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. Once a week we have talks, lab tours, and field trips as a group. This is a time that interns get to learn about the broad field of Earth and environmental sciences and get to know one another. These activities take place on the same day each week. Young Investigators is not a camp and organized social activities are limited.
Research options
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. Students work individually with a professor from one of our four departments. Learn more about this summer's options.
Research options
How to apply
The high school internship program is an annual program. The application is released in late January and is due March. You will find the application on this page at that time. Late applications are not considered; there are always more qualified students than placements. Make sure you read this - more about the options.
The 2020 application is closed. Here is a blank form of the application of application for your reference.
by February 1, 2020: Application Available
March 15, 2020: Applications Due
March 25, 2020: Letter of Recommendation Due
About May 1, 2020: Acceptance letters sent out
In 2020, high school students most likely will not be allowed in our labs. Therefore, the internship program will not be accepting students into most of the options. The Biodiversity option was able to transform into a remote research experience with only 12 high school students.
Young Investigators are expected to work during regular working hours during the week. On Thursdays, all interns meet for lectures, activities and field trips. These activities are supplemental, and are offered to provide extended learning. Interns must live and go to high school in the San Francisco Bay Area. Please check Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
