Key takeaways
- Stanford offers 15+ summer research opportunities for high schoolers, ranging from free, need-based programs like GRIPS to paid intensives such as the Stanford Summer Humanities Institute.
- The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is the most competitive and well-known option, pairing you with Stanford faculty and postdocs on a real medical research project.
- Eligibility varies widely by program: some are open to any high schooler worldwide, others are restricted to local Bay Area residents or specific grade levels.
- If none of these fit your timeline, budget, or location, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs pair you 1-on-1 with a PhD mentor across 600+ research specializations, with no Bay Area residency requirement and rolling admission, unlike most programs on this list.
If you’re a high school student interested in conducting research, Stanford University is one of the best places to look at. The university is known for its cutting-edge research, faculty, and resources. What’s more, it offers several summer research programs for high school students like you. Many Stanford summer research programs for high school students allow you to work in the university’s sophisticated research labs and learn through hands-on research activities. You can also check out our extensive list of summer research programs for high school students.
15 Stanford Summer Research Programs for High School Students
1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $40 (application fee); Stipend of at least $500
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: December 15 – February 22
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors; At least 16 years of age; U.S. citizens/permanent residents living and attending school in the U.S.
The Stanford Institute of Medicine Summer Research Program is a prestigious 8-week internship that allows high school students to conduct STEM research in Stanford’s research laboratories. You will engage in hands-on research alongside Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers on a medically oriented project. There are eight institutes available, including immunology, cancer biology, genetics, bioengineering, regenerative medicine, neurobiology, bioinformatics, and cardiovascular biology. You can also expect 1-on-1 mentorship in this program. Towards the end, you will develop a poster and present your work at a poster session.
Not sure how to scope a research question before you apply? Our guide to picking a research topic walks through choosing something specific enough to actually execute. For a full breakdown of SIMR’s application process, essay tips, and what to expect once you’re in, see our complete guide to applying to SIMR.
2. Stanford AIMI’s Summer Research Internship
Location: Online
Cost: $40 application fee + $850 tuition fee; Need-based financial aid is available
Program Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: December 9 – February 28
Eligibility: High school students; At least 14 years old; Applicants with strong math or computer programming skills or experience with a healthcare project are preferred
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging offers an academic program that focuses on the intersection of AI and healthcare. The Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program for high school students who want to conduct research and study the technical and clinical aspects of AI in healthcare. This is a project-based program through which you will learn about advanced AI concepts and explore real-world AI applications. For example, previous students have developed a machine learning algorithm that can locate and classify medical tubes in X-rays. Alongside this, you will also attend social activities, mentoring sessions, and guest lectures.
If AI research interests you beyond this one program, 200 AI research topics for high school students is a good place to find your own angle.
3. Genomics Research Internship Program (GRIPS)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Need-based scholarships are available to make the program more accessible
Program Dates: June 16 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ with at least a 3.0 GPA and some background in biology, chemistry, or computer programming; Residents of Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz counties
The Genomics Research Internship Program is an eight-week research program in which you will be assigned to a laboratory and conduct genomics research under the supervision of a mentor. This is a solid opportunity to learn about and get hands-on experience in fields like computational genetics and genomics. Aside from conducting lab research and having regular meetings with your mentor, you will also attend group workshops, professional development sessions, and panels and seminars on biomedical research. However, this program is limited to local communities around Stanford. It is also highly competitive as it accepts only 20 students from over 400 applications.
4. RAMP UP / STaRS Summer Internship
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; You can apply for stipend support after acceptance to the program
Program Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application Deadline: November 30
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old by June 23
The Science, Technology, and Reconstrcutive Surgery Internship is designed to offer mentorship and support to first-generation and low-income students and encourage them to pursue healthcare and biomedical research. During this 7-week internship, you will be paired with a clinician/scientist mentor and engage in lab work alongside them. You can expect to learn various lab techniques, read scientific papers, and spend one day each week attending out-of-lab experiences. This is a solid option for students interested in stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, and biomedical research. The program generally accepts about 20 students, so you can expect admission to be quite competitive.
5. Stanford AI4All
Location: Online
Cost: $4,000; Financial aid available
Program Dates: June 18 – July 2
Application Deadline: January 24
Eligibility: Current 9th graders/rising 10th graders who are at least 14 years of age; Basic math/computer skills are preferred; International students can apply as well
Stanford AI4All is a virtual summer program for high school students interested in the field of artificial intelligence. As a participant, you will attend lectures, undergo mentoring activities, and engage in hands-on research projects. You will explore topics like computer vision, natural language processing, robotics, and computational biology, and pick up technical skills by using Python, analysing data, and creating dataframes and arrays. Previous students have worked on projects in which AI is used to create an autonomous car, analyze social media content, and even detect diseases in X-rays. The curriculum also looks at how AI can benefit society as well as the biases and ethics involved in using the technology.
6. Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA (An online track is also available)
Cost: $1,595
Program Dates: Session 1: July 7 – 18; Session 2: July 21 – August 1; Online session: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; December 15 – March 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience offers Stanford summer research programs for high school students that dive into the fields of neuroscience, psychiatry, and psychology. Through this two-week intensive, you can learn about topics like behavioural neuroscience, forensic psychiatry, psychosis, genetics, brain stimulation, clinical innovation, OCD, sports psychiatry, and more. You will also learn more about the professional opportunities in medicine and science. The program involves interactive seminars, career development sessions, Q&A sessions, and ends in a collaborative capstone project, during which you will develop novel solutions to social issues related to psychiatry, psychology, or neuroscience. You will then get a chance to present your work at a final capstone session.
Curious how neuroscience compares to other STEM research paths? 200 STEM research topics for high school students covers ten fields side by side.
7. Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $50 application fee; students with demonstrated financial need are eligible for a $3,000 stipend
Program Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 24
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who live in the Bay Area and have a minimum GPA of 3.0
The Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford is a 6-week internship during which you will learn about science, medicine, and research from Stanford faculty. You will be paired with a faculty mentor and a research lab where you will work on a research project in the field of maternal and child health. There are several labs available, tackling different areas like pediatric gastroenterology, pediatric cardiology, pediatric critical care medicine, neonatal-perinatal medicine, allergy immunology, and more. Your work will culminate in a research poster, and you will have the chance to present your findings at a symposium too. You can go through some of the previous years’ projects here.
8. Inspiring Future Scientists through Shadowing (IFSS) Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens and permanent residents; At least 16 years of age; Live and attend school in either Alameda, Santa Clara, San Francisco, or San Mateo Counties
The Inspiring Future Scientists through Shadowing Program is a summer program for high school students interested in chemical research. Instead of focusing on an individual research project, this program gives you the chance to shadow multiple professional researchers and graduate students from the chemistry department. This will allow you to learn a wide range of research techniques, scientific topics, and perspectives. You will engage in plenty of hands-on research as well. This is a good option if you are looking for a broader academic experience rather than diving deep into a specific topic.
9. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA (online options are also available)
Cost: $8,575 for the residential track; $3,580 for the online track; Need-based financial aid is available
Program Dates:
- Residential: June 22 – July 18
- Online: Session 1: June 16 – July 4; Session 2: July 7 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors with certain academic prerequisites
The Stanford University Mathematics Camp offers high school students an exploration of advanced mathematics that looks at mathematical research, the history of the field, and its applications across scientific disciplines. There are two tracks available: the Abstract Algebra & Number Theory and Algebraic Topology. During the first track, you will explore problems around compass construction, cryptography, and analysis of symmetry in structures. The second one will have you examining the properties of shape that are unaffected by deformations. This is a rigorous academic program that will be supplemented by social activities and field trips (guest speakers for the online version).
10. Stanford EXPLORE
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA (In-person and online options are available)
Cost: $2,400 for the in-person track; $1,800 for the online track
Program Dates: July 7 – 25
Application Deadline: Registration opens on March 1 and is accepted on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Current high school students; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; At least one completed year of high school biology recommended
The Stanford EXPLORE program offers a series of lectures that introduce high school students to various research areas tackled in the Stanford School of Medicine. You will have the opportunity to learn from graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and some faculty members. They will address research areas like immunology, neuroscience, stem cell, cancer, bioinformatics, and bioengineering, and you can expect to learn foundational concepts in each of these fields. You will also explore current research, research techniques, their applications, and possible career pathways.
11. Stanford Summer Humanities Institute
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: $8,575; Need-based financial aid is available
Program Dates: Session 1: June 22 – July 11; Session 2: July 13 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-11
The Stanford Summer Humanities Institute is for high school students who are interested in exploring the humanities and social sciences at a college level. Through lectures, workshops, field trips, and group discussions, you will study advanced texts, complete university-level assignments, and hone your critical thinking skills. In the third week, you will work on an independent research project under the support and guidance of Stanford faculty members. The 2025 course list spans history, sociology, and culture through topics like “Ancient Rome and Its Legacies”, “Books to Bollywood”, and “Racial Identity in the American Imagination”.
If the humanities or social sciences are more your speed, 200 Social Science research topics for high school students is worth a look.
12. Stanford Young Investigators
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Some students from low-income backgrounds who are also the first generation in their family to attend college are offered an honorarium
Program Dates: Third Tuesday in June – First Thursday in August
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: San Francisco Bay Area students who have completed at least one year of high school
The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability offers this internship for high school students interested in sustainability and environmental science. As an intern, you will be assigned to a research group and work in one of Stanford’s research laboratories for 15-30 hours per week. You will take part in research work and investigate evolution trends, environmental changes, resilient ecosystems, and preservation techniques. There are several labs available, tackling different research areas like earth sciences, planetary sciences, social sciences, oceans, agriculture, and biodiversity. Additionally, the program also includes guest talks, lab tours, and field trips.
13. Stanford’s Summer Session
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Minimum $5,177 for the commuter track; minimum $18,443 for the residential track
Program Dates: June 21 – August 17
Application Deadline: February 12
Eligibility: All high school students
Stanford Summer Sessions is a pre-college program for high school students to experience college life while also diving into advanced academics. The program offers credit-bearing courses from fields like computer science, engineering, social sciences, natural sciences, and entrepreneurship. Courses like How We Will Build on Mars, Writing Academic Arguments, and Economics from Outer Space include elements of research in their syllabi. The program compresses 10 weeks of learning into 8 weeks, so you can expect an intensive learning experience.
14. Stanford Medicine Art and Anatomy Summer Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: $35 application fee + $2,999 tuition fee
Program Dates: Session 1: June 16 – 28; Session 2: July 7 – 19
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: All students in grades 9-12
A slightly offbeat option, the Stanford Medicine Art and Anatomy Summer Program is a 2-week, in-person program that focuses on anatomy and visual storytelling. The program will begin with a speaker series, featuring professional anatomists, physicians, and creatives who explore the intersection of art and medicine. This is followed by a mentorship period during which you will develop an illustration under the guidance of a mentor. At the end of the program, you will present your project to a panel of artists, physicians, and museum curators.
15. Stanford Online Courses
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Varies with each course
Application Deadline: Varies with each course
Eligibility: Anyone can sign up
Stanford’s online courses allow you to explore advanced topics and learn from Stanford instructors and industry leaders. These courses are 100% online and vary in duration, tuition fees, and whether they offer credit or not. There are several courses that offer elements of research in areas like AI, epidemiology, cancer biology, global health, and more. This is an ideal option for students who are looking for flexibility, as these courses can be taken up at your own schedule and don’t require any commuting.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
Every program on this list is either highly competitive, geographically restricted, or both. If you’d rather skip the acceptance-rate lottery and work one-on-one with a PhD mentor on a subject you actually choose, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs are built for exactly that. You’ll get:
- Publication support, with the option to submit your finished paper to the Horizon Academic Research Journal
- A dedicated 1-on-1 PhD or post-doc mentor, not a shared faculty advisor split across a cohort
- 600+ research specializations to choose from, spanning data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry
- No Bay Area or U.S.-residency restriction, unlike most of the programs above
Horizon has worked with 1,000+ high school students to date. Start your application to see which track fits you best.
If Stanford specifically isn’t a fit, whether due to cost, location, or the commuter requirement most of these programs share, a few other places to look: summer research programs across California if you’re open to other Bay Area or statewide options, free summer research programs if cost is the main constraint, or fully online research programs if you can’t relocate for a commuter program.
Frequently asked questions: Stanford Summer Research Programs for High School Students
What is the most competitive Stanford summer research program for high school students?
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is generally considered the most competitive, given its prestige, faculty mentorship, and limited spots across eight research institutes.
Do Stanford summer programs for high school students cost money?
It varies widely. Programs like GRIPS, RAMP UP/STaRS, IFSS, and Stanford Online Courses are free or close to it, often with stipends. Others, like the Summer Humanities Institute or SUMaC, run several thousand dollars, though most offer need-based financial aid.
Can international students apply to Stanford summer research programs?
Some can. Stanford AI4All and Stanford Online Courses are open to international students, but several programs, including SIMR and IFSS, are restricted to U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and some are further limited to Bay Area residents.
What’s the difference between Stanford SIMR and Stanford AI4All?
SIMR is an in-person, 8-week medical research internship in Stanford’s labs, working directly with faculty and postdocs. Stanford AI4All is a shorter, fully virtual program focused specifically on artificial intelligence, aimed at students newer to research.
Are there free research options if I don’t get into a Stanford program?
Yes. GRIPS and RAMP UP/STaRS are both free Stanford programs, though highly competitive and geographically restricted. Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs offer a remote, mentor-guided alternative with financial aid available.
How early should I apply to Stanford summer research programs?
Most deadlines fall between December and March for programs starting the following June, and several operate on a rolling basis. Applying as early as possible improves your odds, especially for competitive, limited-enrollment programs like GRIPS and SIMR.
Image source – Stanford University