Top 12 Chemistry Internships for High School Students in 2025–2026

Are you a high school student curious about chemistry and aiming to strengthen your application to competitive chemistry programs? Chemistry internships for high school students place you in active research environments where you can practice laboratory techniques used in university settings and observe how professional scientists approach complex questions.

This blog breaks down the top 12 chemistry internships for 2025–2026, including program locations, dates, and benefits, so you can see exactly what each offers. You will get tips on how to prepare, which programs are competitive, and which virtual or hybrid options let you gain real research experience from home.

• What Are the Best Chemistry Internships for High School Students?
• Research Science Institute (RSI)
• Garcia Summer Scholars Research Program
• UPenn Research Academy – Chemistry
• NIH High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)
• NIST Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP)
• Project SEED – American Chemical Society (ACS)
• Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) – George Mason University
• Boston University RISE Internship
• NASA OSTEM Internships
• California Academy of Sciences – Careers in Science (CiS)
• ASE Internships
• Ladder Internship Program
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Best Chemistry Internships for High School Students?

Below is an overview of the top 12 chemistry internships for high school students in 2025–2026:

Let’s discuss each program one by one.

1. Research Science Institute (RSI)

• Dates: June 28 – August 8, 2026
• Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Benefits: Full tuition scholarship

Research Science Institute (RSI) is a six-week summer program for high school students entering their senior year. You spend the first week attending intensive STEM seminars and the next five weeks conducting in-person research under the guidance of experienced mentors at MIT. 

To apply, you must have one year remaining in high school, demonstrate strong academic performance in math and science, and submit standardized test scores, transcripts, essays, and teacher recommendations. Admission is highly competitive, with only 100 students selected worldwide.

RSI is partnered with the Center for Excellence in Education and MIT, giving you access to world-class labs, faculty, and computing resources, and participants leave with a research portfolio that is recognized by universities and STEM programs worldwide.

Check out our guide on RSI to see how you can maximize your chances of getting into this prestigious internship.

2. Garcia Summer Scholars Research Program

• Dates: Summer 2026, seven-week program
• Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
• Benefits: Scholarships available for select students

The Garcia Summer Scholars Research Program allows you to conduct research in polymer science alongside Stony Brook faculty and graduate students. You spend seven weeks in an entirely in-person program combining lab experimentation with structured lessons in polymer chemistry and materials science. 

The program also offers mentorship from faculty, guidance on submitting work to national competitions like ISEF, and opportunities to publish in peer-reviewed journals or present at conferences. 

To apply, you must be at least 16 years old by July 4, 2026, currently enrolled in high school, have a GPA of 3.8 or higher, and have completed courses in chemistry, mathematics, biology, physics, or related subjects. 

Want to learn more? Check out our blog on the Garcia Summer Scholars Research Program.

3. UPenn Research Academy – Chemistry

• Dates: July 11 – August 1, 2026
• Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Benefits: Scholarships available for select Philadelphia students

The UPenn Chemistry Research Academy is a three-week, residential program for high school students who want hands-on experience in advanced chemistry. In this program, you can expect:

• Hands-on laboratory experience (~50% of class time), analytical techniques like spectroscopy and gas chromatography, optimization of synthetic methods, and open-ended lab challenges
• Research lectures covering nanoscale materials, chemical protein modification, rare earth metals, and coordination complexes
• Classroom learning on chemical bonding principles, analytical techniques, and materials science fundamentals
• Tours of the Science History Institute, Singh Center for Nanomaterials, and the department research labs
• Skills for independent research, including finding and understanding research articles, and completing a capstone project

Eligibility requires that you are a current 10th or 11th-grade student, and international students with a tourist or B-2 visa are welcome. The program is selective, offering a limited number of spots each year, with additional financial aid available for Philadelphia-based students.

Students can take advantage of UPenn’s world-class chemistry resources, interact with researchers at the Singh Center for Nanomaterials, and build a plan for future independent research projects or science fair entries.

4. NIH High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)

• Dates: June through August 2026 (exact dates vary by NIH campus)
• Location: NIH campuses, including Bethesda, Maryland, and other U.S. locations
• Benefits: Stipend based on educational level

The NIH High School Summer Internship Program lets you gain research experience in biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences. You will spend a full-time, eight- to ten-week summer working in-person in NIH laboratories under the guidance of Principal Investigators. 

The program includes mentorship, career workshops, and the opportunity to present your research at the Summer Poster Day. To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and a high school senior or recent graduate, with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Each Principal Investigator selects interns individually, and the number of students varies depending on lab capacity.

Interns also gain access to NIH professional development programs and networking opportunities with researchers across institutes.

Visit our blog on the NIH High School Summer Internship Program for a deeper look at what the program offers.

5. NIST Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP)

• Dates: Second or third week of June to the second week of August 2026
• Location: NIST Gaithersburg, Maryland, or NIST Boulder, Colorado
• Benefits: Unpaid internship

The NIST Summer High School Intern Program is open to U.S. high school juniors and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who have completed at least one high school chemistry course and can commit to the full eight-week program. You must live within commuting distance of the NIST campus you apply to, as all work is in-person.

Helpful skills that can give you a head start in SHIP, but are not required, include:

• Python
• Physics
• Electronics
• LabView
• AutoDesk Inventor
• Java
• AI knowledge generation
• SQL Server
• SQL Stored Procedures
• Visual Studio
• Web development
• Next-generation computing
• Basic chemistry
• Math
• Computer programming

SHIP gives you the chance to work on real research projects in chemistry, materials science, physics, and engineering under the guidance of NIST scientists. You also gain exposure to advanced scientific tools, analytical techniques, and research methods used in six NIST laboratories, including materials measurement, neutron research, and information technology.

6. Project SEED – American Chemical Society (ACS)

• Dates: June to July 2025
• Location: Various ACS-affiliated research labs across the United States
• Benefits: Paid program with a fellowship

Project SEED is a chemistry internship for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors that provides 8 to 10 weeks of hands-on research in labs under mentors from academia and industry. The program also offers virtual summer camps focused on lab skills, college readiness, and exposure to chemistry careers.

Applicants must have completed at least one high school chemistry course and demonstrate financial need through federal poverty guidelines, Free and Reduced Price Lunch eligibility, or programs like TRIO. Each site sets its own student capacity.

Each year, Project SEED supports 350+ students through in-person research and virtual programs. Scholarships are available for former participants, including one-year non-renewable awards up to $5,000 and renewable awards such as Joseph D. Loconti, CIBA Specialty Chemicals, and Alfred R. Bader scholarships for continued college support in chemistry-related fields.

7. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) – George Mason University

• Dates: June 18 – August 12, 2026
• Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
• Benefits: Paid program with tuition waivers available for three college credits

The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program gives high school students the chance to work directly with faculty researchers at George Mason University and partner institutions. You spend eight weeks in a full-time internship that can be in-person, hybrid, or remote, depending on your project. 

To apply, you must meet age requirements: at least 15 for remote or computer-based internships, and 16 for in-person wet-lab internships. You cannot have graduated from university before or during the internship. Applicants must submit an application, a recommendation, and a $25 fee, unless the fee is waived.

Successful interns earn three college credits, and high-achieving projects may be published or presented at scientific conferences.

8. Boston University RISE Internship

• Dates: June 28 – August 7, 2026
• Location: Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
• Benefits: Tuition-based program with financial aid and scholarships available

The RISE program is a six-week residential or commuter summer experience for domestic high school juniors passionate about STEM. You will work alongside faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students on university-level research projects in areas including chemistry, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, computer science, and more.

RISE offers two tracks:

• Internship Track. Spend 40 hours per week on independent research projects designed by your mentor, gaining technical and analytical skills. Participate in weekly workshops with Practicum students to enhance your academic and professional development.
• Practicum Track. Focus on Computational Neurobiology or Data Science with structured lectures and group research projects. Attend weekly workshops and interact with local biotech or pharmaceutical companies for real-world exposure.

You will present your research at the RISE Poster Symposium, gaining experience in scientific communication, lab protocols, and collaboration. To apply, submit essays, one recommendation, and a transcript. Students are selected based on academic performance, STEM interest, and availability.

Discover how high school students dive into real lab research at Boston University in our blog on the RISE Internship.

9. NASA OSTEM Internships

• Dates: Summer 2026 (apply by February 27, 2026)
• Location: NASA Centers and Facilities across the U.S. (in-person)
• Benefits: Paid internships with stipends 

NASA OSTEM Internships are open to U.S. high school students who are at least 16 years old and demonstrate strong academic performance in science and math. You spend the summer working full-time on NASA projects at centers across the U.S., collaborating with engineers, chemists, and research scientists while developing lab techniques and data analysis skills.

The program provides mentorship from NASA professionals, exposure to advanced labs and analytical tools, and opportunities to explore STEM careers. You also gain professional-level research experience that can enhance your academic portfolio and prepare you for future STEM programs. Admission is competitive, and available slots vary by center and project capacity.

10. California Academy of Sciences – Careers in Science (CiS)

• Dates: June 2026 – June 2029 (multi-year program)
• Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, California
• Benefits: Paid internship above minimum wage

Careers in Science is one of the standout chemistry internships for high school students, offering San Francisco teens from underrepresented STEM communities real-world science experience. You participate in after-school and weekend activities as well as summer projects, committing for two to three years while in high school. You also attend interactive workshops, college tours, STEM conferences, and participate in project groups led by Academy researchers.

Applicants must be rising 10th- or 11th-graders in SFUSD schools, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher with at least a C in science and math, and be eligible for a work permit. Admission requires an online application and an in-person group interview, with only a select number of students accepted each year.

As you advance, you can take on leadership roles, receive one-on-one mentorship from Academy scientists, and help shape educational materials and exhibits used by the public.

11. ASE Internships

• Dates: Summer 2026, eight-week program
• Location: Various organizations across Oregon and Southwest Washington, including Portland, Eugene, Corvallis, and Vancouver
• Benefits: Paid internship

ASE (Apprenticeships in STEAM Exploration) accepts rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from the Northwest who live within 50 miles of their internship site. Applicants submit a transcript, cover letter, and two adult recommendations, and roughly 100 students are selected from over 400 applicants.

Internships last eight weeks, full-time or part-time, and take place at universities, hospitals, research institutions, and private companies. Mentors guide students on projects in biology, chemistry, computer science, earth and environmental science, health and medicine, mathematics, engineering, and physics.

12. Ladder Internship Program

• Dates: January 5 – February 27, 2026 
• Location: Remote / Partner start-ups (virtual and hybrid options available)
• Benefits: Full financial aid for students with need

The Ladder Internship Program lets you work with top start-ups and research-focused organizations on chemistry-related projects.You spend 8 weeks collaborating with supervisors and mentors.

In the CEO Internship track, for example, you even work directly with a start-up founder from a FAANG-level company or a top university. Networking opportunities with researchers and start-up mentors help you explore future careers in chemistry and related STEM fields.

You must be a high school or gap-year student with a strong interest in chemistry, STEM research, or applied science. The program is selective, admitting a limited number of interns each cohort.

The program partners with start-ups and companies led by Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton alumni, giving you mentorship from professionals at Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is considered the most prestigious chemistry internship?

The Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT is widely regarded as the most prestigious chemistry internship program for high school students. You get to work on research projects under world-class mentors and gain hands-on lab experience that few other programs offer. Acceptance is highly competitive, with only 100 students selected worldwide each year.

2. Do these programs require previous chemistry knowledge?

Most chemistry internships expect you to have at least one year of high school chemistry or related science courses. You will build on that foundation with advanced lab techniques, analytical skills, and research methods. Some programs, like Project SEED and Ladder Internship, also offer mentorship to help you strengthen your skills during the internship.

3. Are there virtual options available in 2025?

A few chemistry internships for high school students, such as the Ladder Internship Program, offer virtual or hybrid options for students who cannot attend in person. These programs still provide mentorship, lab-planning experience, and analytical projects you can complete remotely. You should check each program’s website early to confirm availability and application deadlines.

4. How competitive are high school chemistry internships?

High school chemistry internships are highly competitive, especially programs such as RSI, NIH HS-SIP, and NASA OSTEM. Acceptance usually depends on grades, previous coursework, test scores, and demonstrated interest in STEM. You can increase your chances by preparing early, securing strong recommendations, and showing your passion for chemistry in essays or interviews.

5. Can chemistry internships improve my college application?

Yes, completing a chemistry internship shows colleges that you take initiative and have real-world research experience. You gain practical lab skills, mentorship, and sometimes even publications or presentations that strengthen your resume. Admissions officers notice students who engage in advanced STEM opportunities, making you a more attractive candidate for competitive programs.

Takeaways

• You can get hands-on lab experience at top programs like RSI at MIT or the Garcia Summer Scholars Research Program, which helps you explore chemistry beyond your high school classroom.
• Virtual or hybrid internships like Ladder let you gain fundamental research skills and mentorship even if you cannot travel to a lab, so you still get valuable experience remotely.
• Programs like NIH HS-SIP, NASA OSTEM, and Project SEED are highly competitive, and preparing early with strong grades, recommendations, and essays can boost your chances of acceptance.
• Completing any of these internships helps you build your resume, gain mentorship, and even present or publish research, which can make your college applications stand out to admissions officers.
• Working with a college admissions expert can help you identify chemistry internships that match your strengths, showcase your skills, and make your application stand out to top universities.