High School Summer Internship Program in Research
Program Coordinator: Janet Hahalyak
High School Summer Internship Program Coordinator
Magee-Womens Research Institute
204 Craft Avenue, B408
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
The High School Summer Internship Program provides current high school juniors and seniors with the opportunity to participate in basic or clinical research projects with the goal of promoting interest in biomedical research as a potential career. This is a highly competitive program and less than 20 percent of the students who apply are chosen.
Since its inception in 1995, more than 174 high school students have successfully completed the summer internship program in research. Students hail from both local public and private schools.
During the summer internship program, students attend weekly scientific seminars to enhance their knowledge of the different aspects of research, particularly that relating to women’s and infants’ health. In addition, they attend informal lunch meetings where junior and senior investigators discuss biomedical science as a career. At the end of the program, the students present their work via a PowerPoint presentation to the other participants as well as to MWRI faculty and their associates.
During the internship, the students work with investigators for a four-week period (40 hours a week). The start and end dates of the summer high school internship program in research are flexible (between May and August) and are coordinated between the investigator and the student. Students will be paid minimum wage.
A work permit may be needed. An application can be obtained at your school office. Please inquire about the process before the end of the school year.
Housing and/or residential assistance is not available. Out-of-town applicants should include information of their intended living arrangements with their personal statement. Work permits need to be obtained from Pennsylvania.
Apply
If you are interested in applying for a summer intern position in the Magee-Womens Research Institute High School Summer Internship Program, please submit the following information:
- The application form (completed by the student) (you can also download the PDF application here)
- Personal statement of approximately one page discussing your science background, career goals, and expectations for a summer research experience (completed by the student). This is a major factor in the selection process. Minority status is not a condition of acceptance.
- Two letters of recommendation (can copy and paste into online application form). (Preferably from your guidance counselor(s) or science teacher(s).) The recommendation form* or letters of recommendation are both acceptable.