If you’re a high school student interested in diving deeper into a subject at a prestigious organization, research programs and internships at top universities are a great way to get started. Stanford University, specifically, runs a variety of programs for high schoolers in fields like medicine, technology, art, and history. These programs allow you to explore advanced topics, learn new skills, and figure out what you’re truly passionate about.
While joining a summer program alone won’t guarantee admission to Stanford itself, it’s a solid first step that can demonstrate interest to admissions officers. The programs below cover areas like data science, environmental studies, biomedical engineering, and quantum computing. You’ll use the tools professionals use to get a clearer picture of what working in these fields is really like.
If Stanford is on your college list, living on campus for a few weeks is a great way to see what it’s like. To help you explore what’s out there, here are 17 Stanford research opportunities for high school students!
1. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)
Subject Areas: Science, Medicine, Research
Location: Stanford University campus, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 17
Dates: June 23 – July 25
Eligibility: High school juniors who live in Northern California
The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program is a five-week, full-time summer program for Northern California high school juniors who are low-income and first-generation college students interested in science and medicine. You’ll work on a public health disparities research project, where you’ll collaborate in small groups to write a paper, create a presentation, and design an academic poster. Mentors, including faculty, healthcare professionals, and college students, will guide you as you prepare for college and explore medical careers.
Additionally, you’ll complete hospital internships at Stanford Hospital, shadow professionals, and participate in discussions to learn about different medical careers. The program includes weekly guest lectures, campus tours, and demonstrations from the Stanford medical community. The program is free, and only 24 students are selected each year.
2. Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford University
Subject Areas: Biological Sciences, Pediatrics, Medicine, Research
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost to participate in the program, except for a non-refundable $50 application fee. Admitted students showing financial need may be eligible for a $3,000 stipend.
Application Deadline: February 24
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Eligibility: Rising junior and senior high school students who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program, live and attend school in one of the following Northern California counties—San Francisco, Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz—and have a cumulative unweighted GPA of at least 3.0
The Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS) is a 6-week program for high school students who want to learn about science, medicine, and research. You’ll work with Stanford faculty, postdocs, and researchers on a research project, and little to no prior research experience is required.
You’ll spend 23 hours a week working on your project, paired with a faculty mentor and research lab focused on maternal and child health. Your mentor and their team will guide you as you complete the project, which you’ll summarize in a research poster to present at the Poster & Family Symposium at the end of the program. In addition to your project, you’ll spend 6 hours a week in workshops with your cohort, learning about research, exploring different science and medicine careers, and developing leadership skills. You’ll also get hands-on advice on college applications, from making a college list to navigating financial aid.
3. Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS)
Subject Areas: Computational Genetics, Genomics, Biomedical Research
Location: Stanford University, Stanford (San Francisco Bay Area), CA
Cost: There’s no cost to apply or join GRIPS, and a limited number of need-based scholarships are available to support students who need additional help.
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 16 – August 7
Eligibility: Local high school students who are at least 16 years old, live in San Francisco, Alameda, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, or San Mateo counties, have an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher, and have some experience in biology, computer programming, or chemistry either through coursework or extracurricular activities.
The Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS) offers Bay Area high school students the opportunity to spend eight weeks working hands-on in computational genetics and genomics. The program requires a 20-hour weekly commitment, and you’ll spend about four hours a day, Monday through Friday, in the lab working on a genomics project with a mentor’s guidance.
Along with lab work, you’ll attend weekly sessions with your cohort, participate in career-focused panels and seminars, and have regular check-ins with your mentor. The internship runs Monday through Friday, for four hours a day, usually from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., for the entire program duration. The program also helps you develop professional skills and connect with a community of students and researchers.
4. Stanford Young Investigators
Subject Areas: Science, Research, Sustainability, Environmental Sciences, Earth & Planetary Sciences, Energy, Social Sciences
Location: Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; unpaid
Application Deadline: March 15
Dates: The internships start on the third Tuesday in June, and the final presentation is on the first Thursday in August.
Eligibility: Students who have completed at least one year of high school can apply, but applicants must live and attend school in the San Francisco Bay Area, within 25 driving miles of campus.
Stanford Young Investigators gives high school students the chance to spend their summer doing research in labs on Stanford’s main campus. You’ll gain hands-on experience in different research areas focusing on sustainability, Earth, and environmental sciences. You’ll also be directly supervised by graduate students, postdocs, and lab managers. The program also helps high school students connect with Stanford and prepares them for college. Each week, you’ll participate in lab tours, field trips, and group discussions to explore different areas within sustainability.
Research areas include Oceans, Environment, & Earth Systems, where you’ll study climate challenges; Earth & Planetary Sciences, where you’ll explore planetary history; Energy, where you’ll work on energy resources; Social Sciences, where you’ll look at how behaviors impact sustainability; Agriculture, where you’ll research sustainability at the Stanford Educational Farm; and History of Life & Biodiversity, where you’ll study mass extinctions and environmental change.
5. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Subject Areas: Bioinformatics, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Biology, Bioengineering, Neurobiology, Cancer Biology, Immunology, Genetics
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend:
- Participation is free, though there’s a $40 application fee that can be waived for students with financial need, and housing and meals are not included.
- Every student receives at least a $500 stipend, and if eligible, you may receive additional need-based grants of $2,500 or more.
Application Deadline: February 22
Dates: June 9 – July 31
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Stanford’s SIMR is a summer research internship for high school juniors and seniors where you’ll work on medical research projects alongside faculty, researchers, and students. You’ll get personal mentorship in a research lab within the Institutes of Medicine and gain hands-on experience in scientific research. You’ll be placed in a lab that aligns with your interests.
You’ll get to choose from eight research areas: bioinformatics, immunology, cardiovascular biology, bioengineering, genetics, stem cell and regenerative medicine, neurobiology, and cancer biology. The first two weeks include morning lectures and afternoon lab work, followed by weekly group lectures. In the last two weeks, you’ll create a research poster for the final presentation. There’s also a bioengineering boot camp, which offers hands-on experience without lab research. Around 50 students will be selected, depending on lab space and funding.
6. Stanford Summer Humanities Institute
Subject Areas: Humanities, Art, Research, History, Philosophy
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Tuition is $8,575, covering accommodation, field trips, activities, and meals. Need-based financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: February 3
Dates: June 22 – July 11 | July 13 – August 1
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11 who are minors at the time of application
The Stanford Summer Humanities Institute is a three-week residential program for high school students interested in exploring history and the humanities in depth. It focuses on independent research projects, helping you develop critical thinking and research skills. You’ll work on your project with guidance from Stanford professors and mentors, exploring complex social issues and preparing for future studies in history or related fields.
You’ll study topics like literature, politics, and history, diving into subjects such as ancient Greek philosophy, the American Enlightenment, and the repatriation of museum artifacts. The program also includes field trips and weekend activities, and you’ll be assigned to one of the courses you rank in your application. You can view the available courses for 2025 here.
7. Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) at Stanford University
Subject Areas: Neuroscience, Clinical Neuropsychiatry, Psychiatry, Psychiatric Epidemiology, Psychology, Research, Behavioral Science
Location: Offered in-person at Stanford University in Stanford, CA, or virtually via Zoom
Cost: $1,595 (virtual) | $2,895 (in-person). Scholarships are available for eligible students, and you can apply for financial aid as part of the application process.
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates:
- CNV-X (Virtual): June 16 – June 27
- CNI-X Sessions 1 & 2 (In-person): July 7 – July 18 | July 21 – August 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors aged 14 to 18
Stanford’s Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) is a two-week program for high school students that explores neuroscience, psychology, and psychiatry through classes and a group capstone project. You’ll learn about the latest research in Stanford’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and hear from faculty and researchers on topics like behavioral science, clinical neuropsychiatry, and psychiatric epidemiology.
This year’s theme is “Clinical Neuroscience for the Whole Person,” with faculty leading sessions on innovative brain research and clinical care. The program also includes discussions on careers in medicine and science, along with self-care strategies to support your transition into adulthood. You’ll work in teams of 8–10 students to tackle real-world challenges in neuroscience, psychology, and psychiatry, which you’ll present during the final capstone session.
8. Stanford Medicine Art and Anatomy Summer Program
Subject Areas: Art, Anatomy, Medicine, Research
Location: Stanford School of Medicine campus, Stanford, CA
Cost: The program tuition is $2,999, with a $35 application fee. This is a day-only program, so accommodation is not provided.
Application Deadline: March 14
Dates: June 16 – June 27 | July 7 – July 18
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th grade students can apply, and no prior drawing or anatomy experience is needed.
The Art & Anatomy Program is a 2-week, in-person course that combines gesture drawing with narrative medicine. You’ll attend talks by leading physicians, anatomists, and creatives on art and medicine. Afterward, you’ll spend a week receiving drawing mentorship to complete a final illustration and present your work to a panel of artists, museum curators, and physicians.
You will enhance your visual, technical, and anatomical skills. You’ll create a medically accurate and expressive illustration with a clear narrative, learn tips to improve your drawings, and expand your understanding of anatomy. You’ll also experience Stanford Medicine’s curriculum taught by faculty who connect art and science. Throughout the program, you’ll receive personalized guidance and mentoring, plus an Art and Anatomy Certificate upon completion.
9. Stanford RAMP UP / STaRS Internship Program
Subject Areas: Biomedical Science, Healthcare, Research
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: The program is free, but you’ll need to arrange your housing and transportation to the lab. The internship is unpaid.
Application Deadline: November 30
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Eligibility: U.S. high school and community college students who will be at least 16 years old by the program’s start
The Stanford RAMP UP / STaRS Internship Program is a 7-week, in-person opportunity for high school and community college students interested in biomedical science or healthcare careers. It’s specifically aimed at students who are underrepresented in research, first-generation, or from low-income backgrounds, offering hands-on experience in healthcare and biomedical research.
During the program, you’ll work with Stanford faculty and postgraduate students, tackling real scientific challenges. They’ll teach you lab techniques, help you develop presentation skills, and offer career advice. The program runs Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., where you’ll work on research projects with mentors and other interns while building skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and career planning. Each summer, about 20 students are selected. You can learn about past intern experiences here.
10. Stanford University’s Inspiring Future Scientists through Shadowing (IFSS) Program
Subject Areas: Chemical Research, Instrumentation, Experimental Techniques
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: April 1
Dates: June 16 – June 27
Eligibility: Local rising high school juniors and seniors who will be 16 or older by the program’s start date
The Stanford IFSS Program allows high school students to explore advanced chemical research, offering hands-on scientific experience, especially to those who may not have easy access to such opportunities. Over two weeks, you’ll shadow various researchers and get a look at different research activities. You’ll also interact with graduate students from the chemistry department and learn about various scientific topics and techniques.
Unlike programs focusing on individual projects, IFSS will allow you to shadow multiple researchers, giving you a broader view of the field. Throughout the program, you’ll use different instruments, develop key skills, gain hands-on experience with experimental techniques, and learn about the chemistry behind experiments.
11. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Subject Areas: Mathematical Research
Location: Offered virtually or in-person at Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: The online program costs $3,580, with additional materials up to $100, while the residential program costs $8,575 and includes housing, meals, field trips, materials, instruction, and transportation. Need-based financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: February 3
Dates:
- Online program: June 16 – July 4 | July 7 – July 25
- Residential program: June 22 – July 18
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11 are eligible to apply. If you’ll be 18 or older during the program, you can only apply for the online version.
Stanford’s SUMaC program offers high school juniors and seniors a chance to explore advanced math through two options: Program I and Program II. Program I covers key topics like why some constructions can’t be done with a straight-edge and compass, error-correcting codes, cryptography, and symmetry. Program II focuses on algebraic topology, a major area of modern math research.
Both programs involve guided research, exploration of current math developments, and an understanding of math’s historical and practical applications. The residential program includes in-person activities and field trips, while the online version offers guest speakers, virtual events, and learning support. Program I accepts 40 students for the residential and 64 for the online version.
12. Stanford University’s Clinical Anatomy Summer Program (CASP)
Subject Areas: Anatomy, Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: The CASP program fee is $4,000, and students are expected to arrange their own daily transportation.
Application Deadline: March 8
Dates:
- Session 1: June 9 – June 13
- Session 2: June 23 – June 27
- Session 3: July 7 – July 11
Eligibility: High school students who will be 15 or older by the start of the program
Stanford’s Clinical Anatomy Summer Program (CASP) is a one-week, in-person course for high school students interested in careers in medicine, surgery, EMT/paramedics, nursing, dentistry, physical or occupational therapy, biomedical engineering, sports medicine, or medical education. The program focuses on anatomy with real clinical applications.
Each day begins with a lecture from Stanford’s Clinical Anatomy faculty, followed by afternoon activities like lab visits, campus tours, guest speakers, and hands-on practice in dissection, suturing, and using surgical tools. You’ll also attend workshops and surgical demonstrations led by Stanford physicians. CASP runs from about 9 AM to 4 PM each day, though times may vary slightly. It’s a non-residential program, so students commute to campus daily.
13. The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI)—Summer Research Internship
Subject Areas: AI, Medicine, Healthcare, Research, Coding, Math, Statistics
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: The application fee is $40, and the program participation fee for accepted students is $850, though both fees can be waived based on financial need.
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 16 – June 27
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12 in the fall, who will be at least 14 years old by the start date, and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging offers a hands-on, project-based program for students with technical skills in coding, statistics, or math. This internship combines advanced lectures and real-world AI applications in medicine, giving you both technical and clinical experience in healthcare AI.
Throughout the internship, you’ll work on an AI-related problem in medicine with some guidance. You’ll also collaborate on projects, get mentorship from Stanford students and researchers, and participate in Virtual Career Lunch and Learn sessions with guest speakers from industry, academia, government, and nonprofits. There may be opportunities for students who want to pursue an extended independent research internship. About 25 students are selected each year, and those who finish the program receive a Certificate of Completion.
14. Stanford Clinical Summer Internship (CSI)
Subject Areas: Science, Medicine, Clinical Research
Location: Offered both virtually and in person at the Stanford School of Medicine campus in Stanford, CA
Cost:
- Summer: The application fee is $95. The on-campus program fee is $6,380, and the virtual program fee is $4,380.
- Fall Intensive: The application fee is $35, and the program fee is $1,980.
Application Deadline: February 24 (Summer) | June 2 (Fall Intensive)
Dates:
- Session 1 (In person): July 14 – July 25
- Session 2 (Virtual): July 28 – August 8
- Fall Intensive (Virtual): September 11 – November 13
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, and undergraduate pre-medical students who are at least 16 years old
The Stanford Clinical Summer Internship (CSI) allows you to explore the art, science, and excitement of practicing medicine. You will collaborate with Stanford medical students, residents, and faculty, gaining valuable insights into the medical field. Small group sessions with leading Stanford faculty, clinicians, and medical students will provide you a closer look at their journeys in medicine. You will develop clinical skills in various specialties through interactive lectures, skills sessions, and hands-on activities.
You’ll also participate in real-life medical case simulations, visit the emergency “Life Flight” station and Stanford clinics, and attend sessions with medical students, residents, and admissions officers. The program also includes guided dissections of the heart, brain, and kidney led by Stanford faculty. CSI offers three learning options: Summer On-Campus Learning at Stanford, Summer Virtual Learning via Zoom, and the 10-Week Virtual Fall Intensive for students balancing other academic commitments.
15. Stanford AI4ALL
Subject Areas: AI, Robotics, Research
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,000; financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: January 24
Dates: June 18 – July 2
Eligibility: Current 9th-grade students (rising 10th graders) who will be at least 14 years old by the program’s start
Stanford AI4ALL is a two-week virtual program for high school students interested in artificial intelligence (AI). During the program, you will explore topics such as robotics, natural language processing, medical AI, and computer vision, while learning about AI’s impact on society. You will also participate in hands-on research projects, mentorship activities, and lectures, all aimed at promoting diversity in AI.
In collaboration with the Stanford AI Lab, the program gives you research experience, career development workshops, and mentorship from faculty and senior researchers. You will work on group projects led by graduate students and postdocs, attend lectures from experts, and join social events with Stanford AI graduate students.
16. Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Center’s Stanford Summer Internship
Subject Areas: Science, Medicine, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Anatomy, Physiology
Location: Virtual
Cost: The program fee is $4,500, which includes all necessary educational supplies, plus a non-refundable $95 application fee. Need-based financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: March 14
Dates: June 23 – July 4 | July 14 – July 25
Eligibility: High school students who will be 16 or older on the first day of the program can apply. If you’re under 16, you can still apply as long as you’re a high school junior.
The Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Center’s Stanford Summer Internship is designed for high school students. It focuses on careers in science or medicine, particularly in cardiothoracic anatomy, physiology, and surgical techniques commonly taught in pre-med and medical programs.
This hands-on, intensive program introduces basic and advanced skills in cardiothoracic surgery, like knot tying, coronary artery bypass grafting, dissection, suturing, and valve replacement. You’ll learn through lectures and lab sessions led by Stanford faculty, surgical residents, and staff. Lectures cover topics like anatomy, physiology, valve and bypass surgery, heart transplants, and more. You’ll also take part in skills sessions using real instruments, supplies, and simulation models.
17. Stanford CARE AI Summer Program for High School Students
Subject Areas: AI, Healthcare, Data Analysis
Location: Li Ka Shing Center (LKSC), Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
Cost: The program costs $3,950, plus a $39 application fee.
Application Deadline: March 10
Dates: June 16 – June 27
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are at least 14 years old
The Stanford CARE AI Summer Program is a two-week program for high school students interested in using AI tools to better understand and address health issues in Asian communities and beyond. It’s open to students from all backgrounds. You’ll learn about key health topics affecting Asian populations, get an introduction to statistical data analysis, and use AI tools like ChatGPT to work with health data.
By the end of the program, you’ll know the basics of data analysis, how to use AI tools to interpret health data, be able to identify and explain health challenges in Asian communities, and have experience working in teams and taking on leadership roles. If you have any other questions, you can contact Erica Okamura at [email protected].
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive 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!
Images source – Stanford University