If you are a high school student looking to gain hands-on research experience this summer and make some money on the side, consider applying for a paid summer research program! These opportunities allow you to work alongside professors and professionals at leading institutions while contributing to engineering, medical sciences, businesses, and mathematics projects, to name a few.
To help you find the right fit, we have compiled a list of 12 paid summer research programs that offer learning experiences, mentorship, and stipends:
1. Research Science Institute | Center for Excellence in Education
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)
Stipend: Provided, but the amount is not mentioned
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Total 100 students
Program Dates: 6-week program, from June 22 to August 2
Application Deadline: December 11
Eligibility: Academically exceptional students between their 11th and 12th grades, with applications typically submitted during junior year of High School. High School Seniors are not eligible.
The Research Science Institute (RSI), organized by the Center for Excellence in Education and hosted at MIT, offers 100 high school students a fully-funded, six-week immersion into advanced STEM education and research. This program begins with intensive seminars covering current topics in biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and mathematics, followed by a five-week research internship where you work closely with MIT faculty and graduate mentors to design and execute individualized projects.
You can gain hands-on experience in the full research cycle, from reviewing scientific literature to preparing conference-level oral and written presentations of their findings. Alongside academic rigour, RSI provides opportunities for mentorship, field trips to cultural and scientific landmarks in the Boston area, and interaction with distinguished scientists, creating an enriching environment for aspiring researchers. Sign up here for all updates on the program.
Note: We’ve detailed how to build a strong application to get into RSI here
2. LHI-AHA Summer Research Scholars Program
Location: Lillehei Heart Institute
Cost/Stipend: All Scholars will receive an hourly wage
Application Deadline: February 15
Dates: June 2 through July 25
Eligibility: High school students must be 16 years of age or older, must be current Junior or Senior at time of application, and must be a U.S. citizen.
The Lillehei Heart Institute’s prestigious Summer Research Scholarships offer students a unique opportunity to explore the cutting-edge world of cardiovascular research. This highly competitive program is designed for those passionate about making a difference in the field of medicine. You will engage in hands-on research, working closely with a faculty mentor in a dedicated lab to tackle intensive basic or clinical research.
The program takes a multi-disciplinary approach, exposing you to various facets of cardiovascular disease, from molecular biology to clinical applications. With weekly seminars led by industry leaders, field trips that provide insights into clinical, industrial, and academic medicine, and mentorship from experienced faculty, you will gain knowledge of career opportunities in medical science.
3. High School Intern Program – Science & Health Education Partnership | UCSF
Location: UC San Francisco
Stipend: Stipend are as follows
Part-time = 25 hours/week earns $3200 upon program completion.
Full-time = 35 hours/week earns $4500 upon program completion.
Application Deadline: March 2
Program Dates: June 9 to Aug 1
Eligibility: Applicants must be current high school juniors, enrolled in an SFUSD high school, SF charter school or College Track San Francisco and from backgrounds historically marginalized in the sciences
The UCSF High School Intern Program (HIP) offers an 8-week paid summer internship where San Francisco high school seniors conduct original biomedical research under the mentorship of UCSF scientists. Here, you can gain hands-on experience in fields like neuroscience, immunology, cancer, and stem cell research while also developing science communication skills and building professional networks.
With an emphasis on inclusivity, HIP focuses on students from underrepresented backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and expanding their perspectives on careers in biomedical sciences. While the program’s rigour and unique mentorship model are its strengths, they have strict eligibility criteria.
4. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program
Location: Stanford University Campus
Stipend: All students will receive $500 for the summer as a stipend, however, some students can get additional funding. More info can be found here
Application Deadline: February 22nd
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31 (8 weeks)
Eligibility: Applicants must currently be juniors or seniors. They must be 16 years old or older by the start date of the program and be living in and attending high school in the U.S. AND must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a green card to apply.
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an elite eight-week internship for high school juniors and seniors, offering hands-on research experience in areas like cancer biology, immunology, bioengineering, and more. You will work closely with Stanford faculty and mentors on medically oriented projects, gaining exposure to scientific research in biological sciences and medicine.
If you are interested in bioengineering, the program also includes a specialized boot camp option. While SIMR provides access to advanced labs and expert guidance, its competitive nature and demanding schedule may pose challenges if you are balancing other commitments.
5. NASA Internship Programs
Location: Various Centres, and also NASA SF office
Stipend: All interns are rewarded with a stipend
Application Deadline: Summer: Feb. 28 | Fall: May 16
Program Dates: Spring: 16 weeks – Mid-January – Early May | Summer: 10 weeks – Late May/Early June – August | Fall: 16 weeks- Late August/Early September – Mid-December
Eligibility: Applicants must be full-time students (high school through graduate-level) and be 16 years old at the time of application and a U.S. Citizen, unless you’re applying for the International Internship
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) internships offer San Francisco high school students an opportunity to contribute to science, technology, and space exploration projects. These paid internships, available both remotely and on-site, allow you to work alongside NASA’s diverse team of engineers, scientists, and professionals in fields ranging from IT and accounting to project management and aeronautics.
You will gain hands-on experience, strengthen your resume, and prepare for future careers with flexible full-time or part-time options. While engineering opportunities are abundant, non-engineering roles also play a significant part, ensuring inclusivity across disciplines.
6. High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP), Office of Intramural Training & Education at the National Institutes of Health
Location: Bethesda, Maryland
Stipend: Stipends for summer interns are adjusted annually and are based on educational level. Check here to find the exact stipends.
Dates: July 7 to August 7
Application Deadline: January 8
Eligibility: Applicants must be current high school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents,
- be 17 years of age by the beginning of the program on June 1
- attend a school where 30% or more of the student body participates in the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program
- have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and
- live in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia within 40 miles of the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland.
The High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP), hosted by the NIH Intramural Research Program, offers rising 12th graders from schools with significant participation in the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program an opportunity to explore careers in biomedical research and healthcare. Held on the NIH main campus in Bethesda, MD, you will engage in lectures, research group visits, networking events, and group projects.
You will also receive guidance on college applications, career readiness, and leadership development. The program requires you to dedicate at least 21 hours weekly, to gain insights into scientific fields and prepare for future academic and professional endeavors.
7. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University
Stipend: $750 stipend at the end of the program
Program Dates: June 22 to August 7
Application Deadline: February 24
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 17 years of age by the program start date, and should be a US citizen
The Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University offers a seven-week summer research experience for high school juniors and seniors with a focus on subjects like history. You will work alongside faculty on in-depth topics such as Modern American Politics, Conservatism, and the post-1945 fusion of the South and West, particularly within Texas and Sunbelt political culture. This program provides an opportunity to explore these themes through hands-on research, in a stimulating environment.
In addition to research, you will participate in weekly seminars, field trips, and social activities, fostering peer collaboration. With a competitive selection process that admits only 12 students annually, this free program is an opportunity for those passionate about history and politics.
8. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE), NYU
Location: Tandon School of Engineering, New York University Campus
Stipend: $1000
Application Deadline: Feb 21
Program Dates: June 2 – August 18
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Live in New York City (Attending school in New York City is not sufficient).
- You must have completed 10th or 11th grade in June of the year you apply.
The NYU ARISE program is a ten-week, stipend-supported summer initiative offering high school students a comprehensive STEM research experience. You will engage in interdisciplinary fields such as robotics, AI, bioengineering, and computer science through workshops, lab placements, and mentorship from NYU faculty and graduate researchers.
The program combines practical lab work with training in scientific ethics, data analysis, and presentation skills. You can also contribute to real-world research, visit labs across disciplines, and present your findings at a concluding colloquium attended by academic professionals. ARISE prioritizes underserved students, fostering access to high-quality STEM opportunities and preparing participants for future academic and career success.
9. Mathroots at MIT
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)
Stipend: $750 stipend, covering on-campus meals, room and board, and weekend activities.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not mentioned
Dates: Two weeks in early July
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: Applicants must be US citizens or attend high school in the US (before their final year), be between the ages of 14 and 18, and be comfortable with high school algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
Mathroots, a 14-day summer program organized by MIT-PRIMES, is designed for high school students from underrepresented or underserved communities with an interest in mathematics. You will immerse yourself in innovative mathematical topics while honing your problem-solving skills under the guidance of instructors experienced in research and competitive mathematics.
The program features a variety of activities, including classes, collaborative sessions, and lectures, enabling you to discover new mathematical concepts and enhance your understanding of the discipline.
10. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute Summer Scholars Program
Location: Roberts Center for Pediatric Research, Philadelphia
Stipend: $5,000 stipend
Application Deadline: January 31
Dates: June 2 to August 8
Eligibility: Applicants must meet the following criteria
- Currently enrolled full-time in a four-year accredited college or university at the time of application
- Have a minimum 3.3 overall GPA
- U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute Summer Scholars Program (CRISSP) is a 10-week, full-time internship for undergraduate students interested in pediatric research and academic medicine. You work under the direct mentorship of CHOP faculty, gaining hands-on experience in research design, techniques, and analysis across basic, clinical, and behavioural research fields.
You will complete an independent research project and present your findings in a poster session. The program includes professional development opportunities such as mentorship discussions, career planning, and clinical shadowing. You will also enhance skills like project management, academic writing, and public speaking through structured activities.
11. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: AFRL Scholar internship opportunities are offered at several locations across the United States. Check them here
Stipend: $492 per week
Application Deadline: January 10
Program Dates: Start dates may vary based on the AFRL sites and/or projects. End dates are based on student availability and funding. For site-specific start dates, please visit the site page (accessed from the Locations tab)
Eligibility: All applicants must be or have
- A GPA of at least 3.0
- Must be a US Citizen
- Must be at least 16 years of age
- Must be available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for summer internship positions
- Must be willing to temporarily relocate to the physical work location
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program provides stipend-paid internships for upper-level high school students, offering hands-on experience in STEM fields. You will get to collaborate with AFRL scientists and engineers on innovative research projects, gaining practical skills in advanced technology and contributing to real-world applications.
The program emphasizes mentorship, professional development, and exposure to research, with opportunities to present work and engage in collaborative initiatives. Select locations also offer internships to university students pursuing education-related degrees and K–-12 professional educators.
12. Monell Science Apprenticeship Program
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: Paid internship, but the exact stipend has not been specified
Application Deadline: December 31
Dates: June 23 to August 15
Eligibility: Applicants must be students currently enrolled in high school who are from the greater Philadelphia area, including Camden, NJ.
The Monell Science Apprenticeship Internship Program offers high school students an opportunity to explore biomedical science, medicine, and other STEM disciplines. Aimed at students from underrepresented backgrounds—including women, ethnic minorities, and economically disadvantaged communities—this program provides a hands-on research experience under the guidance of accomplished scientists. Over seven weeks, you will engage in full-time, paid research projects, gaining laboratory skills and collaborating with professionals.
The program concludes with a public conference where you get to present your research to peers, mentors, family, and scientific staff. This competitive internship, with an acceptance rate of less than 10%, is designed to open doors to future academic and career opportunities in medicine, biomedical science, and related fields.
Bonus Programs:
The following research programs are not paid but do offer financial aid
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world
Cost: Starts from $2,990. Financial aid available
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June).
Eligibility:
- You must be currently enrolled in high school
- Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
- No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a research program tailored for high school students. The program offers 1-on-1 research opportunities for you across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler.
The program pairs you with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper. You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Financial aid available
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
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.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more. Horizon also offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track, you will be paired with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
Image source: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
