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ResearchDue in January · ~3 months

UCSF Summer Student Research Program

UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland

For over 40 years this program has paired high school and college students from diverse backgrounds one-on-one with researchers and clinicians on active biomedical research projects, culminating in a research symposium.

Who should apply

A great fit for high school sophomores–seniors interested in biomedical research and clinical medicine, with priority for under-represented students including first-generation, low-income, and otherwise disadvantaged students.

Eligibility

  • High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors
  • At least 16 by June 1 of the program year
  • At least one completed year in math and biology
  • Prioritizes under-represented students (first-generation, low socioeconomic background, disabilities, or otherwise disadvantaged)
  • For 2026, only high school applicants are being accepted
  • In-person participation required for all activities

What you get

  • $3,000 stipend (high school students)
  • 7-week program (June 15 – July 31, 2026)
  • One-on-one mentorship with healthcare providers and researchers
  • Weekly seminars and workshops
  • Journal clubs, small-group mentoring, and social activities
  • Poster and oral presentations at a Research Symposium

What the application involves

The official page is the authoritative list of what this one asks for, and it is linked in the sidebar. Expect the usual: a short application form, a transcript, and at least one teacher or mentor who can vouch for you.

Application tips

  • In your essays, connect your background and lived experience to your interest in biomedical research, the program explicitly prioritizes under-represented and first-generation students.
  • Highlight your completed math and biology coursework and any hands-on science experience.
  • Show genuine curiosity about research and a clinical or scientific career rather than listing achievements.
ResearchBiomedicalFirst-genStipend

Not eligible for this one? These are open anywhere in the U.S.

Being in the wrong state rules out a lot of programs and almost none of the good ones. Here are three you can apply to from anywhere, soonest deadline first.

  • Due in 19 days

    Nemours Summer Undergraduate Research Program

    Nemours Children's Health

    A 10-week full-time paid summer research program for undergraduates at four Nemours pediatric sites in Delaware and Florida. Students work on clinical, laboratory, or translational research projects.

    Who can apply: Anywhere in the U.S. · grade 12

    Wilmington, DE and Jacksonville, Orlando, and Pensacola, FLResearch
    Paid

  • Due in February · ~4 months

    Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)

    Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

    A biomedical research internship inspiring underrepresented students toward careers in neurological and behavioral sciences, with an in-person Baltimore track and a national virtual track.

    Who can apply: Anywhere in the U.S. · grades 11–12

    Baltimore, MD (in-person) / Virtual (national)Research
    Paid

  • Due in February · ~4 months

    Simons Summer Research Program

    Stony Brook University

    A summer program where academically talented high school students join active science, math, or engineering research teams under faculty mentors and present at a closing poster symposium, receiving a stipend award.

    Who can apply: Anywhere in the U.S. · grade 11

    Stony Brook, NYResearch
    Paid