Finding a suitable internship can be a valuable experience for high school students who want to explore the medical field. New York City offers many opportunities for students looking for paid internships in healthcare and medicine. These internships offer a chance to learn from professionals and provide experience that can strengthen your college applications. 

If you're a high school student in NYC looking for paid medical internships, this blog will guide you through 8 programs that combine learning, mentorship, and financial support. Let’s look at these opportunities that can help you explore a healthcare career.

1. Zuckerman Institute’s Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC)

Stipend: Provided, but the amount is not specified

Location: Columbia University Labs

Application Deadline: October 29

Internship Dates: 5 weeks during the summer

Eligibility: Sophomores or juniors in high school who reside in New York City

BRAINYAC is an excellent program for students interested in neuroscience and pursuing a pre-med path. You will be paired with a Columbia University neuroscientist who will mentor you through a research project. The program begins with weekend training sessions in the winter and spring, culminating in a full-time summer internship. This experience provides exposure to lab research. Applications open each fall and are facilitated through partnering organizations. You will receive a stipend and can explore additional opportunities, such as a paid Merit Fellowship to continue working in your mentor’s lab, internship roles for future BRAINYAC programs, and access to an alumni network.

2. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center HOPP Summer Student Program

Stipend: $1,200

Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) research lab

Application Deadline: Applications open in December 

Internship Dates: June 20 – August 22

Eligibility: Students must complete at least the 9th grade by June, be 14 or older by the program's start, and have a 3.5 GPA in science subjects.

The Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) offers an 8-week summer internship where participants explore biomedical research. The program provides experience in laboratory or computational research projects. It includes collaborative and educational activities, such as postdoctoral-led and student-led journal clubs, PI luncheons, and social networking opportunities. You will be paired with a mentor, such as a postdoctoral researcher, graduate student, or research technician, who will guide you through research. The program culminates in a poster session where you will present your project. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.  

3. NYU High School Medical Ethics Internship

Stipend: Amount not specified

Location: NYU Grossman School of Medicine

Application Deadline: Applications open in December 

Internship Dates: Spring 

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors

If you're interested in healthcare, social justice, or public policy, the High School Bioethics Project's internship is a great opportunity to explore these areas through the lens of bioethics. This internship introduces you to ethical issues in healthcare and related fields. You will interact with professionals from public health, biotechnology, patient advocacy, and law. The program includes discussing bioethics articles, attending expert talks, and writing reflective essays. Interns are expected to commit 10-15 hours per week. You will conclude the experience by submitting a short paper on a topic explored during the internship.

4. Weill Cornell Medicine - The Anita Mesi General Internal Medicine Summer Internship Program

Stipend: A stipend is offered upon completion of the internship

Location: Weill Department of Medicine, Cornell University

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.

Internship Dates: June to August 

Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors

This internship introduces high school, college, and graduate students to the diverse career pathways available in academic medicine and general internal medicine. The program pairs you with mentors from faculty and staff, aligning guidance with your specific interests. Past interns have explored topics such as cancer, hypertension, arthritis, congestive heart failure, and home healthcare through the lens of diversity and health equity. The program provides valuable insights and exposure to healthcare.

5. Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace 

Stipend: $2,000 

Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY

Application Deadline: January 8

Internship Dates: Spring: February 27 to May 22; Summer: June 30 to August 15

Eligibility: Applicants must be 16 or older by the orientation date and live or attend a NYC public or charter school within 45 minutes of Genspace.

The internship program at Genspace, a New York City community biotech lab, offers a chance to explore biotechnology and genetic engineering. You will work on research projects involving DNA sequencing, genetic modifications, and bioinformatics. Under the mentorship of scientists and industry experts, you will expand your understanding of life sciences while honing your laboratory skills and analytical techniques. The program focuses on experimentation in a fully equipped biotech environment. The internship emphasizes the ethical implications of biotechnology and its applications.

6. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai – CEYE High School Summer Program

Stipend: Amount not specified

Location: Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March. You can see past details here.

Internship Dates: July 1 - August 8

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 85 who are underrepresented minorities and/or economically disadvantaged.

This program introduces you to the Mount Sinai Health System, offering opportunities to engage with faculty and staff. As part of the CEYE experience, you will maintain a detailed logbook, complete pre- and post-assessments, and prepare a final research paper and presentation. The High School Summer Enrichment Program offers a curriculum centered on medicine and healthcare. You will participate in clinical rotations, shadow healthcare professionals, and attend seminars on diverse medical specialties. You will also participate in workshops on medical ethics and patient care. The program concludes with a research presentation and a reflective essay. 

7. Columbia University – Yes in The Heights Program

Stipend: A stipend will be provided on an hourly basis

Location: Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC), Columbia University

Application Deadline: December 13

Internship Dates: June 30 – August 22

Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are part of an underrepresented racial and/or ethnic minority group, underrepresented in cancer research (e.g., first-generation college student), or economically disadvantaged. 

The Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center offers summer internship opportunities to high school and undergraduate students. As a YES Student Equity Scholar, you will work alongside researchers and physicians to gain experience in cancer research. The program emphasizes practical learning and collaboration. This 8–12 week program includes a comprehensive orientation, guidance in academic professionalism, and the creation of an Individual Development Plan. You will submit a scientific summary of your research findings by the program's conclusion.

8. The Rockefeller University - Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)

Stipend: Can be provided based on a separate application

Location: RockEDU Science Outreach Laboratory at Rockefeller University

Application Deadline: January 3

Internship Dates: June 23 – August 7

Eligibility: Juniors and seniors in high school who will be at least 16 years old at the program's start.

The Summer Science Research Program at Rockefeller University allows students to engage in independent research in biomedical science. You will work with faculty mentors to conduct experiments, interpret data, and present your results. In addition to research, you will attend seminars, participate in journal clubs, and join networking events. The program concludes with you delivering a research presentation and submitting a written report. Highly competitive, this internship offers valuable exposure to research and mentorship. 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.