Memorial Sloan Kettering Summer Student Program
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
An eight-week, full-time biomedical or computational lab research internship where high school students complete a self-directed project under a mentor and receive a stipend.
Who should apply
A great fit for NY/NJ/CT-area high school juniors interested in biomedical science; members of groups underrepresented in STEM are particularly encouraged.
Eligibility
- Currently enrolled high school juniors only
- At least 14 by June 2026
- Live in NY, NJ, or CT within 25 miles of MSK's Main Campus
- A 3.5 GPA in science subjects
- Legally authorized to work in the U.S.
- Able to commit to the full eight-week program
What you get
- 8-week summer lab internship (June 29 – August 21, 2026) with a faculty mentor
- A self-directed research project
- A $1,200 stipend (housing not provided)
What the application involves
- Online application form
- Required short essay responses
- One-page resume highlighting academics and scientific experience
- Unofficial transcript(s) from every high school attended
- Two confidential recommendation letters from STEM teachers, counselors, or research mentors
Application tips
- Choose recommenders who can speak to your science ability and curiosity.
- Use the essays to connect your interests to specific MSK research areas (cancer biology, computational biology, immunology).
- Submit early, materials are due by 8:00 a.m. EST on the deadline and late materials aren't accepted.
Good to know
Materials due 8:00 a.m. EST on February 6, 2026. Housing is not provided.
Not eligible for this one? These are open anywhere in the U.S.
Being in the wrong state rules out a lot of programs and almost none of the good ones. Here are three you can apply to from anywhere, soonest deadline first.
Due December 1 · ~4 months
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Who can apply: Anywhere in the U.S. · grade 12
Due in February · ~7 months
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Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
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A biomedical research internship inspiring underrepresented students toward careers in neurological and behavioral sciences, with an in-person Baltimore track and a national virtual track.
Who can apply: Anywhere in the U.S. · grades 11–12
Due in February · ~7 months
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Simons Summer Research Program
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A summer program where academically talented high school students join active science, math, or engineering research teams under faculty mentors and present at a closing poster symposium, receiving a stipend award.
Who can apply: Anywhere in the U.S. · grade 11