16 Summer Research Internships for High School Students
As a high school student, you're likely starting to think about your future—college majors, potential career paths, and how to stand out in a competitive field. One of the best ways to dive deeper into an area of interest is through research internships. These opportunities allow you to go beyond classroom learning and explore real-world applications of the subjects you're passionate about.
Beyond practical insight, internships allow you to build crucial skills like critical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving—all of which are highly sought after in today’s fast-paced, knowledge-driven world. Plus, when it comes to college applications, admissions officers are impressed by students who have demonstrated a genuine commitment to their fields of interest through meaningful extracurricular activities.
If you're a motivated and ambitious student looking to bolster your resume, expand your academic horizons, and prepare for the next steps in your academic journey, then these 16 summer research internships for high school students should definitely be on your radar.
1. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of Navy (DoN)
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students receive a stipend – $4,000 (new participant) | $4,500 (returning participants).
Location: Various U.S. Navy labs across the country.
Application Deadline: Applications open in August and close on November 1 every year.
Program Dates: 8 weeks in the summer. Exact dates vary depending on the lab you choose.
Eligibility:
- High school students who have completed at least grade 9, and are at least 16 years old when the internship begins, can apply.
- Graduating seniors are eligible as well.
- Students are recommended to check whether their preferred lab choice has any other particular requirements.
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP), sponsored by the Department of the Navy, provides high school students with a paid opportunity to work on real-world STEM research in Navy labs across the country. With only around 300 students selected each year, SEAP is highly competitive, placing students in 38 different Navy labs where they collaborate with scientists, engineers, and researchers on cutting-edge projects. During this program, you can choose a field or subject you wish to conduct research in based on your interests and location preferences. You would choose a lab accordingly.
As an apprentice, you will work directly with and be mentored by Navy scientists, engineers, and researchers in laboratories, and engage in crucial naval research. While working on projects hands-on, you will gain valuable knowledge and skills in various STEM disciplines, ranging from engineering to physics, aeronautics, computer science, and more.
SEAP is particularly beneficial for students hoping for an insider’s look into military-related research and development. Additionally, the stipend and mentorship make it an excellent opportunity to gain both practical and professional experience before entering college.
2. National Institute of Health (NIH) High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will receive a stipend – $2,300-2,530 (students in high school) | $2,570-2,840 (students who have graduated high school)
Location: Various NIH campuses across the U.S., including Bethesda, MD; Research Triangle Park, NC; Phoenix, AZ; and more.
Application deadline: Applications close on February 1 every year.
Program dates: 8 weeks in the summer, typically June - August.
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors, or recent graduates who are at least 17 years old by June 15. Do look through all the eligibility requirements before applying.
Conducted by NIH, this internship is ideal for high schoolers interested in exploring biomedicine and healthcare. This highly competitive program provides hands-on experience in NIH research labs, working in fields such as biology, epidemiology, psychology, chemistry, and more. During this program, you will work on current research projects, learn to analyze data, and acquire essential laboratory skills.
During the 8-week internship, you will have access to professional development programs offered by NIH, that are focused on core competencies required for careers in STEM fields, apart from educational and career guidance. The internship concludes with a Summer Poster Day, where students present their research findings to the NIH community.
3. Internships at Sandia National Laboratories
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will receive a stipend commensurate to the work they put in, and it will vary with the internship role.
Location: Livermore, CA | Albuquerque, NM | other Sandia sites.
Application Deadline: Rolling deadline, as internship openings are continuously updated. New internship opportunities are typically posted regularly from August to mid-March.
Program Dates:
- Summer internships typically last 10-12 weeks, while year-round opportunities are available for students attending local schools.
- 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.
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old, are enrolled full-time in an accredited college, university, or high school, and 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.
Sandia National Laboratories is a contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy’s ‘National Nuclear Security Administration’ (NNSA). Sandia offers strong internship opportunities for students during the summer and year-round.
You can apply for internship roles in different departments at Sandia – technical, business, and Research & Development, which will allow you to work on national projects. With these internships, you will get to contribute to critical national research in fields like cybersecurity, energy, national security, and advanced computing.
As an intern, you will work with top scientists and engineers on projects that contribute to technological advancements. The program is highly structured, with summer and year-round opportunities that pair students with mentors to guide them through their research and professional development.
Internships are available across Sandia’s various labs, including its major sites in Albuquerque, NM, and Livermore, CA. Students are compensated for their work, and the program also offers valuable networking, career development, and insight into careers in STEM fields.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will be paid $17.20 per hour.
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Program dates: June 17 – July 26.
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
- are eligible to work in the U.S.
If you’re a high school junior or senior in Illinois interested in exploring physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering, this 6-week intensive summer internship is a great choice. Students will work alongside Fermilab scientists and engineers, contributing to research projects and learning about STEM careers in an exciting research environment.
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. In past sessions, students have tackled projects like 3D modeling, computational thinking, and even conducted interviews with scientists working on high-profile experiments, such as the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment. (e.g., Kentandu Cheiduinterviewing her mentor Lauren Biron on the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment) and participating in hands-on workshops to understand 3D modeling and computational thinking.
5. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Cost/Stipend:
- There is a $40 application fee, which can be waived.
- Students earn a stipend of $500 - $2,500. Housing and transportation are not provided.
- Please note: Stipends of $2500 and above are given on a needs-based system from special grants.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Application deadline: February 22.
Program dates: June 9 – July 31
Eligibility: Open to current high school juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must be 16 years old by the program start date.
SIMR is a solid medical program that offers both internship and research components. Participants work directly with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students on cutting-edge medical research in fields such as cancer biology, immunology, bioengineering, and cardiovascular medicine. Students are matched with mentors who provide one-on-one guidance throughout the research process. This is a competitive program with a cohort size of about 50 students – at an acceptance rate of less than 3% (approximately).
You will spend the majority of your time in the program doing full-time lab work. The program culminates in a poster presentation where students showcase their work to peers, faculty, and the Stanford community. In addition to research, SIMR includes lectures, workshops, and professional development sessions, helping students build both technical and soft skills. Each subject track 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.
6. The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS): Project Pipeline Baltimore
Cost/Stipend: No cost. In-person participants receive an hourly stipend, and travel costs are covered. Virtual participants receive a $500 honorarium.
Location: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, East Baltimore campus for in-person internships; Virtual options available for students across the U.S.
Application Deadline: March 1, every year.
Program Dates:
- In-Person: June – August (8 weeks)
- Virtual: July – August (5 weeks)
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors. In-person internships are exclusive to Baltimore City students, while the virtual program is available nationwide. The program encourages applications from underrepresented groups in STEM.
This internship program is ideal for students keen on pursuing or exploring the field of neurological sciences. With a goal to make the field more inclusive and representative, this is an 8-week, fully-funded summer research program for high school students from underrepresented communities. This prestigious program offers both in-person and virtual internship opportunities, allowing students to delve into hands-on biomedical research under the mentorship of leading scientists at Johns Hopkins.
Participants in the in-person program spend 8 weeks conducting research at the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology, working closely with faculty mentors on projects related to neuroscience. Interns engage in lab work, clinical rotations, and weekly educational seminars, culminating in a final oral or poster presentation.
The program is also offered virtually for students who cannot attend the program on campus. Though less hands-on than the in-person option, the virtual program provides significant educational and professional development, allowing students to gain valuable insight into the world of neurological research. At the end of the program, you will present your research via an oral or poster presentation. Take a look at some of the past projects!
7. Student Historian Internship at the New York Historical Society
Cost/Stipend: Free. All interns receive a $700 Stipend upon completion. Others may participate for community service hours or school credit.
Location: New York Historical Society, New York, NY
Application deadline: September 22
Program dates: October 23 – June 11
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10, 11, or 12 can apply. Applicants must live in and attend school in the New York City metro area (includes the five boroughs of New York City, as well as areas of New York State, Connecticut, and New Jersey).
If you’re inclined to conduct research in the field of history or are looking to build your knowledge base in American history, you should consider applying to this internship. The Student Historian internship program offers a chance to put the New York Historical Society's resources to use to conduct research and showcase your scholarly work with innovative digital projects.
As an intern, you will participate in informative sessions with experienced professionals, where you can get valuable insight into the world of museums, libraries, digital humanities, and history. Interns work alongside professional museum staff to conduct research, participate in workshops, and develop digital projects that reflect the program’s historical theme. For this session, the theme is Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass’ America, providing interns with a focused lens through which to explore significant historical narratives. The overarching theme for this internship program changes year on year.
8. Summer Internships for High School Students (Laboratory Learning Program) at Princeton
Cost/Stipend: This program is free. Most projects offer no stipend, but a few select research opportunities may provide stipends.
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Application deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Program dates: 5-6 weeks in the summer, depending on the research project and the researchers' schedule. Each research project has its own schedule. Interns work full-time, Monday to Friday, with no weekend activities.
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, can apply
- 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.
This is a highly selective program that offers students an opportunity to work with and learn from faculty and researchers in Princeton laboratories while assisting them with ongoing research. There are around 25 Princeton laboratories, and they accept about 40 interns every year. Princeton faculty lead research teams, which typically include postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate students, as well as other staff researchers – along with interns like you.
The focus is on natural sciences and engineering, with projects varying year by year. In the past, topics have included machine learning, biofuel oxidation, genetic variation in human health, and more. Interns work full-time during the summer and produce a research summary report by the program's end.
The experience provides a deep dive into research practices and offers students the chance to be part of ongoing academic research, all while learning valuable lab techniques and research methodologies. You can see the entire list of past research opportunities here.
9. NASA and UT Austin’s SEES High School Summer Intern Program
Cost/Stipend: Free
Location: Hybrid—includes a virtual component and an on-site experience at the University of Texas at Austin.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Program Dates:
- 11th Grade On-site Program: July 7 – July 20
- 10th Grade On-site Program: July 27 – August 4
- Virtual Science Symposium: July 22 – 24 (11th graders); August 5 (10th graders)
Eligibility: High school juniors who hold U.S. citizenship can apply.
The University of Texas, Austin, and NASA hosts this national-level internship program. It’s highly competitive, with only 6-7 interns selected to participate every year. The program exposes students to NASA's research and allows them to work with scientists and engineers on topics like remote sensing, climate science, and space geodetic techniques.
The internship includes both virtual and in-person components, providing students with flexibility and opportunities to engage in hands-on research. During the on-site portion of the program, students participate in intensive workshops, field investigations, and evening sessions aimed at deepening their understanding of Earth and space systems. You will be expected to present your research at the program's concluding symposium.
10. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate. There is a $25 application fee, which may be waived for students with financial need.
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA. Internships can either be fully remote, entirely in-person, or hybrid. This depends on your mentor's choice and their requirements.
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).
Eligibility: For the remote internships and in-person/hybrid computer lab internships, students must be 15 years or older by June. For the ‘wet-lab’ in-person or hybrid internships, students must be 16 or older by June.
Note: While the program accepts international applications, specific research labs may be unavailable for non-US citizens.
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) allows high school students to work one-on-one with faculty researchers at George Mason University, developing their own independent research projects. As an intern in this program, you will work across disciplines like astronomy, nanoscience, game design, drug discovery, robotics, women’s health, stem-related entrepreneurship, and more.
The program includes daily lab work, scientific writing, and opportunities to develop communication skills through presentations and research summaries. Interns gain valuable exposure to real-world research practices, and many contribute to projects that are later published in scientific journals. 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! This program is fairly selective, with an acceptance rate of around 10%.
11. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at TexasTech University
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend of $750 + free housing and meals
Location: TexasTech University campus, Lubbock, TX
Application Deadline: February every year
Program Dates: June 16 - August 1 (7 weeks)
Eligibility: Students who will be at least 17 years old by the program start date, will graduate this year or the next, and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
This program is designed to offer applied research exposure and experience to high-achieving high school students. It’s a highly competitive program, with only 12 students accepted every year - an acceptance rate of less than 3%. Once selected, you will work one-on-one with expert scientists and researchers, attend weekly seminars, and participate in discussions, field visits, and social activities. As a scholar in this program, you get the opportunity to conduct research across a wide range of fields.
While not a traditional internship, the program is structured like one. You will gain practical research experience and build your knowledge base as you learn from experienced faculty members from the university. Participants benefit from mentorship, networking opportunities, and a comprehensive experience that significantly enhances their college applications and career readiness.
Research areas include nutritional sciences, computer science, biology and microbiology, mechanical engineering, neurobiology, history, chemistry, and electrical and computer engineering.
12. QuarkNet Summer Research Program by Fermilab
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will be paid $17.20 per hour.
Location: Varies based on lab choice.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Program Dates: June 17 – August 2.
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.
Fermilab operates under the U.S. Department of Energy and is America’s premier lab for particle physics research. The lab offers this 7-week research internship for high school students who are keen on exploring research in the field of engineering physics. As an intern, you will contribute to Fermilab research. The fact that the program is offered by a government-affiliated body can make it a prestigious addition to your profile, especially if you’re planning to pursue STEM.
The lab works in the fields of particle physics and accelerator research, and as an intern, you will work on projects involving particle physics, particle accelerators and detectors, computer science, and quantum science to analyze data. You will also be tasked with data collection via entrance and exit surveys, writing a research abstract, and giving oral presentations. This immersive research opportunity not only enhances technical skills but also prepares participants for future academic and professional pursuits in science.
13. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate. Students receive a competitive stipend, which varies depending on their education level. High school interns typically receive around $492.40 per week.
Location: Several locations across the United States. Find one that works for you!
Application deadline: Deadlines vary based on the chosen site.
Program Dates: The program typically offers summer internships, with a limited number of positions during the fall and spring semesters. Dates vary each year. ARFL internships typically run 10–12 weeks, with a minimum requirement of 8 weeks. They can last up to 14 weeks based on mentor preferences and funding availability.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old can apply.
The Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars program is a paid internship opportunity for academically motivated high school students keen to explore the field of aerospace engineering. As a scholar, you will be mentored and guided by full-time AFRL scientists and engineers. You will also get to tour AFRL laboratories and work on innovative research with experts.
The program places interns at various AFRL sites across the country, including key locations such as Eglin Air Force Base in Florida and Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico. The program offers a range of research topics to choose from, and you can take a look at the different mentor bios here. You can apply to up to 3 topics per AFRL site. Some of the topics offered this summer are Advanced Carbon-Based Conductors for Aerospace Applications and Characterization of High-Temperature Structural Materials.
This highly competitive program offers a unique opportunity for students to contribute to national security projects while building valuable skills and expanding their professional networks. The program also offers projects, including 'Advanced Robot Controller Design and Implementation,' that require you to apply computer science concepts.
14. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Internship
Cost/Stipend: Students are paid an hourly wage ranging from $15 to $16 per hour.
Location: Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February or March each year.
Program Dates: 6-week summer internships, typically running from June through August.
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors (or recent graduates) who are at least 16 years old. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) offers excellent opportunities for high school students that allow them to conduct research and apply traditional STEM concepts to real-world problems. Over the course of six weeks, interns work on groundbreaking projects in fields such as nuclear energy, cybersecurity, environmental science, and clean energy. This hands-on experience involves spending the majority of time in labs, with a focus on solving real-world scientific challenges under the mentorship of top-tier researchers and engineers.
The internships cover a range of research topics. The program is designed to provide students with a deep dive into STEM disciplines, helping them build practical skills while also fostering professional development through networking, weekly seminars, and project-based learning. You can view projects across different subjects through past Intern Poster sessions.
Internship opportunities are divided based on research subjects and the required skills. You can apply to as many as you want based on any potential areas of interest you have. The program also offers business administration, finance, and accounting internships and STEM internships. In each area of interest, the number of research topics is vast.
15. SHTEM: Summer Internships for High Schoolers at Stanford University
Cost/Stipend: None.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March
Program dates: June 17 - August 9.
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.
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. This eight-week internship is designed to encourage students to engage with interdisciplinary research topics under the mentorship of Stanford faculty and graduate students. Past projects have included areas such as nanotechnology, artificial olfaction, computational biology, and virtual reality.
Participants work in groups on innovative research projects that transcend traditional academic boundaries, offering a unique learning experience that emphasizes collaboration and creativity. The internship is entirely virtual, allowing students from various locations to participate, and involves about 30–40 hours of commitment per week. The networking opportunities within Stanford's community and contributing to real projects make this an excellent stepping stone for those looking to pursue careers in STEM or academia.
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies, on average, raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form.
The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
Bonus!
Here are a few more summer research internships you can consider as a high school student: