10 STEM Summer Internships for High School Students
If you are a high school student with an interest in STEM, you should consider participating in a summer internship. Engaging in a STEM internship will allow you to apply your classroom knowledge to real-world problems, fostering a deeper understanding of the subjects you are passionate about.
Securing a STEM internship as a high school student can be challenging. These positions are highly sought after and often require a certain level of knowledge and skill. Nonetheless, participating in a STEM internship can set you apart in the college admissions process, showcasing your dedication to your field of interest and your ability to engage in advanced, real-world work. To help you get started, we have compiled a list of 10 STEM summer internships for high school students!
1. Stanford’s STEM: Summer Internship
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Non-Paid
Program dates: 8 weeks from end of June to Mid August
Application Deadline: January
Eligibility: Must be a high school junior or senior in the 2022-2023 school year (i.e. 11th or 12th grade at the time of application) OR a full-time CC student (within first three years of CC)
Stanford's STEM: Summer Internship is an exceptional opportunity, hosted by one of the world's renowned institutions, that offers a unique gateway into the heart of technological innovation. During the internship, you'll find yourself engaged in cutting-edge projects and collaborative endeavors, providing hands-on experiences that transcend traditional classroom learning.
You will be expected to work for 30-40 hours a week, where your work will primarily include research. The necessary materials for your practical projects will be provided to you by the institution, and you will have to be in regular contact with your mentors and peers. Stanford's distinguished faculty and industry experts act as guides, imparting invaluable insights that deepen your understanding of the field you’re passionate about.
Participating in Stanford's STEM program not only equips you with technical skills but also cultivates a mindset crucial for success in the dynamic field of technology. The program's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration mirrors the real-world scenarios in tech industries, fostering adaptability and resilience. The networking opportunities within Stanford's esteemed community and the chance to contribute to groundbreaking projects make this internship a transformative experience.
2. Scripps Student Research Internship
Location: Scripps Research Translational Institute
Stipend: Unpaid
Program dates: 10 weeks from June to August
Application Deadline: April 30th
Eligibility: Highly motivated students in high school, college or professional training (medical/law/graduate/business school) may apply.
Enrolling in the Scripps Student Research Internship, which is part of the Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI), is a unique opportunity for students interested in STEM, in particular biotechnology and medical research. SRTI is at the forefront of cutting-edge translational research, with a strong focus on personalized healthcare through genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic correlates of health and disease.
As an intern in the program, you'll have the chance to work with and learn from a diverse and multidisciplinary team of scientists. This team includes internationally renowned investigators in areas such as genomics, bioinformatics, digital medicine, and community engagement. The primary goal of the internship program is to provide you, as a highly motivated high school student, with the training and preparation needed to become a future leader in the realm of translational medical research. This immersive experience will allow you to actively contribute to groundbreaking research while expanding your knowledge and skill set in health sciences, statistics, and computational/computer science.
Application deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year (Fall deadline on August 27, 2023)
Eligibility: All high school students
Program dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year
Location: Virtual
Fee: $1,990
Financial assistance: Available
Ladder Internships are a fantastic opportunity for you to gain real-world experience in a dynamic start-up environment. These internships span 8 weeks and involve working with one company, allowing students to immerse themselves deeply in the culture and workings of a fast-paced, innovative business setting. This program is particularly beneficial for students looking to apply their academic knowledge in a practical context and gain a firsthand understanding of the professional world in the areas of technology, healthcare, biotech, AI, and more.
During the Ladder Internship, students are assigned a real-world project, which is a central part of their experience. Working on such projects allows students to hone their problem-solving, collaboration, and technical skills. For instance, at a company like JuneBrain, which operates in healthcare and biotech, students might work on projects related to medical technology development or research. Alternatively, at a company like IPMD, which focuses on revolutionizing patient experiences using AI solutions, interns could be involved in developing AI algorithms or analyzing patient data to improve healthcare delivery.
The internships culminated in a final presentation where students showcase their work and receive a letter of completion from the company. This letter is a valuable addition to their academic and professional portfolios, especially when applying to colleges or future job opportunities.
Application deadline: December 15
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);
Program dates: ~8-weeks during the summer after your freshman year of college
Location: At Amazon headquarters
Stipend: Scholarship up to $10,000 per year
Participating in the Amazon Future Engineer Program is an enriching experience for high school students with a passion for technology. Tailored to provide hands-on experience, the internship program is designed to expose you to the day-to-day challenges and innovations within Amazon's tech-centric environment. You will have the chance to work on real projects, collaborating with experienced professionals and gaining insights into the multifaceted realm of engineering.
For high school students aspiring to thrive in the technology sector, Amazon Future Engineer serves as a launching pad for future success. The program's multifaceted approach combines technical instruction and mentorship opportunities with a supportive community that fosters collaboration. You will be given the opportunity to work on Amazon’s flagship products like Alexa voice technology, Amazon Web Services, and the Amazon retail platform. By the end of the internship, most interns ship production-level code to Amazon!
5. NASA OSTEM High School Internship Programs
Location: NASA centers across the country
Stipend: Awarded based on academic level and session duration
Program dates: Spring session (Mid January - Early May), Summer session (Late May - August), Fall session (Late August - Mid December)
Application Deadline: May 26 (Fall), August 30 (Spring), October 20 (Summer)
Eligibility:
Be a U.S. citizen
Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
Be a full-time student
Be a minimum of 16 years of age at the time of application
Embarking on the NASA OSTEM (Office of STEM Engagement) High School Internship Programs is a great opportunity for you if you have an interest in technology and a fascination for space exploration. These internship programs are tailored to provide hands-on experiences in STEM fields, allowing you to engage with state-of-the-art technologies used in space exploration, satellite communication, and aerospace engineering. Whether you're fascinated by robotics, software development, or the intricate mechanisms behind spacecraft, the NASA OSTEM High School Internship Programs offer an immersive environment where you can apply your theoretical knowledge to various real-world challenges.
What sets the NASA OSTEM High School Internship Programs apart is the solid access they provide to NASA's modern facilities and resources. You will build valuable connections while gaining hands-on experience in NASA labs, contributing to ongoing projects, and collaborating with experts in the field of technology. The mentorship you receive goes beyond traditional classroom learning, offering insights into the unique challenges and opportunities within the aerospace and technology sectors. Moreover, the program fosters a sense of community among like-minded peers who share your passion for technology and space exploration.
Check out this guide to know everything about NASA internships!
6. Research in Science and Engineering Internship (RISE) by Boston University
Location: Boston University
Cost: $8246
Program dates: July - August
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Riding high school seniors who are US citizens
This six-week program immerses you in a university laboratory research setting, working alongside some of the nation’s leading scientific minds. During the program, you will dedicate approximately 40 hours each week to working on research projects. These projects are carefully designed by your mentors to ensure that you acquire valuable technical and analytical skills. The hands-on nature of the work will allow you to develop a deep insight into the scientific process, experiencing the rigors and rewards of real-world scientific research.
RISE offers a broad spectrum of research areas, catering to a wide range of interests within the STEM fields. You may choose to engage in research opportunities in areas such as astronomy, biology, biomedical engineering, chemistry, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, medical laboratory research, neuroscience, physics, psychology, and public health.
The culmination of the RISE Internship is the Poster Symposium, where students present the results of their research. This symposium is a significant opportunity for participants to showcase their work, articulate their findings, and demonstrate their newfound skills and knowledge.
7. The Intern Project Summer Program
Location: Los Angeles. Majority of the program is virtual.
Cost/Stipend: Free. Students will receive a stipend.
Application Deadline: March 15
Internship Dates: June - August. You will be required to attend at least 80% of the program workshops which are after-school Thursdays 4:30-6:30 pm.
Eligibility: South LA students in grades 10-12, High School DACA/Undocumented Youth, High School Foster Youth & system-involved youth. .
The Intern Project (TIP) is a summer program designed for high school students from schools across Los Angeles County, offering them the chance to gain invaluable experience in various career fields. This program is particularly beneficial for students interested in STEM, as it includes internships in Engineering & Tech, Healthcare & Medical Technology, along with other areas like Arts, Media & Entertainment, Business, Government/Non-Profit/Philanthropy, and Sports. During the program, you will be placed in internships with TIP's company partners, including prominent aerospace organizations and America on Tech.
TIP also includes a series of training workshops aimed at developing essential professional skills. These workshops cover a range of topics, including Time Management, LinkedIn, Financial Literacy, Professional Communication, Self Care 101, and an Interview Workshop. These sessions are designed to equip you with the skills necessary to navigate the professional world effectively.
The final outcome of the program typically involves a presentation or a summation of the work and learning achieved during the internship. This could be in the form of a final report, a project presentation, or a reflective summary, depending on the nature of the internship and the requirements of the hosting company.
8. Department of Navy’s Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: There are several lab locations to choose from across the country, with several in California.
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.
Stipend: $4,000 (new participant) | $4,500 (returning participant)
Application Deadline: November 1, every year.
Internship Dates: Eight 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. There is room for some exceptions. Students are recommended to check whether their preferred lab choice has any other particular requirements.
The Department of Navy's Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) is a great opportunity that will provide you with hands-on, practical experience in the field of science and engineering. You will explore projects in cybersecurity, software development, algorithm design, or data analysis. These projects not only allow you to apply your classroom knowledge to practical scenarios but also expose you to new and emerging technologies and methodologies in the field. Your lab choice is based on your subject of interest, students inclined towards computer science must search accordingly!
The structure of the SEAP is typically an eight-week summer apprenticeship, providing you with an immersive experience in a professional research environment. Students are paired with mentors who guide them through the intricacies of their assigned projects, offering invaluable insights into the world of scientific research and development. The program is ideal for high school students who have a strong interest in science and a desire to explore its applications beyond the classroom. It's particularly well-suited for those who are considering a career in engineering and technology, especially in fields related to national defense.
9. SPARK Summer Internship Program
Location: Seattle, Washington
Stipend: Some internships provide stipends.
Program dates: 8-10 weeks (June - August)
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: High school students
The SPARK Summer Internship Program will engage you in cutting-edge research projects, providing you with hands-on experience in advanced scientific and technological fields. It's an ideal platform for students who are curious about scientific research and innovation and are considering a career in STEM areas. During the internship, students work on a variety of challenging projects that are at the forefront of scientific research. Example projects include developing a detection tool for tick-borne infections or breast cancer, classifying DNA sequences based on their electrical signatures, and exploring 2D materials as new conductors and semiconductors for future technologies.
You will be expected to engage deeply with your assigned projects, applying your knowledge and skills to conduct research, analyze data, and develop innovative solutions. This hands-on experience is complemented by mentorship from experienced professionals and researchers, providing guidance and insights into the research process and the world of STEM professions.
The final outcome of the SPARK Summer Internship typically involves a presentation or demonstration of the project work. This could be in the form of a poster presentation, a report, or a demonstration of a developed tool or technology, depending on the nature of the project.
10. UCSC Science Internship Program
Location: University of California Santa Cruz
Cost: $4,000
Application Deadline: March 31, 2024
Internship Dates: June 26, 2024 - August 18, 2024
Eligibility: Students who are at least 14 years of age on the program start date can apply.
Hosted by the University of California, Santa Cruz, this program is a great way for you to dive into computer science research and technology development. You will have various opportunities to engage in projects that may involve software development, computational modeling, data analysis, or exploring new algorithms. These projects are not just theoretical but are often part of ongoing research at UCSC, giving you a real taste of the challenges and breakthroughs in the field of computer science.
You will be matched with a mentor who guides you through a specific research project, tailored to align with your interests and skills in computer science. This mentorship is a cornerstone of the program, enabling you to gain invaluable insights into the research process, problem-solving strategies, and technical skills essential for a career in science and technology. You will engage actively in projects, participate in lab meetings, and contribute meaningfully to the research team’s objectives. The program culminates in a symposium where you will present your findings, demonstrating your learning and contributions to the scientific community.
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. 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!
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