10 Forensic Science Internships for High School Students
Applying for internships in high school provides hands-on experience, develops professional skills, and offers networking opportunities that can significantly enhance resumes. Internships clarify career goals and make students more competitive in college and job applications by demonstrating their commitment and practical knowledge.
A high school internship in forensic science allows for learning from seasoned professionals, collaborating on real projects, and building a network that can propel your career forward. The field encompasses subjects like biology, toxicology, and psychology — crucial for investigating and analyzing evidence.
These internships are an effective way of showing college admissions officers that you’re driven, motivated, and passionate about your field of choice, as you’ve gone out of your way to look for an experience that would fuel your curiosity.
Here are 10 forensic science internships for high school students:
Location: Houston Forensic Science Center, Houston, TX.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students.
Application Deadline: Currently accepting applications; deadline not specified.
Dates: The program runs from August to March, with no summer program option.
Cost/Stipend: None
The HFSC Explorer program introduces high school students to forensic science through monthly classes with lectures and hands-on activities led by professional analysts and examiners. Accepting around 15 students each year, this competitive program covers various forensic disciplines including toxicology, DNA analysis, and ballistics. Students participate in interactive workshops, shadow forensic experts, and get to apply their skills when the program culminates in a mock crime scene where students apply their learning by collecting and testing evidence.
Participants gain career skills, leadership experiences, and opportunities for community service. This immersive program provides valuable exposure to forensic science and supports the development of essential skills for future careers in the field.
Location: Westchester Country Forensic Laboratory, White Plains, NY
Eligibility: Open to all high school students.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis per the lab’s needs.
Dates: Flexible dates tailored to the schedules of both the laboratory mentor and the student.
Cost/Stipend: None
The Westchester County Forensic Laboratory’s Shadow Opportunity allows high school students to observe the analysis of physical evidence in various forensic disciplines, including Forensic Biology (DNA), Trace Evidence, Forensic Chemistry, and Forensic Imaging. The program aims to introduce students to forensic cases, providing a unique, behind-the-scenes look at forensic casework in a working laboratory setting.
Accepted participants must submit an elimination buccal sample, which allows them to distinguish their DNA profile from the evidence under analysis. This opportunity provides valuable insight into the practical workings of a forensic laboratory and the various methodologies used in real-world criminal investigations.
Location: Horsham, PA
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older, currently enrolled, with completed or enrolled coursework in algebra and either biology or chemistry.
Application Deadline: April 5, 2024; TBD for 2025.
Dates: June 24 to August 9, 2024 (9 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday); TBD for 2025.
Cost/Stipend: None; financial aid is available to cover transportation costs.
The Forensic Sciences Mentoring Institute (FMI) offers a hands-on, seven-week summer program where students engage in forensic biology, chemistry, and toxicology. Participants work alongside forensic professionals, using real-world techniques and instruments to solve simulated cases.
The program also includes college preparation workshops and culminates in a mock trial where, after examining evidence and analyzing data, students serve as expert witnesses and present their cases.
Location: Virtual! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students, who can work for 10–20 hours/week, for 8–12 weeks. These internships are also open to undergraduates and gap-year students.
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. The next deadline is the Fall Cohort: September 8, 2024.
Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter. The next cohort starts in September.
Cost: Starting at $1,990. Financial assistance is available.
Ladder Internships, a selective program founded by Harvard alumni, pairs high school students with startups and nonprofits worldwide for virtual internships. Students can choose from a wide range of industries, including technology, machine learning, AI, computer science, finance, environmental science, sustainability, business, marketing, healthcare, medicine, biotech, media, journalism, and more. The program includes one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other skills, along with group training sessions with fellow interns. Each intern is paired with a startup manager and a Ladder coach, who serves as a second mentor.
For those interested in pursuing a forensic science degree, internships in biotech and biomedical fields are available. Interns typically work 5–10 hours a week on assigned tasks and meet with company management. The virtual internships last about 8 weeks and span the globe, with concentrations in the U.S., Asia, Europe, and the UK. You can explore all the options here on their application form.
Location: American University, Washington, D.C. | Columbia University, New York, NY
Eligibility: Students must be between the ages of 14-18 and have completed at least one year of high school (students may attend NSLC through the summer following high school graduation).
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all spots are filled; The online enrollment application will display all current availability.
Dates: Multiple sessions available at American University and Columbia University for summer 2024:
American University: June 13 - June 21, June 25 - July 3, July 7 - July 15, and July 19 - July 27.
Columbia University: July 12 - July 20 and July 24 - August 1.
Cost: $4,095 (residential program).
NSLC’s Forensic Science High School Summer Program offers students the opportunity to process crime scenes, analyze and interpret evidence, and serve as expert witnesses in mock trials. The program includes hands-on workshops on forensic skills such as blood spatter analysis, fingerprinting, DNA analysis, and forensic anthropology.
Additionally, students will learn the processes and procedures used by medical examiners during clinical autopsies and hear from guest speakers from institutions like the FBI and DEA. You can check out the sample schedule here for a detailed overview of the program.
Location: Department of Forensic Sciences, Washington DC, VA
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors that have completed college-level courses in biology, chemistry, forensic science, public health sciences, information technology, business, or a related field; Minimum GPA of 3.5.
Application Deadline: Currently accepting applications for the Spring 2025 session, with a deadline of November 1, 2024.
Dates:
Summer: June 3 - August 2, 2024
Fall: September 9 - December 6, 2024
Spring: January 13 - May 3, 2025
Cost/Stipend: None; participants must cover their housing and living expenses.
The Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) in Washington offers competitive, unpaid, at-will internships, fellowships, and volunteer opportunities in fields such as Forensic Science, Public Health, Crime Scene Sciences, Criminal Justice, Quality Assurance, Information Technology, Social Sciences, Business, and Economics.
Track 3 is specifically for junior or senior high school students in a DC STEM program. Interns assist DFS experts with laboratory functions, administrative tasks, or research depending on their track. Applicants must meet the general program requirements, including good academic standing and a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and must also provide a recommendation from their high school STEM instructor.
Location: Wellesley College, MA
Eligibility: Students from grades 8–12.
Application Deadline: Currently accepting applications with no deadline specified. You can register here.
Dates: June 17 - 21, 2024 | July 29 - August 2, 2024
Cost: $599 for the 1-week program; additional $699 residential fee if applicable.
The Boston Leadership Institute’s one-week Forensics program offers a comprehensive introduction to forensic science. Led by Dr. Rich Fox, this program delves into fingerprinting techniques, blood typing for crime scene analysis, footprint impression-making, and simulated drug testing.
The program includes lessons in facial reconstruction software and anatomical indicators in bone structure, tissues, and teeth. Students will use magnetic powder, black light sources, hinge lifters, FBI print fingerprint cards, inkless ink pads, and more to analyze evidence. Participants will also receive forensics packages for hands-on and virtual activities, making it a valuable program for those interested in anatomy, biology, or crime investigation.
Location: Champlain College, Burlington, VT
Eligibility: The program is open to students entering grades 10–12 and recent high school graduates (ages 15–18).
Application Deadline: No deadline. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Dates: July 8 - July 19, 2024 (Residential Program).
Cost: $4,500; Financial assistance is available.
The Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy immerses high school students in cybersecurity and digital forensics. Participants will learn from industry veterans and solve real digital forensics problems faced by law enforcement agencies.
Sessions cover topics such as Introduction to Cybersecurity, Introduction to Digital Forensics, Steganography, Cyber Threats, Social Engineering, Acquiring Digital Evidence, and Malware Analysis. The program includes a visit to a local cybersecurity firm and practical exercises in constructing and safeguarding networks, investigating digital crimes, and presenting findings in small teams.
Location: Olathe, KS
Eligibility: Open to all high school students. Selected candidates must agree to a background investigation, a drug screen, and a polygraph exam.
Application Deadline: November 1, 2024 (Spring Session)
Dates: Multiple sessions are available in 2024:
Fall: October — December
Spring: February — April
Summer: June — August
Cost/Stipend: No cost, no stipend provided.
The Crime Lab Internship at the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office offers hands-on experience in forensic science. Interns assist with laboratory analysis, participate in original research projects, and perform general crime laboratory tasks. The program provides valuable practical skills for students looking to build their skill sets for future careers.
The weekly time commitment is flexible and will be determined between the intern and their laboratory mentor. Internships are awarded based on the lab’s needs and follow the fall, summer, and spring cycles.
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Eligibility: Open to all high school students during the 2023–2024 academic year. High school students are required to have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Application Deadline: Most students are nominated by educators or selected through academic partnerships, but direct applications are also accepted through their application process here.
Dates: Multiple sessions are available in 2024:
June 16 - 23
June 26 - July 3
July 6 - 13
July 16 - 23
Cost: $4,195
NYLF: Law & CSI immerses students in the criminal justice system, offering tracks in legal and forensic science. Participants engage in mock trials, crime scene investigations, and workshops led by industry professionals. Participants choose between a legal or CSI track, each covering the entire judicial process from crime discovery and evidence collection to courtroom preparation and participation in a criminal trial.
In the law track, students visit a local courthouse to observe proceedings and perform a mock trial. In the CSI track, students attend an interactive panel with university professors and forensic scientists, who discuss the latest high-tech applications used in criminal investigations. This residential program enhances understanding of forensic techniques and legal processes — preparing students for future careers in law and criminal justice.
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 in 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.
Another option — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program!
If you are looking to start your research journey with 1–1 mentorship from a top Ph.D. scholar in forensic science, check out the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded by researchers at Harvard and Oxford. You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Trisha Malhotra, an Ashoka University alumna, has 5 years of experience being a freelance writer and currently writes for Lumiere Education. She is passionate about music, reading, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, as well as a devoted cat parent.
Image Source: Houston Forensic Science Center (HFSC) logo