30 STEM Internships for High School Students in 2024
If you're in high school and considering a STEM major, then you should definitely think of learning beyond the classroom. Internships, research programs and competitions are a great way for you to broaden your horizons and build an impressive profile for college applications!
Admissions officers seek well-presented components in a student's application for popular fields like STEM, and an internship is the ideal way to demonstrate that. It’s imperative you think of how you can build your knowledge and skills, and showcase qualities of initiative and leadership.
In this blog, we’ll explore 30 great STEM internships that should be on your radar!
We’ve made sure the list covers diverse STEM areas such as life sciences, medicine, aerospace engineering, and sustainability.
Multidisciplinary STEM internships for high school students
Subject areas: Multidisciplinary
Location: Virtual! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students, who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. These internships are also open to undergraduates and gap year students! Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year.
Program Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Cost: Starting at $1,990. Financial assistance is available.
Ladder Internships offers a selective program providing students with virtual internship experiences at global startups and nonprofits. The program offers various intern positions in a wide range industries, so students can choose the field they wish to work in. The curriculum balances academic enrichment and practical skill development for high school students. These internships offer a structured pathway for real-world research and innovation.
During the internship, students will work on meaningful projects that align with the startup's needs, and present their work at the end of the program. For instance, an intern interested in AI and tech worked on building mini AR models to facilitate STEM learning for children aged 8 and up. Interns will collaborate with their startup manager and a Ladder Coach, who serves as a second mentor. This internship program includes one-on-one training in communication and time management, among other skills, and group training sessions with fellow interns.
The internship opportunities in this program span the globe, with a concentration in the U.S., Asia, Europe, and the UK. Fields include technology, machine learning, AI, finance, environmental science, sustainability, business, marketing, healthcare, medicine, media, journalism, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form.
2. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of Navy (DoN)
Subject areas: Physics, chemistry, biology, robotics, engineering, behavioral sciences, computer science, mathematics and more.
Location: There are several lab locations to choose from across the country.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least grade 9, are at least 16 years old when the internship begins, can apply. Graduating seniors are eligible as well. There is room for some exceptions. Students are recommended to check whether their preferred lab choice has any other particular requirements.
Application Deadline: Applications open in August and close on November 1st every year.
Program Dates: Eight weeks in the summer. Exact dates vary depending on the lab you choose.
Stipend: $4,000 (new participant) | $4,500 (returning participant)
Cost: There are no registration costs, however, housing, meals, transportation, and medical expenses are not covered. You can expect to have to travel to and from your lab, depending on your placement.
This apprenticeship is a prestigious and valuable opportunity if you’re looking for a more research-focused program. SEAP is an immersive 8-week summer program that places high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors in Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories located across the country. If you’ve been thinking about pursuing science and engineering, you must consider this program. As an apprentice, you will get to work alongside top researchers and engineers at Navy laboratories and facilities across the country, on actual Naval research. During the program, students will be mentored by expert scientists and engineers at the Navy labs. While working on projects hands-on, you will build on your valuable knowledge and skills in various STEM disciplines, such as computer science and aeronautics.
Your lab choice is based on your subject of interest. With approximately 300 placements across over 38 laboratories nationwide, SEAP is highly competitive, and because of its association with the US government, it’s regarded as highly prestigious too.
3. California Academy of Science Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Subject areas: Science, mathematics, engineering, research and communication
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA.
Eligibility: Students who
- are currently enrolled full-time as a 9th or 10th-grade student in an SFUSD school - check if your school qualifies here;
- have maintained a GPA of 2.5 and a grade of C or higher in science and math
- can obtain a valid work permit (US citizens and others authorized to work in the US);
- can commit to all attendance requirements for 2 or 3 years, through high school graduation;
- can commute to the Academy and nearby locations after school and on Saturdays during the school year, and on weekdays in the summer (some remote work may be required);
- demonstrate interest and enthusiasm for learning, teaching, and doing science can apply.
Application Deadline: April 5, 2024
Program Dates: After school and on weekends, year-round participation for 2-3 years till graduation.
Stipend: Students will receive a stipend, but information on the exact amount is not available.
Careers in Science (CiS) is a multi-year, year-round, paid internship and youth development program for students from communities that are underrepresented in STEM, including girls and students of color. If you’re keen on exploring a career in the sciences, look through the details of this immersive internship program. During this program, you will get the chance to work with scientists, researchers and educators at the California Academy of Sciences. You will also be exposed to scientific research and science communication. As an intern, you will participate in interactive training sessions, outdoor field activities and receive guidance on your college applications. You will also work on a science research or environmental action group project during the program.
4. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Subject areas: Multidisciplinary (including space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, space microbiology, ecology, outreach, communications and more)
Location: These internships are offered across NASA facilities. Students may select roles based in cities they are in.
Eligibility: Internships are available for full-time high school students who meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.
Application Deadline: January (Fall session) | August (Spring session) | October (Summer session)
Program Dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions – Fall (16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December) | Spring (16-week program, from mid-January to early May) | Summer (10-week program, from late May or early June to August).
Stipend: Interns may receive a stipend based on academic level and session length.
The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internship opportunities based in most of its sites across the country. These internships can be unique, impressive opportunities for students to contribute to current projects at the agency under the mentorship of researchers, scientists and engineers at NASA. The program includes training, mentoring, and career development opportunities, while students work with the top science, engineering, financial, information technology and business minds in the world. The internships are offered in a range of subjects and disciplines, including space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, space microbiology, ecology, and even outreach and communications.
During a NASA STEM internship, you could participate in designing experiments, analyzing data from space missions, or developing new technologies – engaging in real-world experiences, getting valuable experience and a solid insight into NASA's work. You can check out all the open positions here — you may have to use the “Filter” option to see opportunities only open to high school students. If you’re a budding engineer or astrophysicist, interning with NASA is the most prestigious experience you can have in your college application!
5. SHTEM: Summer Internships for High Schoolers at Stanford University
Subject areas: Multidisciplinary (science, humanities, technology, engineering, mathematics)
Location: Virtual.
Eligibility: Students who will be in grades 11-12 at the time of application, OR full-time community college students (within the first 3 years of community college), are eligible to apply.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Program Dates: June 17, 2024 - August 9, 2024
Cost/Stipend: None.
Conducted by a highly esteemed institution, this internship offers a unique chance for students to explore diverse subjects remotely. As an intern, you will engage in cutting-edge projects and collaborative efforts for hands-on experiences beyond the traditional classroom. You will spend most of the time conducting research from where you are located (if you are working on hardware projects, materials will be sent to you), while maintaining regular communication with your mentors and group members. You can anticipate a commitment of 30-40 hours per week, guided by Stanford's renowned faculty and industry experts who provide valuable insights into the evolving tech landscape.
This program will help you develop technical skills and will foster a success-oriented mindset. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, reflecting real-world tech scenarios for enhanced adaptability and resilience. Themes cover information science, engineering, arts, linguistics, psychology, biology, neuroscience, computer science, technology, philosophy, and design. The networking opportunities within Stanford's community and contributing to real projects make this a great choice.
6. Idaho National Laboratory Internship
Subject areas: Wide range of subjects
Location: Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID
Eligibility: High school students above the age of 16, who hold a U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status are eligible to apply. (Exceptions can be made for foreign nationals who attend an accredited U.S. college or university).
Application Deadline: Typically, applications close in the spring.
Program Dates: 10-16 weeks in the summer.
Stipend: A stipend is provided, but information on the exact amount is not available.
As part of the U.S. Department of Energy, the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) offers 6-week internships for high school students to apply traditional STEM concepts to real-world problems. The internship is split in two parts – 80% of your time will be spent in the lab with your mentor, while 20% will be centered around enrichment and skill-building activities.
Some areas you could work in are advanced transportation technology, clear energy, critical infrastructure protection and cyber security. There are also research topics which include the implementation and analysis of zero-trust architecture, the evolution of cybersecurity on critical infrastructure and thermal constraints violations as a result of ambient adjusted transmission line ratings. You can view projects in all the fields through their ‘Intern Poster’ sessions. Internship opportunities are segregated in these categories based on related sets of research subjects and required skills. You are free to apply to as many potential areas of interest you have! The program also offers internships in business administration, finance and accounting internships along with their STEM internships. In each area of interest, the number of research topics are also various. Past topics have included:
Investigation of Rare Earth Elements Mobility through Molecular Dynamics
Thermogenic Cementous Thermal Storage Material
Advanced Topologies for 3D Printed Heat Exchangers
7. SparkSIP Summer Internship Program
Subject areas: Computer science, biotechnology, communications and outreach, research, physics and more.
Location: Greater Seattle Area
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 40 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Application Deadline: May 1, 2024 (based on past year's dates)
Program Dates: 6-8 weeks, June to August
Stipend: While some internships are unpaid, some offer a maximum stipend of $500.
This prestigious program, with an acceptance rate of about less than 5%, is open to all high schoolers interested in CS and related subjects. The Spark SIP program is an opportunity for students to dive into research areas in the field, interact and learn from scholars and leaders, and gain real-world experience through a full-time summer internship.
Students must select 5-6 projects that they’d like to work on. For the 2023 cohort, the research project list included the following topics (among others):
2D Materials - A new class of conductors and semiconductors for future
Preparing Python script for crossbar architecture and exploring its various non-idealities)
Understanding spike-timing and spike-rate impact on Spiking Neural Network (SNN)
The program allows students to work on real-world applications of concepts in machine learning, computer programming, computer vision, and neural networks, while interacting with and learning from industry leaders, university professors and mentors. Moreover, SPARK provides opportunities and resources that can be used during and after college applications.
8. Internships at Sandia National Laboratories
Subject areas: Cyber security, energy, engineering, software, computer science and more
Location: Livermore, CA | Albuquerque, NM } other Sandia sites.
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old, are enrolled full-time in an accredited college, university or high school, are U.S. citizens can apply. Those applying must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for R&D, technical or business roles.
Application Deadline: Rolling deadline, as internship openings are continuously updated.
Program Dates: Year-round, if you choose that program option. For the Co-op internships, you can select your internship period, in coordination with Sandia and your school. Summer Interns - 40 hours per week | Year-round Interns - 25 hours per week
Stipend: Students will receive a stipend commensurate to the work they put in, and it will vary with the internship role.
Sandia National Laboratories is a contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy’s ‘National Nuclear Security Administration’ (NNSA) and they offer prestigious internships for students during the summer and year-round.
Students can apply for internships in technical, business, and Research & Development roles, which will allow them to work on national projects. These internships are a chance for students to get hands-on experience in a top-notch research environment. As an intern, you will work with experienced scientists and engineers on projects that contribute to technological advancements. Intern positions can include work in cyber security, energy, engineering, and software, under the guidance of a manager, who will help structure your work assignment, schedule and the duration of your internship. You will receive mentorship from some of the country’s top scientists and experts, and cutting-edge training, making these internships a valuable learning experience.
Year-round internships: These allow students who attend local schools to work part-time at a Sandia site, working up to 25 hours a week for high school students, and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks.
Co-op internships: These are conducted in partnership with individual schools, and allow students to take time off during the academic year to gain work experience at Sandia, working up to 40 hours a week. They run for 3–8 months in the academic term and may include an adjacent summer term.
9. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program
Subject areas: Very wide range of subjects!
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA. Internships can be in-person, entirely virtual, or hybrid.
Eligibility: For the remote internships and in-person/hybrid computer lab internships students must be 15 years or older by June-end, 2024. For the ‘Wet-lab’ in-person or hybrid internships students must be 16 or older by June-end, 2024.
Application Deadline: The deadline is not specified, but expect it to be around January or February.
Program Dates: June-end to mid-August (tentatively, based on previous years).
Cost: $25 application fee (Transportation and housing are not covered).
Note: While the program accepts international applications, specific research labs may be unavailable for non-US citizens.
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program is for high school students who wish to work one-on-one with faculty researchers at George Mason University to develop their own research projects. In the 8-week internship, you will:
Gain hands-on experience using state-of-the-art, sophisticated equipment and tech
Develop and apply scientific writing and communication skills
Explore STEM career choices through discussion forums and meetings with role models
Develop and apply creative skills, which are crucial to performing innovative research
Previous projects include research in antibiotic development, measuring Volatile Organic Carbon (VOC), and diagnosis of tuberculosis through qPCR. You can look at previous research here!
Note: For 2024, ASSIP internships can either be fully remote, entirely in-person, or hybrid! This depends on your mentor's choice and their requirements.
Subject areas: Physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering
Location: Fermilab site, Illinois.
Eligibility: Students who
- are enrolled in an Illinois high school;
- are sophomores or juniors at the time of application;
- have a 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale; and
- are eligible to work in the U.S. can apply.
Application Deadline: February 5, 2024
Program Dates: June 17, 2024 – July 26, 2024
Stipend: $17.20 per hour
The TARGET program is a six-week summer internship opportunity for Illinois high school sophomores and juniors who are keen to explore physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering. The program aims to encourage high school students to pursue STEM majors in college, and careers in STEM fields.
Each intern is provided the opportunity to work with scientists and engineers to conduct research and create content on Fermilab research. Fermilab (Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory) operates under the U.S Department of Energy’s Office of Science and is one of America’s top labs for STEM research.
Previous work by TARGET student interns includes interviews with scientists and their current projects (e.g. Kentandu Cheidu interviewing her mentor Lauren Biron on the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment) or participating in hands-on workshops to understand 3D modeling and computational thinking.
11. MIT Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers
Subject areas: Electrical engineering, computer science, physics, and related fields
Locations: Held at both the MIT campus in Cambridge, MA and Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA.
Eligibility: Open to rising seniors passionate about STEM who hold a US citizenship.
Application Deadline: March 17, 2024
Program Dates: July 14 - July 27, 2024
Stipend/Cost: None. Housing and meals will be covered.
MIT’s LLRISE program is best suited for students who are specifically interested in an internship in radar systems. During this internship, you will learn how to build small radar systems, such as a Doppler and range radar. You will work with and learn from some of the most skilled scientists and engineers in the field. The workshop will be held at two locations: the MIT campus in Cambridge, MA and Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA. This is a selective program, with an acceptance rate of 8-10%.
12. NASA and UT Austin’s SEES High School Summer Intern Program
Subject areas: Space research, aerospace engineering
Location: Hybrid (on-site experience at the UT Austin campus)
Eligibility: High school juniors who hold U.S. citizenship can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February
Program Dates: May - July (tentatively, based on previous years)
Cost/Stipend: None.
A highly prestigious, highly competitive program for high school students, the SEES is hosted by UT Austin in collaboration with NASA. This is a national-level internship program, where students get to work alongside NASA subject matter experts.
The program is focused on Earth and space research and relies on interns to assist with analyzing and visualizing data – key aspects of moving a project faster and foundational knowledge for aerospace engineering. All project teams will present their research during the Virtual SEES Science Symposium. There is a virtual, learning component to the program, and an on-site experience on campus at the University of Texas, Austin. Interns are expected to present their research at the program's concluding symposium.
13. GeoSciences Bridge Program
Subject areas: Ocean sciences, atmospheric sciences, and geographic information systems (GIS)
Location: University of Maryland, Princess Anne, Maryland
Eligibility: High school seniors who are entering their first year of an undergraduate degree program in the fall. Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a minimum of a 2.7 GPA. The program particularly encourages students from underrepresented groups who are planning to pursue a career in geoscience to apply.
Application Deadline: You can expect the deadline for the 2024 cohort to be around April-end.
Program Dates: June - August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Stipend: $500 per week, along with reimbursements for travel. The program includes all lectures, field trips, college courses, housing, and meals at no cost.
This is a 6-week, fully-funded internship offered to high school graduates interested in geoscience. The internship is meant to serve as a bridge program between high school and university, and sees hundreds of applicants from across the country.
As a GeoSciences intern, you will be expected to engage and learn about ocean sciences, atmospheric sciences, and geographic information systems (GIS)/Remote Sensing techniques. You will also be required to take two college-level courses, before you start your undergraduate degree, to help prepare you for college academics. The program will cover meals, housing, travel to and fro the University of Maryland, as well as any other activities you may choose to undertake as part of the internship. It also provides a stipend! This program is quite competitive, with a 2-3% acceptance rate. Only 7-8 students are selected every year.
14. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Subject areas: Aquatic science, fisheries science
Location: Based on your locality (Hutton aims to match students within a 45-minute commute of your home)
Eligibility: All current high school students who live and have residency in the United States, Mexico, and Canada are eligible to apply.
Application Deadline: January 16, 2024
Program dates: 8 weeks in the summer.
Stipend: $3,000
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an 8-week paid summer internship and mentoring program sponsored by the American Fisheries Society. The program aims to encourage interest in fisheries and aquatic science, especially among underrepresented groups. As a Hutton Scholar, you will be paired with and mentored by a fisheries professional in your local area. Interns will gain hands-on fisheries science experience in marine or freshwater, and experience in conducting laboratory and field research.
Interns participate in resource conservation and management projects, and will learn about career opportunities. Some possible activities include electrofishing, examining specimens, data procession, establishing aquatic vegetation and fish habitats, and more. This program also includes an all-expense paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit conducted at the University of Arkansas!
15. EnergyMag Research Internship
Subject areas: Renewable energy
Location: Virtual.
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors and seniors who have taken at least one honors science or honors English class, with a minimum GPA of 3.25, can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications are open all year-round, you can apply here.
Program Dates: Rolling dates
Cost/Stipend: None.
Open to high school and college students, EnergyMag offers virtual research internships to students looking to gain experience working in the renewable energy sector. Students gain research and analytical skills, and work experience, as they research specific companies, technologies, and markets. Internships can be half-time (2-8 weeks, 20 hours per week) or quarter-time (1-9 months, 8 hours per week).
Engineering internships for high school students (and related fields!)
16. Summer Internships for High School Students (Laboratory Learning Program) at Princeton
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ.
Eligibility: Students who
- are enrolled in a U.S. high school and are at least 16 years old. High school graduates who will not turn 18 by June 15, 2024, can apply (for the 2024 cohort)
- are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. International students enrolled in a U.S. high school can also apply. Princeton does not sponsor visas for the program.
Application Deadline: March 15, 2024
Program Dates: 5-6 weeks in the summer, depending on the research project and the schedule of the researchers. Each research project has its own schedule. Interns work full-time, Monday to Friday, with no weekend activities.
Cost/Stipend: None.
The Laboratory Learning Program is a highly selective, competitive, prestigious summer internship for high school students. This program offers the chance to work alongside faculty and researchers in Princeton laboratories and assist them with ongoing research, usually in engineering and the natural sciences. Around 25 Princeton laboratories accept 40 interns annually.
Princeton faculty lead research teams, which include postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate students, and other staff researchers. At the end of the program, as an intern you will be expected to present a two-page research summary report. Research opportunities vary year on year, depending on the laboratories and researchers’ focus areas. Some of the research projects interns participated in the past include:
Machine learning methods for power magnetics modeling
Heat pumps to save the world
Investigating heteroresistance to antibiotics
Machine learning for green power generation
Decoding human genetic variation in human health and disease
Biofuel oxidation at supercritical pressure
You can see the entire list of 2023 research opportunities here.
17. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Multiple locations across the country.
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale are highly encouraged to apply, but a GPA of less than 3.0 will not disqualify applicants. Students applying must be at least 16 years old (by the application deadline). It’s recommended you read through all the eligibility requirements before applying.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Program Dates: Varies from project to project, but you can expect it to be during the summer months for 9 weeks.
Stipend: $468.80 per week
If you're an upper-level high school student interested in aerospace engineering, this program is a great opportunity for you. Fairly selective, this program offers a chance to receive guidance from full-time AFRL scientists and engineers while touring AFRL laboratories and working on cutting-edge research and technology. You can expect to work in the fields of aerospace / mechanical design for morphing aircraft technology, complex electromagnetic structures, and metalens design and modeling, to name a few.
These opportunities are also open to undergraduate and graduate-level students, so ensure you filter for specific opportunities open to high school students. A few research areas open to high schoolers are Clean-up of PFAS contamination, Data Structures for Advanced Satellite Navigation Signals, and Experimental Navigation Satellite Signals Simulation and Testing.
18. Syracuse University Engineering and Computer Science Research Internship
Location: Greater Syracuse Area
Eligibility: Students who are rising seniors residing in the Greater Syracuse area, with a good academic standing, can apply.
Application Deadline: The deadline falls typically 2 months before the internship begins.
Program Dates: 6 weeks during the summer months.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a stipend is provided.
Syracuse University offers a 6-week, non-residential summer internship program for rising seniors in the greater Syracuse area. During the program, interns will explore advanced engineering and computer science research. Each intern will participate in a university-level research project, while receiving mentoring from SU research faculty and graduate and undergraduate students. At the end of the program, you will present your research at a symposium with other high school and undergraduate research interns.
A few takeaways from your research project:
Participate in laboratory safety training.
Learn laboratory and college-level library research techniques.
Develop a research plan.
Maintain a laboratory notebook or its equivalent.
Analyze data for your research project.
Display and present data in a poster format for the research symposium.
19. Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship & Internship
Location: Amazon headquarters (Seattle, Washington)
Eligibility: High School Seniors in the U.S. who
- are currently enrolled in or who have completed a high school or college dual degree course where computer science, engineering, or robotics is the subject;
- have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent);
- demonstrate financial need.
Program dates: ~8 weeks during the summer after your freshman year of college
Application deadline: Applications typically close mid-December.
Stipend: Students can receive scholarships of up to $10,000 per year.
The Amazon Future Engineer Program can be a valuable experience for high school students passionate about technology. This program offers students hands-on experiences, and exposes them to the day-to-day challenges and innovations within Amazon's tech-centric environment. You will work on real projects, collaborating with experienced professionals and gaining insights into the field of technology. This exposure will allow you to apply your classroom knowledge in practical situations, fostering a deeper understanding of the industry's intricacies.
For high school students aspiring to thrive in the technology sector, Amazon Future Engineer serves as a strong launching pad. The program's multifaceted approach combines technical instruction, mentorship opportunities, and a supportive community that fosters collaboration. It will help you build a solid foundation in computer science, and you’ll benefit from networking with industry professionals and learning about potential career pathways.
Physics internships for high school students
20. QuarkNet Summer Research Program
Location: Varies depending on lab choice.
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are U.S. citizens or those who have a permanent resident status with Illinois high school enrollment. Proof of medical insurance is required.
Application Deadline: January 15, 2024
Program Dates: June 17, 2024 – August 2, 2024
Stipend: $16.20 per hour
Quarknet is a prestigious 7-week summer internship program for students interested in engineering physics, where they can contribute to Fermilab research. Fermilab (Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory) operates under the U.S Department of Energy’s Office of Science and is one of America’s top labs for particle physics research. Students interested in particle physics and accelerator research must consider this program. During the internship, you will work on projects involving particle physics, particle accelerators and detectors, computer and quantum science to analyze data that is used for understanding the fundamental nature of the universe. As an intern, you will also work on data collection through entrance and exit surveys, writing the team’s research abstract and giving oral presentations.
21. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) Internship Program
Location: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, PA
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old, and are graduating seniors in high school when the internship begins, may apply. Students must obtain their own transportation to and from the Laboratory. Housing is not provided. Those applying must be US citizens or have permanent resident status.
Note: It is strongly recommended that applicants have a background in physics, chemistry, advanced math, engineering, computer languages, and coding!
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Program Dates: 8-10 weeks in the summer (Monday-Friday) after graduation. The exact dates of the internship depend on the intern’s school schedule. Some internship options that run during school semesters are also offered.
Stipend: Some stipend is offered. Information on the exact amount is not provided.
If the idea of working in a plasma physics lab under the guidance of experts sounds appealing, the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory offers internships during semester and summer periods for high school seniors – the summer after you graduate and before college begins. Internships in the fall or spring can count for academic credit.
As an intern in this program, you will get to work on a project with a member of the laboratory’s research or engineering staff, at one of the most prestigious and renowned institutions in the country. You will take part in a number of activities, from experimental work to computational simulations, gaining practical skills and insights into scientific research. This program offers a chance for you to delve into various aspects of plasma physics, fusion energy, and related fields, broadening your understanding of these complex subjects. The program encourages you to ask questions and do the work to find answers, readying you for your future pursuits.
22. Harvard-MIT’s Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP)
Location: Harvard or MIT
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors (both international and US citizens) can apply.
Application deadline: May 2024 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program dates: September 2024 - May 2025 (tentative)
Stipend: Students will be paid a stipend by the City of Cambridge, but information on the exact amount is not available.
If you’re interested in research in the fields of astrophysics and climate science, this program is for you. SRMP offers the best of Harvard and MIT mentorship and research opportunities, and is open to all high-schoolers with a passion for research to conduct independent research in the fields of astrophysics and climate science. The selection is highly competitive with only 10-15 students forming the final cohort - an acceptance rate of less than 5%.
The program, which runs through the school year, offers all the resources you may need to conduct your research, including a laptop, under the guidance of Harvard and MIT scholars. Students are divided into 5-6 research groups, and will be required to attend weekly discussion sessions, meetings, and guest lectures. At the end of your program, you will present a report of your research efforts at the annual Harvard symposium.
23. ASPIRE Internship at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)
Location: In-person (90% or more at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory campus, Laurel, MD) | Hybrid (50% at APL campus, 50% remote) | Virtual (100% remote)
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors, who will be at least 15 years old when the program begins, with a minimum GPA of 2.8 may apply. Students applying must be US citizens and have permanent residency in the Washington-Baltimore Metro area.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2024
Program dates: October - May (Academic Year session) | June - August (Summer session)
Cost/Stipend: None.
The ASPIRE program is an unpaid, holistic learning experience. The program offers two options – the intensive summer session and the longer academic year session.
During the program, ASPIRE interns will be paired with APL staff mentors to work on and complete projects, solve problems, learn and apply crucial technical and interpersonal skills in a hands-on, professional environment. Interns will be asked to choose your area of interest while applying, but are not allowed to select their mentor or the project they want to work on. This program is designed to offer students a chance to dive into a subject in depth before choosing an area of study in college. As an intern, you will have to work independently, communicate with APL staff and mentors, and think outside the box.
The program specifies that its primary goal is not to test and evaluate students, but to offer a supportive environment to learn more about STEM skills and careers. While it is a competitive program, it does not prioritize applicants with the highest GPA, the most STEM experience, or the strongest resume. The program looks for students who are enthusiastic, engaged, curious, and well-rounded with strong critical thinking and communication skills, and it often looks for students with some programming knowledge as well.
Chemistry internships for high school students
24. Project SEED by American Chemical Society
Location: Varies based on lab choice.
Eligibility: Students who
- are current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors (and recent graduates);
- have completed one course of high school chemistry; and
- come from a family with an annual income that does not exceed 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Note: Project SEED has multiple methods of documenting eligibility that you can access here!|
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Program Dates: 8-10 weeks, June to August
Cost: No cost; stipend provided.
Project SEED is an 8-10 week paid internship opportunity for students keen on working in laboratories, and conducting work in the field of chemistry. Students will get to work in real laboratories at universities and other sites, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture lab! In particular, Project SEED focuses on supporting over 350 students from underrepresented communities, providing both internships and summer camps to help students with university applications. As an intern, you will work on an independent project at a research lab located in the nearest Project SEED location. You get to choose the type of project you’re interested in – from a wide range of choices. Depending on your project site, you might have the chance to go on field trips and campus tours, attend career panels and more!
An added bonus is that your coordinator can choose to register you for the American Chemical Society National Meeting – where you can present your work.
25. UC Berkeley’s Science for Youth Intensive Program
Location: UC Berkeley Campus
Eligibility: All high school students (including freshmen) who stand in the top 10% of their class and have already taken general or AP chemistry, can apply.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: July 9, 2024 - August 5, 2024 (4-week on-site internship) | October 2023 through June 2024 (9-month remote coaching)
Cost: $14,750 + $75 application fees
This program, hosted by the university’s College of Chemistry, is designed for talented high school students keen on a career in chemistry. Apart from introductory chemistry, students are encouraged to pursue research in related fields such as chemistry, biochemical chemistry, material science, etc during this program. This immersive experience can give you adequate exposure, especially if you’re confused about which stream(s) to pursue after picking Chemistry as your major in college.
The program accepts about 30 students every year, and offers an extensive 4-week internship program that includes data analysis, non-hazardous laboratory procedures, and attending seminars and group meetings. As an intern, you will be paired with a mentor who will take you through concept development, design methods, decision-making, scientific processes, and the inner workings of world-renowned laboratories. Before the 4-week on-site internship, there is a 9-month remote coaching program that prepares you for the projects you will take up under the guidance of your assigned mentor. The coaching also provides an introduction to advanced chemical concepts. You can find past presentations by previous SYIP participants here.
Biology internships for high school students
26. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA.
Eligibility: Current juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years of age are eligible.
Application Deadline: February 24, 2024
Program Dates: June 10, 2024 - August 1, 2024
Stipend: Students earn a stipend of $500 - $2,500. Housing and transportation are not provided.
Please note: There is a $40 application fee, which can be waived. Stipends of $2500 and above are given on a needs-based system from special grants.
SIMR is a well-regarded, prestigious program, with both internship and research components. This is an 8-week internship program that allows students to collaborate one-on-one with a mentor, a Stanford graduate student or a postdoctoral fellow, and engage in hands-on research. Students will have to select one of eight study fields – Immunology, Neurobiology, Cancer Biology, Bioengineering, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Biology, Bioinformatics and Genetics and Genomics. Once selected, you will be assigned a particular field of study (branch) based on your preference, and spend two months as a mentee. You will be mentored by imminent scholars, researchers, and PhD fellows in the field of medicine. This is a fairly competitive program with a cohort size of about 50 students – at an acceptance rate of less than 3% (approximately).
During the first couple weeks of the program, students attend lectures in the morning and spend the rest of the day working in their lab. A majority of the program will be spent in full-time lab work. During the last 2 weeks of the program, students will work on a research poster for their project, which they will present to peers, teachers, family and the Stanford community at the end of the program. Each branch has a slightly different internship structure to help you get the best exposure to that branch, so be sure to read through the internship structures carefully.
28. Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Eligibility: Students 15 years or older by July 1, 2020, who attend a NYC public or charter school within 45 minutes of Genspace, can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in the fall and close in February.
Program dates: Spring semester (February to May) | Summer semester (July to August). For exact dates take a look at the region-wise program information.
Stipend: $1,000
Genspace, a community biotech lab in New York City, offers this internship program for students interested in biotechnology and genetic engineering. Through this research internship, you will conduct cutting-edge research in a range of topics such as DNA sequencing, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics. Experts from the field will mentor you, helping deepen your understanding of the intricate workings of life sciences. The program provides access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and technologies, guiding you to develop essential laboratory techniques and analytical skills. A few research subjects that student interns covered in the past include the behaviors of biofilm, algal growth in relation to water purification, and Zebrafish liver cells as biosensors.
This program emphasizes practical learning, encouraging students to conduct real experiments in a fully-equipped biotech laboratory. This program equips students with practical biotech skills and fosters a deep passion for the field, instilling a sense of responsibility for the ethical and responsible use of biotechnology.
29. High School Research Internships at Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI), Cornell University, and the USDA
Location: Cornell University Campus, Ithaca, New York
Eligibility:
- Students must be 16 years or older by the end of June.
- Students must currently reside in the Ithaca region.
- Graduating seniors are not eligible.
Application Deadline: March 31 (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates)
Program Dates: June 27 - August 11 (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates)
Stipend: $4,000 for 7 weeks
If you are interested in computational biology, the Boyce Thompson Institute Internship is a great opportunity. Conducted alongside Cornell University and the USDA, this 7-week internship gives you research experience in the fields of plant science and computational biology. During the program, you will be paired with a research mentor, typically a graduate student or a postdoctoral researcher, and a faculty mentor. You will work alongside your mentors on a predetermined project. Apart from conducting research, interns can join undergraduate researchers for professional development lectures and discussions. Boyce Institute organizes local field trips and training sessions as well.
The program culminates in a symposium in August, where you can present your findings through a scientific poster. BSI Internships are an excellent opportunity to conduct research alongside leading researchers and faculty, all while getting opportunities for training!
29. NIH High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)
Note: Part of the HS-SIP are two programs, High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP) and HiSTEP 2.0.
Location: Students can choose from NIH campuses across the country. The NIH campus and labs are located in Bethesda, Baltimore and Frederick, MD; Research Triangle Park, NC; Hamilton, MT; Framingham, MA; and Phoenix, AZ.
Eligibility: Students who are high school juniors or seniors at the time of application (or have recently graduated), and are 17 years or older on June 15, 2024, may apply. Do look through all the eligibility requirements before applying. There are some additional requirements for HiSTEP and HiSTEP 2.0.
Application Deadline: February 1, every year.
Program Dates: Minimum 8 weeks in summer, information on exact dates is not available.
Stipend: $2,300-2,530 (for students currently in high school) | $2,570-2,840 (for students who have graduated high school)
NIH offers a suite of summer internship programs for high school students in the scientific realm. HS-SIP is a unique opportunity for students to engage in hands-on biomedical research alongside leading scientists and mentors. In it, you will work on ongoing research projects, analyze data, and acquire essential laboratory skills.
HiSTEP is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of scientists and promoting diversity in STEM. The program partners with renowned research institutions to help you dive into cutting-edge scientific investigations across diverse disciplines. HiSTEP is not a hands-on, full-time research program. It will combine an introduction to scientific, professional, and personal skills with leadership training, wellness programming, and an exploration of STEM-M (science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine-related) careers. In addition, it will help prepare you for future scholarships and internships.
HiSTEP 2.0, an advanced continuation program, offers an in-depth exploration of scientific research. Tailored for students who have completed HiSTEP or similar research experiences, HiSTEP 2.0 allows you to design and conduct independent research projects under the guidance of mentor scientists in the field of biomedicine.
You will also participate in weekly workshops and seminars aimed at developing your scientific, professional, and personal skills.
30. Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Location: Main Campus of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Manhattan, NY
Eligibility: Students must be in their sophomore year or higher, and must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. The program also encourages students from disadvantaged and underprivileged backgrounds to apply.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Program Dates: June-end to August-end (tentatively, based on previous years)
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend will be provided after the successful completion of the program
This is a highly competitive, 8-week-long summer program for high school students. As a HOPP participant, you will engage in independent research projects under the direct mentorship of a postdoctoral fellow, graduate student, or research technician. At the end of the program, you will be expected to present your research in a poster presentation session. You will also be required to attend tours and training sessions by experts in the field. In order to apply, you must submit your resumé, a copy of the school transcript, as well as 2 letters of recommendation.
Note: You can check out HOPP alumni talk about the program and their takeaways and learnings from it here.
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs!
This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper in a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from.
You can find the application link here!
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.