If you’re a high school student aiming to make the most of your summer, consider joining a paid summer program! Whether you’re interested in science, technology, healthcare, or the arts, these programs provide a chance to explore your passions, gain hands-on experience, and get paid for your efforts.
Participating in a paid summer program can also boost your college applications. Admissions officers value students who take the initiative to grow academically and professionally.
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of 15 popular and highly regarded paid summer programs that can help you stand out. These programs offer opportunities to learn, grow, and prepare for the future while giving your resume and college applications a significant boost. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
15 Paid Summer Programs for High School Students That Admissions Officers Love
1. Horizon Academic Research Program
Location: Virtual
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
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, public health and safety, social psychology, and medicine. It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
The program includes a letter of recommendation for every student, plus comprehensive feedback on projects that can assist with future work and college applications. Apply here!
2. NIH High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP)
Subjects: Biomedical Research, Engineering, Health Sciences
Location: National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher (or 2.75 with improving grades); must attend a school with 30%+ of students in the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program and live within 40 miles of NIH in the D.C., Maryland, or Virginia area
Application Deadline: January 8
Program Dates: July 7 – August 7
Stipend: Provided
If you are interested in STEM and want experience in biomedical research, the High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP) might be for you. Run by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), HiSTEP helps students from underserved communities explore careers in science and research.
In this program, you will work in labs, join workshops, and learn about public health. You will also meet mentors who can guide your education and career choices. Participants receive research training and a stipend for their work. HiSTEP offers a chance to gain practical experience and prepare for a career in STEM.
3. The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Subjects: Various fields including natural sciences, engineering, humanities, and mathematics
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (at least 17 years old by program start)
Application Deadline: February 15
Program Dates: June 17 – August 1
Cost: Free, with a stipend of $750 and housing provided
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a selective, seven-week research program that provides students with an opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research under the guidance of Texas Tech University faculty.
You will work on individual projects in fields like STEM and humanities, guided by faculty members. The program also includes weekly seminars and social events. It helps you grow academically and personally, providing research experience and skills for future education.
4. Office of Naval Research Science and Engineering Apprentice Program
Subject Areas: Engineering, computer science, physics, environmental science, and applied mathematics
Location: Various U.S. Navy research labs across the country
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and older who are U.S. citizens; open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Application Deadline: November 1
Program Dates: Eight weeks during the summer
Stipend: $4,000 (first-year interns) | $4,500 (returning interns)
The SEAP program places you in Navy labs, where you work alongside scientists and engineers on research projects. You will gain skills in areas like robotics, computer programming, and environmental testing while learning to use advanced lab equipment.
The program also offers experience in data analysis, project documentation, and technical reporting. This hands-on work prepares you for future careers in defense, research, and science or engineering fields.
5. Summer Program to Accelerate Regenerative medicine Knowledge (SPARK)
Subject Areas: Stem Cell Research, Regenerative Medicine, Cell Biology
Location: Various locations across California
Eligibility: California high school students who are 16 years or older
Application Deadline: Various
Program Dates: 6 weeks mid-June onwards
Stipend: Provided
The SPARK program gives you the chance to explore regenerative medicine through hands-on lab research. Working with biomedical scientists, you will learn techniques like cell culture, PCR, and gene editing.
You will contribute to projects focused on tissue repair and genetic therapies, building skills in molecular biology and experimental design. This experience offers valuable insights into how regenerative science can impact medical treatments.
6. Bank of America Student Leaders
Subject Areas: Community Service, Leadership, Nonprofit Operations, Civic Engagement
Location: Nationwide, including San Diego, CA; local nonprofit placements, and a Washington, D.C. summit
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors and seniors who are in good academic standing and permanently reside in one of the eligible locations
Application Deadline: January 15
Program Dates: Eight-week summer internship; exact dates depend on the location
Stipend: Provided
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program offers you the chance to intern at local nonprofits and attend a leadership summit in Washington, D.C. You will learn about the challenges nonprofits face, work on community impact projects, and understand how the public, private, and nonprofit sectors collaborate to address social issues.
The program focuses on developing leadership skills and promoting civic engagement, preparing you for future roles in social impact and advocacy. Each year, only 300 students are selected, and the trip to the leadership summit is fully funded by Bank of America.
7. Broad Summer Scholars Program
Subject Areas: Genomics, Biomedical Research, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics
Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Eligibility: Be a rising senior in high school in MA within commuting distance to the Broad; have earned a B or better in science and math classes
Application Deadline: January 22
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Stipend: $3,600
The Broad Summer Scholars Program immerses students in cutting-edge genomics and biomedical research through a combination of lab work and computational analysis. As an intern, you will work on projects like gene editing, genomic data processing, and personalized medicine, using tools like CRISPR and bioinformatics software. Mentored by Broad Institute researchers, you will develop skills in data analysis, coding, and scientific communication.
This experience will give you insight into how genomics research can contribute to treatments for complex diseases.
8. Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace
Subject Areas: Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, New York
Eligibility: High school students (aged 16+) that live or attend a NYC Public or Charter School within 45 minutes of Genspace
Application Deadline: January 8,
Program Dates: June 30- August 15
Stipend: $2,000
The BioRocket Research Internship at Genspace provides students with hands-on experience in biotechnology and synthetic biology. As an Intern, you work on research projects in Genspace’s open-access lab, gaining skills in genetic engineering, DNA extraction, and gene editing techniques such as CRISPR. You also learn experimental design and lab protocols while exploring the applications of biotechnology in fields like environmental science and healthcare. This program helps you build technical skills and independent research abilities, while introducing you to community-driven biotech research.
9. Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship & Internship
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Software Engineering, Technology
Location: Various Amazon locations across the U.S.
Eligibility: High school seniors planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; must demonstrate financial need
Application Deadline: December 19
Program Dates: Internship in summer following freshman year of college
Stipend: $40,000 scholarship ($10,000/year for four years) plus a paid summer internship
The Amazon Future Engineer program offers a scholarship along with a summer internship, helping you start a career in computer science and technology. As a scholarship recipient, you will complete an internship at Amazon, gaining experience in software development, problem-solving, and project management.
During the internship, you will work with Amazon engineers, using coding languages like Java and Python to develop and troubleshoot applications. This program provides both financial support and hands-on training to prepare you for a career in tech.
10. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Subject Areas: Biomedical Research, Genetics, Immunology, Bioengineering, Cancer Biology
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, California
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (16 years or older)
Application Deadline: February 22
Program Dates: June 9- July 31
Stipend: $500+ ($1,500+ for students funded by grants)
The Stanford SIMR program gives high school students the opportunity to conduct biomedical research with Stanford scientists. You will work in labs that focus on areas such as stem cell biology, cancer immunotherapy, and bioengineering, using advanced techniques like flow cytometry and CRISPR gene editing.
As an intern, you will design experiments, analyze biological data, and contribute to research aimed at solving major health challenges. This immersive experience offers a strong foundation in biomedical research, ideal for students interested in careers in medicine and the life sciences.
11. QuarkNet Summer Research Program by Fermilab
Subject Areas: Particle Physics, Data Analysis, Computational Science
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors in Illinois
Application Deadline: TBD
Program Dates: TBD
Stipend: $17.20 per hour
The QuarkNet Summer Research Program gives students hands-on experience in particle physics research. You will work with real data from CERN’s Large Hadron Collider and Fermilab experiments, learning data visualization and statistical analysis using Python and ROOT. Guided by physicist mentors, you’ll explore key concepts in particle physics, such as quark-gluon interactions, while developing essential analytical skills for research in high-energy physics and related fields.
12. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Subject Areas: Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Cybersecurity
Location: Various AFRL locations across the U.S.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (16 years or older); U.S. citizens
Application Deadline: January 10
Program Dates: Varies; during the summer months for 9 weeks.
Stipend: $492.40 per week
The AFRL Scholars Program offers high school students the chance to work on advanced research projects with Air Force scientists and engineers. You’ll explore fields like aerospace systems, cybersecurity, and materials science, working on tasks such as simulations and prototype development.
The program provides hands-on experience with tools like CAD software, data modeling, and cybersecurity platforms, helping you build practical skills for future STEM careers in defense and research.
13. The Met Summer Internship Program for High School Students
Subject Areas: Art History, Museum Studies, Conservation, Education
Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York
Eligibility: Sophomores and juniors attending high school in the New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut tri-state area
Application Deadline: March 8
Program Dates: June 22 – August 9
Stipend: Provided
The Met’s Summer Internship Program offers high school students the chance to experience work at one of the world’s leading art museums. You’ll work alongside museum professionals in areas like curation, conservation, and public programming, learning about the operations and preservation of art.
Interns also engage in projects related to exhibition design, conservation techniques, and museum education, building skills in art analysis and cultural research. This program provides a hands-on introduction to museum careers, combining art history with practical experience in a cultural environment.
14. University of Chicago ResearcHStart
Subject Areas: Cancer biology, Immunology, Molecular biology, Epidemiology, Clinical research
Location: University of Chicago, Illinois
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors aged 16 and up
Application Deadline: January 22
Program Dates: Second full week of June through the first week of August
Stipend: $3,000
ResearchStart at the University of Chicago is an eight-week summer program focused on cancer research for high school students. You’ll gain hands-on lab experience in areas like immunology, epidemiology, and molecular biology, working on real research projects with the guidance of a mentor.
The program includes workshops and seminars to help you understand the research process and career options in science. This experience allows you to contribute to advancements in cancer research while developing valuable lab and data analysis skills.
15. UCSF Summer Student Research Program
Subject Areas: Biomedical sciences, Clinical research, Health disparities, Molecular biology, Neuroscience
Location: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Eligibility: High school students in their junior or senior year, with at least one completed year in math and biology, must be at least 16 years of age
Application Deadline: February 14
Program Dates: TBA – expected early June to early August
Stipend: $3000–$4300, varying by student status and granting agency.
The UCSF Summer Student Research Program offers you a nine-week research experience focused on health and biomedical sciences, ideal if you’re interested in pursuing a career in research or medicine. You’ll work directly with UCSF faculty on projects in areas like molecular biology and neuroscience, gaining hands-on lab experience and research skills.
The program also includes professional development activities, seminars, and workshops, helping you understand health disparities and other important issues in science and healthcare. It’s designed to support students from underrepresented backgrounds, offering mentorship and insights into biomedical careers.
Image Source – Stanford Logo
