14 STEM Internships for High School Students in Massachusetts

If you are a high school student interested in STEM, an internship can be a great option to explore. These opportunities help you build skills, gain early exposure to professional workspaces, and connect with professionals in research, medicine, or tech. Beyond academics, internships allow you to understand what opportunities are present in your field of interest and help you be better prepared for future professional and academic opportunities.

Massachusetts is home to research hospitals, biotech firms, and academic institutions, making it a hub for internships in science, technology, engineering, or math. These opportunities emphasize research work, working on projects, and mentorship from professionals. Whether you are a local or visiting Massachusetts, you can find a program that helps you strengthen your skills and prepare for college-level study.

In this blog, we’ve curated a list of standout programs that go beyond classroom learning. Our selection is based on prestige, the rigor of the professional experience, and opportunities to network with real scientists, engineers, and researchers. 

If you are looking for summer programs in Massachusetts, check out our blog here.

Note: Not all items on the list are traditional internships, but they all have a work-learn component.

14 STEM Internships for High School Students in Massachusetts

1. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.

Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.

Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). 

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

Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long, and you can find details about the application here.

2. Harvard-Smithsonian Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP)

Location: Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, Cambridge, MA

Cost: Free (includes stipend)

Dates: September–May; exact dates to be announced

Application Deadline: Typically opens in spring

Eligibility: Open to students enrolled at Cambridge Rindge & Latin School (CRLS)

SRMP offers a unique chance for CRLS students to conduct real astrophysics research under the guidance of professional scientists at the Center for Astrophysics. As participants, you will work in small teams with a CfA mentor on an independent research project across the academic year. You will gain exposure to scientific methods, data analysis, and critical thinking while developing a strong foundation in STEM. The experience includes weekly meetings and monthly advisory sessions, culminating in a formal research symposium where you will present your findings through talks and posters. You will walk away with a completed research project, public presentation experience, and exposure to real-world STEM careers.

3. Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP)

Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA

Cost: Free (includes $3,600 stipend and partial transportation reimbursement)

Dates: June 30–August 8

Application Deadline: January 22

Eligibility: Rising seniors (current 11th graders) attending high school in Massachusetts within commuting distance of Broad; U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or non-citizens with work authorization

BSSP offers high school students the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research at one of the world’s leading biomedical research institutes. Scholars are paired with Broad scientists and work on original research projects in fields like cancer biology, infectious disease, computational biology, and more. The program also includes professional development workshops, poster presentation training, college prep sessions, and guest lectures from top researchers. Students gain hands-on experience with both experimental and computational techniques, regardless of prior lab experience. The program fosters a collaborative environment, encouraging students to build community with like-minded peers through social events and team-building activities. All participants receive a stipend and access to mentoring, tutoring, and scientific resources throughout the six weeks.

4. Youth Neurology Education and Research Program (Mass General)

Location: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA

Cost: Free (participants are paid)

Dates: June 30–August 8

Application Deadline: January 31

Eligibility: High school students in Massachusetts (must be at least 16 years old by program start)

This program offers high school students the opportunity to explore neurology and neuroscience through a six-week, paid summer internship at Massachusetts General Hospital. As an intern, you will work under the mentorship of neurologists and neuroscience researchers, contributing to meaningful educational and lab-based projects. You will also receive structured guidance to prepare for presentations, publications, and academic recognition opportunities. Weekly events such as the INSPIRE Speaker Series give you direct access to professionals sharing their journeys and insights into healthcare careers. You may assist in clinical observations, data analysis, or translational science work, depending on placement. The program is designed to foster academic growth, leadership development, and early exposure to medical research careers.

5. BioBuilder High School Apprenticeship Challenge

Location: Online and in-person at BioBuilder Learning Lab @ Ginkgo Bioworks, Boston, MA

Cost: Free (includes a $500 stipend)

Dates: October–December; meets Thursdays 4–6 PM online and Saturdays 9 AM–2 PM in-person

Application Deadline: Applications open in September

Eligibility: Massachusetts public high school students (age 16+ by June 1) from underrepresented or economically disadvantaged backgrounds

This 8-week pre-professional training program equips high school students with technical lab skills, scientific thinking, and career readiness for the life sciences. You will learn core biotech techniques, engage in team-based lab research, and prepare for industry micro-credentials such as BCSI and BACE. Instruction combines online theory with in-person lab practice at Ginkgo Bioworks in Boston, supported by experienced mentors and STEM professionals. Students also gain exposure to real-world research environments and develop soft skills essential for success in internships and college. Upon completion, each student receives a $500 stipend and may be evaluated for credentialing. The program serves as a direct launchpad to future STEM internships and entry-level roles in biotech.

6. Technical Trades Work and Learning Program (MassCEC)

Location: Various clean energy employers across Massachusetts

Cost: Free (participants are paid)

Dates: October 28–August 21

Application Deadline: Rolling; open enrollment begins October 28

Eligibility: Massachusetts vocational/technical high school students (rising seniors), After Dark, or CTI program participants; recent graduates (within one year) also eligible

This program offers vocational high school students and recent graduates the chance to gain paid, hands-on experience in Massachusetts’ fast-growing clean energy sector. Participants work throughout the school year and summer with employers in fields such as energy efficiency, solar, or HVAC. Interns are matched with employers and supported by co-op coordinators and MassCEC throughout the experience. You will develop technical and professional skills, build industry networks, and explore careers in sustainability and trades. The program includes a structured application process with Co-op Coordinator support, resume submission through a student profile, and eligibility verification managed with schools. It’s ideal for students pursuing applied STEM fields and looking to transition directly into the workforce.

7. MassRobotics Jumpstart Fellowship

Location: MassRobotics, Boston, MA

Cost: Free (with a $1000 stipend upon completion)

Dates: April–August

Application Deadline: March 31

Eligibility: Female high school juniors and seniors in Massachusetts, especially those who are Black or Latinx

This fellowship is designed to empower high school girls from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in robotics and STEM. The program begins with a week of intensive technical and professional training, followed by weekly mentorship sessions and workshops on coding, prototyping, simulation, and career skills like resume writing and networking. You will then transition into paid summer internships at robotics companies, gaining firsthand industry experience. Throughout the program, you will engage with professionals, tour robotics companies, and build a strong peer and mentor network. The initiative places a strong emphasis on increasing diversity in the robotics workforce and building confidence through direct exposure and support.

8. High School Apprenticeship Challenge (MLSC)

Location: Various life sciences companies and labs across Massachusetts

Cost: Free (interns are paid by host organizations)

Dates: Rolling placements; internship timelines vary by employer

Application Deadline: None; applications accepted until funding is fully allocated

Eligibility: Massachusetts students (age 16+) from qualifying public/vocational schools, METCO, or low-income backgrounds. Recent graduates (within two years) not in college also eligible

This apprenticeship program helps you gain real-world experience in the life sciences sector through paid internships at biotech companies, research institutions, and startups across Massachusetts. You will be matched with employers who provide hands-on exposure to biomedical research, lab work, or data science, depending on the placement. As an intern, you’ll be hired as a W-2 employee and will complete at least 40% of your hours in person. Pre-internship training is available in cities like Worcester, Brockton, and Cambridge, helping you build skills in lab safety, biotechnology, and professional readiness. Students are encouraged to apply early, as spots fill up quickly due to rolling placement and limited funding. This is a strong opportunity for motivated students looking to launch careers in biomedical or biotech fields while still in high school.

9. Tech Apprentice (Boston PIC)

Location: Companies across Boston, MA

Cost: Free (students are paid $15/hour)

Dates: 6–7 weeks in summer (typically late June to early/mid-August)

Application Deadline: Not specified; opens in spring

Eligibility: Boston Public Schools high school students, age 16+

Tech Apprentice offers students from Boston Public Schools the chance to work in IT and technology roles at companies across the city. Over 6–7 weeks, students are matched with employers and contribute to real-world projects in software development, cybersecurity, help desk support, data analysis, web design, and social media. You will work 25–35 hours per week, earning $3,000–$3,500 for the summer, while building both technical and professional skills. Interns often have backgrounds in coding clubs, robotics, or early college tech programs, and receive additional career exploration through company tours, guest speakers, and workshops. The program is part of the Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program and prepares students for future studies or careers in technology.

10. Camp Zon at Zon Lab, Boston Children’s Hospital & Harvard

Location: Virtual, hosted by Zon Lab, Boston, MA & Cambridge, MA

Cost: Free (includes stipend)

Dates: July 14–25

Application Deadline: Typically opens in spring

Eligibility: Massachusetts high school students or rising college freshmen, age 16+; women and underrepresented minority students strongly encouraged to apply

Camp Zon is a paid two-week virtual summer research program that gives you the chance to become part of a working biomedical research lab. You will join the Zon Lab team to design, test, and analyze zebrafish experiments focused on anemia and blood development. You’ll form research teams, generate hypotheses, interpret results, and present your findings to lab members. Along the way, you will learn coding basics, scientific literature analysis, and the ways to present research effectively. The program includes virtual lectures by top scientists, career panels, and one-on-one mentoring with lab members. No prior research experience is required.

11. Youth Summer Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Location: Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA

Cost: Free (students are paid)

Dates: 6 weeks in summer (exact dates not listed)

Application Deadline: Closed for now; typically opens in spring

Eligibility: Boston residents enrolled in high school; age 16+ by June 1

This program places high school students in departments across Brigham and Women’s Hospital, from research labs to radiology, transport, and materials management. As an intern, you’ll work 30 hours per week, gaining direct exposure to healthcare careers and professional environments. The program focuses on community health, hospital operations, and career readiness through a mix of job experience and structured development. You will receive mentorship from hospital staff and complete onboarding as formal employees. You’ll benefit from both clinical and administrative experiences depending on your placement and interest. It’s a strong early exposure opportunity for students exploring futures in health science, medicine, or hospital-based STEM careers.

12. Young Scholars Program (YSP) – Northeastern University

Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA

Cost: Free

Dates: June 23–July 31

Application Deadline: Closed (typically opens in winter and closes in early spring)

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (current juniors) who live in Massachusetts and within commuting distance of Northeastern; U.S. citizens or permanent residents only

YSP offers students a chance to conduct STEM research in Northeastern’s top-tier labs while exploring careers in science, health, and engineering. Interns work closely with faculty in departments such as Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Physics, and Computer Science, contributing to real projects ranging from battery chemistry to cancer therapies. In addition to lab work, you will participate in career panels, field trips, and the Introduction to Engineering seminar series. The program also provides individualized college and career counseling, including support from the Dean’s Office and Northeastern’s Cooperative Education staff. You’ll be on campus full-time, Monday through Thursday, with access to university resources and peer mentoring. This intensive day program prepares you for the academic and professional demands of STEM fields while helping you explore future pathways.

13. LLCipher Program – MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Location: MIT Beaver Works, Cambridge, MA

Cost: Free (non-residential)

Dates: August 4–8

Application Deadline: April 16

Eligibility: U.S. high school students (Grades 9–12) interested in math or cybersecurity; must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents; students from underrepresented backgrounds encouraged to apply

LLCipher is an intensive one-week summer workshop focused on theoretical cryptography, hosted in person at MIT Beaver Works. Designed for mathematically inclined high school students, the program explores encryption, digital signatures, and advanced cryptographic methods like homomorphic encryption and secure multi-party computation. You will attend technical lectures and solve applied problems under the mentorship of MIT Lincoln Laboratory staff. There are no formal prerequisites, but students are expected to engage with abstract algebra, number theory, and computational complexity. This is a strong enrichment opportunity for students interested in cybersecurity, mathematics, or computer science.

14. MITES Semester

Location: Online, with an in-person conference at MIT, Cambridge, MA

Cost: Free (students cover only travel to MIT)

Dates: June–December (Exact start date varies; students commit ~25–30 hours/week in summer and 3–5 hours/week in fall)

Application Deadline: Fall of junior year (usually opens in October and closes in early February)

Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents in Grade 11 at the time of applying

MITES Semester offers high school juniors a six-month, immersive STEM experience focused on both academic exploration and college preparation. You will take two live, online courses - one project-based STEM course and one core class in physics, calculus, computer science, or science writing. Classes run in the evenings to accommodate school schedules and foster a collaborative, national community of scholars. In the fall, you will participate in webinars, admissions prep, and one-on-one mentoring to support college applications. The program concludes with a student conference at MIT, where you’ll meet peers, professors, and STEM professionals in person. MITES Semester is designed to challenge, support, and empower students from underserved or underrepresented backgrounds in STEM.

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.

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