12 Best Summer Programs for High School Students Interested in Medicine
Summer programs in the medical field offer high school students an opportunity to gain practical experience and exposure. These programs can give you hands-on skills, insight into the healthcare industry, and connections with professionals and peers. Whether through laboratory research, clinical shadowing, or public health projects, these programs allow you to explore your interest in medicine.
This list identifies the 12 best summer programs and internships for high school students who want to pursue medicine. Each program has been carefully selected based on its ability to offer learning opportunities, mentorship, and insights into medical fields. From interactive workshops to research, these programs aim to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.
We've also covered a host of free, online, paid, and region-specific medical research opportunities and medical internships for high school students here.
Note: The following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
For the 12 best summer programs in medicine for high school students, read on!
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program—Medicine track
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Eligibility:
You must be currently enrolled in high school
Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June).
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler.
The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: Virtual, affiliated with Thomas Jefferson University, PA
Cost: $650 for admission
Application Deadlines: May 31. Visit this website to stay updated
Dates: June 24 – July 23
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors by September
Thomas Jefferson University’s virtual program offers high school students an introduction to medical and life sciences research. You can work with Jefferson faculty and postdoctoral scholars on ongoing research projects, gaining experience in molecular biology, biotechnology, and cell biology. The curriculum covers advanced topics such as recombinant DNA technology, gene editing, cancer cell morphology, and infectious diseases. This curriculum is paired with practical skills like DNA isolation, PCR, and forensic science techniques. The program culminates in a Summer Science Symposium, where you can present your research to an academic audience. This experience builds foundational knowledge and hones research skills useful for careers in medicine and biomedical sciences.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world.
AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Application Requirements: Online application form, answers to a few questions about the student's background & coding experience, math courses, and areas of interest.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
In the AI + Medicine Deep Dive, students learn how AI is used in the healthcare and medical industry. Students get a chance to work on real-world projects using AI & ML models to diagnose diseases, sharpen medical scans, and explain their outcomes to aid doctors and patients. Here is the program brochure and the application form.
Location: Penn Arts & Sciences, Market Street, PA
Cost/Stipend: $9,949
Program Dates: July 5 – 26
Application Deadline: April 27
Eligibility: All applicants must be high school students from 9th-11th grade, complete one year of high school biology before the program begins, and have a minimum 3.5 GPA. International students welcome
The Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Academy offered by the University of Pennsylvania’s Summer Academies introduces high school students to the science of infectious diseases. The program covers microbiology, immunology, genetics, epidemiology, and public health. Through daily lectures, case studies, and interactive activities, you will investigate pathogens such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, and influenza. You will learn about their life cycles, their impact on human health, and strategies for prevention and treatment. The program culminates in a final project where you will present a pathogen review and a public service announcement to educate your community about pandemic preparedness. Students from Philadelphia public or charter high schools may qualify for scholarships to attend.
Location: Institutes of Medicine at Stanford University
Cost/Stipend: No cost apart from a $40 application fee. However, participants will receive $500 to $1,500 depending on the awarding of grants
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: All applicants must be current juniors or seniors (as of the fall) and be in the graduating class of this or next year, along with being 16 years or older
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) offers high school students an opportunity to conduct research under the mentorship of Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers. You can work on projects in specialized areas such as immunology, neurobiology, cancer biology, bioengineering, stem cell and regenerative medicine, cardiovascular biology, bioinformatics, and genetics. The program aims to spark interest in biological sciences and medicine while providing a deep understanding of scientific research methodologies. By engaging in research and collaborating with experts, you will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and laboratory skills. To learn more about this program, check out our full review here.
Location: The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years of age and have successfully completed one high school science course
Application Deadline: Information regarding applications will be available in January
Program Dates: July – August, specific dates TBA
Stipend: Students will receive a stipend of $1,000
The Wistar Institute’s High School Program offers a select group of 15 students the opportunity to learn best practices in biomedical research. The program helps you explore various career paths while contributing to scientific projects. Spanning four weeks, this program will teach you how to read scientific literature. At the end of the summer, you’ll present your research findings, refining your scientific communication skills. No previous research experience is required, and students from underrepresented backgrounds are specifically encouraged to apply.
Location: Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester
Cost/Stipend: Free
Application Deadline: March 15
Dates: June 23 – 27
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors in high school with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply
This residential program provides an introduction to healthcare careers. You'll explore various career options, including specialized roles like radiographers and respiratory therapists. The program features hands-on activities, opportunities to network with peers and professionals, and insights into professional etiquette and the academic paths leading to these careers. The application process is competitive and includes an interview. You can apply here.
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA
Eligibility: Applicants must be students currently enrolled in high school from the greater Philadelphia area, including Camden, NJ.
Cost: No cost. Paid internship, but the exact stipend has not been specified
Application Deadline: Applications typically close by January – February.
Dates: June 18 – August 16
The Monell Science Apprenticeship allows high school students to explore biomedical science, medicine, and other STEM disciplines. Aimed at students from underrepresented backgrounds, this program provides a research experience under the guidance of scientists. The program emphasizes scientific inquiry and professional development, helping you build skills in public speaking, written communication, and ethical research practices. It concludes with a public conference where you will present your research to peers, mentors, family, and scientific staff. Beyond the research experience, you will attend scientific lectures and explore career paths in STEM. This internship has an acceptance rate of less than 10%. To learn more about this program, check out our full guide here.
Location: University of Texas at San Antonio, TX
Cost: $550 (day camp), $750 (overnight camp), financial assistance available
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: June 24 – 28
Eligibility: Rising 9-12 grade students
This camp introduces high school students to biomedical engineering through projects focused on real-world applications. You will work with industry-standard tools and materials. The program includes opportunities to collaborate with peers, learn from biomedical engineers, and develop problem-solving skills. You will meet engineers in both industry and academia and compete in a make-a-thon, where teams will solve engineering problems.
Location: Bethesda, MD
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipends for summer interns are adjusted annually and are based on educational level. Check here to find exact stipends.
Program Dates: July 7 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 8
Eligibility: Applicants must be current high school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents,
be 17 years of age by June 1
attend a school where 30% or more of the student body participates in the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program
have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and
live in Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia within 40 miles of the main NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland.
The High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP) offers rising 12th graders an opportunity to explore careers in biomedical research and healthcare. You will engage in lectures, research group visits, networking events, and group projects. You will also receive guidance on college applications, career readiness, leadership development, and resilience. Interns dedicate at least 21 hours weekly to the program, gaining insights into scientific fields and preparing for future academic and professional endeavors. To learn more about this program, check out our full guide here.
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL
Cost/Stipend: No cost, stipend for participants is $14/hour
Program Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: Applications open on January 7, but no deadline is mentioned
Eligibility: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States, reside in Palm Beach or Martin Counties, and be entering their junior or senior year at a high school in these counties during the next school year
The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship is a program for high school students interested in exploring brain structure, function, and development through neuroscience research. You will work with MPFI researchers, gaining experience in laboratory techniques such as genetic engineering, histological staining, and advanced microscopy. The program culminates in a written scientific abstract and a presentation, allowing you to showcase your findings to the scientific community. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert mentorship, you will gain insights into neuroscience and advanced research methodologies. To learn more about this internship, check out our full guide.
Location: CDC Campus, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Program Dates:
June 23 – 27
July 21 – 25
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school juniors or seniors during the next school year and must be 16 years old by the first day of the camp to comply with CDC’s laboratory safety requirements.
The Center for Disease Control Museum Disease Detective Camp is a competitive program for high school students interested in public health and epidemiology. Through lectures and activities, you will replicate the work of CDC professionals, such as investigating outbreaks, conducting laboratory sessions, and analyzing data related to global and environmental health. The program also introduces diverse career paths in public health and includes activities like mock press conferences and chronic disease surveillance. With access to CDC scientists, the camp offers unique insight into public health and disease prevention.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, 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 4,000 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.