High School Summer Internship Program

Finalists will be invited to a brief virtual interview in early April and admissions decisions will be shared by the end of April.

Prior to the program, students will attend a virtual welcome meeting with a parent/legal guardian in May. Additionally, students will attend a three-day unpaid pre-internship training "boot camp" immediately prior to the seven-week internship that helps prepare them for an immersive research experience.

During the seven-week laboratory internship, students will conduct hands-on research full-time (~40 hours per week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, Monday-Friday) and will be mentored by a scientist in the laboratory who will guide them through the process. Participants will also attend weekly professional development workshops and scientific seminars that cover a wide array of topics, including cutting-edge research currently being studied at the institution and career exploration. At the end of the summer, participants present their research at the campus-wide Summer Intern Symposium.

If you have questions, contact our Office of Educational Outreach by email at eduprgm@scripps.edu.

Compensation

Students are awarded a stipend of $5,040 for the seven-week summer program.

Applicants must:

• Be a San Diego County resident and have completed their most recent semester of high school at one of the following schools/programs: Barrio Logan College Institute, Crawford High School, Del Lago Academy, Escondido High School, Hilltop High School, Hoover High School, Lincoln High School, Madison High School, Morse High School, or Orange Glen High School.
• Be at least 16 years of age on or before the start date of the pre-program training boot camp;
• Have successfully completed at least one year each of high school-level chemistry and biology;
• Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0;
• Commit to 40 hours/week for the duration of the program (students may not miss more than 3 days for any reason during the program);
• Attend a virtual welcome meeting with a parent/legal guardian in May;
• Provide their own transportation to and from Scripps Research (La Jolla);
• Be legally eligible to work in the United States and able to obtain a work permit (if under age 18) from their school upon acceptance of internship offer. (More information on work permits can be found at your school counseling office); and
• Have not participated in the REACH summer internship program before.

In addition to completing the basic information in the online application, all program applicants are required to provide:

• Rankings of your research field interests;
• A brief, one-line description of your education and/or career goals; 
• Unofficial academic transcripts (grade/progress reports will not be accepted in lieu of a transcript)
• A current resume or CV that describes your education, work experience, professional activities, volunteer activities, community engagement, honors and awards.
• Contact information for two references who will complete a form on your behalf (teachers, advisors, or supervisors who can describe your academic potential and how you will benefit from participating in the REACH Program); and
• Responses to the following short answer questions (200 words or less each)
  • What is your relationship with science and why are you interested in doing a research internship?
  • What do you hope to gain through this internship? What would a successful experience look like for you at the end of the summer?
  • Describe a situation when you experienced a setback and grew to overcome the obstacle. How did that affect you personally and your approach to the problem you were working on?

All materials must be received by the application deadline or the application will not be considered.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS AND TIPS:

• Input your teacher reference information early! Don’t wait until you submit your complete application to enter your reference information—we can accept letters before your application is submitted. The system will send automated emails to your references with instructions. We strongly suggest applicants determine which teachers will serve as their references, discuss their intention to apply to the internship with these teachers, and input their information into the application as early as possible. References must be received by the application due date. 
• Obtaining references from STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) teachers are highly recommended. However, we will accept references from any teachers, advisors, supervisors, or instructors who can describe your academic potential and how you will benefit from participating in the REACH Program.
• Students have complete responsibility for contacting the internship coordinators with any questions and/or concerns they may have regarding the program and/or application. If you aren’t sure about something, if you’re wondering about a document, if you’re not sure how to fill something out or whether particular information needs to be included — ask! Your teachers, counselors, parents, etc. can certainly advise you, but always be sure to double check about any details if necessary. Don’t have your application rejected because you thought an instruction meant something different.
• Be your own advocate! It is important for the students to advocate for themselves. You are applying for this position, not your parents. Any questions, etc. need to come from you.
• It is important that students include their own personal email address on their application. If necessary, please create a new email address (such as gmail) that is professional and will be used to communicate with Scripps Research and/or other employers. Do not use your parents' email address or your school email address.
• All requested documentation, including teacher references, must be received by Scripps Research by the application deadline.
   

If you have questions regarding your application, contact our Office of Educational Outreach by email at eduprgm@scripps.edu.