High school internships in biotechnology are transformative experiences that offer early, in-depth exposure to the advanced skills and professional environment of real-world scientific research. These programs go beyond theoretical classroom learning by immersing you in active labs, allowing you to gain practical and analytical competencies through essential, cutting-edge techniques such as PCR, cell culture, and gene cloning.
Why should you choose an internship in biotech opportunities?
You learn to handle complex laboratory equipment, engage in the rigorous process of experimental design, and master crucial data analysis methods like bioinformatics, often working with programming languages like Python or R. This direct involvement with authentic research projects, under the guidance of expert mentors, provides insight into the professional workflows of biotech companies or university labs, developing problem-solving skills and a clear understanding of potential career paths in the rapidly evolving life sciences sector.
If you’re earlier in your biotech journey and want something shorter or less competitive before committing to a full internship, our guides to biotech summer programs and free biotech programs for high school students cover lower-commitment ways to get started. If you’re specifically drawn to wet-lab biology research outside of an internship setting, our guide to biology research opportunities for high school students is also worth a look.
Below, we have listed 15 biotech internships for high school students. You can also check out our blog on biotech programs for high school students, here.
Key Takeaways
- Biotech internships for high school students place you directly inside university labs, biotech companies, and research institutions, giving you hands-on practice with techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing, and bioinformatics
- Several internships are paid, including the MSLC High School Apprenticeship Challenge ($4,080), the Broad Summer Scholars Program ($3,600), and the Biorocket Research Internship Program ($2,000), while others provide stipends in the $500 to $1,500 range
- Selectivity varies considerably, from highly competitive programs like MIT’s RSI (around 5% acceptance) and Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Summer Student Program (around 2%) to more accessible options run through local schools and regional biotech centers
- Most internships culminate in a final research presentation, poster symposium, or formal write-up, giving you concrete experience communicating scientific work to mentors and peers
- For students who want a longer, mentored research project resulting in an independent paper rather than a placement inside an existing lab, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs offers a path toward producing formal academic work in biotechnology and related fields
15 Biotech Internships for High School Students
1. Hepatitis B Foundation’s Summer High School Science Enrichment Program
Location: Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, Bucks County, PA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available; the program’s selection process is highly localized and managed by the participating schools
Dates: July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: Students must be nominated/submitted through participating area schools
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 and above and have taken AP Science
The Hepatitis B Foundation, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC), organizes this enrichment program for students interested in biotechnology, life sciences, research, or public health. You participate in hands-on laboratory research, where you complete the scientific process by designing and executing experimental projects. You engage in educational and professional development through guest lectures and professional seminars, which expose you to various career paths in research, medicine, and the biotechnology industry. You also learn about public health and advocacy issues, receiving instruction on the global problem of hepatitis B.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid available.
Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th- or 11th-graders! A few tracks require prerequisites, see here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in biotechnology and related fields! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects. Apply here!
3. LA Biotech Center (LABC) High School Programs
Location: LA Biotech Center, Torrance, CA
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program; check prices here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 6 students per class
Dates: 4 – 10 day programs; exact dates vary
Application Deadline: One week before the program start date
Eligibility: High school students from ages 15 – 18 who have passed high-school Math, English and Biology or equivalent courses with a grade C or above
The LA Biotech Center (LABC) High School Programs are intensive, hands-on experiences that provide students with practical exposure to working in a professional biotechnology laboratory. These programs cover topics such as DNA technology, molecular cloning, gene regulation, bioinformatics, and stem cell research. You engage in activities like performing PCR and gel electrophoresis, analyzing DNA sequencing data, and designing and conducting original experiments. The programs are placed within a working biotech hub, allowing you to train on industry-grade equipment and learn real-world laboratory workflows and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). By the end, students gain critical skills in experimental design, advanced lab techniques, critical data analysis, and technical communication.
4. Stanford SHTEM (Summer Internships for High Schoolers)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None, but a $50 application fee is required; need-based fee waivers are available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 60 students
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: Typically, in March
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who will be at least 14 years old by June 1
The SHTEM Program offers a highly competitive, entirely remote, eight-week intensive summer research opportunity for high school juniors and seniors nationwide. Requiring a weekly commitment of 30-40 hours, you work collaboratively in small teams, tackling complex interdisciplinary projects that fuse fields like computer science, biology, and the humanities. Oversight and mentorship are provided by esteemed Stanford faculty, staff, and graduate students, offering valuable networking opportunities. This internship emphasizes both rigorous technical training and cooperative problem-solving, culminating in a public research presentation that showcases both advanced expertise and refined communication capabilities.
5. MSLC’s High School Apprenticeship Challenge For Interns
Location: Varies by host company
Stipend: $4,080 ($17/hr)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 150 students
Dates: May 1 – April 30
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students or recently graduated high school seniors from select schools in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) High School Apprenticeship Challenge is a state-supported workforce initiative focused on creating and funding paid, six-week internship positions for high school students across Massachusetts. The program is specifically designed to support talented individuals, especially those from economically disadvantaged or underrepresented groups, by placing them directly within cutting-edge biotech firms or research facilities. You engage in projects in laboratory science or biomanufacturing, gaining critical hands-on experience through activities like assisting with basic experiments, preparing equipment, and managing data entry. Mentorship from experienced scientists and technicians is a core component, ensuring you master essential professional skills such as lab safety, proper documentation, and effective teamwork.
6. Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Summer Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 20 students
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: November 30
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old
This internship program at Stanford is a research experience that provides high school students with an overview of careers in biotechnology and healthcare. During this eight-week program, you will work on hands-on research projects alongside other participants and clinicians or scientists who will be your mentors. You will learn lab techniques like histology, imaging, and genotyping, and also participate in lectures and workshops where you build skills that are essential for careers in biotechnology. The program also has dedicated sessions focused on career development and specialized software training, which strengthen both technical proficiency and communication abilities. At the end, you present your findings to the Stanford scientific community.
7. Biorocket Research Internship Program
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Stipend: $2,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 15 students
Dates: Orientation on February 20; February 25 – May 21 for Spring session and July 6 – August 14 for Summer session
Application Deadline: January 8
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 and above and enrolled in a New York City public or charter high school within a 45-minute commute to Genspace
The Biorocket Research Internship Program provides high school participants with six months of intensive, hands-on exposure to genetic engineering and core principles of lab biology. You are guided by scientist mentors to tackle both individual and collaborative research projects, building a robust foundation in the scientific process. The curriculum thoroughly covers specialized topics including bioinformatics, DNA sequencing, and advanced genetic modification techniques. Beyond rigorous lab work, you develop analytical skills and technical proficiency using cutting-edge equipment. The program also involves career support, tours of local biotech facilities, and dedicated practice in science communication, preparing you to share and explain your research findings.
8. Keep Engaging Youth in Science (KEYS) Research Internship
Location: BIO5 Institute, Tucson, Arizona
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Financial aid/resources for associated program costs like charges for the University of Arizona’s CatCard, parking permit, transportation, and meals
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 50 – 60 students
Dates: June 1 – July 17
Application Deadline: December 18
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years and older and have lived in Arizona for at least a year
The KEYS (Keep Engaging Youth in Science) Research Internship offers high school students an immersive, seven-week summer opportunity to explore fields like bioscience, biomedical engineering, data science, and environmental health. The program begins with a compulsory week of rigorous training, covering biotechnology, data analysis methods, research ethics, and effective scientific communication. You are then uniquely matched with a University of Arizona principal investigator to actively contribute to an authentic, interdisciplinary research project under the close mentorship of faculty, lab staff, and graduate students. This sought-after experience culminates in a formal presentation in which you share your findings with the wider academic community.
9. Urban Barcode Research Program
Location: DNA Learning Center, New York City, NYC
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend of $500 for completing 55 hours of research and presenting your project at the Research Symposium
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 36 students
Dates: Lab training in August, program occurs throughout the academic year
Application Deadline: May 27
Eligibility: High school students from New York City who are at least 13 years old
Supported by the Pinkerton Foundation, the DNA Learning Center’s Urban Barcode Research Program (UBRP) offers New York City high school students a mentored research opportunity focused on urban biodiversity. The academic year involves initial training workshops and a lab. You learn to use DNA barcoding techniques to precisely identify and investigate local species in urban environments. sessions to cultivate essential research competencies. Following this introductory phase, you undertake a minimum of 55 hours on an independent project, guided by scientific mentors; past topics have included studies on microbes, insects, and fungi. The experience culminates with you formally presenting your findings at a spring symposium.
10. Fred Hutch Cancer Center’s Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)
Location: Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
Stipend: A financial award (amount details not publicly disclosed) and an ORCA card are provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 16 students per session
Dates: June 22 – August 14
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Rising 12th grade students who are 16 years or older by the start of the program and living in Seattle or neighboring areas
This competitive internship places students in genuine research laboratories, where they collaborate closely with professional scientists and college-level mentors. The experience begins with an intensive two-week, hands-on training at the Fred Hutch Training Labs, where you master crucial laboratory safety and foundational techniques. Following this, the next six weeks involve mentored research activities within a specific Fred Hutch group, exploring key areas such as cancer biology and public health. You not only attend educational seminars but also complete an original research project, culminating in the formal presentation of your findings at a final symposium. This program intentionally focuses on attracting and supporting talented individuals from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in medical science.
11. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Summer Student Program
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK), New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $1,200 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 2%; 20 students
Dates: June 29 – August 21
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: High school juniors with an average grade point of 3.5 in science subjects | At least 14 years old | Legally authorized to work in the USA and live in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut within 25 miles of Main Campus of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center on the Upper East Side in Manhattan
This eight-week research program immerses you in a biomedical or computational laboratory setting, where you take ownership of a focused project under the guidance of a dedicated mentor. Key research areas explored include cancer biology, genomics, pharmacology, and immunology, offering a direct view into the clinical relevance of laboratory work and patient care. Throughout the experience, you attend departmental seminars and lab meetings while developing crucial problem-solving abilities as you analyze results and refine your experimental strategies based on professional feedback. Furthermore, the program facilitates valuable networking opportunities with diverse research professionals.
12. NC GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Program in Biotech
Location: North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $1,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; roughly, 45 students per year
Dates: June 14 – 26; July 12 – 24
Application Deadline: March 30
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th grade students
The NC GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Program in Biotech is a stimulating, two-week residential summer immersion experience hosted by North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) BRITE, targeting rising 11th and 12th-grade North Carolina students. The program covers topics such as drug discovery, biotechnology, and health disparities, while offering insights into pharmaceutical and clinical research. You engage in hands-on laboratory experiments in state-of-the-art facilities, college and career readiness sessions, and biotechnology company tours. The program offers a taste of residential life on a college campus, helping students from underrepresented backgrounds gain exposure.
13. Boston University’s Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Program – Internship Track
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Commuter: $6,185; Residential: $10,289; need-based financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 190 students
Dates: June 28 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
This intensive 40-hour-per-week internship places students directly into faculty-led research projects spanning biomedical, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, as well as computer science. You gain hands-on experience, often working closely with graduate students, postdocs, and professors to develop advanced technical and analytical skills. The laboratory research is complemented by weekly workshops focusing on scientific methodology, research ethics, and professional development. The experience concludes with a formal poster symposium where you present your research findings. Exceptional work may even be supported for advancement toward prestigious national science competitions, such as the Regeneron Science Talent Search.
14. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program
Location: Rockefeller University, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Need-based travel stipends are available; an OMNY card or MetroCard for NYC transit is provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 32 students
Dates: June 22 – August 6
Application Deadline: January 2
Eligibility: 11th and 12th grade students who are at least 16 years old by the program’s start
The Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) at Rockefeller University offers a rigorous, team-based experience for high school juniors and seniors ready to engage in scientific investigation. You are embedded in small research teams at leading biomedical science laboratories, where you actively contribute to projects spanning fields such as molecular biology, bioengineering, and biochemistry, collaborating with experts from Rockefeller, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and Weill Cornell. The experience involves structured training in lab techniques, specialized monthly lectures, and professional development sessions. The summer concludes with a final research poster presentation.
15. MIT Research Science Institute
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: $75 non-refundable application fee that can be waived
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~5%; 100 students from all over the world
Dates: June 28 – August 8
Application Deadline: December 10
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders who are 16 years old by the start of the program; additional requirements can be seen here
The Research Science Institute (RSI) begins with one week of intensive STEM seminars covering advanced topics in physics, biology, computer science, and mathematics. You later transition into five weeks of guided research, collaborating directly with MIT scientists to design and execute your own original projects based on the seminar concepts. Mentors provide instruction in experiment design, rigorous data analysis, and academic technical writing. The experience culminates in a formal research symposium where you present your findings, making this program ideal for students with a deep, existing commitment to STEM fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are biotech internships for high school students?
Biotech internships for high school students are structured placements inside active research labs, biotech companies, or academic institutions where you contribute to real scientific projects under professional mentorship. Unlike a course or workshop, an internship means doing the actual technical work, running protocols, analyzing data, and often presenting findings at the end of the program.
Do I need prior lab experience to apply for these internships?
It depends on the program. The Hepatitis B Foundation’s program and the LA Biotech Center’s programs expect completion of high school biology and related coursework. More research-intensive placements like MIT’s RSI, Rockefeller University’s SSRP, and the Broad Summer Scholars Program favor students with strong academic records in science and math, though formal lab experience isn’t always a strict requirement.
Are there paid biotech internships for high school students?
Yes. Several programs on this list offer paid stipends. The MSLC High School Apprenticeship Challenge pays $4,080. The Broad Summer Scholars Program provides $3,600 plus transportation reimbursement. The Biorocket Research Internship Program offers $2,000. Memorial Sloan Kettering provides $1,200, the NC GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Program offers $1,000, and the Urban Barcode Research Program and SHE-style programs provide $500.
How selective are biotech internships for high school students?
Selectivity varies widely. MIT’s RSI accepts roughly 5% of applicants, and Memorial Sloan Kettering’s program accepts around 2%, making them among the most competitive. Stanford’s SHTEM and STaRS programs and Rockefeller University’s SSRP are also highly selective with small cohorts. Programs like the Hepatitis B Foundation’s enrichment program and the NC GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Program are more accessible, particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds in the sciences.
Which biotech internships focus specifically on underrepresented students?
The MSLC High School Apprenticeship Challenge specifically supports students from economically disadvantaged or underrepresented groups. Fred Hutch’s SHIP program intentionally focuses on attracting talented individuals from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in medical science. The NC GlaxoSmithKill Foundation Program in Biotech also emphasizes exposure for students from underrepresented backgrounds through its residential format.
Which biotech internships involve bioinformatics or computational work alongside lab research?
The LA Biotech Center’s programs include DNA sequencing data analysis alongside hands-on PCR and gel electrophoresis work. The Biorocket Research Internship Program covers bioinformatics and DNA sequencing as core curriculum components. The KEYS Research Internship explicitly includes data science as one of its core focus areas, training you in both wet-lab and computational methods.
Is there a way to pursue independent biotech research beyond a single internship?
Yes. If you want to move from a structured internship into your own independent research question, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs pairs you with a professor or PhD scholar to develop a 20-page research paper in biotechnology or a related field. Unlike most internships on this list, which place you inside an existing lab’s ongoing projects, Horizon lets you choose your own research direction and methodology, culminating in a paper you can submit for academic publication.
When should I apply to biotech internships for high school students?
Rockefeller University’s SSRP closes January 2, and MIT’s RSI closes December 10, making these the earliest deadlines on this list. The Biorocket Research Internship Program closes January 8, and the Broad Summer Scholars Program closes January 21. KEYS closes December 18, and Memorial Sloan Kettering closes February 6. Fred Hutch’s SHIP closes March 13, and the NC GlaxoSmithKill Foundation Program closes March 30. Reviewing deadlines in the fall and applying early to the most competitive, paid programs is strongly recommended.
Image Source: Boston University