If you’re a high school student who loves science, tech, engineering, or math, a STEM internship is one of the best ways to see what these fields actually look like beyond the classroom. You get to run real experiments, analyze data, work with research teams, and try out the tools that professionals use every day. It’s a chance to figure out what excites you, build confidence, and create experiences you can talk about in future college essays or interviews.
Why Boston is an unbeatable place to intern?
Boston is packed with universities, hospitals, biotech companies, and research centers, which means you have access to an extraordinary range of STEM opportunities. Many programs offer structured mentorship, and some even come with stipends so you can focus on learning. You’ll be surrounded by people who love pushing scientific ideas forward, and you’ll get to learn from them up close.
If you are interested in a program in Boston, you can check out our blog here.
15 STEM Internships for High School Students in Boston, MA
1. Youth Neurology Education and Research Program – Massachusetts General Hospital
Location: Massachusetts General Hospital main campus and affiliated labs in Boston, Cambridge, or Somerville, MA
Cost/Stipend: Paid; exact stipend details not disclosed
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or recent graduates residing or studying in Massachusetts; must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
This program introduces high school students to neurology-focused scientific research and clinical practice. You will start with a boot camp that teaches essential research and clinical skills and then transition into full-time lab work under the guidance of a Neurology faculty mentor and an undergraduate student. This set-up gives you steady support, while encouraging independent, hands-on research. You will work 40 hours per week, attend faculty-led seminars, and present your project findings at the end of the program. This program is a great opportunity for students interested in neuroscience and medical research training.
2. Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: $75 Application Fees
Program Dates: June 22 – August 2
Application Deadline: December 10
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from around the world with exceptional academic credentials
The Research Science Institute (RSI) combines academic coursework with hands-on research alongside university scientists. You’ll start with an intensive instructional phase, and then join a mentored research project in Science, Engineering, or Mathematics. The dual focus on theory and application helps you develop both technical and analytical skills. The program concludes with a conference-styled presentation, where you share your findings. RSI is designed for students interested in advanced STEM research in a university setting.
3. High School Apprenticeship Challenge – BioBuilder & Massachusetts Life Sciences Center
Location: Greater Boston area (BioBuilder Learning Lab in Kendall Square and local biotech labs)
Cost/Stipend: Free; $500 stipend
Program Dates: March–August (training in spring, full-time internship in summer)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Massachusetts high school students aged 16+ with an interest in science
This program begins with spring biotechnology training at BioBuilder’s Learning Lab, where you’ll learn core lab techniques and essential science concepts. You will then be placed in a paid summer internship in a biotech company or academic lab in Greater Boston, giving you real-world research experience. The sequence creates a smooth path from classroom learning to hands-on lab work. You will collaborate with professionals, gain lab proficiency, and present your results at a final symposium. The program focuses on Biotechnology Education and Applied Laboratory Research.
4. Tech Apprentice Program – Boston Private Industry Council
Location: Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Program Dates: July – August (6–7 weeks)
Application Deadline: April
Eligibility: Boston public high school students entering grades 11 or 12 who have completed at least one tech course
The Tech Apprentice Program connects Boston high school students with local technology companies for a full-time summer placement. You’ll take on real IT tasks, such as Helpdesk Support, Software Testing, or Data Management, while learning how tech teams operate. Along the way, you’ll join professional development sessions that strengthen communication and workplace readiness. The program is designed to help you build technical skills, explore IT careers and collaborate with professionals across Boston’s tech industry.
5. Youth Summer Program – Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Location: Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Program Dates: July – August
Application Deadline: Late March to early April
Eligibility: Boston residents aged 16+ by June 1; full-time summer availability required
The Youth Summer Program provides structured exposure to healthcare careers through real workplace placements. You’ll gain experience, receive mentorship, and join training sessions in career readiness and communication skills. Each intern works under guided supervision, supports hospital departments and attends professional workshops. Participants are selected through a formal process coordinated with local schools and community organizations. The program focuses on Health Sciences and Career Development within hospital environments.
6. Broad Summer Scholars Program – Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
Location: Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $3,600 stipend
Program Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 21
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors in Greater Boston with a B or higher in science and math
The Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP) assigns you to a Broad Institute research lab to work on projects in Genomics, Cancer Biology, or Computational Biology. You’ll receive daily mentorship, participate in journal clubs, and attend professional workshops that introduce you to cutting-edge biomedical research. The small lab setting allows you to interact closely with scientists while developing independent research skills. The program ends with a symposium, where you’ll present your findings. BSSP focuses on hands-on training in biomedical and data science research.
7. Project Success – Harvard Medical School
Location: Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Program Dates: June 30 – August 15
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from Boston or Cambridge aged 16+ with a minimum 2.7 GPA; priority for underrepresented or disadvantaged students
Project Success places you in a Harvard Medical School–affiliated research lab for six weeks. You’ll work on biomedical research under faculty supervision and attend sessions on writing, presentation, and computational skills. You’ll also strengthen both your technical abilities and academic growth through structured workshops, lab rotations, seminars and field trips to biotech organizations. The program focuses on hands-on Biomedical Research and Scientific Skill Development.
8. NHLBI Summer Internship in Biomedical Research – National Institutes of Health
Location: NIH laboratories in Framingham, MA, and Bethesda, MD
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; stipend provided
Program Dates: May 19, May 27, or June 2 start; Poster Day August 7–8
Application Deadline: February 19
Eligibility: Current high school seniors
This internship places you in an NIH research laboratory for six to eight weeks to conduct biomedical research under a principal investigator. You’ll contribute to ongoing studies in Heart, Lung, or Blood Biology while attending seminars and skill-building workshops. All interns present their research findings at the annual NIH Poster Day, giving you practice and confidence in sharing your research. The internship combines lab experience with mentorship in a professional research environment, with a focus on biomedical science and public health research.
9. CURE – Summer Only Internship Program – Longwood Medical Area Institutions
Location: Longwood Medical Area, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; full-time paid internship
Program Dates: 7–11 weeks in summer (varies)
Application Deadline: Fall
Eligibility: Massachusetts high school sophomores through seniors and college freshmen through juniors aged 16+
The Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) Program is a full-time, paid, 7-11 week summer research internship for students interested in pursuing a career in scientific research. It introduces you to Cancer and Biomedical Research through lab work and career workshops. You’ll spend the summer in a research lab learning experimental techniques and participating in discussions on scientific topics. Each student is guided by professional mentors who provide feedback and technical instruction. Seminars and networking sessions across Boston’s research community are a part of the experience. This program focuses on biomedical and cancer research training.
10. High School Apprenticeship Challenge – Massachusetts Life Sciences Center
Location: Labs and biotech organizations across Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; paid internship
Program Dates: Varies by placement
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Massachusetts high school students aged 16+ or recent graduates not yet in college
This Apprenticeship Challenge connects you with biotech employers across Massachusetts, following completion of a preparatory training course in Brockton, Cambridge, Worcester, and New Bedford. Qualified students are matched with host organizations for 8–10 weeks of paid lab experience. Interns work as W-2 employees, often in hybrid roles with at least 40% in-person lab work. The program centers on Biotechnology and real-world Lab Experience.
11. Summer Youth Internship Program – Boston Museum of Science
Location: Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free; includes stipend or hourly pay (varies)
Program Dates: Summer, Fall, and Spring
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines based on seasonal openings
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–19
The Museum of Science’s summer youth internship program allows you to contribute to museum operations through public engagement and project work. Using Baxter Magolda’s Learning Partnership Model, you’ll complete Kolb’s Experiential Learning Style Questionnaire to better understand how you learn and communicate. With that insight, you’ll set clear Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) alongside your supervisor. Throughout the summer, you’ll collaborate with staff, assist with exhibits, and interact with visitors. The program blends both scientific learning and professional growth, focusing on STEM education and museum-based Science Communication.
12. Boston University RISE (Research in Science and Engineering) Program
Location: Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Tuition approximately $8,500–$9,500 (residential); limited financial aid available
Program Dates: Late June – Early August
Application Deadline: February (exact date varies annually)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors; open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students in the U.S. with valid documentation
The Boston University RISE Program is a six-week summer research experience for students entering their senior year of high school, giving you practical exposure to real university labs and research environments. You’ll build technical and analytical skills, while exploring fields such as Biology, Engineering, Neuroscience, Computer Science, and Public Health. The program concludes with a poster symposium where students present their work to peers and mentors, strengthening your scientific communication and research methodology skills.
13. Massachusetts Technical Trades Work and Learning Program – Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
Location: Clean energy employers across Massachusetts, including the Greater Boston area
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; wages funded by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
Program Dates: October 28 – August 21
Application Deadline: Rolling; funding allocated until filled
Eligibility: Massachusetts high school students enrolled in a Chapter 74–approved vocational technical education program or equivalent career training pathway
The Massachusetts Technical Trades Work and Learning Program connects vocational high school students with employers in Massachusetts’s clean energy and technical trades industries. You apply through your school’s co-op coordinator, who handles your application and outreach to potential employers. Interns are matched with companies working in Renewable Energy, Water Innovation, and technical trades to gain supervised on-the-job experience. Once eligibility is confirmed, you receive an offer letter detailing work hours, duration, and pay before beginning the placement. The program runs on a first-come, first-served funding model and focuses on workplace learning, technical skill development, and exposure to clean energy careers.
Location: Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Program Dates: Year-round, including summer and academic year components
Application Deadline: Details not provided
Eligibility: Boston public high school students from partner schools; ages 16+; must commit to year-round participation
The Student Success Jobs Program (SSJP) is a year-round internship program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital for Boston high school students interested in Medical, Health, and Science professions. Each student is paired with a BWH mentor and gains authentic work experience, exposure to career paths, and an understanding of how hospital professionals contribute to patient care and medical research. Interns work 7-10 hours a week after school and are fully onboarded as Brigham employees, complete with BWH email addresses and IDs. Overall, the program offers hands-on learning, mentorship and meaningful connections in a leading healthcare environment.
Location: Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Program Dates: Summer (dates vary)
Application Deadline: Details not provided
Eligibility: 10th-grade students from partnering Boston public high schools and community agencies
Project TEACH gives Boston high school sophomores a paid summer experience and firsthand exposure to hospital careers. You’ll participate in seminars, shadow health professionals, and explore medical and science pathways through structured activities. The program integrates Career Awareness with practical Hospital Experience, introducing students to daily operations in a healthcare setting. Participants also receive academic support in math and science to strengthen their preparation for future coursework. The program centers on Healthcare, Public Health, and early exploration of Science Careers.
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 University