Boston Science Internships: A Guide for High School Students

For high school students in Massachusetts with a passion for science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM), summer internships offer invaluable opportunities to explore their interests beyond the classroom. These programs provide hands-on experience in real labs, research centers, and tech companies, giving students early exposure to fields like biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and environmental science. As an intern, you’ll gain practical skills, mentorship, and a stronger resume for college applications.

Why Pursue a STEM Internship in High School?

Internships provide a host of benefits to high school students. They offer a glimpse into future career paths, help build job skills, and provide real-world experience in a professional environment. Participating in a high school internship demonstrates initiative and ambition, showing colleges that you’re motivated and curious enough to pursue real-world experience. It also signals that you’re genuinely committed to your interests beyond the classroom and helps validate your future academic and career goals. Completing a high school biotechnology internship can also make it easier to secure internship opportunities in college and gain admission to professional groups like pre-health societies, life science clubs, and affinity groups like Women in STEM.

Finding the Right Internship

Massachusetts is a hub for STEM, with popular institutions, universities, and companies offering numerous opportunities. Finding biotechnology internships in Boston as a high school student requires determination. Whether applying through formal programs or reaching out directly to professionals, the process isn’t easy, but the payoff is worth it. It’s wise to apply to at least five programs, as many biotechnology internships for high school students in Boston are highly competitive, often admitting 20% or fewer applicants due to the large number of students seeking these positions.

When reaching out to professionals, try to make personal connections, such as being from the same town, sharing a hobby, or rooting for the same sports teams. Remote positions for high school students are relatively rare, as most high school interns provide in-person lab support, such as helping with tasks like cleaning glassware or operating basic equipment. Computational research is an exception, offering opportunities for students with some programming experience.

Featured STEM Internship Programs in Massachusetts

Here's a curated list of STEM internships for high school students in Massachusetts, offering diverse experiences and opportunities:

1. Neurology Research Internship - Mass General Hospital

Location: Boston, MA
Eligibility: High school students
Program Dates: Six-week internship
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship

This prestigious, paid STEM internship in Massachusetts offers direct exposure to medical research and mentorship at a top-tier teaching hospital. It begins with an immersive boot camp on research techniques and clinical skills before transitioning into full-time lab work. Participants will be paired with both a Neurology faculty mentor and an undergraduate student for one-on-one guidance throughout the six-week internship. You’ll work 40 hours per week on active research projects, attend faculty-led seminars, and present your work at the end.

2. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students, college undergraduates, and gap year participants who can commit 10-20 hours per week for 8-12 weeks.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts year-round
Cost/Stipend: \$2,490; financial aid available

Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you will gain hands-on professional experience by interning with startups across industries like AI, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. You will be placed with a high-growth company, often valued at over \$1 million, and assigned a real-world project that aligns with your interests. Under the guidance of a dedicated Ladder Coach, you’ll receive one-on-one mentorship, skill-building support, and feedback throughout the internship. This remote STEM internship is a flexible yet rigorous option for Massachusetts high school students seeking year-round experience.

3. Veritas AI Internship

Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students with prior experience in AI/ML or completion of a Veritas AI program
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Program Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year
Cost/Stipend: \$2,490

The Veritas AI Internship places you in small cohorts to work on real-world AI/ML projects with VC-backed startups. Over 8 weeks, you will collaborate with mentors from institutions like Harvard and companies such as Google and McKinsey, applying machine learning techniques to practical challenges. The internship emphasizes individualized mentorship and active engagement in the AI field. You will gain technical expertise and industry exposure, culminating in a formal letter of completion outlining your project work and skills gained. This virtual STEM internship is ideal for students looking to deepen their AI knowledge with real-world application and expert support.

4. Research Science Institute (RSI)

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from around the world with exceptional academic credentials
Application Deadline: December 11
Program Dates: June 22 - August 2
Cost/Stipend: No cost (fully funded)

The Research Science Institute is one of the most prestigious and competitive STEM internships for high school students in Massachusetts. Over six weeks, you will first receive intensive academic instruction, followed by a research phase under the mentorship of university scientists and researchers. You’ll conduct an independent research project in disciplines like engineering, mathematics, and computer science, culminating in a conference-style presentation. This fully-funded internship offers unmatched academic rigor and mentorship in a university setting, preparing students for top-tier research careers. It’s recommended that applicants have a minimum 740 SAT Math Score and a minimum Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score of 700, or a minimum 33 ACT math score and 34 verbal score.

5. High School Apprenticeship Challenge - BioBuilder & Massachusetts Life Sciences Center

Location: Greater Boston area (includes BioBuilder Learning Lab in Kendall Square and local biotech labs)
Eligibility: High school students (16+) in Massachusetts with a demonstrated interest in science
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: Spring training (March-May) and full-time summer internship (June-August)
Cost/Stipend: Free; \$500 stipend

The High School Apprenticeship Challenge begins with a spring training course where you will learn foundational lab techniques and biotechnology concepts through hands-on sessions at BioBuilder’s Learning Lab. Upon successful completion, you're placed into a paid internship at a biotech company or academic lab in the Greater Boston area. You will acquire practical lab experience, collaborate with professionals in STEM, and showcase your learning and contributions at a final symposium. This program is a great option for Massachusetts high school students interested in biotech careers and offers a rare opportunity to blend structured training with paid lab research.

Read also: Internship Opportunities in Boston

6. Tech Apprentice Program - Boston Private Industry Council

Location: Boston, MA
Eligibility: Boston public high school students entering grades 11 or 12 who have completed at least one tech course
Application Deadline: Typically April
Program Dates: July - August (6-7 weeks)
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship

The Tech Apprentice Program connects you with Boston-area technology companies for a summer internship emphasizing IT skills, career readiness, and professional networking. You’ll be placed at a local company where you’ll work on real-world tech tasks, ranging from helpdesk support to data entry and software testing. You’ll also attend professional development workshops and gain firsthand insight into the local tech economy. This paid STEM internship gives high school students in Boston a practical entry point into tech careers, with a focus on skill development and industry exposure.

7. Youth Summer Program - Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Location: Boston, MA
Eligibility: Boston residents aged 16+ by June 1; must be available full-time during July-August
Application Deadline: Late March to early April
Program Dates: July - August
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship

The Youth Summer Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital introduces you to the healthcare field through a structured, paid summer internship. The program develops career awareness and workplace readiness, including hands-on work experience, mentorship, and professional development. You will build transferable skills, explore hospital operations, and gain insight into careers in health and science. Applicants are selected through a formal process coordinated with local schools and community organizations, with interviews required for placement. This is a competitive, community-centered STEM internship focused on healthcare exposure and career preparation.

8. Broad Summer Scholars Program - Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard

Location: Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors in the Greater Boston area, who have earned a B or better in science and math classes
Application Deadline: January 22
Program Dates: June 30 - August 8
Cost/Stipend: Free; \$3,600 stipend

The Broad Summer Scholars Program allows you to work alongside scientists at the Broad Institute on cutting-edge biomedical and genomic research. Over six weeks, you’ll conduct original research in areas like cancer biology, infectious disease, or data science. With daily mentorship, journal clubs, and professional development workshops, this program prepares you for future academic paths in STEM. You will be paired with a Broad scientist and will present your work at a capstone symposium at the end of the program.

9. Project Success - Harvard Medical School

Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from Boston or Cambridge, at least 16 years old, with a minimum GPA of 2.7. Priority given to students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds
Application Deadline: February 3
Program Dates: June 30 - August 15
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship

Project Success is a competitive six-week STEM internship hosted at Harvard Medical School, designed to introduce high school students to the world of biomedical research. You’ll be placed in a Harvard-affiliated lab where you’ll collaborate on real research projects under the guidance of a faculty mentor. In addition to lab work, you’ll attend seminars, biotech tours, and workshops focused on writing, presenting, and computational skills.

10. NHLBI Summer Internship in Biomedical Research - NIH

Location: NIH laboratories in Framingham, MA, and Bethesda, MD
Eligibility: Current high school seniors
Application Deadline: February 19
Program Dates: Start dates are May 19, May 27, or June 2; Poster Day: August 7-8
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; stipend provided

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) hosts a summer internship that places you in one of the NIH’s cutting-edge research labs, including its site in Framingham, Massachusetts. Over six to eight weeks, you’ll conduct original biomedical research alongside leading scientists and a principal investigator. Beyond lab work, the program includes mentorship, workshops, and a culminating Poster Day where you present your findings. You will work alongside a principal investigator in NIH laboratories located in either Bethesda, Maryland, or Framingham, Massachusetts.

11. CURE - Summer Only Internship Program - Longwood Medical Area Institutions

Location: Longwood Medical Area, Boston, MA
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors and college freshmen through juniors; must be at least 16 and reside in or attend school in Massachusetts
Application Deadline: Applications open in Fall
Program Dates: 7-11 weeks in summer (exact dates vary)
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; full-time paid internship

The CURE - Summer Only Internship offers a rigorous, hands-on introduction to cancer and biomedical research for Massachusetts high school and college students. You will spend 7 to 11 weeks in a research lab under the guidance of professional scientists, participating in experiments, learning technical lab skills, and attending workshops on STEM careers. The program emphasizes mentorship, scientific literacy, and professional development. This full-time paid internship provides deep exposure to biomedical science in Boston’s world-renowned Longwood Medical Area.

12. High School Apprenticeship Challenge - Massachusetts Life Sciences Center

Location: Labs and biotech organizations across Massachusetts
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ enrolled in qualifying Massachusetts schools or programs; recent grads not yet in college may also apply
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: Varies by placement
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; paid internship

The High School Apprenticeship Challenge provides paid internships in biotechnology and life sciences to students across Massachusetts. To build foundational lab and professional skills, you’ll first complete a pre-internship training program in locations such as Brockton, Cambridge, Worcester, and New Bedford. Upon completion, eligible students are matched with host organizations that provide hands-on research experience. You will work as W-2 employees for 8-10 weeks, contributing to real lab projects under the guidance of STEM professionals. If the internship is hybrid, at least 40% of the internship must be in-person. More than 150 internship opportunities are available to underrepresented, low-income students at small life science and research institutions across Massachusetts.

13. Boston Museum of Science - Summer Youth Internship Program

Location: Museum of Science, Boston, MA
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-19
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines based on seasonal openings
Program Dates: Summer, Fall, and Spring
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; may include stipend or hourly pay (varies by year)

The Museum of Science’s Summer Youth Internship Program immerses high school students in dynamic, real-world work environments designed to build scientific curiosity and professional skills. Over the course of the summer, you’ll contribute to the museum’s mission through public engagement, project support, and teamwork across departments. The program emphasizes social and vocational skill development, including communication, collaboration, time management, and workplace professionalism. You will gain a better understanding of science careers while receiving constructive feedback and exploring your interest in STEM education and museum work. Intern benefits include free parking in the Museum garage and proximity to the MBTA's Green Line. Interns receive free admission to the Exhibit Halls, IMAX® films, Planetarium shows, 4-D shows, and Duck Tours, as well as discounts in the Museum store and café.

14. Teen Internships - New England Aquarium

Location: Boston, MA
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18 enrolled in a Boston Public School or partner school
Application Deadline: Typically late winter to early spring
Program Dates: Summer (6-8 weeks, dates vary)
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship

The New England Aquarium’s Teen Internship program provides Boston-area high school students with paid opportunities to explore marine science and conservation while building job-readiness skills. As an intern, you’ll engage in public education, assist with exhibits, and gain behind-the-scenes access to animal care and science operations. The program emphasizes youth leadership, environmental awareness, and career exploration in marine biology and STEM fields. You will also participate in workshops and mentorship activities, making this a robust, hands-on STEM experience ideal for students interested in ocean science.

Additional Internship Opportunities

StandOut Connect: Pairs talented high school students with virtual internships in fields like the arts, biotechnology, business, engineering, law, math, and beyond.
LEAH Knox Scholars: A multi-year program that builds college and career readiness through lab experiences, internships, and monthly events.
MITES Summer: A six-week residential program at MIT that immerses students in rigorous coursework, lab tours, and college admissions counseling.
Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Internship/Practicum: A six-week summer program at Boston University (BU) that provides students with the chance to conduct real research and expand their STEM skills.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Women’s Technology Program (WTP): A rigorous four-week academic experience focused on engineering.
Forsyth High School Summer Internship: Provides Boston-area high school students with scientific experience in a real-world research project.
Northeastern University Young Scholars Program (YSP): Offers students the chance to build firsthand academic research experience in state-of-the-art labs.
Ragon Institute Summer Experience (RISE): Introduces students to immunology and related fields through lab work, courses, and career-focused workshops.
ADA Forsyth Student Scholars: Offers life-changing, paid internships to high school students with a passion for STEM and clinical and translational dentistry.

Cold Outreach Strategy

If the above options don’t align with your needs, another pathway to securing biotechnology internships in Boston is to begin a cold outreach campaign. Small companies are great targets-they often need an extra set of hands to assist with tasks like preparing experiments, maintaining labs, and entering data.

Here's a template for finding a research position:

Subject: Student Reaching Out
Dear Professor/Dr. ___,
I hope you are having a great day! My name is [your name], and I am a rising [grade] at [your school]. I recently read your paper on [restate the abstract] in [name of publication] and was quite intrigued by [part you found interesting]. I was wondering if I might be able to intern for you over this summer. [Elaborate on your relevant skills and experience and why you are passionate about the field]. I have included my resume here. Thanks so much!
Sincerely, [Your name]

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