15 Medical Summer Programs for High School Students in Virginia
- Stephen Turban
- 4 days ago
- 9 min read
If you're a high school student in Virginia interested in medicine, summer programs in the state can be a great way to explore the field without spending a lot. These in-person programs, usually held between May and August, give you the chance to experience college-level coursework, learn practical medical skills, and get a closer look at real healthcare environments. You'll also have the opportunity to connect with professionals and mentors—all in a more affordable setting.
When exploring options, you should look for programs that are rigorous, offer strong networking opportunities, provide financial support, and have competitive acceptance rates — signs of a high-quality experience. We’ve selected top programs in Virginia based on these criteria to help you find the best fit for your medical career goals.
Here are 15 medical summer programs for high school students in Virginia!
Location: Remote
Cost: $2,990 (12 weeks) | $5,900 (16–20 weeks). Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: May 11 for the upcoming cohort
Program Dates: June to August (summer). Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available.
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program was created by graduates of Harvard and Oxford to provide high school students the opportunity to work closely with PhD mentors. Over 12 weeks, you will work on an independent research project in a subject you choose, guided by a mentor. Along the way, writing coaches will help you develop your work so it meets the standards of college-level research publications.
You can select from a range of subjects, including biology, mathematics, data science, engineering, and astrophysics, as well as economics, psychology, gender studies, business, philosophy, and linguistics.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1790 for the 10-week AI Scholars program. You can apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12–15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world.
Veritas AI, run by graduate students from Harvard, offers programs designed for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. If you want to start learning about AI, machine learning, and data science, the AI Scholars program provides a 10-session boot camp covering the basics and includes hands-on work with real-world projects.
In the AI + Medicine Deep Dive program, you will explore how AI is applied in healthcare. You’ll work on projects using AI and machine learning models to assist in diagnosing diseases, improving medical scans, and explaining results to support doctors and patients. Here is the program brochure and the application form.
Location: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: April 30
Program Dates: July 7–11
Eligibility: Students in 9th- 12th grade with an interest in healthcare.
The VCU Pharmacy Summer Scholars program is designed for high school students interested in exploring pharmacy. During this week-long, on-campus program, you will attend classes and have the opportunity to interact with current pharmacy students. You’ll learn about various careers related to pharmaceutical sciences. The program includes field trips to pharmaceutical organizations, giving you a chance to see the industry firsthand. You’ll also develop practical skills, such as non-sterile compounding. The program is selective, admitting up to 30 students each summer.
Location: Virginia Commonwealth University (commuter program)
Cost: Free
Application deadline: May 2
Program dates: July 14–18
Eligibility: US citizens/permanent residents and Richmond area high schoolers who have completed 9th grade and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
This five-day program in Virginia provides high school students with an introduction to dentistry. You will learn about different areas of the field through workshops and hands-on activities like tooth carving, suturing, and digital dentistry. Throughout the program, you can expect to gain a better understanding of dental techniques, patient care, and the daily responsibilities of dental professionals. The program is free and requires commuting, so you’ll be responsible for your own transportation.
Location: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Cost: $4,295 (flexible payment plans and scholarships are available).
Application Deadline: Rolling applications.
Program Dates: June 13–21 | June 25 — July 3 | July 7–15
Eligibility: High school students are eligible.
If you’re interested in veterinary sciences, the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) offers a 9-day summer program for high school students in partnership with the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. During this program, you’ll take part in hands-on simulations and workshops focused on veterinary medicine.
You’ll learn lab techniques and treatment methods for animal care, and participate in clinical rounds and surgical preparation while studying basic treatment protocols. The program also includes field trips to zoos and adoption centers, giving you experience with animal care outside of the classroom.
Location: V-COM Virginia, Blacksburg, VA
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: Based on availability.
Program Dates: June 22 — July 6
Eligibility: Rising sophomores through seniors (10th — 12th grade) are eligible.
The SEE Camp is a week-long program for Virginia high school students with a minimum GPA of 3.5 who are interested in science and healthcare careers. There is no cost for housing, meals, or program activities. Hosted on a medical school campus and led by faculty and medical students, you will participate in sessions held in a cadaver lab and simulation center.
Activities include practicing suturing and knot-tying, working through healthcare simulations, conducting basic biomedical experiments, and studying introductory epidemiology. You’ll also work in a small group to complete a research project, which you’ll present at the end of the week to faculty and family members.
Location: Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences, Norfolk, VA
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: The recruitment and application process is primarily overseen by the partnering school.
Program Dates: July 14 — 25.
Eligibility: Rising 10th-grade high school students from partner schools — namely Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and Northampton County Public Schools — can apply.
The Health Sciences Academy is a multi-year, tuition-free program that gives high school students the chance to explore a variety of careers in healthcare. It is designed for rising tenth graders, particularly those from urban and rural communities, who are considering future work in health-related fields. The program is run in partnership with Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and Northampton County Public Schools.
As a participant, you will attend lectures on medicine and public health, visit hospitals and healthcare organizations, and complete a capstone project. Through these activities, you’ll be introduced to post-secondary education, learn about different career pathways in health sciences, develop practical skills in the field, and have opportunities to build long-term connections with professionals in healthcare.
Location: UVA Health Prince William Medical Center, Manassas, VA
Cost: No cost or stipend provided.
Application Deadline: April 11
Program Dates: June 16–27 | July 7–18 | July 21 — August 1
Eligibility: To apply, high school students must have finished the sophomore year (10th grade) by the summer.
The UVA Health Prince William Auxiliary’s Summer Teen Volunteer Program takes place at the UVA Health Prince William Medical Center and offers high school students a chance to experience the hospital environment. As a volunteer, you may be assigned to different areas of the hospital, including the emergency department, surgical services, registration, guest services, and materials management.
In these roles, your responsibilities could involve escorting patients and visitors, restocking supplies, assisting with patient transport, or helping staff maintain clean and organized spaces. You may also interact with patients to provide comfort and support, or assist with tasks like delivering equipment and supplies throughout the hospital. Occasionally, there may be special projects where additional help is needed, and volunteers are invited to contribute.
Location: Remote, hybrid, or in-person at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost: Free! $25 application fee, which can be waived depending on need
Application Deadline: February 2
Program Dates: June 18 — August 8
Eligibility: High school students over the age of 15 are eligible to apply for remote and computer lab in-person internships, and those over the age of 16 for “wet-lab” in-person or hybrid internships.
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University is an opportunity for high school students interested in medicine and related fields to gain experience in scientific research. As a participant, you will work under the guidance of a mentor in a university research setting, where you’ll build technical skills and develop an understanding of how scientific studies are conducted.
The program includes a focus on scientific writing, which helps you communicate research findings effectively. While the range of topics is broad, students with an interest in medicine can explore areas such as molecular medicine, neuroscience, bioengineering, and psychology. You may also have opportunities to share your work through presentations or publications, and you’ll be introduced to a variety of STEM and health-related career paths.
Location: Remote
Cost: $1,495
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Students who are above 13 years old
This self-paced online program from William & Mary allows you to explore potential college majors through pre-recorded lectures and faculty guidance. One course, focused on infectious diseases, is especially relevant if you’re considering a future in medicine. You’ll study viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections, explore how diseases spread, and examine the challenges of antibiotic resistance.
Throughout the course, you’ll learn how medical professionals diagnose and treat infections and how fields like microbiology and gene therapy are shaping current medical practices. Faculty are available to support your learning, and the program concludes with a final project and presentation.
Location: WV School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lewisburg, WV
Cost: Fully funded
Program Dates: June 23–27
Eligibility: High school students entering junior or senior year and recent graduates are eligible to apply.
The Clinical Anatomy Summer Experience (CASE) at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine is a free one-week, in-person program for high school students interested in medicine. You’ll study human anatomy through daily cadaver lab sessions and gain exposure to a medical school environment.
Taught by WVSOM faculty and supported by current osteopathic medical students, the program introduces you to the osteopathic approach to healthcare. With a small cohort of around 15 students, you’ll have the opportunity for hands-on learning and direct engagement with instructors.
12. Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship
Location: Online
Cost: Application Fee: $40 | Program Participation Fee (if accepted): $850 | Financial aid opportunities available.
Application Deadline: February 28
Program Dates: June 16 — June 27
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–12 in Fall, aged 14 or older, with strong skills in math or programming.
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program for high school students interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare. You’ll learn about AI fundamentals such as machine learning and data analysis, with a focus on how these tools are used in medical imaging and diagnostics.
The program includes lectures, guided projects, and hands-on research led by Stanford faculty and researchers. You’ll apply what you learn to practical challenges in healthcare, gaining insight into how AI can support medical decision-making and improve patient outcomes.
Location: Online
Cost: $1,495 per course
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: Year-round, with multiple start dates to accommodate student schedules.
Eligibility: Open to high school students
The University of Rochester offers self-paced, online pre-college courses for high school students interested in medicine. Each course takes 20 to 30 hours to complete and covers topics like anatomy, physiology, clinical research, personalized medicine, and orthopedics.
Courses are taught by university faculty and include video lectures, simulations, and interactive assignments. You’ll also receive mentorship and have the chance to connect with other students. After completing a course, you’ll earn a Certificate of Completion from the University of Rochester.
Location: UVA, Northern Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Cost: $2,700
Application Deadline: Rolling until the cohort size is met
Program Dates: June 23 — July 3
Eligibility: Rising 10th- 11th and 12th grade students.
The University of Virginia offers a forensic science program for high school students who are interested in medicine and its connection to criminal investigations. You’ll learn how to handle and evaluate evidence using scientific methods, with a focus on DNA analysis, fingerprinting, and crime scene procedures.
The course also explores the legal aspects of forensic work and includes a field trip to provide practical insight into investigative processes. This experience helps build skills relevant to both medical and forensic career paths.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free; $500 scholarship for virtual participants
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: July — August (specific dates to be announced)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a five-week virtual program for high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented groups interested in neuroscience. You’ll work with faculty mentors on research projects, learning neuroscience techniques, data analysis, and scientific methods.
The program includes seminars and workshops on brain science topics and research skills. By the end, you’ll complete a research project and gain experience that can support future studies in medicine and related fields.
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.
Image Source - Lumiere Research Scholar Program logo