Ever wondered what actually happens behind the scenes in hospitals and research labs? Medicine summer programs give you the chance to move beyond textbooks and see how healthcare works in real life. Through activities like clinical simulations, lab research, shadowing, and small group sessions with medical professionals, you start to understand how patient care, research, and public health come together.
Why do a summer program in medicine as a high schooler?
These programs help you build a strong foundation while exploring different areas of medicine. You learn how clinicians think through complex cases, how biomedical data is collected and analyzed, and why communication is so important in healthcare settings. Many programs also connect you with doctors, researchers, or medical students who share insight into different specialties and the path to a career in medicine.
Below, we have curated 14 medicine summer programs for high school students. You can also check out our blog on free medical programs for high school students.
14 Medicine Summer Programs for High School Students
1. UCSF High School Intern Program (HIP)
Location: UC San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost | $3,200 stipend for 25 hours/week; $4,500 stipend for 35 hours/week
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Current juniors attending an SFUSD school or an SF charter school
The UCSF High School Intern Program allows rising seniors from San Francisco public and charter schools to conduct hands-on biomedical research alongside UCSF scientists for eight weeks. Each student is paired with a mentor and works on a unique project in fields such as immunology, molecular biology, or neuroscience. Interns receive training in lab techniques and science communication while earning a stipend. In addition to lab work, interns attend college counseling sessions, resume and personal statement workshops, and participate in a day-long university tour. The internship concludes with a presentation of their independent research projects.
2. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center HOPP Summer Student Program
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost | $1,200 stipend
Dates: June 30 – August 22
Application deadline: February 7
Eligibility: High school juniors who are 14 years or older by June, have a 3.5 grade point average in science subjects, are legally authorized to work in the U.S., and live within 25 miles of the main campus
The HOPP Summer Student Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center provides high school students with the chance to engage in an eight-week research experience within a world-class cancer research environment. As an intern, you’ll join a biomedical or computational laboratory and will be paired with mentors who guide your independent research project. Students work on real scientific investigations across fields like cancer biology, immuno-oncology, and pharmacology while gaining exposure to professional lab meetings and the broader MSK research community. The program also includes enrichment activities such as workshops and talks focused on career exploration, translational medicine, and professional development.
3. Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP)
Location: Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost | $3,600 stipend
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application deadline: January 22
Eligibility: Rising MA high school seniors with a B or better in science and math who are U.S. citizens, Permanent Residents, or non-US citizens with work authorization
The Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP) at the Broad Institute is a six-week program that allows high school students to perform original research in biomedical areas, including infectious disease, cancer, and psychiatric genetics. Each participant is paired with a Broad scientist to design and carry out a project that integrates experimental or computational techniques. You also receive training in scientific writing, data analysis, and poster presentation, supported by tutors who help explain complex concepts. The program also includes career panels, guest lectures, and a college fair.
4. MD Anderson Cancer Center UPWARDS Summer Program
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost | $6,800 stipend
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer (July – September)
Application deadline: January 20
Eligibility: Underrepresented incoming high school seniors | 18 or older by the start of the program
The UPWARDS Summer Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center is a ten-week, full-time research experience designed to empower high school students from underserved backgrounds. Student interns are paired with faculty mentors to conduct laboratory-based cancer research while learning core techniques and scientific reasoning. Beyond lab work, you attend lectures, seminars, and professional development events focused on academic and career growth in STEM fields. Mentorship plays a central role, and the summer concludes with the CATALYST poster symposium, where you present your research findings to faculty and peers.
5. University of Chicago: Chicago EYES on Cancer
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost | $5,000 stipend
Dates: Two 8-week summer sessions (June – August)
Application deadline: Varies (released each fall)
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors, or college freshmen/sophomores (16+)
Chicago EYES on Cancer is a two-summer training program at the University of Chicago that introduces high school and college students to cancer research and biomedical careers. In this program, you’ll get to work full-time in research labs on projects spanning basic, translational, clinical, and population-based science. The program includes a summer lecture series, career development workshops, and continued mentoring throughout the year. EYES also emphasizes communication skills, with participants presenting their findings at an annual symposium.
6. BioMed Focus
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: None | $4,000 stipend
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application deadline: January 9
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors in Michigan; More details here
BioMed Focus at the University of Michigan is an eight-week paid summer research program for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in biomedical science. Students work full-time in university research labs under the mentorship of graduate students or postdoctoral fellows to design and execute a hypothesis-driven project. Alongside hands-on research, participants complete a science communication course, a college preparation course, and a two-day research boot camp that introduces fundamental lab techniques. Each participant writes a manuscript summarizing their project and presents their findings at a closing symposium.
7. Henry Ford Health Department of Surgery High School Mentorship Program
Location: Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI
Cost/Stipend: Free | $1,000 stipend awarded to 10 students
Dates: Runs during the academic year with a summer internship between June – August
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Detroit-area high school students
The Henry Ford Health Department of Surgery High School Mentorship Program gives Detroit-area students hands-on exposure to the surgical field throughout the academic year. Participants in this program attend Saturday workshops in the hospital’s Surgical Simulation Suite, where they practice suturing, knot-tying, and minimally invasive surgical techniques under the guidance of medical professionals. Along with learning technical skills, you’ll tour different hospital departments, interact with healthcare providers, and gain a broader understanding of medical careers. Toward the end of the year, ten students are chosen for a paid summer internship worth $1,000.
8. Baylor College of Medicine’s Saturday Morning Science (SMS) Summer Research Program
Location: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Unpaid
Dates: June 11 – August 4
Application deadline: April 18
Eligibility: High school students who are 18 years of age by June 1 and have a U.S. Social Security card or a U.S. Permanent Resident card
The SMS Summer Research Program offers students who previously participated in the Saturday Morning Science program an opportunity to work full-time in biomedical research labs for eight weeks. You’ll be hired as a Summer Project Intern and collaborate with BCM researchers on laboratory or computational projects that align with active clinical or scientific studies. You’ll also attend weekly “Lunch and Learn” seminars focused on professional growth and scientific communication, and take part in research group meetings to understand how teams collaborate on experiments. The internship concludes with a formal presentation of your findings at the SMS Summer Research Symposium.
9. Houston Methodist’s High School Emerging Researcher Experience
Location: Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Unpaid
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application deadline: January 30
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors | Minimum 3.5 GPA | At least 16 years old by the start of the program
Houston Methodist’s High School Emerging Researcher Experience introduces high-achieving juniors and seniors to the fundamentals of translational research in a professional academic setting. As a participant, you’ll get to work alongside faculty mentors and undergraduate interns, contributing to lab projects that bridge scientific discovery and medical application. You’ll learn essential laboratory skills, attend seminars and development sessions, and receive mentorship that helps guide your college and career goals. The experience also includes opportunities to join social and academic events like seminars and poster presentations, and concludes with a research symposium.
10. Dana Farber Harvard Cancer Center – CURE Summer Only
Location: Dana‑Farber and Harvard Cancer Center labs in Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: None | Stipend provided
Dates: 7 – 11 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: Typically around early February
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who reside and attend school in Massachusetts | U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents | At least 16 years old by program start
The CURE Summer Only Program at the Dana-Farber Harvard Cancer Center is a rigorous, full-time research internship lasting 7 to 11 weeks. Motivated high schoolers are placed in cancer research labs across Dana-Farber and affiliated institutions, where they work under professional mentors on hands-on biomedical projects. In addition to laboratory work, you’ll attend seminars, journal clubs, and workshops designed to strengthen scientific, analytical, and communication skills. Throughout the internship, you’ll write abstracts summarizing your work and present your findings during a final research symposium. The program also encourages networking through mentorship and alumni connections.
11. Boston Medical Center – Junior Summer Volunteer Program
Location: Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Unpaid
Dates: June 30 – August 22
Application deadline: April 17
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are able to volunteer weekly
The Junior Summer Volunteer Program at Boston Medical Center is an eight-week opportunity for rising juniors and seniors to experience the daily operations of a hospital from the inside. After orientation, participants commit to weekly three-hour volunteer shifts in outpatient departments such as pediatrics, patient ambassador roles, or food services, depending on hospital needs and interests. Alongside volunteering, you’ll attend weekly lectures led by surgeons, nurses, administrators, and other professionals who explain different aspects of patient care and hospital management. Participants receive a completion certificate and verified service hours for future applications.
12. PCOM Philadelphia – STEM Program
Location: PCOM Philadelphia campus, City Avenue, PA
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Unpaid
Dates: June 16 – 20
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors from Philadelphia high schools (must be prepared to provide a work permit)
The PCOM Philadelphia STEM Program allows high school students to explore health sciences through clinical simulations and anatomy-focused learning at the Saltzburg Clinical Learning and Assessment Center. You’ll take part in medical skills training such as CPR, heart and brain dissections, and hands-on diagnostic scenarios guided by PCOM faculty and medical students. The program also includes lab visits, exposure to different healthcare professions, and sessions about the college admissions process. Along with developing practical skills, you’ll build relationships with mentors from fields including medicine, pharmacy, psychology, and physical therapy.
13. KP Launch High School Internship Program
Location: Multiple locations throughout the country
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Up to $24/hour
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application deadline: January 9
Eligibility: High school students aged 16–19 with work eligibility in the U.S. and permanent residence in a Northern California Kaiser Permanente designated service area
The KP Launch High School Internship Program, run by Kaiser Permanente, provides a seven-week paid internship focusing on administrative and operational aspects of healthcare. Instead of direct clinical work, interns are placed in departments like finance, human resources, and hospital operations, gaining insight into how healthcare systems function behind the scenes. You’ll earn $24 per hour while participating in workshops that build professional skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication. Each intern is paired with mentors who provide career guidance and feedback, helping you prepare for future opportunities. The program also includes networking events and community projects.
14. Boston Children’s Hospital – SCOOP (Student Career Opportunity Outreach Program)
Location: Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Unpaid
Dates: 6 weeks between July – August
Application deadline: Applications close in late February
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Boston Children’s Hospital’s SCOOP program allows high school students to spend six weeks working in a pediatric healthcare setting, gaining exposure to nursing and related medical professions. Student interns work about 24 hours per week, spending most of their time in patient service areas alongside a professional mentor. You’ll observe hospital routines, participate in team-based care activities, and shadow healthcare workers across different units. The program also requires you to develop a small research or service project to present at the end of the internship.
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 – Boston Children’s Hospital