25 Biology Internships for High Schoolers in 2025

What’s Covered:

• 25 Biology Internships for High School Students in 2025
• How Much Do Internships Impact Your College Chances? 

 

Internships provide a host of benefits to high schoolers, particularly in fields like biology. High school biology internships allow students to gain real-world experience in the field and the lab, network with like-minded peers and professionals, and build valuable skills. High school biology internships also let students explore the field as a potential major—sampling college-level coursework, labs, and life.   

 

Internships can also boost a student’s odds of college admissions. They show a dedication to the fields that interest them and intellectual curiosity—two qualities that admissions officers look for.  

 

25 Biology Internships for High School Students

 

1. Monell Science Apprenticeship Program

 

Application Deadline: N/A

Duration: 7 weeks (June 23 – August 15)  

 

This paid summer apprenticeship program seeks to stimulate interest in biomedical science and medicine careers, particularly in underrepresented groups, such as racial and ethnic minorities, females, and the economically disadvantaged. Participants work on research projects under the mentorship of Monell scientists. The program concludes with apprentices presenting their research at a public conference. Students also take part in a variety of enrichment activities designed to build skills like public speaking, written communication, and ethics. 

 

The program is extremely competitive—only 18 to 24 students are chosen from hundreds of applications. The program is open to high schoolers and undergraduates interested in science and research who live in the greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area.  

 

2. SUNY Oneonta Summer Research Internship

 

Application Deadline: March 26

Duration: 9 weeks  

 

This fun, 9-week high school internship is open to New York residents ages 16 and older. Most projects interns undertake involve monitoring Otsego Lake and the Susquehanna watershed, with the bulk of the work focused on water quality and biota. Over the course of the summer, interns will gain firsthand experience with fieldwork, laboratory and data analysis, writing, and presenting findings.    

 

Applicants are required to submit an essay along with two references. Interns receive a $3,000 stipend for their participation.

 

3. University of Michigan Aspirnaut Internship Program

 

Application Deadline: N/A

Duration: Six weeks (June 16 – July 25) 

 

This prestigious summer internship program—just 5 to 10 interns are accepted annually—offers students the opportunity to gain real-world research experience in the life sciences. In addition to research, students meet with mentors, receive standardized test preparation, and get college advice. Students also live and learn at the University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus, providing valuable insight into college life.  

 

The program is open to rising seniors from Michigan. Students receive a stipend for their participation in the program.

 

4. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Internships 

 

Application Deadline: Varies

Duration: Varies 

 

INL provides paid STEM internships to high school students, pairing interns with mentors to develop innovative solutions to real-world projects. In addition to project-focused work, interns participate in enrichment activities like workshops and skill building. It’s recommended that interns complete a final project—whether it’s a traditional poster, an electronic presentation, or a video.   

 

Applicants must possess a minimum 3.0 GPA and pass a background check. They’re also required to submit a resume. 

 

5. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program

 

Application Deadline: January 19 

Duration: Eight weeks  

 

This paid summer program sponsored by the American Fisheries Society aims to stimulate interest in fisheries and aquatic science among groups underrepresented in the profession. Opportunities are available in all 50 states, plus Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Activities vary depending on the available opportunities but often include:  

 

• Taking fish population surveys
• Establishing aquatic vegetation and fish habitat
• Electrofishing
• Examining specimens under a microscope
• Water quality testing
• Data processing

 

Interns are expected to work 32 hours a week and are compensated with a $3,000 stipend and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit. 

 

6. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)

 

Application Deadline: January 3

Duration: Seven weeks (June 23 – August 7) 

 

SSRP is a great opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to gain real-world, mentored research experience. Participants will work 35 hours a week in groups of eight to ten students in a particular research track. Past tracks include:  

 

• RNA virus discovery and bioinformatics
• Coronavirus immune response
• Silkworm biomaterials
• Evolutionary behavior in fruit flies
• Nanobody binding patterns
• Mathematical and neurological basis of smell patterns
• Cultivation of wild yeast
• Modeling microbes in milk and cheese
• Ant social biology

 

Students also take part in core sessions designed to provide deeper insight into the experimental approach and scientific reasoning. They also receive professional development assistance, such as help crafting resumes and LinkedIn profiles.  

 

7. George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)

 

Application Deadline: February 2

Duration: Eight weeks (June 18 – August 8)

 

ASSIP provides high school and undergraduate students the chance to work with researchers one-on-one and gain firsthand experience using cutting-edge equipment and technology. Participants in this free program explore STEM fields while developing a range of valuable skills—from scientific writing to communication. There is also the chance that participants’ work will be published in a scientific journal or presented at a conference.   

 

Students must be over 15 years old to participate in in-person, remote, and hybrid internships in computer labs and over 16 years old to participate in “wet lab” in-person and hybrid internships. 

 

8. National Institutes of Health (NIH) High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP)

 

Application Deadline: N/A

Duration: Four weeks (July 7 – August 7)  

 

HiSTEP aims to expand the number of students interested in biomedical and healthcare careers—specifically high school juniors from the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland (DMV) metro area. The program is held at the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland, and builds basic science skills while exploring a variety of STEM topics through workshops and lectures.   

 

To participate in the program, students must be citizens or legal U.S. residents who are rising high school seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and attend a school where over 30% of the student body participates in the Federal Free/Reduced Lunch Program. 

 

9. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Young Women in Science (YWIS)

 

Application Deadline: Varies

Duration: 10 weeks (June – August)  

 

YWIS provides research-based education opportunities to high school students interested in STEM. Students work in a particular research area with a scientist mentor while also participating in a variety of developmental activities, including laboratory demonstrations, field trips, and workshops.

 

10. Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP)

 

Application Deadline: January 22

Duration: Six weeks (June 33 – August 8)

 

This opportunity from the Broad Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts, enables high schoolers to conduct research projects in fields like cancer biology, chemical biology, psychiatric disease, chemical biology, computational biology, infectious disease, and more. Participants also explore potential careers in science, attend scientific talks, develop their network of like-minded peers, and present their research at a scientific poster session.   

 

The program is open to rising Massachusetts high school seniors with Bs in science and math, and a demonstrated interest in science. Participants earn a $3,600 stipend.  

 

11. Wave Hill Forest Project

 

Application Deadline: March 1

Duration: N/A 

 

New York City residents interested in urban environmental issues will want to check out this program exploring ecological restoration and urban ecology. Students will gain firsthand experience with fieldwork, take college-level courses, and listen to guest speakers from a variety of green careers.   

 

Interns work in small crews and earn approximately $2,275 over the course of the summer. With the successful completion of coursework, they can also earn three college credits. 

 

12. Los Alamos National Laboratory High School Summer Internship Program

 

Application Deadline: April 14

Duration: N/A

 

Los Alamos National Laboratory offers a number of STEM internship opportunities to rising high school seniors from northern New Mexico. Applicants must be over the age of 16, a second-semester junior at the time of applying, and a senior during the internship. Interns must also possess a minimum 2.75 GPA and pass a pre-employment drug test.  

 

13. Scripps Research California High School Internship Program

 

Application Deadline: March 31

Duration: 10 weeks (June 2 – August 8 or June 16 – August 22) 

 

This program is aimed at students interested in health sciences, statistics, and computational sciences—its goal is to nurture future leaders in translational medical research. Participants dive into fields like genomics, bioinformatics, and digital medicine. They also attend seminars, develop an independent research project, work in a team to present a scientific journal article, and present their findings at a program poster symposium.

 

This is a highly selective program—only 40 students (a combination of high schoolers, undergrads, and graduate students) are chosen to participate.

 

14. Indiana University Future Scientist Program

 

Application Deadline: N/A

Duration: Eight weeks   

 

This eight-week summer program is open to high school juniors from Marion County, Indiana, public schools interested in science. Students will work on a research project at the University of Indiana’s School of Medicine, receive mentorship, and earn a stipend for their participation in the program.

 

15. Fred Hutch Cancer Center Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)

 

Application Deadline: March 31 

Duration: Eight weeks (June 23 – August 15) 

 

This competitive paid internship is aimed at students entering their senior year who are from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical science. The program is divided into two parts—the first two weeks are focused on training in laboratory techniques and skills, and the following six weeks are devoted to mentored activities such as lab meetings and work. Interns work 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday, and are provided a stipend. 

 

The program is open to students across the U.S., although they must provide their own housing and transportation during the internship. 

 

16. Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy 

 

Application Deadline: March 12

Duration: 10 weeks (June 2 – August )

 

This summer program provides participants with the opportunity to perform real-world scientific work—conducting a research project and working as a member of a biomedical research team. Students receive mentorship, develop critical thinking and communication skills, build a network of peers and mentors, and gain valuable research experience.

 

Students also participate in workshops and present their findings at seminars. Some students have even had their names included on published research papers or have patented and sold inventions developed with their mentors. Participants receive a stipend of $4,500 for their work.

 

17. Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Summer Student Program

 

Application Deadline: February 7

Duration: Eight weeks (June 30 – August 22)

 

Current high school juniors who live within a 25-mile radius of New York City will want to look into this summer program that provides hands-on laboratory and research experience. Interns conduct their own research projects, attend training sessions, receive mentorship, and gain insight into the world of translational medicine and research.

 

Interns are expected to work full-time (40 hours a week), usually from 9 am to 5 pm or 10 am to 6 pm, over the course of the program. Students receive a $1,200 stipend for their participation. The program is extremely prestigious, just 20 interns—out of more than 1,000 applicants—are enrolled per summer.

 

18. Project Success: Opening the Door to Biomedical Careers

 

Application Deadline: February 3

Duration: Seven weeks (June 30 – August 15)

 

The Harvard Medical School Department of Diversity and Inclusion offers this summer research internship to Boston and Cambridge high school juniors and seniors, particularly those from populations that are underrepresented in medicine and/or from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

 

Interns engage in hands-on research, develop their technical skills, build scientific knowledge, and hone valuable skills like critical thinking. Participants are also provided support in their pursuit of academic and career goals. 

 

This paid internship is open to high schoolers who are Boston or Cambridge, Massachusetts, residents. 

 

19. Ladder Internship Program

 

Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Main summer deadlines are March 15, April 15, and May 15

Duration: Eight weeks 

 

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. Past founders have included YCombinator alums, founders raising over 30 million dollars, or founders who previously worked at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. In the program, students work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company.

 

This highly flexible program is designed to be accessible to a wide range of students. You will complete your internship remotely, from anywhere in the world, and there are internships available throughout the year, so you can easily plan around your other commitments—you can expect to work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students and gap year students! 

 

Here is the application form.

 

20. Summer Science Intensive: iCLEM

 

Application Deadline: March 16

Duration: Seven weeks (June 16 – August 1)

 

The Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology (iCLEM) aims to introduce economically disadvantaged high school sophomores and juniors to biotechnology, microbiology, and biofuels. Interns conduct a mentored research project, explore potential career paths, and prepare for the college application process while building fundamental knowledge in biotechnology, microbiology, and biofuels. 

 

The internship is open to students from Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Francisco Counties. Participants earn a $3,000 stipend.

 

21. Linking Individuals to their Natural Community (LINC)

 

Application Deadline: March 8

Duration: Six weeks (June 17 – August 1)

 

This Bay Area program combines activities like wildlife monitoring and habitat restoration with community building, service learning, and exploration. Participants tackle a variety of activities and projects and have adventurous experiences—like camping and kayaking—while gaining a deeper understanding of the local environment and its influence on adjacent communities. 

 

This opportunity is paid—interns can earn up to a $2,400 stipend—and is open to students from Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Contra Costa, Solano, and Alameda Counties.

 

22. High School Summer Research Experience in Cancer (SURE-CAN) Program

 

Application Deadline: January 31

Duration: Six weeks (June 26 – August 8)

 

High school juniors in Western New York interested in a future in science will want to explore this opportunity. Students gain firsthand experience with lab work, receive classroom instruction on cancer basics, and participate in a number of professional development events. Participants are introduced to the fundamentals of cancer sciences, including cancer biology, imaging, and genomics—plus emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).  

 

This commuter program is open to high school juniors who are locals of Western New York and reside in Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus, or Chautauqua counties.

 

23. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program

 

Application Deadline: January 27

Duration: 10 weeks (May 31 – August 8)

 

This prestigious summer program focused on genetics and genomics research is held at both Jackson Laboratory’s Bar Harbor, Maine, campus, as well as its Farmington, Connecticut, campus. Participants work under the guidance of a mentor to develop a research project, implement their plan, analyze the data, and report their results. 

 

Admission to this program is competitive—only 36 students were accepted from 498 applicants in 2024. Of accepted students, just one was in high school. Students earn a $6,500 stipend for their participation in the program.

 

24. Stanford STaRS Internship Program

 

Application Deadline: January 27

Duration: Seven weeks (June 23 – August 8)

 

The goal of this summer internship program is to support and encourage young people to pursue careers in healthcare and biomedical research. Students conduct lab work side by side with experienced scientist mentors and peers. Once a week, they also engage in out-of-lab learning experiences.

 

Applicants are welcome from anywhere in the US and its territories, however, applicants are required to secure their own housing and transportation to the laboratory. The program is selective—only approximately 20 students are chosen to participate annually.

 

25. UC Davis Young Scholars Program

 

Application Deadline: March 15

Duration: Six weeks (June 22 – August 2)

 

Approximately 40 high school sophomores and juniors are chosen annually to conduct research in biology, agriculture, environmental science, and natural science as part of this program. Young Scholars work one-on-one with faculty on an individual research project and prepare a journal-quality paper and symposium presentation about their work. Over the course of the program, students will gain firsthand experience with the climate and culture of living and learning on a university campus.

 

How Much Do Internships Impact Your College Chances?  

 

Extracurricular activities such as internships play a considerable role in admissions decisions at many colleges. The exact impact an internship will have on how your application is viewed depends on a few factors.

 

Firstly, schools will consider the prestige of the internship. Highly selective internships, or ones associated with well-respected colleges and universities, will be seen as more impressive achievements in the eyes of admissions officers. Secondly, the work you do during your internship might be considered. Admissions committees will look more favorably upon students who were able to work hands-on during their internships and contribute to research in some way. Finally, an internship will carry more weight in your application if it aligns with your application theme. Don’t participate in a biology internship simply for the sake of it; make sure any internship you pursue is motivated by your passion for the work you will do.

 

CollegeVine’s free admissions calculator can help you gain a better understanding of how participation in an internship influences your odds of college admission. Our free chancing calculator considers a variety of metrics—including academic performance, demographics, and extracurriculars like internships—to estimate your chances of acceptance at hundreds of schools across the country.

 

Disclaimer: This post includes content sponsored by Lumiere Education.