If you are a high school student looking to make your summer both productive and rewarding, consider enrolling in a paid research program.
These programs offer hands-on research experiences in fields such as science, technology, and healthcare, allowing you to explore your interests while earning a stipend. By working on real-world projects, you’ll develop practical skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and scientific communication, all of which can prepare you for future academic and career pursuits.
If this sounds like something you’d like to explore, here is a list of 12 paid summer research programs for high school students!
12 Paid Summer Research Programs for High School Students
1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Subject Areas: Biological Sciences, Biomedical Research, Medicine
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (graduating classes of 2025 and 2026); must be 16 years or older by June 9, 2025; U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently attending high school in the U.S.
Application Deadline: February 22, 2025
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31, 2025 (8 weeks)
Stipend: $500 minimum, with additional need-based stipends available.
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) provides high school students the opportunity to work on biomedical research with Stanford faculty, postdocs, and researchers. You will gain experience in experimental techniques, laboratory protocols, and scientific data interpretation while learning how to design experiments and address challenges as they arise.
The program helps you connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications and gives you a direct view of the scientific inquiry process. It concludes with a poster session where you will present your findings and improve your communication and research synthesis skills.
2. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
Subject Areas: Genetics, Genomics, Bioinformatics
Location: Bar Harbor, Maine, and Farmington, Connecticut
Eligibility: High school students (must be 18 by May 31, 2025) and undergraduates
Application Deadline: January 27, 2025
Program Dates: May 31 – August 8, 2025 (10 weeks)
Stipend: $6,500, plus room, board, and travel
If you’re interested in learning about genetics and genomics, the Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program will give you the chance to work on an independent research project in the same field. You’ll design experiments, analyze data, and present your findings, all under the guidance of experienced mentors.
During the summer, you’ll collaborate with other students and share your results in an end-of-program presentation. The program also offers the opportunity to explore local attractions like Acadia National Park and nearby cities with campuses in Bar Harbor and Farmington.
3. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Subject Areas: Nutritional Sciences, Biology, Microbiology, Computer Science, Neurobiology, Mechanical Engineering, History, Chemistry, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (graduating classes of 2024 and 2025); must be at least 17 years old by June 16, 2024; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Application Deadline: February 15, 2024 (11:59 PM CST)
Program Dates: June 16 – August 1, 2024 (7 weeks)
Stipend: $750
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program offers a seven-week research experience where you’ll work closely with Texas Tech University faculty on projects in fields like bioinformatics, nanotechnology, political history, and virtual reality. You’ll learn how to design experiments, analyze data, and apply what you’ve learned to real-world challenges.
Throughout the program, you’ll attend weekly seminars and participate in social activities, connecting with other students and researchers. The experience concludes with a research report, helping you develop skills in presenting your findings.
4. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Subject Areas: Neuroscience, Psychology, Behavioral Health
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD (In-person); Virtual
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (by June 2025); priority for students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Program Dates: June – August 2025 (8 weeks for in-person; 5 weeks for virtual)
Stipend: In-person interns receive an hourly wage plus transportation funds; virtual interns receive a $500 honorarium
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) offers high school students a chance to gain hands-on experience in neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral health. In the in-person program, you’ll work alongside faculty and clinicians on research projects in labs or clinical settings, attend seminars, and participate in professional development workshops. For virtual interns, the program offers interactive sessions and research-focused activities designed for remote learning.
The program runs from June to August 2025, with in-person interns receiving an hourly wage and transportation funds, while virtual interns receive a $500 honorarium. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research findings, enhancing your scientific communication skills.
5. Northeastern University Young Scholars Program (YSP)
Subject Areas: Engineering, Health Sciences, Biotechnology, Robotics, Chemistry, Environmental Science
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (current juniors) residing in Massachusetts, within commuting distance of Northeastern University; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Application Deadline: February 20, 2025
Program Dates: June 23 – July 31, 2025 (Mondays to Thursdays, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM)
Stipend: Provided
The Northeastern University Young Scholars Program (YSP) gives high school students the chance to work with faculty on research projects in fields like engineering, health sciences, biotechnology, and environmental science. You’ll be involved in real lab work, such as developing cancer treatments or studying environmental issues.
Along with your research, you’ll attend seminars on topics like robotics and biotechnology, and get personalized college and career advice. The program also includes field trips to companies and labs, offering a hands-on look at how engineering and science work in the real world. This is a great chance to gain research experience and explore college life at Northeastern.
6. Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP)
Subject Areas: Cancer Biology, Psychiatric Disease, Chemical Biology, Computational Biology, Infectious Disease
Location: Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (current juniors) attending a high school in Massachusetts within commuting distance; U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or non-U.S. citizens with employment authorization (e.g., DACA)
Application Deadline: January 22, 2025
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8, 2025 (6 weeks, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily)
Stipend: $3,600, plus partial transportation reimbursement
The Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP) offers high school students the chance to engage in original research with Broad scientists in fields like computational biology, infectious disease, and cancer research. You’ll gain hands-on experience in both experimental and computational techniques while attending workshops on poster creation, career exploration, and professional development.
Throughout the program, you’ll participate in weekly social events and team-building activities that encourage collaboration. The program concludes with a poster session where you’ll present your findings. With access to expert mentors and world-class resources, BSSP provides a valuable opportunity to explore a career in biomedical research.
7. Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) Summer Only Program
Subject Areas: Cancer Biology, Biomedical Research, Scientific Discovery
Location: Longwood Medical Area, Boston, MA
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors and college freshmen, sophomores, or juniors; must be at least 16 years old by program start; must reside in or attend school in Massachusetts and be able to commute five days a week
Application Deadline: February 3, 2025
Program Dates: June 18 – August 2025 (high school students)
Stipend: Provided
The CURE Summer Only program pairs high school students with a research mentor to gain hands-on experience in cancer research. You’ll learn scientific techniques, participate in seminars, and develop both technical and professional skills through activities like journal clubs and career exploration workshops.
With guidance from leading scientists, you’ll work closely with your mentor and conclude the program with a final presentation of your research. Alongside academic development, you’ll also engage in social events and networking opportunities, connecting with a collaborative scientific community.
8. Summer Student Program (SSP) at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Subject Areas: Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Computational Biology, Immunology, Pharmacology, Structural Biology
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Manhattan, NY
Eligibility: High school juniors living within 25 miles of MSK’s main campus; minimum 3.5 GPA in science subjects; U.S. citizens or legal residents; must be at least 14 years old by June 2025
Application Deadline: February 7, 2025
Program Dates: June 30 – August 22, 2025 (8 weeks)
Stipend: $1,200
The Summer Student Program (SSP) at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center allows you to work on self-directed research projects. These projects cover areas such as cancer biology, molecular biology, immunology, and other related fields.
Under the mentorship of leading scientists, you’ll contribute to cutting-edge cancer research and gain hands-on experience in experimental and computational techniques. The program includes lab meetings, professional development events, and activities like seminars and networking events to deepen your understanding of translational medicine. SSP concludes with a poster session where you’ll present your research findings to the MSK community. Participants receive a stipend of $1,200 for their eight weeks of work.
9. Wistar High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research
Subject Areas: Biomedical Research, Immunology, Infectious Disease, Vaccine Development, Cancer Research
Location: The Wistar Institute, West Philadelphia’s University City District, PA
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older who have completed at least one science course; preference given to students from the School District of Philadelphia; must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
Application Deadline: Details available in January 2025
Program Dates: July – August 2025 (Mondays to Thursdays, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Stipend: $1,000, plus SEPTA passes for transportation
The Wistar High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research offers you the chance to work on real biomedical research projects in a state-of-the-art lab. Over four weeks, you’ll be mentored by Wistar scientists, learning lab techniques, reviewing scientific literature, and exploring careers in biomedical research.
The program also includes a final presentation where you’ll showcase your contributions to an active research project. Designed especially for students from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds, this fellowship provides a supportive entry into the scientific community. You’ll receive a stipend of $1,000, plus transportation passes.
10. Scripps Research High School Summer Internship Program
Subject Areas: Biomedical Research, Chemistry, Biology, Data Science, Genomics
Location: Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA
Eligibility: San Diego County high school students (public or private), aged 16 or older; must have completed at least one year of chemistry and biology with a minimum 3.0 GPA; priority for first-generation college-bound students and students from underrepresented groups in science
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: Typically June – August
Stipend: $4,760
The Scripps Research High School Summer Internship Program gives you the chance to deepen your knowledge in biomedical research while working on cutting-edge projects with Scripps scientists. After a pre-internship boot camp, you’ll be matched with a laboratory mentor to conduct hands-on experiments and learn advanced research techniques.
Throughout the program, you’ll also receive guidance from a graduate student mentor on college applications and career planning. The program focuses on collaboration, problem-solving, and scientific communication, and concludes with a presentation of your research findings. You’ll receive a stipend of $4,760 for the seven-week program.
11. Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Subject Areas: Biomedical Research, Cancer Biology, Laboratory Techniques
Location: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors; must reside in the Seattle area and secure their housing and transportation; legally authorized to work in the U.S.; availability for the full eight-week program
Application Deadline: March 31, 2025
Program Dates: June 23 – August 15, 2025
Stipend: Provided
The Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers an immersive research experience for rising seniors, especially those underrepresented in biomedical sciences. Over the first two weeks, you’ll focus on lab safety and techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and sterile culture methods.
For the remaining six weeks, you’ll work in a research lab, contributing to real-world projects under the guidance of expert scientists. The program also includes professional development workshops, ethics discussions, and collaborative presentations, with a final research presentation to the Fred Hutch community. A stipend is provided for this eight-week program.
12. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Subject Areas: Naval Research, STEM Fields, Engineering, Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry
Location: Department of Navy (DoN) Laboratories across the U.S.
Eligibility: High school students (grades 10–12, including graduating seniors); must be 16 years old by the start date; U.S. citizens; additional requirements vary by lab
Application Deadline: November 1 annually (applications open August 1)
Program Dates: Eight weeks during summer (specific dates vary by lab)
Stipend: $4,000 for new participants, $4,500 for returning participants
SEAP offers high school students the chance to work alongside scientists and engineers in DoN laboratories, participating in cutting-edge research in areas like cybersecurity, robotics, environmental science, and more. You’ll gain hands-on experience, develop technical skills, and explore STEM careers while contributing to real-world Naval research. Interns are matched with mentors, learn about the scientific process, and participate in meaningful projects that align with their interests and the lab’s goals. This program is designed to foster a deeper understanding of STEM fields and inspire future careers in science and engineering.
Bonus Item
If you’re looking for a virtual 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.
