The Heithoff-Brody High School Summer Scholars Program is a paid summer internship run each year for over 40 years by the Salk Institute for Biological Studies’ Office of Community & Engagement.
High school students from San Diego County join a Salk lab at the La Jolla campus, complete a research project with a scientist mentor, attend seminars, workshops and biotech site visits, and present at a closing symposium.
Benefits & funding
- Paid internship, 30–40 hours a week for eight weeks (14 June–6 August 2027); the pay rate is not published.
- One-on-one mentoring on a real lab project, plus skills training from wet-lab methods to data analysis.
- Transport help, including public transit stipends, for students without reliable transport.
Eligibility
- Must live in San Diego County and have completed the most recent semester at a high school in the county.
- At least 16 years old by 14 June 2027.
- GPA of at least 2.75.
- At least one high school biology class completed. Chemistry is “preferred” on the program page but listed as a requirement on the 2027 flyer.
- Available 30–40 hours a week for the whole program.
- Under 18: must get a work permit from school once hired.
- No lab or work experience needed.
Application process
- 1Apply online between 1 December 2026 and 15 February 2027.
- 2By the deadline, submit a resume, unofficial transcript, short-answer responses and one recommendation letter.
- 3Shortlisted applicants are interviewed from late March through April 2027.
- 4Every applicant hears by email through April 2027.
Program timeline
Applications open
1 Dec 2026
Application deadline
15 Feb 2027
Interviews
Late Mar–Apr 2027
Decisions by email
Through Apr 2027
Internship
14 Jun–6 Aug 2027