10 Biotech Internships for High School Students
If you are a high school student with a passion for biology, computer science, and the overlap between them, you should consider pursuing a biotechnology internship. Biotech offers a pathway to explore, understand, and ultimately contribute to groundbreaking developments that can shape the future of healthcare, agriculture, and more.
While internships are a big value add, landing one in high school is not always easy. Biotech internships for high school students require a certain level of knowledge, dedication, and a passion for the subject. But for those who are up to the challenge, the rewards are immense. To help make the process easier. In this blog, we'll explore 10 biotech internships for high school students. These internships will also allow you to gain practical, real-world experience in the biotech industry, enhancing your profile and college applications.
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Unpaid. Fee of $1,990. Up to 100% financial aid available.
Program dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: upcoming spring cohort deadline - January 14, 2024
Eligibility: All high school students
Ladder Internships is a remarkable opportunity for students interested in biotechnology, offering hands-on experience under the guidance of industry experts. . These internships provide a structured pathway for high school students to engage in real-world research and innovation. What sets Ladder Internships apart is their emphasis on mentorship, giving students the chance to work alongside experienced biotech professionals, learn the ropes of cutting-edge research, and contribute to meaningful projects.
Participants gain hands-on practical experience, exposure to diverse biotech disciplines, and the chance to explore areas such as genomics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. The projects can span various fields such as software development, data analysis, marketing, design, and more. Moreover, through the internships, you get a chance to dive deep into the potential of the field to positively impact healthcare, the environment, and numerous other industries. Ladder Internships offer a valuable and well-rounded experience that can set you on a rewarding career path in biotechnology.
Location: Stanford University
Stipend: Unpaid
Program dates: June 17 to August 4
Application Deadline: November 30
Eligibility: High school and community college students considering careers in biomedical and biological sciences and/or healthcare. Students must be age 16 or older at the time of the program to apply.
The Stanford Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery Internship Program offers an extraordinary opportunity for students interested in biotechnology to explore the intersection of medical innovation and advanced biotech applications. Hosted by the prestigious Stanford University, this program provides a unique and immersive experience. It’s focused on the cutting-edge field of reconstructive surgery, which relies heavily on biotechnological advances to improve the outcomes of surgical procedures. Participants gain hands-on experience working alongside leading reconstructive surgeons and researchers, exposing them to state-of-the-art biotech tools and techniques. This program not only equips students with practical skills in areas such as tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and medical devices but also instills a deep appreciation for the transformative impact of biotechnology in the medical field. This internship Program is a great choice if you are looking to combine your passion for biotechnology with a commitment to medical innovation and patient care, setting you on a path to contribute to both the biotech and healthcare industries in meaningful ways.
Stanford’s SHTEM: Summer Internship
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Non-Paid
Program dates: End of June to Mid August
Application Deadline: January
Eligibility: Must be currently 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 SHTEM: Summer Internship stands out as an exceptional opportunity for students with a keen interest in biotechnology. Hosted by one of the world's leading research institutions, this program offers an enriching experience that immerses high school students in the realm of biotechnology. SHTEM provides a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of biotech, from molecular biology and genetics to bioprocessing and bioinformatics. Projects will be mentored by students, faculty and staff of the Stanford Compression Forum and its affiliated organizations. Themes span and combine the science of information and communication, engineering, the arts, linguistics, psychology, biology, neuroscience, computer science, technology, philosophy, and design, among other areas. Under the guidance of distinguished faculty and researchers, students engage in real research projects, contributing to scientific advancements in biotechnology. Past projects include Behavior Cloning (BC) of Human Policy via Logged Data and Bridging the Gap in Generative A.I. for Audio Generation.
This program fosters critical skills in experimental techniques, data analysis, and problem-solving, while also providing exposure to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. Additionally, the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of SHTEM encourages students to work alongside like-minded peers and experts in the field. By the end of the program, you will not only gain a deep understanding of biotechnology but also develop the network needed to excel in the biotech industry.
Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace
Location: New York City
Stipend: $2000
Program dates: July 1 - August 16
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: 16 years of age or older by orientation date, Live OR attend a NYC Public or Charter School within 45 minutes of Genspace, committed to participating in the program from February to August
The Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace offers a unique and hands-on experience in the dynamic field of synthetic biology, a field dedicated to redesigning organisms. Hosted by Genspace, a community biotech lab in New York City, this program provides a transformative platform for high school students to engage in cutting-edge biotechnological research. What sets the Biorocket Program apart is its emphasis on practical learning, allowing students to conduct real experiments in a fully equipped biotech laboratory.
You will get a chance to work alongside experienced biotech professionals, immersing themselves in projects related to gene editing, genetic engineering, and bioprocessing. This program not only equips students with practical biotech skills but also fosters a deep passion for the field, instilling a sense of responsibility for the ethical and responsible use of biotechnology. The Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace is an ideal choice for those looking to gain a strong foundation in biotechnology and develop the skills needed to pursue further studies and a career in the field.
Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Various
Stipend: $3000
Program dates: 8 weeks from June - August
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: High School Students who are at least 16 by the application deadline. Traditionally excluded populations are encouraged to apply.
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is a great opportunity for students interested in biotechnology, particularly in the context of environmental conservation and aquatic sciences. Hosted by the American Fisheries Society, this program offers a unique and immersive experience that combines biology, technology, and environmental stewardship. Participants gain hands-on experience in fisheries research, a field where biotechnology plays a crucial role in monitoring and conserving aquatic ecosystems. You will learn to use advanced biotech tools for genetic analysis, tracking species, and studying the health of aquatic environments. The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, with its strong focus on biotechnology in the context of environmental science, provides an excellent foundation for students looking to combine their passion for biotech with a commitment to preserving the natural world.
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 in Washington is a great opportunity for students interested in biotechnology. This program provides a unique blend of biomedical research, entrepreneurship, and exposure to the dynamic healthcare landscape. What distinguishes this program is its focus on the practical applications of biotechnology, particularly in healthcare innovation and commercialization. As an intern, you will work on cutting-edge research projects, gain insights into translational medicine, and interact with influential professionals and policymakers in the biotech and healthcare sectors.
Past projects include Detection tool for Tick-Borne Infections or Breast Cancer and 2D Materials - A new class of conductors and semiconductors for future computing and sensing.
SPARK's emphasis on entrepreneurship equips students with the skills and knowledge to bridge the gap between biotech research and real-world applications. This program not only deepens students' understanding of biotechnology but also fosters a strong connection between biotech innovations and their impact on healthcare and policy. The SPARK Summer Internship Program in Washington sets the stage for students looking to embark on a career at the intersection of biotechnology and healthcare, preparing them to drive transformative changes in the field.
Stanford Institute of Medicine Summer Research Program
Location: Stanford University
Stipend: At least $500
Program dates: June 10 - August 1
Application Deadline: February 24
Eligibility:
Students must currently be juniors or seniors at the time of application (as of the spring of 2024). Students must be in the graduating class of 2024 or 2025.
Students must also be 16 years old or older by the start of the program.
Students must currently be living in and attending school in the U.S. AND must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a green card in order to apply.
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is a valuable opportunity for students interested in biotechnology and the life sciences. Hosted by Stanford University, this program offers high school students a deep dive into biomedical research. SIMR is an excellent choice for aspiring biotech enthusiasts because it provides hands-on laboratory experience and exposure to a wide range of biotechnological subfields, including genetics, immunology, and neurobiology. Under the mentorship of distinguished faculty and researchers, you get to work on real research projects, contributing to scientific discoveries and advancing your skills in experimental techniques and data analysis.
Additionally, the program fosters a dynamic and collaborative research community, allowing students to engage with like-minded peers and experts in the field. SIMR allows students to deepen their understanding of biotechnology, develop critical research skills, and gain insights into potential career paths in the life sciences, making it an ideal choice for those looking to pave their way into the biotech world.
MIT Research Science Institute
Location: MIT
Stipend: Unpaid
Program dates: July - August
Application Deadline: December 13
Eligibility: Rising High School Seniors. It is recommended that PSAT Math scores be at least 740 or higher and the evidence-based reading and writing scores be 700 or higher. ACT math scores should be at least 33 and verbal scores at least 34.
The MIT Research Science Institute (RSI) is a highly prestigious program for students interested in biotechnology, offering a comprehensive and transformative experience that immerses participants in cutting-edge scientific research. Hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, this highly competitive summer program is known for its rigorous and interdisciplinary approach to science. RSI exposes high school students to a diverse range of subjects, one of which is biotechnology, and provides hands-on experience in conducting advanced research.
You will work on real-world projects, exploring areas such as molecular biology, genetics, and bioinformatics. What sets RSI apart is the depth of scientific exploration it encourages, fostering not only technical expertise but also critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This program enables you to work closely with expert faculty and researchers while collaborating with like-minded peers from around the world.
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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