15 Biomedical Engineering Internships for High School Students

If you’re considering a career in biomedical engineering, participating in an internship during high school can help you better understand what the field involves. From shadowing researchers to assisting with lab tasks, these internships can give you early exposure to professional tools, research methods, and collaborative problem-solving. 

Biomedical engineering internships for high school students, in particular, offer a more flexible and affordable way to get involved, especially if you don’t live near a major research institution. Whether you're looking to gain lab experience, explore medical technology, or contribute to real-world projects, biomedical engineering internships for high school students are designed to match different levels of experience and interests. 

We’ve narrowed down this list of the top 15 biomedical engineering internships for high school students based on prestige, rigor of professional experience, and opportunities to network with professionals and fellow students.

If you're looking for more such internships, check out this set of blogs!

15 Biomedical Engineering Internships for High School Students

1. Ladder Internships

Location: Virtual

Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type 

Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; Fall session: September 14

Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. Aug 24, for the fall session

Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students

The Ladder Internship is a selective program that offers high school students an opportunity to work with startups in fields such as technology, machine learning, AI, finance, sustainability, healthcare, media, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are dynamic, often having raised substantial funding, with founders from top accelerators like YCombinator and companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. During the internship, you will work on a real-world project and present your work at the end. You’ll be guided by a startup manager and a Ladder Coach, who will act as a second mentor and help you navigate the startup environment. The internship lasts 8 weeks and follows a coaching-plus-work model, not commonly found in similar programs.

2. University of Minnesota BME High School Internship Program 

Location: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN

Cost/Stipend: None | Unspecified amount provided along with bus transportation

Dates: Typically June to August 

Application Deadline: Typically May

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors | at least 16 years old by the start date of the program | U.S. citizens or permanent residents

If you're entering your senior year of high school and want to explore biomedical engineering in a university setting, this six-week internship offers a hands-on introduction. You'll be matched with a graduate student mentor and work directly on research projects within the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Along the way, you’ll tour active research labs, including the Visible Heart Lab, and gain exposure to scientific communication, lab procedures, and career paths in both biology and engineering. The program also hosts a final poster session where you can present your work to peers, faculty, and family. You'll connect with faculty and graduate students throughout the program and receive guidance that can support your academic goals.

3. University of Illinois Chicago Summer High School Apprenticeship Research Program (SHARP!)

Location: University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL

Cost/Stipend: $3,500; scholarships available based on financial need | None

Dates: June 16 – July 11

Application Deadline: February 3

Eligibility: Rising juniors | Must be 16 years old by the program start date

SHARP! is a four-week summer program designed for rising high school juniors interested in exploring biomedical engineering, AI, and robotics in a medical research context. You’ll spend your days working in university research labs under the guidance of faculty and scientist mentors, gaining experience in everything from surgical robotics to suturing. The program includes a structured schedule of lectures, hands-on lab activities, group projects, and skill-based workshops. You'll also present your findings at the SHARP! Symposium, and commit to a year-long ambassadorship that includes leading a high school team in a biomedical innovation challenge and teaching a science module to underserved elementary students.

4. UCSF Fresno Summer Biomedical Internship Program

Location: UCSF Fresno, Fresno, CA

Cost/Stipend: None | None

Dates: June 23 – August 6

Application Deadline: January 17

Eligibility: Current high school juniors residing in Fresno, Madera, Merced, Kings, Tulare, or Mariposa counties | Must be at least 16 years old | Minimum 3.0 GPA

This internship offers high school juniors in California’s Central San Joaquin Valley the chance to participate in a six-to-seven-week immersive biomedical research experience. You’ll be paired with a faculty mentor from UCSF Fresno and assist with an ongoing research project while also participating in site visits, lectures, and group discussions with residents and medical students. Field trips include tours of local medical facilities and a visit to the UCSF main campus. Throughout the program, you’ll gain exposure to various aspects of the healthcare and biomedical fields, from observing surgery to attending Grand Rounds. You’ll present your work in a formal setting to peers, faculty, and families.

5. UC San Diego BioEngineering Summer High School Internship Program (SHSP)

Location: UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA | Hybrid

Cost/Stipend: Not specified; contact precollege@ucsd.edu for details | None

Dates: June 9 – August 8

Application Deadline: Rolling; email bextship@ucsd.edu to request admission

Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 | Minimum 3.0 GPA | At least 15 years old for in-person or 14 for online participation

The BE-SHSP is a competitive eight-week internship for high school students seeking experience in biomedical research and engineering. You’ll be placed in a UC San Diego research lab, working on faculty-led projects related to tissue engineering, molecular biology, or musculoskeletal disorders. In addition to your lab work, you’ll attend specialized lectures, participate in site visits to biotech companies, and receive guidance from mentors on academic and professional pathways in bioengineering. The program includes both in-person and online components, with a total of 120 hours of research and instruction. Remote participants receive lab kits and are expected to complete structured coursework that mirrors the in-person experience.

6. Indiana University Medical Physician Engineers, Scientists, and Clinicians Preparatory Program

Location: Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN

Cost/Stipend: None | $4,000

Dates: June 2 – July 25

Application Deadline: Typically January

Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–12 from public schools in the greater Indianapolis area

The MPESC-Prep program offers an eight-week summer experience for high school students in Indianapolis, combining biomedical research, clinical exposure, and mentorship. You’ll work closely with university researchers and clinicians, gaining insight into both the scientific and medical sides of healthcare innovation. In addition to hands-on lab training, the program emphasizes professional development, STEM career pathways, and continued academic support throughout the school year. MPESC-Prep is designed to support students from underrepresented backgrounds to build a more diverse biomedical workforce. At the end of the summer, participants present their work and are encouraged to return in future years to deepen their research experience.

7. Cleveland Clinic High School Summer Internship Program

Location: Cleveland Clinic, Northeast Ohio (various sites)

Cost/Stipend: None | Provided, amount unspecified

Dates: June 9 – July 25

Application Deadline: February 7

Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 | At least 15 years old by June 1 or the application year | GPA of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 | U.S. citizen, noncitizen national or legal permanent resident | Other program-specific eligibility parameters can be found here

The CYCE High School Summer Internship Program offers paid internships across three tracks: Advanced Technology, Science, and the Louis Stokes Internship, giving you the chance to explore biomedical engineering, clinical healthcare, or healthcare administration. Depending on your placement, you may gain hands-on experience in areas like robotics, AI, laboratory medicine, or physical therapy while also developing professional skills through seminars, mentorship, and project-based learning. Each track is designed to connect high school students with Cleveland Clinic professionals for seven weeks of immersive training. You’ll attend orientation, meet peers across the region, and present what you've learned at the program’s conclusion.

8. Tufts University Biomedical Engineering Research Scholars (TUBERS)

Location: Tufts University, Medford, MA

Cost/Stipend: None | None

Dates: July 1 – August 15

Application Deadline: March 31

Eligibility: High school students aged 16 years old | Live in Medford, Somerville, Arlington, Cambridge, Malden, Everett, Melrose, Revere, Chelsea, Winchester, Boston, or Quincy

The TUBERS program offers a six-week summer research experience for high school students interested in biomedical engineering. You’ll work closely with Tufts faculty and research teams to investigate biomedical questions in university labs, applying techniques to study cells, tissues, and organs. Alongside hands-on lab work, you’ll learn experimental design, data analysis, and how to present your findings. The experience also includes peer collaboration, mentorship from undergraduates and graduate students, and the opportunity to present your research at the program’s conclusion. The internship will also encourage you to use your projects to participate in local and national science competitions such as the Massachusetts State and Engineering Fair and Siemens Competition in Math, Science, etc.

9. Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering Internships in Science and Engineering (WISE)

Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Cost/Stipend: None | Provided, amount unspecified

Dates: July 10 – August 8

Application Deadline: March 2

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in Baltimore City public schools | Must have A/B grades in math and science | Eligible to work in the U.S.

The WISE program offers a four-week, paid summer research internship for Baltimore City public high school students, hosted on the Johns Hopkins University campus. You'll work in a lab setting, often within departments like biomedical engineering, on research projects guided by JHU faculty or graduate mentors. In addition to lab experience, the program includes campus tours, networking events, and an end-of-program presentation where you’ll share your findings with peers and researchers. WISE is designed to strengthen your STEM knowledge, research skills, and exposure to engineering pathways, especially if you’re interested in pursuing science or engineering in college, along with helping you build connections with STEM professionals.

10. University of Florida Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internships

Location: The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, Jupiter, FL

Cost/Stipend: None | $4,480

Dates: June 2 – August 1

Application Deadline: March 2

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from Palm Beach or Martin County, FL | At least 16 years old | Minimum 3.0 GPA | U.S. citizens or permanent residents

This nine-week, full-time internship places you in research labs at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, where you'll explore real-world biomedical and biotechnological challenges. You'll start with a one-week intensive training course at Palm Beach State College before moving into an eight-week laboratory placement in Jupiter, FL. Working alongside professional scientists, you’ll gain experience in experimental design, lab procedures, data analysis, and scientific communication. Weekly seminars will introduce you to a range of research topics, and the program culminates in both a poster and oral presentation of your work. The internship is designed for students seriously considering a future in biomedical research, drug discovery, or biomedical engineering.

11. University of Chicago After School Matters STEM Lab Internship

Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Cost/Stipend: None | Provided, amount unspecified

Dates: Six weeks during the summer (exact dates vary)

Application Deadline: Typically open in March-April, deadline not specified

Eligibility: High school students attending schools in Chicago public schools | Must be at least 16 years old by the program start date

This six-week summer internship offers high school students in Chicago the chance to explore research in a university setting through the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. You’ll begin with a one-week research bootcamp, followed by five weeks of lab-based work, where you’ll gain experience in real scientific investigations. With mentorship from university researchers and staff, you’ll learn research methods, develop science communication skills, and explore pathways in science and engineering. The program also includes college application support and concludes with opportunities to present your research. You’ll be part of a cohort of peers from across the city, working collaboratively in a professional lab environment.

12. Hk Maker Lab

Location: Columbia University, New York, NY

Cost/Stipend: None | None

Dates: July 7 – August 8

Application Deadline: January 8

Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors (graduating in 2026 or 2027) attending a NYC public or charter high school | Can demonstrate educational or economic disadvantage

Hk Maker Lab is a free, five-week summer engineering design program for rising juniors and seniors attending NYC public or charter high schools. You’ll begin with a three-week course through Columbia University’s SHAPE program, choosing between tracks like Biomedical Engineering or Innovation and Design, taught by Columbia Engineering faculty. In the final two weeks, you’ll collaborate with peers to develop a digital media project—such as an app or website—that addresses a global health issue. The program combines technical instruction, creative problem-solving, and mentorship from experienced educators. Completing Hk Maker Lab makes you eligible for NY Bioforce, which includes a paid internship the following summer.

13. University of Arizona Keep Engaging Youth in Science (KEYS) Research internship

Location: University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

Cost/Stipend: None | None, but financial aid and/or resources for costs like University of Arizona CatCard, parking permit, meals, transportation and financial support to supplement leave of absence from current employment to participate in KEYS during the seven week internship given

Dates: June 2 – July 18

Application Deadline: December 13

Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older | At least one year of Arizona residency

The KEYS Research Internship is a seven-week, full-time summer program that places high school students in University of Arizona research labs to explore real-world STEM applications. You’ll begin with pre-program assignments in science literacy and biotechnology, followed by a one-week intensive training course and six weeks of lab research under the guidance of university faculty and mentors. Research projects span multiple disciplines, including biosciences, biotechnology, and biomedical engineering. You’ll also participate in weekly seminars, receive training in science communication, and present your work at the KEYS Research Showcase. You will develop scientific communication skills and learn to write abstracts and lab reports, which may help in creating posters for potential undergraduate research programs.

14. Johns Hopkins University The Immersive Summer Program for Education, Enrichment, and Distinction (ISPEED) in Biomedical Engineering

Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Cost/Stipend: None | Need-based stipend provided up to $2,400

Dates: June 30 – July 25

Application Deadline: February 28

Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents | Currently in 10th or 11th grade | Must be 15–17 years old during the program

ISPEED is a fully funded, four-week residential program designed for high school students interested in biomedical engineering. Hosted by Johns Hopkins University, the program blends project-based learning, lab research, and seminars focused on human health innovation. You’ll engage with faculty, tour cutting-edge labs, and explore topics such as tissue engineering, machine learning, and healthcare design. You will also build skills in scientific communication, gain college application support, and live on campus while networking with peers from around the country. At the end of the program, you'll earn three college credits and gain insight into the academic and career paths available in biomedical engineering.

15. NYU Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY

Cost/Stipend: None | $1,000 

Dates: June 2 – August 8

Application Deadline: February 21

Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are full-time NYC residents attending NYC public or charter high schools

ARISE is a free, 10-week summer program for NYC high school students that combines lab research with training in college readiness, public speaking, and science communication. You’ll begin the program with remote workshops focused on research skills and writing and then transition to hands-on lab work under the mentorship of NYU faculty. Research placements span over 80 labs in fields such as biomedical engineering, environmental science, and machine learning. In addition to conducting original research, you’ll participate in seminars, receive mentorship, and present your work at both a final colloquium and a symposium at the American Museum of Natural History. 

One other option – 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 4000 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.

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