Best STEM and Pre-Med Summer Research Programs for High School Students (2026)

If you (or your teen) have ever gone down a Wikipedia rabbit hole at 1 a.m. “just to check one thing”… you might be ready for a summer research program. These programs are where curiosity gets a lab coat, and where you can discover that learning can be thrilling, exhausting, and deeply alive all at once. From MIT’s legendary RSI to UCI’s cutting-edge BEAM program, each opportunity here helps young minds turn sparks of interest into genuine talent the world needs. Don’t get hung up on rankings. #1 isn’t “better” than #10. The real magic happens when you find your fit; that sweet spot where passion meets purpose, and you walk away seeing not just what you can do… but who you’re becoming.

1) Research Science Institute (RSI)

MIT / Center for Excellence in Education (CEE)

Often called the “gold standard” of high school STEM research programs. Each summer, a small group of rising seniors from around the world spend six rigorous weeks diving into college-level STEM coursework and mentored research with MIT faculty. The program culminates in a final paper and symposium, giving students a real taste of scientific discovery. Its alumni frequently publish early and attend top universities—proof of RSI’s unmatched rigor, mentorship, and impact.

• Focus Areas: Math, science, computer science, and engineering research.
• Eligibility: Rising high school seniors globally.
• Format & Duration: 6 weeks (late June–early August), in-person at MIT.
• Cost / Financial Aid: 100% free, including room and board.
• Selectivity: ~80 students selected from thousands of global applicants (<3% acceptance).
• Application Details: Opens fall; due January; requires transcripts, essays, test scores, and recommendation letters.
• Website: cee.org/programs/apply-rsi

💡 Tip: Students should demonstrate not only perfect grades but a deep curiosity for research.

2) Simons Summer Research Program

Stony Brook University

Pairs talented high-school students with Stony Brook faculty mentors for a full-time summer research experience. Over six to seven weeks, students engage in original projects across science, math, and engineering, culminating in a research abstract and poster presentation. With no tuition and a modest stipend, Simons is one of the most respected and competitive research opportunities for rising seniors.

Focus Areas: Science, mathematics, and engineering research
Eligibility: Rising high-school seniors (US citizens or permanent residents preferred)
Format & Duration: 6–7 weeks (June – August), in-person at Stony Brook University
Cost / Financial Aid: Free for accepted students; includes stipend
Selectivity: ~30–40 students selected annually from hundreds of applicants
Application Details: Opens December; teacher nomination required; applications due February
Website: stonybrook.edu/simons

💡 Tip: Students must secure a teacher nomination early before applying—don’t wait until the deadline.

3) Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Stanford University School of Medicine

Provides high-school juniors and seniors rare access to Stanford’s biomedical research labs. Over eight weeks, participants work one-on-one with faculty mentors on projects in genetics, stem-cell biology, bioengineering, and more. The program is tuition-free and includes stipends for students with financial need.

Focus Areas: Biomedical, genetics, bioengineering, and cancer research
Eligibility: US high-school juniors and seniors
Format & Duration: 8 weeks (June – August), in-person at Stanford
Cost / Financial Aid: Free for all; stipends available for those with financial need
Selectivity: ~50–60 students chosen from thousands of applicants
Application Details: Opens December; due February; essays, transcripts, and recommendations required
Website: med.stanford.edu/simr

💡 Tip: Ideal for students interested in medicine or biomedical engineering — start applications early to secure recommendations.

4) Summer Science Program (SSP)

Nonprofit Consortium (MIT, Harvey Mudd, Purdue, UNC Chapel Hill, New Mexico Tech)

For over 60 years, this program has given students a chance to conduct real scientific research alongside college faculty. Participants choose from tracks in astrophysics, biochemistry, and genomics and spend five to six weeks collecting data and analyzing results for a publishable research paper.

Focus Areas: Astrophysics, biochemistry, genomics, and synthetic chemistry
Eligibility: High-school juniors (and some seniors) worldwide
Format & Duration: 5–6 weeks, residential at partner universities
Cost / Financial Aid: ~$8,000 tuition; generous need-based financial aid (“no qualified student turned away”)
Selectivity: Highly competitive; international applicants welcome
Application Details: Opens December; due late January; essays and recommendations required
Website: summerscience.org

💡 Tip: Highlight teamwork and collaboration in essays—SSP values intellectual curiosity over perfect grades.

5) UCI Youth Science Fellowship Program (YSFP)

University of California, Irvine – Cancer Research Institute

Offers hands-on laboratory experience in cancer research for high-school students in Orange County. Over six weeks, fellows work with UCI scientists on active research projects and present their findings in a final symposium.

Focus Areas: Biomedical and oncology research
Eligibility: High-school juniors and seniors from Orange County (US citizens or residents only)
Format & Duration: 6 weeks (late June – early August), in-person at UCI
Cost / Financial Aid: Free; no tuition; lunch provided
Selectivity: ~20 students chosen from 150+ applicants
Application Details: Opens December; due February 28; requires transcripts and recommendations
Website: cancerresearch.uci.edu

💡 Tip: For Southern California students, YSFP is a rare, free gateway to university-level lab experience before college.

6) Texas Tech Clark Scholars Program

Texas Tech University Honors College

Fully funded, seven-week summer research mentorship for exceptional high-school students. Scholars work one-on-one with professors across STEM, medicine, and humanities fields while receiving a stipend and on-campus housing.

Focus Areas: STEM, medicine, humanities, and social sciences
Eligibility: High-school juniors and seniors (U.S. and international students eligible)
Format & Duration: 7 weeks (June – August), in-person at Texas Tech University
Cost / Financial Aid: Free; includes $750 stipend and housing
Selectivity: ~12 students selected nationwide each year
Application Details: Opens November; due February 15; essays, transcripts, and recommendations required
Website: depts.ttu.edu/clarkscholars/

💡 Tip: Few programs combine mentorship and a stipend—apply early and show initiative in your intended field.

7) UCI Biology Engineering AI Medicine (BEAM)

University of California, Irvine – Gifted and Talented Institute

Designed at the intersection of biology, engineering, AI, and medicine, UCI x GATI BEAM immerses students in UCI research labs alongside world-class professors and teams. The program integrates scientific inquiry with leadership and entrepreneurship—preparing students to think critically, collaborate deeply, and innovate across disciplines.

Focus Areas: Biology, engineering, artificial intelligence, and medical innovation
Eligibility: High-school students (grades 9–12) worldwide
Format & Duration: 2 weeks (summer), in-person at the University of California, Irvine
Cost / Financial Aid: Tuition-based; scholarships and need-based aid available
Selectivity: Highly competitive; international applicants welcome.
Application Details: Opens winter; rolling admissions until filled; finalists interviewed before acceptance
Website: ucigati.org/beam

💡 Tip: Every shortlisted applicant is interviewed before admission—your chance to tell your story, share what drives you, and show how your curiosity connects to the world. BEAM values curiosity and courage as much as credentials.

8) Boston University RISE Program

Boston University

Invites high-school students to join university labs for six weeks of hands-on research and mentorship. Students may choose between the Internship Track (lab placement) and the Practicum Track (project coursework).

Focus Areas: Biomedical, chemistry, physics, neuroscience, and computer science
Eligibility: Rising high-school seniors (11th graders at application)
Format & Duration: 6 weeks (July – August), in-person at BU
Cost / Financial Aid: Tuition-based (~$6,000); need-based aid available
Selectivity: Highly competitive, especially for the Internship Track
Application Details: Opens November; due mid-February; essays and recommendations required
Website: bu.edu/summer/rise

💡 Tip: Admissions weigh the personal statement heavily — show why you love the research field you choose.

9) Pritzker School of Medicine Experience in Research (PSOMER)

University of Chicago – Pritzker School of Medicine

Offers underrepresented and motivated students an immersive eight-week experience in medical research and health disparities. Participants work with UChicago Medicine faculty on biomedical projects while learning about medical school life and career paths.

Focus Areas: Biomedical and clinical research, public health, health equity
Eligibility: Rising college freshmen and graduating high-school seniors (US citizens or residents)
Format & Duration: 8 weeks, in-person at University of Chicago
Cost / Financial Aid: Free; includes stipend and housing
Selectivity: Small cohort; highly competitive
Application Details: Opens January; due March; transcripts and recommendations required
Website: pritzker.uchicago.edu/resources/summer-pathway-programs

💡 Tip: Perfect for students considering MD or MD/PhD paths—emphasize commitment to service and research.

10) Johns Hopkins Pre-College: Foundations of Medicine and Health

Johns Hopkins University

Introduces students to human anatomy, physiology, and public health through hands-on labs and clinical exploration at Johns Hopkins. Students get an early look into medical training and career paths in healthcare.

Focus Areas: Pre-med, anatomy, physiology, public health
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, domestic and international students welcome
Format & Duration: 2 weeks (various sessions June – August), on campus at Johns Hopkins
Cost / Financial Aid: ~$6,000 tuition; limited aid available
Selectivity: Open admission but academically rigorous
Application Details: Rolling admissions; apply early for preferred session
Website: summer.jhu.edu/areas-of-study/foundations-medicine-health/

💡 Tip: Great intro for students exploring medicine before committing to longer research programs.