ResearchDue February 16 · ~3 months

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.

ResearchPaidBiomedical

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 in 19 days
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
Wilmington, DE and Jacksonville, Orlando, and Pensacola, FLResearch
Paid
Due in February · ~4 months
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
Baltimore, MD (in-person) / Virtual (national)Research
Paid
Due in February · ~4 months
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
Stony Brook, NYResearch
Paid