What do medicine winter programs look like?
If you’re interested in healthcare, medicine winter programs for high school students offer a focused way to explore medical and biomedical science beyond what’s typically available during the school year. These programs are typically short, structured, and centered around a specific theme, from clinical reasoning to research design, enabling you to engage deeply with advanced concepts within a limited timeframe.
Why should you participate in medicine winter programs?
Participating in medicine winter programs for high school students can help you build skills such as scientific reasoning, data analysis, and familiarity with research or clinical methodologies. Many programs emphasize applied learning through research exercises, case studies, or technical instruction, often guided by faculty members or researchers. These experiences also support your preparation for college-level STEM or pre-med coursework while strengthening your academic foundation.
Why should you consider a winter program?
Winter programs are particularly useful if you’re looking for an academic experience during a quieter part of the school year, when it’s easier to focus, collaborate with peers who share similar interests, and engage closely with instructors. Whether your interests lean toward biomedical research, neuroscience, or clinical science, medicine winter programs for high school students can provide early exposure to how medical knowledge is developed and applied.
If research is a key priority, you may also want to explore our guide to medical winter research programs for high school students here, which focuses specifically on research-driven winter opportunities. Below is a list of 15 medicine winter programs for high school students, selected for their academic focus and relevance, to help you explore medicine through vivid learning experiences.
Key Takeaways
- Medicine winter programs for high school students offer focused academic engagement during a quieter part of the school year, covering topics from neuroscience and bioimaging to clinical reasoning and cancer biology research
- Several programs are free, including Jackson Lab Academic Year Fellowships, OHSU’s Partnership for Scientific Inquiry, Penn State Research Internships, Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Immersion Science Program, and Weill Cornell’s HPREP, making winter biomedical exposure accessible regardless of cost
- Programs range from short online courses lasting a few weeks to extended commitments like the Jackson Lab’s full academic year fellowship and Fox Chase’s 11-week Saturday research program
- Several programs culminate in tangible research output, including poster conferences, final seminars, and independent research proposals, giving students concrete experience presenting biomedical findings to faculty and peers
- For students who want a longer, mentored research experience rather than a structured course, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs pairs you with a professor or PhD scholar to develop an independent 20-page research paper in biology, chemistry, or a related field
15 Medicine Winter Programs for High School Students
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid available.
Program 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/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites, see here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! 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!
2. Georgetown Pre-College Programs
Location: Online
Cost: $1,895 (Enrichment), $3,995 (College Credit)
Program Dates: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Deadline: Varies as per the program
Eligibility: High school students ages 13 and up
This online program lets high school students explore medicine through flexible enrichment or college credit courses. You’ll engage with dynamic video lessons designed by Georgetown faculty, completing assignments, simulations, and a final capstone project that demonstrates your applied learning. Mentors or TAs provide guidance, feedback, and support on your research, projects, and presentations. The curriculum fosters analytical thinking, a deep understanding of biological systems, clinical concepts, and medical research methods. College credit courses add depth with extended coursework, while enrichment courses provide foundational exposure and skills applicable to STEM pathways.
3. UC San Diego: BioImaging & 3D Printing (BI3DP)
Location: Online
Cost: $2,700
Program Dates: January 10–March 1
Deadline: December 18
Eligibility: High school students grades 9–12 | Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0| Age 14+ for online courses | Prerequisite required for BE-BOAT
This course introduces high school students to biomedical imaging and 3D printing through hands-on, home-based laboratory exercises. You’ll explore the acquisition, visualization, and manipulation of two- and three-dimensional biological images and convert both simple designs and complex biomedical images into 3D printable models. The program provides guided instruction in Python-based analysis and practical applications of imaging within biomedical engineering. Students engage in lectures, discussions, and homework while completing remote 3D printing of anatomical plates and medical models. The course emphasizes technical skill development, experimental rigour, and scientific communication, preparing students for future research opportunities.
4. Jackson Lab Academic Year Fellowships
Location: Bar Harbor, Maine; Farmington, Connecticut
Cost: None
Program Dates: Available year-round
Deadline: Varies as per program
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors within commuting distance of the campuses | Age 16+ | Must commit to a full academic year
The Academic Year Fellows program immerses high school and undergraduate students in biomedical research alongside Jackson Laboratory faculty and researchers. Fellows join lab groups, developing independent research projects while mastering experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. Students develop practical skills in lab techniques, teamwork, and time management while participating in all aspects of research, from hypothesis formation to presenting results. The program emphasizes integration with academic coursework, requiring students to earn credit through their home institution. Fellows may work in-person, hybrid, or remote settings depending on eligibility and campus location.
5. Rosetta Institute of Biomedical Science: Winter Workshops
Location: UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, Columbia University, University College London, Alameda, CA, and Online
Cost: Varies
Program Dates: December 26–31 (Biomedical, Cancer Research), December 26–30 (Medical Bioinformatics, Medical Chemistry)
Deadline: Varies | Letters of recommendation required for most in-person/residential programs
Eligibility: High school and middle school students, ages 12–18, depending on the workshop | Residential students must be 14–18
These university-based and online workshops provide students with an immersive experience in molecular medicine, biomedical research, and modern medical technologies. Participants learn molecular and cellular biology, disease mechanisms, experimental design, and drug development, culminating in independent research projects. Residential workshops offer hands-on laboratory experiences at top universities, including UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, Columbia University, and University College London. Meanwhile, online and commuter options provide remote instruction and virtual labs. Students explore fields such as molecular neuroscience, cancer biology, bioinformatics, immunology, and personalized medicine. Workshops strengthen academic skills, expand scientific knowledge, foster collaboration, and provide exposure to potential career pathways in medicine, research, and related biomedical fields.
6. OHSU School of Medicine’s Partnership for Scientific Inquiry (PSI)
Location: Portland, Oregon (OHSU and partner research institutes)
Cost: Free of charge | Limited financial-need-based scholarships
Program Dates: January–May (16-week course)
Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors | Students must be 16+ for optional summer research
PSI introduces Oregon high school students to biomedical research and the scientific process through a 16-week lecture and mentorship course. You’ll meet weekly for two-hour sessions, engaging with ongoing research at OHSU and partner institutions. You’ll be paired with a didactic mentor to develop critical thinking, present journal articles, and design a personal research proposal. Optional summer internships allow students to work directly in laboratories under faculty guidance for 250 hours. Participants may earn up to 1 high school credit and present their work at the PSI Poster Conference. The program emphasizes equitable access, fostering scientific curiosity in students from diverse backgrounds while developing research skills, enhancing communication abilities, and providing exposure to careers in medicine and the biomedical sciences.
7. Penn State Research Internships and Observation
Location: Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Varies (short-term one- to two-day shadowing or extended weeks/months internship)
Deadline: Varies as per program
Eligibility: High school students living in the United States
High school students gain supervised exposure to biomedical research environments. You work under faculty supervision, completing required safety training and documentation before participating. Activities focus on observing lab workflows, research protocols, and how faculty researchers address biomedical questions, with strict safety rules that prohibit handling hazardous substances. This experience builds foundational scientific curiosity and familiarity with medical research settings rather than independent experimentation.
8. Harvard Medical School Pre-College HMX Program
Location: Online
Cost: $1,895–$2,195 per course | Need-based scholarships available
Program Dates: Year-round, multi-length courses
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students ages 13 and up
This online pre-college program allows high school students to explore medical science through interactive courses designed and taught by Harvard Medical School faculty. You’ll participate in project-based capstone courses and foundational academic enrichment courses that cover subjects such as genetics, pharmacology, immunology, and physiology. Mentors provide guidance and feedback, and participants complete approximately 30 hours of coursework, which includes multimedia lessons, simulations, and quizzes. You’ll gain exposure to college-level medical content, build critical thinking and research skills, and earn a Certificate of Completion from Harvard Medical School. The program emphasizes flexible online learning, enabling students to explore multiple disciplines at their own pace while preparing for future careers in medicine or STEM fields.
9. Wake Forest University: Online Medical Programs for High School Students
Location: Online
Cost: $1,595 per course | Need-based scholarships available
Program Dates: Year-round, multiple 2- and 4-week sessions
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students completing grades 9–12, aged 13 and above
These online courses introduce high school students to the medical field through interactive lessons led by professors from Wake Forest University and the Wake Forest School of Medicine. You’ll explore topics such as sports medicine, cancer, women’s medicine, psychology, infectious disease, and clinical care while developing research, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Courses culminate in a capstone project that allows students to demonstrate their knowledge using any media format. Mentors provide guidance throughout, and each course requires 20–30 hours of participation. Participants earn a Certificate of Completion from Wake Forest University, which enhances their academic profile and provides early exposure to real-world medical concepts in a flexible, self-paced format.
10. Cornell University: Winter Online Program
Location: Online
Cost: Varies by course | Financial aid available
Program Dates: January 2–17
Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: Rising or current high school juniors and seniors, ages 15–19
This online pre-college program enables high school students to enrol in Cornell University courses and earn 3–12 college credits, accompanied by an official Cornell transcript. You’ll study alongside undergraduates and learn from distinguished Cornell instructors across a wide range of subjects, including health, science, technology, business, and the arts. Courses are offered in synchronous (live) or asynchronous (self-paced) formats, with interactive tools such as discussion boards, video conferences, and chat rooms. The program enhances critical thinking, college study skills, and academic preparedness while connecting students with peers worldwide. It’s an opportunity to explore potential majors, earn college credits, and gain early exposure to rigorous Ivy League coursework from home.
11. Medicine (Winter, Stream B): Immerse Education
Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
Cost: $4400
Program Dates: December 19–January 6
Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students ages 13–18
The program introduces you to core concepts in human biology, clinical reasoning, and health systems through small-group tutorials led by tutors from top universities. Course modules emphasize active analysis of clinical case material, biological systems modeling, and structured scientific discussion over rote memorization. You complete pre- and post-course materials designed to reinforce foundational understanding and extend learning beyond scheduled sessions. Collaboration with peers from diverse regions builds analytical fluency and simulates the academic rigor of advanced university seminars.
12. IYRC STEM Winter 2025
Location: Virtual (global), in collaboration with Stanford University
Cost: Fees are to be paid upon acceptance (need-based financial aid available)
Program Dates: November 22–January 10 (Saturdays, 11 AM – 1 PM PST)
Deadline: Early: August 30 | Regular: September 30 | Late: November 15
Eligibility: High school students interested in STEM
The IYRC STEM Winter Program immerses you in foundational and advanced STEM concepts over seven weeks, combining synchronous virtual sessions with flexible self-paced learning. You’ll explore Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Computer Science, and Aerospace, guided by Stanford University researchers and students. You’ll develop research skills, including reading papers, writing proposals, and designing posters, while engaging in interactive sessions such as virtual labs and coding exercises. The program also emphasizes professional growth, offering office hours, global networking opportunities, and exposure to research practices. Accepted students may opt into the ACComPLISHED Community Health Worker program, gaining hands-on experience in health education and community impact projects under Columbia University mentorship.
13. Fox Chase Cancer Center Immersion Science Program
Location: Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Early-January–Mid-March (winter Saturdays)
Deadline: Early to mid-October to early November
Eligibility: Open to all high school students in the Philadelphia Tri-State area aged 16 or above who have completed biology and chemistry
Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Immersion Science Program is an 11-week winter biomedical research experience held on Saturday mornings. You’ll participate in structured lab sessions where you’ll practice wet-lab techniques, learn about cancer biology research, and design your own experimental inquiry. Lectures and hands-on experiments will introduce you to concepts like cellular metabolism and signal transduction as they relate to cancer development. Throughout the winter term, you will write up results, analyse data, and present findings in a final seminar to peers and faculty. This program emphasizes procedural lab skills, research ethics, and scientific communication in a professional cancer research environment.
14. Weill Cornell Medicine Health Professions Recruitment and Exposure Program (HPREP)
Location: Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Ten Friday afternoons beginning in January (winter term)
Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–11
Weill Cornell’s HPREP is a winter-term mentorship and exposure program designed to introduce high school students to careers in medicine and allied health. Sessions meet weekly on Friday afternoons and feature structured discussions with physician faculty and health professionals about their training and work. You’ll participate in small-group activities where you practise communication, begin drafting academic documents such as personal statements, and discuss ethical case studies relevant to clinical care. Additional practical sessions cover topics such as the college application process and health professions pathways, helping you connect academic preparation to future studies.
15. Burke Neurological Institute: Introduction to Neuroscience
Location: Online
Cost: $700 (scholarships available)
Program Dates: February 3–April 9 (Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:15 pm – 7:45 pm)
Deadline: January 31 | January 17 for scholarships
Eligibility: Must successfully complete NYS Regents Living Environment or equivalent Biology class
This online course introduces high school students to the mammalian nervous system, focusing on movement, sensory processing, learning, and memory. Through two weekly webinars, you’ll explore neuroanatomy, neurotransmitter systems, motor and sensory pathways, and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. The program covers neurogenesis, synapse formation, and neuroplasticity, providing a bridge to potential research experiences at the Burke Neurological Institute. You’ll develop skills in analyzing neural processes, understanding brain repair mechanisms, and applying knowledge to college-level STEM coursework. Mentorship from PhD faculty guides your learning throughout the course, building conceptual readiness for future academic endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are medicine winter programs for high school students?
Medicine winter programs for high school students are short, structured experiences focused on medical and biomedical science, designed to fit into the academic winter break. Depending on the program, you might take an online course in neuroscience or bioimaging, join a lab-based research fellowship, or participate in a mentorship program that introduces you to clinical careers, often guided by faculty or practicing researchers.
Do I need prior science coursework to apply to these programs?
It depends on the program. UC San Diego’s BioImaging & 3D Printing course requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, and the Burke Neurological Institute’s neuroscience course requires completion of a biology class equivalent to NYS Regents Living Environment. Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Immersion Science Program requires completion of biology and chemistry coursework. More introductory options like Georgetown’s Pre-College Programs and Harvard Medical School’s HMX Program are accessible without strict science prerequisites.
Are there free medicine winter programs for high school students?
Yes. Jackson Lab Academic Year Fellowships, OHSU’s Partnership for Scientific Inquiry, Penn State Research Internships, Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Immersion Science Program, and Weill Cornell’s HPREP are all free. Several other programs, including UC San Diego’s BioImaging course and Georgetown’s Pre-College Programs, offer need-based scholarships to offset tuition.
Which programs involve hands-on lab or research experience rather than just coursework?
Jackson Lab Academic Year Fellowships place you in a lab group for independent research over a full academic year. Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Immersion Science Program has you practice wet-lab techniques and design your own experimental inquiry over 11 weeks. OHSU’s PSI program pairs you with a mentor to design a personal research proposal, with an optional summer lab internship. The Rosetta Institute’s Winter Workshops include hands-on laboratory experiences at partner universities.
Which programs focus on exposure to medical careers rather than research specifically?
Weill Cornell’s HPREP centers on mentorship and career exposure, featuring structured discussions with physician faculty about training and clinical work, alongside personal statement drafting and college application guidance. Penn State’s Research Internships and Observation program emphasizes shadowing and observing lab workflows rather than independent experimentation, making it a lower-intensity introduction to research environments.
Is there a longer, mentored research option beyond a single winter program?
Yes. If you want to move from a structured winter course into independent academic research, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs pairs you with a professor or PhD scholar across subjects including biology, chemistry, data science, and political theory. Unlike most programs on this list, Horizon runs for a full trimester, 15 weeks in the spring and fall, 10 weeks in summer, and results in a 20-page research paper you can submit for publication, along with a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback.
When should I apply to medicine winter programs for high school students?
UC San Diego’s BioImaging course closes December 18, and OHSU’s PSI program and Cornell’s Winter Online Program both close December 1. Fox Chase Cancer Center’s program closes in October or early November. The Burke Neurological Institute’s course closes January 31, with an earlier scholarship deadline of January 17. Several programs, including Harvard Medical School’s HMX Program and Wake Forest’s online courses, use rolling admissions, so applying early is still recommended to secure your preferred session.
Image source: Cornell University