12 Genetics Internships for High School Students

Internships can significantly impact your college applications, as they offer practical experience and a comprehensive insight into potential career paths. The hands-on approach offered by internships enables you to understand the real-world settings in the field you’re interested in. Not to mention, adding an internship to your resume tells admissions committees and future employers about your dedication, work ethic, and understanding of the subject. 

If you’re interested in the fields of genetics, biotechnology, biomedicine, or health technology, an internship will allow you to choose your specific area of interest and learn more about a professional career in the field. If you’re interested in genetics, here’s a list of 12 genetics Internships for high school students that you can consider!

1. Ladder Internships (Medicine & Healthcare Track)

Location: Virtual.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students!
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. The Fall cohort's early admission deadline is August 4, 2024.
Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year. The Fall 2024 cohort begins on September 16, 2024.
Cost:  $2,490 (financial aid is available).

Ladder Internships is a start-up internship program that gives high school students a chance to work with a high-growth start-up in a virtual internship setup. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, healthcare, medicine, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. During the program, you will work closely with your manager and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present your work to the company.

Interns are also offered 1-on-1 training in communication, time management, and other valuable skills, and they will also have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in their cohort.

2. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)   

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA.
Eligibility: Current juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years old and are attending school in the U.S. are eligible.
Application Deadline: February 2025 (based on previous years).
Dates: The program usually takes place between June and August, for 8 weeks. 
Cost/Stipend: Students earn a $500-2,500 stipend. However, there is a $40 application fee that can be waived according to need-based assessment.

SIMR combines both internship and research components. This 8-week program allows participants to collaborate 1-on-1 with a mentor and engage in hands-on research. You can choose from one of eight study fields: immunology, neurobiology, cancer biology, bioengineering, stem cell and regenerative medicine, cardiovascular biology, bioinformatics, and genetics and genomics. Prominent scholars, researchers, and PhD fellows in the medical field will assign you a specific subject based on your preference after selection.

This competitive program accepts around 50 students, making it highly selective and prestigious. As a participant, you will attend lectures in the morning and work in the lab for the rest of the day. In the final two weeks, you’ll focus on preparing a research poster on your project, which you will present to your peers.

3. Washington University Young Scientist Program Summer Focus

Location: Washington University, St. Louis, MO.
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from the Greater St. Louis area (Missouri and Illinois) can apply.
Application deadline: February 2025 (tentatively).
Program dates: Six weeks between June and July.
Stipend: A stipend of $4,000 will be provided.

Washington University’s Young Scientist Program (YSP) is designed to encourage students from historically underrepresented communities in science by offering the Summer Focus Program, an 8-week-long paid internship for high school students. As a scholar, you will be paired with a mentor and a tutor, typically Washington University graduate students, post-doctoral associates, or faculty. Your mentor will guide you through biomedical research projects in the lab, while the tutor will provide additional support throughout the research experience.  

In addition to hands-on research, you will take two courses to enhance your science communication skills and college readiness. The program culminates in a symposium where you will present your research to the mentors, tutors, labmates, and other attendees. Past research topics have included genetics and genomics, developmental biology, cancer biology, neuroscience, microbiology, ecology, and biomedical engineering. You can explore the profiles and projects of previous Summer Focus students here

4. BioRocket Research Internship Program at Genspace

Location: Genspace, New York, NY.
Eligibility: High School students who are at least 16 years old attending an NYC public or charter school can apply.
Application deadline: January 2025 (tentatively).
Program dates: February - May (spring session) | July 1 - August (summer session). Students must attend both sessions.
Stipend: $2,000.

The Biorocket Research Internship is a 6-month program designed for high school students to enhance their science communication skills and gain hands-on experience in the field of genetic engineering. You will get the chance to develop laboratory skills with extensive practical exposure to new lab facilities and work alongside real scientists and experts. You will be conducting real experiments in the lab and working on projects that encompass gene editing, genetic engineering, and bioprocessing.

The program is extremely selective with only 12-13 students selected. You will be paired with a mentor, offering valuable insights into the field. There will also be career guidance offered alongside ab tours and field trips, that will enrich your knowledge of genetics and give you a glimpse of a professional career in the field.

5. Helios Scholars at TGen

Location: TGen headquarters, Phoenix, AZ.
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who are enrolled in college for the upcoming fall session and are at least 16 years old. You must be a graduate of an Arizona high school to participate. Check out all requirements here
Application Deadline: Applications typically close around February.
Program Dates: The program typically runs from June to August. 
Stipend: $14.35 per hour.

Helios Scholars, hosted by the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is designed for students interested in the field of biomedical research. As an intern, you will get hands-on laboratory experience and mentorship from leading scientists. You will live the life of a scientist by working full-time on a research project focused on public health and pathogens, supported by your mentor. 

As an intern, you will work on research projects in areas such as genomics, cancer biology, neurogenomics, and infectious diseases. Adding to the practical experience, you will attend educational seminars, practice scientific communication, get career guidance in biosciences, and present your research. There will also be networking opportunities for you to interact with your peers. The program will conclude with a symposium where you will present your research project findings. High school sophomores and juniors with similar interests can consider the Bioscience Leadership Academy at TGen.

6. MIT Research Science Institute 

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA.
Eligibility: Only high school juniors are eligible to apply. Both U.S. and international students can apply.
Application deadline: January 2025 (based on previous years).
Program Dates: 6 weeks between June to August.
Cost/Stipend: No Cost. However, there is a $40 application fee that can be waived.

MIT's Research Science Institute (RSI) is a program that immerses selected students in the whole research cycle, from developing the initial question of interest to carrying out hands-on experiments. Offered under the guidance of expert faculty, you will work on real-world projects, exploring areas such as molecular biology, genetics, and bioinformatics. The program is structured to provide insights into the scientific process and expose you to the latest developments in the field of your interest. 

As a participant, you will work on a detailed research plan, get up-to-date with current literature, and deliver conference-style oral and written reports on your findings, working independently under the faculty and researchers. There will also be multiple field visits and social activities to add to the list. It is important to note that this opportunity is highly selective with only 100 students forming the cohort for a year.

7. Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS)

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA.
Eligibility: Bay Area high school students who are at least 16 years old and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants must be familiar with biology, chemistry, or computer programming.
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in December and close in February.
Program Dates: 8 weeks between June and August.
Cost/stipend: There is no cost, however, to make the program more accessible there are need-based scholarships available for low-income students.

The Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS), directly offered by the Department of Genetics at Stanford University, gives students a chance to delve into computational genetics and genomics. You will get the chance to work on dedicated research projects in a research-intensive environment under the guidance of experienced lab mentors, in the form of faculty and expert scientists. You will also participate in panels and seminars that will cover diverse topics and careers in biomedical research. 

There will be regular meetings with mentors so that you get personalized guidance and support throughout your research journey. The professional development workshops offered will help you get prepared for the future career you are interested in. Alongside networking, you will get to participate in multiple community-building activities and field trips. The program is selective with a small cohort size, so it is recommended to apply early with a strong application.

8. Emory University School of Medicine’s NextGen High School Internship Program

Location: Emory University, Atlanta, GA.
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors aged at least 16 before the start of the program.
Application Deadline: Applications usually close in February.
Dates: The program runs for 4 weeks, typically from June to July.
Stipend: $2,500 upon completion alongside free lunches and transportation allowance.

Emory University’s Department of Human Genetics hosts an annual paid summer internship program for high school students interested in the field of genetics. This internship combines practical knowledge with introductory lectures to acquaint you with some basic principles and current developments in genetics, along with more general medical and biological areas. The program provides laboratory and clinical experience, which enables you to participate firsthand in ongoing research efforts while working with the faculty, researchers, and clinicians. 

Additionally, the program provides comprehensive career and college application support services that aim to guide you toward your future academic and professional lives. Activities and events all year will help you network and learn skills important for laboratory and college-level courses. It is important to note that the application process is very competitive, as the program only admits around 20 students out of up to 200 applicants.

9. Scripps Student Research Internship Program

Location: Scripps Research Institute, San Diego, CA.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications for 2024 are closed. Applications for the 2025 cohort open in November 2024.
Program Dates: 10 weeks from June to August.
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid but academic credit is offered. 

The Scripps Student Research Internship Program is an 8-week intensive program focused on translational science. As a participant, you will explore the genetic basis of various human traits and diseases and learn how to integrate mobile technologies into healthcare. You will apply study design and analysis methods such as genomic/genetic association studies and mHealth trials as part of the program. While working under a research mentor who will provide you with guidance in both the research and career realms  

Additionally, you will learn how to present scientific concepts, including study design, research findings, data analysis, and result interpretation. There will be multiple chances for you to observe clinical trials as well as be a part of practical and experiential laboratory-based projects. As an intern, you will be required to attend seminars, draft a research proposal, and present your research at a poster symposium at the end of the program.

10. Urban Barcode Research Program

Location: DNA Learning Center at City Tech, New York City, NY.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 who are NYC residents are eligible to apply. If accepted you must complete lab training to be a part of the program.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May.
Dates: January-May with a symposium in May. 
Stipend: $500.

The Urban Barcode Research Program (UBRP) engages NYC high school students in biodiversity studies using DNA technology. Alongside lab training, as a participant, you will learn about biodiversity, science research, and conservation biology through firsthand laboratory research projects. There will be training courses and modules to enable you to take on independent lab work

Following the training, you will collaborate with mentors to plan and execute a DNA barcoding project. The process will involve writing a research proposal, conducting fieldwork and sample collection, isolating DNA, amplifying DNA barcoding regions, analyzing data, and presenting the final findings. Your work will entail collecting samples from urban environments, extracting and analyzing DNA, and using bioinformatics tools to explore the genetic diversity of local species. You can check out some of the lab research projects here

11. Summer Experience at the Coriell Institute For Medical Research

Location: The Coriell Facility, New Jersey, NJ.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 17 years old with a strong interest in science can apply.
Application Deadline: May 2025 (based on previous years).
Program Dates: Four weeks in July and August.
Cost/Stipend: A stipend will be provided. 

The Coriell Institute, a leader in stem cell research and genetic discoveries, offers a highly selective Summer Experience program. As an intern, you will get the chance to collaborate with world-renowned scientists and researchers, attend faculty lectures, conduct independent research, and learn data analysis concepts. There will also be a chance to gain career guidance and attend a resume-building session to be career-ready for college and employment. Toward the end of the program, you will present your findings in a final presentation. The program also includes opportunities to work in Coriell's Cytogenomics and Stem Cell labs.

You can apply for summer experiences in the following areas:

  • Production Laboratories: You will focus on mastering and supporting fundamental techniques involved in generating, freezing, and distributing samples for the Coriell Biobank. In the Stem Cell Lab, the focus shifts to exploring induced pluripotent stem cells. In the Molecular Biology Lab, you will learn about and assist in DNA extraction from various sample types.

  • Research & Development: You will learn how Coriell’s labs and expert technicians support scientists around the world. The labs at Coriell offer a wide range of services that other labs might need assistance with.

12. Teen Research Internship Program (TRIP)

Location: William Tennent High School, Warminster (Spring session) | Temple University, Philadelphia (Winter and Spring session).
Eligibility: All high school students from Philadelphia are eligible to apply.
Application deadline: Open for spring application soon,  Students generally apply by October for the spring session, and in March for the winter session.
Program Dates: Two options: Consecutive Saturdays from late January to early May | Tuesdays and Thursdays from July to August
Cost/Stipend: Free. 

The Teen Research Internship Program is an intensive, lab-based internship program focusing on channeling student interest toward science and medicine. The program provides an opportunity for you to be part of hypothesis-driven research and to learn first-hand about the laboratory process. The three-phase program is conducted in a controlled manner. In Phase I, potential research questions one might ask are developed around the impact of diet, environmental stress, and genetics on organismal development and behavior while learning introductory lab and problem-solving skills.

In Phase II, you will learn how to work with standard laboratory equipment, how to design and run experiments, how to collect and analyze data, and most importantly, how to think through and overcome failure. In the last phase, your work will be explaining the experimental design, data, conclusion, and future directions of their study. At the end of the program, you will present your findings to members of the scientific community and their families at a scientific symposium. 

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, with a large number of them in tech. 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. 

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