Are you a high school student dreaming of a career in healthcare? Summer is the perfect time to dive deep into hands-on experiences, gain exposure to medical fields, and build an impressive resume. Numerous summer programs provide unique, in-depth learning opportunities, whether you're passionate about public health, research, or clinical medicine. Here’s a roundup of some standout options across the U.S., along with details on deadlines, eligibility, and what each program has to offer.
1. CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp
Location: CDC Headquarters
Eligibility: Open to sophomores and juniors
Cost: Free (competitive admission)
Application Deadline: March 31, 2023
Program Overview:
This five-day program immerses students in the world of public health. Participants explore disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, and other critical areas in public health. A glowing recommendation from a teacher can boost your chances, so apply early!
2. Medical Immersion Summer Academy (MISA)
Location: Bay Area, California
Eligibility: 9th-12th graders
Cost: $1,250
Application Deadline: Mid-March
Program Overview:
MISA offers a week of hands-on healthcare training in various medical environments. Students gain real-world experience that could make their future med school applications shine.
3. UCI x GATI BEAM Programs
Location: University of California, Irvine
Eligibility: Grades 8-12
Application Deadlines: Early by January 15, Regular by March 31
Program Overview:
UCI’s BEAM program (Biology, Engineering, AI, and Medicine) allows gifted and talented students to earn U.S. college credits. The program provides a unique blend of interdisciplinary studies and is perfect for those interested in fields at the intersection of science and technology.
4. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)
Location: Stanford University
Eligibility: Rising seniors from low-income, first-generation backgrounds
Cost: Free (competitive admission)
Application Deadline: March 15
Program Overview:
This five-week program offers lectures, labs, and counseling sessions with Stanford faculty and students, introducing participants to a potential career in medicine while providing college admissions support.
5. Summer Medical Academy (San Diego)
Location: San Diego, CA
Eligibility: Only open to students in San Diego high schools
Program Overview:
This program focuses on healthcare exposure and skill-building, offering a taste of the medical field for local students.
6. Stanford Pediatrics Internship Program (SPIP)
Location: Stanford University
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors in Northern California
Application Opens: January 10
Program Overview:
This six-week internship immerses students in science, research, and medicine. Through lab work and mentoring, students gain a strong foundation for future careers in healthcare.
7. Johns Hopkins Summer Programs
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Eligibility: Local teens
Program Overview:
Johns Hopkins offers various summer experiences that allow students to explore biomedical and medical careers through hands-on learning and career exposure.
8. Stanford Chemistry Shadow Program
Location: Stanford University
Application Opens: March 1, with a deadline of May 1
Program Overview:
This shadowing program gives students a firsthand look at careers in chemistry. Priority is given to local applicants.
9. UCSF Global Health Internship
- Location: University of California, San Francisco
- Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
- Cost: Free (stipend available for financial need)
- Application Opens: January 10, Deadline March 1
- Program Overview: Focusing on global health topics like HIV/AIDS and climate change, this six-week program involves challenging real-life projects and mentorship from global health experts.
10. National Student Leadership Conference on Medicine & Health Care (NSLC)
Location: University of California, San Francisco
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
Cost: Free (stipend available for financial need)
Application Opens: January 10, Deadline March 1
Program Overview:
Focusing on global health topics like HIV/AIDS and climate change, this six-week program involves challenging real-life projects and mentorship from global health experts.
11. Stanford Clinical Anatomy Summer Program (CASP)
Location: Stanford University
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Overview:
CASP offers an intensive, two-week introduction to anatomy and related medical fields. Students work on a collaborative capstone project by the program's end.
12. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Application Deadline: February
Program Overview:
SIMR is an eight-week research program that allows students to work on medically oriented projects alongside Stanford faculty and researchers.
13. NIH High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)
Location: Various NIH facilities
Eligibility: High school students aged 17+
Application Deadline: February 1
Program Overview:
This paid internship allows students to work in a lab or research group, gaining insights into biomedical research.
14. FACES Summer Medical Academy (FSMA)
Location: Various locations
Eligibility: High school students aged 15+
Program Overview:
FSMA offers hands-on healthcare experiences, focusing on clinical skills and exploring medical careers.
15. CHORI Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute Program
Location: Oakland, CA
Eligibility: Minorities and underrepresented students
Application Opens: December 1, Deadline February 17
Program Overview:
CHORI provides research opportunities and mentorship, focusing on minority representation in healthcare.
16. Kaiser KPLaunch
Location: Various Kaiser locations
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+
Program Overview:
KPLaunch provides interns with valuable experience in healthcare administration and support roles.
17. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Location: New York, NY
Eligibility: High school students interested in biomedical research
Application Deadline: January 5
Program Overview:
SSRP allows students to work in biomedical research labs, providing an immersive experience.
18. Scripps Student Research Internship
Location: Scripps Research Institute, CA
Eligibility: Students aged 16+
Application Deadline: March 28
Program Overview:
This internship emphasizes translational research in personalized medicine and includes mobile health technology research.
These programs provide excellent avenues for aspiring healthcare professionals to gain knowledge, hands-on experience, and mentorship. Whether you’re in it for the hands-on labs, research experience, or public health exposure, applying early and putting effort into your application (especially your recommendation letters) can make a big difference in these competitive opportunities. Get ready to make this summer an unforgettable step toward your healthcare career!
Want to expand your edge going into the summer programs application process? You can find more summer programs content under our blogs, or reach out for a complimentary call to learn more about how we support students in their summer planning.