12 Medical Programs for High School Students in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Medical programs are a great way for high school students to explore careers in healthcare, biomedical research, and medicine. They offer practical research experience, mentorship from scientists and healthcare professionals, and opportunities to build valuable academic and professional connections. You will work in research labs, explore fields such as neuroscience, immunology, public health, AI in medicine, and computational biology, and have the opportunity to present your findings through research papers or scientific posters.
Why should you attend a Medical program in Cambridge, Massachusetts?
Cambridge is home to institutions such as Harvard University, MIT, Massachusetts General Hospital, the Broad Institute, and the Ragon Institute, all of which offer medical and biomedical learning opportunities for high school students. Depending on the program, you may conduct independent research, work in advanced laboratories, attend lectures and workshops, explore AI applications in healthcare, or collaborate with faculty mentors on ongoing research projects. These programs are ideal for students living or studying in Cambridge, as well as those from outside the city who want to explore the city’s academic opportunities.
To help you find opportunities, we've narrowed down our list to 12 medical programs for high school students in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
If you’re looking for online summer programs, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 12 programs span biomedical research, neuroscience, immunology, AI in medicine, computational biology, and mental health, so students with a wide range of healthcare interests can find a relevant option in or near Cambridge.
Several programs are free and paid, including Broad Summer Scholars Program ($3,600 stipend), Ragon Institute RISE ($17 per hour), Forsyth Student Scholars (minimum wage), and MGH Youth Neurology, making them closer to professional research experiences than enrichment camps.
Many programs prioritize Massachusetts residents or students within commuting distance of Cambridge, including Broad Summer Scholars, Forsyth Student Scholars, and MGH Youth Neurology, so local students should take note of these targeted opportunities.
Programs vary in length and format, from one-week intensives, such as Jameel Clinic AI and Health Bootcamp and Stanford AIMI, to six or seven-week research placements, such as RSI, Broad Summer Scholars, and Ragon Institute RISE.
Application deadlines for the most competitive programs fall early, including RSI (mid-December), Broad Summer Scholars (January 21), and MGH Youth Neurology (January 31), so students should begin preparing materials in the fall.
1. Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP)
Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free; a $3,600 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 21
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors attending a high school in MA within commuting distance to the Broad; Must be US citizens, permanent residents, or non-US citizens with employment authorization. More information here
The Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP) is a six-week program for high school students. The program allows you to engage in original research projects across a range of areas, including cancer biology, infectious diseases, computational biology, psychiatric diseases, chemical biology, and more. You will attend scientific talks, receive expert training in creating scientific posters, and gain exposure to experimental tools and techniques. You will have the opportunity to explore career pathways in the fields of science, interact with like-minded peers through social events and activities, and attend a college fair. The program also offers a scientific poster session where you can share your work as a poster with a broader community.
2. Veritas AI: AI + Medicine
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: Rolling. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: Grades 8th-12th students; Completion of the AI Scholars program or prior experience in Python
Veritas AI is an AI program for ambitious high school students, founded and run by Harvard graduate students. In the AI + Medicine Deep Dive, you will learn how AI is used in the healthcare and medical industry. You will get a chance to work on real-world projects using AI & ML models to diagnose diseases, sharpen medical scans, and explain the outcomes to aid doctors and patients.
3. Youth Neurology Education and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)
Location: Massachusetts General Hospital campuses in Boston, Cambridge, or Somerville, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 30 – August 8 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Rising high school senior, recent high school graduate / rising college first-year, current undergraduate student, or recent college graduate living or studying in Massachusetts. More information here
The Youth Neurology Education and Research Program is a full-time, paid summer internship for high school students. The program will allow you to first attend a Bootcamp, engage in research and clinical training, and participate in interactive sessions, all while developing laboratory skills. You will work in pairs in your assigned labs, engage in ongoing research projects, and receive mentorship from a MGH Neurology faculty member. The program offers weekly didactic sessions, allowing you to learn from neuroscientists and neurologists, and networking opportunities through field trips, social lunches, and other events.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: Current high school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as medicine, psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Ragon Institute Summer Experience (RISE)
Location: Ragon Institute, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $17/hr is paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Rising or graduating seniors ages 16 years or above
Ragon Institute Summer Experience (RISE) is a seven-week paid program for high school students. You will have the opportunity to gain fundamental knowledge in research work through a bootcamp conducted over the first week. The camp focuses on interpersonal communication, lab safety training, work expectations, and problem-solving. The program will allow you to attend lectures on scientific topics, as well as courses introducing you to immunology, both led by graduate students. You will engage in journal club discussions, team-building, and social activities, and go on field trips. The program offers career and college planning workshops, along with the opportunity to share your work with others by the end of the program.
6. Forsyth Student Scholars Summer Program
Location: ADA Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Salary (minimum wage), 35 hours per week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 29 – August 21
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Current 9th-11th grade students in the Eastern Massachusetts/Boston area
The Forsyth Student Scholars Summer Program is a hands-on learning opportunity for Massachusetts high school students. The program will allow you to work on independent research projects and receive mentorship from world-leading scientists working at Forsyth. You will have the opportunity to develop a range of skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity. The program aims to inspire students interested in STEM and dentistry to contribute to communities and overall healthcare through their skills and knowledge. You will work on weekly presentations and attend college-level lectures led by scientists from a wide range of fields, including immunology, oral health research, and microbiology. The program concludes in a scientific poster presentation.
7. Research Science Institute
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $75 non-refundable application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 100 students; Less that 2.5% acceptance
Dates: Typically 6 weeks from late June to early August
Application Deadline: Early- to mid-December
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; Minimum age: 16 years
Research Science Institute offers a free, STEM research learning opportunity to high school students. While the program is not specifically focused on medical science, it is still a good option for learning about medicine-focused STEM subjects, including biology, in an engaging learning environment. You will participate in both on-campus and off-campus work and read the latest literature in your area of interest. During the first week of the program, you will attend STEM-focused classes led by experienced professors, followed by five weeks of intensive research work. You receive guidance from mentors and work on individual projects, exploring present research topics in biology, humanities, physics, chemistry, mathematics, and engineering. You will prepare conference-level oral presentations and research papers based on your work, and go on field trips to science and technology facilities.
8. Jameel Clinic’s AI & Health Summer High School Bootcamp
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Cost: $2,000; Scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 13 – 17
Application Deadline: Early action: January 11; Regular: March 1
Eligibility: 10th–12th grade students based in the Boston area
Jameel Clinic’s AI & Health Summer High School Bootcamp is a one-week intensive program for high school students. You will explore how artificial intelligence and machine learning impact healthcare. The program introduces methods that enhance speed, efficiency, and accuracy in areas such as drug discovery, clinical AI, and machine learning applications in health. It also offers hands-on learning through problem-solving, along with opportunities to attend faculty-led classes and work on group projects.
9. Harvard Secondary School Program (SSP) - Medical Courses
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program type and length. More information here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 4-week: July 12 – August 8 | 7-Week: June 20 – August 8
Application Deadline: Priority: January 7; Regular: February 11; Late: April 1
Eligibility: High school students; Minimum age: 16 years
Harvard Secondary School Program (SSP) - Medical Courses offer credit-based, selective learning opportunities to high school students. You will attend lectures, participate in laboratory sessions, and work on assignments and exams. The medical course covers specific topics every year. Recent offerings will allow you to explore the fundamentals of medicine, medical ethics, neurodiversity, the role of stem cell regeneration, and the causes and impacts of past and present epidemics. The program offers four and seven-week courses through both residential and virtual learning opportunities.
10. Stanford University Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience – Virtual Track
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies. More information here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Vary by program type. More information here
Application Deadline: March 1 (Applications accepted on a rolling basis)
Eligibility: High school students
Stanford University Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience offers a two-week intensive learning experience to high school students. You will attend interactive lectures and seminars and gain knowledge from Stanford faculty. The program will allow you to explore concepts in psychology, neuroscience, and psychiatry, and to learn the principles of neuroscience research, social sciences, clinical neuropsychiatry, psychiatric epidemiology, and more. Along with academic engagement through lectures and classes, you will also have the opportunity to solve complex social issues in these fields through teamwork and innovation while exploring career opportunities in science and medicine.
11. UT Southwestern Medical Center – Inspiring Careers in Mental Health
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 2 weeks in June
Application Deadline: Early February
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th-grade high school students
UT Southwestern Medical Center – Inspiring Careers in Mental Health is a two-week summer internship for high school students. The program is led by a range of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, licensed social workers, physician assistants, and neuropsychologists. You will engage in topical readings exploring mass media and articles in scientific journals. The program will include interactive virtual sessions and allow you to gain knowledge through practical, work-related questions. You will explore careers and future work opportunities across a range of areas, including neuroscience, community psychiatry, neuropsychological testing, interventional psychiatry, and psychotherapy.x
12. Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $2,400 + $45
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session A: June 15 – 26 | Session B: July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders currently attending a US high school, and must be over the age of 14 by the start of the program. More information here
The AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual learning opportunity. The program allows you to attend lectures, receive expert mentorship, and work on collaborative projects. You will learn the role of AI in clinical and research settings, and gain knowledge from Stanford trainees, researchers, and clinicians. You will also explore the fundamentals of artificial intelligence in healthcare across topics, including medical imaging AI, datasets, responsible AI, machine learning basics, clinical applications, and model evaluation. The program offers hands-on learning opportunities, allows you to attend guest speaker sessions, and encourages social and community engagement.
Frequently asked questions
1. What medical programs are available for high school students in Cambridge, Massachusetts?
Options include biomedical research programs, such as Broad Summer Scholars and Forsyth Student Scholars, neuroscience and immunology programs, such as MGH Youth Neurology and Ragon Institute RISE, AI in medicine programs, such as Veritas AI, Jameel Clinic, and Stanford AIMI, broad research programs, such as RSI and Lumiere, and university-based courses, such as Harvard SSP medical tracks and Stanford Clinical Neuroscience.
2. Are there free or paid medical programs for high school students in Cambridge?
Yes, several programs are free and also provide financial compensation. Broad Summer Scholars offers a $3,600 stipend, Ragon Institute RISE pays $17 per hour, and Forsyth Student Scholars pays minimum wage for 35 hours per week. MGH Youth Neurology is also a paid program, while RSI is free to attend without a stipend.
3. Which Cambridge medical programs are best for students interested in AI and healthcare?
Students interested in AI and healthcare might consider Veritas AI's AI and Medicine Deep Dive, Jameel Clinic's AI and Health Bootcamp at MIT, and Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship, all of which focus specifically on how machine learning and AI tools are applied in clinical and research settings.
4. Are there medical programs in Cambridge open to students outside Massachusetts?
Yes, several programs are fully virtual and open to students regardless of location, including Veritas AI, Lumiere Research Scholar Program, Stanford AIMI, Stanford Clinical Neuroscience, and UT Southwestern's Inspiring Careers in Mental Health. RSI also accepts high school juniors from around the world.
5. What is the most competitive medical program for high school students in Cambridge?
RSI is among the most competitive, with an acceptance rate below 2.5 percent and a cohort of only 100 students per year. Ragon Institute RISE and Broad Summer Scholars are also selective programs that place students in active research environments with expert mentorship.
6. When should I apply to medical programs for high school students in Cambridge, Massachusetts?
The most competitive programs have the earliest deadlines, including RSI (mid-December), Broad Summer Scholars (January 21), and MGH Youth Neurology (January 31). Others, such as Ragon Institute RISE (February 15) and Forsyth Student Scholars (April 1), fall later in the spring. Students should begin monitoring program websites from the fall onward, as some programs, such as Jameel Clinic, offer early action deadlines as early as January.