Looking to stand out in the medical or pre-medical field of undergraduate study? Or, wondering if there are any hands-on STEM internships in or around the CA Bay Area happening this summer or this spring? Here we share various STEM-related internship opportunities in the Bay Area.
We hope this list of unique high school internships in medicine throughout California schools helps you start your search!
1. Buck Institute for Research on Aging Internship
Video: Buck Insititute for Aging High School Intern Program
- Deadline: January 17, 2024
- Duration: 7 weeks
Buck Institute for Research on Aging provides a seven-week research internship to prepare local high school students for careers in biomedical and Geroscience research.
- Location: Novato, CA
- Age Eligibility: Current 9-12th graders who have completed at least one Advanced Placement science course (or equivalent).
- Location: Novato, CA
- Age Eligibility: Current 9-12th graders who have completed at least one Advanced Placement science course (or equivalent).
- Pay/Cost: Cost of $2,500 per intern over and above the support of program sponsors. “Full and partial scholarships are available to students completing 10th and 11th grades based on financial need.”
2. Medical Immersion Summer Academy (MISA) Internship
- Deadline: April 15, 2024
- Duration: 4 weeks
The Medical Immersion Summer & Spring Academy (MISA) was founded in 2012 in Oakland, California by Dr. Freeman. Further, 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 careers in health.
Specifically, MISA partners with local health institutions such as Alameda Health Systems, Samuel Merritt University, and private clinicians in the area to bring this valuable experience to high school students from all across the country.
- Location: Oakland, CA
- Age Eligibility: High school students
- Pay/Cost: $ Fee-paying.
3. Empowerly Research Scholars Program
- Deadline: February 28, 2024
- Duration: 8 weeks
We offer a diverse range of research programs, designed to suit a range of ages and experience levels. Each Program has a Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter session. Create an independent research paper in a pre-designed area of a mentor’s expertise. The program includes
Topics include Biotechnology; The Human Body & Diseases; Psychology of Organizations; Astrophysics; Behavioral Economics; Economics Policy Analysis; Deep Learning; Machine Learning; Software Development Systems; Gender & Education in Global & Comparative Perspectives; Reproductive Politics; Civil & Environmental Engineering; Chemical & Biology Engineering; Organic & Inorganic Chemistry; Chemical Kinetics & Dynamics; Technology Adoptions in Firms; International Policy; International Security; Understanding Global Warming; Environmental History of Earth and more.
- Location: Online
- Age Eligibility: 8th-12th graders
- Pay/Cost: $ Fee-paying
4. MIT Think Project
- Deadline: March 31, 2024
- Duration: 6 weeks
Rather than requiring students to have completed a research project before applying, THINK caters to students who have done extensive research on the background of a potential research project and are looking for additional guidance in the early stages of their project.
The program is organized by a group of undergraduates at MIT. Selected finalists have weekly mentorship meetings with THINK team members for technical guidance, helpful resources, and updates on the project’s progress and are given up to $1,000 in funding for their project.
Additionally, if permitted, finalists are invited to a four-day all-expenses paid trip to MIT’s campus, where they tour labs, present their research to MIT students and faculty and hang out with members of the THINK team.
- Location: Online
- Age Eligibility: High school students
- Pay/Cost: Free
5. Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS)
- Deadline: February 15, 2024
- Duration: 4 weeks
The Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS) is a 6-week program in which high school students from diverse backgrounds are invited to learn about science, medicine, and research with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students, and researchers on a medically-oriented project.
The goals of the program include increasing interest in biological sciences and medicine in high school students, helping students to understand how scientific research is performed, and increasing the diversity of students and researchers in the sciences.
- Location: Palo Alto, CA
- Age Eligibility: “Currently be rising juniors or seniors, 16 years old or older by the start of the program, and live in Northern California, ideally no more than a 1-hour commute from the Stanford campus.”
- Pay/Cost: Free, students in need of financial aid are eligible for a $3,000 stipend.
6. UCSF Program for Investigation and Training for Centers in Health (PITCH)
- Deadline: March 15, 2024
- Duration: 8 weeks
Program for Investigation and Training in Careers in Health (PITCH) is a three-week, unpaid internship at UCSF for current high school students. At PITCH, students will conduct research under the guidance of UCSF students, meet with professors, receive college advice, participate in labs, and much more.
- Location: San Francisco, CA
- Age Eligibility: High school students (preferably local in the Bay Area).
- Pay/Cost: Free
7. Science Internship Program at UCSC
- Deadline: April 1, 2024
- Duration: 6 weeks
SIP is a summer-long research internship program for high-school students in STEM fields. UCSC faculty, graduate students, and post-doctoral researchers provide one-on-one mentoring for these high-school interns. The research projects are real in that they are not made up just for high-school students; instead, students are inserted into existing research projects here at UCSC.
- Location: Santa Cruz, CA
- Age Eligibility: Must be 14 (or 16 for some projects) and currently enrolled in high school.
- Pay/Cost: $ Fee-paying
- Application fee – $60
- Deposit to hold a spot – $300
- The remainder of academic program fee – $2,700
- Optional campus housing fee per week – $475
Video: UC Santa Cruz Science Internship Program | Kickoff Event
8. Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Center Stanford Summer Internship
- Deadline: March 15, 2024
- Duration: 4 weeks
This summer internship is an elective course for high school and pre-med students that will provide exposure to the steps towards mastering basic and advanced cardiothoracic surgery (e.g., knot tying, dissection, suturing, coronary artery bypass graft, and aortic valve replacements).
- Location: Stanford, CA
- Age Eligibility: Minimum age of 16
- Pay/Cost: Application fee of $195 USD; a program fee of $5,500 USD.
9. Stanford Clinical Sumer Internship
- Deadline: April 1, 2024
- Duration: 6 weeks
MEDCSI is a rigorous 2-week program in Medicine that is open to highly motivated high school and pre med students. Workshops and sessions are taught by Stanford faculty and include hands-on experiences such as performing bedside ultrasounds, dissections, suturing, splinting, and visits to the Stanford emergency life flight station and free clinics. There are two identical sessions each summer. There is a fee to participate.
- Location: Stanford, CA
- Age Eligibility: High school students
- Pay/Cost: $3,780
10. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)
- Deadline:Varies annually
- Duration: 4 weeks
The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP) offers high school students a unique opportunity to explore careers in medicine and biomedical research. Participants engage in lectures, laboratory tours, and hands-on activities designed to inspire and educate future medical professionals. Through this program, students gain valuable exposure to the medical field and acquire insights into various career paths.
- Location: Stanford, CA
- Age Eligibility: Current 10-12th graders
- Pay/Cost: No cost; scholarships available
Video: Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)
11. Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego: Summer Medical Academy
- Deadline: Varies annually
- Duration: 2 weeks
The Summer Medical Academy at Rady Children’s Hospital provides high school students with an introduction to the field of medicine. This program features lectures, simulations, and clinical exposure, giving students a comprehensive view of medical practices and healthcare careers. Participants will have the chance to learn from professionals and gain firsthand experience in a clinical setting.
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Age Eligibility: Current 9-12th graders
- Pay/Cost: $1,500; financial aid available
12. UCSF Summer Student Research Program
- Deadline: Varies annually
- Duration: 8 weeks
The UCSF Summer Student Research Program gives high school students the opportunity to participate in research projects across a range of biomedical fields. Students will work alongside UCSF researchers, gaining hands-on experience and insights into various aspects of scientific research and medical innovation. This program is designed to foster a strong foundation for future careers in science and medicine.
- Location: San Francisco, CA
- Age Eligibility: Current 10-12th graders
- Pay/Cost: Stipend provided; no cost to participate
13. KP Launch
- Deadline: Varies annually
- Duration: 4 weeks
The KP Launch program offers high school students the opportunity to explore careers in healthcare through a series of engaging activities and workshops. Participants gain hands-on experience in various healthcare settings, learn about different medical professions, and engage in career development exercises. This program is designed to inspire and educate future healthcare professionals by providing practical exposure to the field and insights into the healthcare industry.
- Location: Multiple locations in California
- Age Eligibility: Current 10-12th graders
- Pay/Cost: No cost; some locations may offer stipends.
14. Kaiser Permanente Teen Volunteer
- Deadline: Varies annually
- Duration: Varies (typically 6-8 weeks)
The Kaiser Permanente Teen Volunteer program provides high school students with the opportunity to gain experience in a healthcare environment. Volunteers assist with various tasks and projects within the hospital, including patient support, administrative duties, and community outreach. This program offers a valuable introduction to the healthcare field, helping students develop professional skills and explore potential career paths in medicine.
- Location: Multiple locations in California
- Age Eligibility: Current 10-12th graders
- Pay/Cost: Volunteer position; no cost to participate
15. UCLA Health Volunteen Summer Program
- Deadline: Varies annually
- Duration: 6 weeks
The UCLA Health Volunteen Summer Program offers high school students the chance to volunteer in various departments within UCLA Health facilities. Participants gain hands-on experience by assisting healthcare professionals, interacting with patients, and supporting hospital operations. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare environments and encourage them to consider careers in medicine and health services.
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Age Eligibility: Current 10-12th graders
- Pay/Cost: Volunteer position; no cost to participate
16. Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Volunteer Program
- Deadline: Varies annually
- Duration: Varies (typically 6-8 weeks)
The Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Volunteer Program allows high school students to gain experience in a healthcare setting by volunteering in various hospital departments. Volunteers assist with patient care, administrative tasks, and support services, providing valuable assistance to hospital staff while learning about the day-to-day operations of a medical facility. This program offers a great opportunity for students to explore healthcare careers and gain hands-on experience.
- Location: Valencia, CA
- Age Eligibility: Current 11-12th graders
- Pay/Cost: Volunteer position; no cost to participate
17. Cedars-Sinai High School Student Volunteers
- Deadline: Varies annually
- Duration: Varies (typically 6-8 weeks)
The Cedars-Sinai High School Student Volunteer program offers students an enriching opportunity to volunteer in a leading medical facility. Participants engage in a range of activities, including patient support, administrative tasks, and assisting medical staff in various departments. This program provides high school students with a valuable introduction to the healthcare field, fostering professional skills and offering insights into the operations of a prominent hospital.
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Age Eligibility: Current 11-12th graders
- Pay/Cost: Volunteer position; no cost to participate
18. Children’s Hospital LA-HIP
- Deadline: Varies annually
- Duration: 8 weeks
The Children’s Hospital LA-HIP (High School Internship Program) offers students the chance to gain experience in a pediatric healthcare setting. Interns participate in various activities including patient interaction, administrative tasks, and support services. This program provides a unique perspective on pediatric care and helps students develop a deeper understanding of the healthcare field through direct involvement in a hospital environment.
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Age Eligibility: Current 10-12th graders
- Pay/Cost: Paid internship; stipend provided
Bonus Read: The 40 Best Medical Internships for High School Students
After all, these summer internship programs all provide high school students with the rare opportunity to gain their own intern experience. Conducting research at an internship like this definitely stands out to college app officers!
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Additional Resources
Looking for more ways to enhance your high school experience? Check out our guide, 25 Science Internships for High School Students (2024), for exciting summer opportunities in science.
Are you also interested in exploring psychology research? Discover 10 Psychology Research Programs for High School Students (2024) to find programs that will boost your knowledge and experience in the field.
Lastly, if you’re keen on STEM programs, don’t miss out on Top 16 STEM Programs for High School Students This Summer (2024) for a comprehensive list of summer opportunities to expand your STEM skills.
Bonus Resource: 40 Incredible Internships for High School Students
