13 Medical Research Programs for High School Students
For high school students, participating in STEM programs can offer a solid experience that extends far beyond the classroom. Engaging in these programs cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a hands-on understanding of complex scientific concepts. It also fosters a sense of curiosity and innovation, encouraging students to explore cutting-edge technologies and methodologies. Early exposure to the field of medicine can significantly bolster a student's college application, providing a distinct advantage in the highly competitive admissions process.
Engaging in medical research or healthcare-related programs demonstrates a commitment to pursuing a career in medicine, showcasing a proactive approach to education and a willingness to explore complex medical issues. This experience not only enhances a student's understanding of medical science but also highlights their ability to engage in rigorous academic and practical endeavors. Additionally, hands-on experience in medicine can help students develop crucial skills such as empathy, communication, and analytical thinking, which are highly valued by colleges and universities. In this blog, we’ve rounded up 13 medical research programs for high school students!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Main summer deadlines are March 15, April 15, and May 15
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. students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
Program Dates: The summer cohort runs from June to August, the Fall cohort from September to December, the Winter cohort from December to February, Spring from March to 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.
Veritas AI is an AI program for ambitious high school students, founded and run by Harvard graduate students. In the AI + Medicine program, students learn how AI is used in the healthcare and medical industry. You will 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.
Cost: $1790
Eligibility: High school students who have completed the AI Scholars program
or have prior Python experience.
Duration: 10 sessions, 2.5 hours per session
Dates: Jun 9 - Aug 11 (Sundays, 11 AM - 1:30 PM EST)
Location: Virtual
Application Date: May 21, 2024 for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024 for the fall cohort
Program Dates:
Summer seminar - June 24, 2024 - September 2, 2024
Fall seminar - October 23, 2024 - February 19, 2025
Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and on college applications. Apply here!
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: $40 application fee; program is free for all accepted participants; stipend of at least $500 is provided.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Program Dates: The program runs from mid-June to early August each year; 2024 dates are June 10 to August 1, 2024.
Eligibility: Open to U.S. students who are juniors or seniors at the time of application and are at least 16 by the beginning of the program.
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an elite and highly competitive 8-week initiative that offers high school students the chance to engage in both internships and research. With an acceptance rate below 3% and a cohort limited to about 50 students, SIMR provides an environment where participants can closely collaborate with Stanford's graduate students or postdoctoral fellows as their mentors.
Students have the option to specialize in one of eight fields: Cancer Biology, Neurobiology, Immunology, Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Biology, and Genetics and Genomics. According to their interests, participants are placed in a specific discipline and spend two months conducting hands-on research, guided by prominent researchers and scholars.
The program kicks off with morning lectures during the first few weeks, followed by laboratory sessions in the afternoons. The majority of the program is dedicated to full-time laboratory research, allowing participants to immerse themselves deeply in their chosen area. In the final two weeks, students concentrate on preparing a research poster, which they present to an audience of peers, teachers, family, and the Stanford community.
Each discipline within SIMR is structured to maximize exposure and provide in-depth learning specific to its field. Reviewing these structures is crucial for understanding what the internship entails. This program is ideal for those with a keen interest in cardiothoracic surgery or other medical specialties, offering substantial exposure to advanced medical research.
Here is an in-depth review of this program to further inform you!
Location: Chapman University, Irvine, CA
Cost: $1,503 program fee; covering all meals and activities.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close by the end of May
Program Dates: Typically three weeks in the summer; 2024 dates are July 8 to 26, 2024.
Eligibility: Open to all students entering grades 9-12 with a recommended GPA of at least 3.0
Chapman University’s Pharmacy Summer Research Program is an ideal opportunity for students eager to gain hands-on experience in pharmacy research. This program immerses participants in the use of laboratory equipment, research methodologies, and technology common in professional pharmaceutical practice.
Working under the mentorship of a faculty advisor, you will collaborate on a research project alongside current Chapman Pharmacy students. Previous student research projects have examined areas such as the role of pharmacists in travel health services and methods to reduce patient readmission rates.
Emphasizing the cultivation of essential academic skills, the program focuses on writing research reports, critically evaluating scientific literature, and professionally presenting your findings. This experience aims to equip you with the competencies necessary for success in college and your future career.
Location: Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
Cost: Free for all accepted participants; stipend of $3,500 to assist with housing and travel costs provided.Application Deadline: Applications open December and typically close by January.
Program Dates: Typically eight weeks in the summer; 2024 dates are June 3 to August 2, 2024.
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors aged 18 by the start of the internship.
The Child Health Research Internship is a collaboration between the University of Colorado's Department of Pediatrics and the Child Health Research Enterprise at Children’s Hospital Colorado. As a participant in the program, you will primarily conduct research in the hospital’s laboratories and assist mentors with various child health projects. During the application process, applicants have the opportunity to indicate their preferred mentors.
The program features weekly workshops and, upon its conclusion, you’ll be required to produce written reports and present your research findings in oral, poster, or presentation formats. Additionally, participants will compose abstracts suitable for submission to conferences at local, regional, and national levels.
Location: All over the U.S., Canada, and Mexico; the program places you in a fishery or aquatic center within a 45-minute commute from your home.
Cost: Free for all accepted participants; $3,000 stipend provided.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January. Check out their website in November for details about applications reopening.
Program Dates: Eight weeks during the summer; typically from June to July.)
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are at least 16 years old and live in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, sponsored by the American Fisheries Society (AFS), is a prestigious 8-week paid summer internship and mentorship initiative designed to inspire interest in fisheries and aquatic sciences. This highly selective program aims to encourage participation from underrepresented groups by pairing approximately 27 Hutton Scholars with seasoned fisheries professionals in their local communities. Depending on the placement, scholars may work in diverse settings such as field sites, boats, labs, or offices.
As a participant, you will engage in practical, hands-on experiences in fisheries science, involving both marine and freshwater research. You'll take part in a variety of activities, including electrofishing, analyzing specimens, data interpretation, and developing aquatic habitats and vegetation. While not a “traditional” medical research topic, exploring complex biological systems in fisheries can enhance students’ understanding of similarly complex systems in humans. Additionally, the skills garnered, such as scientific methodology, data analysis, and lab skills are deeply applicable to medical research. This immersive internship provides a thorough overview of the career possibilities in the field of fisheries science and resource management.
To deepen your understanding, check out this article!
Location: SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station, Cooperstown, NY
Cost: Free for all accepted participants; stipend of $3,000 provided.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.Program Dates: Nine weeks in the summer; typically from late May to August.
Eligibility: Open to all New York high school students who are at least 16.
The State University of New York (SUNY) Oneonta offers a prestigious nine-week summer research internship for high school students in New York. The program is highly selective and only accepts 1 to 3 participants each year. You will collaborate with faculty and staff in the BFS central lab, supporting ongoing research projects while also developing your own research endeavors. At the end of the program, participants present their findings through a poster presentation to mentors, BFS faculty, and their peers.
This comprehensive program offers exposure to a variety of research activities, including laboratory analysis, fieldwork, data interpretation, and scientific writing. Past interns have undertaken tasks such as plant and fisheries surveys, fish dissections, and water sampling, ensuring a well-rounded research experience. Detailed insights into previous projects can be found in past publications, providing an overview of the impactful work conducted by former participants.
Location: Various medical centers in Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free for all accepted participants.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Program Dates: Dates and session length vary depending on program; typically from July to August.
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors.
The Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program, organized by the Los Angeles Pediatric Society, was designed to inspire high school students to pursue careers in healthcare. This program offers participants the chance to shadow various healthcare professionals, engage in medical research, and take part in clinical simulations.
Students receive mentorship from experienced healthcare practitioners, including surgeons, pediatricians, dietitians, pharmacists, and other specialists. The program involves attending presentations, participating in interactive sessions with both general pediatricians and specialists, and gaining hands-on experience through clinical simulations.
Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to work on research projects that complement your mentor's ongoing studies, allowing for a practical application of your newfound knowledge.
Location: Virtual or in-person at the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology on the East Baltimore campus, Baltimore, MD
Cost: Free for all accepted participants; varying in-person stipends by the hour; virtual participants get a stipend of $500.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Program Dates: In-person: June - August 2024 (~8 weeks) | Virtual: July - August 2024 (~5 weeks).
Eligibility: Open to students who
Are juniors and seniors around the country (virtual program).
Are juniors or seniors residing in Baltimore City and the metro area (in-person).
have a strong passion for STEM.
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program is an 8-week summer research initiative aimed at enhancing inclusivity and diversity in the neurological sciences. Specifically designed for high school students from underrepresented communities, this program offers hands-on research experience under the mentorship of leading experts in the field. As a participant, you will engage in scientific seminars, discussions, and weekly sessions focused on personal and professional development — all while interacting with top neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins University.
The program accommodates both virtual and on-campus participation. With only 5-6 positions available, the selected students receive an hourly stipend and reimbursement for transportation expenses. The internship culminates in students presenting their research findings through either an oral or poster presentation. For more information on past projects, examples can be found here.
This is an article that expands on the program!
Location: NIH campuses in: Bethesda, Baltimore and Frederick, MD; Research Triangle Park, NC; Hamilton, MT; Framingham, MA; and Phoenix, AZ.
Cost: Free for all accepted participants; stipend of $2,300 - $2,500 provided.
Application Deadline: February 1
Program Dates: 8 weeks in the summer; specified dates are not public on the website
Eligibility: Open to students who are juniors, seniors, or recent graduates at the time of the application. Must be at least 17 years old.
The NIH offers numerous summer internships for high school students eager to delve into the scientific field. These programs provide a comprehensive experience that includes immersion in biomedical research, leadership training, and personal development.
The High School Scientific Internship Program (HS-SIP) presents a distinct opportunity to participate actively in practical biomedical research. Interns work alongside leading scientists and mentors, contributing to current projects, analyzing data, and acquiring essential laboratory skills through hands-on participation. As you enhance your understanding of scientific inquiry and research methodologies, you will acquire essential laboratory techniques, data analysis skills, and experience using advanced scientific equipment.
The program's mentorship component provides interns with guidance and support from experienced NIH researchers, offering valuable insights into career paths in biomedical sciences. Additionally, the program facilitates networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with professionals in the field, and fostering relationships that can be beneficial for future academic and career pursuits. Engaging in challenging research projects promotes critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and resilience, contributing to personal growth. The program concludes with "Summer Poster Day," where participants present their research findings, honing their ability to communicate scientific results effectively.
Location: UC Irvine Medical Center, Orange, CA
Cost: $5,500 tuition fee; covering meals and activities; housing and transportation are not provided; need-based financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Program Dates: Session I: June 3 to June 14, 2024 | Session II: July 8 to July 19, 2024.
Eligibility: Open to students aged 16 or older with a 3.5 GPA (unweighted) or above.
The Summer Surgery Program at UC Irvine stands out as an excellent medical program for high school students by providing one-of-a-kind opportunities in the surgical field. This program immerses participants in the day-to-day activities of surgeons as students develop their surgical skills through a unique blend of practical and observational learning experiences. As a participant, you’ll engage in hands-on dissection workshops, learn ultrasound techniques, and get acquainted with advanced minimally invasive surgical technologies.
In addition to these practical experiences, you’ll get to network and collaborate with medical students, residents, and faculty throughout the program. The program also includes obtaining a Basic Life Support Certification — equipping students with essential emergency response skills.
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Free for all accepted participants; a stipend is provided.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close between January and February.
Program Dates: Typically seven weeks in the summer; 2024 dates are June 18 to August 16, 2024.
Eligibility: Open to high school and undergraduate students in the greater Philadelphia area; Preference for those from underrepresented backgrounds in science
The MSAP caters to students with a deep interest in scientific research within biomedicine and medicine, offering a dynamic environment to collaborate with leading researchers across various fields. In this program, you’ll engage in hands-on research projects, gaining practical experience and mastering a range of laboratory techniques.
Throughout the apprenticeship, you’ll participate in scientific lectures and workshops focusing on public speaking, written communication, and the ethical considerations of human and animal research. The program concludes with a public conference where you will present your research findings to an audience of scientific staff, family, and friends.
The program is renowned for its selectivity, admitting fewer than 10% of applicants, with typically 18-24 students chosen from approximately 200 candidates. About 20-30% of the accepted students are returnees, averaging around 5 returning students each year. This selective nature underscores the program's commitment to fostering high-caliber scientific research skills among its participants.
For a deeper understanding, check out this article!
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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