Center Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy
The Summer Student Academy at City of Hope offers high school students a research experience in biomedical science. You will join research teams and receive mentorship from scientists, gaining exposure to lab techniques, data collection, and scientific communication. The program includes professional development sessions and culminates in a research presentation. You will also attend seminars led by faculty on topics like cancer biology, immunology, and translational medicine. The academy is designed to support students from diverse backgrounds who are underrepresented in biomedical careers.
Location: City of Hope, Duarte, CA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort
Dates: June 17–July 26
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Cost/Stipend: None
10. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
The Hutton Program is a paid 8-week internship for high school students sponsored by the American Fisheries Society. It aims to introduce students to fisheries science and aquatic biology. You will be matched with a mentor in your area to work on conservation projects such as fish habitat restoration, species surveys, and water quality monitoring. You will receive one-on-one mentoring and be encouraged to explore career pathways in natural resource management and environmental science. The program emphasizes increasing diversity in the fisheries profession.
Location: Various sites across the U.S. and Canada
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 100 interns annually
Dates: June–August (8 weeks)
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12); U.S. or Canadian citizens
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship ($3,000 stipend)
11. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research
The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship is a six-week, full-time program for high school students entering their junior or senior year. You will research with MPFI scientists, focusing on brain structure, function, and development. The program offers three specialized tracks: Neuroscience, Scientific Programming, and Mechanical Engineering. You will gain experience with advanced imaging techniques and laboratory methods, including genetic engineering, microbiology, histology, and microscopy. The internship culminates in the preparation of a scientific abstract and a final presentation, fostering both technical and communication skills.
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 8 students selected annually
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Eligibility: High school students entering junior or senior year, aged 16 or older by June 16; must reside in Palm Beach or Martin County, FL, and be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: $13/hour stipend
12. Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology - Joint BioEnergy Institute
The Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology (iCLEM) is a seven-week, paid summer internship for high school students. Designed for students from underrepresented, low-income backgrounds in Alameda, Contra Costa, or San Francisco Counties, the program introduces you to research in state-of-the-art laboratories. You will work with JBEI researchers and undergraduate mentors on projects in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biofuels, and synthetic biology. Beyond laboratory experience, iCLEM offers career exploration opportunities, college admissions preparation, and industry field trips.
Location: Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), Emeryville, CA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; typically 8 students selected annually
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 16
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors residing in Alameda, Contra Costa, or San Francisco Counties; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; minimum GPA of 2.5; completion of Algebra 1 and Biology; must be at least 15 years old by December 31
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $3,000 stipend provided
13. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – Summer Student Program
The Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) Summer Student Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) offers a rigorous eight-week internship for high school students interested in biomedical or computational research. You will work on independent laboratory projects under the mentorship of MSKCC researchers, gaining experience in cancer biology, immunology, and computational genomics. The program includes training sessions, facility tours, and culminates in a poster presentation, allowing you to showcase your research findings. This comprehensive experience will provide insights into translational cancer research and foster professional development.
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; acceptance rate below 10%
Dates: June 27 – August 22
Eligibility: Current high school juniors residing within 25 miles of MSKCC's main campus in Manhattan (NY, NJ, or CT); minimum 3.5 GPA in science subjects; must be at least 14 years old by program start; U.S. work authorization required
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $1,200 stipend provided upon program completion
14. University of Chicago Medicine - ResearcHStart Program
The ResearcHStart program, hosted by the University of Chicago Medicine, offers high school students an eight-week summer experience in cancer research. In the program, you will engage in full-time laboratory work, exploring areas such as cancer biology, immunotherapy, and genetics under the mentorship of experienced researchers. In addition to research, the program includes lectures, career development workshops, and networking opportunities with professionals in the field. The program culminates in a poster presentation, allowing you to showcase your research findings.
Location: University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; up to 30 students selected annually
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors at the time of application; must be at least 16 years old at the start of the program
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $3,000 taxable stipend provided
15. The Youth Neurology Education and Research Program - Massachusetts General Hospital
The Youth Neurology Education and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) offers a summer internship for high school seniors and recent graduates interested in neuroscience and neurology. You will engage in research projects under the mentorship of MGH neurologists and neuroscientists, gaining experience in laboratory and clinical settings. The program begins with a preparatory boot camp, followed by team projects guided by faculty mentors and undergraduate students. Weekly sessions with neurology experts, lab tours, and social events further enrich the experience. At the end of the program, you will present your research findings to faculty, peers, and family.
Location: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size varies annually
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or recent graduates residing or studying in Massachusetts; must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend provided
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