medical research opportunities for high school students nj

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Biomedical Research Institute of New Jersey

The Biomedical Research Institute of New Jersey (BRInj) is committed to the training, education and mentorship of aspiring research scientists and physicians. In pursuit of that goal, BRInj has partnered with MidAtlantic Neonatology Associates (MANA) and other leading organizations to offer a High School Research Program. The program is designed to give students exposure to cutting-edge research, an appreciation for scientific and medical careers, and an opportunity to learn basic laboratory and research skills.

We are pleased to invite outstanding high school students to conduct biomedical research in our state-of-the-art laboratory in collaboration with PhD and MD scientists. This two-week, hands-on research experience is a great way for students to assess their inclination for careers in science and medicine; while at the same time gaining transferable skills that can be used in college-level laboratory classes and other research opportunities.

High School Summer Research Program

Application Details Coming Soon!

Contact Aimee Herdt, PhD , with questions about the High School Research Program.

For Students

NJIT research enterprise provides undergraduate and graduate students an outstanding academic and research experience through various externally and internally funded research programs, centers of excellence and collaborative interdisciplinary initiatives.

These programs provide opportunities for students to learn necessary and important research skills and to innovate in order to take a leadership role in society.

Undergraduate Research Programs    

Undergraduate Research and Innovation (URI) programs give students a chance to flourish in various ways. Students learn how to do research, but also how to pick projects that will improve a societal problem and enhance the quality of life for a community of people.  These programs are designed to help students develop the vision to contend with global challenges. More information on the  URI website .  

Graduate Research Programs

Doctoral and Master’s graduate students are an integral part of NJIT research enterprise. Graduate students work at faculty research laboratories and centers through 19 doctoral and 56 Master’s degree programs. NJIT faculty grants and contracts directly fund graduate students providing outstanding opportunities for basic, applied and translational research and technology development. 

Students may contact Principal Investigators and Directors of research centers and laboratories for exploring the availability of research opportunities in specific areas. Please see  Centers and Laboratories website  for additional information on research opportunities.

High School STEM Research Programs

NJIT offers excellent opportunities for professional and career development in STEM areas to undergraduate, as well high school students, through Provost Summer Research and faculty-centered grants and research centers. NJIT is committed to providing opportunities for hands-on research participation for high school students under the guidance of a faculty advisor with close mentoring through NJIT undergraduate and graduate students.   

The high school summer research internship program requires a commitment of 6 weeks from June 24th, 2024 to August 1st, 2024 . The highly competitive program is designed to inspire the students to appreciate the value of discovery and innovation with the ultimate objective of encouraging them to pursue a career in science and lifelong learning. Acepted students are paired with a faculty member and their reserach team consisting of undergraduate students, graduate students and post docs.  At the end of their internships, students will  present an electronic poster at the annual Summer Research Symposium describing their project and outcomes to faculty and their peers.  Our faculty members are involved in the following five areas of research.  You will be asked for your first and second  preferences on the application.

• Bioscience & Bioengineering
• ​Data Science & Management
• Environment & Sustainability
• Material Science & Engineering
• Robotics & Machine Intelligence

Notifications for the 2024 summer program will be sent by May 1, 2024.

Please review the 2024 HSSRI Guidelines found here for eligibility, required documents and important dates. Please note, there is a $500 fee if accepted.  Permission forms will also be required if accepted.  Payment and forms will be due in  May 2024. Need based waivers are available to all who qualify, please contact us at [email protected] if you require financial assistance. 

Eligibility:

● Applicants must be completing 10th or 11th grade in June 2024. Graduating high school seniors are not eligible. ● Applicants should have an unweighted GPA of 3.75 or better, and show a demonstrated interest in science. ● Students must be New Jersey high school students and residents of New Jersey. ● Students must be able to commute to NJIT daily (at their own expense) for the duration of the program. ● A parent or legal guardian must grant permission for the student to participate in the program

Students who do not meet the criteria above will not be considered.

Please email [email protected] with questions . 

Center for Pre-College Programs

For more information about NJIT's extracurricular STEM programs for students in grades 4 -12, please visit our Center for Pre-College Programs .

Note: The Center for Pre-College Programs does not oversee the Summer Provost High School Internship Program nor will they be able to provide program or application materials.  

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Coriell Summer Experience for Students

Running from July 17 through August 19, the Coriell Summer Experience for Students is a paid opportunity for high school and college students to work alongside world-renowned scientists and researchers and gain insights into careers in science or related areas.

Through our four-week Summer Experience program, we offer a limited number of students an exclusive opportunity to be a part of the day-to-day research activities in dynamic research and biobanking environments, and we offer the possibility to experience biobank operations.

Students will spend time in the selected area and receive individualized instruction and direction from a group of expert mentors. The students may also have an opportunity to learn to operate and work closely with Coriell's state-of-the-art equipment and technology.

Students will have the opportunity to apply for a summer experience in the following areas:

• Production Laboratories: Apply here
• Research & Development: Apply here

In Coriell's  Production Laboratories , students will focus on learning and supporting the fundamental techniques of generating, freezing, and distributing the samples that support the Coriell Biobank. Within the Stem Cell Lab, the work shifts to the exploration of induced pluripotent stem cells - a powerful research resource made from the body's skin and blood cells. The students may also observe karyotyping, a methodology designed to characterize chromosomes and identify genetic disorders. During a stint in Coriell's Molecular Biology Lab, the students will learn about and support the efforts of extracting DNA from various sample types.

Students in the Research & Development track will learn how Coriell’s labs and expert technicians support scientists around the world. The labs at Coriell offer a wide range of services that other labs might need assistance with.

This program also includes access to helpful seminars to assist in resume-building, interviewing, and career paths, as well as practice with public speaking with journal clubs and formal presentations.

All applications must be submitted by May 15.

Eligibility

Students interested in the program must:

• Be at least 17 years of age by July 1
• Have a strong interest in science (advanced science classes are preferred)
• Be available to participate in all four weeks of the program
• Must be a resident of the United States
• No lodging or transportation will be provided. All applicants should be able to commute to Coriell's facility in Camden, New Jersey.

Student Presentations

At the culmination of the Summer Experience for Students program, students present a formal PowerPoint presentation discussing what they have learned at the institute to an assembly of Coriell staff and their own peers.

2019 Summer Experience for Students

2018 Summer Experience for Students

2017 Summer Experience for Students

2016 Summer Experience for Students

2015 Summer Experience for Students

2014 Summer Experience for Students

2013 Summer Experience for Students

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Medical Research for High School Students

Medical research aims to improve our understanding of the mechanisms of human disease and health, develop new treatments, and study and learn from the macro environment of medicine and public health. It could take place in an experimental lab or from your own home. Researchers in medicine apply knowledge from a wide array of disciplines related to the natural sciences, social sciences and mathematics. If these broad topics interest you, then you might enjoy doing a deep dive in an area of medicine that you find really compelling. This guide will help you accomplish just that.

Medicine Research Guide

Medicine Articles

Medicine Projects

Medicine Mentors

Medicine Scholars

Types of Medical Research and Careers

Medicine is an exciting, diverse and constantly evolving field and, thus, the types of research in this area follows suit. From clinical research into medicinal efficacy, to clinical trials using human subjects, to datasets and qualitative surveys, the world of medicine can be explored through many different approaches.

Similarly, the types of careers available within the medical field are also quite endless and varied: hands-on surgeons in the OR, business-minded healthcare administrators, public health researchers, professors of medicine, community health workers and epidemiologists–to name a few. 

The opportunities for medical research and career paths are truly unlimited. The common thread throughout most medical professions, however, is that the individuals who most thrive in them tend to be: hard-working, empathetic, patient, curious, flexible, detail-oriented and great at communicating.

How to Get into Medicine

Take time to learn about different areas of medicine to see which topics and aspects you’re gravitating toward right now. Science and math courses at your high school will provide the best foundational knowledge for college- and grad-level medical studies. There is also a vast array of books on specific medical topics, case studies and narrative perspectives.

Taking advantage of resources available to you now and participating in extracurricular activities can expand your knowledge and help you discover medical niches and research areas that spark excitement for you.

1. Take a Class in High School

Science and math courses tend to be the most applicable when preparing for a medical path. The availability of classes varies greatly from school to school, but most high schools offer many of the courses listed below. You can also look for them at your local community college or an accredited online institution.

Natural Sciences:

Organic Chemistry

Social Sciences:

Anthropology

Communications

Public Health

Mathematics:

It’s important to note that in life and work, it’s an advantage to be well-rounded and it can open up more opportunities for you. Be thoughtful about the humanities courses you select, too. They might feel extraneous to your medical aspirations, but they could actually end up being extremely relevant.

Speaking multiple languages would be a huge benefit, for example, if you want to serve immigrant populations or individuals in international crisis areas (e.g., Doctors Without Borders). A good understanding of writing structure can help you communicate your theories and discoveries more effectively in a medical journal. If you love the arts, it might inspire a medical research project .

2. Read a Book

There are many acclaimed books on various facets of the medical industry, from instructional books to historical narratives, to social and ethical questions and firsthand accounts. Below are some of the classics.

History, Commentary and Accounts from the Field

“An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back” by Elisabeth Rosenthal - An exploration of the doctor-patient relationship and exploitation within the US healthcare system.

“Better: A Surgeon’s Notes on Performance” by Atul Gawande - A national bestseller investigating human performance in medicine in battlefield surgical tents, delivery rooms, malpractice courtrooms and more.

“The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer” by Siddartha Mukherjee - Cancer is explored through the lenses of history, research and cellular biology in this Pulitzer Prize winning memoir.

"The Gene: An Intimate History" by Siddhartha Mukherjee - This book looks at the history of genetics and the impact on medicine and society.

“The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat” by Oliver Sacks - An account of real clinical cases of patients with fascinating and bizarre neurological disorders.

"When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi - A young neurosurgeon is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and reflects on what it means to live a meaningful life in his memoir.

Texts and Instructional Books

“The Language of Medicine” by Davi-Ellen Chabner - An educational text with important medical terminology explained through easy-to-follow descriptions, examples and exercises.

“The Medicine Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained” by DK - An accessible medical overview on the breakthroughs and discoveries that have shaped our understanding of medicine today, with striking graphics to simplify complex topics.

“Netter Atlas of Human Anatomy” by Frank H. Netter - A mainstay medical school atlas with detailed illustrations of the human body from a clinical perspective.

As in all sciences, there are constantly new breakthroughs in medicine. Keep up with new developments through reputable websites, podcasts, medical journals, and organizations like the American Medical Association (AMA).

3. Extracurricular Study

Remember that quality is often more important than quantity when it comes to extracurricular activities. Choose activities that genuinely interest you.

Volunteer at a health facility: Get some exposure to health and medicine in the real world by seeking out volunteer opportunities at local hospitals or community organizations.

Intern: Seek internships or shadowing opportunities with practicing doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. This firsthand experience can give you insight into the day-to-day work of professionals in the medical field.

Join or start a medical-related club: HOSA-Future Health Professionals is a well-known organization endorsed by the Department of Education. If this group doesn’t already exist at your high school, you can start a chapter! HOSA cultivates leadership skills and builds knowledge among students interested in pursuing health careers.

Become an EMT: If you’re over 18, you can train to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and get real, hands-on experience. 

Find a mentor: Find a mentor who is a practicing medical professional, pre-med professor, or medical school graduate student (with knowledge in medicine , neuroscience , public health , and/or healthcare ). They can answer your questions, provide guidance and share insights into the profession.

Conduct independent research projects: Undertake independent research projects in medicine. You can investigate topics of interest and present your findings at school or local science fairs .

Present: Develop your public speaking skills by giving presentations or talks on medical-related topics. Consider participating in events like TEDx Youth or school assemblies. 

Write: If getting up and talking in front of people is not your thing, you can contribute articles or essays to your school newspaper or magazine on medical-related subjects. This can help you develop your writing skills and share your passion for the field.

Create a medical blog or podcast: Start a blog or podcast where you discuss medical topics, share book reviews, or interview professionals in the field. This can showcase your interest and communication skills.

Start a movement: Start or join an initiative or event to raise awareness and/or money concerning a regional or global health issue.

If you could use some help developing your own medical research project, our Pathfinders program gives you access to mentors in healthcare who can listen to your ideas and provide valuable feedback.

Medical Research Opportunities 

There are many research options for high school students to drill down into a facet of the medical field that interests you, including summer pre-college programs , local community college offerings, internships, virtual programs and independent research with a professor or mentor. If you want to conduct your own experiments , we highly advise that you have a qualified adult advisor you can consult.

Find research programs close to home

We’ll go into summer medical programs in more depth in the next section, but if you want to find all types of established medical research opportunities close to home, our High School Student Research Opportunities Database is an excellent resource. Click on your state, then search based on your location, institution, event type (in-person or virtual) and tuition (paid or free).

Work with a professor

If you have a clear idea of your passions, you can reach out to professors in your field to see if they are open to collaborating with you. Refer to our Guide to Cold-Emailing Professors (written by Polygence literature research mentor Daniel Hazard , a Ph.D. candidate at Princeton University).

Engage in your own research project

Students with initiative and focus can opt to tackle research independently. Carly Taylor , a Stanford University senior who has completed several independent research projects, shares how to write a self-guided research paper . By reading it, you’ll get a better understanding of what to expect when taking on this type of project.

Enter a competition

Competitions can be fun when you’re really interested in a subject and the requirements and deadlines that come with competitions can provide a helpful structure for you to stay on track. Another benefit to attending a competition is that you will meet other students, teachers, and experts who share your passion for the medical field. There are many fantastic science and medicine-related competitions geared toward high school students, including: 

Conrad Challenge (The Conrad Foundation)

Competitive Events Program (HOSA-Future Health Professionals)

ExploraVision (Toshiba/NTSA)

Eye on the Future Teen Video Contest (NIH)

National Science Bowl (Department of Energy)

Neuroscience Research Prize (American Academy of Neurology)

High School Design Competition (Engineering World Health)

Regeneron Science Talent Search (Society for Science)

If you could use some help developing a plan of action, our Pathfinders program gives you access to medical mentors who can listen to your ideas and provide valuable feedback.

Summer Programs in Medicine

Here are some top picks for summer medical research programs. We chose them based on a combination of their affordability, name recognition, social opportunities and academic rigor.

1. Summer Medical Academy

Hosting institution: Rady Children’s Hospital

Cost: $3,000 (partially tax-deductible)

Format: In person (San Diego, CA)

Application deadline: TBD - 2024 deadline not yet released

These two-week sessions provide interactive learning opportunities and are designed for students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, particularly as a nurse, physician assistant or mental health practitioner. Highly motivated and enthusiastic students who will be between 15-19 years old in June 2024 and have completed 9th grade (up until the summer after graduating 12th grade) are eligible to apply. 

2. CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp

Hosting institution: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Format: In person (Atlanta, GA)

Topics vary year to year in these one-week sessions and may include public health interventions, global health, infectious disease, chronic disease, injury prevention and data analysis. The program is fast paced and academically demanding and participants are expected to fully immerse themselves, work together, and become a diverse team of “disease detectives.” Admission is open to high-school students during the summer before their junior or senior years. 

3. 1-Week Medical Academy

Hosting institution: Georgetown University

Cost: $2,750-$3,549

Format: In person (Washington, DC)

In this one-week program in June or July, students explore topics ranging from human anatomy, physiology, and radiology to surgery, cancer, biomedical ethics, and procurement of human tissues. Students will participate in hands-on labs, including suturing, orthopedic casting, small mammal dissection and use of a patient simulator. Participants will have the opportunity to interact directly with medical students, faculty and physicians. The program is open to current or rising high school students in good academic standing.

4. Medical Immersion Summer Academy

Hosting institution: Alameda Health System , Samuel Merritt University , and private clinicians

Cost: $1,400

Format: In person (Oakland, CA)

MISA offers this five-day program in the spring and summer. MISA works to expose pre-med and pre-health high school students to hands-on clinical experience in a variety of healthcare settings that will provide them with a competitive edge as they begin their own career in health. MISA encourages high school students (15 years or older) from across the country to apply. 

For all of our summer medical research picks, check out this post on the subject.

If you’re searching for a virtual psychology research opportunity, consider doing a project through Polygence with one of our mentors in medicine .

Medical Internships for High School Students

1. high school senior summer internship program.

Hosting institution: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

Cost: Paid internship: $13/hour; 20 hours/week

Format: In person (Cincinnati, OH)

Application deadline: February 1, 2024

Graduating high school seniors get the opportunity to work with a mentor in one of multiple pediatric specialties in this eight-week, part-time internship program. The program is very competitive, offering an exciting experience for highly motivated students interested in pursuing higher education (MD, PhD, or MD / PhD) to learn more about careers in Biomedical Sciences.  

2. Summer Child Health Research Internship

Hosting institution: University of Colorado-Boulder

Cost: $3,500 stipend offered

Format: In person (Boulder, CO)

Application deadline: TBD - 2024 info not yet released

This paid internship introduces high school students between their junior and senior years of high school to research opportunities related to child health. After a summer of hands-on experience, students will have the opportunity to participate in a lecture research series and present their research at the completion of the internship. The internship includes opportunities for students to participate in a lecture research series as well as present their research at the completion of the internship.

3. Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)

Hosting institution: The National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Cost: Free; may provide stipend

Format: In person (Bethesda, MD)

Application deadline: February 16, 2024 @ Noon ET

Students interested in exploring careers in research and healthcare get to work in a research group directed by a Principal Investigator (PI). Students passionate about biology, engineering, epidemiology, psychology, mathematics, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, nursing, physics, computer science, bioinformatics or other health-related fields are encouraged to apply. This eight-week internship program is open to high school juniors and seniors (at least 17 years old).

4. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Hosting institution: Stanford University

Cost: $500-$1,500 stipend offered

Format: In person (Stanford, CA)

Application deadline: February 24, 2024

SIMR is an eight-week, paid summer internship program open to high school juniors and seniors from diverse backgrounds. The program consists of hands-on research under the direct guidance of a one-on-one mentor. Students applying to the program can choose from eight areas of research: Immunology; Neurobiology; Cancer Biology; Bioengineering; Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine; Cardiovascular Biology; Bioinformatics; and Genetics and Genomics.

Medical Project Ideas and How to Brainstorm Your Own

There are many different forms of research and ways to pursue your project. Experiments on animals or volunteer human subjects help medical researchers determine causation through comparing the effects on treatment groups and control groups. Survey-based research involves analyzing participants’ responses to questions, such as through express interviews, written responses or numerical information. A literature review is a written summary of key works that have already been conducted about a medical topic over several years. Other projects involve analyzing large amounts of data in spreadsheets using statistical analysis. 

Polygence Scholars Are Also Passionate About

You can brainstorm your own project ideas and pull from these idea generation techniques to come up with your own idea based on a medical or health concept that intrigues you. If you have an area in mind that you would like to explore, consider which form(s) of research might be best to elicit the type of information you are seeking. 

If you could use some inspiration, below are 10 medical research project ideas from our mentors to help kickstart the process.

The Use of Virtual and Augmented Reality in Medicine

Level: Beginner

Idea by: Medical research mentor Mina

Virtual realities are becoming the norm around households and even classrooms these days! Did you know that virtual and augmented realities are also starting to be incorporated within the world of medicine ? Take a deeper dive into this topic and write a research paper on your findings!

High School Health Independence

Idea by: Medical research mentor Margaret

Sometimes, it’s hard for teens to pinpoint a medical problem that they might be facing. How can we better educate high schoolers on the ins and outs of self care and living a healthy life? Brainstorm ways to introduce positive lifestyle mechanisms to this specific age group.

How Does Aristotle Inform Decision-Making at the End of Life in the U.S. Healthcare System?

Idea by: Medical research mentor Avery

Sometimes, medical decisions can interfere with what you believe is ethically correct. To help with this, clinicians should have some sort of guide to help them through decision making processes. For this project, you will grasp a better understanding of Aristotle’s principles, ethics, and more to assist with medical decision making . 

What can Songbirds Teach Us about Premature Infants?

Level: Intermediate

Idea by: Medical research mentor Naomi

Due to the advancement of medicine, more premature babies are given a chance at life than ever before. However, some of these babies unfortunately grow to develop some sort of mental impairment which points back to their time spent in the NICU. Is the sensory overload found within the rooms of the NICU altering brain development ?

Under the Dermatoscope: A Fact Check of Common Skin Care and Sun Protection Advice

Idea by: Medical research mentor Austin

If you find yourself buying lotions and serums to protect your skin from the sun, this could be the project for you! Do your research on all things dermatology! What really causes skin damage and how do you know you’re using the correct ointments? Create a blog or podcast on skin health. 

Development of New Cancer Treatment with Targeted Medicine

Level: Advanced

Idea by: Medical research mentor Clayton

Explore the world of medicine by helping treat a cancer type of your choice! For this project you will invent a drug by learning more about cancerous cellular markers . You will focus on targeting those specific markers with the drug that you develop. Write a research paper or create a poster presentation to explain your creation. 

How Will Personalized Medicine Affect the Costs of Medical Care?

Idea by: Medical research mentor Alejandro

You went to the doctor and used your insurance, yet you still received a large bill in the mail. Then you have to go back to the doctor because the treatment given to you didn't work. It’s time to incorporate personalized medicine into our healthcare system. Do your research to gain an understanding on why this has yet to happen and what we should do to get there.

Tranexamic Acid as a Treatment for Drug-Induced Angioedema

Idea by: Medical research mentor Gaurav

Unfortunately, we probably all know someone with high blood pressure as it’s one of the most common diagnoses in the U.S. Even though there are plenty of medications that help control the spike in blood pressure, many of them have awful side effects. One of the most common side effects, angioedema , can be very dangerous if left untreated. Do your research to develop a treatment plan for these patients. 

Need more inspiration from our fantastic mentors? Check out additional Passion Project Ideas here ! (And if you have a particular interest in cancer research, see 13 Cancer Research and Passion Project Ideas for High School Students .)

If you want to bounce your ideas off someone else, the Pathfinders program gives you the chance to talk with mentors who specialize in your field of interest. You can discuss your project ideas with them, and they can help you grow your idea, discover new research techniques, and point the way to great resources and alternative options. 

Medical Projects from Polygence Scholars

For a sense of how varied the subjects and methods for medical projects can be, take a look at topics covered by some of our Polygence Scholars.

The effect of dance on the memory and proprioceptive ability of the elderly

Ella studied the effect of two months of dance classes on elderly participants. She first recorded participants’ baseline memory, balance and proprioceptive abilities (sense of body movement) prior to beginning the class, and then again two months later, upon completion of the class. Read her research paper here .

A theoretical gene therapy for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer using CRISPR-Cas9 nickase

Shravan posed an alternative treatment method for hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). He suggested using CRISPR-Cas9n-based gene therapy to prevent tumor formation in patients, avoid morbid surgery and significantly improve quality of life. He has submitted his research paper for publication in the Journal of Emerging Investigators. Read it here .

How could AI assist in the prediction and search for risk factors associated with anorexia nervosa?

Krishnaveni explored using artificial intelligence to help detect and diagnose eating disorders earlier. She created an integrated AI solution to finding eating disorder prevalence based on the responses to a National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent to Adult Health questionnaire. Her paper was published in the International Youth Neuroscience Association Journal .

Explore more medical projects by Polygence Scholars here . 

How to Conduct Medical Research

Primary research.

If you will be conducting primary research and/or experiments, you’ll need to figure out how you’re going to set up your experiment and what data types you’re going to collect. There are two main types of data collection: quantitative data and qualitative data . 

Quantitative focuses on numerical data, which allows researchers to analyze large amounts of data quickly by conducting statistical analyses. This type of data-collection can be conducted at home and does not require a wet lab. 

Qualitative focuses on rich, word-based information, such as anecdotal accounts people give through open-ended response questions or interviews (conducted in person or virtually). Qualitative data provides emotional nuances and depths that cannot be captured through numbers. Surveys and questionnaires can be distributed online and can gather both quantitative and qualitative data.

Secondary Research

If running your own experiment proves too complicated or beyond your financial means (research subjects often expect to be compensated), you may want to conduct secondary research . You can analyze free, publicly available datasets and journals about your topic, such as through NIH’s Scientific Data Sharing and National Library of Medicine hubs. Just make sure that the dataset you use comes from a trusted source. If you are reading articles to support your thesis, you should skim their introduction and conclusion first to make sure they’re worth reading all the way through.

Another form of secondary research is writing a literature review (or “lit review”) summarizing key works that have been published over the years by others about a medical or health topic you want to explore. The review paper might describe how different studies relate to each other and how the field has developed over time. With a simple internet connection, you can use tools like Google Scholar to start reading scholarly articles and writing your own review paper right away.

A note on ethics: As you conduct your research it is absolutely crucial that you follow ethical practices , including minimizing risk, getting informed consent and ensuring scientific validity. Also, throughout the research and paper-writing process, keep track in real time of each source you reference, so you can give due credit to the creators and easily cite them in your bibliography without scrambling to find them again.

Writing a Medical Research Paper

There are several essential components to writing an effective and sound research paper. Here’s a great general article on how to write a good research paper and below we break down the critical elements for every research paper with accompanying links that expand upon each element.

Write an abstract

The abstract encapsulates the essence of your research paper. It is a standalone summary that gives a quick snapshot of your study’s problem, methodology, findings and conclusion. It provides a reader with the critical aspects of your research before they decide if they wish to read the comprehensive paper.

Create an outline for your research paper  

Research papers often include the following sections: Introduction , Materials , Methods , Data , Discussion and Conclusion

The Introduction will present the problem you’re trying to solve, any existing research and an overview of your research. Write this after you’ve finished conducting all of your experiments and/or research.

Develop your thesis statement

This is the why . Why are you conduct this research? What is the argument or theory you are posing? You can always come up with a preliminary or working thesis and then refine it or completely revise it as you learn more through the research process. By the time you begin writing your research paper, however, it’s important to have a strong sense of your thesis statement to ensure your paper is clear and focused.

Cite your work

Every research paper must have a bibliography at the end with proper citations giving credit to the original authors of the resources and data you reference. 

To get a sense of the length and organization of a student medical research paper, check out Polygence student Alexandra’s paper, Mechanisms Behind Hypoxia-Driven Resistance to Immunotherapy in the Tumor Microenvironment , published in the Journal of Student Research and Navenka’s paper, The Impact of Cannabis on Academic Achievement: Brain Development, Cognitive Functioning, and Mental Health ” published in the International Youth Neuroscience Association Journal. 

For more insights, see Polygence’s library of resources on How to Conduct and Showcase Research .

Medical Journals

Once you’ve researched, written, and revised your research paper, it’s time to introduce it to the world. You could enter it into a competition , as mentioned earlier in this post, launch a podcast, create a YouTube video about it and/or publish it in a journal. 

Publishing your research in a journal can take the great work you’ve already done and add credibility to it. It also makes a stronger impression than unpublished research. For peer-reviewed journals, the process of having your work reviewed by advanced degree researchers can be a valuable experience in itself. You can receive feedback from experts and learn how to improve upon the work you’ve already done. 

Below are some excellent publications that accept medical and science research submissions from high school students.

1. Youth Medical Journal

The Youth Medical Journal is an international, student-run team of 40 students looking to share medical research. We’ve found that this journal is a good entry point for students new to research papers.

Deadline: March

Type of research: Original research and commentaries

2. The Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI)

JEI is an online, peer-reviewed journal that publishes research by middle and high school students in various scientific disciplines, including medicine. Please note that JEI requires that a teacher, mentor, or Principal Investigator of a lab submit your research on your behalf. 

Deadline: Rolling

Type of research: Original research in the biological and physical sciences

3. Journal of High School Science

Although this online journal is not specifically focused on the medical field, The Journal of High School Science is a peer-reviewed quarterly publication showcasing high school student research in the realm of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Type of research:   STEAM-based research or innovations

4. International Youth Neuroscience Association Journal

The IYNA journal publishes work from young neuroscience enthusiasts every month, providing many opportunities for students to publish throughout the year. 

Type of research: Research papers

We compiled a list of additional journals to consider here .

Keep in mind that conducting and publishing research takes time, patience and practice. By starting now as a high school student, you are laying down the foundation to set yourself up for long-term success as a student and professional. Don’t be discouraged if you submit your project to a journal and it is rejected or you are asked to make revisions. Medical publishing is highly competitive. If you are persistent in your efforts and earnestly take in feedback you are given, you will get better and evolve.

For a full list of journals to publish you medical research in, check out Top 7 Medical Journals for High School Students

We hope you found this medical research handbook helpful. If you have some ideas and want to conduct medical research with the guidance of a mentor, apply to be a part of our flagship mentorship program !

Research Opportunities for High School Students

Hands-on laboratory-based research experiences are coveted by just about every STEM-oriented teenager on the planet. Of course, this level of demand renders research apprenticeships a valuable and rare commodity for high school students. Fortunately, there are a number of reputable summer programs run by universities, government agencies, and private research laboratories that afford young scientists this highly sought after experience. Research opportunities during the actual school year are more challenging to locate as colleges are, at that time, catering to their own students, and the rigidity of the high school calendar makes participation a further challenge.

College Transitions’ list of Research Opportunities for High School Students includes a bevy of summer program choices as well as a list of internships and apprenticeships that are indeed offered during the school year. For each entry, we list the geographic location of the program, whether there is a residential component offered, the length of the program, any associated costs or—on the other end—stipends, when the application window opens and closes, and the eligibility criteria for participation. We hope that this collection of research opportunities leads to you/your teen finding the laboratory experience of their dreams.

To view additional data columns, click the + icon to the left of the program’s name

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 61 great medical programs for high school students + advice.

Extracurriculars

Thinking about a career in medicine? I highly recommend trying out some medical experiences in high school before committing to a pre-med track . Many of my high school friends who hoped to go into medicine ended up changing their major during college when the pre-med courses got too difficult.

Doing a medical internship, summer program, or community service project in high school can help you decide if medicine is the right track for you before you waste time and money going pre-med in college. This guide will explain what experiences are open to you as a high school student, what those experiences involve, and how you will benefit from them.

What Medical Experiences Are Available to High School Students?

There are lots of ways to get a taste of what it's like to work in medicine. In my opinion, the best time to do this is over the summer. You have the most free time during the summer, and there are more experiences available.

There are many summer medical programs and summer medical internships for high school students across the country. These opportunities range from research experiences to in-hospital experiences. Some of these programs and internships charge you a fee to attend, some are paid for, and some even pay you to attend.

I've compiled a list of over 60 summer medical programs for high school students. Several of these programs and internships are limited to students from a specific state or area, so be sure to check specific programs for application requirements and fees. I've provided links to each program below.

If you'd like to get experience during the school year (on weekends and after school), you should consider shadowing a doctor or volunteering at a hospital. I'll discuss the details of volunteering and job shadowing later in the article.

List of Summer Medical Programs for High School Students

I've divided up the summer medical programs into three categories: Medical Programs, Medical Research Programs, and general Science Research Programs.

Medical Programs

In the medical programs category, I list programs that offer high school students the chance to get hands-on experience in medicine (non-research related) such as learning simple medical procedures, watching surgeries, shadowing doctors, working in hospitals, interacting with patients, and more . There are very few programs that offer this type of experience to high school students, and I highly recommend them since they'll give you the most realistic look at what life's like as a pre-med student, medical student, and medical professional.

Medical Research Programs

If you're unable to do one of the above medical programs, the next best thing is a medical research program. In these programs, you'll be working in a lab and helping with medical research that's in progress (i.e. looking at slides under a microscope, recording changes) or assisting with on-going clinical research (i.e. interviewing participants in an on-going trial of new medication, logging participant information in the computer). Many of these programs pair you with a mentor who works at your location. Also, several of these programs require you to give a presentation at the end of the program.

These medical research programs are extremely valuable because, as a pre-med student, you'll likely end up doing lab work either for class or as an extracurricular for your medical school application. If you do one of these programs in high school, you'll be a step ahead of your pre-med classmates.

(One quick note: many of these programs are free or pay stipends, but not every program provides free housing . Make sure you check each program's housing accommodations before you apply!)

Science Research Programs

If you can't do one of the medical research or medical programs, you should consider trying to do a science summer program/internship . These programs are not medicine-specific and cover a wide range of science topics (from plant life to space). However, these programs are still very valuable because as a pre-med student, you'll be learning a ton of science. As a part of your pre-med track, you'll be required to take Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, and more. Doing one of these science programs will give you a preview of the coursework ahead of you.

Also, many of these programs are lab work, and, although they're not focused on medical research, they will still give you good general insights into how to do lab work . As I said before, as a pre-med student, you'll likely end up doing lab work either for class or as an extracurricular for your medical school application. If you do one of these programs, you'll be well-prepared to do that research.

What Are the Pros and Cons of These Programs?

These medical programs can be a great experience for many high school students, but they can have some drawbacks. In this section we'll look at the pros and cons of medical programs for high school students.

• These programs and internships provide a real look at what life's like as a researcher, scientist, or medical student. You'll have a great sense of whether or not you'd like to pursue a career in the medical field after you finish your program.
• If you do a college campus program, you'll get a preview of college life . You can experience living away from home, and you can decide if you like the college. I did a summer program at UCLA during high school, and it made me realize that UCLA was not the school for me.
• As I said before, these opportunities give you the chance to evaluate if pre-med is the track you want to go down before you waste time and money in college. If you love your program, you'll be even more motivated to work hard to become a medical professional .
• You'll meet like-minded students who're interested in medicine/science.
• You'll have a great program or internship on your college application . By actually participating in a medical/science program, you'll show colleges that you're committed to pursuing a career in the medical field.
• If you attend a college campus program, and you're interested in going to college at the school that hosted the program, you'll have shown real interest in that college (which admissions officers always like to see).
• These programs can be expensive . However, some programs pay you to attend! Make sure you check out the individual program websites to find out the cost. And like we mentioned before, pay careful attention to housing! Some programs might offer stipends, but they may not cover housing or transportation costs.
• Also, these summer medical programs for high school students can be highly competitive (some admit very few students or have special qualifications such as having a 3.5 GPA or higher).
• Some programs may not provide you with the best insight into medicine , especially those that are less hands-on or only offer research exposure (which is not what you'll necessarily be interested in).

Other Options: Hospital Volunteer or Shadowing a Doctor

Volunteering and job shadowing are both great ways to participate in medical experiences at your local hospital. You can do them during the school year or the summer. Also, both opportunities are free!

What's the difference between volunteering & job shadowing a doctor? As a hospital volunteer, you'll have to apply (and likely interview) to be a volunteer (along with getting a TB test and filling out paperwork). You'll attend a hospital volunteer orientation and be assigned a specific "job" at the hospital, such as assisting the nurses or assisting hospital visitors in navigating the hospital. As a volunteer, you'll be required to commit to volunteering for a certain number of shifts per week. You also may have to commit to volunteering for six months or more.

Job shadowing is a shorter experience and much less formal. You can shadow a doctor for as little time as a few hours or a day or two. While shadowing, you follow a doctor around while they go about their normal activities. They may ask you to help them with basic tasks (grabbing a chart or taking notes), but probably not. You'll be there to see what a doctor does in their daily routine to determine if it interests you.

To sign up to be a hospital volunteer, apply through the hospital's website. If you're having trouble locating the hospital's website or contact information, check with your school academic advisor. They may have a connection to the local hospital or might know another student who has volunteered or job shadowed there and who could help you get involved.

To find a job shadowing opportunity, reach out to any friends or family who work in the medical field. See if they know any doctors whom you could shadow. Also, ask your school's academic advisor if they know other students who shadowed a doctor and could give you more information. If your school can't help you, get in touch with the hospital directly to see if they can help you set up a job shadowing opportunity. If you need more advice on job shadowing, read our other guide.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Shadowing a Doctor or Being a Hospital Volunteer?

Shadowing a doctor or being a hospital volunteer is a significantly different experience than participating in a summer medical program, and they have their own set of pros and cons.

• As opposed to summer programs, these experiences are always free. As I said above, some medical programs and internships can cost a lot of money. Job shadowing and being a hospital volunteer are free experiences that will only cost you your time. These are great options if you can't afford the cost of a summer program.
• Job shadowing and being a hospital volunteer can provide a real look into life as a doctor or nurse. By following them around or working in a hospital, you'll get a sense of the work environment and what life is like on a day-to-day basis for a medical professional.
• As I said before, these opportunities give you the chance to evaluate if pre-med is the track you want to go down before you spend time and money in college. If you don't like your experience job shadowing or as a volunteer, you might realize pre-med isn't the right path for you. However, if you love your experience, you'll feel more motivated to work towards your goal of becoming a medical professional.
• Job shadowing is a great experience if you don't have a lot of time to commit. You can choose to job shadow for a few hours, a full day, or for several days. It's very flexible.
• If you want to be pre-med, volunteering at a hospital is a great extracurricular activity for your college application. While volunteering elsewhere (at a homeless shelter, animal shelter, etc.) can be great for a college application, it's good to keep your extracurriculars focused on your future goals. Volunteering at a hospital will show colleges that you're serious about a career in medicine.
• Volunteer experience may not provide you with quite the medical experience you're looking for. Volunteering may not be very hands-on, and your duties may be repetitive and not directly related to medicine, such as answering phones, filing papers, and helping visitors find where they're going.
• If you only job shadow for a day, it's not a great experience for your college application. It's not an extracurricular activity if you only do it once because that doesn't show enough commitment. However, I recommend doing job shadowing just to get insight into the medical field.

How to Choose the Right Medical Experience for You

Each of the medical experiences listed in this article has value, but to decide which is right for you, you should ask yourself three questions:

#1: What Is Your Main Medical Interest?

Are you more interested in research or patient care? If research, look into one of the summer research programs. If patient care, look into one of the hospital-based programs, job shadowing or being a hospital volunteer.

#2: How Much Money Are You Willing to Spend?

Do you have money to spend, do you have no money to spend, or do you need to have a job that pays? If you have money to spend, you can consider all of the options. If you have no money to spend, look into an all-expenses paid program (or one with financial aid). Also, consider volunteering or job shadowing since both are free experiences. If you need a job that pays, look into the programs with stipends for participants.

#3: How Much Time Do You Want to Invest in Your Experience?

Do you want to spend a day, a few hours per week, or a few weeks full-time on this experience? If you want a quick experience, consider job shadowing a doctor for a day or two. If you'd like an on-going experience to use as an extracurricular, consider volunteering since you could do that a few hours per week throughout the school year. If you'd like an intensive experience, consider doing one of the summer programs or internships.

Also, always make sure to research a program or experience before you commit to it. Doing so will help avoid a bad experience (such as a program that's not very hands-on or volunteer work that's mostly grunt work). Whatever you're interested in doing, try to find another student who did it previously and ask them about their experience. For the programs, get in touch with the program coordinator to see if they can put you in contact with a program alum you can speak with.

College take a close look at your extracurriculars. Like, a really close look.

How Will Colleges View These Experiences?

Colleges mainly look for extracurriculars that show your commitment, passion, and ability to handle responsibility and leadership. Job shadowing isn't a great experience for your college application because it's not enough of a commitment if you only do it for a few days. On the other hand, volunteering at a hospital is a great extracurricular activity for your college application because it shows a commitment to medicine.

The summer programs and internships are also great experiences for your college application because they show that same interest in and commitment to medicine. Also, many of these programs and internships are competitive, and colleges know that. If you're accepted into one of those programs or internships, colleges will view it like you won a prestigious award.

What's Next?

Doing a medical program is a great step, but what else do you need to do to prepare for med school? Check out our step-by-step guide to preparing for med school as a high school student and our list of the best books for pre-med students .

Also, you should learn about how to write about extracurriculars on college applications . Check out four amazing examples of extracurriculars for college applications.

Interested in a BS/MD program? They can be a great way to save some time and get your medical degree sooner. Read our guide on getting into BS/MD programs to learn more.

As an SAT/ACT tutor, Dora has guided many students to test prep success. She loves watching students succeed and is committed to helping you get there. Dora received a full-tuition merit based scholarship to University of Southern California. She graduated magna cum laude and scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT. She is also passionate about acting, writing, and photography.

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Extracurriculars.

31 Research Opportunities + Internships for High Schoolers in 2024

What’s covered:.

• Research Opportunities and Internships for High School Students
• How to Find Research Opportunities in High School
• How Will Doing Research Impact Your College Chances?

Research drives innovation across every field of study, from natural sciences to health to history. Pursuing curiosity can impact industries, drive policy, and help us to better understand the world around us. Without curiosity and research, our society would surely stagnate. 

Contrary to popular belief, however, you don’t have to be a seasoned professional to conduct meaningful research. There are plenty of opportunities for high school students to get a head start on their future careers and contribute to substantial change. Keep reading to learn about 30 great opportunities for students looking for early chances to conduct research! 

Research Opportunities and Internships for High School Students 

1. memorial sloan kettering human oncology and pathogenesis program.

Application Deadline: February 9

Location: New York, NY

Duration: Eight weeks (June 27 – August 22)

Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) is one of the most well-known cancer centers in the world. The Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) at MSK hosts a Summer Student Program for students to conduct independent research projects while participating in extracurricular activities, training, and other opportunities.  

During the eight-week program, participants work with a mentor who will act as a supervisor to help them develop their research skills. Additionally, students have the opportunity to complete an independent research project that aligns with their mentor’s work. All participants will present their projects at a poster session at the end of the summer.

To participate, you must have completed at least 9th grade by June 2024, be at least 14 years old by June 27, have a 3.5 GPA in science subjects, and submit two letters of recommendation. This is a paid opportunity—participants will receive a stipend. 

2. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program  

Application Deadline: January 5 

Duration: Seven weeks (June 24 – August 8) 

The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program allows high school students to conduct real, innovative research over seven weeks through the renowned Rockefeller University, under the guidance of leading scientists. 

SSRP scholars will be able to design and conduct their own research project as part of a themed research track, which is modeled after a Rockefeller research topic and/or technique, with the help of scientist mentors from the Rockefeller community. Most of the research will be conducted in the RockEDU Laboratory—a 3,000-square-foot research space specifically dedicated to developing biomedical research skills.

Students must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program to participate.  

3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Application Deadline : Varies by cohort. Main summer deadlines are March 15, April 15, and May 15

Location:  Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year

Founded by Harvard & Oxford researchers, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program pairs high-school students with PhD mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project . At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have written an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as medicine, computer science, psychology, physics, economics, data science, business, engineering, biology, and international relations.

This program is designed to accommodate your schedule—you can participate in the summer, fall, winter, or spring, and the program is also conducted fully remotely. While you must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate high academic achievement (most students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3), no previous knowledge of your field of interest is required. The cost of the program ranges from $2,800 to $8,900, but financial aid is available.

Note that this is a selective program. Last year, over 4000 students applied for 500 spots in the program. You can find more details about the application here .

4. Research Science Institute (RSI)

Application Deadline: December 13 

Location: Cambridge, MA

Duration: Five weeks (June 23 – August 3) 

The prestigious RSI, which takes place at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) annually, brings together 100 of the world’s top high school students. The free program blends on-campus coursework with off-campus science and technology research. 

Participants complete individual research projects while receiving mentorship from experienced scientists and researchers, and present their findings through oral and written reports in a conference-style setting at the end of the program. 

5. NYU Tandon – Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

Application Deadline: March 6

Duration: 10  weeks (June 3 – August 9)

Open to New York City high school students who will complete 10th or 11th grade in June 2024, the ARISE program provides access to college-level workshops and lab research across fields like bio, molecular, and chemical engineering, robotics, computer science, and AI.

Over the course of 10 weeks—four virtual and six in person—participants will receive guidance from graduate or postdoctoral students at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. 

6. Simons Summer Research Program

Application Deadline: February 7

Location: Stony Brook, NY

Duration: Five weeks (July 1 – August 9) 

During Stony Brook ’s Simons Summer Research Program, high school students conduct hands-on research in areas like science, math, and engineering while working with faculty mentors. Simons Fellows have the opportunity to join real research teams and learn about laboratory equipment and techniques. They also attend weekly faculty research talks and participate in special workshops, tours, and events. 

At the closing poster symposium, students will receive a stipend for their participation. To apply, you must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and currently be in your junior year. 

7. SPARK Summer Mentorship Program

Application Deadline: N/A

Location: Greater Seattle area

Duration: 8-10 weeks 

SPARK is a summer mentorship program that pairs high-achieving and highly motivated high schoolers with industry experts, university professors, and mentors to conduct research on customers and financial markets. The program is only open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.  

8. MDI Biological Laboratory – Biomedical Bootcamp 2024

Application Deadline: March 18 

Location: Bar Harbor, ME

Duration: One week (July 15 – 19) 

In this bootcamp, students will receive a hands-on introduction to biomedical research at MDI Biological Laboratory. Participants will learn essential scientific skills such as experimental design and hypothesis testing, cutting-edge laboratory techniques, data analysis, bioinformatics, and scientific communication. 

During the program, scientists and bioentrepreneurs at the lab will help participants explore scientific ethics at large, as well as career paths in biomedicine, research, and entrepreneurship in Maine and beyond.

Participants must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and must be entering their junior or senior year in September 2024, or graduating in June 2024. 

9. Boston University – Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Internship  

Application Deadline: February 14  

Location: Boston, MA

Duration: Six weeks (June 30 – August 9)  

RISE is a six-week program for rising seniors with an interest in pursuing a major and/or career in STEM. There are a multitude of tracks available, in areas such as astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, and neuroscience. In each track, students conduct research under the mentorship of Boston University faculty, postdoctoral fellows, or graduate students. They will also attend weekly workshops with their peers. 

10. The Wistar Institute – High School Program in Biomedical Research

Application Deadline: March 31 

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Duration: Four weeks (July 15 – August 8) 

A leading biomedical research organization, The Wistar Institute is an ideal setting for students to learn research skills. Participants will complete their own research project while being trained in a principal investigator’s laboratory. They’ll also attend seminars, receive mentorship, and deliver a final presentation about their work.

Students are expected to participate Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Absences of more than two consecutive days cannot be accommodated. Students will receive a stipend of $1,000 upon completion of the program, to compensate for commuting costs or other personal expenses accrued during the program. 

11. California Academy of Sciences – Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program

Application Deadline: April 1, 2024

Location: San Francisco, CA

Duration: Multi-year, year-round participation (after school and on weekends)

This long term program gives San Francisco students from communities that are underrepresented in STEM the opportunity to learn about the world of science and sustainability. Students receive mentorship, develop career skills, and more—all while getting paid for their work. Students also attend workshops and conferences throughout the course of the program. 

12. NASA OSTEM Internship

Application Deadline: February 2

Location: Varies

Duration: Varies

NASA offers a variety of internships for high school students across its numerous campuses. Interns gain real-world work experience by working side by side with research scientists and engineers, which will strengthen their resume and help prepare them for their eventual careers. All participants must be at least 16 years old and enrolled in high school full time.

13. New-York Historical Society Student Historian Internship Program

Application Deadline: April 7

Duration: July 9 – August 15

Not all research is conducted in STEM subjects! Developed for students interested in history, the New-York Historical Society’s Student Historian Program gives participants the opportunity to conduct research on a history topic—2024’s theme is Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass’ America . During the program, participants will work with historian mentors, visit history archives around New York City, lead gallery tours, and develop their historical thinking, communication, and digital media skills.

Applicants must be entering grades 10, 11, or 12, and live in the New York City metro area. This opportunity is unpaid for most participants, but some interns with demonstrated financial need can potentially receive a stipend.

14. Adler Planetarium Summer High School Internship  

Application Deadline: March 1

Location: Chicago, IL

Duration: Six weeks (July 8 – August 14)

During this summer internship program, students will learn about the Adler Planetarium and the career opportunities within it and planetariums and museums in general, in areas ranging from Visitor Experience and Learning to Research. Students will also get the chance to see how research gets translated into a museum experience. 

15. Zuckerman Institute Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia University (BRAINYAC)

Application Deadline: TBA for 2025 program

Duration: Eight weeks  

BRAINYAC participants receive the rare opportunity to work on research in a lab at Columbia University , one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, as high school students, which results in a stronger, more comprehensive understanding of how scientific discovery happens. They connect with real scientists, acquire essential research and laboratory skills, and learn about advances in neuroscience research. 

In order to apply, you must be in 10th or 11th grade and must be nominated by one of the program’s partners—S-PREP, Lang Youth Medical, Double Discovery Center, Columbia Secondary School, or BioBus.  

16. Brookfield Zoo King Conservation Science Scholars Program

Application Deadline: Rolling admission 

Location: Brookfield, IL

Duration: N/A

Interactive workshops, fun activities, research, and community-based projects are at the core of this exciting internship. It’s an excellent opportunity for students who love animals and also want to gain research skills in the domains of zoology, environmental science, and conservation. 

As a King Scholar, you’ll learn about different topics through Foundation Courses, such as Diversity Awareness and Introduction to Conservation, all while networking with others and preparing for college and an eventual career in a related field. After one year of participation, you’ll be invited to apply for scholarships and paid positions at the zoo. 

17. The Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) at the American Museum of Natural History  

Application Deadline: March 8

Duration: One year (August to June) 

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the most iconic and fascinating places in New York City. Its Science Research Mentoring Program is an amazing opportunity for NYC high school students to conduct a yearlong research project with Museum scientists. 

Students in SRMP get paid to learn how scientific research is conducted. Depending on their topic of study, students can learn a variety of different research skills, like working with DNA in the lab, analyzing data from space-based telescopes, reading scientific articles, and learning to code and analyze data in Python, R, and other programming languages. 

18. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

Application Deadline:   February 15

Location: Lubbock, TX

Duration: Seven weeks (June 16 – August 1) 

Through the Anson L. Clark Scholar Program, an intensive seven-week summer research program for twelve highly qualified high school juniors and seniors, students will gain hands-on experience with practical research alongside experienced and knowledgeable faculty at Texas Tech University .

Students can choose to participate in research in one field from a broad variety of options, including cell and molecular biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, engineering, history, and more! 

To apply, students must complete an online application that includes short essays, high school transcripts, test scores (at least a PSAT if no others are available), three recommendations (at least two from teachers), and a list of the student’s top five activities.

19. UChicago Data Science Institute Summer Lab Program  

Application Deadline: January 16 

Duration: Eight weeks (June 10 – August 2)

The Data Science Institute Summer Lab Program is an immersive eight-week paid summer research program at the University of Chicago . During the program, high school and undergraduate students are paired with a data science mentor, whose expertise could be in computer science, data science, social science, climate and energy policy, public policy, materials science, biomedical research, or another related field.

Participants will hone their research methodology, research practice, and teamwork skills. No prior research experience is required to apply. All participants will receive access to applied data science research, which they will use to craft a research project. The project findings will be presented in a video that will be shown at an end-of-summer symposium.

20. UT Austin College of Natural Sciences High School Research Academy

Application Deadline: March 24

Location: Austin, TX

Duration: Five weeks (June 10 – July 17) 

Through UT Austin ’s HSRA, high school students participate in interdisciplinary research projects being conducted by active College of Natural Sciences laboratories in fields such as biochemistry, biology, environmental science, genetics, neuroscience, genome engineering, data analytics, ecology, and more. 

There is a scholarship fund for underserved groups, so some stipends and free tuition scholarships may be available to students with demonstrated financial need. 

21. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience – Summer Research Internship

Location: Jupiter, FL

Duration: Six weeks (June 17 – July 26) 

The MPFI Summer Research Internship offers rising juniors and seniors an immersive laboratory experience where they can learn from seasoned researchers. The program is designed specifically for students with an interest in brain structure, function and development, and the advanced imaging techniques and technologies used in neuroscience. 

Program participants will participate in research projects alongside MPFI scientists, prepare a written scientific abstract based on their research project, and deliver a short presentation at the end of the summer. Research tracks include neuroscience, scientific computer programming, and mechanical engineering as it relates to neuroscience.

Applicants must be entering their junior or senior years in a Palm Beach or Martin County high school, be residents of one of those two counties, and be at least 16 by the beginning of the internship. Interns will be paid at a rate of $12.50 per hour.

22. Lincoln Park Zoo Malott Family Zoo Intern Program

Application Deadline: March 11 

Duration: Seven weeks (June 24 – August 9) 

During this paid seven-week program, high school students learn how to educate others about animal and conservation sciences while crafting digital messages to engage audiences. The program culminates in a final project. Throughout the internship, students meet with researchers and the Animal Care staff to explore careers in the animal science and conservation fields. 

Applicants must be Chicago residents between the ages of 15-18, and must be entering grades 10-12 or their freshman year of college by the start of the internship.

23. The Scripps Research High School Internship Program  

Application Deadline: April 19

Location: La Jolla, CA

Duration: Seven weeks  

The Scripps Research Institute’s La Jolla, California headquarters is proud to offer a seven-week hands-on research experience for San Diego County high schoolers. The program is specially designed to expose students to careers in the biological and chemical sciences, to provide hands-on laboratory experience, and to motivate and prepare students for continuing education in STEM. 

Because Scripps is committed to increasing the number of students from underrepresented communities in STEM college programs, a special emphasis is placed on identifying and recruiting students who are from groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences. All students will receive a $4,760 stipend.

24. QuarkNet Summer Research Program  

Application Deadline: January 31

Location: DuPage County, IL

Duration: Seven weeks (June 17 – August 2) 

High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a strong interest in STEM have a unique opportunity to work with scientists on research projects during this paid seven-week program at the prestigious Fermilab, located just outside of Chicago near Batavia, IL.

Interns are encouraged to indicate areas in which they have a particular interest, although research projects vary yearly based on the work ongoing at the lab. Broadly speaking, Fermilab’s focus is on particle physics.

Required application materials include a questionnaire, a letter of recommendation, and an essay. To apply, students must have U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status and must provide evidence of identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Participants will be paid at a rate of $17.20 per hour.

25. RISE Environmentor Internship

Location: Far Rockaway, NY

Duration: Six weeks (July 1 – August 15)

The Environmentor Internship offers a great opportunity for 9th through 11th graders who live or attend school near the Rockaway Peninsula to gain firsthand research experience. Participants are mentored by scientists from local universities and research institutions as they work on projects focused on the Rockaway shoreline. Past research topics have included sea turtle strandings, octopus behavior, mussel denitrification, and dolphin fin morphology.

Students will also take part in water safety courses, receive CPR training, and explore on-water activities like kayaking and surfing. Students receive up to a $1,200 stipend, as well as community service hours for their participation in the program.

26. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Application Deadline: February 24

Location: Stanford, CA

Duration: Eight weeks (June 10 – August 1)

Students in this summer program are given the chance to perform research on a medically oriented project and work side by side with Stanford University students, researchers, and faculty. Students can choose from eight areas of research, including topics like immunology, cancer biology, and bioinformatics, which are all designed to increase their interest in the biological sciences and provide a deeper understanding of how scientific research is conducted.

The program is open to current high school juniors and seniors. Students will receive a minimum $500 stipend for their participation in the program.

27. Secondary Student Training Program

Application Deadline: February 16

Location: Iowa City, IA

Duration: June 19 – July 26

High schoolers in grades 10 and 11 can take part in an immersive research experience, which will allow them to explore their interests, enhance their academic skills, and build relationships with their peers during this research-focused summer program.

Participants can choose from a multitude of research areas, ranging from biology to industrial and systems engineering to religious studies. The program culminates with students creating and presenting a poster of their findings. All participants will live on the University of Iowa ‘s campus for the duration of the program, and have access to all of the university’s libraries, study areas, and computer facilities.

Although this program is quite expensive, with a fee of $7,500, financial aid is available to cover up to 95% of the cost.

28. Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program

Location: Urbana, IL

Duration: Six weeks (June 20 – August 2)

This program, offered by the prestigious Grainger College of Engineering at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) , allows students to gain hands-on research experience in fields such as cancer immunology, AI, physics, quantum mechanics, and electrical engineering. They will also build valuable general life skills by participating in seminars on topics ranging from the college admission process to how to communicate scientifically.

The program is open to rising 10th through 12th graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

29. Summer Science Program (SSP)

Duration: Varies depending on location and field of focus

Students in the SSP get the chance to work in small teams on a real research project and gain firsthand experience taking and analyzing data. Research opportunities are offered in three fields—astrophysics, biochemistry, and genomics—and are held at a variety of institutions, including University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Georgetown University , Purdue University , and New Mexico State University .

The program is open to high school juniors, although a small number of exceptional sophomores have attended the program. You must be between 15-19 to participate, and have completed prerequisite coursework, which varies by field. Financial aid is available for this program.

30. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program

Application Deadline: January 29

Location: Bar Harbor, ME, and Farmington, CT

Duration: 10 weeks (June 1 – August 10)

Students immerse themselves in genetics and genomics research while learning about laboratory discovery and scientific communication, as well as building professional skills. Over the course of the 10-week program, students work with a mentor to develop a research project, implement their plan, analyze their data, and report their results.

This prestigious program is competitive. Just 40 students are selected to participate annually. Participants receive a $6,500 stipend and have their room, board, and travel expenses covered.

31. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program

Application Deadline: March 31

Location: Seattle, WA

Duration: Eight weeks (June 24 – August 16) 

This full-time, paid internship opportunity offers students a chance to immerse themselves in activities at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, one of the top cancer research centers in the world. The program begins with two weeks of laboratory training and is followed by six weeks of mentored activities, research seminars, workshops focused on college and careers, and social activities.

The program is open to high schoolers entering their senior year with a strong interest in science and high academic achievement, and is specifically aimed at students from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical science. Interns receive a stipend upon successful completion of the program.

How to Find Research Opportunities in High School 

Define your area of interest .

Before you start looking for opportunities, narrow your area of interest a bit, whether it’s cancer, engineering, computer science, neuroscience, or something else entirely. Also bear in mind that while there may be more STEM opportunities available for high school students, research isn’t limited to these fields—research is also a key component of the social sciences, humanities, and other non-STEM fields. 

While you should be somewhat specific about what you’re hoping to research, don’t narrow your scope so much that it’s impossible to find a valuable opportunity, especially since opportunities for high schoolers in general are more limited than they are for students who have completed at least some college.

Talk to People in Your Immediate Circle 

Teachers, neighbors, your family, parents of friends, friends of your parents—any of these people could know about a research opportunity for you, or at least know someone else who does. Throughout your life, you will find that networking is often the key to finding career opportunities. 

Leveraging your network can help you uncover unique opportunities crowdsourced by the people who know you best—the best opportunities aren’t always hosted by large universities or programs. 

Reach Out to Local Institutions and Laboratories 

In addition to networking with your immediate circle, reach out to local facilities, such as labs, hospitals, clinics, and universities that conduct research. Even if opportunities aren’t publicized, these institutions and laboratories may be willing to make room for you. Remember: when pitching your idea, don’t make it too niche—this will make it more difficult to find a fit and market your skills to labs. 

Cast a Wide Net 

Research opportunities are hard to secure, especially when you’re a young student, so you need to be persistent. You may need to write a hundred emails, but if you put in the effort and cast a wide net, you’ll vastly improve your chances of landing a great opportunity. 

Try not to be too picky, either. Of course, you shouldn’t just accept any offer , especially if it doesn’t appeal to you. But even if the opportunity doesn’t align perfectly with your skills and interests, it can still be a great chance to gain experience and make you a better candidate for future experiences.

How Will Doing Research Impact Your College Chances? 

How much participating in research enhances your college admissions profile depends on many factors, including the scope of the project, the prestige of the program or institution, your individual role and performance, the institution’s connections to or sponsorships by certain colleges, and even how much weight a college places on extracurricular activities in general. 

Generally speaking, there are four tiers of extracurricular activities that colleges think about when reviewing applicants’ activities. Selective, competitive, and prestigious activities are often found in the top tiers, Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 includes things such as being a highly recruited basketball player or an award-winning national science fair competitor. 

Tier 2 is similar, but is usually reserved for activities that are less exceptional than those in Tier 1. Tiers 3 and 4 are reserved for more common extracurricular achievements, such as holding school leadership positions or being a member of a debate team.

Research usually falls into Tier 2, and some particularly prestigious opportunities could even be Tier 1. That’s because it’s somewhat unusual for high school students to conduct research in professional and collegiate settings, so it’s more likely to impress colleges than other kinds of extracurricular activities.

Do you want to find out the impact research and other extracurricular activities might have on your chances of admission to top colleges and universities? Try using CollegeVine’s free chancing calculator ! 

Our tool evaluates your admissions profile, by accounting for factors like your grades,standardized test scores, and extracurriculars (including research!) to show you how you stack up against other applicants and how likely you are to get into hundreds of different colleges and universities. You’ll also receive tips on how to improve your profile and your odds—all for free.

Disclaimer: This post includes content sponsored by Lumiere Education.

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Student Opportunities

Disclaimer: The BTHS Guidance Department compiles and makes available lists of various out of school enrichment opportunities. This is done as a service to our community for informational purposes. BTHS in no way represents, guarantees, or warrants the viability, awarding, or funding of any programs not affiliated with Monmouth County Vocational School District.

Search For Programs

• Allen's Guide For Summer Camps & Travel Programs
• Imagine Magazine, from Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Program Database
• Noodle Educational Search Engine
• Summer Education Programs in New Jersey
• Summer Engineering Programs for High School Students
• Summer Program Finder
• Teen Life Program Finder
• USummer Directory of Pre-College Summer Programs

BTHS Nomination Opportunities

• Brian D. McAndrew Student Achiever Award
• Danforth Scholars - Washington University in St. Louis
• Governor's School of New Jersey
• Governor's STEM Scholars
• Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership of New Jersey
• Jefferson Scholars - University of Virginia
• Meyerhoff Scholars Program - University of Maryland, Baltimore County
• Monmouth County Guidance Director Association Caring Award
• New Jersey Scholars Program
• New Jersey Principal and Supervisors Association Student Leadership Scholarship
• Presidential Scholarship - Villanova University
• Rensselaer Medal (RPI)
• Trustee Scholarship - Boston University

Academic Enrichment 

• A. James Clark School of Engineering (Univ. of Maryland) Summer Programs
• BOLD (BioCONECT Oncology Leadership Development) Summer Camp
• Columbia University Science Honors Program
• Creative Writers Workshop at Emerson College
• Duke University Talent Identification Program
• Engineering Innovation (Johns Hopkins)
• Foresight and Leadership Sustainability Initiative at Oberlin College
• Future Achievers in Science and Technology (FAST) - Harvey Mudd College
• iD Tech Camps
• Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
• Medical Explorers Program - Jersey Shore University Medical Center
• Merlyn’s Pen Mentors in Writing Program
• MIT Launch (Summer Entrepreneurship Program)
• Monmouth University School of Science Summer Research Program
• National Youth Science Camp
• Ramapo/Princeton Review - SAT Prep & College Immersion
• Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT
• Rutgers Summer Scholars
• Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies Education Program for Gifted Youth
• Summer at Georgetown
• Summer Science Scholars Academy (Rutgers / Robert Wood Johnson Medical School)
• TCNJ Pre-College Summer Programs
• UMDNJ Summer Student Research
• University of Michigan Summer Engineering Academy
• UPenn Engineering
• Vanderbilt Pre-College PAVE
• Vanderbilt Summer Academy (VSA)
• Weekend Academy at Vanderbilt University (WAVU)
• Yale Young Global Scholars

Leadership Training 

• American Red Cross North Jersey Region Summer Leadership Conference
• Bank of America Student Leaders Program
• Brown University Leadership Institute
• Civic Leadership Institute (Northwestern & Johns Hopkins Univ
• Civic Week (Northwestern University)
• Global Youth Leadership Experience (Fairleigh Dickinson University)
• High School Leadership Academy - Mercy College
• Jewish Community Center of Central New Jersey Teen Programs
• Monmouth County 4H
• New Jersey Youth & Government
• People to People: Leadership Ambassador
• "The Bridge" - UPitt College Prep and Leadership Academy
• YMCA Teen Leadership Programs

Academic Competitions

• Biology Olympiad
• Dartmouth International Science Essay Competition
• Intel Science Talent Search
• International Brain Bee
• FIRST® Robotics Competition & Tech Challenge
• Future Problem Solving of New Jersey
• MIT Inspire - national high school research competition in the humanities, arts and social sciences.
• National Science Bowl
• National Spanish Exam
• NYU Polytechnic Technology, Culture and Society Competitions
• Princeton Prize in Race Relations
• RPI High School Business Plan Competition
• Verizon Innovative App Challenge
• Young ARTS, National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts
• Young Naturalist Awards
• Young Playwrights National Playwriting Competition

Internships

• Congressional and Senate Page Programs
• NASA One Stop Shopping Initiative
• Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory

Summer Abroad Programs

• American Field Service Intercultural Programs - Summer Study Abroad
• Earthwatch Institute Teen Expeditions
• Experiment in International Living
• National Geographic Student Expeditions
• People to People: Student Ambassador
• Oxford Study Courses: IB Summer
• Rustic Pathways
• Youth For Understanding

Specialized Programs

• Camp College
• Carleton Liberal Arts Experience
• Joaquin Bustoz Math-Science Honors Summer Program (Arizona State University)
• Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES)
• New Jersey Shout Down Drugs
• Princeton University Ten-Minute Play Contest
• Toastmasters International
• Toyota Teen Driver Video Challenge
• World of 7 Billion Video Contest
• Young Playwrights Project New Jersey Repertory Company

Please read our guidelines before visiting Rutgers Cancer Institute. | COVID-19: What Cancer Patients Should Know

• Bladder Cancer
• Blood Cancers
• Bone Marrow Transplant
• Brain & Spine Tumors
• Breast Cancer
• Cancer Genetics
• Cervical Cancer
• Childhood Cancers
• Clinical Trials
• Colorectal Cancer
• Endocrine Tumors
• Endometrial Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Gastrointestinal Cancer
• Genitourinary Cancer
• Gynecologic/Reproductive Cancer
• Head & Neck Cancers
• Hepatobiliary Tumors
• Hodgkin's Lymphoma
• Kidney Cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Lymphoma, Hodgkin's & Non-Hodgkin's
• Mesotheliomas
• Multiple Myeloma
• Neuroendocrine Tumors
• Neurologic Cancers
• Ovarian Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Parathyroid Tumors
• Pediatric Cancers
• Phase I Clinical Trials
• Pituitary Cancers
• Prostate Cancer
• Sickle Cell Disease
• Skin Cancer
• Small Intestine Cancer
• Stem Cell Transplant
• Stomach Cancer
• Testicular Cancer
• Thoracic Cancer
• Thyroid Tumors
• Urologic Cancer
• Uterine Cancer

Teen / High School Volunteers

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey announces a special summer program for teen/high-school volunteers, which will run from  June 1 - September 1.

Our Volunteer program is for teens who want to serve their community in a world-class healthcare setting. Teen volunteer opportunities are available 4 hours a week, Monday-Friday. Volunteers support the hospital by greeting, directing and escorting visitors, visiting patients on nursing floors, and discharging patients.

Volunteer Service Requirements:

• Age: 14 to 18 years old (must have completed ninth grade)
• Getting to know you: Answer interview questions regarding skills and experience levels
• Time Commitment: Our hope is for volunteers to be available 4 hours a week for the duration of the program
• Dress Code: all volunteers are required to wear the provided volunteer uniform/ T-shirt
• Volunteers MUST be fully vaccinated
• Please be aware that we do not offer internships or shadowing opportunities.

We make it easy for interested teens to get started: please fill out this form and someone will get back to you. 

Upcoming Summer 2024 Application Deadline is May 12, 2024.  

Click here to apply.

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If you are a high school student in New York City who plans on pursuing the pre-med track in college, these medical internships should definitely be on your radar!  You will gain early exposure to the healthcare environment and develop a realistic glimpse into the daily operations and challenges of medical professionals. This will not only bolster your college applications but also help you make a more informed decision about committing to a career in medicine.

Engaging in these internships demonstrates your commitment and passion for medicine, traits that are highly valued by college admissions committees and will set you apart from your peers. By participating in medical internships, you also gain hands-on experience that can significantly enhance your understanding of medical terminology, patient care, and healthcare technology. NYC, with its large number of renowned hospitals and research facilities, is also a great place to find opportunities that are not readily available elsewhere. 

1. Zuckerman Institute’s Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC)

Cost : No cost; stipend provided

Location : Columbia University Labs

Application Deadline : While the deadline for 2025 is not stated, applications open in Fall 2024.

Program Dates : 5 weeks during the summer.

Eligibility :

Must be sophomores or juniors in high school.

Applicants must reside in New York City, but preference is given to students in Upper Manhattan and the South Bronx.

The Zuckerman Institute's Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC) is a great opportunity for you if you are interested in the premed track to dive into neuroscience.  This program matches you with a Columbia neuroscientist who serves as a mentor, guiding you through a specific research project. Over a seven-week period, which includes weekend training sessions in the winter and spring followed by a full-time summer internship, you will gain firsthand experience in laboratory research. This exposes you to the processes by which laboratory work can lead to significant scientific discoveries.

The application process commences each fall, distributed through these partner institutions. You benefit from a stipend during your internship and have opportunities to engage further through a paid Merit Fellowship for continued work in their mentor’s lab, positions as paid interns in future BRAINYAC cohorts, and access to an alumni network including special events and trips.

2. Ladder Internship Program

Cost : $1490 (Financial Aid Available)

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

Application deadline:  Deadlines vary depending on the cohort 

Program dates:  Multiple cohorts throughout the year

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 medicine,  health tech, consulting, and more.   You can explore all the options here on their application form . 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, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form . 

Interns are offered one-on-one training in communication, time management and other such valuable skills and will also have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in their cohort. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.

3.  Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center HOPP Summer Student Program

C ost : Free (Paid stipend of $1,200)

Application deadline : February 9, 2024

Program dates : June 27 - August 22

Eligibility : Students must meet the following criteria:

Completion of at least the 9th grade by June 2024 

Must be 14 or older by June 27, 2024 

A genuine interest in science and laboratory research 

3.5 GPA in science subjects

At the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program (HOPP), you will explore biomedical and computational research through an 8-week summer internship . This program not only focuses on laboratory or computational-based research projects but  also includes postdoctoral-led journal clubs, student-led journal clubs, PI luncheons, laboratory tours, teambuilding, and social networking sessions. 

Each participant is matched with a mentor, such as a postdoctoral fellow, graduate student, or research technician, who provides supervision and guidance throughout the program. This program ends with a presentation of your research project at a poster session . Beyond the scientific training, HOPP SSP allows you to participate in tours of MSKCC's state-of-the-art facilities, training sessions, and luncheons with principal investigators. 

4. NYU High School Medical Ethics Internship

C ost : Free (Paid)

Application deadline : 

Program dates : July 8-19, 2024

Eligibility : Rising high school juniors and seniors

As a high school junior or senior with interests in areas such as healthcare, social justice, or public policy, the High School Bioethics Project's two-week paid internship is an amazing opportunity for you.  This program will introduce you to a broad variety of bioethics topics, allowing you to engage remotely for four days a week, 1 to 2 hours daily from July 8–19, 2024. It's structured to foster an understanding of the ethical considerations inherent in the healthcare sector, ideal for those with no previous experience in bioethics.

During this internship, you'll have the opportunity to engage with professionals from diverse fields including public health, healthcare, biotech, patient advocacy, and law, which could lead to potential mentor relationships extending beyond the program.  Your responsibilities will include committing 10-15 hours per week to read and discuss relevant articles, actively participate in talks, contribute to discussions, and write reflection papers.  Additionally, you will provide feedback on the program and conclude your internship by submitting a short paper on a topic covered during your experience. 

5. Mount Sinai Center for Excellence in Youth Education Medical and Scientific Exploration Program

Application deadline : March 3, 2024

Program dates : July 1- August 9, 2024

Eligibility : 

Demonstrated interest in biomedical sciences

Must attend NYC public school or charter school

Must be an under-represented minority and/or economically disadvantaged

If you're a high school student interested in the pre-med track in college, the Mount Sinai Center for Excellence in Youth Education Medical and Scientific Exploration Program is designed to expose you to a cross-section of health and medical careers while enhancing your basic science knowledge, specifically in cellular and molecular biology . Through weekly rotations, you will engage with various laboratories and clinical departments within the Mount Sinai Health System.  Each department showcases the real-world applications of scientific concepts, with activities conducted in a virtual setting, including virtual lab tours, case studies, and discussions.

This program employs an interactive online format using platforms like Zoom and Google Classroom, facilitating direct interactions with a diverse range of professionals including ISMMS faculty, healthcare staff, and medical students. You will participate in live video sessions that include a series of introductions to health disparities, leadership development activities, and college readiness training.  Additionally, you will play educational and engaging virtual games like Kahoot and Jeopardy as well as gain access to the Levy Library network.

6. CEYE Hospital Placement Internship

Must be a rising high school senior (current 11th grader at time of application)

Minimum GPA of 85 (strongly preferred)

Must be an under-represented minority and/or economically disadvantaged (see Application Instructions for details)

The CEYE Hospital Placement Internship is a great way for you to explore careers in healthcare while advancing your basic science knowledge, research abilities,  and communication skills. You will be immersed in the daily operations of Mount Sinai Hospital. Your placement involves all-day internships where you will interact directly with healthcare professionals, learning about their roles and assisting with various tasks. 

Throughout the internship, you'll engage in library research and attend weekly seminars that include discussions on health disparities . You will learn how to effectively use a medical library, a crucial skill for any budding medical professional. The program requires full in-person attendance, regular updates through oral and written progress reports, and culminates in the presentation of a final written and oral research report.

7. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program  

C ost : Free

Application deadline : January 5, 2024

Program dates : June 24 - August 8, 2024

Eligibility : Current high school juniors or seniors

At the Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP), you will engage in medical scientific research. Each team is composed of approximately eight SSRP scholars and is led by an experienced trainee who serves as the team leader . You will be assigned your own workspace in the RockEDU lab, where you'll focus on a research project that not only aligns with your team leader’s expertise but also caters to your scientific interests in medicine. 

During the first week of the program, you will become acquainted with your team’s research topic, learning essential research techniques and familiarizing yourself with laboratory norms. As the program progresses into the second week, you will have the opportunity to select a specific research question related to your team’s topic to investigate further.  Over the subsequent weeks, under the close guidance of your team leader and other scientist-mentors, you will use the research techniques you have learned to collect and analyze data. 

8. Columbia S-PREP

Application deadline : May 15

Program dates : July 1 - July 31, 2024

Eligibility : 7-12th graders who maintain at least an 80% grade average particularly in math and science

The State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP) is an initiative offered by the Office of Student Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Columbia University. This program is tailored for 7th through 12th graders who aspire to careers in medicine or related STEM fields.  S-PREP aims to increase the representation and enhance the educational pathways of historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students into the realms of mathematics, science, technology, health-related fields, and licensed professions. 

During the summer session, classes run from Monday to Friday throughout July, focusing on a broad spectrum of subjects from anatomy to statistics, including preparatory courses for the PSAT . The program includes college preparation and career development workshops, personalized college and academic counseling services, as well as enrichment opportunities such as field trips and college tours. 

AI + Medicine:   Veritas AI is an AI program for ambitious high school students, founded and run by Harvard graduate students. In the AI + Medicine program, 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 .

If you’re interested in pursuing research in fields like medicine or related fields, you could also 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!

Jessica attends Harvard University where she studies Neuroscience and Computer Science as a Coca-Cola, Elks, and Albert Shankar Scholar. She is passionate about educational equity and hopes to one day combine this with her academic interests via social entrepreneurship. Outside of academics, she enjoys taking walks, listening to music, and running her jewelry business! 

Image Source: MSKCC logo

School of Music

Madeline Yankell brings the bubbly Vesta to life in the Hancher premiere of Fierce

Vesta―named after the Roman goddess of the Earth―is one of the four principal characters in Fierce , a new opera that follows four young girls (also referred to as “muses”) as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives. The opera—making its Iowa premiere—reflects the collaborative spirit of Performing Arts At Iowa and will be co-produced by the School of Music, the Performing Arts Production Unit, and Hancher Auditorium. Vesta, played by Madeline Yankell, is the youngest of the muses. She is naive, bubbly, and sometimes she takes refuge from life in a fantasy world full of otters.   

Yankell is a graduate student in music education who recently defended her MA thesis on movement and choral singing. She has previously performed in La Traviata and Dialogues des Carmelites .   

“I’m so excited to perform at Hancher. It’s a dream come true,” Yankell beams, “I’ve had the opportunity to perform on the Hancher stage a few times but the fact that I get to sing a song about otters on this huge stage is just kind of nuts.”  

Yankell grew up on the east coast in Moorestown, New Jersey, before pursuing her BA with a focus in music teacher education from Case Western Reserve University in Ohio. After graduating, she moved to Massachusetts, where she spent a few years teaching high school choir.   

“I applied to a lot of different grad programs in places all over the country,” Yankell explains what drew her to the University of Iowa. “UI really has the perfect combination of research and performing arts funding. I get to participate in operas, choirs, and be part of the performing arts but I also get to do music education research.”   

Since Yankell has been at the university, she’s enjoyed the collaborative environment encouraged in the School of Music and across Performing Arts At Iowa.   

When she was exploring her grad school options, Yankell says, “I just happened upon the performing arts scene in Iowa City. The Iowa City community is really strong and so supportive of the arts. Also, the School of Music, Hancher, and the theatre and dance departments have been working well together to create more collaborative experiences for students. The students also really support each other here.”  

Yankell is currently in the last semester of her master’s so, when the opportunity to audition for Fierce came around, she jumped at it.   

The new opera was composed for Cincinnati Opera by Dr. William Menefield, a UI assistant professor of Jazz Studies, in collaboration with librettist Sheila Williams. It premiered there in 2022. For the Hancher debut, Menefield will be taking on the role of director.    

“I knew Dr. Menefield was the leader of the Black Pop Ensemble and they’re such a great group,” Yankell says. “I really wanted to work with him, and this opera is so different from anything I’ve ever done.”  

The characters of the four muses were created by Williams, based on the real life stories and personalities of a group of Cincinnatti -area high school girls she talked with in a yearlong series of heart-to-heart conversations. These rich conversations spanned topics such as parental expectations, the best lipstick color, ethnic identity, and college admissions anxiety.   

Yankell is excited to bring the bubbly character of Vesta to life on the Hancher stage.   

“What I really love about playing Vesta is that she’s got these layers of sadness and depth,” Yankell explains her role. “There’s a great juxtaposition between her bubbly exclamations about how magical otters are, and the issues she faces at home with her parents. She also gets to be brave and bold. Behind her silliness there is so much wisdom and strength.”   

As Yankell has been rehearsing for Fierce , she has also been writing her master’s thesis. She is passionate about music education and would like to return to teaching high school students after graduation—with aspirations towards teaching at the collegiate level in the future.   

Yankell notes “Something I’ve enjoyed about working with Dr. Menefield and the production team is that they’ve fostered an environment of growth. We’ll often stop to discuss acting methods or vocal technique, which is so important because, at the end of the day, we’re a learning community.”  

“And it’s just a fun project because we have Dr. Menefield there and he wrote it,” she adds. “There are days where he’ll say he was channeling something specific, like Beyonce. It’s not often you get to channel Beyonce while working on an opera.”