Young Scientist Program Summer Focus
Washington University in St. Louis
An eight-week funded summer research internship in biomedical labs at Washington University for St. Louis area students who have finished 11th grade. Scholars also take courses in scientific writing and college prep.
Who should apply
Rising seniors in the St. Louis metro who are strong in science and would not otherwise be able to give up a paid summer job. The program has run since 1991 and specifically prioritizes students from historically excluded and underserved communities.
Eligibility
- Completed 11th grade before the program begins in June
- Permanent resident of the St. Louis metro area
- Missouri or Illinois residents only
- No prior research experience required
- Strong interest in science, with priority for students from underrepresented groups
What you get
- Eight weeks, roughly June 1 to July 24
- $4,800 stipend before taxes
- Free Metro transit passes
- A research mentor and a specific biomedical project
- Weekly tutoring on the science behind your project
- A scientific research paper you write and a presentation at the annual symposium
- Courses in scientific communication and college preparation
What the application involves
- Online application with personal and educational history
- Academic transcript
- Five short-answer questions, 150 words each
- Two essays, 300 words each
- Two letters of recommendation, one from a math or science teacher
- Interview if you advance
Application tips
- There are seven separate writing pieces. Start in December and draft them one at a time instead of the week of the deadline.
- Recommendation letters are due about a week after the application, so ask your math or science teacher before winter break.
- Applications are read all together after the deadline, not on a rolling basis, so submitting early gives no advantage. Use the time to revise.
- Only about 15 to 18 scholars are chosen. Use the short answers to show a specific curiosity rather than a general love of medicine.
- Prepare for the March interview by being able to explain, in plain words, something scientific you find interesting and why.
Good to know
Selection is competitive with interviews in early March and acceptances announced in April. Contact ysp.summerfocus@wustl.edu.
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