10 Medical Extracurriculars for High School Students
10 Medical Extracurriculars for High School Students
Written by
Written by
George Gatsios, Founder of Delta Institute
George Gatsios, Founder of Delta Institute
Published on
Published on
Pursuing a career in medicine requires more than just strong grades. You need hands-on experience in the field to explore different areas of healthcare and better understand what the profession involves. For high school students, extracurricular activities are one of the best ways to do this while building skills that will be valuable in both college and future medical careers.
Here are 10 medical extracurriculars for high school students to help you explore your interests and stand out in competitive college or job applications.
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program is one of the most prestigious medical research programs for high school students. It offers hands-on experience in biomedical research under the mentorship of Stanford faculty and researchers. You can choose from eight research areas: immunology, cancer biology, neurobiology, stem cell and regenerative medicine, cardiovascular biology, bioinformatics, genetics and genomics or bioengineering.
Throughout the program, you’ll work on a biodesign project that addresses a real medical need, conduct experiments, analyze data, and present your prototype at a poster session at the end of the eight weeks. You also have the chance to attend seminars and professional development workshops to learn about the Biodesign process
Cost: Free
Location: Stanford, California
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to July (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Delve Work-Experience Program places students directly into real-world projects with renowned companies and organizations, including those in healthcare and biotech, like The Vein Institute, Allegheny Health Network, and the NHS. You’ll gain exposure to professional environments while working on tasks that mirror what medical and healthcare professionals do on a day-to-day basis.
Over the 4 weeks, you’ll take part in technical modules with industry experts, networking sessions with senior company executives, professional development, and unlimited office hours. Under your mentor’s guidance, you and your group will also use this time to complete a project that solves real challenges in the medical industry. At the end of the program, you’ll pitch this project to company representatives and receive valuable feedback, a completion certificate, and an exclusive letter of recommendation from the company.
Cost: $4,900
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: May 31 (summer III deadline)
Program Dates: Varies depending on the company (you can check all upcoming deadlines here)
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
Harvard Medical School’s MEDscienceClinical program is an immersive summer experience for high school students interested in medicine, healthcare, and science. You’ll be placed in realistic, high-pressure medical simulations where you can diagnose and treat lifelike patients in a state-of-the-art clinical lab. You’ll also gain firsthand exposure to emergency care and clinical decision-making as you work in small groups alongside physicians, nurses, EMTs, and medical students.
Over the 4- or 5-day program, you’ll develop practical skills like suturing, interpreting vital signs, inserting IVs, and even assisting in simulated childbirth scenarios. If you choose the 5-day program, you’ll receive American Red Cross CPR/AED and Stop the Bleed training and certification. For those with other medical interests, Harvard Medical School of MEDscience programs, including MEDscienceLAB, MEDscienceLAB Forensics, MEDscienceTECH, and MEDscienceDental
Cost: $2,250 (4-day program) or $2,800 (5-day program)
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Application Deadline: March (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: 11 sessions between June and August
Eligibility: Current grade 9, 10, 11 or 12 students
The Deepen Mentorship Program pairs students with experienced professionals for one-on-one mentorship in fields like medicine, public health, and biomedical research. The mentorship is tailored to you, allowing you to explore a specific interest in the medical field while receiving guidance from someone actively working in the industry.
Over the course of 8 weeks, you’ll complete a personalized project that reflects your interests and addresses industry challenges. Your mentor will provide expert guidance and feedback along the way while helping you develop specialized skills and confidence. At the end of the program, you’ll present your project and gain future guidance as well as a strong letter of recommendation you can use to strengthen your college applications and resume.
Cost: $6,500
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: May 31 (summer III deadline)
Program Dates: Varies
Eligibility: High school students globally
The CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp is a competitive summer program for high school students interested in public health and epidemiology. The 4-day camp will introduce you to the fundamentals of public health, including research, data collection, analysis, and health education, as well as epidemiology.
Through hands-on activities, you’ll investigate simulated outbreaks, participate in mock press conferences, and explore topics like global health, environmental health, and disease surveillance. The curriculum often incorporates current, real-world health issues and includes lab sessions and talks from CDC scientists to prepare you for an education and career in public health.
Cost: Free
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Application Deadline: April 9
Program Dates:
June 22 to 26
July 20 to 24
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors globally
Delta Institute offers two immersive programs that focus on the intersection of artificial intelligence, coding, and real-world applications, including healthcare. You can take either Delta AI Immersive, Delta Code Immersive, or both to learn skills like Python, data analysis, and machine learning through a 1:1 mentorship with industry experts from companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon. These programs allow you to explore your passion for medicine by building projects like diagnostic tools, health data models, or AI-powered medical applications. Check out some example projects here!
Since the curriculum of both programs is tailored to you, it’s perfect for both beginners and advanced learners. After presenting your completed project, you’ll receive detailed feedback, a roadmap for your future, and an expert mentor testimonial highlighting your achievements and skills.
Cost: $4,800
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: May 31 (summer III deadline). Students can apply here
Program Dates: Year-round (flexible start dates)
Eligibility: High school students globally
One of the leading pediatric hospitals in the United States, the Rady Children’s Hospital, hosts an annual medical academy for students interested in medicine and healthcare. You’ll engage in interactive learning experiences, including lectures, clinical simulations, lab activities, and case-based learning that mirrors real hospital scenarios.
The program focuses on pediatrics and you’ll learn about topics like patient care, anatomy, and medical ethics. You’ll also be able to attend career panels with hospital employees to learn about their experience, stories, and advice.
Cost: $3,000 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Location: San Diego, California
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previously years)
Program Dates:
June 15 to 26
July 6 to 17
Eligibility: Current high school students
The Summer Internship Program by the National Institutes of Health is a paid research opportunity for students interested in health and medicine. It’s hosted at NIH facilities across the United States, allowing participants to work alongside leading scientists and researchers on cutting-edge biomedical and public health projects.
You’ll gain hands-on experience by conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and using advanced lab techniques related to your research project. At the end of the 8 weeks, you’ll present your research findings at the Graduate and Professional School Fair in July and the Summer Poster Day in August.
Cost: Free, stipend available
Location: Multiple NIH campuses in Maryland, North Carolina, Montana, and Arizona
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: May to August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have graduated from high school and will be 18 by September
You can check out other medical internship opportunities for high school students here!
The Scripps Research Translational Institute’s Student Research Internship Program is a 10-week summer research opportunity for high school students and undergraduates interested in health sciences, statistics, and computer science. You’ll work in real research environments (choosing from a dry or wet lab setting) with experienced scientists, focusing on personalized health care and current topics in translational science. You’ll be placed with a primary mentor based on your interests but you’ll work closely with other faculty as well.
You’ll spend your time discovering new laboratory techniques, helping with experiments, and learning how to conduct clinical trials. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research findings at the Translational Institute Research meeting and a poster symposium.
Cost: Funding has yet to be determined, but SRTI provides a stipend of $5,040 for its 7-week summer internships
Location: La Jolla, California
Application Deadline: March 30
Program Dates:
June 1 to August 7 or
June 15 to August 7
Eligibility: High school students 16 years or older before the internship start date
The Summer Student Program at The Jackson Laboratory is a hands-on research opportunity for recent high school graduates and undergraduate students interested in genetics and biomedical science. The program allows participants to work alongside world-class scientists in state-of-the-art laboratories, focusing on areas such as genomics, molecular biology, and disease research.
Over the 10 weeks, you’ll work 40 hours a week completing lab work, attending weekly professional development sessions, and participating a weekly journal club. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research to The Jackson Laboratory researchers as well as your peers and family members.
Cost: Free, $7,500 stipend
Location: Bar Harbor, Maine
Application Deadline: January (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: May 30 to August 7
Eligibility: Recent high school graduates who are at least 18 years old
Pursuing a career in medicine requires more than just strong grades. You need hands-on experience in the field to explore different areas of healthcare and better understand what the profession involves. For high school students, extracurricular activities are one of the best ways to do this while building skills that will be valuable in both college and future medical careers.
Here are 10 medical extracurriculars for high school students to help you explore your interests and stand out in competitive college or job applications.
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program is one of the most prestigious medical research programs for high school students. It offers hands-on experience in biomedical research under the mentorship of Stanford faculty and researchers. You can choose from eight research areas: immunology, cancer biology, neurobiology, stem cell and regenerative medicine, cardiovascular biology, bioinformatics, genetics and genomics or bioengineering.
Throughout the program, you’ll work on a biodesign project that addresses a real medical need, conduct experiments, analyze data, and present your prototype at a poster session at the end of the eight weeks. You also have the chance to attend seminars and professional development workshops to learn about the Biodesign process
Cost: Free
Location: Stanford, California
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to July (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Delve Work-Experience Program places students directly into real-world projects with renowned companies and organizations, including those in healthcare and biotech, like The Vein Institute, Allegheny Health Network, and the NHS. You’ll gain exposure to professional environments while working on tasks that mirror what medical and healthcare professionals do on a day-to-day basis.
Over the 4 weeks, you’ll take part in technical modules with industry experts, networking sessions with senior company executives, professional development, and unlimited office hours. Under your mentor’s guidance, you and your group will also use this time to complete a project that solves real challenges in the medical industry. At the end of the program, you’ll pitch this project to company representatives and receive valuable feedback, a completion certificate, and an exclusive letter of recommendation from the company.
Cost: $4,900
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: May 31 (summer III deadline)
Program Dates: Varies depending on the company (you can check all upcoming deadlines here)
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
Harvard Medical School’s MEDscienceClinical program is an immersive summer experience for high school students interested in medicine, healthcare, and science. You’ll be placed in realistic, high-pressure medical simulations where you can diagnose and treat lifelike patients in a state-of-the-art clinical lab. You’ll also gain firsthand exposure to emergency care and clinical decision-making as you work in small groups alongside physicians, nurses, EMTs, and medical students.
Over the 4- or 5-day program, you’ll develop practical skills like suturing, interpreting vital signs, inserting IVs, and even assisting in simulated childbirth scenarios. If you choose the 5-day program, you’ll receive American Red Cross CPR/AED and Stop the Bleed training and certification. For those with other medical interests, Harvard Medical School of MEDscience programs, including MEDscienceLAB, MEDscienceLAB Forensics, MEDscienceTECH, and MEDscienceDental
Cost: $2,250 (4-day program) or $2,800 (5-day program)
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Application Deadline: March (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: 11 sessions between June and August
Eligibility: Current grade 9, 10, 11 or 12 students
The Deepen Mentorship Program pairs students with experienced professionals for one-on-one mentorship in fields like medicine, public health, and biomedical research. The mentorship is tailored to you, allowing you to explore a specific interest in the medical field while receiving guidance from someone actively working in the industry.
Over the course of 8 weeks, you’ll complete a personalized project that reflects your interests and addresses industry challenges. Your mentor will provide expert guidance and feedback along the way while helping you develop specialized skills and confidence. At the end of the program, you’ll present your project and gain future guidance as well as a strong letter of recommendation you can use to strengthen your college applications and resume.
Cost: $6,500
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: May 31 (summer III deadline)
Program Dates: Varies
Eligibility: High school students globally
The CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp is a competitive summer program for high school students interested in public health and epidemiology. The 4-day camp will introduce you to the fundamentals of public health, including research, data collection, analysis, and health education, as well as epidemiology.
Through hands-on activities, you’ll investigate simulated outbreaks, participate in mock press conferences, and explore topics like global health, environmental health, and disease surveillance. The curriculum often incorporates current, real-world health issues and includes lab sessions and talks from CDC scientists to prepare you for an education and career in public health.
Cost: Free
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Application Deadline: April 9
Program Dates:
June 22 to 26
July 20 to 24
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors globally
Delta Institute offers two immersive programs that focus on the intersection of artificial intelligence, coding, and real-world applications, including healthcare. You can take either Delta AI Immersive, Delta Code Immersive, or both to learn skills like Python, data analysis, and machine learning through a 1:1 mentorship with industry experts from companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon. These programs allow you to explore your passion for medicine by building projects like diagnostic tools, health data models, or AI-powered medical applications. Check out some example projects here!
Since the curriculum of both programs is tailored to you, it’s perfect for both beginners and advanced learners. After presenting your completed project, you’ll receive detailed feedback, a roadmap for your future, and an expert mentor testimonial highlighting your achievements and skills.
Cost: $4,800
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: May 31 (summer III deadline). Students can apply here
Program Dates: Year-round (flexible start dates)
Eligibility: High school students globally
One of the leading pediatric hospitals in the United States, the Rady Children’s Hospital, hosts an annual medical academy for students interested in medicine and healthcare. You’ll engage in interactive learning experiences, including lectures, clinical simulations, lab activities, and case-based learning that mirrors real hospital scenarios.
The program focuses on pediatrics and you’ll learn about topics like patient care, anatomy, and medical ethics. You’ll also be able to attend career panels with hospital employees to learn about their experience, stories, and advice.
Cost: $3,000 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Location: San Diego, California
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previously years)
Program Dates:
June 15 to 26
July 6 to 17
Eligibility: Current high school students
The Summer Internship Program by the National Institutes of Health is a paid research opportunity for students interested in health and medicine. It’s hosted at NIH facilities across the United States, allowing participants to work alongside leading scientists and researchers on cutting-edge biomedical and public health projects.
You’ll gain hands-on experience by conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and using advanced lab techniques related to your research project. At the end of the 8 weeks, you’ll present your research findings at the Graduate and Professional School Fair in July and the Summer Poster Day in August.
Cost: Free, stipend available
Location: Multiple NIH campuses in Maryland, North Carolina, Montana, and Arizona
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: May to August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have graduated from high school and will be 18 by September
You can check out other medical internship opportunities for high school students here!
The Scripps Research Translational Institute’s Student Research Internship Program is a 10-week summer research opportunity for high school students and undergraduates interested in health sciences, statistics, and computer science. You’ll work in real research environments (choosing from a dry or wet lab setting) with experienced scientists, focusing on personalized health care and current topics in translational science. You’ll be placed with a primary mentor based on your interests but you’ll work closely with other faculty as well.
You’ll spend your time discovering new laboratory techniques, helping with experiments, and learning how to conduct clinical trials. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research findings at the Translational Institute Research meeting and a poster symposium.
Cost: Funding has yet to be determined, but SRTI provides a stipend of $5,040 for its 7-week summer internships
Location: La Jolla, California
Application Deadline: March 30
Program Dates:
June 1 to August 7 or
June 15 to August 7
Eligibility: High school students 16 years or older before the internship start date
The Summer Student Program at The Jackson Laboratory is a hands-on research opportunity for recent high school graduates and undergraduate students interested in genetics and biomedical science. The program allows participants to work alongside world-class scientists in state-of-the-art laboratories, focusing on areas such as genomics, molecular biology, and disease research.
Over the 10 weeks, you’ll work 40 hours a week completing lab work, attending weekly professional development sessions, and participating a weekly journal club. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research to The Jackson Laboratory researchers as well as your peers and family members.
Cost: Free, $7,500 stipend
Location: Bar Harbor, Maine
Application Deadline: January (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: May 30 to August 7
Eligibility: Recent high school graduates who are at least 18 years old
About the Author
George Gatsios holds a BA and MA in Economics from the University of Cambridge and is the founder of Delta Institute. He leads the organisation’s global strategy, overseeing programme design, partnerships, operations, and product innovation across education, career development, and technology. His work centers on building scalable, hands-on learning experiences that connect students with real-world industry exposure and future-ready skills. Alongside his leadership at Delta Institute, George serves as a Research Assistant in Economics at the University of Cambridge and London Business School, contributing to research at the intersection of economic theory, empirical analysis, and policy. He is an active member of the International Baccalaureate Educator Network (IBEN) and a strong advocate for lifelong learning and internationally minded education.
May 13, 2026
May 13, 2026
May 13, 2026
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