High school internships: Be a young investigator
At the School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences, high school students spend the summer working in research laboratories. Students are supervised directly by graduate students, post docs and lab managers. This program enables graduate students to serve as supervisors, prepares high school students for college and helps strengthen the connections between Stanford and local high schools. Since 2004, over 250 high school students have worked in our research labs and learned about the process of science first hand. We offer several different options, with different areas of focus and time commitments. Regularly we have talks, lab tours, and field trips as a group that have been turned into our remote education program during the pandemic. This is a time that interns get to learn about the broad field of Earth and environmental sciences. Young Investigators is not a camp and organized social activities are limited.
Summer 2022 internships are being considered. More details after February 1.
Research options
In 2021, we are offering limited opportunities for high school students because on-campus programming is limited. In typical years, we offer four different areas of focus and time commitments. High school applicants may apply to more than one option and must indicate what they want to be considered for.
How to Apply
The high school internship program is an annual program. Read the qualifications on the frequently asked question page. The application for all programs is released by February 1 and is due March 15. View and prepare your application questions/essays. Late applications are not considered; there are always more qualified students than placements. Make sure you read about the options. Here are some tips for you before you start your application. Plans for 2022 will be updated by February 1.
by February 1: Application Available
March 15: Applications Due
March 25: Letter of Recommendation Due
About May 1: Acceptance letters sent out
Young Investigators are expected to work during regular working hours during the week. Interns must live and go to high school in the San Francisco Bay Area. Please check Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Program plans for summer 2022 will be updated by February 1. We do not yet know if we can offer in person internships yet.
Meet some of our students
In the past couple of weeks, I was able to grow so much more as a scientist. I realized that constant failure was part of the whole scientific process, allowing one to grow and improve as a scientist.
