Neuroscience programs for high school students offer an opportunity to study the complexities of the human brain and nervous system. These programs are designed to focus on specialized areas like neurobiology, cognitive science, and computational neuroscience. Unlike general research programs, neuroscience-specific initiatives allow you to gain hands-on experience with lab techniques, data analysis tools, and subject-specific software such as MATLAB, Python for neural modeling, or EEG data processing platforms.
By participating, you can work on practical neuroimaging, behavioral analysis, and electrophysiology skills while learning to formulate research questions, conduct experiments, and interpret data. High-schoolers with a strong interest in biology, psychology, or technology may find these programs useful as they are based on advanced applications in neuroscience.
Here are 8 paid programs that specialize in neuroscience:
1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
Cost: Free (Paid Internship)
Application Deadline: February 22, 2025
Program Dates: June 9, 2025 – July 31, 2025
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (graduating classes of 2025 or 2026) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, at least 16 years old by June 9, 2025, and attending high school in the U.S.
You will collaborate with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and students on research projects in medicien. This program focuses on neuroscience, allowing you to gain experience in techniques such as neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and molecular neuroscience.
You will learn advanced data analysis and experimental design skills while contributing to ongoing research projects. The program helps you understand scientific inquiry and research methodology in-depth and equips you with technical and analytical skills that could aid you in future academic projects in this field. While applications are open to students across the U.S., priority is given to those from the Bay Area.
2. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: In-person at Johns Hopkins, East Baltimore Campus, or virtual
Cost: Free (Paid Internship or Scholarship)
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Program Dates: 8 weeks (in-person) or 5 weeks (virtual) during Summer 2025
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; in-person interns must attend Baltimore City public schools, while virtual interns may apply nationwide
This program is available as an 8-week in-person experience for students in Baltimore City public schools or a 5-week virtual experience open to students nationwide. You will engage in research guided by faculty mentors, focusing on neurological sciences, and develop skills in experimental techniques, data analysis, and presentation.
In-person interns work on-site at Johns Hopkins, attend seminars, participate in clinical rotations, and present their findings in a final oral or poster session. Virtual interns receive professional development training, basic laboratory technique instruction, and mentorship while completing a series of online research projects.
3. Youth Neurology Education and Research Program
Location: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
Cost: Free (Paid Internship)
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025
Program Dates:
- High School Internships: June 30 – August 8, 2025
- Undergraduate Internships: June 16 – August 8, 2025
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students in Massachusetts, particularly from underrepresented communities in neurology
The Youth Neurology Education and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital offers paid summer internships for high school and undergraduate students interested in neurology and neuroscience. You will be matched with MGH Neurology faculty mentors and assigned to active research labs, where you will contribute to ongoing projects and gain hands-on experience in neuroscience research.
You will participate in weekly didactic sessions led by neurologists and neuroscientists, which will help you better understand neurology while engaging with a diverse group of professionals. The program also features networking events, field trips, and final presentations, where you can share your research experiences with peers, mentors, and family.
4. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship
Location: Jupiter, FL
Cost: Paid ($14/hour)
Application Deadline: Not specified (Applications open January 7, 2025)
Program Dates: June 23, 2025 – August 1, 2025
Eligibility: High school students entering junior or senior year in 2025-26 at a Palm Beach or Martin County high school; must be 16 years or older by June 23, 2025
The MPFI Summer Research Internship offers high school students a hands-on introduction to neuroscience research, focusing on brain structure, function, and development. You will work directly with MPFI researchers, conducting experiments that utilize advanced imaging technologies and techniques. Participants will develop skills in “wet lab” methodologies such as genetic engineering, histological staining, microbiology preparations, and microscopy—key tools for investigating neural circuits.
You will collaborate on research projects, produce a written scientific abstract, and present your findings to peers and mentors.
5. Duke University Neuroscience Experience (DUNE)
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC
Cost: Paid (stipend provided)
Application Deadline: February 9, 2025 (Applications open December 16, 2024)
Program Dates: June 16 – August 8, 2025
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors not attending college in fall 2025; must attend specific public or charter schools in Durham, NC; must be at least 16 years old by June 16, 2025; must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent/legal resident.
You will be matched with research projects that align with your interests, and receive individual mentorship from Duke scientists. Over the eight-week program, you will gain experience in advanced neuroscience methods, engage in data analysis, and work to refine your scientific communication and presentation skills.
In addition to laboratory work, you will attend workshops exploring career paths in academia, medicine, and industry while receiving guidance on college applications.
6. UCSF Science & Health Education Partnership (SEP) High School Intern Program
Location: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA
Cost: Paid ($3,200 for part-time, $4,500 for full-time)
Application Deadline: February 25, 2025, by 11:59 PM
Program Dates: Summer 2025 (8 weeks)
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors enrolled in SFUSD high schools, SF charter schools, or College Track San Francisco. Preference for students from historically marginalized backgrounds in science.
The SEP High School Intern Program allows high school students to engage in an 8-week intensive research internship at UCSF. You will work alongside a UCSF scientist mentor to conduct original biomedical research in infectious diseases, neuroscience, molecular biology, cancer, and stem cell research.
You will work on developing your research skills, refining your science communication abilities, and building professional networks within the scientific community. The program includes both part-time (25 hours/week) and full-time (35 hours/week) options, providing a stipend upon successful completion.
7. BRAINYAC Program
Location: Columbia University, New York City, NY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Expected October 2025 (exact date TBD)
Program Dates: Summer 2026 (dates TBD)
Eligibility: Open to 10th and 11th-grade students enrolled in partner programs (S-PREP, BioBus, Lang Youth Medical, Columbia Secondary School, or Double Discovery Center). Applicants must reside in New York City, with preference given to students in Upper Manhattan and the South Bronx.
The Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC) program provides high school students with research experience in Columbia University laboratories. You will be matched with a Columbia neuroscientist mentor to conduct a research project.
You gain exposure to academic research environments, learn essential laboratory techniques, and develop a stronger understanding of neuroscience and its impact. The program also connects you with professional scientists to help you if you aspire to a career in STEM.
You must apply through your affiliated partner program, with applications typically distributed in the fall. Those outside New York City or not enrolled in a partner program are ineligible to apply. For additional opportunities, you can explore other research programs in NYC, such as the NYC Science Research and Mentoring Consortium or BioBus Junior Scientist Internships.
8. Neurology High School Scholars Program
Location: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Main Campus, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Free (Participants receive a $1,000 stipend)
Application Deadline: March 2025, expected
Program Dates: July- August 2025, expected
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are at least 16 years old by the program start date.
The Neurology High School Scholars Program offers a five-week paid internship for students interested in neurology and neuroscience. You will work closely with neurologists or neuroscientists on clinical or basic science research projects, shadow physicians in clinical settings, and engage in weekly educational sessions with your cohort.
The program culminates in a poster presentation showcasing your research findings. You must be able to travel to CHOP’s Main Campus up to five days a week and meet all clearance requirements, including background checks and immunizations.
The application process includes writing two short essays (500 words each) and submitting two letters of recommendation. Top candidates will be invited for an in-person interview.
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!
Image source – Stanford Medicine Logo
