Heithoff-Brody High School Summer Scholars Program at the Salk Institute FAQ
Application Deadline
All application materials must be submitted by March 1, 2026. This includes the completed application via UKG, resume, unofficial transcript, recommendation letter, and answering the short questions.
Letters of Recommendation
Required at the point of submitting your formal application for the internship. Before applying, we recommend having a conversation with your potential recommender about the program and your interest in it. Once a letter of recommendation is obtained, you will need to upload the letter of recommendation upon submitting your formal application. Recommenders can include teachers, coaches, counselors, supervisors, mentors, or anyone in a similar role who knows you well.
Need help with your application?
We’re hosting several application workshops. These are great opportunities to ask questions, get personalized advice, and learn tips and tricks to make your application stand out. Check out the dates and times below. We’d love to see you there!
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
Age Eligibility
To participate in the program, you must be at least 16 years old on or before June 16, 2026.
Internship Location
Internships will take place at the Salk Institute’s main campus:
10010 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Missing a Course? Can I Still Apply?
If you haven’t taken biology or chemistry yet, or are only missing one of those courses, we still encourage you to apply. We’re looking for students who are curious, motivated, and passionate about science. A strong resume, thoughtful short answers, and compelling letters of recommendation can go a long way in demonstrating your potential.
Prior Experience Not Required
No lab or work experience? No problem. This internship is designed to help you build both technical and soft skills while exploring the world of research. If you’re excited to learn and grow, we’d love to see your application!
Weekly Internship Hours
Interns must be able to commit to 30–40 hours per week from June 15 to August 7, 2026. Most labs operate between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., but exact schedules may vary depending on the lab placement. Be sure to ask about the lab’s schedule during the interview—it’s a great way to show curiosity and preparedness!
Want to Boost Your Application
Here are a few tips to help your application stand out:
- Follow instructions carefully and make sure every section of the application is complete.
- Proofread your responses for spelling and grammar.
- Show your passion for science—especially if you’re drawn to a specific field like neuroscience, tell us why!
- Choose recommenders who can speak to your strengths and enthusiasm.
- Craft a strong resume that highlights your interests, skills, and experiences.
Need Help Creating a Resume?
If you’re starting from scratch, don’t worry! We’ve gathered some helpful resources to guide you through building a resume. Check out the links below to get started.
- Handshake – Resume Guide
- WikiHow to Create a Resume
- San Diego Workforce Partnership – General Resume Checklist
- Novorésumé – How to Make a Resume in 2025
- Indeed – How To Make Your Resume Comprehensive
Interviews and Notifications
Interviews will be conducted throughout April 2026. Due to the high volume of applications we receive each year, we appreciate your patience as we thoughtfully match students with mentors. If selected, you’ll be contacted directly with interview details.
Internship Decisions or Final Selection
All applicants will be notified of their application status via email from mid to late April 2026. Once final selections are made, the Office of Community & Engagement team will send out confirmation to all applicants.
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help! If you have a question that wasn’t covered, feel free to reach out to the Office of Community & Engagement Team at community@salk.edu.