8 Biology Internships for High School Students
8 Biology Internships for High School Students
Written by
Written by
George Gatsios, Founder of Delta Institute
George Gatsios, Founder of Delta Institute
Created on
Created on
Mar 11, 2026
Mar 11, 2026
The best way for high school students passionate about biology to learn more about the field is through an internship. Internships connect students with professional scientists and laboratories, provide mentorship, and allow participants to work on real-world projects in the field. They also help interns develop technical skills, learn scientific communication, and build a portfolio of research experience.
Here are 8 biology internships for high school students that provide immersive learning, field work, and mentorship.
The National Institutes of Health’s Summer Internship Program allows recent high school graduates to work at one of the world’s leading biomedical research institutions. You’ll work directly in an NIH laboratory in one of four states, where you’ll assist scientists with real research projects focused on human health and disease.
Depending on the research group and campus you join, you may study topics like cancer biology, human genetics and genomics, infectious and immune system diseases, endocrine biology, and developmental biology. As you work, you’ll learn laboratory techniques, analyze research data, and participate in professional development programs, introducing you to careers in biomedical science. NIH also hosts a Graduate and Professional School Fair in July and Summer Poster Day in August, where you can share your research with the NIH community.
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
The Delve Work-Experience Program, offered by the Delta Institute, is a virtual work-experience opportunity for high school students seeking exposure to careers in their field of interest, including biology and biomedical science. Delve connects students with global companies and organizations to work on project-based internships over a 4-week period, giving them a taste of professional life before college. While Delve features programs across many industries, biology-focused placements allow students to explore scientific careers through virtual work placements with organizations like The Vein Institute, Allegheny Health Network, and the NHS.
During the program, you’ll attend technical and professional development sessions with industry experts, network with senior company executives, and have access to unlimited office hours. You’ll also work with a team to solve industry challenges, gain hands-on skills, and build portfolio-ready outcomes under the guidance of your professional mentor. To complete the program, you and your group will pitch your project to company representatives and then receive a completion certificate as well as a letter of recommendation.
Cost: $4,900
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the company (you can check all upcoming deadlines here)
Program Dates: Varies depending on the company (you can check all upcoming deadlines here)
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
The Fred Hutch Cancer Center’s Summer High School Internship Program introduces students to biomedical research focused on cancer and human health. You’ll work in real laboratories alongside scientists studying tumor biology, genetics, immunotherapy, and other areas of cancer research. The internship will allow you to gain hands-on experience, assist with experiments, collect data, and learn how to conduct research in a professional setting.
You’ll start the program with a 2-week training period, where you’ll learn essential lab techniques, research ethics, and laboratory safety before being matched with a research group and mentor. In addition to lab work, you’ll attend research seminars and professional development workshops introducing you to pathways in biomedical research and medicine. At the end of the 8-week internship, you’ll present your research to your peers, mentors, family, and friends.
Cost: Free, stipend provided
Location: Seattle, Washington
Application Deadline: March 13
Program Dates: June 22 to August 14
Eligibility: High school students entering their senior year, residing in Seattle
Delta Institute’s Deepen Mentorship connects students one-on-one with professionals working in a specific subject area, including biology and biomedical science. The program is tailored to you and your interests, allowing you to explore biology-related topics that excite you while gaining hands-on work experience. You’ll work closely with your mentor on a guided project, likely requiring you to design experiments, analyze data, and interpret findings, building skills that go far beyond classroom learning.
Your mentor will provide expert guidance and feedback throughout the experience, helping you prepare a project that you can use to enhance your college applications and resumes. In the final week of the program, you’ll present your project, receive an expert critique, and gain guidance on your future from your mentor, who will also provide a strong letter of recommendation highlighting your skills and the work you completed during the program.
Cost: $6,500
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: March 29
Program Dates: Varies
Eligibility: High school students globally
Scripps Research’s High School Summer Internship Program, offered in collaboration with the Research Awareness for Community High Schools (REACH) program, introduces students to cutting-edge biomedical research. The seven-week program provides hands-on laboratory experience, mentorship, and exposure to current challenges in fields like molecular biology, biochemistry, and biomedical research. Before the internship starts, you’ll have to attend a 3-day “boot camp” to prepare you for the experience.
During the internship, you’ll work full-time in laboratories under the guidance of a scientist mentor, assisting with experiments, learning lab techniques, and analyzing data. You’ll also attend weekly professional development workshops and scientific seminars covering research currently being studied at the institution and career exploration. At the end of the summer, you’ll present your research at the campus-wide Summer Intern Symposium.
Cost: Free, $5,040 stipend
Location: La Jolla, California
Application Deadline: March 22
Program Dates: June 22 to August 7
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ from eligible schools in San Diego and Escondido
Magee-Womens Research Institute’s High School Summer Internship Program offers an immersive, hands-on experience for students interested in biomedical research, with a focus on reproductive biology, women’s health, and infant health. Over 6 weeks, you’ll complete 240 hours of basic, translational, or clinical scientific research, working closely with a research team to complete your own research project. In addition to lab work, you can attend informal Lunch & Learn sessions, where researchers share their career journeys and provide insight into different career paths in biomedical science.
The program ends with the annual High School Internship Presentation Day, where you can showcase your independent findings to institute faculty and your peers, receiving valuable feedback on your research and communication skills. Previous interns have submitted projects like Menstrual Health in Teenage Girls and The Pregnancy Experiences of Black Women. For students seeking additional experience, the Magee-Womens Research Institute also offers a High School Research Trainee Program, providing year-round research training for students aged 16 and older.
Cost: Free, stipend of $1,800
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 15 to July 24
Eligibility: Current sophomores and juniors living in the southwest Pennsylvania region
The State University of New York’s Biological Field Station Internship offers an immersive research experience for students interested in environmental science and biology. You’ll engage in hands-on field work, including conducting fisheries and plant surveys, fish dissection, data analysis, and scientific writing, all under the guidance of faculty and research staff. Throughout the program, you’ll also participate in independent and collaborative projects, learning how to design experiments, collect accurate data, and interpret results.
Weekly seminars will be held as well, teaching you about topics related to the ecology of Otsego Lake and the hydrology of its watershed. In addition to providing technical knowledge, the program will help develop your scientific communication skills as you’ll have to prepare a detailed report, create a large-format research poster, and present your findings to your peers and mentors.
Cost: Free, $3,500 stipend
Location: Oneonta, New York
Application Deadline: March 18
Program Dates: May to August
Eligibility: New York State residents who are 16 or older
The BioBus Junior Scientist Internship offers high school students a paid, hands-on research and science communication experience under the mentorship of professional research scientists. You’ll develop and pursue your own independent projects, using research-grade tools, gaining practical lab skills and scientific inquiry experience, while also taking part in teaching and outreach activities that help bring a passion for science to other young learners across New York City.
The internship emphasizes both experimental work and communication, giving students opportunities to present their findings and engage with the public. Previous interns have presented projects addressing local issues, like Sewage Pollution in the Hudson River, Fighting Air Pollution with Biodiversity, and the Effects of Microplastics on Ecosystems.
Cost: Free, hourly wage of $17
Location: New York City, New York
Application Deadline: March 15
Program Dates:
Summer dates: July to August
School year dates: October 1 to June 15
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-11 who live and go to school in New York City
The best way for high school students passionate about biology to learn more about the field is through an internship. Internships connect students with professional scientists and laboratories, provide mentorship, and allow participants to work on real-world projects in the field. They also help interns develop technical skills, learn scientific communication, and build a portfolio of research experience.
Here are 8 biology internships for high school students that provide immersive learning, field work, and mentorship.
The National Institutes of Health’s Summer Internship Program allows recent high school graduates to work at one of the world’s leading biomedical research institutions. You’ll work directly in an NIH laboratory in one of four states, where you’ll assist scientists with real research projects focused on human health and disease.
Depending on the research group and campus you join, you may study topics like cancer biology, human genetics and genomics, infectious and immune system diseases, endocrine biology, and developmental biology. As you work, you’ll learn laboratory techniques, analyze research data, and participate in professional development programs, introducing you to careers in biomedical science. NIH also hosts a Graduate and Professional School Fair in July and Summer Poster Day in August, where you can share your research with the NIH community.
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
The Delve Work-Experience Program, offered by the Delta Institute, is a virtual work-experience opportunity for high school students seeking exposure to careers in their field of interest, including biology and biomedical science. Delve connects students with global companies and organizations to work on project-based internships over a 4-week period, giving them a taste of professional life before college. While Delve features programs across many industries, biology-focused placements allow students to explore scientific careers through virtual work placements with organizations like The Vein Institute, Allegheny Health Network, and the NHS.
During the program, you’ll attend technical and professional development sessions with industry experts, network with senior company executives, and have access to unlimited office hours. You’ll also work with a team to solve industry challenges, gain hands-on skills, and build portfolio-ready outcomes under the guidance of your professional mentor. To complete the program, you and your group will pitch your project to company representatives and then receive a completion certificate as well as a letter of recommendation.
Cost: $4,900
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the company (you can check all upcoming deadlines here)
Program Dates: Varies depending on the company (you can check all upcoming deadlines here)
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
The Fred Hutch Cancer Center’s Summer High School Internship Program introduces students to biomedical research focused on cancer and human health. You’ll work in real laboratories alongside scientists studying tumor biology, genetics, immunotherapy, and other areas of cancer research. The internship will allow you to gain hands-on experience, assist with experiments, collect data, and learn how to conduct research in a professional setting.
You’ll start the program with a 2-week training period, where you’ll learn essential lab techniques, research ethics, and laboratory safety before being matched with a research group and mentor. In addition to lab work, you’ll attend research seminars and professional development workshops introducing you to pathways in biomedical research and medicine. At the end of the 8-week internship, you’ll present your research to your peers, mentors, family, and friends.
Cost: Free, stipend provided
Location: Seattle, Washington
Application Deadline: March 13
Program Dates: June 22 to August 14
Eligibility: High school students entering their senior year, residing in Seattle
Delta Institute’s Deepen Mentorship connects students one-on-one with professionals working in a specific subject area, including biology and biomedical science. The program is tailored to you and your interests, allowing you to explore biology-related topics that excite you while gaining hands-on work experience. You’ll work closely with your mentor on a guided project, likely requiring you to design experiments, analyze data, and interpret findings, building skills that go far beyond classroom learning.
Your mentor will provide expert guidance and feedback throughout the experience, helping you prepare a project that you can use to enhance your college applications and resumes. In the final week of the program, you’ll present your project, receive an expert critique, and gain guidance on your future from your mentor, who will also provide a strong letter of recommendation highlighting your skills and the work you completed during the program.
Cost: $6,500
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: March 29
Program Dates: Varies
Eligibility: High school students globally
Scripps Research’s High School Summer Internship Program, offered in collaboration with the Research Awareness for Community High Schools (REACH) program, introduces students to cutting-edge biomedical research. The seven-week program provides hands-on laboratory experience, mentorship, and exposure to current challenges in fields like molecular biology, biochemistry, and biomedical research. Before the internship starts, you’ll have to attend a 3-day “boot camp” to prepare you for the experience.
During the internship, you’ll work full-time in laboratories under the guidance of a scientist mentor, assisting with experiments, learning lab techniques, and analyzing data. You’ll also attend weekly professional development workshops and scientific seminars covering research currently being studied at the institution and career exploration. At the end of the summer, you’ll present your research at the campus-wide Summer Intern Symposium.
Cost: Free, $5,040 stipend
Location: La Jolla, California
Application Deadline: March 22
Program Dates: June 22 to August 7
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ from eligible schools in San Diego and Escondido
Magee-Womens Research Institute’s High School Summer Internship Program offers an immersive, hands-on experience for students interested in biomedical research, with a focus on reproductive biology, women’s health, and infant health. Over 6 weeks, you’ll complete 240 hours of basic, translational, or clinical scientific research, working closely with a research team to complete your own research project. In addition to lab work, you can attend informal Lunch & Learn sessions, where researchers share their career journeys and provide insight into different career paths in biomedical science.
The program ends with the annual High School Internship Presentation Day, where you can showcase your independent findings to institute faculty and your peers, receiving valuable feedback on your research and communication skills. Previous interns have submitted projects like Menstrual Health in Teenage Girls and The Pregnancy Experiences of Black Women. For students seeking additional experience, the Magee-Womens Research Institute also offers a High School Research Trainee Program, providing year-round research training for students aged 16 and older.
Cost: Free, stipend of $1,800
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 15 to July 24
Eligibility: Current sophomores and juniors living in the southwest Pennsylvania region
The State University of New York’s Biological Field Station Internship offers an immersive research experience for students interested in environmental science and biology. You’ll engage in hands-on field work, including conducting fisheries and plant surveys, fish dissection, data analysis, and scientific writing, all under the guidance of faculty and research staff. Throughout the program, you’ll also participate in independent and collaborative projects, learning how to design experiments, collect accurate data, and interpret results.
Weekly seminars will be held as well, teaching you about topics related to the ecology of Otsego Lake and the hydrology of its watershed. In addition to providing technical knowledge, the program will help develop your scientific communication skills as you’ll have to prepare a detailed report, create a large-format research poster, and present your findings to your peers and mentors.
Cost: Free, $3,500 stipend
Location: Oneonta, New York
Application Deadline: March 18
Program Dates: May to August
Eligibility: New York State residents who are 16 or older
The BioBus Junior Scientist Internship offers high school students a paid, hands-on research and science communication experience under the mentorship of professional research scientists. You’ll develop and pursue your own independent projects, using research-grade tools, gaining practical lab skills and scientific inquiry experience, while also taking part in teaching and outreach activities that help bring a passion for science to other young learners across New York City.
The internship emphasizes both experimental work and communication, giving students opportunities to present their findings and engage with the public. Previous interns have presented projects addressing local issues, like Sewage Pollution in the Hudson River, Fighting Air Pollution with Biodiversity, and the Effects of Microplastics on Ecosystems.
Cost: Free, hourly wage of $17
Location: New York City, New York
Application Deadline: March 15
Program Dates:
Summer dates: July to August
School year dates: October 1 to June 15
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-11 who live and go to school in New York City
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.
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