12 Summer Programs with Stipends for High School Students
Are you a high school student looking to learn and gain experience in professional settings? If yes, consider participating in a summer program for high schoolers. Summer programs allow high school students to gain exposure to college-level academics and build practical skills. These programs provide professional mentorship and an excellent way to explore future academic and career interests.
The programs in our list all offer stipends, which means you can explore your interests without any financial burden. Fully funded programs tend to be more selective, making them a great addition to your college applications.
In this article, we’ve curated a list of 12 summer programs and internships for high school students that provide stipends. These programs have been selected based on the prestige of their host institutions, the depth of learning opportunities offered, and the chance to work on projects under the guidance of professionals.
Location: Various Centres, and also NASA SF office
Cost: No cost, but all interns are rewarded with a stipend
Application Deadline: Summer: February 28, Fall: May 16
Program Dates: Summer: 10 weeks - Late May/Early June – August; Fall: 16 weeks- Late August/Early September – Mid-December
Eligibility: Applicants must be full-time students (high school through graduate level), be at least 16 years old at the time of application, and be U.S. Citizens unless applying for the International Internship.
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) internships offer high school students unique opportunities to contribute to science, technology, and space exploration projects. You will work alongside NASA’s engineers, scientists, and professionals in fields ranging from IT and accounting to project management and aeronautics. You will gain experience, strengthen your resume, and prepare for future careers. Both engineering and non-engineering opportunities are available. Note that this program is competitive. For tips on how to get this internship, check out our guide here.
Location: UC San Francisco
Stipend: Part-time = 25 hours/week earns $3,200; Full-time = 35 hours/week earns $4,500
Application Deadline: February 25
Program Dates: The program begins in June
Eligibility: Applicants must be current high school juniors, enrolled in an SFUSD high school, SF charter school, or College Track San Francisco, and from backgrounds historically marginalized in the sciences
The UCSF High School Intern Program (HIP) offers a summer internship where San Francisco high school seniors conduct original biomedical research under the mentorship of UCSF scientists. Here, you will gain experience in fields like neuroscience, immunology, cancer, and stem cell research while developing science communication skills. HIP focuses on students from underrepresented backgrounds, expanding their perspectives on careers in biomedical sciences. While the program’s rigor and unique mentorship model are significant strengths, its intensity and strict eligibility criteria may limit access for some students.
Location: Stanford University campus
Stipend: All students will receive $500 for the summer as a stipend. Some students can get additional funding. More info can be found here
Application Deadline: February 22
Program Dates: June 9 - July 31 (8 weeks)
Eligibility: Applicants must currently be juniors or seniors (as of the fall). They must be 16 years old or older by the program's start date, live in and attend high school in the U.S., and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a green card to apply.
SIMR is a competitive internship for high school juniors and seniors, offering research experience in areas like cancer biology, immunology, bioengineering, and more. You will work with Stanford faculty and mentors to gain exposure to cutting-edge scientific research and deepen your knowledge of biological sciences and medicine. The program also includes a specialized boot camp option for those interested in bioengineering. While SIMR provides excellent access to advanced labs and expert guidance, its competitive nature and demanding schedule may pose challenges for students balancing other commitments. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: California Academy of Sciences
Stipend: All programs are paid
Application Deadline: April 1
Program Dates: Multi-year, year-round participation
Eligibility: Applications open for 9th - 12th graders
CiS is a multi-year, paid internship for San Francisco high school students from underrepresented communities in STEM, including girls and students of color. It offers fieldwork, science communication training, leadership opportunities, and exposure to diverse STEM careers. As an intern, you will earn above minimum wage, facilitate public learning experiences, work on research projects, and attend college tours and STEM conferences. The program fosters critical thinking and career readiness. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: Texas Tech University
Stipend: $750 stipend at the end of the program
Program Dates: June 22 to August 7
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 17 years of age by the program start date and should graduate in the next 2 years, along with being a U.S. citizen
The Clark Scholars Program offers a prestigious summer research experience for high school juniors and seniors with a focus on a range of subjects. For instance, participants in the history track will work with faculty on topics such as Modern American Politics, Conservatism, and the post-1945 fusion of the South and West, particularly within Texas and Sunbelt political culture. In addition to research, you will participate in weekly seminars, field trips, and social activities. With a competitive selection process that admits only 12 students annually, this free program is an exceptional opportunity for those interested in conducting independent research. To learn more about this opportunity, check out our complete guide here.
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: Paid internship, but the exact stipend has not been specified
Application Deadline: December 31
Dates: June 23 through August 15
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in high school and from the greater Philadelphia area, including Camden, NJ, may apply.
The Monell Science Apprenticeship Internship Program allows high school students to explore fields such as biomedical science, medicine, and other STEM disciplines. Aimed at students from underrepresented backgrounds—including women, ethnic minorities, and economically disadvantaged communities—this program provides a research experience under the guidance of scientists. Over seven weeks, you will engage in full-time research projects, gaining valuable laboratory skills. The program emphasizes scientific inquiry and professional development, helping you build skills in public speaking, written communication, and ethical research practices. The program concludes with a public conference where you will present your research. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: Bethesda, Maryland
Stipend: Summer interns' stipends are adjusted annually based on educational level. Check here to find exact stipends.
Program Dates: July 7 to 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, have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and live in Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia within 40 miles of the main NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland.
HiSTEP offers rising 12th graders from schools with significant participation in the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program 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 endeavors. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: AFRL Scholar internship opportunities are offered at several locations across the United States. Check here
Stipend: $492 per week
Application Deadline: January 10; apply here
Program Dates: Start dates may vary based on the AFRL sites and/or projects you are applying to. End dates are based on student availability and funding. For site-specific start dates, please visit the site page (accessed from the Locations menu)
Eligibility: All applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0, be a US Citizen, and be at least 16 years of age.
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program provides paid internships for high school students. You will collaborate with AFRL scientists and engineers on research projects, gaining skills in advanced technology. The program emphasizes mentorship, professional development, and exposure to cutting-edge research. It also includes opportunities to present work and engage in collaborative initiatives. This internship offers a robust foundation for students who want to explore STEM careers in a research-intensive environment. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: Tandon School of Engineering, New York University Campus
Stipend: $1,000
Application Deadline: February 21
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8
Eligibility: Applicants must live in New York City (attending school in New York City is not sufficient) and be completing 10th or 11th grade in June.
The NYU ARISE program is a ten-week summer initiative offering high school students a STEM research experience. You will explore fields such as robotics, AI, bioengineering, and computer science through workshops, lab placements, and mentorship from NYU faculty and graduate researchers. The program combines practical lab work with training in scientific ethics, data analysis, and presentation skills. You will contribute to real-world research and present your findings at a concluding colloquium. ARISE prioritizes underserved students, fostering access to high-quality STEM opportunities and preparing participants for future academic success. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: Dana Farber, Harvard Cancer Centre, Boston
Stipend: Yes; TBD
Application Deadline: February 3
Program Dates: May 27 - June 18
Eligibility: Be a high school sophomore, junior or senior
The Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences program gives Massachusetts high school students from underrepresented minority groups an opportunity to engage in cancer research. You will participate in a full-time summer internship with a mentor to guide your research. You will gain access to research and professional development seminars, journal clubs, and networking events. Designed for students pursuing biomedical or health-related careers, the program offers a weekly stipend to participants.
Location: Jupiter, FL
Cost/Stipend: Participants earn $13/hour
Program Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 4
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors in Palm Beach or Martin Counties, authorized to work in the U.S. during the school year.
The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship is a six-week opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to explore advanced neuroscience research. Interns work closely with MPFI scientists, learning lab techniques like genetic engineering, histological staining, and microscopy. The program concludes with a written scientific abstract and a formal presentation of findings. With access to cutting-edge facilities and expert mentorship, you will gain valuable insights into brain structure, function, and development. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: University of Chicago campus, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $3,000 (taxable)
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors at the time of application who will be at least 16 years old by the program's start
Application Deadline: TBD
Dates: June-August
ResearcHStart is a summer program that places participants in leading research labs, offering direct exposure to areas such as cancer immunology, bioengineering, cancer therapeutics, and health disparities. You will gain research experience and collaborate with scientists while building essential skills. The program emphasizes mentorship, connecting you with faculty, researchers, and peers. Career development workshops and skill-building sessions will prepare you for future success in research and medicine. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
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.