Hello, future biologists and science enthusiasts!
Are you a high school student with a passion for biology, eager to dive deeper into the field? Whether you dream of a career in biomedical research, marine biology, or environmental science, we’ve got the perfect opportunities for you. It’s thrilling to think about gaining hands-on experience, expanding your knowledge, and making connections in your area of interest…
… but where do you start?
Don’t worry! We’ve curated a list of 50 outstanding biology internships tailored specifically for high school students. These opportunities range from working in cutting-edge laboratories to engaging in conservation efforts in the great outdoors.
Through these internships, you’ll develop valuable skills, enhance your résumé, and possibly even discover new areas of interest. Plus, you’ll connect with like-minded peers who share your enthusiasm for science. So, let’s embark on this exciting journey together!
Top 50 Biology Internships for High School Students
We’re about to explore some incredible internships that will propel your career in biology. Get ready to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact in the world of science.
1. HiSTEP (High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program)
The HiSTEP program specializes in stimulating interests in biomedical and healthcare-related careers. Students participate in hands-on science experiments and case studies on the topics of health science as they explore various jobs within STEM-M by discussing the work done by scientists, healthcare workers, and experts in public health. It is further individualized for the career and leadership development of students, which helps to develop self-awareness, assertiveness, and resilience. The program also provides college and career advising, including assistance in filing applications, scholarship searches, mentor finding, and transitioning to college.
- Duration: 5 weeks
- Requirements: High school students, Grade 12, in the Bethesda area
- Deadline: Varies
2. Ladder Internships
Internship opportunities are also provided in the areas of healthcare, medicine, environmental science, and sustainability by Ladder Startups. Live projects from the area of biology would be allocated to students during the internship. Every intern is connected with a startup manager and a Ladder Coach for mentoring and guidance.
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Requirements: High school students
- Deadline: for the Spring cohort (starting March 3rd) and Early Admission to the Summer Cohort (starting June 2nd) is February 9th
3. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program
The Fred Hutch High School Internship is an eight-week, full-time paid internship. This internship is run throughout the summer session and is designed to offer high school juniors from underrepresented communities a taste of biomedical science. Interns learn on-the-job laboratory safety techniques and skills in the Fred Hutch Training Labs. In this program, participants attend research education seminars, and professional development workshops, and obtain mentorship from Fred Hutch research groups.
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Requirements: Rising Juniors from underrepresented communities
- Deadline: March 31st
4. City of Hope Cancer Center Summer Student Academy
This respected program accepts 100 students in a year out of an application base of over 2000 students. Those who are accepted are mandated to maintain a quite taxing 10-week internship in a biomedical area. Participants are assigned seminars as well as laboratory sessions that are worked on under the supervision of the staff. Following this, participants will have the opportunity to go on and develop their own personalized biomedical research projects with the close assistance and mentorship of City of Hope. The project is then presented in the form of an official research paper.
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Requirements: High school students 16+, willing to work in a competitive environment
- Deadline: March 12th
5. Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program (HOPP)
This is an 8-week summer-intensive program designed for high school students seeking a competitive edge. Upon acceptance to HOPP, you will be paired with a postdoctoral fellow, graduate student, or research technician who will directly mentor you in conducting independent research projects. During the final weeks of your program, you will be required to present your work in a poster session with other students involved in the program. You will also attend facility tours led by experts and receive practical training. To be considered for the program, applicants must go through an application procedure that requires submission of a resume, school transcript, and two letters of recommendation
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Requirements: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, GPA minimum of 3.5
- Deadline: February 7th
6. Project Success by Harvard DICP
For many years, Harvard Medical School has been providing a summer internship for underrepresented students who are interested in various biomedical careers. Scheduled program activities include a summer internship involving hands-on research in the labs at Harvard Med School, educational experiences with mentoring, seminars, and skill-building field trips. It also provides College Advising support, guidance on college applications, alumni networks, and career counseling post-finish. It is a very competitive, prestigious, and fully funded program with promising extensive opportunities throughout and post-finish.
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Requirements: Students aged 16+ from underrepresented communities
- Deadline: February 3rd
7. UC Davis Young Scholars Program
The UC Davis summer program is a residential research initiative, which exposes about 40 accomplished high school students to original research in the biological, agricultural, environmental, and natural sciences. Students spend six weeks of work in state-of-the-art laboratories under the close supervision of research faculty. Each student conducts an independent project to produce a journal-quality paper culminating in a symposium presentation.
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Requirements: High school students
- Deadline: March 15th
8. Boyce Thompson Institute Internships
The Boyce Thompson Institute offers a 7-week plant science and computational biology research internship in conjunction with Cornell University and the USDA.
Each intern works with a research mentor—a graduate student or postdoctoral researcher—to be mentored on a structured project through the internship. Of course, besides work in the wet labs, PowerPoint presentations by the faculty about their respective research and discussions with the visiting undergraduate researchers are scheduled. Additionally, BTI also organizes local field trips and training sessions.
The program ends with the interns’ symposium in August, during which they present their findings through a scientific poster. The BTI internships offer great research experience alongside prominent researchers and faculty and ample opportunities for professional training.
- Duration: 7 weeks
- Requirements: High school students aged 16+, in the Ithaca area
- Deadline: application will be posted in early spring
9. USDA Pathways Internship Programs
The USDA Pathways Internship Program provides paid or year-round work experiences for high school students wanting to start on a college degree. Internships are offered in the summer, fall, spring, or year-round. Work duties vary per position but generally, the intern will work with many aspects of Forest Service operations with foundational skills in natural sciences or natural resource management. This internship opens one’s mind to the practical applications of biological science and includes mentorship from industry-related professionals. Successful completion of any Pathways internship may also lead to opportunities within the USDA workforce in the future.
- Duration: Varies by location
- Requirements: High school students aged 16+
- Deadline: varies by program
10. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
The American Fisheries Society’s Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program provides an 8-week paid summer internship. It aims to increase interest in fisheries and generally aquatic science among underrepresented groups. As a Hutton Scholar, you will be assigned a local fisheries employee to act as a professional mentor for the duration of the program. This is hands-on experience in laboratory and field research.
During this opportunity, you’ll also be working on conservation and management projects to better understand the opportunities of the careers involved. Activities may include electrofishing, specimen examination, data analysis, and habitat establishment for aquatic vegetation and fish. The final benefit will be an all-expenses-paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit at the University of Arkansas.
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Requirements: High school students
- Deadline: January 19th
11. SCA National Conservation Crews
The SCA is a service organization that provides environmental conservation programs for youth as well as adults. Its National Conservation Crews offer high school students opportunities to experience conservation projects across the nation.
As an SCA member, you will serve and contribute to the restoration of America’s national, regional, state, or local parks. You will also learn about local wildlife, help preserve critical natural habitats, and acquire practical outdoor skills—all while serving with other young people from around the country.
As a member of the National Conservation Crews, you’ll form valuable relationships and garner hands-on experiences associated with the natural sciences. What you will do makes a difference in preserving these critical habitats.
- Duration: 5-6 weeks
- Requirements: High school students
- Deadline: varies by program
12. SUNY Oneonta Internships
SUNY Oneonta participates in offering highly selective 9-week summer research internships, exclusively to New York State residents, at 1-3 positions, with a guarantee of at least one to an Otsego County resident. One internship is based in the BFS central lab, assisting faculty with research or working on an intern-led project that could include fieldwork and lab analyses, including data interpretation of fisheries surveys, water chemistry, zooplankton ID, and fish dissection. The interns complete the program with a presentation of their research findings through a poster session with mentors, BFS faculty, and peers.
- Duration: 9 weeks
- Requirements: High school Students in New York State
- Deadline: March 26th
13. University of Michigan Aspirnaut Program
The Aspirnaut program at the University of Michigan offers Michigan high school students a 6-week internship focused on hands-on research in life sciences. Participants work on their own projects alongside researchers at U-M’s Ann Arbor campus, aimed at fostering interest in basic science research across diverse communities. The program includes professional development, enrichment activities, and networking opportunities through cultural and social events organized by U-M.
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Requirements: Seniors in Michigan
- Deadline: February 16th
14. Marine Advanced Technology Education Internships
The Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center, funded by the National Science Foundation, provides a range of marine science internships for high school students. These internships are designed to offer practical exposure and to develop extensive networking opportunities with professionals from the respective industries.
- Duration: Varies
- Requirements: High school students
- Deadline: Varies
15. Wave Hill Forest Project
Wave Hill is a public horticultural garden and cultural center. Wave Hill uses the Forest Project to engage NYC youth in ecological restoration and urban ecology. Interns form crews of colleagues led by experienced leaders, to restore woodland sites by removing invasives, stabilizing slopes, and documenting the efforts. They also take a college course based out of Wave Hill on NYC natural area restoration, with field research and group projects, while guest lectures provide information on careers in conservation science.
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Requirements: High school students aged 16+ in the New York City area
- Deadline: February 28th
16. NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP)
The National Institutes of Health Summer Internship Program places students in NIH research laboratories for an intensive summer research experience. Interns work under the mentorship of world-renowned scientists on biomedical research projects spanning genetics, immunology, neuroscience, cancer biology, and more. The program includes professional development workshops, a Graduate and Professional School Fair, and Summer Poster Day where interns present their research to the NIH community. SIP is one of the most prestigious government-sponsored research programs available to students.
- Duration: May–August 2026 (8+ weeks)
- Requirements: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; must be 17 by June 1, 2026 and 18 by September 30, 2026 (local students within 40 miles of NIH campus); enrolled as high school senior at time of application
- Deadline: March 1, 2026
17. Seattle Children’s Research Training Program (RTP)
Seattle Children’s Research Institute offers a free, four-week summer program that introduces high school students to biology laboratory research. Students participate in lectures on biochemistry, immunology, infectious diseases, and gene editing, and conduct hands-on labs including microscopy, PCR, gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, and CRISPR gene editing. The program culminates in an independent research project. Participants receive a $2,000 stipend.
- Duration: 4 weeks (July 13–August 7, 2026)
- Requirements: Current 10th or 11th graders with interest in biology, biochemistry, or public health; must reside within commuting distance of downtown Seattle
- Deadline: March 8, 2026
18. The LEAH Project Summer Lab Internship
The LEAH Project is a paid five-week wet lab research internship based in the Kendall Square area of Cambridge, Massachusetts (at Biogen). High school students are introduced to biology research, lab techniques, and biotech career pathways through hands-on experiments and job shadowing at biotech companies. After the first summer, students receive a placement in an academic or corporate lab the following year. Youth can earn up to $2,250 during the summer.
- Duration: 5 weeks (summer 2026)
- Requirements: Massachusetts high school students ages 16+; must have completed a high school biology class; no prior lab experience needed
- Deadline: Rolling; check LEAH Project website
19. ISB Systems Education Experiences (SEE) High School Internship
The Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle offers multiple summer and academic-year internship opportunities for high school students. Projects span computational biology, cancer research, microbiology, the microbiome, infectious disease, and environmental systems. Students work directly with ISB researchers, learn programming in R and Python, and build a website showcasing their work. The DREAM-High Scholars program offers a $500 stipend.
- Duration: 6–8 weeks (summer) or school year (10+ hours/week)
- Requirements: High school students; 11th graders eligible for academic year internship
- Deadline: Varies by program; check ISB SEE website
20. BioBus Junior Scientist Internship
BioBus is a New York City-based nonprofit that offers paid internships where high school students receive training and mentorship from research scientists. Junior Scientists develop independent research projects while co-teaching BioBus science programs for younger students. Interns gain research experience, develop lab skills, and learn science communications — combining hands-on biology with community engagement.
- Duration: Summer (July–August 2026) and school year (October 2026–June 2027, once weekly)
- Requirements: NYC high school students with a passion for science; no prior experience required
- Deadline: Typically early spring 2026; check BioBus website
21. Princeton Laboratory Learning Program
Princeton University’s Laboratory Learning Program provides high school students with a six-week summer research experience in Princeton’s biology, chemistry, and neuroscience labs. Students work alongside faculty, postdocs, and graduate students on real research projects, gaining exposure to university-level laboratory techniques and scientific inquiry. This is a rare opportunity to conduct research at one of the world’s top research universities.
- Duration: 6 weeks (June 26–August 7, 2026)
- Requirements: High school students ages 16+; housing not provided
- Deadline: Varies; check Princeton Research website
22. Moffitt Cancer Center HIP IMO Program
Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida offers a High School Internship Program that provides students with hands-on cancer research experience over eight weeks during the summer. Interns work in Moffitt research labs under the supervision of faculty mentors, learning about cancer biology, immunology, and translational research. Moffitt is one of only 57 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States.
- Duration: 8 weeks (June 3–July 29, 2026)
- Requirements: High school students ages 16+
- Deadline: Varies; check Moffitt website
23. Tufts University TUBERS Program
The Tufts University Biomedical Engineering Research Scholars (TUBERS) program is a six-week summer research program for high school students interested in biomedical engineering and the biological sciences. Students work in Tufts’ biomedical engineering labs under the mentorship of faculty and graduate students, conducting original research at the intersection of biology and engineering.
- Duration: 6 weeks (July 1–August 12, 2026)
- Requirements: High school students ages 16+
- Deadline: Varies; check TUBERS website
24. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
The U.S. Navy’s Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program places high school students in paid eight-week summer internships at Department of Navy laboratories across the country. Many positions focus on biology, marine science, environmental science, and biomedical research. SEAP apprentices work alongside Navy scientists and engineers on real research projects, gaining unique exposure to government-funded scientific research.
- Duration: 8 weeks (June 10–August 5, 2026)
- Requirements: High school students ages 16+; U.S. citizens
- Deadline: Typically November–January; check SEAP website for current cycle
25. MSU High School Honors Science, Math, and Engineering Program (HSHSP)
Michigan State University’s HSHSP is a competitive seven-week residential research program where high school students conduct original research in university labs under the mentorship of MSU faculty. Students work on independent projects in biological sciences, chemistry, physics, engineering, and mathematics. The program includes professional development seminars, social activities, and a final research symposium.
- Duration: 7 weeks (summer 2026)
- Requirements: High school students ages 16+
- Deadline: Varies; check MSU HSHSP website
26. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
SIMR is a prestigious eight-week program that introduces students to biomedical research at Stanford University. Students work alongside Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students to develop hands-on laboratory skills and conduct original research in areas like cancer biology, immunology, genetics, and neuroscience. SIMR culminates in a poster symposium where students present their findings.
- Duration: 8 weeks (summer 2026)
- Requirements: High school juniors and seniors
- Deadline: Typically February 2026; check SIMR website
27. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
The SSRP connects 32 high school students with three top research institutions — Rockefeller University, Weill Cornell Medicine, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — for a summer of high-level biomedical research. Students work in small groups overseen by professional mentors and tackle cutting-edge research questions. The program provides one of the most intensive lab research experiences available to high school students in the United States.
- Duration: 7 weeks (summer 2026)
- Requirements: High school juniors and seniors
- Deadline: Typically January–February 2026; check Rockefeller website
28. Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine offers a 10-week paid research internship for students interested in genetics and genomics. Participants conduct independent research projects under the mentorship of JAX scientists, attend lectures and workshops, and present their findings at a final symposium. JAX provides a stipend, housing, and meals, making it accessible regardless of financial background. JAX is one of the world’s leading biomedical research institutions focused on mammalian genetics.
- Duration: 10 weeks (summer 2026)
- Requirements: Students ages 16+ (high school juniors, seniors, and undergraduates)
- Deadline: Typically January 2026; check JAX website
29. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center Programs
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) on Long Island offers research-focused programs through its DNA Learning Center. The Urban Barcode Research Program partners NYC high school students with CSHL scientists to conduct original DNA barcoding research over the school year. Students collect specimens, extract and analyze DNA, and present findings at a symposium. CSHL also offers summer camps and workshops in molecular biology and bioinformatics.
- Duration: School year (Urban Barcode) or summer workshops
- Requirements: High school students; Urban Barcode for NYC students
- Deadline: Varies by program; check DNALC website
30. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory iCLEM Program
The Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology (iCLEM) is a paid summer science intensive hosted by the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The program broadens students’ understanding of biotechnology, microbiology, and biofuels through hands-on lab work with cutting-edge equipment and techniques. Students work alongside Berkeley Lab scientists on real research projects.
- Duration: Summer 2026 (varies)
- Requirements: High school sophomores and juniors in Alameda, Contra Costa, or San Francisco County; ages 15+
- Deadline: Applications open early spring 2026; check Berkeley Lab website
31. Regeneron Science Talent Search
The Regeneron Science Talent Search, administered by the Society for Science, is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science competition for high school seniors. While not a traditional internship, many winning projects are biology-based — spanning genetics, ecology, neuroscience, and molecular biology. The top 300 scholars are recognized nationally, 40 finalists compete in Washington D.C. for over $1.8 million in awards, and the top prize is $250,000.
- Duration: Research conducted independently; finals in March 2026
- Requirements: High school seniors
- Deadline: Typically November (for the following year’s competition)
32. Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
Regeneron ISEF is the world’s largest pre-college science competition, bringing together approximately 1,800 young scientists from over 80 countries. Students qualify through affiliated regional and state science fairs. Many winning projects are in biology categories including cellular/molecular biology, animal sciences, plant sciences, microbiology, and environmental science. ISEF winners receive scholarships, prizes, and recognition from the global scientific community.
- Duration: Annual competition (May 2026)
- Requirements: High school students; must qualify through affiliated science fairs
- Deadline: Varies by regional fair; national fair in May 2026
33. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
The Research Science Institute at MIT is one of the most prestigious and competitive free summer science programs in the world. Approximately 80 students are selected from thousands of applicants to spend six weeks at MIT conducting original research in mathematics, science, or engineering. Many RSI participants pursue biology-related projects in labs at MIT, Harvard, and other Boston-area institutions. The program is fully funded by the Center for Excellence in Education.
- Duration: 6 weeks (summer 2026)
- Requirements: High school students entering senior year; must be 15+ by program start
- Deadline: Typically December 2025/January 2026
34. Vanderbilt Aspirnaut High School Internship
Vanderbilt University’s Aspirnaut program is a paid, six-week internship that places high school students on real research teams. Students explore how chemistry, biology, physics, math, and engineering can help solve medical issues like diabetes and cancer. Interns work alongside Vanderbilt faculty and graduate students in Nashville, gaining hands-on laboratory experience and professional development.
- Duration: 6 weeks (summer 2026)
- Requirements: All high school students (9th–12th)
- Deadline: Varies; check Aspirnaut website
35. Scripps Research Student Internship
Scripps Research’s student internship program is a 10-week summer experience that allows students from high school through post-graduate levels to collaborate on health sciences research. Scripps takes a broad, interdisciplinary approach, showing students how medicine, statistics, and computer science intersect to advance biomedical knowledge. The program is based in San Diego, one of the largest biotech hubs in the country.
- Duration: 10 weeks (summer 2026)
- Requirements: All high school students (9th–12th)
- Deadline: Varies; check Scripps Research website
36. University of Chicago RIBS (Research in the Biological Sciences)
The University of Chicago’s RIBS program is a four-week intensive focusing on cellular biology, molecular biology, and microbiology techniques. Students are fully immersed in a professional laboratory setting, learning techniques like DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, cell culture, and microscopy under the supervision of UChicago faculty. RIBS is one of the most rigorous biology pre-college programs available.
- Duration: 4 weeks (summer 2026)
- Requirements: High school sophomores and juniors
- Deadline: Varies; check UChicago Summer Session website
37. Einstein-Montefiore Summer High School Research Program
This full-time, five-week summer program at Albert Einstein College of Medicine introduces young scientists to laboratory research techniques. Students join real laboratory teams and work alongside graduate students and postdocs on active research projects in molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, and pharmacology. The program culminates in a poster presentation alongside undergraduate research fellows.
- Duration: 5 weeks (summer 2026)
- Requirements: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
- Deadline: Typically February 2026; check Einstein website
38. Rosetta Institute of Biomedical Research Workshops
The Rosetta Institute offers both virtual and in-person workshops on molecular medicine for high school students. These challenging programs are led by doctorate-level instructors and cover topics like drug design, cancer biology, genomics, and bioinformatics. The workshops give students a unique window into advanced biomedical concepts and prepare them for careers in medicine and research.
- Duration: 1-2 weeks (summer 2026)
- Requirements: All high school students (9th–12th)
- Deadline: Varies; check Rosetta Institute website
39. UCSF Summer Student Research Program
The University of California, San Francisco’s Summer Student Research Program connects high school students with mentors in the healthcare field. Participants conduct meaningful medical research, attend workshops and seminars, and present their findings at a symposium. UCSF is one of the top biomedical research universities in the world, and this program provides direct access to its faculty and clinical network.
- Duration: 8-10 weeks (summer 2026)
- Requirements: High school juniors and seniors
- Deadline: Typically January–February 2026; check UCSF website
40. Coriell Summer Experience for High School Students
The Coriell Institute for Medical Research offers a four-week unpaid biotechnology research internship for high school students. The program gives students an inside look at Coriell’s production laboratories, where they learn techniques in cell culture, DNA extraction, and genetic analysis. The program culminates in a student poster presentation.
- Duration: 4 weeks (summer 2026)
- Requirements: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
- Deadline: Typically March 2026; check Coriell website
41. Magee-Womens Research Institute Summer Internship
The Magee-Womens Research Institute in Pittsburgh offers a summer internship for Pennsylvania high school students interested in women’s health research. Interns design and conduct their own research projects under the supervision of industry professionals, gaining experience in reproductive biology, pregnancy research, and women’s health sciences.
- Duration: Summer 2026 (varies)
- Requirements: High school sophomores and juniors in southwestern Pennsylvania
- Deadline: Varies; check MWRI website
42. Roswell Park SURE-CAN Program
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center’s High School Summer Research Experience in Cancer (SURE-CAN) program is designed for ambitious young scientists who dream of finding cures for cancer. The comprehensive program combines laboratory work with classroom learning, guest speakers, and professional development. Students gain real-world experience in cancer biology research at one of the nation’s leading cancer centers.
- Duration: Summer 2026 (varies)
- Requirements: High school juniors from New York’s Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties
- Deadline: Typically February 2026; check Roswell Park website
43. Stanford GRIPS (Genomics Research Internship Program)
Stanford’s Genomics Research Internship Program is an eight-week genetics research intensive designed for Bay Area high school students. Program participants are immersed in a community that prioritizes scientific study, laboratory research, and professional development. Students gain hands-on experience in genomics techniques including DNA sequencing, gene expression analysis, and computational biology.
- Duration: 8 weeks (summer 2026)
- Requirements: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors residing in the Bay Area
- Deadline: Varies; check Stanford GRIPS website
44. Stony Brook University Simons Summer Research Program
Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program pairs high school juniors with Stony Brook faculty mentors for hands-on research in science, math, and engineering. Many projects are biology-focused, including molecular biology, ecology, neuroscience, and marine sciences. Simons Fellows conduct original research and present their findings at a symposium at the end of the program.
- Duration: 5 weeks (summer 2026)
- Requirements: High school juniors with passion for science, math, or engineering
- Deadline: Typically January 2026; check Stony Brook Simons website
45. LSU Summer Research Program
Louisiana State University’s summer research program brings together high school, college, and medical students for eight weeks of collaborative research. Students spend their time doing hands-on work alongside professional mentors in genetics, molecular biology, and biomedical sciences, attending career preparation seminars, and presenting their findings in a poster and/or oral presentation at the end of the program.
- Duration: 8 weeks (summer 2026)
- Requirements: High school juniors and seniors
- Deadline: Varies; check LSU Health website
46. UCSD Bioengineering Research Programs
The University of California, San Diego’s bioengineering research programs introduce high school students to the rigor — and the fun — of biological engineering research. Multiple sessions accommodate different skill levels and schedules, and the program includes lab work, field research, and computational analysis at the intersection of biology and engineering.
- Duration: Varies by session (summer 2026)
- Requirements: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
- Deadline: Varies; check UCSD Research Scholars website
47. UCSD Life Sciences Research Program
This program combines resources from UC San Diego and the Boz Institute to expose students to biological research techniques across multiple disciplines. Multiple sessions with different focuses provide a comprehensive approach that includes field work, lectures, and laboratory experience in areas like molecular biology, ecology, and genetics.
- Duration: Varies by session (summer 2026)
- Requirements: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
- Deadline: Varies; check UCSD Research Scholars website
48. UCSD Marine Science Research Program
For students who love the ocean, UC San Diego’s marine science research program offers two tiers: an ocean studies course for beginners and a marine research intensive for advanced students. Participants learn about marine ecosystems, oceanography, and conservation biology through field work, lab analysis, and direct engagement with UCSD’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography — one of the oldest and most prestigious ocean research institutions in the world.
- Duration: Varies by session (summer 2026)
- Requirements: All high school students (9th–12th)
- Deadline: Varies; check UCSD Research Scholars website
49. Air Force Research Laboratory Student Scholars Program
The Air Force Research Laboratory offers paid internship opportunities for high school students interested in biological sciences, aeronautical engineering, and science education. Interns gain hands-on experience under experienced mentors in both research and educational settings. Projects may include biomedical research, environmental biology, and human performance science at AFRL facilities across the country.
- Duration: Summer 2026 (varies by location)
- Requirements: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
- Deadline: Varies; check AFRL Scholars website
50. Headwaters Science Institute Full Research Programs
Headwaters Science Institute’s 5-day intensive gives high school students the chance to create their own biology and ecology research projects about California’s diverse ecosystems. Students learn field research methods, data collection, and scientific analysis while exploring the natural environments surrounding their local communities. The program encourages students to take ownership of their research from hypothesis through data presentation.
- Duration: 5 days (summer 2026)
- Requirements: All high school students (9th–12th)
- Deadline: Varies; check Headwaters Science Institute website
Final Thoughts: High School Biology Internship Positions
Here are some final tips to help you prepare:
These biology internships provide a unique blend of hands-on experience and academic learning, placing you at the intersection of scientific exploration and real-world application. Whether you’re diving into marine ecosystems, tackling environmental challenges, or contributing to cutting-edge biomedical research, these opportunities allow you to engage deeply with the field. Beyond the invaluable experience, internships like these also offer a chance to build meaningful professional connections and find mentors who can guide your future in biology.
Don’t let these opportunities slip by—participating in these internships can significantly shape your path in the biological sciences and set you on a course for success.
Given how competitive biology internships can be, landing one at a prestigious institution might seem daunting. But it doesn’t have to be. Empowerly offers personalized support to help you secure the perfect internship. Our expert advisors will assist you through every step, from crafting a standout résumé to acing interviews, ensuring that you find an opportunity that aligns with your goals. With Empowerly by your side, you’ll confidently pursue and achieve your internship ambitions in biology.
