10 Exciting Neuroscience Internships & Research Opportunities for High School Students

If you're a high school student fascinated by the complexities of the human brain and nervous system, there are numerous research opportunities in neuroscience waiting for you. These programs provide a chance to gain valuable research experience, learn from experts, and explore the captivating field of neuroscience. In this article, we've compiled a list of 10 neuroscience internships for high school students well worth your consideration.

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) High School Summer Research Program

• Location: Various NIDA locations

• Stipend: $15.00 per hour

• Deadline: February 2, 2024

• Description: NIDA offers a high school summer research program focused on addiction research. Participants work with leading scientists, engage in research projects, and learn about the effects of drugs on the brain and behavior.

2. Research Experiences for High School Students (REHS)

• Location: San Diego, CA

• Cost: Free

• Deadline: March 2024

• Description: REHSS programs at UC San Diego allow high school students to participate in neuroscience research projects. During this 8-week volunteer program, you will gain exposure to career options, hands-on computational experience, work readiness skills, and mentoring by computational research scientists. You'll take part in regular lab meetings and participate in group discussions. At the end of the program, you will create a scientific poster highlighting your research and future career goals.

3. Stanford Clinical Summer Internship Program

• Location: Palo Alto, CA

• Cost: $6,380

• Deadline: February 25, 2024

• Description: The Stanford Clinical Summer Internship Program is an intensive six-week experience that provides high school students with the opportunity to work in clinical psychology and psychiatry settings. Participants engage in research, shadow professionals, and learn about the mental health field.

4. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences

• Location: Baltimore, MD

• Cost: Free, stipend and travel funds available

• Deadline: March 1, 2024

• Description: The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a summer research program for junior and senior high school students that helps them get exposed to and discover a passion for a career in the neurological sciences.

5. UCI Brain Camp

• Location: Irvine, CA

• Cost: $2195

• Deadline: Rolling

• Description: UCI Brain Camp is a summer program for middle and high school students that offers an opportunity for immersion in neuroscience. The 2-week full-day brain science camp features lectures and seminars, workshops, laboratory tours, dissections and other hands-on activities and experiments.

6. University of Pennsylvania Neuroscience Research Academy

• Location: Philadelphia, PA

• Cost: $9,700

• Deadline: February 15, 2024

• Description: The Neuroscience Research Academy explores the biological foundations of the brain, progressing from the cellular foundations of the neuron to an understanding of the sensory systems, and culminating with higher-order cognitive functions such as memory, emotion, and morality. Taught by members of Penn’s Biological Basis of Behavior program, this neuroscience research internship program introduces current students to this cutting-edge field in both research and medicine, which has provided important insights into understanding the mind in both health and disease.

7. Harvard University Pre-College Program (Neuroscience Focus)

• Location: Cambridge, MA

• Cost: $5,550

• Deadline: January 10, 2024 (Priority), February 14, 2024 (Regular)

• Description: Harvard's Pre-College Program with a neuroscience focus introduces high school students to the field through coursework, seminars, and hands-on research experiences. At this summer neuroscience internship program, you'll explore the brain's intricate workings and its role in behavior and cognition.

8. Psychology & Neuroscience at Yale University

• Location: New Haven, CT

• Cost: $6,098

• Deadline: Rolling

• Description: Summer Springboard offers neuroscience summer programs that introduce high school students to the study of the nervous system, brain structure, and function. Participants engage in experiments and hands-on research projects.

9. Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (Neuroscience Track)

• Location: Baltimore, MD

• Cost: $695 - $2,130

• Deadline: Rolling

• Description: The Center for Talented Youth at Johns Hopkins University includes a neuroscience track for high school students. This program provides a comprehensive overview of neuroscience, covering topics like neural circuits, brain development, and neuroimaging techniques.

10. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience’s High School Internship

• Location: Jupiter, FL

• Stipend: $12/hr

• Deadline: February 2024

• Description: the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship offers aspiring scientists an immersive laboratory experience with MPFI researchers. This six-week internship is designed for students with an interest in brain structure, function and development, and the advanced imaging techniques and technologies used in neuroscience. Interns will participate in research projects alongside MPFI scientists, prepare a written scientific abstract based on their research project, and deliver a short presentation at the end of the summer.

Making the Most of Your Neuroscience Research

Once you’ve participated in any of these valuable programs, you’ll want to consider what you gained from the experience and the skills you developed. Learn more about the importance of showcasing your research on college applications.

Middle and high school students can also create their neuroscience research project opportunities. Polygence has many neuroscience research mentors who are available to provide current students with guidance and support along the way. Exploring these opportunities can be a significant step toward pursuing a rewarding career in neuroscience and making a positive impact on our understanding of the human mind and behavior.

Looking to push your neuroscience knowledge even further? Check out our guides to the best neuroscience schools and explore potential neuroscience career paths!