8 STEM Internships For High School Students In Philadelphia
STEM subjects capture the interest of high school students who are eager to explore diverse career paths in the medical, scientific, engineering, or business sectors. If you are one of these students and a resident of Philadelphia, our blog today covers a range of STEM internships for you to consider.
An internship or summer program offered by a reputable organization or university can enhance your understanding of your chosen field. Engaging in hands-on work in a laboratory, learning from experienced professionals, and gaining firsthand knowledge in your favorite STEM subject are valuable experiences. These opportunities not only allow you to contribute to published research papers but also enable you to witness the real-world impact of your work.
We’ve compiled a list of 8 internships and research programs for high school students interested in STEM in Philadelphia. Whether you’re interested in biology, engineering, or technology, there’s an internship that can help you explore that field.
Cost: $2490 (Financial Aid Available)
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries from tech/deep tech, and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. Past founders have included YCombinator alums, founders raising over 30 million dollars, or founders who previously worked at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form.
Interns are offered one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other such valuable skills and will also have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in their cohort. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Eligibility: Applicants must be rising seniors in high school
Cost: Unpaid internship
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Dates: Summer (6-week program, from early or mid-June to July). Check out the documents required here
The General Robotics, Automation, Sensing, and Perception Lab (GRASP) is a well-regarded engineering and robotics research center at the University of Pennsylvania. The GRASP Lab’s mission is the creation and integration of knowledge through scholarly research, entrepreneurship, and innovation, with a special focus on robotics and entrepreneurship. Each summer, GRASP faculty members select high school interns on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of each GRASP faculty member. You may reach out directly to a faculty member whose work aligns with your research interests. A list of faculty members may be seen here.
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in high school from the greater Philadelphia area, including Camden, NJ
Cost: No cost. Paid internship, but the amount has not been specified
Application Deadline: Applications typically close by January or February
Dates: June 18 – August 16, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
The Monell Science Apprenticeship Internship Program offers high school students an opportunity 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 hands-on research experience under the guidance of scientists. Over the course of seven weeks, you will engage in full-time, paid research projects, gaining valuable laboratory skills and collaborating with professionals. The program emphasizes scientific inquiry and professional development, helping you build essential skills in public speaking, written communication, and ethical research practices.
The program 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, explore career paths in STEM, and receive personalized guidance from experienced mentors. This competitive internship, with an acceptance rate of less than 10%, is designed to instill a passion for science and open doors to future academic and career opportunities in medicine, biomedical science, and related fields. To learn more about this program, check out our full guide here.
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Eligibility: Current 9th-10th grade students, including international students
Cost/Stipend: Free
Application Deadlines: February 14, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Dates: July 8 – August 2, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
The Provost’s Summer Mentorship Program at the University of Pennsylvania is designed to enhance college access for first-generation and underrepresented students in Philadelphia. Open to rising 10th and 11th graders, this four-week experience allows you to engage with faculty from Penn’s schools of Medicine, Nursing, Engineering, Law, and Dental Medicine. Through hands-on learning, you will explore various career opportunities while gaining practical knowledge in digital literacy, wellness, and professional development.
The program also focuses on personal and academic growth, offering workshops on SAT preparation, financial literacy, and life skills, ensuring you are prepared for post-secondary education. By the end of the mentorship, you will leave with a deeper understanding of potential career paths and valuable skills that will support your academic journey.
Location: Out of the several lab locations to choose from across the country, students in Philadelphia can select one of two options: Naval Surface Warfare Center and Naval Information Warfare Center
Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, currently enrolled in high school (including graduating seniors and those taking college-level courses), have completed at least grade 9, and be 16 years or older by the internship start date
Stipend:
New participant: $4,000
Returning participant: $4,500
Application Deadlines: November 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Dates: Eight weeks (with the possibility of extending up to two additional weeks) usually starting in June. Dates vary depending on the lab you choose
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) offers academically talented high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors the chance to engage in real Naval research at Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories for eight weeks during the summer. This program provides you with hands-on experience in STEM fields like physics, biology, robotics, engineering, and computer science while being mentored by Navy scientists and engineers. SEAP not only enhances your education through meaningful research but also exposes you to career opportunities in Naval science, technology, and engineering.
SEAP is highly competitive, with around 300 placements in over 38 laboratories across the country. Selection is based on academic achievement, personal statements, recommendations, and career and research interests, with a focus on encouraging diversity in Naval STEM careers. Many SEAP participants go on to pursue careers within the Department of Navy, making this program an excellent stepping stone for students interested in STEM fields. To learn more about this program, check out our full guide here.
Location: The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
Eligibility: Rising junior or senior currently enrolled in a Philadelphia high school (public or charter school)
Stipend: Stipend awarded at the end of the internship, amount not mentioned
Application Deadlines: Applications are currently open for the after-school program. Check here for details
Dates:
Summer Component: July 8 – August 2, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
After School: Weekly after-school program held through the 2024-25 school year
The STEM Internship Program organized by the College of Physicians in Philadelphia offers high school students affected by community violence a unique opportunity to explore STEM fields while addressing social justice issues. This program combines science, technology, engineering, and medicine with community impact, empowering you to understand the effects of violence on both yourself and your community. Through hands-on activities, you will learn from experts in forensic science, healthcare, and community action, gaining practical skills in the same tools and methods used by professionals. The program provides a safe and engaging environment where you can develop the knowledge and tools to pursue future careers while addressing critical social issues.
The program is divided into two parts: a multi-week summer internship in July and a year-long after-school program. Throughout the experience, you will delve into various themes, including the criminal, physiological, and psychological impacts of violence, as well as community-wide effects. You will also explore careers in STEM with a focus on diverse representation, learning from BIPOC, women, and LGBTQ professionals. Additionally, the program emphasizes civic activism, social justice, and academic counseling, helping you prepare for college. You will receive a stipend upon successful completion.
Location: William Tennent High School, Warminster, PA (January – May) | Temple University, Philadelphia, PA (July – August)
Eligibility: High school students from Philadelphia and the surrounding communities
Stipend: Free internship program with no stipend provided
Application Deadlines: Generally in October for the spring session, and in March for the summer session
Dates:
Consecutive Saturdays from late January to early May
Tuesdays and Thursdays from July to August
The Teen Research Internship Program (TRIP) is a rigorous, lab-based course for high school students who want to explore science and medicine through hands-on research. Hosted by the Fox Chase Cancer Center, TRIP offers you the opportunity to conduct hypothesis-driven experiments, fostering curiosity and critical thinking. Over three phases, you will examine the effects of diet, environmental stress, and genetics on organismal development while mastering essential lab skills and problem-solving techniques. This program encourages you to embrace challenges, refine your research skills, and develop resilience in the face of experimental setbacks.
Throughout the internship, you will gain proficiency in using lab equipment, designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting your findings. In the final phase, you will present your research at a scientific symposium to peers, family, and the scientific community, showcasing the real-world applications of your work. TRIP prepares you for future academic pursuits in STEM, offering a comprehensive experience in a professional research environment.
Location: The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Eligibility: High School freshmen in Philadelphia and surrounding areas
Cost: No cost. Students must arrange their own transportation to and from the Franklin Institute
Application Deadlines: November 13, 2024
Dates:
Academic year: October – February
Summer: July 4th – early August
The STEM Scholars Program at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia is designed for students in grades 9-12 who are interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Each year, the program selects 20 freshmen from the Philadelphia area, focusing on reaching students from communities that have historically been underrepresented in STEM fields. This four-year college and career preparation program aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in your future endeavors.
You will benefit from a curriculum that includes hands-on workshops, academic enrichment, and exposure to various STEM and STEAM industries. You’ll engage in professional development, entrepreneurial experiences, ACT test preparation, and college essay tutoring, all facilitated by industry and community partners such as Drexel University, the Philly Solar Energy Association, and the University of Pennsylvania. Throughout the academic year, STEM Scholars attend weekly workshops and participate in a summer program from July to August. Rising seniors are given the opportunity to complete internships in their fields of interest.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. 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.