medical research for high school students in texas

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27 Research and Summer Programs in Texas For High School Students

The top research programs in Texas for high school students, selected based on prestige, location, and affordability. See research opportunities in other states here .

Hosting Institution

Online/In Person

Starting at $2695

Application Deadline

Dec 15, 2023

Neuroscience, Biology, Psychol...

Polygence is an online research program designed to offer high school students accessible research opportunities, making them more inclusive. The program was created by researchers from Harvard, MIT, and Stanford and provides tailored research projects, allowing students to explore their interests, acquire professional skills, and increase their competitiveness for college admissions.

ELITE Tech Camp

Rice University

Houston (TX)

Jun 15, 2024

Engineering, Comp Sci, Medicin...

This summer program is designed for high school students interested in engineering and college readiness. It offers a rigorous STEM curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning, problem-solving, and the practical application of engineering principles. Through intensive coursework and support from experienced instructors, students will gain valuable technical skills and an understanding of how to apply engineering to real-world challenges.

Casper RET Program

Baylor University

Jun 21, 2023

Social Science

CASPER's Summer Research Experiences for Teachers Program offers elementary school, middle school and high school teachers the opportunity for active research participation with CASPER faculty. This summer program will begin around the first of June and end around the middle of August. (The starting and ending dates are flexible and may be adjusted to fit ISD schedules.)

Summer Research Internship in Infectious Diseases

University of Houston

No deadline

Medicine, Biology

This program spans over 8 years and offers students direct, hands-on experience in generating, analyzing, validating, and reproducing research data under the guidance of the program director. Students will receive practical research training that encompasses laboratory analysis skills, literature review, handling of biological samples, performing PCR tests, and plating bacteria through laboratory testing and basic microbiological techniques.

High School Research Academy (HSRA)

The University of Texas

Austin (TX)

Mar 24, 2024

Biology, Chemistry

The summer High School Research Academy (HSRA) provides high school students with an immersive and hands-on five-week interdisciplinary non-residential summer research experience at the University of Texas at Austin campus. Students participate in research projects in active College of Natural Sciences (CNS) laboratories related to the exciting fields of biochemistry, biology, environmental science, genetics, neuroscience, genome engineering, data analytics, ecology, and more. Participants will learn cutting edge research techniques while gaining valuable insights and experiences through interaction with UT students and faculty in CNS undergraduate research groups.

Regeneron ISEF

Society for Science

Dallas (TX)

The Regeneron ISEF isn't just your typical high school science fair. It's the most renowned science competition for high school students in the nation, attracting 1,800 finalists who compete for $8 million in awards and scholarships. Its reputation is highly respected by colleges and the scientific community. To participate in ISEF, 9th-12th grade students must first compete in a Society-affiliated fair and earn the opportunity to attend. Each fair has the opportunity to sponsor a certain number of projects, either team or individual, for the chance to compete at ISEF.

Conrad Challenge

This competition provides a platform for students aged 13-18 to address global issues by utilizing science, technology, and innovation, all while cultivating entrepreneurial skills and forming new connections. With guidance from industry professionals and a structured framework, participants can strengthen their collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication abilities. One of the best aspects of this challenge is that students can choose to work with a small team of their choosing, allowing them to collaborate with friends and enjoy the project together.

Health Sciences Summer Camps

The University of Texas at Austin

Apr 20, 2024

Environmental Science

The Health Sciences Summer Camps at Dell Medical School offer high school students in Central Texas an immersive experience in the healthcare field. Through hands-on activities and interactions with professionals, participants gain exposure to various medical professions and learn clinical skills like administering IVs and CPR. The camps aim to inspire students to pursue careers in healthcare, especially those underrepresented in medicine. Two sessions are available in June, and students can apply through school nominations or open applications. Need-based scholarships available. Selected students can continue their engagement with Dell Med through the Health Sciences Yearlong Academy.

Tapia Camps

Houston, TX

May 1, 2024

The Tapia STEM Camps at Rice University offer award-winning residential programs for rising 8th-12th graders focusing on communication and equity in STEM. Campers engage in challenging STEM projects led by Rice University students, with a curriculum designed by Professor Paul Hand. They develop public speaking and teamwork skills, culminating in project presentations. Dr. Richard Tapia, a renowned mathematician, oversees the camps, aiming to inspire students towards STEM excellence. The program emphasizes societal equity within STEM and provides a unique opportunity for campers to interact with professionals in the field. Sessions run for 6 days and 5 nights during the summer, featuring field trips and dormitory accommodations. Limited scholarships are available, and discounts may be offered for large groups.

Closer Looks

Wonderworks

Jun 1, 2024

Architecture

Closer Looks, a program by Wonderworks and Rice University's Department of Art History, offers an immersive exploration of art and art history for high school students. Participants delve into various artistic works through lectures, discussions, readings, films, and field trips to esteemed art institutions. Led by experienced art historians and curators, students analyze artworks spanning civilizations, fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of art's significance. No prior art history knowledge is required, making it suitable for all levels. The program, held at Rice University, emphasizes both enjoyment and challenge, requiring focused commitment. Scholarships are available based on financial need.

Journalism Camp

TCU Schieffer

Fort Worth, TX

The Schieffer Summer Journalism Camp at Texas Christian University offers an intensive two-week residential program for high school students interested in journalism. Led by TCU faculty and industry professionals from Fort Worth and Dallas, participants delve into digital reporting, refining critical thinking and writing skills. Through discussions on media evolution and career pathways, students generate and develop news stories for both newscasts and online platforms. Registration is open for the upcoming session. For further details or to apply, contact the camp director via email or visit the camp's website.

Analytics Academy

Fort Worth, Tx

Apr 19, 2024

Data Science

The TCU Neeley Analytics Academy is a competitive, one-week summer program for high school juniors and seniors. Participants gain hands-on experience in data analytics and market research, exploring statistical programs, data visualization, and modeling techniques. Led by top-ranked professors, students learn to collect, analyze, and present data effectively, earning a Data Analytics Certificate upon completion. Strong math skills, scholastic achievement, leadership, and motivation in analytics are required for application. Need-based scholarships are available.

ELITE Tech camp

Houston, Tx

May 31, 2024

Residential students at the camp have the exciting opportunity to delve into cutting-edge technology courses during their week-long stay. With a wide array of tech offerings spanning fields like Python programming, robotics, deep learning, and self-driving technology, students can tailor their learning experience to suit their interests and career aspirations. Each week, students select two courses, one for the morning session and another for the afternoon session, allowing them to explore different aspects of technology and engineering. From mastering programming languages like Python and C++ to diving into advanced topics like deep learning and IoT, students gain practical skills and knowledge under the guidance of experienced instructors. Whether it's designing robots, exploring AI applications, or learning about spaceflight engineering, the camp provides a dynamic learning environment for aspiring tech enthusiasts. With tuition covering accommodation and instruction, it's a comprehensive opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the world of technology and innovation.

Artistic Exploration: Zip ST.ART Teen Program

ST.ART's Zip ST.ART program offers a one-week residential experience for high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Participants choose two daily studio sessions from a variety of options including comics, printmaking, drawing, painting, photography, animation, and sculpture. The program includes over 30 hours of instruction, meals, housing, and activities. Financial aid and scholarships are available. The program aims to expand students' artistic skills, portfolio, and creativity in a supportive environment, providing opportunities for experimentation and learning from practicing artists and designers.

ST.ART Intensive: Igniting Creative Futures

ST.ART Intensive is a transformative four-week Art + Design program tailored for rising juniors and seniors. Participants delve into diverse concentrations like Digital Media & Sequential Art, Drawing & Painting, Printmaking & Design, and Ceramics & Sculpture. Through hands-on instruction from practicing artists, students expand their artistic horizons, develop portfolios, and prepare for college and beyond. The curriculum encompasses foundational classes, college prep discussions, and weekly critiques, fostering individual growth and creativity. Students engage in independent studio time and showcase their artwork in a final exhibition. Residential and commuting options are available, with payment plans and scholarships to ensure accessibility. With a rigorous yet rewarding schedule, ST.ART Intensive empowers students to embrace their artistic voice, nurture their talents, and embark on a path towards a vibrant creative future.

From the Ground Up: Summer Discovery Program in Architecture

Explore the world of architecture with Wonderworks and the University of Houston's Summer Discovery Program. Designed for high school students entering grades 10 to 12, or recent graduates, this immersive experience offers a hands-on introduction to architectural history, theory, and design. Through daily lectures, studio sessions, and field trips, participants develop a deeper understanding of the built environment and cultivate essential skills for portfolio building. No prior architectural knowledge is required. Applications open in January and close in June, with early submissions encouraged for timely decisions. Held at the University of Houston Central Campus, the program fosters both enjoyment and challenge, requiring focused effort and commitment from participants.

Story Lines: A Summer Dive into Fiction, Film, and Creative Writing

Literature and Languages

Wonderworks, in partnership with the University of Houston's Department of English and Creative Writing Program, presents Story Lines, an immersive summer program from June 17 to July 19, 2024. Aimed at high school students entering grades 10-12 or recent graduates, the program delves into fiction through readings, film screenings, and creative writing exercises. Participants analyze short stories or novel excerpts in the mornings and related films in the afternoons, exploring storytelling techniques and themes. Taught from a writer's perspective, Story Lines offers a glimpse into the mechanics of storytelling across different mediums. Admission is competitive, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrated proficiency in core subjects. Scholarships are available based on financial need.

Community of Scholars Summer Program at American University

American University

Washington, DC

Apr 30, 2024

The Community of Scholars pre-college summer program at American University's School of International Service offers high school juniors and seniors a three-week immersive experience in international affairs. Students take a three-credit class taught by AU faculty, complemented by visits to government agencies and organizations in Washington, D.C. The program combines on-campus learning with asynchronous study, allowing students to deepen their understanding of global issues. Upon completion, students receive an official transcript from American University. The program aims to enhance students' academic interests in international relations, provide exposure to international careers, and foster connections with like-minded peers. Additionally, students have access to AU facilities such as the fitness center and library.

Summer Intensive Training in Musical Theatre and Drama

The Catholic University of America

The High School Drama Institute at The Catholic University of America offers a three-week intensive summer training program in musical theatre or drama from July 8-26, 2024. Classes run weekdays from 8:45 am - 4:45 pm with evening activities. The program, held at the Hartke Theatre, includes lodging, meals, classes, workshops, and tickets. Participants study voice, movement, and acting with industry experts, and rising seniors can use the program as an audition substitute for the university's BFA in Acting for Theatre, Film, and Television or BM in Musical Theatre. Students experience campus life by attending classes, rehearsals, and engaging in the university meal plan. The program emphasizes audition monologue preparation, culminating in a showcase performance. Testimonials highlight the transformative experiences and positive learning environment. Contact the Department of Drama for more information.

Biosciences Institute: Intensive Coding for Biomedical Engineering

Jul 1, 2024

The Computational Biosciences Institute is a 10-day residential program designed for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in computer science and biomedical engineering. Participants will engage in intensive coding and programming sessions using Matlab software, focusing on real biomedical imaging and datasets. Led by faculty with expertise in biomedical imaging and computational biosciences, the program offers hands-on experience in scientific programming. Successful completion may earn transfer credit equivalent to a first-year, 3-credit computer science course required in accredited engineering undergraduate programs. This immersive experience provides a valuable introduction to the intersection of computer science and biomedical engineering, preparing students for further academic pursuits in these fields.

Engineering Pre-College Programs

Engineering

The Engineering New Frontiers Institute offers a weeklong residential academic summer course for high school students from July 22nd to July 26th. Aimed at students entering junior and senior years, the program covers various engineering disciplines including biomedical, mechanical, electrical, civil, and computer science. Participants engage in modern laboratory exercises, engineering design workshops, coding bootcamps, and prototyping work led by expert faculty. Additionally, students will have opportunities for entertainment, cultural experiences, and technical exploration in the DC area.

Nursing Summer Camp

May 15, 2024

The Conway School of Nursing Summer Camp offers a dynamic one-week experience for students interested in exploring nursing as a career. Led by experienced faculty and upper-class nursing students, participants engage in hands-on learning, simulation exercises, and lab practice. Emphasizing professional values and human dignity, the program integrates technical skills training with discussions on nursing's role in promoting human flourishing during illness. Strategies for academic success are also incorporated. Participants will earn CPR certification from the American Heart Association, enhancing their preparedness for future endeavors in healthcare.

Summer High School Program - Experiences in Architecture

$1,370-$2,570

Apr 15, 2024

The Experiences in Architecture (EiA) program at the Catholic University of America offers a pre-college workshop for students interested in architecture and design-related fields. Held in Washington, D.C., it provides exposure to both academic and professional aspects of architecture. Participants gain insights into campus life and receive preparation for success in university-level studies. The program runs from July 7 to July 20, 2024, and is open to rising 10th, 11th, 12th graders, and incoming freshmen. Students can choose between residential or commuting options. Upon acceptance, students are guided through the next steps. For more information, contact the program directors Tonya Ohnstad and Rebecca Ambouroue.

Service in the City - Day Camp

The "Service in the City" Day Camp, hosted by the National Catholic School of Social Service, offers high school students a unique immersion into social work principles in Washington, D.C. Over June 8-12, 2024, participants explore micro, mezzo, and macro levels of social work, engaging with individuals, communities, and policymakers. The program emphasizes strength-building, anti-oppressive practices, and empowerment, providing a deep understanding of societal challenges. It's not just a camp but a transformative experience, fostering a commitment to meaningful change.

Immerse into ASL

Gallaudet University

Washington, D.C.

Immerse Into ASL offers a transformative experience for new signers, providing a 24/7 immersion into American Sign Language (ASL) and deaf culture at Gallaudet University near Washington, D.C. With sessions catering to beginners and intermediates, campers engage in ASL learning, self-discovery activities, and outdoor adventures. Led by qualified Deaf instructors, participants gain independence in ASL communication while enjoying field trips to D.C. landmarks and Six Flags. The program accepts deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing students entering 10th–12th grade, with hearing applicants required to submit an ASL video application. Two sessions are offered: an overnight camp and a day camp, with campers allowed to attend for up to two summers. Vocational Rehabilitation counselors receive a student summary report post-program.

Summer Immersion

The George Washington University

$4,600-$5,100

The George Washington University Pre-College Program offers high school students an immersive summer experience in Washington, D.C., focusing on global development, international relations, public policy, and more. Participants engage in intensive, academically challenging courses taught by top-tier faculty and practitioners, integrating lectures, seminars, and hands-on experiences. The program also provides insight into college life, fostering confidence and social connections among peers from diverse backgrounds. With sessions covering diverse topics such as international law, entrepreneurship, medicine, and cybersecurity, students gain valuable knowledge and skills while exploring the nation's capital. Additionally, opportunities for recreational activities and exploration of D.C. complement the academic curriculum. Various application deadlines are available for different sessions, ensuring flexibility for interested students.

Global Scholar Training

Georgetown University

Join the Global Scholar Training at Georgetown University, a one-week immersive program designed for rising 9th-12th graders. Dive into workshops and discussions led by experts and youth leaders, focusing on key skills for social change, such as empathy, problem-solving, and team-building. Explore urgent global challenges like climate change and gender justice while connecting with peers from around the world. With a "pay what you can" model and need-based scholarships available, the program aims to make this transformative experience accessible. Gain valuable skills, expand your network, and become a bold and visionary global leader ready to tackle the world's pressing issues. Apply now and be part of the change!

Are there many Research Opportunities for High School Students in Texas?

Texas features a variety of academic opportunities for students, including several large public university systems (the University of Texas, Texas A&M University, Texas State), prestigious private schools (Rice University), and HBCUs (Prairie View A&M University). Need more reasons? Texas' natural beauty offers students throughout the state the opportunity to pursue various outdoor recreational activities. Texas is home to beaches, mountains, lakes, and state and national parks, all of which are conducive to spending time outside. Students in Texas can hike through mountains and parks, climb natural rock faces, wake surf along the coast, or raft down rivers. These areas also offer numerous opportunities for camping and backpacking.

What other research opportunities are available?

For a full set of research opportunity listings, see our guide to research opportunities for high school students .

Want to start a project of your own?

Click below to get matched with one of our expert mentors who can help take your project off the ground!

Programs for High School Students

High school students are invited to participate in any number of outreach activities held throughout the year. However, currently, due to COVID19 precautions, summer programming will be mostly virtual. We look forward to fully returning to in-person programming in the Fall!

• Volunteer to work with students

Summer Programs

Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy

The vision of the Max and Minnie Tomerlin Voelcker Fund Biomedical Research Academy (VBRA) is to provide an immersive biomedical research, educational and college preparatory program for San Antonio high school students. Applicants are nominated by their schools during the Freshmen year of high school.

BEAT Academy - Biomedical Excellence and Academic Training

The goal of The BEAT Academy at the UT Health San Antonio is to expose high school students to a unique opportunity to medical and biomedical research and provide them with guidelines for a successful future in a biomedical or health career of their choice.

Greehey CCRI Donald G. McEwen Memorial Summer Undergraduate Research and High School Program

The purpose of the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute’s (Greehey CCRI) Undergraduate Research & High School Summer Internship Program is to allow talented undergraduate and high school students interested in research the opportunity to spend approximately ten weeks during the summer conducting hypothesis-driven research in childhood cancer in one of the laboratories at the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute. Our institution has been educating the next generation of cancer researchers and has received students from different states and around the world.

Northside ISD Summer Research Mentorship Program

This class is only open to students in the San Antonio Northside ISD students who have completed PreAP Chemistry, have at least one year of high school remaining, and are willing to commit to an 8-hour-a-day research assignment for 8 weeks in June and July. Selection of students is through NISD teacher mentors.

Programs for College & High School Students

Visiting Student Program

This program is designed to give students interested in pursuing a medical/health related career an opportunity to gain clinical, research, and professional experience. While giving primary consideration to collegiate students, high school students over the age of 16 may apply ; provided mentors agree to host them in their professional environments.

About the Visiting Student Program

Student Internship Program

A year-round program for high school, college, premed, or pre-PhD students designed to provide an intensive, hands-on, discovery-rich, creative and interdisciplinary research experience. This is a unique experience in learning and interdisciplinary research, with senior investigators serving as mentors and role models.

Program Information

Summer at UTMB Expands Horizons for High School Students

Aug 2, 2019, 09:01 AM by Connie Holubar

While most high school students are content spending their summers slinging fast food or lounging on the couch, 17-year-old Marisol Cortez spent hers studying the replication and reversions of the Zika virus and its mutations between populations in Africa, Asia and the Americas.  And that wasn’t all.

As part of UTMB’s High School Summer Biomedical Research Program , she received BSL-2 biosafety training from UTMB’s International Biosafety Training Center, where trainer Nikki Ward taught her the safety protocols and lab techniques that eventually allowed her to work safely with the real Zika virus in a BSL-2 lab under the direction of Dr. Jianying Liu. 

Dr. Liu is a post doc working with Dr. Scott Weaver, one of the world’s foremost experts on Zika and other arboviruses – those spread by mosquitoes.

 “She’s very smart and really loves science.  She helped me a lot,” Dr. Liu said, adding that Marisol went the extra step of spending time in the Moody Medical Library to study up on subjects that went well beyond her high school science classes. 

The research conducted by the 11 students who participated in the program is real, ongoing medical research.  In Marisol’s case, she assisted Dr. Liu with the work she’s been doing since she came to UTMB from China: understanding why Zika suddenly emerged to cause major outbreaks in order to develop ways to prevent future epidemics.

“The Ebola outbreak was all over the news and it really grabbed my attention,” she says.  Having a young brother with autism also led her to develop a very personal interest in neurology.  After her experience at UTMB this summer, she says her latest passion is tropical medicine.

Marisol says she really enjoyed learning about the different types of mosquitoes and spending time in the insectary that is a part of the GNL-Keiller complex.

 “I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to work with this faculty.  I learned so much from everyone, both in the lab and in our lab meetings.  I really had a chance to develop my critical thinking skills and see how the students and faculty challenge one another,” she said.

When asked what her career goals are, without hesitation she said, “I want to do medical research.”  But for now she’s preparing for her senior year at Luther Burbank High School in San Antonio. When she completes her college applications this fall, her focus will be on the University of Wisconsin-Madison or the University of Texas at Austin.  But for graduate school, she already knows where she wants to go: UTMB.

UTMB’s High School Summer Biomedical Research Program culminated on August 1 with a presentation of research to faculty, lab members and graduate students. The program is coordinated by Dr. Marguerite Sognier, the Director of Educational Outreach at UTMB and Executive Director of the Southeast Regional T-STEM Center.

• Health Care
• UTMB Support Areas

UTMB summer program introduces Houston area high school students to bio-med careers

A select group of high school students are learning real-world scientific skills as they work on vital biomedical research at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston this summer.

The 2015 UTMB High School Biomedical Research Program selects the brightest science and math students from across the region to conduct research in line with their chosen career path. Only 10 students are invited to participate from more than 100 applicants. They are selected based on grades in science and math honors classes, standardized test scores, participation in extracurricular activities such as science fairs, and recommendations from science and math teachers and tutors.

“One of the biggest things I’ve learned here is science is all about collaboration,” said Kevin Le of Jersey Village High School in Houston, a two-time summer program student. “That’s completely different than high school in which competition is everything. In real science, it’s about how you can help other people with your data.”

All participants are paired up with mentors in areas of their interest. They actively work in a laboratory setting, contributing to the final results of extensive bio-medical research studies run by UTMB faculty and students. The high school students participate in weekly seminars and tours that cover a wide variety of topics over the course of eight-weeks.

The Biomedical Research Program sheds light on the work being done in the laboratory and clinic setting and gives the high school students experience generally only available to graduate and post-doctoral students. Many of the high school students go on to study science or medicine at the post-secondary level.

“I think the idea for high school students is if you get in and get some exposure and experience early on, it may motivate you,” said Scott Weaver, director of UTMB’s Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, who serves as a high school student mentor. “And if you get exposed to experimental research, and you like it, as a college student, you can look for opportunities to continue.”

2015 High School Biomedical Research Program Faculty Mentors and High School Interns

Rong Fang, pathology – Rida Sarwar, 10th grade, Pearland High School, Pearland

Celeste Finnerty, department of surgery – Stephanie Reyes, 11th grade, Clear Springs High, League City and Terome Reynolds, 11th grade, Ball High School, Galveston

Junji Iwahara, biochemistry and molecular biology, Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics – Rolando Marquez, 10th grade, Sam Rayburn High School, Sugarland

Jere McBride, pathology; microbiology and immunology; Sealy Center for Vaccine Development – Ryan Vu, 10th grade, Clear Lake High School, Houston

Joan Nichols, internal medicine-Infectious Disease, Galveston National Laboratory – Daniil Weaver, Ball High, Galveston

Tracy Toliver-Kinsky, anesthesiology; biochemistry and molecular biology – Candice Tat, 11th grade, Friendswood High School, Friendswood

Gracie Vargas, neuroscience and cell biology; Center for Biomedical Engineering – Poojaba Zala, 12th grade, Ball High

Yogesh Wairkar, neurology and neuroscience graduate program – Serdjan Rolovic, 10th Grade, Dulles High School, Sugarland

Scott Weaver, microbiology and immunology – Kevin Le, 12th Grade, Jersey Village High School, Houston

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Health Professions Advising

Pre-health advising.

• Health Professions Resources

Summer Research and Medical Fellowships

Health Professions Advising CBB 203/205 (Second Floor) E: [email protected]

Schedule a Health Professions Advising Appointment

Mailing Address: University of Houston ATTN: Health Professions Advising Center University Classroom & Business Building Room 215 4242 Martin Luther King Boulevard Houston, TX 77204 Google Maps

General Resources & Programs

• AAMC Summer Undergraduate Research Programs
• AAMC Summer Medical Enrichment Programs
• Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP)
• NAAHP Summer Programs Directory
• Summer Programs for International Students

Select Texas Programs:

• UH Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
• Baylor College of Medicine SMART Program
• Baylor College of Medicine - Summer Surgery Program
• Memorial Hermann - Summer Externship
• MD Anderson Cancer Center Summer Research Programs
• MD Anderson Observer Program
• Texas A&M Pre-Dental Summer Programs
• Texas A&M College of Medicine Summer Research Program
• Texas Tech HSC Summer Research Programs
• University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston
• University of Texas Medical Branch - Neuroscience Research Program
• University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio - Summer Undergraduate Research Programs
• University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center - Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship

Additional Programs:

Pre-medical.

• Creighton Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP)
• Georgetown ARCHES
• Ohio University Summer Scholars
• Thomas Jefferson University STEP-UP Programs
• University of Virginia Summer Medical Leadership Program
• Vanderbilt University Summer Science Academy
• Virginia Commonwealth University Summer Academic Enrichment Program
• Yale Program to Advance Training in Health & Sciences (PATHS)
• Stony Brook Discover Dental School
• Rutgers Gateway to Dentistry

Pre-Optometry

• Illinois College of Optometry Focus On Your Future

Pre-Pharmacy

• Buffalo Pharmacy Summer Institute
• University of Illinois - Chicago Summer Pharmacy Institute
• University of Washington Pharmacological Science Summer Diversity Program

Pre-Physical Therapy

• Duke DPT Summer Discovery Program

Pre-Physician Assistant

Pre-veterinary medicine.

• UC-Davis Summer Enrichment Program
• Virginia Tech VeTRAC

• UTHealth Houston

Summer Research Programs

College Undergraduate Students        Medical Students  

The Summer Research Program provides U.S. undergraduate students and McGovern Medical School first-year medical school students with hands-on laboratory research experience supervised by MMS and faculty members throughout the medical and dental schools of UTHealth. The internships are ten weeks in duration and are directed and administered by UTHealth faculty and staff. Each student is required to write an abstract of research performed during the summer.  Scheduled events that supplement the research experience include weekly seminars; certification courses in animal science: laboratory safety and radiation; an enrichment series; and tours of selected facilities and labs.  You must be available to begin on the first day of the program, May 23, 2023.

Application Deadline

College undergraduate students.

Application period is December 1 – February 1 (11:59 pm CST) each year .   You will not be able to submit applications before this time. Supporting documents, including letters of reference and transcripts, must be submitted on-line along with your application by February 1.

UT Health offers two summer research programs for undergraduate students. Program choice depends on the student’s research interests and career goals. Each program is 10 weeks in length and has a separate application process. Faculty mentors for all three programs are located in the McGovern Medical School and the Institute for Molecular Medicine.

• MedSURP – The MedSURP program is directed at students with a strong interest in obtaining an M.D. in any discipline in medical research.  Stipends for this 10-week program are $3,000.    Read More>>
• NOTE:  We do not anticipate a 2023 Summer Program for “MedSURP” students.  MedSURP students should directly reach out to your faculty of interest.  Click on  this link to view previous year’s list of Faculty Mentors.    Should you found a mentor match your mentor department will handle your application process.  Please check with your mentor.  Your application will either go through Human Resources as a “Seasonal Hire” title or as a  “Visiting Student” .  You will only be able to fill out the application through one of these two options.
• GradSURP – The GradSURP program is directed at students with a strong interest in obtaining a PhD. in any discipline in biomedical science. Read More>>
• MicroSURP – The microSURP program is directed at students with a strong interest in obtaining a Ph.D. who are interested in microbiology research. Read More>>
• School of Dentistry (SOD) – The SOD program is directed at students with a strong interest in obtaining a DDS or DDM who are interested in dental research. Read More>>

Program Requirements

• Mandatory attendance at orientation.
• Attendance at weekly enrichment seminar-series lectures (written assignment required for missed lectures – no more than one absence allowed).
• Completion of 10-week program (encompasses 40-hour work week; no vacation is to be scheduled during the program with exception of  May 25th holiday and July 4th holiday).
• Completion of lecturer and program evaluations.
• Abstract submission.
• Mandatory attendance at closing program.

McGovern Medical School MS-1 Medical Students

Application period is December  1 – February 1 (11:59 pm CST) each year (extended deadline to February 20th for summer 2023) – Supporting documents must be received by this date.

Read More>>

Senior Program Manager:  Linh Trinh Summer Research Program 6431 Fannin JJL 315B Houston TX 77030 Email:   [email protected] Telephone: 713.500.5105 Fax: 713.500.0603

Updated as of  2/20/2023

• McGovern Medical School Facebook Page
• McGovern Medical School X Page
• McGovern Medical School Instagram Page
• McGovern Medical School YouTube Page
• McGovern Medical School LinkedIn Page
• Medical School IT (MSIT)
• Campus Carry
• Emergency Info
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Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 61 great medical programs for high school students + advice.

Extracurriculars

Thinking about a career in medicine? I highly recommend trying out some medical experiences in high school before committing to a pre-med track . Many of my high school friends who hoped to go into medicine ended up changing their major during college when the pre-med courses got too difficult.

Doing a medical internship, summer program, or community service project in high school can help you decide if medicine is the right track for you before you waste time and money going pre-med in college. This guide will explain what experiences are open to you as a high school student, what those experiences involve, and how you will benefit from them.

What Medical Experiences Are Available to High School Students?

There are lots of ways to get a taste of what it's like to work in medicine. In my opinion, the best time to do this is over the summer. You have the most free time during the summer, and there are more experiences available.

There are many summer medical programs and summer medical internships for high school students across the country. These opportunities range from research experiences to in-hospital experiences. Some of these programs and internships charge you a fee to attend, some are paid for, and some even pay you to attend.

I've compiled a list of over 60 summer medical programs for high school students. Several of these programs and internships are limited to students from a specific state or area, so be sure to check specific programs for application requirements and fees. I've provided links to each program below.

If you'd like to get experience during the school year (on weekends and after school), you should consider shadowing a doctor or volunteering at a hospital. I'll discuss the details of volunteering and job shadowing later in the article.

List of Summer Medical Programs for High School Students

I've divided up the summer medical programs into three categories: Medical Programs, Medical Research Programs, and general Science Research Programs.

Medical Programs

In the medical programs category, I list programs that offer high school students the chance to get hands-on experience in medicine (non-research related) such as learning simple medical procedures, watching surgeries, shadowing doctors, working in hospitals, interacting with patients, and more . There are very few programs that offer this type of experience to high school students, and I highly recommend them since they'll give you the most realistic look at what life's like as a pre-med student, medical student, and medical professional.

Medical Research Programs

If you're unable to do one of the above medical programs, the next best thing is a medical research program. In these programs, you'll be working in a lab and helping with medical research that's in progress (i.e. looking at slides under a microscope, recording changes) or assisting with on-going clinical research (i.e. interviewing participants in an on-going trial of new medication, logging participant information in the computer). Many of these programs pair you with a mentor who works at your location. Also, several of these programs require you to give a presentation at the end of the program.

These medical research programs are extremely valuable because, as a pre-med student, you'll likely end up doing lab work either for class or as an extracurricular for your medical school application. If you do one of these programs in high school, you'll be a step ahead of your pre-med classmates.

(One quick note: many of these programs are free or pay stipends, but not every program provides free housing . Make sure you check each program's housing accommodations before you apply!)

Science Research Programs

If you can't do one of the medical research or medical programs, you should consider trying to do a science summer program/internship . These programs are not medicine-specific and cover a wide range of science topics (from plant life to space). However, these programs are still very valuable because as a pre-med student, you'll be learning a ton of science. As a part of your pre-med track, you'll be required to take Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, and more. Doing one of these science programs will give you a preview of the coursework ahead of you.

Also, many of these programs are lab work, and, although they're not focused on medical research, they will still give you good general insights into how to do lab work . As I said before, as a pre-med student, you'll likely end up doing lab work either for class or as an extracurricular for your medical school application. If you do one of these programs, you'll be well-prepared to do that research.

What Are the Pros and Cons of These Programs?

These medical programs can be a great experience for many high school students, but they can have some drawbacks. In this section we'll look at the pros and cons of medical programs for high school students.

• These programs and internships provide a real look at what life's like as a researcher, scientist, or medical student. You'll have a great sense of whether or not you'd like to pursue a career in the medical field after you finish your program.
• If you do a college campus program, you'll get a preview of college life . You can experience living away from home, and you can decide if you like the college. I did a summer program at UCLA during high school, and it made me realize that UCLA was not the school for me.
• As I said before, these opportunities give you the chance to evaluate if pre-med is the track you want to go down before you waste time and money in college. If you love your program, you'll be even more motivated to work hard to become a medical professional .
• You'll meet like-minded students who're interested in medicine/science.
• You'll have a great program or internship on your college application . By actually participating in a medical/science program, you'll show colleges that you're committed to pursuing a career in the medical field.
• If you attend a college campus program, and you're interested in going to college at the school that hosted the program, you'll have shown real interest in that college (which admissions officers always like to see).
• These programs can be expensive . However, some programs pay you to attend! Make sure you check out the individual program websites to find out the cost. And like we mentioned before, pay careful attention to housing! Some programs might offer stipends, but they may not cover housing or transportation costs.
• Also, these summer medical programs for high school students can be highly competitive (some admit very few students or have special qualifications such as having a 3.5 GPA or higher).
• Some programs may not provide you with the best insight into medicine , especially those that are less hands-on or only offer research exposure (which is not what you'll necessarily be interested in).

Other Options: Hospital Volunteer or Shadowing a Doctor

Volunteering and job shadowing are both great ways to participate in medical experiences at your local hospital. You can do them during the school year or the summer. Also, both opportunities are free!

What's the difference between volunteering & job shadowing a doctor? As a hospital volunteer, you'll have to apply (and likely interview) to be a volunteer (along with getting a TB test and filling out paperwork). You'll attend a hospital volunteer orientation and be assigned a specific "job" at the hospital, such as assisting the nurses or assisting hospital visitors in navigating the hospital. As a volunteer, you'll be required to commit to volunteering for a certain number of shifts per week. You also may have to commit to volunteering for six months or more.

Job shadowing is a shorter experience and much less formal. You can shadow a doctor for as little time as a few hours or a day or two. While shadowing, you follow a doctor around while they go about their normal activities. They may ask you to help them with basic tasks (grabbing a chart or taking notes), but probably not. You'll be there to see what a doctor does in their daily routine to determine if it interests you.

To sign up to be a hospital volunteer, apply through the hospital's website. If you're having trouble locating the hospital's website or contact information, check with your school academic advisor. They may have a connection to the local hospital or might know another student who has volunteered or job shadowed there and who could help you get involved.

To find a job shadowing opportunity, reach out to any friends or family who work in the medical field. See if they know any doctors whom you could shadow. Also, ask your school's academic advisor if they know other students who shadowed a doctor and could give you more information. If your school can't help you, get in touch with the hospital directly to see if they can help you set up a job shadowing opportunity. If you need more advice on job shadowing, read our other guide.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Shadowing a Doctor or Being a Hospital Volunteer?

Shadowing a doctor or being a hospital volunteer is a significantly different experience than participating in a summer medical program, and they have their own set of pros and cons.

• As opposed to summer programs, these experiences are always free. As I said above, some medical programs and internships can cost a lot of money. Job shadowing and being a hospital volunteer are free experiences that will only cost you your time. These are great options if you can't afford the cost of a summer program.
• Job shadowing and being a hospital volunteer can provide a real look into life as a doctor or nurse. By following them around or working in a hospital, you'll get a sense of the work environment and what life is like on a day-to-day basis for a medical professional.
• As I said before, these opportunities give you the chance to evaluate if pre-med is the track you want to go down before you spend time and money in college. If you don't like your experience job shadowing or as a volunteer, you might realize pre-med isn't the right path for you. However, if you love your experience, you'll feel more motivated to work towards your goal of becoming a medical professional.
• Job shadowing is a great experience if you don't have a lot of time to commit. You can choose to job shadow for a few hours, a full day, or for several days. It's very flexible.
• If you want to be pre-med, volunteering at a hospital is a great extracurricular activity for your college application. While volunteering elsewhere (at a homeless shelter, animal shelter, etc.) can be great for a college application, it's good to keep your extracurriculars focused on your future goals. Volunteering at a hospital will show colleges that you're serious about a career in medicine.
• Volunteer experience may not provide you with quite the medical experience you're looking for. Volunteering may not be very hands-on, and your duties may be repetitive and not directly related to medicine, such as answering phones, filing papers, and helping visitors find where they're going.
• If you only job shadow for a day, it's not a great experience for your college application. It's not an extracurricular activity if you only do it once because that doesn't show enough commitment. However, I recommend doing job shadowing just to get insight into the medical field.

How to Choose the Right Medical Experience for You

Each of the medical experiences listed in this article has value, but to decide which is right for you, you should ask yourself three questions:

#1: What Is Your Main Medical Interest?

Are you more interested in research or patient care? If research, look into one of the summer research programs. If patient care, look into one of the hospital-based programs, job shadowing or being a hospital volunteer.

#2: How Much Money Are You Willing to Spend?

Do you have money to spend, do you have no money to spend, or do you need to have a job that pays? If you have money to spend, you can consider all of the options. If you have no money to spend, look into an all-expenses paid program (or one with financial aid). Also, consider volunteering or job shadowing since both are free experiences. If you need a job that pays, look into the programs with stipends for participants.

#3: How Much Time Do You Want to Invest in Your Experience?

Do you want to spend a day, a few hours per week, or a few weeks full-time on this experience? If you want a quick experience, consider job shadowing a doctor for a day or two. If you'd like an on-going experience to use as an extracurricular, consider volunteering since you could do that a few hours per week throughout the school year. If you'd like an intensive experience, consider doing one of the summer programs or internships.

Also, always make sure to research a program or experience before you commit to it. Doing so will help avoid a bad experience (such as a program that's not very hands-on or volunteer work that's mostly grunt work). Whatever you're interested in doing, try to find another student who did it previously and ask them about their experience. For the programs, get in touch with the program coordinator to see if they can put you in contact with a program alum you can speak with.

College take a close look at your extracurriculars. Like, a really close look.

How Will Colleges View These Experiences?

Colleges mainly look for extracurriculars that show your commitment, passion, and ability to handle responsibility and leadership. Job shadowing isn't a great experience for your college application because it's not enough of a commitment if you only do it for a few days. On the other hand, volunteering at a hospital is a great extracurricular activity for your college application because it shows a commitment to medicine.

The summer programs and internships are also great experiences for your college application because they show that same interest in and commitment to medicine. Also, many of these programs and internships are competitive, and colleges know that. If you're accepted into one of those programs or internships, colleges will view it like you won a prestigious award.

What's Next?

Doing a medical program is a great step, but what else do you need to do to prepare for med school? Check out our step-by-step guide to preparing for med school as a high school student and our list of the best books for pre-med students .

Also, you should learn about how to write about extracurriculars on college applications . Check out four amazing examples of extracurriculars for college applications.

Interested in a BS/MD program? They can be a great way to save some time and get your medical degree sooner. Read our guide on getting into BS/MD programs to learn more.

As an SAT/ACT tutor, Dora has guided many students to test prep success. She loves watching students succeed and is committed to helping you get there. Dora received a full-tuition merit based scholarship to University of Southern California. She graduated magna cum laude and scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT. She is also passionate about acting, writing, and photography.

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High School Students Explore Science at UT Dallas

Seventeen North Texas high school students recently wrapped up a summer of scientific research at The University of Texas at Dallas involving projects related to cancer, nanotechnology, speech-language processing and disease-sensing devices.

The seven-week George A. Jeffrey NanoExplorers Program allows aspiring scientists to perform original research in a faculty mentor’s lab, where they learn investigative skills while working alongside other lab members. Examples of this summer’s projects include characterizing artificial muscles made from carbon nanotube yarns and polymer fibers, investigating the use of gold nanoparticles for studying kidney disease, examining the physiology of cancer cells and bacteria, and developing a smartphone-based sensor for respiratory viruses.

NanoExplorer Eve Spiro, a junior at Plano West Senior High School, performed research in the lab of Dr. Nicole De Nisco , assistant professor of biological sciences in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics . Mentored by UT Dallas biology senior Jessica Komarovsky, Spiro investigated growth requirements for probiotic or “good” bacteria.

Spiro worked with a species of lactobacilli that are commonly found in the urinary tract of healthy women. She explored whether these bacteria required fatty acids present in the heathy female urinary tract for growth.

“Understanding what nutrients, like fatty acids, are required for robust growth of these ‘good’ lactobacilli will be important for the design of more effective probiotic therapies for urinary tract disorders, like urinary tract infections, which affect over 60% of all women,” De Nisco said.

Vaishnavi Moturi, an incoming sophomore at Centennial High School in Frisco, worked alongside Dr. Kelly Jahn , assistant professor of speech, language and hearing in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences , in Jahn’s Neuroaudiology and Prosthetic Hearing Lab .

Their project could have implications for cochlear implant users.

“Even though cochlear implants can restore some hearing, they are not perfect, and we are still learning about factors that influence how well a person can hear with the devices,” Jahn said.

In her short time in the lab, Moturi implemented a project from scratch to understand better how cochlear implants influence emotional responses to everyday sounds. She artificially simulated how environmental stimuli would sound through a cochlear implant, played the simulated sounds to people with typical hearing and asked them to indicate their emotional reactions to the sounds.

Moturi determined that cochlear implants may reduce the range of emotional responses that an individual experiences when they hear a sound, Jahn said.

“Our lab was thrilled to host a NanoExplorer student this summer,” she said. “The program provides a unique opportunity for high school students to learn about what it’s like to conduct research at a university, while delving into an advanced topic area that they are interested in.”

Dr. Ray Baughman , the Robert A. Welch Distinguished Chair in Chemistry and director of the Alan G. MacDiarmid NanoTech Institute at UT Dallas, launched the NanoExplorers program in summer 2002. The outreach program is named for a University of Pittsburgh professor who gave a young Baughman – then in the 10th grade – an opportunity to do original research.

–Amanda Siegfried

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24 Medical Internships + Programs for High Schoolers in 2024

What’s covered:.

• 14 Medical Programs for High School Students

10 Medical Internships for High School Students

How do internships impact your college chances.

Considering a career in medicine? Internships and pre-college medical programs in healthcare can give you a head start on your career and help you get into college. These opportunities can provide you with experiences such as working in a lab and conducting trials, all while providing first-hand experience working in settings like universities, hospitals, clinics, and research facilities.

13 Medical Programs for High School Students

1. stanford medical youth science program (smysp).

Application Deadline: March 15

Duration: Five weeks (June 24-July 26)  

In this five-week, tuition-free online program, low-income, first-generation high school juniors who live in Northern California complete intensive coursework in medicine and health science, take part in professional development workshops, network with health professionals, and receive college admissions guidance and mentoring. Students will also complete a college-level research project on public health disparities and gain insight into navigating a career in medicine.

The 24 participants in this program will each receive a $1,250 clinical research stipend.

2. Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego: Summer Medical Academy

Application Deadline : February 23

Duration: Two weeks (June 17-28 or July 8-19)

Offered through Rady’s Children Hospital San Diego, the Summer Medical Academy gives high school students interested in pursuing healthcare careers the opportunity to explore medical training and practice. High school students who have both completed 9th grade and are between 15-19 years old can gain hands-on experience, learn about key topics in medicine from experts, and network with future potential colleagues.  

Prospective participants are admitted based on their interest in a health career, participation in extracurricular activities, and scholastic achievement. Special consideration will be given to students who reside near San Diego, seniors in high school or recent graduates, and those who have an affiliation with Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego. The cost of this program is $3,000. Scholarships are available, but on a limited basis.

3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Application Deadline : Varies by cohort. Main summer deadlines are March 15, April 15, and May 15

Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year

Founded by Harvard & Oxford researchers, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program pairs high-school students with PhD mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project . At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have written an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as medicine, computer science, psychology, physics, economics, data science, business, engineering, biology, and international relations.

This program is designed to accommodate your schedule—you can participate in the summer, fall, winter, or spring, and the program is also conducted fully remotely. While you must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate high academic achievement (most students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3), no previous knowledge of your field of interest is required. The cost of the program ranges from $2,800 to $8,900, but financial aid is available.

Note that this is a selective program. Last year, over 4000 students applied for 500 spots in the program. You can find more details about the application here .

4. UCSF Summer Student Research Program

Application Deadline: February 16

Duration: Nine weeks (June 3rd until early August)

Students in this program are placed in local clinics and science labs to participate in biomedical research projects. Through the program, participants receive one-on-one mentorship from healthcare providers and researchers. Participants also gain access to unique workshops, seminars, trainings, simulations, and networking events. The program is open to high school juniors and seniors, as well as current college undergraduates, from backgrounds underrepresented in the sciences, such as minority racial/ethnic groups, those with disabilities, and first-generation college students. 

Program participants are eligible for a stipend ranging from $3,000 to $4,300. 

5. Center for Disease Control (CDC) Museum Disease Detective Camp

Application Deadline: March 22

Duration: Five days (June 24-28 or July 22-26)

At CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, rising high school juniors and seniors (who must also be 16 years old) have the opportunity to spend five days learning about public health. The fields covered vary and may include research, data collection, data analysis, and health education. Although the camp doesn’t focus on medical treatment, it’s a good opportunity for students interested in medicine to get a more comprehensive understanding of career paths in the field. 

Activities are also diverse and include recreated outbreaks, mock press conferences, environmental and global health activities, a laboratory session, an introduction to chronic disease surveillance, and short lectures from world-renowned CDC scientists. 

The program is free to attend. However, participants must provide their own housing and transportation to and from the CDC’s campus in Atlanta, Georgia. 

6. Indiana University Simon Cancer Center Summer Research Program  

Application Deadline: N/A

Duration: Eight weeks (typically from early June to late July)   

Participants in this eight-week program are paired with research mentors and work 40 hours per week on projects that may involve work in labs, computer databases, or clinics. They also participate in weekly workshops on topics concerning gaining admission to graduate and professional programs of study, along with professional development sessions.  

This program caters to students whose identities are traditionally underrepresented in research fields. All participants must have completed their senior year of high school or be current undergraduate students with a 3.2 cumulative GPA or higher. Participants receive a stipend, although housing and transportation must be taken care of by the student.

7. Penn Summer Academies

Duration: Three weeks (July 6-27) 

The University of Pennsylvania’s Summer Academies offer high school students the opportunity to engage in three-week subject-intensive programs that combine advanced scientific or social theory with relevant applications. Each of Penn Summer Academies is focused on a particular subject: you’ll choose between biomedical research, chemistry research, experimental physics, and neuroscience. There are also programs in coding and math that are more tangentially related to medicine, but could still be beneficial depending on your personal goals.

The program is open to high school students currently in 9th through 11th grade and residential and online opportunities are available. The program costs $9,700, although financial assistance is available for select Philadelphia students.

8. Health Care Career Exploration Camp

Duration: Usually t wo days in early to mid June

This free program for Nebraska students in grades 10 through 12 allows participants to learn about a variety of healthcare careers, not just clinical positions. The program is offered at two CHI Health locations in Nebraska. Note that space is limited by location, and past participants are waitlisted to allow new students to attend.

9. Medical Immersion Summer Academy (MISA)

Application Deadline: March 8

Duration: Five days in July or August

During MISA, you’ll learn about healthcare through hands-on clinical training in crucial skills (like suturing, providing CPR, splinting, and taking vitals) and mentorship opportunities. The purpose of the program, which was started in 2012 and takes place in Oakland, CA, is to give students interested in healthcare careers a strong knowledge foundation early on.

The program is open to all high school students in grades 9 through 12, so long as you are 15 by the start of the program, and costs $1,400, plus a $50 non-refundable application fee.

10. Nova Southeastern University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine: Achieve in Medicine (AIM–High)

Application Deadline: May 1

Duration: Five days (June 24-28, July 8-12, or July 15-19)

This program offers high school students the unique opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the field of medicine. Through AIM-High, students will gain hands-on medical experiences, such as using technology in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, alongside NSU medical students and staff. Activities include both educational interactive sessions and social events.

The program offers three sessions—two sessions at NSU’s main campus in Fort Lauderdale and one session at its Clearwater campus—and is available to high school students of all ages, so long as they have a GPA of at least 3.2. Tuition for AIM-High is $1,600, plus a $40 non-refundable application fee, and students will leave the program certified in first aid and CPR.

11. National Student Leadership Conference on Medicine & Healthcare

Application Deadline: Rolling 

Duration: Nine days 

This summer program gives high schoolers a chance to learn about controversial medical issues, today’s healthcare challenges, and advanced scientific research in areas such as cancer and HIV/AIDS. The program is offered at:  

• American University
• Duke University 
• Northwestern University
• UC Berkeley
• University of Miami
• Yale University 

Students will perform clinical rounds, learn medical examination and surgical techniques, and contribute to a public health project focused on developing a media campaign to spread information on illness and disease prevention. Participants will also be able to take an online college credit course taught by American University faculty after completing the program.  

Each campus offers between two and four nine-day summer sessions with costs ranging from $3,895 to $4,095 depending on location. Scholarships are available, however. While admission is rolling, note that slots fill up quickly.

12. Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program

Duration: Varies by facility

For more than 50 years, this free medical mentorship program has encouraged students to follow career paths all across medicine. Participants attend daily interactive sessions presented by a range of medical professionals, including surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, dieticians, ophthalmologists, radiologists, and therapists. There are also two online sessions offered in July.

The program is open to high school juniors and seniors (at the time of application) living in Los Angeles and its adjacent counties. Some facilities may have additional age requirements. Note that if you have participated before, you cannot reapply.

13. Georgetown Medical Academy

Application Deadline: May 15 (note there is an application fee if you apply after January 31)

Duration: One week (June 9-15, June 23-29, or July 7-13)

Students in this residential program will learn about medicine and get an up-close-and-personal look at the Georgetown University Medical Center, including its world-renowned Lombardi Cancer Center. Participants explore a variety of topics, including human anatomy, physiology, radiology, surgery, cancer, and biomedical ethics. They’ll also gain hands-on experience in suturing, casting, and dissection. The program costs $3,549, or $2,750 if you are commuting, and provides a good glimpse into the path to becoming a physician.

14. Health Care Careers Exploration Program

Application Deadline: April 30

Duration: One week (July 20-25)

This week-long summer program at Rochester Institute of Technology provides deaf and hard-of-hearing students in grades 10 through 12 the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of important issues in healthcare and prepare for a potential career in the field. Students will attend medical demonstrations, participate in hands-on activities and demonstrations, and become CPR and first aid certified. Students will also engage in a variety of social activities, such as swimming, bowling, going to the movies, and visiting local places of interest. The cost of the program is $700.

15. High School Senior Summer Internship Program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital

Application Deadline: February 1

Duration: Eight weeks  

Work with a mentor in one of the various pediatric clinical specialties in this eight-week program for Cincinnati-area graduating seniors. Participants also engage in group activities, including an afternoon hands-on training session with computerized simulated pediatric patients in the SIM Center, lunch seminars, networking sessions, and community service opportunities. Your internship will culminate in a graduation party featuring student presentations on their experiences. 

Interns work 20 hours a week and are paid $13 an hour. 

16. NIH High School Summer Internship Program 

Application Deadline: February 16 (February 23 for reference letters)

Duration: Generally eight weeks 

This internship offers students the opportunity to work with some of the world’s leading scientists in the field of biomedical research, at one of the most renowned research institutions in the world. Students participate in a range of activities including lectures from NIH investigators, career and professional development workshops, and activities focused on college readiness.  

The internship is open to students who are juniors or seniors when they apply and who are age 17 or older. All participants are given a stipend, although the amount varies from year to year and depends on the level of education you have completed before beginning your internship.   

17. Magee-Womens Research Institute High School Summer Internship Program

Application Deadline: January 31 

Duration: Six weeks (beginning June 17)

This is a six-week, 240-hour internship for rising high school juniors and seniors (who will be over 16 when the internship starts) where participants conduct scientific research under the supervision of an investigator and their staff at MWRI and Magee-Womens Hospital. Interns also participate in sessions where investigators discuss careers in biomedical science and their journeys and perspectives. At the program’s conclusion, interns will present their findings to other participants as well as to the MWRI faculty and staff.  

This is a free and extremely competitive program, which has been around since 1995—less than 8% of the students who apply are chosen. Note that to apply, you must permanently reside in southwest Pennsylvania. Students from families that qualify for the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program for Pennsylvania are eligible to receive a $1,800 stipend for their participation in the program.

18. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience High School Internship

Application Deadline: March 4

Duration: Six weeks (June 17 to July 26)

This six-week internship is for rising juniors and seniors (who will be at least 16 when the internship starts) in a Palm Beach or Martin County high school who are interested in brain structure, function, and development, and the advanced imaging techniques and technologies used in neuroscience. Neuroscience interns participate in one of three tracks: neuroscience, scientific programming, or mechanical engineering. At the end of the internship, students will write a scientific abstract and deliver a short presentation.  

Interns are compensated at a rate of $12.50 per hour for their work, and can expect to work 40 hours per week for the duration of the internship.

19. KP Launch  

Application Deadline: January 2 

Duration: Seven weeks (June 17 to August 2)

The KP Launch program is offered by Kaiser Permanente, and provides students who are between ages 16-19 by June 1 with a variety of internships at its Oakland headquarters and medical offices across Northern California. The program is aimed at students who are low-income or from backgrounds underrepresented in healthcare, and serves to introduce them to careers in the field by building practical job skills and gaining real-world work experience.  

Priority is given to high school seniors and juniors, and participants earn the hourly minimum wage for the area, which varies between $15.50 and $18 per hour.

20. Summer Child Health Research Internship

Application Deadline: February 1 

Duration: Nine weeks (June 3 to August 2)

This medical internship is open to rising high school seniors, as long as they will be over 18 when the internship starts, who will complete their work alongside undergraduates and first-year medical students. Through the internship, students will explore research opportunities related to child healthcare, while working in a lab with faculty members of the Department of Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado on the Anschutz Medical Campus. At the conclusion of the program, students are required to submit a written summary of their research and deliver a presentation of it.

High school participants must be Colorado residents and are provided with a $3,500 stipend.

21. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program

Application Deadline: March 31 

Duration: Eight weeks (June 24 to August 16)

This eight-week, full-time, paid internship is for rising seniors, specifically those from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical science. The first two weeks of the program are focused on training participants in laboratory safety skills and techniques, then for the following six weeks participants are immersed in mentoring activities. Interns will also take part in research seminars, professional development workshops, and social activities, and give a presentation to the Fred Hutch community at the end of their internship.

Interns are provided a stipend, and those commuting from the greater Seattle area are also given a free ORCA card for the local buses.

22. Harvard Medical School Project Success for High School Students

Application Deadline: February 2 

Duration: Six weeks (July 8 to August 16)

Project Success is aimed at students from disadvantaged backgrounds and groups underrepresented in medicine. The program provides paid summer research positions at Harvard Medical School and its affiliated institutions to rising juniors and seniors from Boston and Cambridge (do note there are GPA and coursework prerequisites, and you must be 16 by the start of the program). In addition to performing mentored research, students will also participate in seminars, workshops, site visits, and career counseling.

23. Medical College of Wisconsin Apprenticeship in Medicine (AIM)

Application Deadline: March 1 

Duration: Six weeks (June 24 to August 2)

AIM is a highly competitive program that provides internship opportunities to Milwaukee-area students from backgrounds that are historically underrepresented in medicine and health careers, in order to stimulate their interest in careers in the field. Interns will receive mentoring from current medical students and participate in clinical shadowing and simulations. They will also explore career paths and take part in social activities. 

Participants can anticipate working 40 hours per week during the program, which is free and awards a stipend to all students at the program’s conclusion.

24. Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS)

Application Deadline: February 26

Rising high school juniors and seniors living in Northern California can learn about science, medicine, and research during this six-week internship. Participants will learn how research is performed and conduct their own research projects while working with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, researchers, and students. Anticipate working 30 hours per week during this program. 

This is a free program, and students with financial need can receive a $3,000 stipend for participating. There is a $50 non-refundable application fee, but applicants with total family income under $90,000 can apply for a fee waiver.

Extracurriculars are extremely important in the admissions process, especially at selective schools. These schools get more academically-qualified applicants than they can admit, so your extracurriculars (and essays) will help you stand out. 

Extracurricular activities are divided into four tiers , with tier 1 representing the most exceptional and rare extracurriculars and tier 4 representing the most common activities admissions committees see. The higher the tier an extracurricular activity is, the more impactful it is on admissions odds. 

If you’re applying to highly-selective schools, we recommend having at least a few tier 1 and 2 activities to set yourself apart from other applicants. Internships vary in terms of rigor and selectivity, but prestigious, national programs in particular can certainly fall into tiers 1 or 2.  

Wondering how your internship impacts your chances? CollegeVine’s free admissions calculator can let you know! This tool uses factors like grades and test scores—along with other variables, like internships—to calculate your odds at hundreds of colleges. It can also provide valuable insight into areas where you can improve your profile.  

Disclaimer: This post includes content sponsored by Lumiere Education.

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Area students explore research careers during UVM Cancer Center visit

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Area high school students interested in a career in health care had the opportunity to talk with student researchers and scientists as part of a University of Vermont Cancer Center event Friday, allowing them to step out of the classroom and into a real medical lab.

Over 75 students from five high schools attended the Careers in Cancer event at the UVM Cancer Center. Students heard from guest speakers and learned about career and research pathways in oncology.

“Students have been walking through the basic research laboratories. This is something that they really don’t get exposed to in their high school education,” said the center’s Randall Holcombe.

Students looked at cancer cells, observed specialized lab equipment, and witnessed demonstrations on growing and visualizing crystals to understand protein structures.

Natalie Dzessou, a sophomore at Winooski High School, says she’s interested in the medical field and events like this help her figure out what branch she wants to work in. “I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do so I’ve just been coming to events like this and seeing what I’d like to do,” she said.

Mea Ree Jan, a junior at WHS, plans to pursue a career in cancer research and wants to aid in medical breakthroughs. “I like experiencing what a day in the life of someone working in this kind of environment was and it got me more interested because I like the kind of slow pace,” she said.

And Holcombe says it’s just that kind of generating of interest the event was designed for. “There’s a critical shortage of cancer doctors across the country and that is particularly severe in states with very large rural populations like Vermont,” he said.

It was UVM’s second Careers in Cancer event.

Copyright 2024 WCAX. All rights reserved.

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Student arrested after sending fax claiming to be the principal resigning, reports say

BALDWINSVILLE, N.Y. (Gray News) - A high school student has reportedly been arrested after sending a fax pretending to be the principal resigning.

According to multiple reports, a 17-year-old student at Charles W. Baker High School was arrested for sending a bogus fax on behalf of the principal that stated that person was resigning.

Baldwinsville police shared that the student first created fake school email accounts last month in an attempt to get personal information about another student.

School staff reportedly recognized the email accounts were fraudulent and no information was given.

However, about a couple weeks later the teen allegedly sent a fax pretending to be the principal regarding their resignation.

The student ended up being caught after police said he added his own cellphone number to the cover sheet of the fax.

The unidentified student was arrested and charged with criminal impersonation, reports said.

Copyright 2024 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Research Labs

In Dell Medical School’s research environment — which spans the campuses of Dell Med, the Dell Pediatric Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin and other locations in the city — faculty using similar techniques and equipment work near each other and share expertise from diverse fields.

This fosters interdisciplinary discourse and operational efficiencies that bolster the school’s research output. Researchers and lab members benefit from opportunities to gather with colleagues in related areas of expertise to connect on their work. The result of this model? A strong team, focused on transforming health.

Areas of Research

Explore the fields below to view the faculty labs that are advancing scientific discovery and impact across varying disciplines, and get details on current work, open positions and opportunities to collaborate.

• Britt Lab | quantitative genetics, biology of the retina, genetic models of human disease
• Brumback Lab | neurophysiological mechanisms of autism, electrophysiology, optogenetics
• Neural Circuits and Behavioral Development Lab | stress, neurodevelopment
• Melamed Lab | multiple sclerosis, neuroinflammation
• MS.io Lab | neuroimaging, outcome prediction, equity
• Howard Lab | cellular neurophysiology, translational epilepsy, synaptic transmission and plasticity
• COPE Lab | memory, aging, caregiver roadmap and support
• CNBI | brain-machine interfaces, translational neuroscience, neurorehabilitation
• Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab | development of executive functions
• Dobbs Lab | neural circuits, animal models, polysubstance abuse
• Gaudet Lab | neuroinflammation, spinal cord injuries, biological clocks
• Gonzales-Lima lab | behavioral neuroscience
• Hamilton Lab | translational neuroscience, computational neuroscience
• Marinelli Lab | addiction, motivation
• Memory and Aging Lab | cognitive neuroscience
• Messing Lab | translational neuroscience, addiction, pain, neuroimmune signaling
• Noble-Haeusslein Lab | translational neuroscience, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, neurorehabilitation
• Orsini Lab | behavioral neuroscience, decision-making, sex differences, substance use disorders
• Technology to Assist With Neurocognitive Symptoms (TechANS) Lab | memory, aging, technology
• CNBI | neural engineering, machine learning, artificial intelligence, closed-loop neuromodulation, human-robot interaction, BCI, imaging
• Willsey Lab | brain-computer interfaces, computational neuroscience, neuromodulation, neural engineering, machine learning
• The Physiological Laboratories | mathematical models, machine learning, physiological sensors, rehabilitation, electroceuticals
• Speech Disorders and Technology Lab | speech science
• Swallow Modulation Lab (SML) | speech production, swallowing disorders, neuromodulation
• Center for Computational Oncology | tumor model construction
• Stephen Yi Laboratory | systems biology, bioinformatics, multi-omics networks
• Gray Lab | musculoskeletal development and homeostasis
• EdEN Lab | educational gardening
• TherapeUTex | drug formulation, delivery and production

Population Health

• Burgermaster Lab | nutrition, health equity, biomedical informatics
• Khurshid Labs | data and information systems
• Harpak Lab | statistical genomics, population genetics
• Mackert Lab | traditional and new digital media, health messaging
• Texas PRIDE Health Collaborative | sexual health, mental health
• Urban Information Lab | urban informatics

Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences

• Developmental Behavioral Genetics Lab | developmental roots of social inequality
• Beer Self-Regulation Lab | emotion and cognition
• Lifespan Development Lab | cognitive function
• Anxiety and Health Behaviors Lab | anxiety disorder treatment and intervention
• Clinical Neuroendocrinology Lab | endocrine basis of mood anxiety disorders
• Laboratory for the Study of Anxiety Disorders | nature and treatment of anxiety disorders
• Mood Disorders Lab | depression
• Main Lab | bipolar disorder, alcohol use disorder, stress
• Laboratory of Affective Neurogenetics | clinical and behavioral neuroscience, mood and effective disorders
• Pediatric Coping and Language Lab | adaptation to stress
• Women’s Reproductive Mental Health of Texas | reproductive psychiatry
• Fenno Lab | molecular engineering, systems neuroscience
• Learning, Memory and Emotion Lab | neuroimaging, cognitive neuroscience, PTSD
• LewPeaLab | cognitive neuroscience
• Morikawa Lab | addiction
• Translational and Clinical Neuroscience (TrAC Neuro) Lab | stress, neuromodulation, neuroimaging
• Neurocircuitry of Trauma and PTSD (NeuroTap) Lab | neurocircuitry, PTSD, treatment
• Osier Lab | brain trauma

Resources for Researchers

The office of research at dell med works to advance the pace and efficiency of research and innovation through a variety services..

Arlington ISD student tracks weather changes during total solar eclipse for NASA research

As the sky darkened, all eyes at Arlington’s Martin High School were on the once-in-a-lifetime spectacle of the total solar eclipse in North Texas.

Well, not all — not entirely, anyway.

Junior Londyn Franklin was focused on the 36-inch balloons floating about 300 feet up, tracking the weather changes as the moon blocked the sun. She sometimes put her glasses on to briefly witness the eclipse as it approached totality.

“I definitely think there’s going to be a temperature change, because if you think about it, when the moon casts a shadow over the sun, you’re gonna not get as many rays coming through,” Franklin said.

Franklin, 16, partnered with a group of students in California to help NASA research potential atmospheric changes caused by a total solar eclipse — the first in North Texas since 1878.

Last summer, she was one of four high school students nationwide selected for a research position with NASA’s STEM Enhancement in Earth Science summer internship.

“She’s the only one that’s actually sending up the balloon with the instrumentation today to test it, because she’s going to have both control conditions and then eclipse conditions,” said Jason Forsythe, STEM Coordinator at Martin High School.

Franklin learned how to use balloons for science experiments during the internship. She also started conducting research, writing papers and presenting their findings. Now, she wants to transfer that knowledge to other students.

“I did not think high schoolers could conduct research,” she said. “I was like, ‘That’s a graduate student thing,’ so I want to make sure that other students also know this is available to them.”

Forsythe had Franklin as a freshman in his geography class. He witnessed her grow over the years from a timid student to a young lady seizing the moment and gaining experiences along the way, he said.

“It’s really cool just to get to watch these kids grow and become incredible adults,” he said.

About 40 minutes before totality, students and teachers surrounded Franklin to help.

Some put helium into the balloons. Some tied the balloons to the string. Some kept the balloons in the air. Franklin attached a tracking monitor to a balloon’s strings.

One balloon wasn’t buoyant enough to stay up with the monitor attached. She tried two balloons, which also failed. Three balloons did the trick.

The wind didn’t help.

Instead of flying up straight or toward the same direction of totality, the wind blew the balloons on the opposite side. It didn’t affect the experiment, but Franklin couldn’t look toward totality the entire time.

Once totality ended, Forsythe came over to help Franklin collect her balloons.

“This is neat,” he told her. “Thanks for letting me be a part of this, kid.”

Later, Franklin will come back out again to fly a balloon to establish temperatures not being affected by the eclipse.

In about three weeks, the group will calculate the exact changes in temperature and humidity during Franklin’s experiment. It takes awhile because some variables may affect data, such as if she pulled the balloon down too fast.

For now, though, Franklin thinks she mostly got what she needed.

The temperature dropped about 10 degrees during totality.

More importantly, “I was able to see the parts that I wanted to see,” she said, smiling.

Dang Le is a reporting fellow for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at  [email protected]  or  @DangHLe . At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy  here .

This article first appeared on Arlington Report and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Florida pre-med student stabs mother more than 70 times, killing her during visit, authorities say

A Florida pre-med university student killed his mother by stabbing her over 70 times without saying a word when he visited her from college over the weekend, authorities said.

After Emmanuel Espinoza, 21, killed his mother on Saturday, he perplexedly told detectives that he loved her and that they had a good relationship — but that he had wanted to kill her for years because she irritated him, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said.

Espinoza has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of his mother, 46-year-old Elvia Espinoza, the sheriff's office said.

The student at the University of Florida in Gainesville had traveled to Frostproof, Florida, for a family event Saturday and was going to stay with his mother, Judd said .

He arrived at her home around 2 p.m., knocked on the front door, and seemingly without provocation stabbed her "many times" after she opened the door, Judd said.

On Sunday, Judd shared doorbell camera video from Elvia's home that showed Emmanuel approach with a small knife in his right hand, hidden behind his back, and knock on the door. Judd said that Emmanuel had put AirPods in his ears and was playing Kanye West and Jay-Z's song “No Church in the Wild” when he drove up to the house and knocked on the front door. 

“His beautiful mother, who was so excited to see her son, opened the door. The second she opened the door, he charged in and started stabbing her,” Judd said.

The mother ran from him, but "he stabbed her until she fell down and died."

Judd said Emmanuel confessed to stabbing his mother repeatedly, even when he noticed her hands were still moving. He told detectives that he knew where to stab her for maximum effect because of his biology classes. 

Emmanuel told detectives that he had cut his hand in the stabbing. When he went to the kitchen sink to wash himself and the knife off, "he wanted to ask his mother for the Neosporin for the cut on his hand, but he noticed she was dead," Judd said.

Emmanuel immediately dialed 911 and confessed to operators. 

Audio of the dispatch call was played for reporters Sunday.

“I killed someone,” Emmanuel is heard telling dispatch. “I stabbed my mom.”

When Emmanuel spoke with detectives, he told them he loved his mother and had a good relationship with her but that she irritated him.

“We talked to him and he confessed. He said, 'You know, I have wanted to kill my mother for many, many years because she got on my nerves,'" Judd said.

When asked, "What’s your relationship with your mother?" Espinoza replied: "About a eight out of 10."

"He really loved her, but she irritated him and he made up his mind today on his way from Gainesville that he would murder her, and that’s exactly what he did," Judd said Saturday.

The sheriff said Emmanuel told detectives he wasn't on drugs or alcohol at the time of the stabbing — nor did he have any history of such abuse or mental health issues, no arrest record and there was no record of calls under the Baker Act (which focuses on crisis services for individuals with mental illness) to the home.

Emmanuel was known to be introverted and quiet, with zero issues, Judd told reporters. He was the Class of 2020 valedictorian at his high school and was "described as being a genius."

"[Elvia] wanted to come see him because she hadn’t seen him in a while. They text every day, every other day, they stay in constant contact. No issues over money. She would send him money to make sure she appropriately funded his ability to go to college and enjoy his college life. No argument that day. He never said a word to her," Judd said.

Elvia Espinoza was a mother of three and beloved second-grade teacher at Ben Hill Griffin Elementary in Frostproof, and was "well-loved" by the community, the sheriff's office said, calling the incident "an inexplicable vicious murder."

“I want you to understand this lady who was a school teacher for 20 years actually moved around and taught at different schools while her kids were in school so she could be close to them,” Judd said. “I want you to understand that she was the perfect mom. I want you to understand that she was very proud of his accomplishments.”

“Then I want you to understand that he viciously murdered her and confessed to it,” he added.

Polk County Public Schools said in a statement: “Her students and colleagues greatly loved her, and her sudden, unexpected death is a devastating loss. She was a very special part of her school family.”

Grief counselors have been made available at her school and another school where she previously worked. 

Breaking News Reporter

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Why is looking at a solar eclipse dangerous without special glasses? Eye doctors explain.

By Sara Moniuszko

Edited By Allison Elyse Gualtieri

Updated on: April 8, 2024 / 8:54 AM EDT / CBS News

The solar eclipse will be visible for millions of Americans on April 8, 2024, making many excited to see it — but how you watch it matters, since it can be dangerous for your eyes. 

A  solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocking the sun's light . When the moon blocks some of the sun, it's a partial solar eclipse, but when moon lines up with the sun, blocking all of its light, a total solar eclipse occurs,  NASA explains . Either way, you need eye protection when viewing.

"The solar eclipse will be beautiful, so I hope that everyone experiences it — but they need to experience it in the right way," said Dr. Jason P. Brinton, an ophthalmologist and medical director at Brinton Vision in St. Louis.

Here's what to know to stay safe.

Why is looking at a solar eclipse dangerous?

Looking at the sun — even when it's partially covered like during an eclipse — can cause eye damage.

There is no safe dose of solar ultraviolet rays or infrared radiation, said  Dr. Yehia Hashad , an ophthalmologist, retinal specialist and the chief medical officer at eye health company Bausch + Lomb.

"A very small dose could cause harm to some people," he said. "That's why we say the partial eclipse could also be damaging. And that's why we protect our eyes with the partial as well as with the full sun."

Some say that during a total eclipse, it's safe to view the brief period time when the moon completely blocks the sun without eye protection. But experts warn against it. 

"Totality of the eclipse lasts only about 1 to 3 minutes based on geographic location, and bright sunlight suddenly can appear as the moon continues to move," notes an eclipse viewing guide published in JAMA , adding, "even a few seconds of viewing the sun during an eclipse" can temporarily or permanently damage your vision. 

Do I need special glasses for eclipse viewing?

Yes.  Eclipse glasses are needed to protect your eyes if you want to look at the eclipse.

Regular sunglasses aren't protective enough for eclipse viewing — even if you stack more than one. 

"There's no amount of sunglasses that people can put on that will make up for the filtering that the ISO standard filters and the eclipse glasses provide," Brinton said.

You also shouldn't look at the eclipse through a camera lens, phone, binoculars or telescope, according to NASA, even while wearing eclipse glasses. The solar rays can burn through the lens and cause serious eye injury.

Eclipse glasses must comply with the  ISO 12312-2 international safety standard , according to NASA, and should have an "ISO" label printed on them to show they comply. The American Astronomical Society  has a list  of approved solar viewers.

Can't find these, or they're sold out near you? You can also  make homemade viewers ,   which allow you to observe the eclipse indirectly — just don't accidentally look at the sun while using one.

How to keep kids safe during the solar eclipse

Since this eclipse is expected to occur around the time of dismissal for many schools across the country, it may be tempting for students to view it without the proper safety precautions while getting to and from their buses. That's why some school districts are  canceling classes early so kids can enjoy the event safely with their families.

Dr. Avnish Deobhakta, vitreoretinal surgeon at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary at Mount Sinai, said parents should also be careful because it can be difficult for children to listen or keep solar eclipse glasses on. 

"You want to actually, in my opinion, kind of avoid them even looking at the eclipse, if possible," he said. "Never look directly at the sun, always wear the right eclipse sunglasses if you are going to look at the sun and make sure that those are coming from a reliable source."

Brinton recommends everyone starts their eclipse "viewing" early, by looking at professional photos and videos of an eclipse online or visiting a local planetarium. 

That way, you "have an idea of what to expect," he said. 

He also recommends the foundation  Prevent Blindness , which has resources for families about eclipse safety.

What happens if you look at a solar eclipse without eclipse glasses?

While your eyes likely won't hurt in the moment if you look at the eclipse without protection, due to lowered brightness and where damage occurs in the eye, beware: The rays can still cause damage .

The harm may not be apparent immediately. Sometimes trouble starts to appear one to a few days following the event. It could affect just one or both eyes.

And while some will regain normal visual function, sometimes the damage is permanent. 

"Often there will be some recovery of the vision in the first few months after it, but sometimes there is no recovery and sometimes there's a degree to which it is permanent," Brinton said. 

How long do you have to look at the eclipse to damage your eyes?

Any amount of time looking at the eclipse without protection is too long, experts say. 

"If someone briefly looks at the eclipse, if it's extremely brief, in some cases there won't be damage. But damage can happen even within a fraction of a second in some cases," Brinton said. He said he's had patients who have suffered from solar retinopathy, the official name for the condition.

Deobhakta treated a patient who watched the 2017 solar eclipse for 20 seconds without proper eye protection. She now has permanent damage in the shape of a crescent that interferes with her vision. 

"The crescent that is burned into the retina, the patient sees as black in her visual field," he said. "The visual deficit that she has will never go away."

How to know if you've damaged your eyes from looking at the eclipse

Signs and symptoms of eye damage following an eclipse viewing include headaches, blurred vision, dark spots, changes to how you see color, lines and shapes. 

Unfortunately, there isn't a treatment for solar retinopathy.

"Seeing an eye care professional to solidify the diagnosis and for education I think is reasonable," Brinton said, but added, "right now there is nothing that we do for this. Just wait and give it time and the body does tend to heal up a measure of it."

Sara Moniuszko is a health and lifestyle reporter at CBSNews.com. Previously, she wrote for USA Today, where she was selected to help launch the newspaper's wellness vertical. She now covers breaking and trending news for CBS News' HealthWatch.

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