If you are a high school student interested in pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, STEM internships offer a meaningful way to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems. It exposes you to advanced research methods, modern lab techniques, and professional environments that extend beyond traditional coursework.
Why Choose a STEM Internship?
STEM internships give you the chance to build technical and professional skills. Participants often work with specialized software, research tools, and industry-standard equipment while collaborating with scientists, engineers, or university mentors. Beyond technical training, these programs foster critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving—skills essential for future academic and career success.
In this blog, we have curated a list of 13 STEM internships for high school students that offer great learning experiences across diverse disciplines, from aerospace engineering and biomedical research to cybersecurity and environmental science.
13 STEM Internships for High School Students
1. MITES Summer
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Around 15%
Dates: 6 weeks from late June to early August
Application Deadline: November – February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; Strong emphasis on underrepresented minorities in STEM
MITES provides talented students with college-level coursework in mathematics, the life sciences, and engineering, along with project-based electives in advanced fields like machine learning, genomics, and architectural design. You’ll engage with MATLAB programming, laboratory instrumentation, and research methodologies while completing rigorous coursework that mirrors first-year MIT curriculum requirements. You can expect to gain exposure to cutting-edge research facilities and work directly with MIT graduate students and faculty on ongoing research initiatives.
2. AFRL Scholar Program
Location: Multiple Air Force Research Laboratory locations across the U.S.
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: Varies by program and location
Application Deadline: October 10 – January 9
Eligibility: U.S. upper-level high school students (16-18) with a GPA of 3.0+
The AFRL Scholars Program provides hands-on research experience in cutting-edge aerospace and defense technologies under mentorship from full-time AFRL scientists and engineers. You’ll work with specialized software for computational fluid dynamics, materials modeling, and systems analysis while contributing to research projects addressing national security challenges. You will develop skills in data collection, experimental design, and statistical analysis. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration through exposure to multiple research divisions and provides networking opportunities with defense industry professionals.
3. NIH Summer Internship Program
Location: National Institutes of Health campuses in Bethesda, Maryland, and satellite locations
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: 8 weeks, typically May – August
Application Deadline: November – March 1 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school seniors (18+); U.S. citizens or permanent residents
As an NIH intern, you will contribute to biomedical research projects spanning fundamental science, translational research, and clinical trials under the guidance of Principal Investigators leading cutting-edge health research. You can expect to develop laboratory skills, including cell culture techniques, molecular biology protocols, and advanced microscopy, while working on projects addressing disease mechanisms and therapeutic development. The program provides exposure to specialized research software for genomics analysis, statistical computing platforms, and laboratory information management systems. You are expected to attend distinguished lecture series, professional development workshops, and Summer Poster Day, where you’ll present your research findings to the broader NIH community.
4. Memorial Sloan Kettering: Summer Student Program
Location: Multiple Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer labs in NY and NJ
Stipend: $1,200
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 2%; 20 interns
Dates: June 29 – August 21
Application Deadline: December 1 – February 6
Eligibility: NY, NJ, or CT current high school juniors (14+) within a 25-mile radius of the MSK main campus; Must have a GPA of 3.5 in science subjects
During the Summer Student Program, you will have a chance to develop expertise with advanced laboratory instrumentation, data analysis software, and research protocols specific to cancer biology and translational medicine. The program provides exposure to specialized areas, including genomics, immunology, pharmacology, and computational biology, through hands-on research experiences. You’ll attend professional development workshops, clinical department tours, and networking events that provide comprehensive exposure to translational medicine careers. You will also be expected to complete independent research projects that culminate in poster presentations and written abstracts.
5. Zuckerman Institute’s BRAINYAC
Location: Columbia Zuckerman Institute, New York, NY
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: 7 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: October 6 – 31
Eligibility: 10th-11th graders currently enrolled in a partner program; Must be NYC residents (preference given to students from upper Manhattan and the South Bronx)
The BRAINYAC program emphasizes hands-on learning through direct laboratory work and exposure to cutting-edge neuroscience methodologies, including electrophysiology, optogenetics, and behavioral analysis. You will work directly with Columbia researchers on projects involving brain structure, function, and development using advanced imaging technologies. You’ll also develop skills with neuroimaging software, data analysis platforms, and laboratory techniques specific to neuroscience research while contributing to ongoing investigations.
6. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory: High School Summer Internship
Location: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, NJ
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: June 30 – August 1
Application Deadline: November 22 – March 1
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors (16+) interested in physics and engineering
The PPPL High School Summer Internship provides experience in plasma physics, fusion energy science, and cutting-edge energy technologies through direct laboratory research participation. You’ll begin with intensive coursework led by top scientists to establish a foundational understanding before joining research teams working on fusion energy development. You’ll work with researchers addressing global energy challenges through advanced physics research and engineering applications.
7. Careers in Science Intern Program
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: Year-round, multi-year
Application Deadline: February 1 – April 1
Eligibility: SFUSD schools’ 9th-10th graders with a GPA of 2.5+ from communities underrepresented in STEM
During this internship, you will work closely with museum educators and researchers to develop public programs for diverse audiences while building expertise in informal STEM education methodologies. You’ll get to develop skills in science communication, exhibit design, and public outreach while working directly with Academy scientists on ongoing research projects. You can also expect to gain experience with fieldwork techniques, visitor interaction protocols, and educational program development while contributing to museum operations and scientific research initiatives.
8. Jefferson Lab High School Summer Honors Program
Location: Jefferson Lab, Newport News, VA
Stipend: $20 – $36 per hour (tentative)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 25 – August 3 (tentative)
Application Deadline: March 15 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school students (16+) with a 3.3+ GPA attending schools within 60 miles of the Jefferson Lab
During this program, you will engage in scientific and technical projects within nuclear physics research under direct guidance from Jefferson Lab staff scientists and engineers. You’ll develop expertise with particle accelerator technologies, computational physics software, and advanced data analysis techniques while contributing to nuclear physics research projects. The program provides exposure to cutting-edge experimental facilities and emphasizes hands-on learning through direct participation in ongoing physics experiments and engineering projects.
9. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program
Location: Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort Size: 24 students selected annually
Dates: June 22 – July 26
Application Deadline: Opens mid-December
Eligibility: Northern California high school juniors from first-generation and low-income backgrounds
As a SMYSP participant, you’ll work on group projects addressing health inequities and gain exposure to medical school preparation through academic planning workshops and college application guidance. The program provides hospital internship placements throughout Stanford Hospital, where you will experience various healthcare professions through hands-on activities, shadowing experiences, and patient interaction opportunities. You’ll also have the opportunity to complete college-level research projects culminating in academic papers, presentations, and poster sessions while receiving mentorship from faculty, health professionals, and current medical students.
10. Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: None; Stipend offered
Acceptance Rate: 5%
Dates: June 39 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (16+) in the U.S.
As a Simons Fellow, you’ll develop advanced laboratory techniques and research methodologies while working with faculty mentors on cutting-edge research spanning multiple STEM disciplines. You will join active research teams and assume responsibility for projects in science, mathematics, or engineering under faculty mentorship. The program provides comprehensive research experience, including weekly faculty research talks, specialized workshops, and professional development events designed to prepare students for scientific careers. You’ll also develop research instrumentation, data analysis software, and scientific writing through the production of research abstracts and poster presentations.
11. Science Internship Program at UC Santa Cruz
Location: UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA (online components offered)
Cost: $4,750 (additional costs apply); Scholarships available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: June 15 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 16 – February 28
Eligibility: High school students (14-17)
UC Santa Cruz’s SIP gives you the chance to engage in collaborative research with UCSC faculty, graduate students, and post-doctoral researchers while developing advanced research skills and methodologies. You can expect to gain hands-on experience with specialized research instrumentation and develop expertise with field-specific software and analysis techniques. The program emphasizes independent research through student-driven projects that contribute to ongoing university research initiatives. You’ll participate in research seminars, professional development workshops, and peer collaboration opportunities.
12. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: 38 Department of the Navy laboratories across the U.S.
Stipend: $4,000 – $4,500
Acceptance Rate: Competitive; Under 20%
Dates: 8 weeks during summer (typically June-August)
Application Deadline: August 1 – November 1
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors (16+); U.S. citizenship required
SEAP places you in the Department of the Navy research laboratories, where you will contribute to naval technology development across disciplines, including materials science, autonomous systems, oceanography, and aerospace engineering. You’ll work 40 hours weekly on projects such as underwater acoustics analysis, composite material testing, radar system optimization, and computational fluid dynamics simulations. Your mentors will guide you through the complete research cycle, from formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, to communicating results through technical reports and presentations.
13. Smithsonian Institution Summer Internships
Location: Various Smithsonian museums and research facilities across Washington, D.C., New York, and Virginia; Virtual options available
Stipend: Paid and unpaid internships available
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: Varies by internship
Application Deadline: Varies by internship
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and older; Specific requirements vary by location or internship
Smithsonian internships provide you with exposure to museum operations, cultural preservation, scientific research, and public engagement across the museum complex. Opportunities span diverse fields including entomology, paleontology, exhibit development, and conservation science. The experience provides a unique perspective on how museums balance research, education, and preservation missions while making complex knowledge accessible to diverse audiences.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Smithsonian Institution