Summer programs at the National Institutes of
Health (NIH) offer hundreds of exciting opportunities for high school students to work
side-by-side with some of the world's leading scientists in an environment
devoted exclusively to biomedical research.
“If you have a passion for
science and an interest in gaining hands-on experience doing biomedical,
behavioral, or social science research, the NIH Summer Internship Program may be perfect for
you,” explained Dr. Sharon Milgram, director of the NIH Office of Intramural
Training and Education.
As one of the premiere research
facilities in the world, NIH consists of the 240-bed Hatfield Clinical Research
Center and more than 1200 laboratories/research projects located on the main
campus in Bethesda, as well as in Frederick and Baltimore, MD; Research Triangle
Park, NC; Phoenix, AZ; Hamilton, MT; Framingham, MA; and Detroit, MI.
Program stipends cover a minimum of eight
weeks, with students generally arriving at the NIH in May or June. And stipends
are adjusted yearly with the amount depending on prior experience and
educational level.
Note that this is a commuter program; NIH
does not provide housing to student interns. Every year, however, out-of-area
students apply and make their own living arrangements for the summer.
Nevertheless, students living in the DC metropolitan area or near one of the
other locations have a clear advantage for many of the internships.
To support the program, the NIH Institutes
and Office of Intramural Training & Education sponsor a wide
range of summer activities including lectures featuring distinguished NIH
investigators, career/professional development workshops, and Summer Poster Day.
Summer internships are available for students who will be 16 years of age or older at the time they begin
the program and who are currently enrolled at least half-time in high school or
an accredited US college or university. Students who have already been accepted
to college may also apply.
Interested students must apply
online by no later than March 1, 2013 (11:59 EST), and all
letters of recommendation are due by March 15, 2013. The application
requires
- a resume
- a list of coursework and grades
- a cover letter describing research interests and career goals, and
- the names and contact information for two references.
Candidates are welcome to
specify the scientific methodologies or disease/organ systems that are of
particular interest to them.
Because applications are reviewed on a
rolling basis from November through April by NIH scientists, students are
encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.
Only completed applications
are available for review by NIH investigators and administrators. And be aware
that in 2012, more than 6600 completed applications were submitted, and about
1100 interns were selected.
For more information as well as tips on how
to increase your chances of winning an internship, visit the NIH
website.
