10 Paid STEM Internships for High School Students
If you're a high school student considering a STEM college major, an internship in the field can help you jumpstart your professional journey! Participating in a STEM internship will allow you to observe and participate in recent research, work with professionals, and help you explore potential career paths, enabling you to make informed decisions about college majors and professional endeavors.
The insights and connections you gain during your internship can be highlighted in your college essays, and you can also benefit from valuable references from professionals in your chosen field.
An added benefit is that most of these internships provide stipends that you can save, invest, or add to your college fund to be used later on!
In this blog, we will explore some of the best paid STEM internships available for high school students across various fields, including biomedical research, AI, engineering, computer science, environmental science, technology, and science communication.
Location: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), Batavia, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free (transportation, housing, and meals not provided); A stipend of $17.20 per hour is provided to the interns.
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors attending an Illinois high school with U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January. Applications will open in November 2024 for the 2025 program.
Dates: June 17– August 2, 2024
The intensive 7-week summer internship at Fermilab offers students an opportunity to engage in pioneering research in particle physics. As a leading national laboratory under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, Fermilab focuses on particle physics and accelerator research. This internship will allow you to participate in recent innovations and collaborate with Fermilab's top scientists on projects involving particle physics, particle accelerators, detectors, computing, and quantum science.
You can contribute significantly to various tasks such as data collection, assisting in research abstracts, and delivering regular presentations on your progress. While you can indicate your preferred research areas, project assignments depend on the lab's current research priorities. These projects align with Fermilab’s mission and cover a wide range of scientific inquiries, details of which can be found on the lab’s official website. This hands-on experience can be valuable for students looking to pursue a career in STEM.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Participants receive a $500 taxable stipend after the program.
Eligibility: Applicants must be rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors at the start of the program.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Dates: SHE is a two-week, part-time program that typically runs the second half of July.
SHE (Summer Healthcare Experience) in Oncology is a virtual, multi-institutional program for high school students interested in science and medicine. The program aims to inspire and prepare future healthcare professionals, fostering a profound interest in oncology and related medical fields. This two-week program offers an in-depth exploration of the field of oncology, focusing on genetics-based research projects and patient case studies.
Throughout the program, you’ll engage in daily faculty lectures, panel discussions, and skill-building workshops, combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience. The curriculum encompasses critical aspects of cancer science and care, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of oncology. Apart from working in labs and interacting with different medical professionals, you’ll also get to present your research findings to your mentors and peers and learn about the other projects.
By joining "SHE in Oncology," you will get to collaborate with peers and mentors, gaining valuable insights into the challenges and advancements in cancer research and treatment.
Location: Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $15.50–$18 per hour
Eligibility: Applicants must:
Be 16 years of age by June 1st, 2024.
Be a current high school student or a graduating senior of the Class of 2024
Have a permanent residence in a Northern California Kaiser Permanente designated service area.
Application Deadline: Applications are closed for the 2024 program and will open in November 2024 for the 2025 program.
Dates: June 17–August 2, 2024
The KP LAUNCH Program is a seven-week paid summer work experience to expose high school students to administrative and supporting careers in healthcare environments. For those interested in the healthcare industry, this internship offers practical experience and insight into it. During this internship, you will have the chance to work alongside healthcare professionals and learn about various medical disciplines, such as nursing, pharmacy, laboratory sciences, and more.
You will get to participate in hands-on activities, shadowing experiences, and educational workshops that enhance your understanding of healthcare practices. The program emphasizes mentorship, teamwork, and personal development, and can encourage you to explore your career interest in the medical field. You will also get to attend weekly workshops to develop your skills, work and interact with supervisors and mentors, work on collaborative community service projects with peers, and build a network.
4. Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity (RISE) Research Mentorship Program| Environmentor
Location: RISE, Far Rockaway, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Students receive up to a $1,200 stipend for their research work and participation.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11 who live or attend school in or near the Rockaway peninsula are eligible to apply to Environmentor.
Application Deadline: The application portal opens in March and typically closes in May.
Dates/Duration July 5—August 15, 2024
Environmentor is a science research mentorship program for high school students to conduct authentic research, under the mentorship of scientists from local universities and research institutions, on projects focused on the Rockaway shoreline. The Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity (RISE) Program pairs interns with scientists from local universities and research institutions. During this internship, you'll work on individual research projects focusing on the Rockaway shoreline and Jamaica Bay. Topics of study may include salt marsh restoration, sea turtle stranding, air quality monitoring, pinniped stranding, bottlenose dolphin biodiversity, and dolphin morphology.
Beyond the research, the program offers a well-rounded educational experience, including mentorship, community service, and practical skills training. You will also get to engage in water safety and CPR training and enjoy recreational activities such as kayaking, biking, and surfing. You can view the research projects Environmentor students worked on last summer here.
Location: NIH campuses: Bethesda, Baltimore and Frederick, MD; Research Triangle Park, NC; Hamilton, MT; Framingham, MA; and Phoenix, AZ
Stipend: $2,300–2,530 (if you are currently in high school) or $2,570–2,840 (if you have graduated high school). No housing is provided, but there is free parking on campuses. Some campuses also offer a Transhare program.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 17 years old and live within 40 miles of their respective NIH campus can apply. You can confirm the additional eligibility requirements for the respective cohort programs—HiSTEP and HiSTEP 2.0.
Application Deadline: Applications usually close in February.
Dates: Multiple start dates are available between May and June and the students can choose any one based on their preference. The program runs for 8 weeks between May/June and August.
The National Institutes of Health High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP) offers an excellent opportunity for 11th and 12th graders to immerse themselves in full-time pharmaceutical research at various NIH Institutes and Centers, predominantly based at the main campus in Bethesda, MD. Under the guidance of a Principal Investigator (PI), you will join research groups focusing on diverse scientific disciplines such as biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences. HS-SIP offers research opportunities in biology, engineering, epidemiology, psychology, mathematics, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, nursing, physics, computer science, bioinformatics, and other health-related fields. This hands-on experience will provide you with focused mentorship and a deeper understanding of practical applications in biology, chemistry, and pharmaceutical sciences.
Beyond the research work, the HS-SIP enhances your professional development through various programs designed to build essential skills for a career in science. The program includes educational and career advising, participation in well-being and resilience programs, and the chance to present your research at the Summer Poster Day, enriching both your practical experience and professional growth. The HS-SIP is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 7%.
Location: University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Students receive a taxable stipend of $3,000.
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors, at least 16 years of age at the time of application can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Dates: The program runs from the second full week of June through the first week of August for 8 weeks (2025 Dates TBA). Specific dates are announced with the release of application materials each fall.
ResearcHStart is a summer program designed for high-achieving high school students passionate about cancer research. This full-time internship will allow you to work in the laboratories of distinguished researchers, offering hands-on experience in areas like cancer immunology, bioengineering, experimental cancer therapeutics, and cancer disparities.
This program (and the cancer centers at large) focuses on cancer research, allowing you to gain practical exposure and knowledge of various lab techniques, diagnostics, and treatments. The program is tailored for students interested in pursuing a career in medical research, providing them with a solid foundation in various scientific techniques and methodologies. The program emphasizes mentorship, providing access to a comprehensive network of university faculty, research professionals, program staff, and peers. This robust support system ensures you receive the necessary guidance to effectively navigate your research journey.
In addition to lab work, ResearcHStart features targeted career development and skill-building workshops designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary for a future in cancer research and related fields. These workshops cover a variety of crucial topics, enhancing your overall educational experience. By participating in ResearcHStart, you will get to contribute to significant research while building a strong foundation for your academic and professional future. This program is highly competitive, selecting only up to 30 students.
Location: These internships are offered across NASA facilities. Depending on the project, interns will work either remotely or on-site at any of NASA’s 10 field centers across the country.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Interns may receive a stipend based on academic level and session duration.
Eligibility: Applicants must:
Be a U.S. citizen.
Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
Be a full-time student (high school through graduate level) or a part-time college-level student enrolled in a minimum of 6 semester hours.
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the internship opportunity.
Dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions –
Fall (16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December)
Spring (16-week program, from mid-January to early May)
Summer (10-week program, from late May or early June to August).
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement offers internship opportunities at all their locations across America, accommodating both in-person and virtual formats. Students who live near a NASA facility can opt for local internships, while those who are farther away can participate remotely. Their extensive internship database, which you can access here, allows users to filter and find opportunities specifically open to high school students, including some that welcome high school freshmen.
These internships provide training, mentorship, and career development to over 2000+ students annually alongside exposure to leading experts in science, engineering, finance, IT, and business. The internships are offered in a range of subjects and disciplines, including space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, space microbiology, robotics, ecology, and even outreach and communications. During the internship, you will get to design experiments, analyze mission data, and develop innovative technologies.
Location: Redmond, WA | Atlanta, GA.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Interns are paid a competitive wage that varies based on the location.
Eligibility: Open to high school graduating seniors who live within 50 miles of Redmond, Washington, or Atlanta, Georgia. Students must be at least 16 years old and have a legal right to work in the U.S. for the duration of the program and must have completed pre-calculus or an equivalent course by the start of the program.
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in March for Redmond and Atlanta students and are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Dates: July 8–August 2, 2024
Microsoft’s High School Discovery Program is a solid opportunity for high school students interested in technology to explore the applications of AI at one of the world’s leading tech companies. As a participant, you will work in small teams to complete a project for your product group, gaining exposure to the product development design phase. This includes insights into software engineering, technical product management, and UX design disciplines.
Throughout the four-week internship, you will gain hands-on experience in developing innovative AI-powered solutions and receive guidance from expert Microsoft engineers. This mentorship will help you refine your skills and explore various career options in the tech industry, both within and beyond Microsoft. The program offers a comprehensive understanding of AI, covering areas such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. You will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, providing a solid foundation in AI technologies.
Location: The Lawrence Hall of Science, Berkeley, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Students will receive $3,500 for full summer participation. (Missed time will result in a deduction from the stipend. Each day missed is a $72 deduction).
Eligibility: This program is open to teens currently in 10th–12th grades who are available for full-time summer internships.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Dates: There are 5 workshops typically conducted in May and the internship takes place between June and August. The 2024 program dates are from June 3 to August 16.
At The Lawrence Hall of Science at Berkeley, the aim is to increase pathways for young people into fields related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), be it in research, business, or education. This Teen Internship Program provides an opportunity to combine your passion for STEM in particular and education in general. As an intern, you will gain practical skills, knowledge, and tools to facilitate fun, engaging, and meaningful hands-on science learning for youth.
If you’re accepted into the 4-month internship, you will undergo professional workshops, including science learning and teaching, leadership, and conflict resolution. After completing the training, you will be placed in a summer science educator role. During your time in the classroom, you will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to facilitating activities and games, preparing materials, helping campers complete projects, and supporting adult staff with classroom management.
Location: University of New Hampshire campus, Durham, NH.
Stipend: Interns are paid a competitive hourly rate.
Eligibility: Open to rising seniors who are U.S. residents.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February. The 2025 application will open on January 1, 2025.
Dates: The internship program typically runs for five weeks between June and August.
HighTech Bound is a paid summer internship program designed for rising high school seniors with a keen interest in technology. This internship will allow you to gain practical and hands-on experience in the field of network technologies and AI through a 4-week intensive experience.
As an intern, you will be under the expert guidance of mentors where you will collaborate in an advanced computer lab, working on team-based projects that seek to innovate AI integration. These projects will also give you access to the latest technology in software that is used in Apple, Dell, and Cisco, ensuring that you are a part of cutting-edge and impactful AI research. You will also have the opportunity to network while finding research solutions and contributing to long-lasting and impactful research!
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
One other option - the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! 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!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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