15 Medical Programs for High School Students in Delaware
If you are a high school student interested in medicine, exploring programs outside of school can be a worthwhile way to build experience in the field. Medical programs often combine clinical exposure with mentorship from physicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals, allowing you to develop practical skills and gain insight into how medicine works in academic and professional settings. As a participant, you will get exposure to the work of medical professionals and learn how to think critically about health, conduct research, and understand the systems that shape patient care.
Why should you attend a Medical program in Delaware?
Delaware may be a small state, but it is home to reputable hospitals, research institutions, and university-affiliated programs that offer meaningful medical experiences for high school students. Opportunities range from clinical shadowing and health sciences research to biomedical education and community health initiatives. With access to institutions connected to a broader Mid-Atlantic academic and healthcare network, you can explore your interests in medicine and begin building the foundation for a future in healthcare.
To help you get started, we've put together 15 medical programs for high school students in Delaware.
If you’re looking for free programs in Delaware, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These programs span clinical volunteering, cancer and biomedical research, public health, neuroscience, forensic science, mental health, AI in medicine, and pediatric care, so students with a wide range of interests in healthcare can find a relevant option in Delaware.
Several programs are free, including Beebe Healthcare Student Volunteer Program, Nemours Children's Health High School Program, HEIDE STEPS, Apollo Youth in Medicine, ChristianaCare VolunTeen, Delaware Health Career Collaborative, Inspiring Careers in Mental Health Internship, and DYMA, while others, such as Lumiere and Veritas AI, offer need-based financial aid.
Programs range from evening virtual sessions (DYMA, Delaware Health Career Collaborative) to full summer research internships (Lumiere, Stanford AIMI), and year-round clinical placements (Beebe Healthcare, Delaware Academy of Medicine), so students can choose based on their availability and depth of interest.
Application deadlines vary widely, with early deadlines including Nemours Children's Health (February 27), Inspiring Careers in Mental Health (early February), and Stanford AIMI (February 21), while several programs, such as HEIDE STEPS, ChristianaCare, and DYMA, accept rolling or unspecified applications.
1. Beebe Healthcare's Student Volunteer Program
Location: Beebe Healthcare facilities across Sussex County, DE
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round; summer session available
Application Deadline: April 15 (or until full)
Eligibility: High school students ages 14–18; students under 16 may have limited placement options, with preference given to students aged 16 and older for certain departments
The Beebe Healthcare Student Volunteer Program is designed to give high school students meaningful exposure to a real community hospital environment while developing skills relevant to a career in healthcare. As a volunteer, you will be placed across various departments within the medical center, including the post-anesthesia care unit and cardiac catheterization lab, where you will assist staff with non-clinical tasks and support patients and visitors. Placements are determined by the Volunteer Services team based on hospital needs and student availability, with students expected to take the lead in managing their own participation.
2. Veritas AI Deep Dive: AI + Medicine
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 10-week cohorts offered during spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program
The Veritas AI Deep Dive: AI + Medicine is a 10-week program for high school students interested in exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare. Led by Harvard graduate students, the program combines lectures, programming exercises, and a hands-on project to help students understand real-world medical applications of AI and machine learning. You may work on projects involving disease diagnosis, medical image analysis, or tools that support clinical decision-making. The curriculum also examines how AI is being used in areas such as genomics, neuroscience, drug discovery, and healthcare operations, providing a broad introduction to the role of emerging technologies in medicine.
3. Nemours Children’s Health High School Program
Location: Various sites across the tri-state region of Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 15 to August 7
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old and have completed the sophomore year of high school by the start of the program
The Nemours Children’s Health High School Program is a selective summer volunteer opportunity that introduces high school students to the day-to-day environment of a pediatric hospital. You will assist hospital staff with age-appropriate responsibilities across different departments, often interacting with young patients and their families. Through these assignments, you help improve the hospital experience for children, parents, and siblings while developing skills in communication, empathy, and professionalism. Placements are assigned through a lottery system managed by Volunteer Services, based on hospital needs and available positions. Participants are expected to uphold Nemours’ professional standards and code of conduct throughout the program.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school; students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4); no previous knowledge of your field of interest is required.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective 12-week research experience that allows high school students to conduct independent academic research under the guidance of a PhD mentor. You work one-on-one with your mentor to develop and carry out an original research project, which can be focused on areas such as biomedical science, neuroscience, public health, or other health-related disciplines. Rather than following a structured curriculum, you engage in the full research process—from identifying a research question and reviewing existing literature to conducting analysis and interpreting findings. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research methodology, and scientific writing, culminating in a completed research paper that reflects college-level academic work.
5. HEIDE STEPS (Summer Training in Equity Program for Secondary Students)
Location: Delaware Division of Public Health, Dover, DE
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 4-week summer program
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–12
HEIDE STEPS is a summer internship that introduces students to health equity, public health systems, and the social determinants that influence community well-being. Throughout the program, you’ll learn from public health professionals through weekly virtual sessions and mentorship provided by experts from the Division of Public Health. You visit sites such as water treatment plants, restaurants, and community health organizations to see how public systems promote and protect health. A significant part of the experience involves community service, with students completing at least 20 hours through initiatives such as food drives, neighborhood cleanups, and other outreach efforts. The program also helps you strengthen communication and presentation skills through a final showcase of your learning and community impact.
6. Delaware Academy of Medicine and Public Health Student Internship Program
Location: Delaware Academy of Medicine and Public Health
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Spring: January 15 to April 15, Summer: May 18 to August 14, Fall: September 15 to December 15
Application Deadline: Spring: November 1 to 15, Summer: March 1 to 15, Fall: July 1 to 15
Eligibility: Open to high school, college, and graduate students
The Delaware Academy of Medicine / Delaware Public Health Association Student Internship Program places students in a professional public health setting where they contribute to community health initiatives through outreach, data collection, and program support. During the internship, you’ll explore how public health challenges are identified, how programs are developed and assessed, and how communication and data influence healthcare policy and practice. The program emphasizes analytical thinking, collaboration, and project planning across areas such as health sciences, economics, policy, and communications. You’ll also gain experience working with qualitative and quantitative data, developing logic models, and applying public health concepts to real-world projects, while strengthening your ability to communicate evidence-based insights effectively.
7. Apollo: Youth in Medicine
Location: Hospitals across Delaware
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Not specified
Application Deadline: Application opens in the fall
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors attending any high school in Delaware
Apollo: Youth in Medicine is a free, student-led initiative that gives high school students exposure to healthcare through physician shadowing, mentorship, and educational programming. You can shadow licensed doctors across a range of medical specialties to gain insight into clinical care, patient interactions, and medical decision-making. Before beginning shadowing, you will attend a required session covering healthcare career pathways, medical ethics, and HIPAA guidelines to prepare you for professional clinical settings. Shadowing opportunities are coordinated through Apollo’s internal matching process, and optional seminars provide additional exposure to medical research and healthcare topics.
8. ChristinaCare Summer Volunteen Program
Location: ChristianaCare, DE (multiple hospital locations)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – August 14
Application Deadline: Not specified; applications open in May
Eligibility: Ages 14–18; must have completed 9th grade
The ChristianaCare Summer VolunTeen Program offers students ages 14–18 the chance to serve within a healthcare setting while gaining insight into hospital operations. You will assist patients, families, and staff across various departments, taking on responsibilities that may include patient support, administrative tasks, and operational assistance depending on placement needs. Through supervised service experiences, participants develop skills in communication, teamwork, and professionalism while learning how a large healthcare system functions. The program is designed to promote community engagement and provide early exposure to healthcare careers.
9. University of Delaware Neuroscience Pre-College Summer Program
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Cost: $2,000 (all materials included); need-based partial scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: April 29
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in neuroscience or related fields such as psychology, biology, or medicine
This weeklong, noncredit neuroscience program gives high school students an introduction to college-level neuroscience through laboratory experiences and research-focused learning. You will explore topics such as neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, brain imaging, and behavioral science while learning how neuroscientists design studies and interpret data. Small groups are mentored by faculty members and PhD students, providing insight into research careers in neuroscience, biology, psychology, and medicine. The program concludes with a collaborative capstone presentation in which students share their findings with neuroscience professionals, and participants receive a personalized reference letter along with a digital badge.
10. University of Delaware Forensic Science Pre-College Summer Program
Location: Willard Hall Education Building, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Cost: $1,995 (all materials included); partial need-based scholarships and discounts available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: June 8
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with at least one biology or general science credit
This one-week, noncredit program introduces high school students to forensic science through a combination of hands-on laboratory activities and crime scene investigation exercises. Guided by University of Delaware faculty and forensic professionals, participants explore techniques used in forensic biology, laboratory medicine, and criminal investigations. You’ll work collaboratively to examine evidence, visit forensic facilities or investigative units, and learn how scientific findings are applied in legal cases. The program culminates in a capstone project where teams present a court-style forensic report to members of Delaware’s forensic and law enforcement community. Participants also receive a digital badge and a reference letter that can support future academic applications.
11. APA Internal Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Both paid and unpaid opportunities available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Year-round (spring, summer, fall, and winter cycles)
Application Deadline: Varies by position and term
Eligibility: High school students residing in a state where APA is registered as an employer; Must have an official District of Columbia Work Permit if under 18
The APA Internal Internship Program offers remote opportunities to gain experience within a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing psychology and its applications. Depending on your interests and qualifications, you may work in areas such as research, public policy, education, communications, publishing, or organizational operations. As an intern, you contribute to real projects while receiving guidance from supervisors who help align the experience with your professional goals. Alongside day-to-day responsibilities, participants can engage in workshops, collaborative projects, and professional development activities. The program is designed to broaden your understanding of psychology-related careers while helping you build valuable workplace skills and professional connections.
12. Delaware Health Career Collaborative
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 2 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th grade high school students
The Delaware Health Career Collaborative program introduces students to a broad range of careers and disciplines within healthcare. Through structured virtual learning experiences, participants explore fields such as neurology, cardiology, oncology, public health, behavioral health, and trauma-informed care. The program is designed to help students develop a foundational understanding of the healthcare system while learning about potential academic and professional pathways. Through interactions with healthcare professionals and organizations working in medicine, public health, and health equity, you’ll gain insight into how these fields operate in real-world settings.
13. Inspiring Careers in Mental Health Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June
Application Deadline: Early February
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders
The Inspiring Careers in Mental Health Internship is a two-week virtual program that introduces students to a variety of professions within the mental health field. Through interactive online sessions, you’ll hear directly from clinician-scientists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, physician assistants, licensed clinical social workers, and other professionals about their work and career journeys. You complete assigned readings before each session, drawing from both scientific literature and media sources. Live discussions provide opportunities to learn about daily responsibilities, educational pathways, training requirements, and career decisions. The program explores topics ranging from psychotherapy and neuroscience to neuropsychological assessment and community mental health, offering a broad overview of careers in the field.
14. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $2,400 program fee + $45 application fee; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 50 students
Dates: Session A: June 15–26 | Session B: July 6–17
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: High school students who are 14+ at program start
This two-week virtual internship introduces students to the growing role of artificial intelligence in healthcare and medicine. Through a combination of foundational and advanced lectures, you’ll learn key AI concepts and explore how they are applied in clinical practice and biomedical research. You work in small teams on research-based projects while receiving mentorship from Stanford student leaders and researchers. The program also features “Meet the Expert” sessions with professionals from academia, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations, offering insight into a variety of career paths. Alongside collaborative project work and guided research sessions, you take part in social activities designed to foster peer connections. Participants who complete the program receive a Certificate of Completion.
15. Delaware Youth Medical Academy (DYMA)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Merit-based admissions
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Middle, junior, and high school students who are Delaware residents or reside within one hour of the Delaware border
The Delaware Youth Medical Academy (DYMA) is a merit-based educational program for middle, junior, and high school students who live in Delaware or within an hour of the state’s border. Organized around a themed series of evening sessions, the program introduces participants to medical and public health topics through engaging, interactive experiences. Students who complete a full series and submit a reflection paper can earn DYMA membership, unlocking access to additional academic and professional opportunities. Continued participation may provide benefits such as mentorship from healthcare professionals and medical students, workshops on resumes and CVs, and invitations to medical conferences. The program also includes experiences such as clinical skills training, healthcare certifications, and hospital tours that offer a closer look at medical practice and healthcare environments.
Frequently asked questions
1. What medical programs are available for high school students in Delaware?
Options include clinical volunteering programs, such as Beebe Healthcare, Nemours Children's Health, ChristianaCare VolunTeen, and Apollo Youth in Medicine, public health programs, such as HEIDE STEPS and Delaware Academy of Medicine Student Internship, research programs, such as Lumiere Research Scholar Program and Stanford AIMI, neuroscience and forensic science programs offered through the University of Delaware, and virtual programs, such as Veritas AI AI + Medicine, Delaware Health Career Collaborative, and Inspiring Careers in Mental Health.
2. Are there free medical programs for high school students in Delaware?
Yes, Beebe Healthcare Student Volunteer Program, Nemours Children's Health High School Program, HEIDE STEPS, Apollo Youth in Medicine, ChristianaCare VolunTeen, Delaware Health Career Collaborative, Inspiring Careers in Mental Health Internship, and DYMA are all free. Lumiere Research Scholar Program and Veritas AI charge tuition but offer need-based financial aid, and UD Neuroscience Pre-College offers partial scholarships.
3. Which Delaware medical programs are best for students interested in research?
Students interested in research might consider Lumiere Research Scholar Program for independent research with a PhD mentor across biomedical or health-related fields, Stanford AIMI for a two-week virtual internship in AI and medical imaging, Veritas AI AI + Medicine for project-based work at the intersection of machine learning and healthcare, and UD Neuroscience Pre-College for hands-on neuroscience lab experiences and a capstone research presentation.
4. When should I apply to medical programs for high school students in Delaware?
Early deadlines include Inspiring Careers in Mental Health (early February), Nemours Children's Health (February 27), and Stanford AIMI (February 21). UD Neuroscience Pre-College closes April 29, Beebe Healthcare closes April 15, and UD Forensic Science closes June 8. Several programs, such as HEIDE STEPS, ChristianaCare, and DYMA, accept rolling applications, so students should begin researching options in the fall and apply early for competitive programs.