15 Biomedical Engineering Internships for High School Students
If you’re a high school student interested in exploring the field of biomedical engineering or have considered pursuing a career in it, an internship could give you a head start. Biomedical engineering is a complex field that requires comprehensive theoretical knowledge and research and engineering skills — and an internship can help you build a strong foundation of that knowledge and skill. Not only that, building on these aspects while still in high school can also help with your college applications and future academics!
Biomedical engineering internships are a great way to gain real-world experience in the field. These opportunities are typically research and theory-focused, while also offering practical experience. It can be difficult to narrow down which programs to apply for. There are many factors to consider such as whether it aligns with your goals, if there are any associated travel or accommodation costs, and access to additional resources to consider. To help with that, we’ve curated a list of 15 biomedical engineering internships for high school students that you can consider.
Location: Virtual.
Cost: Starting at $2,490. Financial aid is offered.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students who can work 10–20 hours per week, for 8–12 weeks. The internships are also open to undergraduates and gap-year students!
Application deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. Applications for the fall cohort close on September 8, 2024.
Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring.
Founded and run by Harvard alumni, Ladder Internships is a fairly selective program that offers high schoolers an opportunity to intern with start-ups and nonprofits across the world in a virtual setup. As a Ladder intern, you can choose the field you wish to intern, from a wide range of industries, including health tech, medicine, healthcare, biotechnology, engineering, biomedicine, and more.
You will be paired with a manager at the start-up and a Ladder coach. Under their guidance, you will work on projects that contribute to their company’s mission and present your work at the end. The program includes one-on-one training in professional skills along with group training sessions with peers.
Students interested in biomedical engineering can apply to intern with a company that specializes in the field. For instance, JuneBrain, one of Ladder’s partner companies, works in the field of health tech and aims to improve remote monitoring in ophthalmology/neurology.
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Students will be paid a stipend of $2,400.
Eligibility: Sophomores and juniors who were born between July 29, 2005, and July 2, 2008. Students from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Application deadline: March (tentatively, based on previous years).
Dates: 4 weeks in July (tentatively, based on previous years).
ISPEED is a four-week residential summer program that allows high school students to explore the field of biomedical engineering. The program invites the participants to explore the opportunities and challenges of studying at a leading academic institution, immerse themselves in the field, and solve real-world problems. During the program, you will learn about biology, life sciences, healthcare design, machine learning, computer programming, scientific computing and more, all while connecting them to foundational skills in biomedical engineering.
As an intern, you will engage in activities that will help you build practical skills. The curriculum includes classes, project-based, hands-on learning, research talks by students and faculty, field trips, and a final showcase where you will present your work. You will also work at the university’s BME Design Studio and the Cell & Tissue Engineering Lab.
3. Stanford Institute of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR) Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Students will be paid a stipend of $500-2500. Housing and transport are not provided.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old. The selection process favors students from the Bay Area. Students outside the Bay Area will need to provide a local family member’s name and address.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Dates: June 10, 2024 – August 1, 2024
The Stanford Institute of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an 8-week research-focused internship program. Students can choose from eight research areas, one of which is biomedical engineering.
The biomedical engineering track provides a hands-on design experience under the guidance of a one-on-one mentor. Through lectures and practical work, you will learn new skills including basic circuit design, computer programming, machine learning, 3D printing, casting silicone, and more.
You will get a chance to work in teams to conduct research, practice engineering, and critical thinking skills during this solution-focused course, evaluate technical advantages and disadvantages, build prototypes, and test your creation. The program ends with a poster session where you will present your work that targets a specific area in medicine.
4. Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) - Internship Track at Boston University
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA.
Cost: $8,558 (residential) | $5,570 (commuter). Limited financial aid is offered.
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are US citizens or legal permanent residents can apply.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Dates: 6 weeks, June - August (typically).
The RISE program is an opportunity for students to conduct laboratory research under the guidance of BU faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and graduate students. The program offers two routes: Practicum and Internship. The Internship track offers a range of research areas that you can choose from, of which one is Biomedical Engineering.
As an intern, you will undertake a research project and acquire the technical and analytical skills required in this field. You can also participate in weekly workshops that offer knowledge on ethics, reading research papers, networking, and scientific processes. At the end of the internship, you will present the results of your research at a Poster symposium. Some interns can also submit their work to national science fair contests like Regeneron Science Talent Search.
5. University of Arizona’s KEYS Research Internship
Location: University of Arizona campus, Tucson, AZ. Some virtual options are offered.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. This is an unpaid internship, although financial aid is available for some associated costs.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old, are U.S. citizens/legal residents, and have been residents of Arizona for at least one year can apply.
Application deadline: Applications open in the fall, and typically close in January.
Dates: June – July (typically, 7 weeks).
The KEYS Research Internship offers selected interns the chance to gain valuable research experience in interdisciplinary bioscience, biotechnology, biomedical science, biostatistics, biomedical engineering, environmental health research, and data science, while also receiving training in science communication, literacy, and ethics. During the 7-week internship, you will work on immersive and real-world projects under the guidance of University of Arizona scientists.
The internship begins with a one-week course that aims to help you build your basic knowledge in bioscience and data science techniques to start working on your projects. Over the next few weeks, you will be assigned to a research lab and paired with researchers who will oversee your work. You will also attend weekly seminars delivered by faculty speakers and attend social events. The internship ends with a research showcase where you will present your learning and experiences to friends, family, and the academic community.
6. University of Minnesota’s BME High School Internship Program
Location: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.
Cost: No cost; A stipend will be provided.
Eligibility: Rising seniors who are at least 17 years old before the start of the program, and are US citizens or permanent residents, can apply.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in May.
Dates: June-end to August (typically).
The BME High School Internship Program is a 6-week paid internship specifically designed for high schoolers before they enter their senior year. The program provides a hands-on research experience, offering valuable insight into the field of biomedical engineering. During the internship, you will work on developing skills in scientific writing and effective communication. You will also get to tour research labs including the Visible Heart Lab, while getting a solid glimpse of life as a college student.
You will also get an opportunity to work closely with faculty members, graduate students, and industry professionals who will act as your mentors and offer guidance and support. The program ends with a poster session where you will present your work to your family, friends, and peers.
7. BioSTAR: Bioengineering, Science, Technology and Research at Harvard University
Location: Science and Engineering Complex (SEC), Harvard University, Cambridge, MA. Housing and transportation are not provided.
Cost/Stipend: None.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old can apply.
Application deadline: Applications open in April, and are accepted on a rolling basis.
Dates: July 8 - 12, 2024.
BioSTAR is a community outreach program that aims to expose motivated high school students to bioengineering. During the program, you will learn bioengineering principles and techniques in a state-of-the-art research lab. Apart from designing and performing research experiments, you will work with Harvard faculty and researchers to gain an in-depth understanding of how bioengineering impacts human health.
Some of the topics be covered in the program include drug delivery techniques, drug nanoparticle synthesis, cell staining and visualization using fluorescence microscopy, cell viability assay, and data collection and analysis. Note that admission to this program is highly competitive, so we recommend applying as early as possible!
8. Washington University Young Scientist Program (YSP) Summer Focus
Location: Washington University, St. Louis, MO.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Students will be paid a stipend of $4,000.
Eligibility: High school juniors in the Greater St. Louis area (Missouri and Illinois).
Application deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Dates: Typically, from the beginning of June to July-end.
The Young Scientist Program (YSP) is designed to encourage students from historically underrepresented groups in science. The program accepts 16–18 students each year.
For the program, you will be matched with a mentor and tutor, who are usually Washington University graduate students, post-doctoral associates, and laboratory staff. You will work one-on-one with your mentor on a specific biomedical research project in the laboratory, while the tutor offers support to the scholar in their research experience. In the past, a number of students have conducted projects in biomedical engineering. You can check out past Summer Focus student profiles and projects here.
During the program, you will also get to take two courses, one to strengthen your science communication skills, and the other for college prep. The program ends with a symposium where you will present your research findings with your mentors, tutors, labmates, and others invited to the event.
9. Biomedical Engineering Summer Internships at Oregon Health and Science University
Location: Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR.
Cost/Stipend: None.
Eligibility: All high school students can apply.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Dates: Dates vary based on the specific internship.
The Oregon Health and Science University offers a number of internships in the field of biomedical engineering for high school and college students. Of these, the Fluorescence Molecular Imaging Internship Program, HEART Internship, and Quantitative Biology / Biophysics Internship are open to high schoolers.
These internships, which are highly selective, offer a chance to gain hands-on science education and build valuable skills in biomedical imaging, cardiovascular engineering, and quantitative science. You will work on your research capabilities, learn to work in a lab, analyze and process data, among other skills.
10. UChicago Medicine’s ResearcHStart
Location: University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Students will receive a stipend of $3,000.
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors, at least 16 years of age at the time of application.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Dates: The program runs from the second full week of June through the first week of August for 8 weeks.
This program offers high school students the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge cancer research while working with experienced professionals. You will dive into a real-world scientific environment, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to meaningful research projects. The program is tailored for students interested in pursuing a career in medical research, providing them with a solid foundation in various scientific techniques and methodologies, across fields like biophysics, bioengineering, biochemistry, and more.
The program will help you hone your research skills and critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that will be integral to your future academic and professional endeavors. You will have the chance to work in some of the most advanced labs at UChicago Medicine, under the guidance of leading scientists and researchers.
11. Harvard Medical School’s Project Success
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Cost/Stipend: No cost’ Students will receive a stipend.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in Cambridge and Boston who are at least 16 years old with a minimum GPA of 2.70. Students should have completed chemistry, biology, and algebra.
Application deadline: Applications close in February every year.
Dates: July - August (6 weeks).
Project Success by Harvard Medical School is a 6-week paid internship program that aims to connect high school students to scientists and physicians, ultimately helping them assess their interest and aptitude for a career in biomedicine.
During the program, you will be placed in a lab at Harvard Medical School or one of its affiliated institutions. You will conduct research hands on, attend seminars and programs with researchers and physicians, visit hospitals and biotechnology companies, develop writing and speaking skills, and receive computer training.
Note: Underrepresented students in medicine and/or disadvantaged students are encouraged to apply.
12. Research in Engineering at Duke University
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC.
Stipend: $2,000 (this includes daily lunches and a transportation pass).
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old. Priority will be given to those from the Durham Public School system.
Application deadline: March (tentatively, based on previous years).
Dates: The program will be conducted from mid-June to July-end (tentatively, based on previous years).
This program, while not a traditional internship, offers valuable hands-on experience in the field of biomedical engineering, among other engineering fields.
As a participant in this program, you will be placed at one of the labs at Duke University where you will work on a research project under the guidance of a faculty member. The program was launched in the biomedical engineering department but has since expanded to other fields like electrical or mechanical engineering. Aside from the project, the program also includes social activities, sessions on college preparation, resume writing workshops, and more.
13. Tufts University’s Biomedical Engineering Research (TUBERS) Program
Location: Tufts University, Medford, MA.
Cost/Stipend: None.
Eligibility: Students who will be at least 16 years of age at the start of the program. Students from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Application deadline: The applications typically close in April.
Dates: The program will be held July - August (tentatively, based on previous years).
While this program is not a traditional internship either, Tufts University is known for its strong biomedical engineering programs, making the TUBERS program a valuable opportunity. This is a commuter program focused on hands-on research. Over six weeks, you will investigate questions in biomedicine and learn new methods of study while working on a particular field of research. At the end of the program, you will be encouraged to use your completed project to participate in science competitions. The program is structured to enhance your critical thinking and academic research skills.
14. Rowan University’s Research Immersion in Biomedical Science and Engineering at Rowan (RISER) Program
Location: Rowan University, NJ (Glassboro or Camden).
Cost/Stipend: None.
Eligibility: Rising seniors who reside in or attend school in South Jersey.
Application deadline: This information is not available at the moment.
Dates: Typically, mid-June to July-end.
The RISER program is a volunteer non-residential program that provides high school rising seniors in South Jersey to conduct hands-on research at their laboratory. You can choose between biomedical engineering or biomedical sciences for the program. You will spend 6 weeks, at 20 hours per week, working on an independent project, while guided by mentors.
The program ends with a symposium where you will get to present your work to labs, family, friends, and nominated high school teachers.
Note: A nominating high school teacher is required to complete a nomination form to receive an application packet. You can apply it here.
Location: Virtual.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Unpaid.
Eligibility: Summer Research interns must be high school students over the age of 14 by the start of the program. Student leads must be California residents. Student interns must reside in the U.S. Student leads must also be students over the age of 14 and may also be undergraduate students with a computer science background.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Dates: Two weeks in June.
This Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging offers a two-week summer internship for high school students interested in the intersection of medicine and AI. This is a great opportunity to get a foundation in AI, which includes several aspects of engineering, while also looking at the impact it can have on an industry as important as medicine and healthcare.
As an intern, you will attend a series of lectures on AI in healthcare and while building those skills you will simultaneously participate in research projects. Due to the intensive and immersive nature of the internship, you will also be under the expert guidance of Stanford AI research engineers. You will get to attend Virtual Career Lunch and Learns with guest speakers who are from various parts of academia, nonprofit, and government helping you understand various possible careers and create strong networks!
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!
Stephen is one of the founders of Ladder Internships and a Harvard College graduate.