15 Medical Summer Programs for High School Students in Boston
- Stephen Turban
- 4 days ago
- 9 min read
Boston is one of the best cities in the U.S. to explore medicine as a high school student, thanks to its combination of top-tier universities, world-class hospitals, and active biotech research communities. Medical summer programs for high school students in Boston offer a chance to build practical skills, participate in lab work, and learn directly from professionals in the field. These experiences can also introduce you to college-level coursework and give you a preview of what it’s like to live and study on a campus like Harvard or Tufts, without necessarily committing to a full-time program or taking on high costs. Several of these summer opportunities are either fully funded or offer strong financial aid options
Many of these programs also offer mentorship, site visits to hospitals and labs, and opportunities to collaborate with like-minded peers. To help narrow things down, we've pulled together a list of 15 rigorous, well-connected, and reputable medical summer programs for high school students in Boston.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly Selective
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June—August), Fall (September—December), Winter (December—February), and Spring (March—June). Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school; students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4); no previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
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.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly Selective
Location: Remote
Dates: June 9-August 11
Application Deadline: Early Admission— March 24, Regular Admission 1— April 21, Regular Admission 2— May 19
Eligibility: Students who have either completed the AI Scholars program or have experience in Python
Veritas AI is an AI program for ambitious high school students, founded and run by Harvard graduate students. In the AI + Medicine Deep Dive, students learn how AI is used in the healthcare and medical industry. Students 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.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly listed; selective application process
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Cost: $2,800 (5-day) / $2,250 (4-day); limited scholarships available for Boston-area students
Dates: Sessions run weekly from June 9–August 22
Application Deadline: March 25
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 9–12
The MEDscienceClinical program at Harvard Medical School immerses you in the fast-paced world of emergency medicine through clinical simulations. You’ll practice medical procedures like suturing, laparoscopic surgery, interpreting vital signs, and even participate in birthing simulations using high-fidelity patient mannequins. Each day includes working in small groups alongside physicians, nurses, and medical students in Harvard’s simulation labs. In addition to developing clinical skills, you’ll earn certifications in trauma care and CPR/AED. The program also features career exploration through “MEDchats,” where you’ll meet healthcare professionals and learn about their specialties and experiences in medicine.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; exact cohort size not listed
Location: Tufts University, Medford and Boston, MA
Cost: $3,525–$6,750 depending on session and housing; limited need-based scholarships available
Dates: June 23–27, July 7–18, and July 21–25 (commuter); July 6–18 and July 20–27 (residential)
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising 11th–12th graders or recent high school graduates; one year of high school biology required; must be 16 years old by program start date
Tufts Mini-Med School is a selective summer intensive designed for high school students interested in exploring medical education and health professions. You'll attend lectures led by Tufts medical faculty, take part in anatomy dissections, and engage in hands-on clinical activities like suturing and vital sign monitoring. The program includes access to the Tufts Clinical Simulation Center, as well as exposure to medical case studies and microbiology labs.
You’ll also work on a capstone project focused on a health topic or clinical skill and receive guidance on professions in various medical fields from admissions staff and professionals through panels and Q&A sessions.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; small cohort size not publicly disclosed
Location: Dana-Farber / Harvard Cancer Center, Boston, MA
Cost: Free; students receive a summer stipend
Dates: 7–11 weeks between June and August (exact dates vary by placement)
Application Deadline: Opens in fall; closes early spring (check website for exact dates)
Eligibility: Students in grades 10–12 or college freshmen–juniors; must be at least 16 by start of program and live in or attend school in Massachusetts
The CURE (Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences) Summer Only Program is a full-time, paid cancer research internship for high school and college students from Massachusetts. Over 7-11 weeks, you’ll work one-on-one with a research mentor at Dana-Farber or another Harvard-affiliated lab, gaining hands-on experience in cancer-related biomedical research. Alongside your lab work, you’ll participate in journal clubs, research seminars, and professional development workshops. The program culminates in a scientific presentation, where you’ll share your work with peers and mentors. Beyond technical skills, the program also offers support in science communication and career exploration, particularly for students from groups underrepresented in science and medicine.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25 students per session
Location: MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
Cost: $3,500
Dates: August 4–15
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students with a strong interest in medicine or research
Hosted by the MGH Institute of Health Professions, this two-week program is designed for high school students interested in careers in medicine or medical research. You’ll participate in daily hands-on simulations covering surgical techniques, trauma care, neurology, cardiology, and more, while also receiving CPR certification and training in neonatal resuscitation. Lectures are led by faculty from MGH IHP and Harvard Medical School, giving you direct exposure to experts in the field. The program includes interactive workshops, a “solvathon” research challenge, and collaborative team activities focused on real-world healthcare problems.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly listed; selective
Location: UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA
Cost: Free; includes housing, transportation, meals, and stipend upon completion
Dates: June 29–July 25
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: Massachusetts high school sophomores or juniors (must be 16+ by June 15); must meet criteria for economic or educational disadvantage
The High School Health Careers Program (HSHCP) at UMass Chan Medical School is a fully funded, four-week residential summer program for Massachusetts high school students from economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. You’ll live at the Worcester State University residence hall, and attend academic enrichment courses in science, math, language arts, and IT. You'll also be placed in healthcare internships and participate in seminars on topics like health disparities, career development, and biomedical research. The program also includes a final project and offers consistent mentorship and supervision throughout the experience.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact size not disclosed
Location: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
Cost: Free; paid internship
Dates: June 30–August 8
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or recent graduates residing or studying in Massachusetts; must be 16+, legally authorized to work in the U.S., and fully vaccinated for COVID-19
This full-time summer internship is designed for high school seniors and recent graduates in Massachusetts interested in exploring neurology and neuroscience through hands-on research and one-on-one mentorship. You’ll be paired with an MGH neurology lab and work on current research projects under the guidance of faculty mentors. The program begins with a professional "bootcamp" to introduce you to lab protocols, communication skills, and clinical research basics.
Throughout the six weeks, you'll attend weekly seminars led by neurologists, take part in optional field trips, and present your work at a final research showcase. Interns are paid and continue to receive long-term academic and career guidance even after the program ends.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact cohort size not publicly available
Location: Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
Cost: Paid program
Dates: 6 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Application window closes in early spring (exact date not listed)
Eligibility: High school students who are Boston residents, 16 years or older by June 1; must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and able to commit to full program length
Brigham and Women’s Hospital offers a six-week paid internship for Boston high school students interested in healthcare careers. As a participant, you’ll work 30 hours per week in hospital departments such as radiology, transport, research labs, and materials management. The program combines job training with career development, exposure to healthcare professions, and community health education. Interns receive mentorship from hospital staff and gain real-world experience in a professional medical environment.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Location: Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free; $3,600 stipend and partial travel reimbursement
Dates: June 30–August 8
Application Deadline: January 22
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors attending school in Massachusetts; must be able to commute daily to the Broad and be eligible to work in the U.S.
The Broad Summer Scholars Program is a selective six-week research internship for rising high school seniors in Massachusetts who have a strong interest in science and biomedical research. As a participant, you’ll be matched with a Broad Institute mentor and work on a real research project in areas such as cancer biology, infectious disease, computational biology, and more. You’ll present your findings at a formal poster session and participate in workshops, career panels, team-building events, and a college fair.
The program includes academic support, lab skills training, and regular access to an on-staff tutor to help connect research with classroom science.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact cohort size not listed
Location: ADA Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free; $35/week, and transportation pass
Dates: July 7–August 15
Application Deadline: May 19
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 9–11 attending high school in Eastern Massachusetts; must demonstrate interest in STEM or oral health careers and be available in person for the full 35-hour/week schedule
The ADA Forsyth Student Scholars Summer Internship is a paid, six-week research experience for high school students from the Greater Boston area. You’ll work alongside professional scientists on current research projects in areas such as immunology, microbiology, and oral health. Each week includes lectures from Forsyth faculty and opportunities to present your progress to peers and mentors. The program concludes with a scientific poster session open to members of the Boston research community. Interns receive structured mentorship, hands-on training with modern lab equipment, and exposure to clinical and translational dentistry research.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact cohort size not disclosed
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Cost: $6,895; need-based financial aid available
Dates: July 6–18
Application Deadline: February 28 (Regular)
Eligibility: High school students; must be available for the full duration of the in-person program
Northeastern’s Innovations in Health Professions is a two-week summer program for high school students interested in exploring a range of healthcare careers. You'll engage in hands-on activities like medical simulations, clinical skill labs, and earn CPR/Stop the Bleed certifications. Faculty-led workshops and team-based problem-solving exercises introduce you to fields including nursing, public health, physical therapy, and pharmacy. You'll also attend grand rounds, site visits, and panel discussions to gain a broader understanding of patient care and the healthcare system.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 26 students participated in 2024
Location: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
Cost: Free; includes meal card and free parking
Dates: TBA
Application Deadline: December 31
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors who are Massachusetts residents; must be fully vaccinated and complete a TB test before the program starts
The Agress Summer Health Corps Program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center offers Massachusetts high school students the chance to volunteer in a hospital setting for several weeks during the summer.
You’ll be assigned to one department, such as inpatient units or support services, where you’ll assist with non-clinical tasks like restocking supplies, answering phones, or rounding on patients to support staff and patient needs. The program also includes group activities like career panels with clinicians and tours to give you a broader view of healthcare careers.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact cohort size not listed
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Cost: $2,000; financial aid available for eligible students
Dates: July 7–11
Application Deadline: Early Action: March 16; Final Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders based in the Boston area; must be available in person and have an interest or experience in coding
Hosted by the MIT Jameel Clinic, this one-week, non-residential bootcamp introduces students to the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. You’ll learn foundational concepts in machine learning, clinical AI, drug discovery, and Python programming through daily classes led by MIT faculty and affiliated researchers. In addition to coursework, you’ll participate in group projects and health tech enrichment activities around Boston, with a final presentation evaluated by instructors. No prior experience is required, though applicants should have a strong interest in coding or basic exposure to programming.
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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