NIH High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)
National Institutes of Health
A paid summer internship placing students with a variety of research groups conducting biomedical research.
Who should apply
A great fit for graduating high school seniors (and college students) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents interested in spending a summer doing mentored biomedical research at the NIH.
Eligibility
- High school applicants must be enrolled at least half-time as a senior at time of application and have graduated before the internship starts
- Must be 18 by September 30 of the internship year; a graduating senior who is 17 as of June 1 but turns 18 by September 30 must live within 40 miles of an NIH campus
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status
What you get
- Mentored summer research internship in the NIH Intramural Research Program (minimum eight-week commitment)
- A monthly stipend set by NIH based on education level and experience (see the NIH stipend tables)
What the application involves
- Online application via the OITE system (complete the eligibility screener, then apply to open programs)
- Personal statement on research experience, interests, career goals, and how the program helps you achieve them
- Names and contact info for two references, who submit letters after you apply
Application tips
- Apply early and to multiple NIH Institutes/investigators, interns are typically selected directly by mentors.
- In your personal statement, name specific research areas or labs that interest you rather than staying generic.
- Choose references who can speak to your academic ability and curiosity, and give them a heads-up.
- Confirm you meet the age and (if 17) the 40-mile rule before applying.
- Have proof of citizenship/permanent residency ready to avoid delays.
Good to know
The high-school HS-SIP sits within the broader NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP). Applications typically open mid-November and close mid-February.
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
Research
Nemours Summer Undergraduate Research Program
Nemours Children's Health
A 10-week full-time paid summer research program for undergraduates at four Nemours pediatric sites in Delaware and Florida. Students work on clinical, laboratory, or translational research projects.
Who can apply: Anywhere in the U.S. · grade 12
Due in February · ~7 months
Research
Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
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
Research
Simons Summer Research Program
Stony Brook University
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