12 STEM Internships for High School Students in Boston
For high school students eager to explore STEM fields, internships offer insight into the real-world applications of classroom knowledge. Boston offers a range of opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in STEM fields, whether you're passionate about engineering, biotechnology, environmental science, computer programming, or related fields. These internships not only allow you to engage with cutting-edge research and technology but also give you a solid idea about different STEM careers, helping you refine your academic and professional goals.
Participating in a STEM internship while still in high school can also significantly boost your college applications. Admissions officers often look for applicants who demonstrate initiative, curiosity, and a commitment to learning beyond the school curriculum. Internships help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, all of which are highly prized by both colleges and future employers. In addition, working alongside professionals in STEM fields can provide you with mentors, networking opportunities, and valuable recommendations, giving you a competitive edge when applying to top universities.
Here’s a curated list of 12 STEM internships for high school students in Boston designed to help high school students dive into STEM.
Location: Virtual
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring.
Cost/Stipend: Starts at $2,490. Financial aid is offered.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Deadline: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year.
Ladder Internships is a selective internship program for ambitious high school students. With this program, you will be paired with a startup or nonprofit anywhere in the world for a virtual internship role. Ladder’s partner organizations that you can intern with function across a range of industries, and you can take your pick! Choices include technology, engineering, media, sustainability, media, visual communication, journalism, artificial intelligence, health tech and more.
As an intern, you will work closely with a manager from the startup or nonprofit on a real-world project, contributing to the organization’s larger goal. You will also be paired with a Ladder coach, who will serve as a second mentor, guiding you during the program. The program includes one-on-one mentoring in communication, time management, and other essential skills, as well as group training sessions with fellow interns. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
2. Forsyth Institute Student Scholars Summer Internship Program
Location: Boston metro area, Massachusetts
Dates: 8 weeks during the summer (specific dates vary each year)
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (exact amount not specified)
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores and juniors from Massachusetts
Deadline: TBA
The Forsyth Institute Student Scholars Summer Internship Program offers an eight-week STEM research experience for high school students passionate about STEM, particularly those from underrepresented or economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Located in the Boston metro area, this paid internship allows students to work directly with scientists on advanced research in fields such as oral health, immunology, and microbiology. Throughout the program, students gain hands-on experience in laboratory techniques, conduct independent research projects, and present their findings to peers and mentors.
In addition to lab work, participants attend weekly presentations and lectures covering topics like cutting-edge oral health research, expanding their understanding of the broader impact of science.
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Dates: 6 weeks during the summer (specific dates vary annually).
- First Week: Intensive STEM classes at MIT with accomplished faculty.
- Next 5 Weeks: Individual research projects mentored by experienced scientists and researchers
- Final Week: Preparation and delivery of written and oral presentations on research projects.
Cost/Stipend: None.
Eligibility: The program is open to high school students from all over the world.
Deadline: To be announced
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a prestigious, cost-free summer program hosted by MIT. This 6-week program accepts 100 top high school juniors from around the world to experience the full research cycle. It immerses students in a dynamic research environment, providing them with a unique opportunity to experience intensive STEM coursework and hands-on research projects.
The program kicks off with one week of intensive classes in STEM subjects taught by MIT faculty. Students then spend the next five weeks conducting original research in various STEM fields, such as physics, computer science, chemistry, biology, and more. This culminates in written and oral presentations where students showcase their findings. The combination of rigorous academic instruction and real-world research makes RSI a great opportunity for budding scientists.
4. Ragon Institute Summer Experience (RISE)
Location: Cambridge, MA
Dates: June 24 – August 9 (for high school students)
Cost/Stipend: High school students are paid $17 per hour; undergraduates are paid $18 per hour
Eligibility: Open to high school students (rising seniors) and undergraduates from underrepresented communities in the Greater Boston area. High school students must be rising seniors with an interest in STEM, and undergraduates must be interested in learning about immunology and related fields.
Deadline: March 15
The Ragon Institute Summer Experience (RISE) is a paid 7-week internship program aimed at increasing interest in medical research among students from underrepresented groups. Hosted by the Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT, and Harvard, the program pairs students with mentors for lab projects in immunology and related fields, providing exposure to cutting-edge research techniques.
Participants also take part in coursework, lectures, and workshops. The program targets students from gateway communities in Greater Boston, including Cambridge, Boston, Everett, Revere, Lynn, Brockton, and Chelsea. RISE seeks to foster a diverse scientific community and encourages rising high school seniors and undergraduates to pursue careers in research. By the end of the program, students present their findings in a formal setting, gaining valuable presentation and communication experience.
5. The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS): Project Pipeline Baltimore
Location: Virtual and in-person options.
Dates:
- In-person: 8 weeks, June - August
- Virtual: 5 weeks, July - August
Stipend: In-person participants receive an hourly stipend (amount varies), while virtual interns receive a stipend of $500.
Eligibility:
- Juniors and seniors from around the country are eligible to apply to the 5-week, virtual program.
- Juniors and seniors residing in Baltimore City and the metro area, who have a strong passion and interest in science and medicine, are from underrepresented groups, and have an academically strong background are eligible for the in-person program.
Deadline: Applications open annually from December 1 to March 1.
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program is an 8-week, fully funded summer research opportunity for talented high school students from underrepresented communities. You will get to work with top neuroscientists on cutting-edge research and laboratory techniques, providing hands-on experience in the field of brain sciences. Participants work closely with experienced mentors and peers, developing critical skills in research, data analysis, and collaboration.
Available both on-campus and virtually, the program accepts 5-6 students, provides an hourly stipend, and covers transportation costs. Throughout the program, students engage in group discussions that enhance their public speaking and teamwork abilities. The internship culminates in a final presentation, allowing participants to showcase their findings and hone their communication skills.
6. Stanford University’s SHTEM Summer Internships
Location: Virtual
Dates: June 17 - August 9
Stipend: This is an unpaid internship, but stipends may be provided based on financial need.
Eligibility: The applicants must be current high school juniors or seniors at the time of application and at least 14 years old by June 17.
Deadline: Applications typically close in February every year.
This program offers high school and community college students early exposure to cutting-edge research and diverse topics in an academic setting. Hosted by Stanford University, this remote internship allows students to explore various subjects. Participants are expected to commit to 40 hours per week, offering an intensive experience that mirrors the demands of university-level research.
During this eight-week summer program, students will work remotely, conducting research, collaborating with peers, and receiving guidance from Stanford professors. Interns gain hands-on experience in research methodologies while developing skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and technical problem-solving.
Teams can work on projects in fields such as biology, neuroscience, psychology, information and communication science, technology, computer science, the arts, and more. At the end of the program, students will present their projects with their teams.
7. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) by George Mason University
Location: Virtual
Dates: June 18 - August 9 (8 weeks)
Stipend: There is a $25 application fee which can be waived based on financial need. This is an unpaid internship.
Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years old by June can apply. Interns for “wet lab” internships should be at least 16 years old.
Deadline: The applications typically close at the beginning of February.
George Mason University’s ASSIP offers remote internships where students work one-on-one with faculty researchers and collaborating institutions. Throughout the program, students attend professional development workshops and discussion forums, where they interact with STEM role models and explore various career paths in science and technology. Past projects have included work on diagnosing tuberculosis with qPCR, measuring volatile organic compounds, and developing antibiotics.
Project opportunities are available in various fields, including proteomics, molecular medicine, biochemistry, drug discovery, neuroscience, biology, disease diagnostics, women’s health, infectious disease, epidemiology, tissue repair, and regeneration, among others.
8. Medicine Encompassed (ME) Student Internships
Location: Virtual
Dates: Open year-round, including summer sessions
Stipend: This is an unpaid internship.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students worldwide; minimum commitment of 1 article or 2 hours per week
Deadline: Rolling admissions throughout the year
Fordham University's Real Estate Institute runs summer programs for high schoolers curious about the real estate field. These programs offer an insider's perspective on New York City's property market, with an emphasis on development, entrepreneurship, and hospitality sectors.
Medicine Encompassed is a student-led non-profit that accepts high school students interested in biology, medicine, and STEAM. Interns work in over 18 committees to develop medical curriculum, contribute to the Project Cultivation outreach initiative, and work on specific projects.
Positions include writers, editors, and resource creators. Responsibilities involve drafting articles, revising blog and social media content, and creating study guides and slideshows. Interns research medical topics, write informative pieces, and develop educational materials. The program is flexible, allowing participants to manage their schedules while meeting a minimum weekly commitment.
Location: Virtual
Dates: June 17 - 28
Stipend: This is an unpaid internship. Students will receive a certificate upon completion and the potential to extend their internship.
Eligibility: U.S. high school students over 14 years old with strong math and/or computer programming skills and/or experience with a healthcare project
Deadline: Applications open in January.
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging offers a 2-week virtual internship focused on the technical and clinical aspects of AI in healthcare. The program features lectures, mentoring, social activities, and virtual Career Lunch and Learns with guest speakers. Participants engage in both introductory and technical lectures on AI in healthcare fundamentals, followed by hands-on group research projects. Students can also choose an extended independent research internship.
Under the guidance of Stanford faculty and student mentors, interns collaborate on projects that involve AI-based solutions to medical challenges. Aiming to advance AI research in medicine for public benefit, the program is a great choice for those interested in health and technology. It is highly competitive, accepting only about 20 students each year.
10. High School Apprenticeship Challenge by Massachusetts Life Sciences Center
Location: Boston, Brockton, New Bedford, Worcester, and Cambridge, MA
Dates: Any 6 weeks between May 1 and April 30
Stipend: $17 per hour
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old and attending school in Massachusetts
Deadline: Not specified
The High School Apprenticeship Challenge offers paid internships to underrepresented and low-income high school students in Massachusetts. The program connects students with host companies across Massachusetts, where they engage in hands-on learning, research, and professional skill-building activities. Each intern works for approximately six weeks, either full-time or part-time, in fields like biotechnology, biomedical engineering, and other STEM-related industries.
This program is aimed at providing students with exposure to real-world STEM careers and giving them a head start in their professional development. The program also provides a pre-internship lab training session for some school districts to help students develop biotechnology, biomedical, and professional skills.
11. Boston University’s RISE Internship
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Dates: July 1 - August 9 (residential students begin a day earlier)
Stipend: $5,350 (tuition) + $3,120/$3,426 (room and board, if applicable) + additional fees. Need-based financial aid is available.
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors in the U.S.
Deadline: Applications usually close in February.
Boston University’s (BU) Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) program offers high school students the opportunity to conduct laboratory research in various STEM fields. With two program tracks—Internship and Practicum—RISE provides participants with a choice between conducting independent research or engaging in group-based study led by BU instructors.
Internship Track: Students spend six weeks working 40 hours a week in research labs under the guidance of Boston University faculty, focusing on areas such as biology, biomedical engineering, astronomy, computer science, chemistry, physics, neuroscience, psychology, public health, and more.
Practicum Track: This track offers a group-based experience focusing on computational neurobiology. Participants attend daily lectures and lab sessions, working on projects related to neuroscience, bioinformatics, and computational biology.
Both tracks provide an intensive, immersive experience that enhances students' research, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The program concludes with a Poster Symposium where students present their projects.
12. Massachusetts General Hospital’s Youth Programs
Location: Boston, Chelsea, or Revere, MA
Dates: Summer or throughout the academic year (specific dates vary)
Stipend: Some internships are paid (The exact amount is not specified).
Eligibility: Local high school students
Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
The SPARK Summer Internship Program (SPARK SIP) connects high school students with mentors, industry professionals, and academics from universities while they work on innovative STEM projects. The program will give you a taste of a professional work atmosphere. As an intern, you should be able to work between 20 and 40 hours a week.
Massachusetts General Hospital offers youth programs to nearly 1,000 young people annually. Among these, high school students can apply for the MGH Youth Scholars Program. Aimed at fostering an interest in science, healthcare, and related fields, the program helps students prepare for the rigorous demands of college. Participants receive academic support, career exploration opportunities, and professional development workshops that help them succeed in both academic and professional pursuits.
Additionally, students can apply for the Summer Jobs Program, which allows them to work in different departments of health centers in the city while participating in professional development workshops. During the program, students attend workshops, gain real-world work experience, and receive mentorship from professionals in the healthcare industry.