15 Paid STEM Internships You Should Check Out as a High Schooler
If you're a high school student looking to explore internship opportunities, you're already on a path to enhance your college applications and get a headstart on your education. STEM internships can give your academic journey a boost with practical experiences that college admissions committees often look for.
Beyond your academics, internships demonstrate your proactive approach to learning and your readiness to engage with complex problems in a professional setting. Moreover, forging connections with industry professionals during internships can pave the way for mentorship possibilities and future career pathways. What makes an internship even better is when you’re compensated for the work you put in! In this blog, we’re covering 15 paid STEM internship opportunities for high school students. Let’s dive in.
1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR)
Stipend: Students receive a minimum stipend of $500 for the program. There is a $40 application fee, but it can be waived if your family income is < $80,000.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Application Deadline: The application for the 2024 period is currently closed, but the deadline for the next cycle will be around February 2025, based on past application cycles.
Program Dates: June 10, 2024 - August 1, 2024 (tentative for future cycles)
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be juniors or seniors in high school
- Be at least 16 years old
- Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Favorability toward local Bay Area students
The SIMR program, with a competitive acceptance rate of 3%, admits approximately 50 students annually. This 8-week initiative allows students to experience hands-on research under Stanford faculty. Once selected, you will have a number of diverse research specialties to choose from, including immunology, bioengineering, neurobiology, cancer biology, stem cell and regenerative medicine, genetics and genomics, bioinformatics, and cardiovascular biology.
You will collaborate closely with a wide spectrum of academic peers and professionals, ranging from postdoctoral fellows to undergraduate and graduate students, in addition to established researchers. This is a great opportunity to network with people who have more experience in your field and even use these connections in the future for either LORs or other opportunities!
2. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Paid Internships
Stipend: A stipend is paid based on academic level and session duration.
Location: Various NASA centers throughout the country.
Application Deadline: There are 3 deadlines:
Spring 2025: Aug. 23, 2024
Summer 2025 – Early Decision: Oct. 25, 2024; Final, Feb. 28, 2025
Fall 2025: May 16, 2025
Program Dates: Typically May-August, but check specific dates for postings.
Eligibility:
- Any high school student with a 3.0 GPA.
- U.S. citizens who are at least 16 years old at the time of the application.
NASA's Office of STEM Engagement offers high school students paid internships. Participants receive mentoring, training, and career development guidance throughout their internship experience.
At NASA's centers, students engage in hands-on research using cutting-edge facilities and technology. Their research areas span across space exploration, aerospace engineering, robotics, satellites, and related fields, providing them with valuable practical experience in STEM disciplines.
3. Harvard-Smithsonian Science Research Mentoring Program
Stipend: A stipend is provided courtesy of the City of Cambridge
Location: Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) or virtual
Application Deadline: Applications for the 2024 SRMP Cohort are closed but expected to open in May 2024 for the 2025 SRMP Cohort.
Program Dates: September - May
Eligibility:
- Must be a Cambridge Rindge and Latin School student, but they are looking to broaden the scope of their program
With an acceptance rate of less than 5%, this program allows students to engage in a year-long astrophysics project under the guidance of a scientist affiliated with Harvard or Smithsonian Center. Every year, 10-16 students are carefully selected and divided into 5-8 groups to collaborate on their projects. Throughout the program, interns are required to attend monthly workshops and lectures to enrich their learning experience further.
Upon completion of the project, students participate in a symposium where they showcase their research findings through posters and presentations, providing them with a platform to share their insights and accomplishments.
4. High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Stipend: $2,300 to $2,530 per month
Location: Various NIH campuses across the country
Application Deadline: The application period for this upcoming summer has passed; the deadline for the next application cycle should be in February 2025.
Program Dates: July to August (4 weeks)
Eligibility:
- Must be a junior or senior in high school.
- Must be 17 years of age or older on June 15, 2024.
- Should live within 40 miles of the respective NIH campus.
The NIH's High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP) provides 11th and 12th grade students with the opportunity to engage in full-time research and data analysis within designated research groups under the guidance of esteemed mentors. Research endeavors span across various disciplines, including biomedical, social, and behavioral sciences.
The program offers two distinct cohort options: HiSTEP, tailored for rising 12th graders, and HiSTEP 2.0, designed for current high school seniors. The former is a part-time program, and the latter is where you’ll be placed in an NIH research group!
5. QuarkNet Summer Research Program
Stipend: $17.20 per hour
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, Illinois
Application Deadline: The application deadline passed as of January 31, 2024, but applications can be expected to open in November 2024
Program Dates: Mid-June to early August
Eligibility: Must be a high school sophomore, junior, or senior.
Note: Juniors with experience programming computers or working with mechanical or electrical systems are encouraged to apply.
- Must be enrolled in an Illinois high school.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
- Must be able to attend the full six-week internship program.
Operating within the purview of the U.S. Department of Energy, the QuarkNet Summer Research Program at Fermilab offers students the opportunity to engage in research projects alongside experienced scientists. While the specific projects may vary, Fermilab typically focuses on areas such as particle physics, particle accelerators, quantum science, computing, and detectors.
In addition to hands-on research, students can anticipate tasks such as oral presentations and data collection, which are integral components of the program experience. This data collection and analysis could be done through entrance and exit surveys or by contributing to the team’s research abstract.
6. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Stipend: New participants receive $4,000, while recurring participants receive $4,500. There are no provisions for housing, transportation, or food.
Location: Various locations nationwide.
Application Deadline: Applications open August 1, 2024 for 2025.
Program Dates: June - August (8 weeks with an option for a 2-week extension)
Eligibility:
- Must be a sophomore, junior, or senior (including graduating).
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must be at least 16 years of age.
Under the guidance of scientists and engineers, selected students learn about naval research and technology. SEAP annually selects approximately 300 students, assigning them to one of its 38 laboratories across the country, although acceptance rates may fluctuate. Through this program, you will be able to participate in naval research by aiding experienced naval scientists and researchers with their current work and projects.
Depending on the laboratories to which students are assigned, they have the opportunity to specialize their research in various subject areas such as algebra, earth science, computer science, chemistry, civil engineering, biology, marine biology, oceanography, statistics, physiology, and more.
7. Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program at California Academy of Sciences
Stipend: Information about a stipend is provided, but no exact amount is listed. However, it is mentioned that it is above minimum wage.
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Application Deadline: The application period closed on April 1. Check back for announcements about the new cycle.
Program Dates: Multiple program dates throughout the year, beginning in June. There are multi-year and year-round participation expectations.
Eligibility:
- Must be a 9th - 12th grader attending a San Francisco high school.
- Must have its own method of transportation.
- Maintain a GPA of 2.5 and a grade of C or higher in science and math.
- Commit to all attendance requirements for 2 or 3 years through high school graduation.
The CiS Intern Program at the California Academy of Sciences offers an afterschool and weekend internship opportunity for roughly 50 students. Participants engage in outdoor fieldwork and assist visitors of the Academy. Interactive training sessions are held twice a month to enhance science communication skills and provide guidance on career and college applications.
Moreover, students actively participate in project groups, benefit from one-on-one mentorships, embark on college tours, deliver presentations at STEM festivals and conferences, and contribute to the design of exhibits and educational materials.
8. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internships
Stipend: Stipends are offered, but amounts are not specified. Students must find their own food, transportation, and housing.
Location: Numerous Army Research Laboratories and Centers across the country.
Application Deadline: Rolling admission. Do note that the 2025 application will tentatively open in December 2024.
Program Dates: May-August (6 - 10 weeks)
Eligibility:
- Must be a current high school student.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
The AEOP high school internship offers students the opportunity to collaborate closely with university researchers and defense scientists on a one-on-one basis. Throughout the internship, participants gain access to state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge facilities to support their research endeavors.
Projects encompass various fields such as neuroscience, nanotechnology, regenerative medicine, and chemical defense, culminating in the submission of a research abstract for potential publication.
9. John Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Stipend: In-person interns will receive an hourly wage as well as transportation funding, while virtual interns will receive $500.
Location: Department of Neurology, John Hopkins University, East Baltimore, MD or virtual
Application Deadline: The application period ended March 1, 2024, but applications for the summer of 2025 should open in December 2024.
Program Dates: June - August (in-person dates - 8 weeks), July - August (virtual dates - 5 weeks)
Eligibility:
- Must be a rising 11th or 12th-grader.
- In-person intern applications must come from students attending high school in Baltimore.
JHIBS offers an 8-week program where high school students have an opportunity to engage in research and gain insights into clinical practices within neurological sciences, guided by experienced faculty, staff, and student mentors.
Students have the option to choose between in-person and virtual programs, each tailored to accommodate various activities encompassing professional development, mentorship training, educational presentations, and laboratory techniques.
In-person interns, numbering only 5-6 students, partake in additional activities such as attending scientific seminars and holding regular meetings with their mentors.
10. Geosciences Bridge Program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Stipend: $500 per week + housing, meals, and transportation, all provided.
Location: University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD
Application Deadline: May 31, 2024
Program Dates: July 1, 2024 - August, 2024.
Eligibility:
- Must be a high school senior entering undergraduate education in geoscience. More details here!
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.7.
- Have been accepted into an accredited U.S. university.
The Geosciences Bridge Program is a 6-week opportunity where high school students can gain valuable experience in a range of disciplines, including ocean sciences, biogeochemistry, marine chemistry and biology, atmospheric sciences, and geographic information systems (GIS) or remote sensing techniques. The program curriculum encompasses a blend of lectures, activities, field trips, and participation in two college courses for credit.
Supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the NOAA Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center, this program is widely recognized for its prestige and commitment to fostering scientific excellence.
11. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Internship
Stipend: While high school intern wages are not listed, undergraduates are listed as ($25.65/hour - $30.70/hour) as a marker.
Location: INL, Idaho Falls.
Application Deadline: All posted internships have deadlines between April 23, 2024, to May 4, 2024.
Program Dates: May-August (10 - 16 weeks)
Eligibility:
-Must be at least 16 years of age.
-Must be a high school student.
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
-Must have a minimum of a cumulative 3.0 GPA.
The internship opportunities for high school students at the Idaho National Laboratory under the U.S. Department of Energy are notably limited, leading to a highly selective process. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to intern alongside seasoned scientists and engineers, providing support across three primary domains: nuclear energy, energy and environmental sciences, and national and homeland security.
During the internship period, participants dedicate 80% of their time to hands-on laboratory work under the mentorship of experienced professionals, with the remaining 20% allocated to engaging in supplementary enrichment activities aimed at enhancing their knowledge and skills.
12. Zuckerman Institute’s Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC)
Stipend: Students receive a stipend, but the amount is not listed.
Location: Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University.
Application Deadline: Applications for 2024 are closed, but the 2025 applications will open in October 2024.
Program Dates: 7 weeks in the summer.
Eligibility:
- Must be a 10th or 11th grader nominated by one of their partner programs. You can find a list of their partner programs here!
- Must reside in New York City (preferably upper Manhattan and the South Bronx).
The BRAINYAC program, hosted by the Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University, aims to cultivate the next generation of scientists among today's youth. This immersive summer research experience offers high school students the opportunity to work hands-on in a Columbia laboratory, fostering connections with real scientists and acquiring essential skills for research environments.
Each student is paired with a Columbia neuroscientist mentor who guides them through a research project, providing insight into the process of transformative discovery in a professional academic setting. As a result, interns gain a deeper understanding of laboratory research, exposure to the academic world, and a strengthened commitment to pursuing science as a career.
13. SPARK Summer Mentorship Program
Stipend: A stipend of $500 will be provided on some projects.
Note. Stipends are completely based on the projects themselves, and multiple 2024 opportunities are unpaid, while others do offer stipends of up to $500.
Location: Seattle, WA
Application Deadline: Applications are currently closed for 2024. Although they haven’t specified when 2025 applications will open, expect it to be by the beginning of 2025.
Program Dates: 6-8 weeks, May to August. The dates are dependent on the project you choose.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students who reside in the U.S./attend a U.S. high school.
SparkSIP offers high school students the chance to apply machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data visualization concepts to real-world situations. Participants also have the opportunity to interact with and learn from leaders in various industries, university professors, and mentors. Topics currently include Software Engineering, Quantum Problem Solving, Data Engineering and AI, etc.
SparkSIP applicants have the option to select between 1 and 5 projects that interest them, with sponsors assigned to those chosen by selected students, though only a limited number, typically 5-6, receive mentorship. Additionally, the program offers resources and opportunities to support students during and after their college application process.
14. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Stipend: Stipends range from $492 - $788 (based on location)
Location: Numerous air force bases across the U.S.
Application Deadline: Applications are now closed for the 2024 cycle. 2025 dates to be announced.
Program Dates: To be announced in 2025.
Eligibility:
- Open to high-schoolers to Ph.D. scholars. Applicants with a 3.0 GPA and a 4.0 scale are highly recommended.
- Must be a U.S. citizen who is able to work 40 hours per week for summer positions.
- Must be a minimum of 16 years of age.
The AFRL Scholars Program offers a paid internship opportunity targeted at upper-level high school students with a passion for aerospace engineering. Once selected, participants benefit from the mentorship experienced AFRL scientists and engineers provide.
Throughout the program, interns have the opportunity to tour AFRL laboratories and engage in hands-on work involving cutting-edge research and technology. Each mentor involved in the program brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, and a comprehensive list of mentors can be found available for review.
15. Internships at Sandia National Laboratories
Stipend: Stipends vary by internship role.
Location: Sandia sites across the country.
Application Deadline: Internships are consistently updated, so there are various deadlines.
Program Dates: Summer Interns: 40 hours per week; Year-round interns: 25 hours per week
Eligibility:
- Students must be 16 years old.
- Enrolled full-time in high school.
- Must be U.S. citizens.
- Must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
Sandia National Laboratories, a contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), offers internships to students year-round, including both summer and ongoing opportunities. These internships encompass a wide range of areas, including technical, business, and Research & Development, allowing students to contribute to national projects.
Throughout their internship tenure, students collaborate closely with seasoned scientists and engineers, driving technological advancements across various domains such as cyber security, energy, engineering, and software development.
At Sandia National Laboratories, mentors are esteemed scientists and experts, providing students with invaluable guidance and support throughout their internship experience. These internships offer students a unique chance to gain practical, hands-on experience in a premier research environment.
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.