If you’re a high school student interested in how physical laws translate into experiments, simulations, and real research questions, physics internships for high school students offer an early entry point into scientific work beyond the classroom. These internships connect core physics concepts, such as mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum theory, with practical tasks such as data analysis, computational modeling, experimental measurement, and technical documentation. Instead of focusing only on problem sets, you gain exposure to how physicists apply theory to real systems and datasets.
Why should you choose Boston for a physics internship?
Boston stands out as a hub for physics and scientific research due to its dense concentration of universities, national labs, and research hospitals. For local students, physics internships in Boston often reduce travel and housing costs while still offering access to advanced facilities and mentorship. Even virtual or hybrid physics internships for high school students in Boston frequently connect students to faculty, researchers, and academic resources rooted in the region.
Below is a curated list of 10 physics internships for high school students in Boston, selected for their academic rigor, credibility, and accessibility. If you’re interested in exploring related pathways, you may also want to consider pre-college programs for high school students in Boston, available here.
Key Takeaways
- Boston’s physics internships benefit from the city’s dense concentration of universities and research institutions, with programs at MIT, Boston University, and Harvard-Smithsonian offering local students reduced travel and housing costs while accessing advanced facilities
- Several programs are free, including MIT PRIMES, SPINWIP, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory’s internship, RSI, the New York Academy of Sciences Junior Academy, and the Harvard-Smithsonian SRMP, with some also offering stipends
- Programs range from highly localized opportunities, like the Harvard-Smithsonian SRMP which is limited to Cambridge Rindge & Latin School students, to nationally accessible options like NASA and Sandia National Laboratories internships
- Several programs culminate in formal research output, including conference-style presentations, professional research papers, and submissions to competitions like the Regeneron Science Talent Search, giving students tangible credentials beyond program completion
- For students interested in physics-adjacent research areas like energy systems or materials science with mentorship beyond these programs, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs offers a path toward an independent academic paper
10 Physics Internships for High School Students in Boston
1. Sandia National Laboratories Internships
Location: Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, or Livermore, CA | Remote options available
Cost | Stipend: Free | Paid
Program Dates: Year-round internships are available
Application Deadline: Varies by posting
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old | U.S. citizenship | Minimum cumulative GPA for high school students applying for Research and Development (R&D) or Technical positions is 3.0/4.0 | Minimum cumulative GPA for high school students applying for clerical or laborer positions is 2.5/4.0
The Sandia National Laboratories Internships let you work alongside top scientists and engineers on real research projects. You’ll gain hands-on experience in engineering, remote sensing, and physical sciences. Depending on your role, you may help build simulations, assist with experiments, or support cutting-edge technical research aligned with national priorities. Throughout the internship, you’ll receive one-on-one mentorship from Sandia professionals and also take part in seminars, workshops, and lab tours that help you explore STEM careers at a national laboratory.
2. NASA Internship Programs
Location: Virtual or in-person at NASA centers nationwide
Stipend: Paid
Program Dates: Varies by assignment
Application Deadline: February 27 (for the summer cohort)
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years or older at the time of application | Minimum GPA ~3.0 (varies by center/project)
NASA’s internship programs place high school students in real aerospace research roles where they assist engineers, scientists, and technical specialists across disciplines. Projects vary each cycle, spanning areas such as space science, data analysis, software development, aeronautics research, and engineering systems design. You’ll contribute to ongoing mission work, often developing code, analyzing experimental or observational datasets, or supporting technical documentation. Participation builds technical skill in scientific tools and research workflows while exposing you to multidisciplinary teams and professional engineering environments.
3. Boston University’s Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Program – Internship Track
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Cost: $6,185 (Commuter Program) or $10,289 (Residential Program: inclusive of room, board, and meals) | Additional application fee | Financial aid available
Program Dates: June 28–August 7 (Residential) | June 29–August 7 (Commuter)
Application Deadline: Application opens December 15
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents
Boston University’s RISE Internship Track is a six-week summer program that offers an immersive experience in a real STEM research lab. You’ll spend 40 hours per week conducting hands-on research under the mentorship of BU faculty, postdoctoral fellows, or graduate students in fields such as physics, astronomy, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Throughout the program, you’ll learn how to design experiments, analyze complex data, and communicate scientific results like a professional researcher. Weekly workshops build essential research skills, including reading academic papers, understanding research ethics, and creating conference-style posters. The experience culminates in a Poster Symposium, where you’ll present your work to the BU community. Many students go on to submit their projects to national competitions, such as the Regeneron Science Talent Search.
4. MIT PRIMES (Program for Research in Mathematics, Engineering, and Science)
Location: Hybrid | Online and at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA (Boston area)
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Year-long program
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: U.S. high school students living in the Greater Boston area
MIT PRIMES is a highly selective, year-long research program that allows you to conduct advanced, original research under the guidance of MIT-affiliated mentors. You’ll work on challenging projects in mathematics, computer science, or computational biology, committing at least 10 hours per week to independent and mentor-guided work. Throughout the program, you’ll meet weekly with your mentor, study advanced texts, develop your research, and complete interim reports. The experience culminates in a formal research paper and presentation at the PRIMES Fall Conference. Many students go on to submit their work to national competitions or professional journals, while others participate in the reading group track, where you’ll explore advanced mathematical literature and build a strong foundation for future research.
5. Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: July 7–25
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12 | Students from underrepresented backgrounds in physics are encouraged
The Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP) is a three-week virtual summer program designed to help you explore physics in an engaging and supportive environment. You’ll learn Python and use it to investigate topics like astrophysics and quantum computing through interactive lectures and collaborative projects. Along the way, you’ll receive mentorship from Stanford faculty and undergraduate students and take part in workshops focused on college readiness and STEM career pathways. No prior experience in physics or programming is required, making SPINWIP an accessible and encouraging introduction to physics for students curious about the field.
6. High School Summer Internship, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
Location: Virtual
Cost: No cost
Program Dates: June 30–August 1
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and a graduating high school senior when the internship begins | Applicants must also be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application
This is a free, research-focused online internship for students interested in plasma physics and fusion energy. Hosted by Princeton University, the program offers hands-on experience in experimental and computational plasma physics through real-world projects involving data analysis, coding in Python and Java, and computer-aided design (CAD). Participants will strengthen problem-solving skills, gain exposure to advanced mathematics and engineering concepts, and deepen their understanding of fusion energy research.
7. Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free (except for a non-refundable $75 application fee, which can be waived)
Program Dates: Six weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Early- to mid-December
Eligibility: High school juniors who are 16 years or older from around the world with exceptional aptitude in STEM
Hosted at MIT and organized by the Center for Excellence in Education, RSI combines one week of intensive STEM coursework with a five-week mentored research internship. During the program, you’ll work closely with accomplished researchers and experience the full research process, from forming hypotheses and designing experiments to analyzing data and writing academic papers. The program culminates in professional-level research papers and conference-style presentations, helping you develop advanced skills in scientific inquiry, computation, and scholarly communication.
8. The New York Academy of Sciences – The Junior Academy
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Challenges run twice a year in the Fall and Spring | Fall session: March–July | Spring Session: November–January
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Students ages 13–17 with strong English proficiency
The Junior Academy is a virtual, project-based program that allows you to tackle real-world STEM challenges alongside students from around the world. If you’re interested in physics, this program gives you the chance to apply concepts like mechanics, energy transfer, systems modeling, and data interpretation to design-driven problems. Working in teams on the Launchpad platform, you’ll collaborate on challenges related to topics such as energy infrastructure, computational modeling, and wearable technology. Throughout the experience, mentors guide you through design thinking, helping you refine ideas and improve your final solution. Students who complete the program earn a certificate and a Young Membership to the New York Academy of Sciences.
9. Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP)
Location: ASDRP Labs in Fremont, CA (students outside the Bay Area may participate virtually)
Cost: $1,070 | Financial aid available
Program Dates: January 16–May 30 (Spring) | June 1–August 30 (Summer)
Application Deadline: Spring: November 15 (Priority deadline); December 30 (Later deadline) | Summer: February 1 (Priority deadline 1); March 1 (Priority deadline 2); April 15 (Later deadline)
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in or entering grades 9–12
The Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP) is a research-intensive program that enables you to design and conduct original research projects in fields such as physics, astrophysics, biotechnology, materials science, and machine learning. You’ll work closely with scientists and engineers from both academia and industry during evening or weekend lab sessions, contributing to ongoing, long-term research efforts. Throughout the program, you’ll build essential research skills, including reading scientific literature, writing formal research papers, and participating in mock peer reviews. Many students complete the program with work that is strong enough to present at conferences, symposia, or even publish in peer-reviewed journals.
10. Harvard-Smithsonian Science Research Mentoring Program
Location: Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA), Cambridge, MA (virtual mentorship options available)
Cost | Stipend: Free | Students receive a stipend
Program Dates: September–May
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Open only to high school students from Cambridge Rindge & Latin School (CRLS) | Limited to 10–16 CRLS students, working in teams of 2–3 per mentor
The Harvard-Smithsonian Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) is a year-long research experience that allows you to conduct authentic astrophysics research alongside professional scientists. From September through May, you’ll meet weekly with a mentor at the Center for Astrophysics, working on an independent research project using real astronomical data. Throughout the program, you’ll learn how astrophysicists test theories, analyze data, and communicate scientific results, while collaborating with a small team of peers. In addition to mentor meetings, you’ll receive ongoing support through monthly advisory sessions led by SRMP staff, helping you develop both research skills and confidence as a young scientist.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like solar cell efficiency, wind turbine aerodynamics, energy storage systems, thermodynamics of sustainable materials, and the physics of electric grids, 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!
Frequently Asked Questions
What physics internships are available for high school students in Boston?
Boston-area students can access physics internships at MIT (PRIMES, RSI), Boston University (RISE Internship Track), and Harvard-Smithsonian’s Center for Astrophysics (SRMP, limited to Cambridge Rindge & Latin School students). National programs including NASA, Sandia National Laboratories, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, and SPINWIP are also accessible to Boston students through virtual or remote formats.
Do I need prior physics or programming experience to apply to these internships?
It depends on the program. SPINWIP explicitly requires no prior experience in physics or programming, making it accessible to curious beginners. More advanced programs like MIT RSI and MIT PRIMES expect exceptional aptitude in STEM and are highly selective. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory’s internship and ASDRP both involve coding in Python, so some prior programming exposure is helpful, though not always a strict requirement.
Are there free physics internships for high school students in Boston?
Yes. MIT PRIMES is free and year-long. SPINWIP is free and fully virtual. The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory internship is free and research-focused. RSI is free aside from a waivable application fee. The New York Academy of Sciences Junior Academy and the Harvard-Smithsonian SRMP are also free, with SRMP providing a stipend to participants.
Which programs are limited to local Boston-area students specifically?
The Harvard-Smithsonian Science Research Mentoring Program is open only to students at Cambridge Rindge & Latin School, with a small cohort of 10 to 16 students working in mentor teams. MIT PRIMES requires applicants to live in the Greater Boston area, since the program involves regular in-person or hybrid meetings with MIT-affiliated mentors throughout the year.
Which physics internships culminate in a formal research paper or presentation?
MIT PRIMES results in a formal research paper presented at the PRIMES Fall Conference, often submitted to competitions or professional journals afterward. RSI culminates in professional-level research papers and conference-style presentations. Boston University’s RISE Internship Track ends with a Poster Symposium, and many participants go on to submit their work to the Regeneron Science Talent Search.
Are there physics internships that pay a stipend or salary?
Yes. NASA’s internship programs and Sandia National Laboratories internships are both paid. The Harvard-Smithsonian SRMP provides a stipend to its participants. Most other programs on this list, including MIT PRIMES, RSI, and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory’s internship, are unpaid but free to participate in.
Is there a way to pursue independent physics-related research beyond these structured internships?
Yes. If you’re interested in topics like energy systems, materials science, or applied physics and want to work independently with mentorship, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs offers a program covering subjects such as solar cell efficiency, energy storage systems, and the physics of electric grids. You’re paired with a professor or PhD scholar to produce a 20-page research paper, which suits students who want a longer, mentored research arc beyond a single summer internship.
When should I apply to physics internships for high school students in Boston?
MIT PRIMES closes December 1, and RSI’s deadline falls in early to mid-December, making these the earliest on this list. NASA’s summer cohort closes February 27, and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory closes March 1. ASDRP’s earliest priority deadline for summer is February 1. SPINWIP closes May 1. Boston University’s RISE program opens applications December 15 with rolling review. Reviewing deadlines in the fall and applying early to the most selective, free programs is strongly recommended.
Image source: Sandia National Laboratories