Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program
Each summer, a select group of high school students is invited to join the Salk Institute’s renowned research community for an 8-week paid internship—a transformative experience designed to ignite curiosity and build real-world skills.
Interns work side-by-side with Salk scientists on groundbreaking research projects, gaining hands-on lab experience under the guidance of expert mentors. Beyond the lab, students participate in dynamic seminars, career-building workshops, biotech industry site visits, and other enrichment activities that broaden their scientific horizons.
The program culminates in a celebratory research symposium, where students present their findings to mentors, lab teams, and proud families.
Eligibility: Open to students 16 years and older who live and attend school in San Diego County.
The 2026 Heithoff-Brody Scholars Program will run from June 15 to August 7, 2026.
Program Goals
For over 40 years, this prestigious program has brought Jonas Salk’s vision to life, introducing high school students to the excitement of lab-based research and the possibilities of a future in science.
- Interns dive into real scientific investigations, working one-on-one with a dedicated mentor to complete a research project that reflects the rigor and creativity of Salk’s lab.
- Through seminars and workshops, students strengthen core scientific skills from wet lab techniques and bioinformatics to data analysis and science communication.
- Interns become part of the Salk ecosystems, connecting with researchers across campus through events, seminars, and collaborative activities that reveal the culture and cutting-edge work of the Institute.
- The program culminates in the Summer Scholars Research Symposium, where students present their work as a formal scientific talk or poster, celebrating growth and contributions.
Who’s Eligible to Apply for the Heithoff-Brody High School Summer Scholars Program?
- Must be a San Diego County resident who has completed their most recent semester of high school at a public or private high school within San Diego County.
- Students must be at least 16 yrs of old by the start of the internship, June 15, 2026.
- Interns must be able to commit to 30–40 hours per week from June 15 to August 7, 2026.
- Successfully completed at least one year of high school level chemistry and biology.
- Minimum grade point average of 2.75**.
- Able to provide their own transportation***.
- Applicants under 18 must be able to obtain a work permit from their school upon notification of hire. More information on work permits can be found at your school counseling office.
- The Salk Institute requires, with few exceptions, that all personnel be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. Applicants are encouraged to contact Salk’s Human Resources at vaccinations@salk.edu with any questions or concerns about this policy.
*Schedule flexibility and limited remote work can be discussed on an individual basis based on the needs of the selected student and their assigned mentor’s discretion.
**Exceptions for GPA’s lower than 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
***Transportation options, including public transit stipends, are available for students that are unable to secure reliable transportation to and from the Salk Institute campus.
For additional questions, please email Community & Engagement at community@salk.edu.
High School Summer Scholars Application Tips Workshops
| Date | Time | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Application, resume, and interview tips workshop |
| Thursday, February 5, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Application, resume, and interview tips workshop |
Register for the December 18 workshop
Application Requirements
The 2026 Heithoff-Brody High School Summer Scholars Program application will open on December 1, 2025.
Eligibility criteria or prerequisites when completing the online application:
- Upload your resume in PDF/Word format
- Provide contact information for one letter of recommendation. We encourage you to speak with your chosen recommender in advance about the internship and the recommendation process.
- Submit unofficial transcripts in either PDF or image format
- Respond to short answer questions included in the application