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 15 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 15 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: August 4th
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 16th
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 10th
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 13th
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: Varies
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: March 31st
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: January 27th
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: February 14th
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: March 3rd
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 10th
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: Rolling
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: January
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.
Sophia Minhas
Madeleine Karydes