If you’re aiming for a career in biology, gaining early experience in research, lab work, or even advanced academics is key. Biology programs allow you to gain hands-on experience early on, setting a strong foundation for your future. You’ll explore specialized areas like genetics, microbiology, and environmental science while sharpening your problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
These programs will help you develop essential skills in research, lab techniques, and data analysis. A few skills include – working with tools like Excel for organizing data and R for statistical analysis, helping you understand complex biological data.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 10 paid biology programs for high school students!
10 Paid Biology Programs for High School Students
1. High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP)
Location: NIH Main Campus, Bethesda, Maryland
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders from schools with 30%+ Federal Free and Reduced Lunch participation, living within 40 miles of NIH, with a GPA of 2.75 or higher, and U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Application Deadline: January 8
Program Dates: July 7 – August 7
Stipend: Based on educational level, adjusted annually.
The High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP) offers you the chance to explore science, biomedical research, and science careers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH provides you with research opportunities and one-on-one mentorship.
During the program, you’ll gain skills in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific writing. You’ll also learn how to present research findings, work in teams, and apply critical thinking to solve scientific problems. HiSTEP includes workshops on resume building, interview skills, and professional networking to help you prepare for academic and career success.
2. Summer Internship Program (SIP)
Location: NIH Campuses (primarily Bethesda, Maryland, and other locations across the U.S.)
Eligibility: High school seniors (18+ by June 1), college students, graduate students, or individuals accepted into a graduate program. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Application Deadline: February 19
Program Dates: Summer (varies by research group; typically 8-12 weeks).
Stipend: Based on educational level; adjusted annually.
The NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP) gives you the chance to work full-time in NIH research labs. You’ll gain hands-on experience with techniques like molecular cloning, microscopy, and data analysis, using software tools like R, MATLAB, and GraphPad Prism.
You’ll also work with leading scientists in fields such as biomedical research, bioinformatics, and clinical studies. The program includes professional development, educational workshops, and networking events like the NIH Graduate and Professional School Fair.
3. Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
Location: Bar Harbor, Maine, and Farmington, Connecticut
Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors (Bar Harbor only) and undergraduates. High schoolers must be 18+ and have completed Grade 12 by the program start.
Application Deadline: January 27
Program Dates: May 31 – August 8 (10 weeks)
Stipend: $6,500, plus room, board, and round-trip travel
The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program offers you the chance to work in genetics and genomics research with support from experienced scientists. You’ll develop an independent research project, analyze data, and present your findings to peers, mentors, and family.
You’ll gain skills in experimental design, bioinformatics, and statistical analysis, using tools like Python, R, or genome browsers. You’ll also connect with a diverse group of students, encouraging collaboration. This program provides hands-on research experience in a leading lab environment, with a focus on cancer research and genetic variation.
4. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program
Location: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (U.S. citizens or permanent residents from underrepresented backgrounds in biomedical science). Must arrange housing and transportation in Seattle.
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates: June 23 – August 15
Stipend: Paid internship; exact amount disclosed to accepted applicants. Includes a free ORCA card for local commuting.
The Fred Hutch SHIP starts with two weeks of hands-on laboratory safety and technical training in the Fred Hutch Training Labs. For the next six weeks, you’ll work on mentored research projects in cancer biology, immunology, or other biomedical fields.
You’ll also attend research seminars and professional development workshops focused on STEM careers and college preparation. The program includes teamwork, communication, and scientific problem-solving, culminating in a final presentation of your work to the Fred Hutch community.
5. Broad Summer Scholars Program
Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors in Massachusetts near the Broad Institute with a ‘B’ or higher in science and math. Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and DACA recipients.
Application Deadline: January 22
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Stipend: $3,600, with partial reimbursement for transportation costs
The Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP) pairs you with Broad Institute scientists to conduct original research in fields like genomics, infectious diseases, and computational biology. Your projects will involve both experimental techniques and data analysis using computational tools.
You’ll attend seminars, receive training in scientific poster creation, and present your findings at a final poster session. The program provides academic support with access to a tutor who can help you with research-related concepts.
6. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must be 16 years old or older by June 9, and preference is given to Bay Area students within a 1-hour driving distance of Stanford.
Application Deadline: February 22
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31(8 weeks, full-time, ~40 hours/week)
Stipend: Minimum of $500, with higher needs-based stipends available for families with an annual income under $80,000.
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) offers high school students the chance to conduct hands-on biomedical research under the guidance of a Stanford faculty mentor. You’ll work in areas like bioinformatics, stem cell research, and bioengineering, gaining exposure to advanced techniques such as PCR, cell culture maintenance, pipetting, and microscopy imaging.
You’ll also practice computational data analysis using tools like Python, R, and other bioinformatics software. Along the way, you’ll build skills in experimental design, protocol development, and statistical analysis. You’ll design a research poster and present your findings at a final poster session.
7. INL’s High School Internship Program
Location: Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors, college students, and teachers. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required. No prior research experience is needed, but strong academic performance and interest in science are required.
Application Deadline: January 3
Program Dates: June 23 – July 25 (6 weeks, in-person), with additional pre-reading in early June and post-program remote activities in August.
Stipend: $2,600 for high school students; participants are responsible for housing and transportation.
The Duke STAR Program offers a hands-on introduction to clinical research and scientific writing. Over six weeks, you’ll work with Duke faculty mentors on an original research project. You’ll begin with literature reviews, design methods, analyze data using statistical tools, and write a scientific manuscript.
The program includes tutorials on medical writing, lectures on clinical topics like neonatology and antimicrobial therapy, and a medical ethics seminar. By the end of the program, high-performing participants may achieve co-authorship on peer-reviewed publications, gaining an opportunity to contribute to impactful research.
8. Biorocket Research Internship Program
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, New York
Eligibility: NYC public or charter high school students aged 16 or older by February 21, living or attending a school within 45 minutes of Genspace (exceptions possible). No minimum GPA is required.
Application Deadline: January 8
Program Dates: Spring Session: February 27 – May 22; Summer Session: June 30 – August 15
Stipend: $2,000
The Biorocket Research Internship Program provides a six-month hands-on research experience focused on biology, genetic engineering, and science communication. You’ll gain lab skills in CRISPR, DNA analysis, and experimental design. Working with peers and mentors, you’ll execute a research project, applying techniques to analyze data and draw conclusions. The program includes field trips and lab tours to broaden your understanding.
You’ll also participate in improv-based communication workshops to sharpen your ability to explain complex concepts clearly to a variety of audiences. At the end, you’ll present your findings to your community.
9. Future Scientist Program
Location: Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
Eligibility: Current high school juniors enrolled in Marion County public schools with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in science and research and have a strong attendance record. Students under 16 must secure a work permit.
Application Deadline: February 28
Program Dates: June 2 – July 25
Stipend: Paid internship; specific amount not disclosed
The Future Scientist Program provides high school juniors with the opportunity to work on cancer research projects under the mentorship of IU researchers. Over eight weeks, you’ll gain hands-on experience with laboratory techniques such as cell culture, microscopy, and PCR. You’ll develop skills in experimental design, data analysis, and problem-solving. The program also includes opportunities to interact with university-level researchers and learn about careers in science, all based at the IU Indianapolis campus.
10. Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program in Biomedical Sciences
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Eligibility: Texas high school seniors (18+ by June 2) enrolled in a Texas school in the spring and accepted to college for fall. Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and work-eligible visa holders.
Application Deadline: January 20
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8 (10 weeks); students graduating after June 2 may begin on June 9 and participate for nine weeks.
Stipend: $6,800 for 10 weeks; $6,120 for nine weeks
The Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program in Biomedical Sciences is a 10-week program where students work full-time in research labs under the mentorship of MD Anderson faculty.
You’ll learn foundational principles of scientific investigation, and engage in activities like poster presentations, abstract writing, and elevator speech competitions. The program includes seminars on diverse research topics and allied health career pathways, helping you gain an understanding of what it’s like to work as a biomedical researcher. You’ll also develop skills in scientific communication, data analysis, and professional discipline.
Bonus Items
Although they are not paid, the following programs are still valuable opportunities that can demonstrate your skills to admissions offers:
1. Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP) – Biology Track
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Spring: February 16; Summer: February 16 (early), March 23 (priority), April 20 (regular-I), May 18 (regular-II)!
Program Dates: Spring: March 3; Summer: June 16! Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students, typically in 10th or 11th grade with a 3.67+ GPA. Only a few 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! If you’re interested in nursing, you can choose the course on Medical Sociology. Horizon is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research, you’ll be paired with a professor or PhD scholar from a top university who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and college applications. Apply here!
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Biology Track
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Application Deadline: Summer deadlines are usually in March, April, and May.
Program Dates: June to August (summer). Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, pairs you with PhD mentors to develop an independent research project. You’ll work on biological data analysis, such as genomic research, using R and Python to explore fields like evolutionary biology and genomics. The program focuses on creating a rigorous research paper that can be submitted for publication.
You’ll have 1-on-1 sessions with academic experts who will guide you in writing a publishable paper and presenting your work at the end of the program. This experience will not only strengthen your technical skills but also lay the foundation for professional research practices.
Image source – NIH logo
