Top 10 Stanford High School Internships You Should Check Out

If you’re looking for hands-on experience in medicine, science, or engineering, Stanford high school internships are some of the most rigorous and well-respected programs available. Most are designed for current high school juniors and seniors who are already showing advanced interest and performance in STEM fields. Some programs prioritize students from underrepresented backgrounds, while others are open to anyone who meets the academic and age requirements.

This blog breaks down the most notable Stanford high school internships you can apply to. We’ll go over what each program focuses on, what the application process looks like, and who is eligible.

• What Internships Does Stanford Offer to High School Students?
• AI in Medicine Summer Programs
• Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills Summer Internship
• Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS)
• Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS)
• Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Summer Internship Program
• Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
• SLAC Summer Internship Program
• Stanford Clinical Science, Technology and Medicine Summer Internships
• Stanford Medicine Clinical Summer Internship (MEDCSI)
• Stanford Young Investigators
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Internships Does Stanford Offer to High School Students?

Stanford high school internships are highly competitive because they offer something most summer programs don’t—direct exposure to university-level research, clinical work, and mentorship. These internships are serious training grounds for students who already have strong academic records, especially in science and math. Many participants go on to top-tier colleges and pursue careers in medicine, biotech, and engineering.

Some programs require letters of recommendation, a statement of interest, or prior lab experience. Others are more introductory, but still expect students to be independent and mature.

If you’re motivated, curious, and looking to do more than just observe, these programs give you the chance to contribute to real-world projects. Below is a list of Stanford high school internships that you can apply to, depending on your interests and eligibility:

• AI in Medicine Summer Programs
• Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills Summer Internship
• Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS)
• Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS)
• Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Summer Internship Program
• Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
• SLAC Summer Internship Program
• Stanford Clinical Science, Technology and Medicine Summer Internships
• Stanford Medicine Clinical Summer Internship (MEDCSI)
• Stanford Young Investigators

Each program is different in focus and format. Read on to see what each one specifically offers and how to decide which might be the right fit for you.

AI in Medicine Summer Programs

Location: Virtual

Program Dates: Typically two weeks in mid-June (e.g., June 16–27, 2025)

Fees: $850 program fee + $40 application fee; financial aid available

Stanford’s AI in Medicine Summer Programs are fully virtual and span two intensive weeks. You’ll learn machine learning basics, attend lecture series on AI ethics and medical imaging, and collaborate on group projects.

The curriculum includes mentorship from Stanford researchers, interactive coding exercises in Python or TensorFlow, and guest “Career Lunch and Learns” sessions. You’ll wrap up the experience with a capstone presentation and receive a Certificate of Completion.

This paid Stanford high school internship demands daily participation—usually 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific Time—and expects active engagement in research activities. It caters to high school students entering grades 9–12, with a preference for those who have a foundation in math or programming, though some roles are open to less experienced learners. Students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Overall, the program gives you direct insight into real-world AI applications in medicine and sharpens your skills through hands-on experience. It’s ideal if you’re curious about how algorithms can improve healthcare systems—all while working with Stanford’s AI and medical research community.

Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills Summer Internship

Location: Virtual (2025 format)

Program Dates: Two 2‑week sessions (e.g., June 23–July 4 and July 14–25, 2025)

Fees: $4,500 program fee + $95 non‑refundable application fee; financial aid available

The Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills Summer Internship offers an intensive two-week experience for high school students with interests in surgery, anatomy, and clinical science.

Mornings (9 a.m.–12 p.m. PST) feature lectures on cardiovascular anatomy, thoracic physiology, and disease management—including heart transplants and bypass surgery—led by Stanford faculty and surgical residents. Afternoons (1 p.m.–4 p.m.) are hands-on: you’ll learn suturing, knot-tying, dissection, and valve-replacement techniques using simulation models, with real-time instructor feedback.

The program is open to high school juniors and seniors who are 16 or older (juniors under 16 may be considered). Though it’s virtual, you’ll receive surgical kits and simulators mailed directly to you and use online platforms for live demos and guided practice.

You’re expected to attend all sessions, including optional office hours and tutorials. Upon completion, you’ll earn a certificate and gain valuable experience that strengthens your STEM résumé.

This paid Stanford high school internship includes financial support for qualified students. It’s designed to give you real insight into cardiothoracic surgery and help you build technical skills through structured training in a motivating, professional setting.

Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS)

Location: Stanford University

Program Dates: 8 weeks, typically mid-June to early August (June 16–August 7, 2025)

Fees: Free; local Bay Area residents only

The Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS) offers a rigorous, eight-week experience in genomics research for Bay Area high school students. You’ll spend about 20 hours per week immersed in a Stanford lab under the guidance of a faculty mentor or postdoctoral fellow. Lab work focuses on real-world genomics—the kind seen in genetic testing, bioinformatics, or precision medicine labs.

Alongside lab time, the program includes weekly cohort workshops, career panels, and networking events designed to build professional skills. You’ll also meet regularly with your mentor to review progress and troubleshoot experiments. This hybrid format combines in-person lab activity with virtual sessions when needed. The goal is hands-on learning rather than passive observation.

Eligibility criteria include being at least 16 by the start date, living in specified Bay Area counties (Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz), and having background coursework in biology, chemistry, or computer programming. Given limited spots and strong interest, expect a competitive admission process.

GRIPS emphasizes a collaborative research culture within Stanford’s genetics department. If you want to explore molecular biology, data science, and genetic analysis in a real laboratory, this Stanford high school internship delivers. It’s free, structured, and rooted in scientific discovery for motivated high school students.

Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS)

Location: Stanford University

Program Dates: Six weeks, typically mid-June to late July (e.g., June 16–July 25, 2025)

Fees: Free; optional $3,000 stipend for students with demonstrated financial need

The Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS) is a six-week in-person experience designed for Bay Area rising juniors and seniors interested in pediatric medicine and research. You’ll work about 30 hours per week in a Stanford lab or clinical setting. The program emphasizes exposure to real science. Students with little prior research experience are welcome.

Under the guidance of faculty, postdocs, and clinical staff, you’ll complete an independent research project from start to finish. The cohort engages in weekly workshops that cover lab techniques, scientific communication, pediatric health topics, and career-building sessions.

Housing isn’t provided, so participants must stay with family or guardians. The structure also may include hybrid elements like virtual check-ins, depending on university policies.

To qualify, you must be a rising junior or senior, at least 16 years old by the start date, and reside in designated Northern California counties (e.g., San Francisco, Santa Clara, Alameda). A minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 and access to a computer and internet are required.

PIPS welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and promotes inclusion of underrepresented groups in medicine. If you’re looking to gain first-hand exposure to pediatric health—and build research and professional skills without cost—this Stanford high school internship program provides a solid, supportive environment.

Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Summer Internship Program

Location: Stanford University

Program Dates: 7 weeks, typically mid-June to early August (e.g., June 23–August 8, 2025)

Fees: Free; program does not provide housing or stipend

The STaRS program, offered by Stanford’s Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, gives high school students an immersive, in-person experience in biomedical research. Over seven weeks, you’ll spend four days each week in the lab mastering techniques like histology, imaging, genotyping, and molecular assays.

One day each week is dedicated to non-lab time—lectures, tours (such as the anatomy lab), skill sessions, team-building, and guest talks. Throughout the program, Stanford clinician-scientist mentors guide your research on reconstructive surgery or regenerative medicine.

You’ll join a small cohort—typically 15–30 interns—and present your findings at a final symposium. Lab hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and interns must be at least 16 by the start date.

The STaRS program actively encourages applications from students without prior lab experience and from underrepresented groups. While there’s no stipend, financial support for transportation may be available. You’ll need to arrange housing independently, as the program does not provide it.

STaRS is a STEM‑focused and free Stanford high school internship that lets you gain meaningful research experience, build a network, and contribute to projects in plastic and reconstructive science—all within a professional Stanford lab environment.

Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Location: Stanford University

Program Dates: 8 weeks, typically mid‑June to end of July (June 9–July 31, 2025)

Fees: $40 application fee (waivers available); no program cost; stipend of $500–$1,500

The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an in‑person, eight‑week internship offering hands‑on research with Stanford faculty and graduate mentors.

Every week, you’ll spend about 40 hours in a lab, working on hypothesis‑driven projects in areas like immunology, neurobiology, cancer biology, bioengineering, stem cell biology, cardiovascular medicine, bioinformatics, and genetics.

In the program’s first two weeks, interns attend institute-specific lectures in the mornings before diving into lab work; later weeks prioritize full‑time research and regular poster‑prep sessions.

This program admits high school juniors and seniors (class of 2025–2026), with a minimum age of 16, who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and enrolled in U.S. schools. Applicants from Northern California receive selection preference, though any eligible student may apply.

Beyond research, this Stanford high school internship includes core lectures, lab meetings, faculty talks, and a final poster symposium open to the Stanford community and families. Once you complete your project, you present your findings and receive a stipend. Grades or transcripts are not awarded—this is research for its own sake.

Interested in SIMR? Check out our in-depth blog post about the program!

SLAC Summer Internship Program

Location: SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Program Dates: Up to 12 weeks between May and September (varies by department)

Fees: Paid internship; U.S. work authorization required; background check required

The SLAC Summer Internship Program is an in-person opportunity for high school students (18+), undergraduates, and grad students to engage in real-world research across domains like physics, engineering, computer science, and biology.

Depending on your department, you’ll work full-time—up to 40 hours per week—for as long as 12 weeks, generally between May and September. Your role might range from entry-level technical support to higher-level science tasks, depending on your skills and coursework.

Each intern pairs with an SLAC mentor—often a staff scientist or engineer—and will have regular one-on-one time, plus opportunities to present work in poster sessions or internal meetings.

Though high school participation begins at age 18, many interns are undergraduates. You must have legal U.S. work authorization and pass a background check. Departments post internship roles online; after applying, successful candidates are invited to interview and complete onboarding steps.

In short, this Stanford high school internship program places you inside a world-renowned national laboratory. You’ll gain hands-on experience, valuable mentorship, and insight into scientific environments not available in most high school settings.

Stanford Clinical Science, Technology and Medicine Summer Internships (SASI)

Location: Stanford University; virtual

Program Dates: SASI Foundations: 2 weeks (mid–late June); SASI Clinical Skills: 1 week (mid-July); SASI Virtual: 2 weeks (late July–early August)

Fees: On-campus programs cost around $5,500–$5,500+; virtual leg is lower; financial aid and fee waivers are available

The Stanford Clinical Science, Technology and Medicine Summer Internships or SASI (Stanford Anesthesia Summer Institute) is a suite of immersive summer internships for rising high school juniors, seniors, and pre-med undergrads.

SASI offers three formats: on-campus Foundations, Clinical Skills, and a fully virtual option. Regardless of format, you’ll learn clinical science, hands-on skills, and medical technology directly from Stanford faculty and med students. Activities include simulation labs, suturing, BLS certification, patient-centered case studies, and small-group workshops.

Each program combines lectures, simulation-based learning, and capstone projects. On-campus sessions offer direct interaction with real patients and peers; virtual sessions adapt similar content into an interactive online environment

All formats conclude with a student presentation of a final project. You’ll receive mentorship, clinical exposure, and a med-focused certificate. Housing isn’t included in the fee, and financial support options—especially tuition waivers—are offered to eligible students.

If you want a concentrated, professional-level snapshot of clinical medicine and tech, this Stanford high school internship program bridges high school and med school learning, and makes a strong addition to your STEM credentials.

Stanford Medicine Clinical Summer Internship (MEDSCI)

Location: Stanford University; virtual

Program Dates: Session 1 (In-person): July 14–25, 2025; Session 2 (Virtual): July 28–August 8, 2025; Fall Intensive (Virtual): September 10–Nov 12, 2025

Fees: Paid; no housing provided; application fee required; financial aid/fee waivers available

The Stanford Medicine Clinical Summer Internship (MEDSCI) is an immersive two-week experience tailored to high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and pre-med undergraduates interested in medicine.

If you join the on-campus session, expect daily simulations and clinical case studies led by faculty, residents, and Stanford medical students. You’ll practice procedures such as suturing, injections, and dissecting organs like the heart, kidney, and brain. Sessions also include visits to the Life Flight emergency response station and various hospital clinics, providing you with real-world exposure.

The virtual session mirrors the in-person experience through interactive online modules. For example, kits with supplies for hands-on activities are sent to students so you can still practice skills remotely. Both formats feature presentations by Stanford admissions officers, med students, and faculty, offering insights into medical school pathways.

To apply, you must be at least 16 by the program start and submit transcripts, test scores, essays, and a STEM teacher recommendation. No housing is provided, so students must commute or secure their own lodging.

This Stanford high school internship program gives you a taste of clinical medicine through hands-on procedures and patient-focused sessions, whether you’re on-site or online—and adds a valuable credential to your pre-med profile.

Stanford Young Investigators

Location: Stanford University

Program Dates: Mid‑June to early August (~7 weeks)

Fees: Free; unpaid (unpaid interns may receive an honorarium for eligible participants)

The Stanford Young Investigators is a Stanford high school internship program that offers a real‑world research experience in sustainability, environmental science, and earth systems.

You’ll join small research groups working under graduate‑level mentors on focused projects—your days might include lab work, field data collection, or GIS mapping, depending on the specific internship theme. Once weekly, the cohort meets for campus talks, lab tours, and field trips, deepening your understanding of broader environmental challenges.

To apply, you need to have completed at least one year of high school (most accepted candidates are sophomores or juniors), and you must live and attend school within 25 driving miles of Stanford’s campus—no remote or residential options are available. High academic performance isn’t required; the program encourages curious students from diverse backgrounds.

Typically, interns work around 15–30 hours per week, Monday through Friday during regular lab hours. You’ll receive one‑on‑one guidance from graduate supervisors and participate in team‑based, real research. Visits to the on‑campus farm, involvement in biodiversity studies, energy lab tasks, or help in social‑science projects are typical activities.

If you want to find out more about the program, we have an in-depth guide on Stanford Young Investigators.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Stanford have internships for high school students?

Stanford offers several research- and medicine-focused internships for high school students, particularly those entering grades 11 and 12. These programs cover areas like AI in medicine, genomics, pediatric healthcare, clinical skills, sustainability, and surgical science. Some are virtual, while others take place on Stanford’s campus or at affiliated labs like SLAC.

2. Are Stanford high school internships paid?

Most Stanford high school internships are unpaid, though a few offer stipends or honorariums. For instance, SIMR provides a stipend ranging from $500 to $1,500. SLAC internships are paid but require U.S. work authorization and a background check. On the other hand, many programs charge tuition—like the Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills Internship and Stanford Clinical Summer Internship—though financial aid or fee waivers are often available.

3. How competitive are Stanford high school internships?

Stanford high school internships are highly competitive. SIMR, one of the best-known programs, accepts only about 3% of applicants each year. Admission depends on your academic record, your motivation, and in some cases, your prior research or lab experience. Strong essays and recommendation letters are essential.

4. Who can apply to Stanford high school internships?

Eligibility varies by program, but most internships are open to high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program. Some, like PIPS and GRIPS, are only available to students who live in the Bay Area. Others, like SASI or MEDCSI, accept applications nationally and internationally.

Takeaways

Stanford high school internships offer valuable hands-on experiences in medicine, science, and research for motivated high school students. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Most programs are competitive and selective. SIMR, for example, has an acceptance rate of about 3%.
• Some internships are free or offer stipends, while others charge fees but provide financial aid options.
• Eligibility varies: most require students to be 16 or older, with some limited to Bay Area residents.
• Programs range in format from virtual (like AIMI) to fully in-person (like PIPS and STaRS), with different time commitments.
• To strengthen your application, consider working with a college admissions consultant who can guide you through essays and requirements.