15 Biomedical Engineering Summer Programs for High School Students
Biomedical engineering requires comprehensive theoretical knowledge, as well as sound research and engineering skills and getting a head start can be extremely helpful. If you’re a high school student interested in this field, building on these aspects early can help with your college admissions and future academics.
Biomedical engineering summer programs are a great way to gain real-world experience in the field. These programs are usually research and theory-focused, and include various extracurricular components to provide a holistic summer pre-college experience. However, picking a program can be difficult. There are many factors like whether it aligns with your goals, the associated costs, and access to additional resources to consider. To help you pick a program that fits your needs, we’ve curated a list of 15 biomedical engineering summer programs!
Application deadline: March (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Sophomores and juniors who were born between July 29, 2005, and July 2, 2008. Students from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Program dates: July (tentatively, based on previous years)
Location: Johns Hopkins University, MD
Fee: Free. Students earn a stipend of $2,400
If you’re keen on a project-based experience and improving your practical skills, Johns Hopkins’ ISPEED program is a great choice. This four-week, residential program run by JHU’s school of medicine is a chance to learn about biology, life sciences, healthcare design, computer programming and more, all while connecting them to foundational skills in biomedical engineering. The curriculum includes classes, project based, hands-on learning, research talks by students and faculty, field trips, and a final showcase where you will present your project. During the program, you will also work at the university’s BME Design Studio and the Cell & Tissue Engineering Lab. As an added benefit, you will also gain an introduction to computer programming, machine learning and scientific computing.
2. BioSTAR: Bioengineering, Science, Technology and Research at Harvard University
Application deadline: Applications open in April, and are accepted on a rolling basis.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old can apply.
Program dates: Dates for 2024 are yet to be announced. The program will be conducted in the summer (between June - August). It will run Monday - Friday.
Location: Science and Engineering Complex (SEC), Harvard University, MA. Housing and transportation to and from the SEC are not provided.
Fee: Free
BioSTAR, a community outreach program, is designed to introduce self-motivated high school students to bioengineering education. You will learn bioengineering principles and techniques in a state-of-the-art research lab at the engineering campus in Allston. In addition to designing and performing research experiments, you can expect to engage with Harvard faculty and researchers to gain an in-depth understanding of how bioengineering has an impact on human health.
Some of the topics that will be covered during the program include drug delivery techniques, drug nanoparticle synthesis, cell staining and visualization using fluorescence microscopy, cell viability assay and data collection and analysis. It is important to note that admission to this program is highly competitive, so we recommend applying as early as possible!
3. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program
Application deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Current juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years of age
Program dates: June - August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Location: Stanford University
Fee: Free. Students earn a stipend of $500 - $1,500
The SIMR is an 8-week internship program where you will get to work one-on-one with a mentor and engage in hands-on research. You can choose from a number of research areas, one of which is bioengineering. Apart from attending lectures, you will also work on a real-world biodesign project that addresses a medical need. As part of the process, you will evaluate technical pros/cons, build prototypes and eventually present them at the SIMR poster session.
You can also consider Stanford’s Pre-College Summer Institutes which conducts a course in Neuroengineering for high school students. If that’s a field in bioengineering you’re keen on, take a look! Stanford also conducts a session called EXPLORE: A Lecture Series on Biomedical Research For High School Students, which you can consider attending as well.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program - Biomedical Engineering Track
Application deadline: Rolling, cohort based. Applications for the winter cohort are open now. You can apply here!
Eligibility: High school students
Program dates: Upcoming - December 18
Location: Virtual
Fee:
- Lumiere Individual Research Program - $2,800
- Lumiere Premium Research and Publication Program - $4,800
- Lumiere Research Fellowship - $8,400
Founded by Harvard and Oxford PhDs, Lumiere is a selective research program for high school students, where students work one-to-one with a PhD mentor to develop an independent research paper. While it offers programs across an array of disciplines, you can opt to focus on research areas in biomedical engineering along with exploring its intersections with other subjects.
Due to its one-to-one nature, you can expect to learn the most recent developments in the biomedical engineering field and also expand your practical skill set. If you’re interested in doing interdisciplinary research, this would be a good option!
5. Pre-College Summer Programs at Brown University - Biomedical Engineering Track
Application deadline: Friday, May 10, 2024
Eligibility: Students who will complete grades 9-12 before the program begins can apply. The two courses also have subject prerequisites, which you can check here and here.
Program dates: There are several sessions conducted between June and July for each of the two courses: Engineering Biomedical Systems (on campus) & Biomedical Engineering (online)
Location: Engineering Biomedical Systems sessions will be conducted on campus – Brown University, Providence, RI. Biomedical Engineering sessions are conducted online.
Fee: Engineering Biomedical Systems – $3,265 (residential) | $2,707 (commuter). Biomedical Engineering – $4,198. Please note, these costs are approximate based on 2023 course pricing. A number of scholarships and application fee waivers are offered.
There are two great courses to pick from at Brown - the Engineering Biomedical Systems course which is part of the Summer @Brown program (conducted on campus) and the Biomedical Engineering: The Smart Design of Medical Implants and Devices course which is part of the Summer @Brown Online program.
The Engineering Biomedical Systems course provides an introduction to biomedical engineering analysis, specifically relating to device design and tissue engineering approaches. Students will be taught a brief overview of human physiological systems from an engineering perspective. You will learn using examples of popular biomedical technologies, including artificial joints and hearts, prosthetics, and insulin pumps. You will be expected to work on a group design project, in which you will be asked to improve upon current biomedical technologies.
In the Biomedical Engineering: The Smart Design of Medical Implants and Devices course, you will learn how engineers think as they explore the field of biomedical engineering. You will be taught the fundamentals of naturally-derived tissue replacement materials, synthetic replacement materials, cell interactions with materials, and the mechanical properties of materials. Through discussions with the instructor and your classmates, you will also consider the ethical implications of various biomedical engineering designs. This course also includes a design challenge – the development of a novel coronary artery bypass material.
6. Research Scholars (Bioengineering) at the University of California, San Diego
Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and spots are limited, so try to apply as early as you can!
The program is conducted in four sessions, Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. You can choose any.
Eligibility: Most courses in the Bioengineering program are open to 10-12 graders. Program dates: The program is conducted in four sessions, Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. At the moment, only the dates for the Winter session are available. Summer dates will be announced in Spring.
Location: University of California, San Diego. Some programs might be conducted online or in a hybrid format.
Fee: Ranges from $1,300-$2,600. Scholarships are available.
The UCSD Research Scholars program spans various academic disciplines and offers students the chance to work closely with renowned faculty members and researchers on innovative research projects. Through the program, you will gain hands-on experience and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in your chosen fields. Students can choose from a number of programs that run under this, one of which is the bioengineering program. As a participant in this program, you will attend lectures delivered by expert faculty and industry professionals, engage in hands-on laboratory work and data analysis, build fundamental knowledge in bioengineering, and learn how to present your research.
Within the Bioengineering program there are three options, of which you can choose one, two or all three.
- Bioengineering Broad Overview and Techniques (BE-BOAT): This course will give you an overview of the science and engineering aspects of bioengineering and you’ll learn a few techniques in specialty areas.
- Bioengineering Research Orientation Workshop (BE-ROW): Through this course, you will explore a specific subject within bioengineering in more depth through a guided team research project.
- Bioengineering Scholar High School Internship Project (BE-SHIP): In this course, you will individually propose, conduct, and present a bioengineering research project. This project is typically suitable for a science and/or engineering Fair.
7. Pre-College Summer Immersion – Biomedical Engineering Program at George Washington University
Application deadline: This information is not available at the moment. The dates for 2024 will be announced on the website.
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors can apply.
Program dates: The two-week course will be held in July (tentatively, based on 2023 dates).
Location: George Washington University, Washington, DC.
Fee: $4,975 (residential) | $4,250 (commuter)
The Summer Immersion program at George Washington University is a two-week, full day, non-credit program that integrates lecture-based instruction with experiential and applied activities. Students expand and deepen their knowledge of a topic through collaborative learning and an exploration of the diverse resources of Washington, DC.
There are several programs to choose from, one of which is Biomedical Engineering. In this course, you will investigate topics such as electrophysiology, medical imaging, therapeutic ultrasound, computer-aided diagnosis, biomedical sensor technology, and nanotechnology, and attempt at conceptualizing the future of biomedical advancements.
8. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) at New York University
Application deadline: March 5, 2024
Eligibility: Students who will complete 10th or 11th grade by June can apply. Students applying must be NYC residents.
Program dates: June 28, 2024 - August 11, 2024
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Fee: Free
ARISE encourages you to dive into scientific and engineering research while collaborating with faculty members and researchers on cutting-edge projects. Of the many research areas you can choose from for the program, one is biomedical engineering. The program includes 2 weeks of college-level coursework, 5 weeks in a research lab, and mentoring by a graduate or postdoctoral student. You will participate in experiments, data analysis, and problem-solving exercises within state-of-the-art laboratories.
If this program is on your radar, check out this ultimate guide to NYUs ARISE program!
9. Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) at Columbia University
Application deadline: March 15, 2024
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, seniors and recent high school graduates can apply.
Program dates: Session 1 – July 8-26, 2024 | Session 2 – July 29, 2024 - August 16, 2024. You can do one or both sessions.
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Fee: $4,900. Limited need-based scholarships are available.
SHAPE offers you the opportunity to study a college-level engineering course and one of the available course options is Biomedical Engineering: Where Biology, Medicine & Design Meet.
During the program, you will study different subjects such as biomechanics, bioinstrumentation, and medical imaging through hands-on lab exercises. You will also construct your very own biomedical device! You will explore the engineering design process and practice various rapid prototyping techniques including 3D printing and laser engraving, which you will then use to construct your very own biomedical device. This is a project-based program that also gives you the opportunity to pursue other skill-based electives and additional support with college preparation.
10. Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) - Internship Track at Boston University
Application deadline: The applications typically close in April.
Eligibility: Rising seniors can apply.
Program dates: June 30, 2024 - August 9, 2024
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Fee: $8,558 (residential) | $5,570 (commuter)
The RISE program offers students a chance to conduct laboratory research under the guidance of BU faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and graduate students. The program offers two routes: Practicum and Internship. The Internship track offers a range of research areas that you can choose from, of which one is Biomedical Engineering.
During the internship program, you will explore in depth the many facets of university laboratory research in biomedical engineering in your chosen field. You will tackle a research project and acquire valuable technical and analytical skills. At the end of the program, you will present your research at the Poster Symposium. In some cases, research interns might submit their work to national science fair contests such as the Regeneron Science Talent Search. Throughout the program, you will also participate in weekly workshops that provide insight into the scientific process, research ethics, making a poster, and networking in the scientific community.
11. Pre-College Summer – Biomedical Engineering at the University of Connecticut
Application deadline: Applications will close in April (tentatively, based on 2023 dates). Check here for updates.
Eligibility: Current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who have a minimum GPA of 2.0 can apply.
Program dates: There are two sessions conducted, both will be in July (tentatively). Dates for 2024 are yet to be announced.
Location: University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Fee: $45 application fee + $2,050 - $2,150. Limited discounts and scholarships are available.
This Biomedical Engineering course is part of the University of Connecticut’s pre-college summer program. The residential program is geared towards students who want to explore college-level academics and life at university without committing too much of their time.
Through the Biomedical Engineering course, you will get an overview of the field and its interconnected sub-fields, explore real-life applications and learn about career options. You will engage in activities like designing a functional medical device prototype and using computer-aided-design (CAD) software to create physical structures. Another option for interested students is the Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering course.
12. Research in Engineering at Duke University
Application deadline: March (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old. Priority will be given to those from the Durham Public School system.
Program dates: The program will be conducted mid-June to July-end (tentatively, based on previous years).
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC
Stipend: $2,000 (this includes daily lunches and a transportation pass)
As a participant in this program, you will be matched with one of the labs at Duke University where you will work on a research project under the guidance of a faculty member. The program was launched in the biomedical engineering department but has since expanded to other fields like electrical or mechanical engineering. Aside from the project, the program also includes social activities, sessions on college preparation, resume writing workshops and more.
13. Drexel University’s BIOMED Summer Academy for High School Students
Application deadline: April 1, 2024
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who have taken at least one year of biology
Program dates: Session 1: July 8-12, 2024 | Session 2: July 15-19, 2024 | Session 3: July 22-26, 2024
Location: Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Fee: $1,200. Limited need-based scholarships are available
This program is ideal for those who do not want to spend all summer at school but want to gain an introduction to biomedical engineering.This one-week, commuter program offers an engaging, hands-on experience in the field of biomedical engineering. The focus of the program is on teaching essential laboratory and research skills through activities like measuring brain waves and making nanoparticles. Previous students have also worked on gene editing and tissue engineering. Apart from lab work, the curriculum also includes site visits, seminars, and presentations from industry experts.
14. Tufts University’s Biomedical Engineering Research (TUBERS) Program
Application deadline: The applications typically close in April.
Eligibility: Students who will be at least 16 years of age at the start of the program. Students from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Program dates: The program will be held July - August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Location: Tufts University, Medford, MA
Fee: Free (Students are expected to organize their own transportation)
Tufts University is known for its strong biomedical engineering programs, making the TUBERS program a valuable opportunity for those interested in the subject. This is a commuter program focused on hands-on research. Over six weeks, you will investigate biomedical questions and develop new methods of study while working on a particular field of research. After the program, students are encouraged to use their completed projects to participate in science competitions. This program is highly selective and is designed to improve students' critical thinking and academic research skills.
15. Bioengineering Opportunities and Leadership Training (BOLT) Camp at University of Colorado Denver
Application deadline: There is no information available at the moment. The dates for 2024 will be announced here.
Eligibility: Students entering 9-12 grade in fall 2024 can apply.
Program dates: The week-long camp will be held in the beginning of June (tentatively, based on previous years).
Location: Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Denver
Fee: $900, which includes all supplies and meals. Scholarships are available.
This program will give you the unique opportunity to explore the interdisciplinary world of bioengineering. Through hands-on experiments, laboratory work, and interactive workshops, you will be exposed to subjects such as tissue engineering, biomaterials, and biomedical imaging. Led by renowned faculty and industry professionals, the program emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. Students gain practical skills, conduct research, and explore cutting-edge technologies in the field of bioengineering.
If you’ve read this far, here are a few bonus programs to consider!
- Biomedical Engineering: Solving the Body’s Challenges with Technology at Rochester University
- Biomedical Engineering at Boston Leadership Institute
- ResearcHStart at the University of Chicago
- New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Biomedical Engineering Program
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