13 Medical Summer Programs for High School Students in Michigan
If you’re a high school student interested in medicine, summer programs can be a good place to start. These programs explore topics such as surgery and neuroscience, allowing you to shadow doctors, conduct lab research, and learn clinical or technical skills. You’ll also connect with medical professionals and mentors who can guide you as you explore different fields within medicine.
Why should you attend a program in Michigan?
Michigan offers summer opportunities for students interested in healthcare, hosted by institutions such as the University of Michigan and Wayne State University. Through these programs, you can assist in a biomedical lab, shadow physicians, or participate in public health projects, helping you gain valuable experience and build meaningful connections. Both local and out-of-state students can benefit from Michigan’s strong academic community and diverse healthcare network.
To make it easy, we’ve rounded up 13 medical summer programs for high school students in Michigan.
If you are looking for summer internships in Michigan, check out our blog here.
1. BioMed Focus
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Stipend: $4000
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application deadline: Opens October 15
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors in Michigan; More details here
BioMed Focus is an eight-week full-time research program hosted at the University of Michigan that allows rising high schoolers to conduct hypothesis-driven biomedical research under professional mentorship. Each student partners with a PhD candidate or postdoctoral researcher to carry out an independent project, gaining practical lab experience while learning scientific writing and communication. The medical summer program for high school students in Michigan integrates a science communication course, where you’ll prepare a written research report and presentation, and a college prep course to guide you through applications and scholarship opportunities. The program concludes with a symposium, where you’ll present your research findings to faculty, students, and family members.
2. Henry Ford Health Department of Surgery High School Mentorship Program
Location: Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit
Stipend: $1,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 students (for the internship)
Dates: Runs during the academic year with a summer internship between June and August
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Detroit-area high school students
The Henry Ford Health Department of Surgery High School Mentorship Program connects Detroit-area students with professionals in the surgical and medical fields through a year-long series of workshops and a competitive summer internship. During the academic year, participants attend Saturday sessions in the Surgical Simulation Suite, where they practice suturing, knot-tying, and laparoscopic techniques using simulation tools. You’ll also tour hospital departments, observe surgical staff, and engage with medical students and physicians to explore healthcare careers. At the end of the school-year program, ten students are selected for a paid summer internship worth $1,000.
3. Veritas AI’s AI + Medicine
Location: Virtual
Cost: Full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12–15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI’s AI + Medicine Deep Dive introduces high school students to the growing intersection between artificial intelligence and healthcare. Developed by Harvard graduate students, the program guides participants through the fundamentals of machine learning, neural networks, and data science, with direct applications to medical technology. You’ll work on practical projects such as building diagnostic tools, analysing medical scans, or predicting disease outcomes, while learning how AI models can improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Over the 10–15 week online medical summer program for high school students in Michigan, you’ll also sharpen your Python programming skills and gain insight into real-world problems faced by the medical field.
4. Wayne State University’s Discovery to Cure High School Internship Program
Location: Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25 students annually, less than 12%
Dates: June 23 – August 15
Application deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Rising seniors at least 16 years of age
Wayne State University’s Discovery to Cure High School Internship Program is an eight-week biomedical research experience held at the C.S. Mott Centre for Human Growth and Development. The program places you in a university laboratory for about 40 hours a week, where you’ll conduct research in fields such as oncology, reproductive biology, immunology, and precision medicine under the mentorship of faculty and research staff. Weekly seminars complement lab work by exploring key scientific topics and research methods. This medical summer program for high school students in Michigan culminates in a presentation of your findings to peers and faculty.
5. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Medicine Track
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies based on the program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June)
Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school, high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program’s Medicine Track is a 12-week virtual research mentorship experience that allows high school students to complete an independent medical or health science project. You’ll be paired one-on-one with a PhD-level mentor from top universities such as Harvard or Yale and guided through every stage of the research process–from forming a question to writing a formal paper. The program also includes sessions with writing coaches and group workshops to help you develop your academic writing and presentation skills. By the end of the program, you’ll produce a research paper and present your work in a symposium. Participants who complete the track can also earn three post-baccalaureate credits and a transcript from the University of California, San Diego Extended Studies.
6. University of Michigan’s Aspirnaut Program
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Cost/Stipend: Free | Stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 8–10 students accepted annually
Dates: June 14 – July 24
Application deadline: Typically in February
Eligibility: Rising seniors who are at least 16 years old. Preference is given to students from socio-economically disadvantaged communities.
The University of Michigan’s Aspirnaut Program is a six-week residential research internship designed for high school students from under-resourced communities across Michigan who are interested in life sciences. Participants work in active research laboratories on campus, where they collaborate with faculty, graduate students, and research staff on real scientific projects. Throughout the program, you’ll gain hands-on experience conducting experiments, analysing data, and presenting your research findings at a closing symposium. In addition to scientific training, the program includes academic enrichment activities such as standardised test preparation, college advising, and mentorship. Students live in university housing with meals provided and take part in community-building and cultural activities.
7. Biomedical Career Advancement Program (BCAP)
Location: Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
Cost/Stipend: Free | Stipend may be available depending on funding
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: June 23 – August 15
Application deadline: April 7
Eligibility: 10th-12th graders with at least a 2.75 GPA; Priority given to Detroit-area and Wayne County residents and students from disadvantaged backgrounds
BCAP at Wayne State University School of Medicine is a six-week summer research internship that introduces high school students to biomedical and health science careers. You will spend four days a week conducting research alongside faculty mentors, while Fridays are dedicated to hands-on lab training and professional development sessions. Training includes techniques such as pipetting, microscopy, gel electrophoresis, and phlebotomy, as well as CPR certification. You’ll also attend student panels and career workshops that highlight various healthcare and research paths. The experience culminates in a research symposium where interns present their findings to university mentors and peers.
8. RYSE MED Program
Location: Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit
Cost/Stipend: Free | Stipend may be available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: June 29 – August 8
Application deadline: Starts in February
Eligibility: 10th and 11th graders in Metro Detroit with at least a 2.5 GPA (2.75 for seniors)
The RYSE MED (Readying Youth Scientists for Excellence in Medicine, Health Equity, and Discovery) Program is a free, year-long experience combining clinical exposure, research, and health equity education. The six-week summer immersion places you in a hospital environment where you’ll shadow physicians, nurses, and researchers while engaging in simulations, workshops, and virtual reality clinical exercises. You’ll also work in teams to research a health equity issue affecting your community, create an infographic, and present your findings to medical professionals and peers. Following the summer, you’ll stay involved through academic-year mentoring and enrichment sessions focused on leadership, college success, and professional development.
9. Summer Youth Program – Jackson Hospital
Location: Henry Ford Jackson Hospital, Jackson
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; invitation-only
Dates: June 9 – August 8
Application deadline: April 30
The Summer Youth Program at Jackson Hospital is an eight-week volunteer opportunity for high school students who have completed at least their freshman year. You will work a minimum of one four-hour shift per week, assisting in hospital departments with non-medical duties and observing healthcare operations. Before starting, you’ll complete an interview, orientation, and health screening to ensure readiness for a professional environment. At the end of this medical summer program for high school students in Michigan, students receive a certificate and a professional reference for future academic or career pursuits.
10. NSLC: Medicine & Health Care
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Cost: $4,195 (residential); Scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: July 8 - 16 | July 21 - 29
Application deadline: Opens in October; Rolling till full
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18
The NSLC Medicine & Health Care program is a nine-day residential experience that introduces high school students to the fast-paced world of medical practice. You will take part in realistic simulations involving patient care, surgery, and emergency response, while also learning clinical techniques such as suturing and dissection. The program includes lectures and workshops led by physicians and public health professionals, covering areas such as medical ethics, diagnostics, and leadership in healthcare. You’ll also engage in collaborative projects, like designing public health initiatives, and visit medical schools and research facilities.
11. UCLA Neuroscience High School Scholars Program
Location: Virtual. Michigan students may apply
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 15–July 23
Application deadline: February 9
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors (ages 16–18)
The UCLA Neuroscience High School Scholars Program is a six-week summer experience focused on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Aimed at students from underrepresented communities, the program includes three structured sessions per week featuring live seminars, journal discussions, and clinical presentations. You’ll explore how neurological diseases are studied and treated while examining how health disparities impact patient care. Faculty-led research activities and mentoring help you develop data analysis and scientific communication skills. Students also complete a small research project and present their findings to peers and professionals.
12. sci-MI Neuroscience Mentorship Program
Location: Remote. Michigan students may apply
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 23–August 8
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to all high school students (preference is given to underprivileged students in neuroscience or without any prior research experience)
The sci-MI Neuroscience Mentorship Program is a free five-week virtual research experience that lets you design your own neuroscience project using open-access tools and mentor guidance. Participants attend weekly lectures and journal clubs, where they analyse published research and discuss current findings in the field. Those in the synchronous track receive one-on-one mentoring and feedback as they progress through their project. By the end of this virtual medical summer program for high school students in Michigan, you’ll present your research through a formal presentation and submit a written paper summarising your findings.
13. Regenerative Medicine Course - Dartmouth University
Location: Remote. Michigan students may apply
Cost/Stipend: $1,795
Acceptance rate: Not Selective
Dates: Multi-length courses available between June and August, details here
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students aged 13 and above
The Regenerative Medicine course at Dartmouth University explores the science behind tissue repair, stem cell technology, and organ regeneration. Through virtual lessons, you’ll study how emerging techniques like 3D bioprinting and biomaterials are reshaping modern medicine. The curriculum blends scientific concepts with case studies that connect regenerative medicine to biotechnology, personalised medicine, and even space health research. Students gain insight into how regenerative methods address challenges such as organ shortages and tissue damage. The course concludes with a capstone project that demonstrates your understanding of regenerative principles. Upon completion, participants earn a Certificate of Completion from Dartmouth University.
Image source - University of Michigan