EDUCATION OUTREACH

The Salk Institute is proud to present the Heithoff-Brody High School Summers Scholars program this summer. This is an eight-week paid internship and an opportunity for high school students to gain real-life experience performing scientific research while developing skill sets needed for careers in STEM.

The 2024 program will run June 17th – August 9th. Applications will open January 15th, 2024 and close April 5th, 2024. Selections will then be sent out by June 2nd at the latest.

Program Goals

• To provide interns with the opportunity to complete a research project while working one-on-one with a scientist mentor.
• To support students in developing STEM skills and scientific concepts, including wet lab techniques, bioinformatics, data analysis, and science communication by attending seminars.
• To give interns an inside look into the Salk Institute’s cutting-edge research, community, and culture. Interns will network with multiple Salkies on campus at seminars, events, and workshops.
• To showcase student work by presenting a final research project at the Summer Scholars Research Symposium as a scientific oral presentation or as a scientific poster.

Who Can Apply?

• 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.
• At least 16 years of age on or before June 17, 2024.
• Successfully complete at least one year of high school level chemistry and biology.
• Minimum grade point average of 2.75*.
• Able to commit to 30-40 hours/week for the duration of the entire program.
• 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.

*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.

If you have any questions, please email education@salk.edu.

Application Requirements

Resume
Your resume should be no longer than 1 page and include ONLY relevant information. Suggested sections include contact information, education, work experience, volunteer experience, skills/abilities, and other relevant information, as it applies to the internship program.

Resume Resources

• Handshake – Resume Guide
• WikiHow to Create a Resume
• San Diego Workforce Partnership – General Resume Checklist

Short Answer Questions
You will need to answer three short answer questions using 200 words or less for each question.

• What college major or career are you looking to pursue?
• Why are you interested in science research? Please relate this to an experience you’ve had in a lab, class, work, or through volunteering.
• What benefits do you hope to gain from a research internship like this?

Letter of Recommendation
One letter is required. Your recommender can be a teacher, coach, school counselor, mentor, former supervisor, or others in similar roles that know you well. Please plan to discuss your letter of recommendation with your recommender in advance. All recommendations will be weighted equally, and applicants will not be penalized if they do not have a recommendation from a STEM teacher.

Unofficial School Transcript
Must be in a PDF form with all current classes you are taking this academic year.

Questions?

Keep an eye on our social media (Salk.ed.outreach on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) and this website for program updates. Please email education@salk.edu if you have any questions.