If you are a high school student, passionate about STEM, finding programs that offer practical experience—and even pay a stipend—can be an incredible way to build expertise, gain advanced skills, and make connections in their chosen field. These programs, which range from internships to research opportunities, offer hands-on training in everything from data science and chemistry to neuroscience and AI. Here’s our list of the best paid STEM programs for high school students for the academic year. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
1. Horizon – STEM Research Track
Stipend: N/A, but includes academic recognition and college application support
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Application Deadlines: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Location: Virtual
Subject Areas: Data science, machine learning, neuroscience, psychology, biology, chemistry
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA >3.67/4.0; 10th and 11th graders preferred
Horizon’s STEM research track enables students to delve into subject areas such as data science, biology, chemistry, psychology, and machine learning. You can choose between quantitative and qualitative research and work with mentors to produce a publishable research paper. Horizon also offers detailed feedback and letters of recommendation.
2. NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP)
Stipend: $2,000–$3,500 based on hours and location
Program Dates: 8-week program starting June
Application Deadline: February 19
Location: Bethesda, Maryland, and other NIH sites
Subject Areas: Genetics, immunology, clinical research, computational biology
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; high school seniors aged 18 or older.
The NIH SIP allows students to work with scientists on biomedical research in areas like genetics, immunology, and computational biology. You will gain skills in lab techniques, bioinformatics, and scientific analysis, making this an excellent opportunity for those interested in healthcare and biological research.
3. STEM Enhancement in Earth and Space Science (SEES) Internship
Stipend: Depending on project and level of participation
Program Dates: May 1 – July 22
Application Deadline: February 22
Location: Virtual and on-site at the University of Texas, Austin
Subject Areas: Earth sciences, astronomy, environmental science, GIS, Engineering Mathematics, Robotics, Science, Technology
Eligibility: U.S. high school students sophomores and juniors only aged 16 or above by July 5.
The SEES Internship is a nationally competitive program that offers students interested in earth sciences and space exploration the chance to work on NASA-led projects. This internship is a joint venture between NASA and University of Texas at Austin Center for Space Research designed to allow interns to experience and learn real-time data analysis and collection techniques of ongoing NASA projects. You can learn GIS, satellite data analysis, and data visualization, equipping them for careers in environmental science and aerospace engineering. The internship concludes by presenting the research during the Virtual SEES Science Symposium.
4. Stanford Clinical Summer Internship
Stipend: Based on position and multiple scholarships available.
Program Dates: Session 1 (In person): July 14 – 25 ;Session 2 (Virtual): July 28 – Aug 8; Fall Intensive (Virtual): Sept 11 – Nov 13
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines based on sessions. Application deadline for session 1 is on February 24.
Location: Virtual and Stanford Institutes.
Subject Areas: Clinical medicine, public health, patient care, medical ethics
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are 16 or older by session start dates.
The Stanford Clinical Summer Internship program introduces high school students to clinical medicine, including public health, medical ethics, and patient care. You can learn core concepts in clinical research and develop an understanding of medical data analysis and health informatics. You can participate in various sessions with current medical students, residents and have a view on the workings of “Life Flight” station along with guided heart, brain and kidney dissections.
5. Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT
Stipend: There is no particular stipend as such but RSI students often participate in Intel Science Talent Search (Intel STS) and the Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology or the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF). Students get to keep the prizes.
Program Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: December 11
Location: Cambridge, MA
Subject Areas: Physics, engineering, computational mathematics, molecular biology
Eligibility: High school juniors with strong academic backgrounds in STEM with minimum 740 PSAT Math score, 700 evidence based reading and writing score, 33 ACT math score and 34 verbal score.
The RSI at MIT is a rigorous summer program that offers advanced STEM research opportunities in physics, engineering, and computational sciences. Only top 100 world’s most accomplished high schools are shortlisted for this and hence is highly competitive. You can work with MIT faculty on research projects and develop lab skills, analytical techniques, and scientific communication skills. You will be expected to conduct a detailed and comprehensive literature review of chosen topic with a proper execution of your research plan, ending with conference style oral and written reports of the findings.
6. Simons Summer Research Program
Stipend: At the closing poster symposium, students are presented with a stipend award.
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8.
Application Deadline: Around February, will be declared soon.
Location: Stony Brook University, NY
Subject Areas: Physics, chemistry, applied mathematics, genetics
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors who are US citizens and aged 16 or above by the start of program.
Simmons Summer Research Program is held at Stony Brook University, and it enables students to conduct research in fields like chemistry, applied mathematics, and physics. You will work closely with mentors and present the findings, gaining essential skills in scientific writing and data analysis. The program concludes in abstract and research poster presentation.
7. National Security Agency (NSA) High School Work-Study Program
Stipend: Based on hours worked
Program Dates: Academic year program starting September
Application Deadline: October 31
Location: Fort Meade, MD
Subject Areas: Cybersecurity, computer science, data analysis
Eligibility: High school juniors in Maryland
NSA HSWS program provides students with an introduction to cybersecurity, computer science, and national security. You can gain practical skills in programming and data analysis while working alongside NSA professionals. You get to tour the NSA directors offices and the National Security Operations Centre with a visit to the Pentagon where you can meet NSA/CSS Representative Defense.
8. High School Internship Program (HSIP) – U.S. Army
Stipend: Based on work done.
Program Dates: 8 weeks during summer
Application Deadline: TBA
Location: Various Army research facilities
Subject Areas: Robotics, environmental science, engineering
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are citizens of the USA or permanent legal residents.
The HSIP is part of the Army Educational Outreach program (AEOP). It provides students with a practical introduction to fields like environmental science, robotics, and engineering. Students work 1-1 with Army or DoD scientists, gaining lab experience and learning cutting-edge research techniques.
9. Spark Summer Internship Program (Spark SIP)
Stipend: Up to $500
Program Dates: 8-12 weeks during summer
Application Deadline: To be announced
Location: Various industry partner locations and possibly virtual
Subject Areas: Technology, software development, data analysis, and industry research
Eligibility: High school students able to commit to full-time work
Spark SIP is an intensive summer research internship designed for high school students eager to gain real-world experience in the tech industry. You will be working full-time (30-40 hours per week) over the course of 8-12 weeks, developing hands-on skills in tech-focused research under the mentorship of industry professionals. Through this internship, students gain insight into career pathways in technology, including practical experience with industry-specific software and tools.
10. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Stipend: At least $750
Program Dates: 7-week program during summer
Application Deadline: To be announced
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, New York, NY
Subject Areas: Civil and urban engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, robotics
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors
ARISE is a highly regarded summer research program at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, offering high school sophomores and juniors a blend of college-level workshops and hands-on lab research in areas like civil engineering, robotics, and electrical engineering. Over seven weeks, students conduct supervised research alongside graduate or postdoctoral mentors, gaining lab experience and technical skills in engineering. The program also includes training in presentation and public speaking, culminating in a colloquium where students present their research to NYU faculty, peers, and family.
11. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Stipend: $750
Program Dates: June 16 to August 1
Application Deadline: February
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Subject Areas: Multidisciplinary, including fields such as sciences, arts, accounting, philosophy, and more
Eligibility: High school students aged 17+ by the program start date
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is an immersive 6-week summer research experience open to high school students interested in a wide range of fields, from accounting and philosophy to sciences and the arts. You can engage in one-on-one research with university faculty and participate in weekly seminars, discussions, and field trips. With only 12 spots available each year, this program is highly competitive and designed for students ready to explore a variety of academic disciplines in depth.
12. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Stipend: Minimum of $500
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22.
Location: Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
Subject Areas: Cancer biology, neuroscience, cardiovascular medicine, bioengineering, and more
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, aged 16+ at the start of the program and US citizens.
The SIMR program provides high school juniors and seniors with the chance to work alongside Stanford researchers on groundbreaking medical research. You can select one of eight study areas—such as cancer biology, neuroscience, or cardiovascular medicine—and will be assigned to a lab for one-on-one mentorship and lab-based learning. The program runs for eight weeks and offers an immersive experience in medical research methodologies and laboratory techniques, welcoming about 50 students each year.
13. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
Stipend: $6,500 plus boarding and travel.
Program Dates: May 31 – August 8.
Application Deadline: January 27
Location: The Jackson Laboratory campuses in Bar Harbor, ME, and Farmington, CT
Subject Areas: Genetics, genomics, biomedical research
Eligibility: High school seniors and undergraduates; must be 18+ at the start of the program
The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program is a highly selective 10-week research experience focused on genetics and genomics, open to high school seniors and undergraduates who are 18 or older by the program start. Each summer, around 40 students are chosen to work on independent research projects under the mentorship of experienced scientists. You can gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge genetic research, with an emphasis on data analysis, experimental techniques, and scientific communication, culminating in a presentation of their findings.
14. City of Hope Cancer Center Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy
Stipend: $4,000
Program Dates: 10-week program during summer
Application Deadline: Inquiry based details.
Location: City of Hope Cancer Center, Duarte, CA
Subject Areas: Biomedical research, cancer biology, molecular biology, biochemistry
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ with completed coursework in chemistry and biology
The City of Hope Cancer Center’s Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy offers high school students a 10-week immersive experience in biomedical research, selecting around 100 participants from over 2000 applicants each year. You can engage in seminars, lab sessions, and independent research projects guided by City of Hope mentors. The program emphasizes hands-on learning in cancer research, biochemistry, and molecular biology, concluding with a research paper and presentation.
15. AFRL Scholars Program (Air Force Research Lab)
Stipend: $492.40 per week.
Program Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: January 10
Location: Various AFRL locations across the U.S.
Subject Areas: Materials science, aerospace, electrical engineering
Eligibility: U.S. high school students aged 16+ and GPA 3 or above.
The AFRL Scholars program offers high school students experience in fields like materials science, aerospace, and electrical engineering. Students work on government research projects with applications in national defense.
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