Summer High School Internship Program

Selected students will participate in all three components of the program:

Prior to the first week of the program, students will attend an unpaid pre-internship training course. The three-day "boot camp" will be held immediately prior to the seven-week internship.

Through an interview process with principal investigators (faculty), students will be matched with a research laboratory for an internship, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for the duration of the summer program.

During the seven-week laboratory internship, each high school student will meet with a graduate student mentor who will help guide the student through their experience in the lab, the college application/selection process, the application essay, etc.

If you have questions regarding the types of research selected summer interns experience at Scripps Research, contact our Office of Educational Outreach by email at eduprgm@scripps.edu.

Compensation

Students are awarded a stipend of $4,830 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: Barrio Logan College Institute, San Diego; Crawford High School, San Diego; Hilltop High School, Chula Vista; Hoover High School, San Diego; Lincoln High School, San Diego; and Morse High School, San Diego.
• Be at least 16 years of age on or before the start date of the program;
• 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;
• Provide their own transportation; and
• Be able to obtain a work permit (if under age 18) from their school upon notification of hire. (More information on work permits can be found at your school counseling office.)

An important part of the online application asks applicants to provide us with the names and email addresses for at least two teacher references who are familiar with the applicant's scientific skills, academic accomplishments and motivations to pursue this type of experience. STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) teachers are highly recommended. We strongly suggest applicants first decide which teachers will serve as their references and obtain their email addresses before beginning the online application.

In addition to completing the online application, all program applicants are required to submit the following documents (PDF files strongly preferred):

• A resume or CV that describes your education, work experience, research publications, teaching experience, professional activities, volunteer activities, community engagement, honors and awards.
• Unofficial academic transcripts (grade/progress reports will not be accepted in lieu of a transcript)
• A personal statement describing your purpose in applying to the High School Student Summer Internship Program. Topics you may wish to address include, but are not limited to:
  • Why are you interested in this program?
  • What are your goals for this experience?
  • What career paths are you considering?
  • What types of research being conducted at Scripps Research particularly interest you and why?
  • Are you passionate about science and research? How? Why?
  • Describe a situation when you experienced a setback. How did that affect you personally and your approach to the problem you were working on? In general, we want to hear how you feel about how obstacles and adversity play a role in reaching your academic and personal objectives.
  • If you do not have research experience, what are some ways in which you seek to expand your interest in science and research?
     

Applicants must submit all of the above materials by the application deadline or their application will not be considered.

IMPORTANT TIPS:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 only be used to communicate with Scripps Research and/or other employers. Do not use your parents' email address.
• All requested documentation, including teacher references, must be submitted online with your application by no later than the deadline.
   

If you have questions regarding your application or the types of research selected summer interns experience at Scripps Research, contact our Office of Educational Outreach by email at eduprgm@scripps.edu.