If you’re a high school student in Missouri interested in medicine, summer programs are a short, focused way to gain advanced skills, hands-on experience, and a taste of what a career in healthcare might be like before the school or college year starts. These programs enable you to explore various areas of medicine and gain practical experience under mentors in the field.
Missouri hosts numerous universities and organizations providing excellent research and medical programs specifically for high school students. Opting for a local program is also cost-effective because it allows you to stay nearby.
To make your search easier, we’ve handpicked 15 medical programs for high school students in Missouri!
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June).
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school | Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4) | No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program created for high school students. It offers individualized, one-on-one research experiences in a broad range of academic fields. Each student is paired with a Ph.D. mentor to design and carry out an independent research project. Over the course of 12 weeks, participants develop and submit their own research paper. Available disciplines include psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and many others. More details about the application process can be found here.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. Mini-Medical School
Location: University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
Cost: $650 per session
Application Deadline: March 16
Dates: Session 1: June 1 – June 5 | Session 2: June 8 – June 12
Eligibility: Current Missouri high school juniors (rising seniors) with a 3.0 GPA or higher
Mini-Medical School offers high school students an introduction to medical education and clinical practice. Participants engage in patient-centered learning, practical anatomy, microbiology, and clinical skills workshops. The program features seminars on college and medical school applications, along with discussions about life as a medical student. Students have the opportunity to meet and interact with current medical students, faculty, and staff, providing them with valuable mentorship and insights. Social activities such as trivia nights, pool parties, and field games complement the academic schedule. Students from underrepresented groups and rural communities are especially encouraged to apply.
4. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) – Virtual
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: 5 weeks in the Summer
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Johns Hopkins Virtual Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a five-week online research program designed for high school juniors and seniors. Fully delivered online, it acquaints students with diverse neuroscience topics through interactive lectures and learning resources. Participants gain knowledge of key laboratory techniques, work on research-driven projects, and benefit from mentorship and career advice. Bringing together students nationwide, the program offers a comprehensive foundation in brain sciences. Upon completion, students receive a certificate recognizing their achievement.
5. Medical Explorations
Location: University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
Cost: $75
Application Deadline: March 30
Dates: June 2 – June 13
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Medical Explorations is a workshop aimed at high school juniors and seniors to evaluate their strengths and explore healthcare careers. It starts with a two-week online phase that includes group healthcare investigations, individual research, and a peer club project. Students engage through VoiceThread discussions, conference sessions, and a skills lab to develop teamwork and communication skills. The experience culminates in a one-day in-person event. Activities include a Clifton Strengths review, a multidisciplinary case study, and simulation-based learning. Students also present group posters and receive an overview of undergraduate admissions to prepare for future studies.
6. Saturday Scholars Program
Location: Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
Stipend/Cost: Not specified
Application Deadline: February 4
Dates: February 15, February 22, March 1, March 8, March 15
Eligibility: High school juniors, seniors, or sophomores with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
Washington University’s Saturday Scholars Program involves high school students in anatomy learning through a series of sessions. The program spans five consecutive Saturdays, with each session lasting three and a half hours. Students learn about human anatomy systems through lectures by medical students, followed by lab-based activities. The experience features anatomy lab sessions and clinical skills breakout activities to help students apply their knowledge. Additionally, students prepare a research project and present it to an audience on the final Saturday of the program.
7. BESt Healthcare Institute Summer Program
Location: Washington University Danforth Campus, St. Louis, MO
Stipend: $400 – $500
Application Deadline: March 28
Dates: June 23 – July 18
Eligibility: Full-time freshman, sophomore, or junior student currently enrolled in a St. Louis regional high school (St. Louis City, St. Louis and St. Charles, MO counties, and Madison, St. Claire, IL counties) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher based on a 4.0 scale.
High school students can explore healthcare careers through the BESt Healthcare Institute Summer Program. Over the course of four weeks, students remain on campus, participating in team projects, team-building exercises, and case competitions. They gain practical experience in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and public health through hands-on activities. Professional development and college readiness sessions assist students in preparing for their futures. Students who complete the program successfully are awarded a stipend.
8. Summer Focus
Location: Washington University Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences, St. Louis, MO
Stipend: $4,500 (pre-tax)
Cohort Size: 15-18
Application Deadline: January 27
Dates: June 2 – July 25
Eligibility: 11th graders from any high school in the Greater St. Louis area (Missouri and Illinois)
Summer Focus is an eight-week biomedical research program that connects high school students with scientists from Washington University. Each student is paired with a mentor to oversee their personalized lab project and a tutor to assist their learning during the summer. Scholars conduct research on a topic aligned with their interests. The program includes two courses: Writing, which develops science communication skills, and NextUp, which prepares students for college applications and career planning. Weekly meetings with tutors help scholars build their understanding of their research topic.
9. Sports Medicine and Health Sciences Camp
Location: Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Cost: Resident fee: $400; Commuter fee: $325
Application Deadline: June 1
Dates: June 15 – June 18
Eligibility: High school students, including those who’ll begin 9th grade in the fall and those who are graduating in the spring
At the Sports Medicine and Health Sciences Camp, students gain practical experience in health care while exploring career options. The program encompasses fields such as athletic training, dietetics, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, and radiography. Participants also learn about exercise science, public health, health promotion, and related disciplines. Camp activities focus on developing core health care skills and understanding professional pathways. Students work with expert faculty, gaining guidance about education and careers in health sciences. The camp also provides a glimpse into college life through interactive and engaging sessions.
10. School of Medicine Summer Scholars Program
Location: Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
Cost: $500
Cohort Size: 25
Application Deadline: March 21
Dates: June 2 – June 27
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10-12 with a minimum GPA of 2.5
During this four-week program, students explore health care professions by meeting with specialists from a range of fields. The program includes family medicine, orthopedics, pathology, nursing, pediatrics, and more. Supported by first-year medical students, participants receive insights into medical education and career options. Activities include a cadaver demonstration, research project, and tours of Saint Louis University and the surrounding area. Students also participate in a community service project and receive ACT test preparation.
11. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $25 application fee
Application Deadline: February 2
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Eligibility: Students 15 years or older by June 18
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University offers high school students the opportunity to participate in advanced research projects under faculty supervision. During the program, students acquire hands-on experience with the latest technologies and explore various fields including bioengineering, neuroscience, climate science, cybersecurity, nanotechnology, and others. Students can build essential skills in scientific writing, communication, and innovative problem-solving, while connecting with STEM professionals. Interns may also earn authorship in scientific publications or present their research at professional conferences.
12. Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Center Summer Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,500 + $95 application fee
Application Deadline: March 14
Dates: Program 1: June 23 – July 4 | Program 2: July 14 – July 25
Eligibility: High school students at least 16 years old on the first day of the program
The Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Center Summer Internship offers high school students a practical introduction to cardiothoracic surgery. This rigorous program combines lectures and guided lab sessions to teach cardiac and thoracic anatomy, physiology, and related surgical conditions. Participants acquire practical skills like knot tying, dissection, suturing, and performing coronary artery bypasses and valve replacements, guided by Stanford faculty and surgical residents. The program also covers ECG reading, echocardiography, and other imaging methods, alongside an overview of key surgical diseases. Students gain experience with surgical tools and study porcine heart anatomy to deepen their understanding of heart structures.
13. STAR 2.0 Program
Location: Children’s Mercy Research Institute (CMRI), Kansas City, Missouri
Stipend: $2,600
Application Deadline: April 8
Dates: June 16 – July 24
Eligibility: Current freshmen, sophomores, and junior high school students
STAR 2.0 provides a comprehensive summer program for high school students, enabling them to collaborate closely with Children’s Mercy researchers on projects that enhance pediatric care. The program also provides training in clinical research methods, ethics, statistics, and academic writing. A primary objective is to help participants produce a publishable research paper. Networking events allow students to connect with the local medical research community
14. Exploring Careers in Healthcare Opportunities (ECHO)
Location: Western Missouri Medical Center, Warrensburg, MO
Cost: $40
Application Deadline: April 18
Dates: June 9 – June 13 | July 28 – August 1
Eligibility: Current high school students and May graduates
ECHO at Western Missouri Medical Center is a week-long program for high school students interested in healthcare careers. Participants observe professionals in departments like the Emergency Room, Obstetrics, Imaging, and Labs. Interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities make learning engaging and practical. The program demonstrates to students the teamwork and skills essential for hospital operations. Participants also gain an understanding of various healthcare career paths.
15. Phage Summer Research Camp
Location: Webster University, St. Louis, MO
Cost: $400
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: July 28 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising 9th to graduating 12th graders (ages 14-18)
At the Phage Summer Research Camp, you’ll explore microbiology through hands-on experiments. This engaging program centers on bacteriophages, tiny viruses that infect bacteria. During the week, students search for phages on campus, isolate and purify them, and analyze their characteristics. They also use sophisticated tools like transmission electron microscopy to observe their results. Led by college professors, the camp offers guidance through fieldwork and laboratory techniques. It’s a chance to discover new viral species and make meaningful contributions to ongoing research.
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!
Image Source – Lumiere Education logo