If you’re a high school student passionate about life sciences, a summer program can give you hands-on experience in research, lab techniques, and computational methods without clashing with the school year!
These programs help you develop technical skills, work with expert mentors, and explore fields like genetics, bioinformatics, neuroscience, and biomedical engineering. Whether you’re interested in wet lab experiments, coding-driven data analysis, or clinical research, there’s a program that aligns with your interests.
Here are 15 life science summer programs that offer hands-on learning experiences for high school students.
1. Horizon Academic Research Program – Life Sci/Medicine Track
Location: Virtual
Application Date: May 21 for the summer cohort and September 25 for the fall cohort
Program Dates:
- Summer seminar: June 24 – September 2
- Fall seminar: October 23- February 19
- Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
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.
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! It 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 Ph.D. 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. This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in a highly specialized fields under the guidance of a top scholar. 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 on college applications. Apply here!
2. Simons-NYU Science Explorations Program
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Eligibility: High school students with a strong interest in biology, chemistry, neural science, physics, or psychology; students from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply
Program Dates: July 6–July 26 (3 weeks)
Application Deadline: Applications open January 27; Deadline March 15
Cost: Free
The Simons-NYU Science Explorations Program is a three-week, fully funded summer program where high school students will engage in lectures and labs led by top researchers at NYU. Whether you’re analyzing neural circuits, exploring biochemical reactions, or studying psychological behavior, this program immerses you in a range of life and physical sciences. You’ll develop lab skills, discuss real-world applications of scientific research, and connect with like-minded peers from diverse backgrounds. If you’re interested in an interdisciplinary approach to science, this program provides an opportunity to explore multiple fields in depth.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Biology Track
Subject Areas: STEM, humanities, and social sciences
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Application Deadline: The Spring Cohort application deadline is February 9, 2025. 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, offers high school students the opportunity to work one-on-one with PhD mentors to develop an independent research project in their subject area. If selected, you’ll work closely with mentors to create a college-level research paper based on your project, with additional support from writing coaches.
During this period, you’ll engage in thorough research, participate in workshops, and gradually refine your work. By the end of the program, you will have a completed research paper and have gained experience in research methods, critical thinking, and academic writing. More details about the application are here! You can choose your subject track in the application form, such as biology, as well as a specific area of focus, such as biotechnology, throughout your research experience!
4. Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) High School Research Internships
Location: Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University, NY
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ who reside within commuting distance of Ithaca, NY (graduating seniors are not eligible)
Program Dates: June 30–August 7
Application Deadline: Applications open in March
Stipend: $4,200
The BTI High School Research Internships provide high school students with six weeks of research experience in plant science and computational biology. You’ll work in a research lab alongside graduate students and postdoctoral mentors, gaining hands-on experience in bioinformatics, molecular biology, or plant biotechnology. Weekly seminars and professional development workshops introduce you to scientific communication and career pathways in the field. The program culminates in a symposium where you’ll present your research findings to faculty and peers.
5. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Location: The Rockefeller University, NY
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (must be at least 16 by program start)
Program Dates: June 23–August 7
Application Deadline: January 3 (Letters of recommendation due January 6)
Cost: Free (Stipends may be available for students with financial need)
The SSRP is a seven-week, full-time research program where high school students will work in a structured, team-based research environment led by scientists from Rockefeller University, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and Weill Cornell Medicine. You’ll gain experience in lab techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication while investigating a research question within your assigned team. The program includes elective courses, guest lectures, and a final symposium where you’ll present your findings. While students cannot use their SSRP research for science competitions, this program provides hands-on experience in an academic research setting.
6. Broad Summer Scholars Program
Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors attending a school in Massachusetts (must be able to commute daily)
Program Dates: June 30–August 8
Application Deadline: January 22
Stipend: $3,600 (partial reimbursement for transportation costs)
BSSP is a six-week research program where you’ll conduct original biomedical research under the guidance of a Broad Institute scientist. Research areas include cancer biology, chemical biology, computational biology, and infectious disease, with a focus on both experimental and computational techniques. In addition to research, you’ll attend scientific talks, college prep workshops, and team-building activities, culminating in a final poster presentation. The program provides an opportunity to conduct research while developing lab and data analysis skills in a professional research environment.
7. Scripps Research California High School Internship Program
Location: Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla, CA
Eligibility: High school students (must be at least 16 by the program start), undergraduates, and graduate students
Program Dates: June 2–August 8 or June 16–August 22
Application Deadline: March 31
Cost: TBD (Funding is yet to be determined)
This 10-week research internship offers high school students practical experience in translational science, focusing on genomics, mobile health (mHealth), and clinical research. You’ll work with a mentor to develop an independent research project, analyze genomic data, and explore how mobile technologies improve healthcare. Most interns work in computational (dry lab) settings, though limited wet lab positions are available. The program includes seminars, a research proposal, and a final poster symposium to present your findings.
8. Fred Hutch Cancer Center Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)
Location: Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical science
Program Dates: June 23–August 15
Application Deadline: March 31
Stipend: Paid (amount disclosed during interview process)
SHIP is an eight-week, full-time internship designed to provide high school students hands-on experience in biomedical research. The program begins with two weeks of lab training, covering techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and cell culture. You’ll then spend six weeks working in research labs, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and attending professional development workshops on topics such as biostatistics, ethics, and health disparities. The internship concludes with a research presentation, allowing participants to share their findings with the Fred Hutch scientific community.
9. Stanford University Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills Summer Internship
Location: Virtual (hosted by Stanford Medicine)
Eligibility: High school students (must be at least 16 or a high school junior by program start)
Program Dates:
- Program 1: June 23–July 4
- Program 2: July 14–July 25
Application Deadline: Closed for 2025 (will reopen in January 2026)
Cost: $4,500 (financial aid available)
This two-week virtual internship introduces high school students to cardiothoracic surgery, covering cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, and surgical techniques. The program consists of morning lectures and afternoon skills training sessions, with additional tutorials and office hours. You’ll learn fundamental surgical concepts, explore medical career pathways, and gain insights into the technical and procedural aspects of heart and lung surgery. While the program is remote, it offers an interactive experience that introduces you to concepts relevant to future studies in medicine and surgery.
10. Georgetown University Biotechnology for Science & Health Academy
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Eligibility: High school students aged 15+
Program Dates: June 30–July 11
Application Deadline: April 15 (Early Bird: January 31)
Cost: $6,455 (residential), $4,495 (commuter)
In this two-week program, you’ll get hands-on experience with biotechnological tools used in medicine, forensics, food science, and research. You’ll clone genes, purify proteins, and explore bioinformatics, all while working in a lab setting alongside faculty and industry experts. Beyond the lab, you’ll visit research institutions or biotech companies in D.C., gaining insight into real-world applications of biotechnology. If you’re looking to expand your lab skills and see how biotechnology impacts modern science and healthcare, this program provides an interactive experience.
11. Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program in Biomedical Sciences
Location: Undisclosed
Eligibility: Current Texas high school students that are at least 18 years in age (graduating seniors eligible)
Program Dates: June 2–August 8 (10 weeks) or June 9–August 8 (9 weeks for later graduates)
Application Deadline: January 15
Stipend: $6,800 (10 weeks) or $6,120 (9 weeks); housing and meals not provided
In this intensive biomedical research program, you’ll spend the summer conducting hands-on research in a professional lab setting. You’ll work on projects in biomedical sciences, gaining experience in lab techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication under the guidance of experienced mentors. You’ll also engage in discussions on research ethics, career pathways, and professional development. If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of biomedical research while earning a stipend, this program offers a structured experience.
12. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program
Location: Stanford University, CA
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (must be at least 16 by program start); U.S. citizens or permanent residents; preference given to Bay Area students
Program Dates: June 9–July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Stipend: Minimum of $500
At SIMR, you’ll spend eight weeks conducting practical research in a Stanford lab, working alongside faculty, postdocs, and graduate students on medically focused projects. You can choose from research areas like cancer biology, stem cell research, bioinformatics, and neurobiology, or opt for the Bioengineering Bootcamp, where you’ll develop medical device prototypes using engineering and design principles. Throughout the program, you’ll gain lab experience, attend career panels, and present your findings at a final symposium. If you’re serious about biomedical research and want to learn advanced lab techniques, SIMR offers a structured introduction to the field.
13. UChicago Research in the Biological Sciences
Location: University of Chicago, IL
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (completion of high school biology required)
Program Dates: June 14–July 12
Application Deadline: Closed for 2025
Cost: $14,490
At RIBS, you’ll spend four weeks immersed in molecular biology, microbiology, and genetics research, gaining hands-on experience with lab techniques used in professional research settings. The program begins with foundational lab training and then transitions into an independent research project where you’ll apply methods like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and genetic analysis. You’ll also engage in scientific writing, group presentations, and faculty-led seminars to develop your ability to communicate research findings. If you want to build confidence in a lab and prepare for future research opportunities, this program provides an introduction to biological sciences.
14. Summer Student Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors that are 14+ years in age and have a 3.5+ GPA (must live within 25 miles of MSK’s Manhattan campus)
Program Dates: June 30–August 22
Application Deadline: February 7
Stipend: $1,200
At MSK’s Summer Student Program, you’ll spend eight weeks conducting hands-on research in biomedical or computational biology under the mentorship of a research scientist. You’ll work on a self-directed project that contributes to a larger research initiative in areas like cancer biology, genomics, immunology, and pharmacology. In addition, you’ll participate in professional development events, attend scientific lectures, and gain exposure to the world of translational medicine. If you’re serious about biomedical research and want to experience life in a top-tier cancer research institution, this program provides a rigorous introduction.
15. Stanford University Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS)
Location: Stanford University, CA (Hybrid)
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ residing in Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz counties
Program Dates: June 16–August 7
Application Deadline: February 28
Cost: Free (need-based scholarships available)
GRIPS is an eight-week hybrid internship providing hands-on research experience in computational genetics and genomics. You can work in Stanford research labs under faculty mentorship, contributing to genomics projects while learning programming skills in Python, R, or Java. The program includes career panels, weekly cohort meetings, and professional development workshops. With a competitive selection process, GRIPS offers a structured introduction to biomedical research, providing foundational skills for future academic and research study.
Image source: Stanford University
