The NIH Summer Internship High School Application Process
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers a unique opportunity for high school students to spend a summer working in the Intramural Research Program through its High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP). This immersive program provides hands-on research training for 11th and 12th graders interested in exploring careers in biomedical research and healthcare.
About the NIH Summer Internship Program
Participants work as full-time researchers in the NIH Intramural Research Program under the mentorship of a Principal Investigator (PI). Research groups are located at any NIH Campus, including the main headquarters in Bethesda, MD. The program emphasizes diversity and inclusion, offering specialized cohort experiences and support for underrepresented groups.
Each cohort program focuses on the development of science, professional, and personal skills according to the educational needs of the groups. Eligible applicants can explore a range of fields, from biology to computer science, and participate in professional development and well-being programs. Below is a list of all the offered research fields:
Biology
Engineering
Epidemiology
Psychology
Mathematics
Chemistry
Pharmaceutical sciences
Nursing
Physics
Computer science
Bioinformatics
Other health-related fields
This blog post covers essential details such as eligibility criteria and the application process.
Eligibility Criteria for NIH Summer Internships
U.S. citizen or a permanent resident
Be at least 17 years of age by June 15, 2024
When you submit your application, you must be a junior or senior in high school.
Citizens of the United States who are enrolled at least half-time in high school are eligible to apply.
To be eligible, U.S. permanent residents must be enrolled in a high school in the United States.
Under the age of 18 by June 15
You must live within 40 miles of the NIH campus where you will intern at the time you submit your application.
Some restrictions apply based on if a family member works at certain NIH campuses. Feel free to check out the strict nepotism policy to learn more!
Application Process
IMPORTANT:
The HS-SIP application closes on Friday, February 16, 2024 at noon ET.
Reference letters are due before Friday, February 23, 2024 at noon ET.
The following information depicts the application process. Make sure to apply using the NIH Application Center.
Complete the required sections of your profile
Select a preferred program. For HS-SIP, select “Summer internships for high school students”
Select “Apply”
Before you start your application, make sure you are in fact eligible
Import all relevant information
Submit:
Coursework & Exams
CV/Resume
References
Letter/Statement
Applications are examined by the NIH Institute/Center (IC), which selects and funds its own summer interns. The recruiting IC will notify successful candidates. Due to safety issues, many NIH research organizations are unable to accommodate high school students. The acceptance rate of HS-SIP is 7%. As a result, we highly advise candidates to look for alternative internships and career possibilities.
Sources
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). NIH Summer internship program. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. www.niehs.nih.gov/careers/research/summers/index.cfm
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Summer internship program (SIP). National Institute of Mental Health. www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-conducted-at-nimh/scientific-director/office-of-fellowship-and-training/fellowships-and-training-programs/summer-internship-program-sip
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