15 Research Internships for High School Students
Participating in a research internship program offers high school students an opportunity to go beyond traditional classroom learning and dive into the world of hands-on, practical education.
These programs are designed to nurture curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and give students a glimpse into professional research environments. For students considering a future in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), a research internship can be particularly valuable. It allows them to explore their interests deeply, gain experience working alongside experts, and develop skills that are crucial in today's fast-paced, scientifically driven world.
In this article, we explore 15 of the top research internships for high school students!
1. Ladder Internships - Research Track
Ladder Internships, a fairly selective program founded by Harvard alumni, pairs high school students with startups, nonprofits, and research mentorship programs around the world for virtual internships. You can choose the field you wish to work in, from a wide range of industries, including technology, machine learning, AI, computer science, finance, environmental science, sustainability, business, marketing, healthcare, medicine, media, journalism, and more. As an intern, you will work on meaningful projects that contribute to the startup or nonprofit’s larger mission, and present your work at the end of the program. This internship program includes one-on-one training in communication and time management, among other skills, and group training sessions with fellow interns.
Interns usually require 5-10 hours a week to work on assigned tasks and to meet the company management. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long. The internship opportunities in this program span the globe, with a concentration in the U.S., Asia, Europe, and the UK. You can explore all the options here on their application form.
Here is everything you need to know about Ladder Internships!
Cost/Stipend: Starting at $1,990. Financial assistance is available.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. The upcoming deadline for the Summer cohort is May 12, 2024.
Program Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year.
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!
2. Veritas AI’s AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduate students and our programs are geared towards high school students who want to work on AI and data science projects. While not a traditional internship, students get the chance to work 1-1 with mentors from top universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, CMU, and more to build individual research projects.
Over a period of 12-15 weeks, students engage in a unique project at the intersection of AI to develop a meaningful research paper that can then be reviewed and sent for publication to high school level journals.
Cost/Stipend: AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase - $4900
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Upcoming summer cohort deadlines - May 19, 2024 (regular admission II). You can apply here!
Program Dates: You can find all available dates for the summer cohort here
Eligibility: High school students passionate about AI; Basic understanding of Python or completion of AI scholars is required for the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase program
3. Horizon Academic Research Program
Location: Virtual
Application Date: May 21, 2024 for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024 for the fall cohort
Program Dates:
Summer seminar - June 24, 2024 - September 2, 2024
Fall seminar - October 23, 2024 - February 19, 2025
Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
4. Microsoft Discovery Program
Microsoft's Discovery Program is a 4-week summer internship opportunity for high school students, providing them with a gateway into the world of computer science and the tech industry. Participants, known as Discovers, will delve into the fundamental concepts of computer science, receive guidance from Microsoft's seasoned professionals, and acquire the necessary skills to pave the way for a potential future career at esteemed companies like Microsoft itself.
Tailored for students with a profound interest in technology and the tech realm, the program emphasizes hands-on learning experiences and exploratory endeavors. Offering an invaluable experience for aspiring STEM enthusiasts, this program seeks out students who genuinely have a passion for pursuing a career in the dynamic field of technology.
Cost/Stipend: A stipend of $20 per hour will be provided
Location: Redmond, Washington or Atlanta, Georgia
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Program Dates: July 8 to August 2, 2024
Eligibility: Open to rising first-year students of a bachelor’s degree program (graduating high school seniors) that live around Redmond, Washington OR Atlanta, Georgia who have an interest in technology
5. Internship at the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
The Smithsonian offers a variety of highly selective internship opportunities, including the notable APAC (Asian-Pacific American Center) internship. This program is an excellent fit for high school students who have a keen interest in museum work that emphasizes Asian-Pacific American history, art, and culture. Given that the program also accepts applications from undergraduate students, high school students should be prepared for a competitive application process.
Interning with the Smithsonian APAC, you will engage in a range of tasks that provide a comprehensive experience in museum operations and cultural programming. Depending on the department you choose, your responsibilities may include developing and implementing public programs and events, contributing to research and the development of exhibitions, as well as assisting with marketing, outreach initiatives, and administrative duties. This internship not only enhances your understanding of Asian-Pacific American contributions but also develops your skills across various aspects of museum and cultural work.
Cost/Stipend: A stipend of $850 per week will be provided
Location: Washington D.C.
Application Deadline: February 9 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 3 to August 9 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Recent high school graduates who are at least 18 years old
6. ASPIRE Internship at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
The ASPIRE internship program pairs interns with staff mentors from the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) to work on specific research projects, solve problems, and learn critical technical and interpersonal skills in a real-world, professional setting. For those particularly interested in physics, the 'Applied Physics' option allows interns to focus on projects within that field.
The main objective of the ASPIRE program is to give students the opportunity to deeply explore a subject before deciding on a college major. Interns are expected to work independently, engage effectively with APL staff and mentors, overcome challenges persistently, and continuously think creatively and innovatively. Unlike many traditional internships, ASPIRE's primary goal is not to evaluate students but to provide a nurturing environment where they can expand their knowledge of STEM fields and explore potential careers, enhancing both their academic and professional trajectories.
Cost/Stipend: No stipend is provided
Location: Johns Hopkins University campus, Maryland
Application Deadline: February 15 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 25 to August 22 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility:
High school junior or senior during program participation (Applicants can be rising juniors or seniors)
At least 15 years of age by June 1
U.S. citizenship (green card holders are not eligible)
Minimum 2.8 GPA
7. Harvard Forest Summer Research Program
The Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology offers students an 11-week intensive research experience that deeply engages them in scientific exploration alongside mentors and researchers. Each fall, research mentors from Harvard Forest, along with collaborators from other institutions, formulate a variety of summer research project descriptions. These descriptions serve as a basis for students when applying, allowing them to select a project that aligns with their interests. Each selected project forms part of a larger collaborative research effort, comprising multiple students and mentors focused on a common overarching question.
The core aim of the summer is to foster participants' growth in their specific projects while they develop their research skills and independence. This enriching journey through ecological research culminates in a symposium where students present their findings. For a glimpse into the kind of work produced, prospective applicants and interested parties can explore abstracts from the 2023 Symposium.
Cost/Stipend: A stipend of $7,700 will be provided
Location: Harvard Forest, Petersham, Massachusetts
Application Deadline: February 2 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: May 20 to August 2, 2024
Eligibility:
The Harvard Forest Summer Program is open to new undergraduates from 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities.
Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or Resident Aliens.
The DEVELOP program at NASA is designed to harness Earth observation data to tackle real-world societal challenges. In this unique setup, you will be part of a team consisting of 4-5 members from various disciplines. Together, you'll embark on a research project that leverages geospatial information to explore critical areas such as agriculture, ecological conservation, urban development, energy, and water resources.
Throughout the program, a mentor will guide your team as you collaborate with organizations—ranging from federal agencies to non-profits—using your research findings to inform and enhance their decision-making processes. This opportunity not only promises substantial hands-on experience and the development of advanced research skills but also places you in a competitive environment alongside graduates and professionals. For those interested in delving deeper into the projects and specific areas of research, further information is available here.
Cost/Stipend: A stipend of $7,700 will be provided
Location: Various locations are available, as well as a virtual option
Application Deadline: February 23 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 3 to August 9, 2024
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 18 years of age and a minimum GPA of 3.0 (International students may apply to regional and virtual locations)
9. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
The Berkeley Lab Director’s Apprenticeship Program (BLDAP) is a dynamic, project-based STEM initiative tailored for high school students. The program is designed to cultivate essential 21st-century skills through practical engagement with Berkeley Lab's pioneering research activities. It also provides comprehensive college and career guidance and fosters a robust STEM network within a real-life work environment.
During the program, participants will tackle hands-on projects, enroll in a computer science short course, and participate in weekly discussions with STEM professionals. These activities are focused on enhancing key research skills like problem-solving, effective communication, and teamwork, all while expanding their STEM network. After successfully completing the summer apprenticeship, participants will have the chance to continue their engagement with Berkeley Lab by attending additional short courses, workshops, and special seminars during the fall and spring.
Cost/Stipend: A stipend of $500 per week will be provided
Location: Berkeley, California
Application Deadline: April 1 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 18 to July 26, 2024
Eligibility:
Students must be in grades 10 or 11 to apply (with the program taking place during the summer after sophomore or junior year)
Students must be full time residents of the state of California to apply.
Students must be at least 16 no later than June 17, 2024.
10. Stanford’s SHTEM: Summer Internship
This program is aimed at providing high school and community college students early exposure to cutting-edge research in an academic environment as well as introducing students to the diversity of research topics pursued in engineering. Conducted by a highly esteemed institution during the summer, this internship offers a unique chance for students to explore diverse subjects remotely.
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.
Cost/Stipend: None
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: February 23 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 17 to August 9, 2024
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.
11. Scripps Student Research Internship
The Student Research Internship Program is a 10-week summer program designed for high school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. The primary goal is to equip students interested in health sciences, statistics, and computational/computer science to become future leaders in the realm of translational medical research. SRTI is a leader in innovative translational research, emphasizing individualized healthcare by exploring genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic indicators of health and disease.
During the internship, you will collaborate with and gain insights from an interdisciplinary group of scientists, including world-renowned experts in genomics, bioinformatics, digital medicine, and community outreach. The internship aims to equip ambitious high school students like you with the necessary training and insights to emerge as future pioneers in translational medical research. This hands-on experience will not only help you better understand how research works, but it will also build your skills in the health sciences, statistics, and computational science fields.
Cost/Stipend: None
Location: Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla, CA
Application Deadline: March 30 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: Multiple sessions are available:
Session One: June 3 - August 9, 2024
Session Two: June 17 - August 23, 2024
Eligibility: Highly motivated students in high school, college, or professional training (medical/law/graduate/business school) may apply. Please note that high school students must be at least 16 years of age before the start of their internship.
12. Internships at Sandia National Laboratories
Sandia National Laboratories serves as a contractor to the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and offers prestigious internship opportunities for students both during the summer and throughout the year. Internships are available in a variety of areas, including technical, business, and research & development roles, enabling students to contribute to significant national projects. These internships offer a unique chance to gain practical experience within a research setting. As an intern, you'll collaborate with seasoned scientists and engineers on projects that drive forward technological innovation.
Year-round internships are designed for students from local institutions, allowing them to work part-time at a Sandia location—up to 25 hours a week for high school students and up to 40 hours a week during school holidays.
Co-op internships, created in collaboration with specific educational institutions, offer students the opportunity to take a break from their studies to work full-time at Sandia, typically for 3–8 months during the academic year, possibly extending into the summer. These positions provide up to 40 hours of work per week, offering a deep dive into professional experience in their field.
Cost/Stipend: None; Students will receive a stipend commensurate to the work they put in, and it will vary with the internship role.
Location: Varies based on the internship. Opportunities are available in California.
Application Deadline: Rolling deadline, as internship openings are regularly updated.
Program Dates: Varies from project to project.
Summer Internships typically run 10-12 weeks, generally from May to the last Thursday in August.
Co-op internships typically run 3–8 months during the academic term and may include an adjacent summer term.
Year-round internships run during the academic terms, and students can work up to 25 hours a 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.
13. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of Navy (DoN)
This paid apprenticeship focused on research provides a valuable opportunity for high school students to immerse themselves in a STEM field of their preference. The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) accommodates 300 students in more than 38 Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories nationwide, marking it an elite and sought-after program.
As an apprentice, you will collaborate directly with leading researchers and engineers at Navy laboratories and facilities throughout the United States, engaging in genuine naval research. Throughout the program, Navy labs' seasoned scientists and engineers will mentor you. While actively participating in projects, you will enhance your knowledge and skills across various STEM fields, including computer science and aeronautics. The program allows you to select a laboratory based on your area of interest, providing a broad selection of fields to explore!
Cost/Stipend: None; a stipend of $4,000 is provided for new participants and a stipend of $4,500 for returning participants
Location: There are several lab locations to choose from across the country, including in California.
Application Deadline: Applications open in August and close on November 1 every year.
Program 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.
14. UCSD’s Research Experience for High School Students (REHS)
The UCSD Research Experience for High School Students (REHS) offers an opportunity to contribute to an ongoing research project over an eight-week volunteer period. The program is designed to immerse you in the scientific process, encompassing everything from hypothesis formulation and testing to conducting computational experiments and making conclusions. You will take part in regular laboratory meetings and group discussions, becoming an integral member of the research community.
To date, REHS has hosted 680 students from 73 different high schools, with a remarkable 70% of these alumni pursuing college majors in computer science and engineering. Furthermore, 65% of REHS alumni have progressed to attend colleges and universities ranked among the top 20 worldwide. The program includes software training, scholarly readings, and discussions with your mentor and their graduate student team, requiring a commitment of 15-20 hours per week. This internship provides a rare opportunity for direct mentorship and insight into advanced scientific research.
Cost: Program with research project: $1,500. Program without research project: Free.
Location: San Diego, CA
Application Deadline: March 15 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 17, 2024 - August 9, 2024
Eligibility: All high school students who reside in San Diego or can acquire housing there are eligible to participate.
15. Stanford STaRS Internship Program
The 7-week STaRS Internship is for high school and community college students considering careers in biomedical and biological sciences and/or healthcare. Headed by the prestigious Stanford University, the focus of this program is on the forefront of reconstructive surgery, a field that significantly benefits from biotechnological innovations and research to enhance surgical outcomes.
This opportunity will allow you to gain firsthand experience by working directly with top reconstructive surgeons and researchers, introducing you to a variety of biotechnological instruments and methodologies. The program provides practical skills in key areas, including tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and the development of medical devices. If you're interested in merging your enthusiasm for biotechnology with research, this internship program represents an ideal pathway.
Cost/Stipend: None
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in November of the previous year.
Program Dates: June 17 - August 2, 2024
Eligibility: High school and community college students considering careers in biomedical and biological sciences and/or healthcare. Students must be aged 16 or older at the time of the program to apply.
16. BrainSport Summer High School Research Internship at UCLA
The UCLA BrainSport Summer High School Research Internship is a perfect match for students with a keen interest in neuroscience, research, and the complex functions of the brain. This program offers an unparalleled chance to immerse yourself in forefront research, collaborating with leading scientists and clinicians specializing in brain health and sports-related concussions. Participants will gain an understanding of neuroscience principles, enhance their research abilities, and make significant contributions to studies with direct implications for sports medicine and the prevention of brain injuries.
Throughout the internship, you will participate in various hands-on activities and projects, including conducting literature reviews, collecting data, and performing analyses. These tasks will enable you to play an active role in ongoing research efforts. Working with the latest equipment and technology, you will acquire hands-on experience with the techniques used to investigate brain functionality and the impact of concussions. Additionally, attending seminars, lectures, and discussions led by field experts will broaden your understanding beyond your projects, enriching your educational experience.
Cost/Stipend: None
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Program Dates: The program will run from early June to late August (2024 Dates TBA). Work will likely be three to four half-days per week, for approximately 16 hours per week.
Eligibility: Rising juniors, with the intent that you may be a mentor for a rising junior next year. The university recommends you apply especially if you’re interested in extending the internship into the academic year.
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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