Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program
The 2025 Heithoff-Brody High School Summer Scholars Program application is open and will close March 5, 2025.
Every summer, the Salk Institute accepts a group of high school students to work in a lab side-by-side
with Salk scientists on cutting-edge research. During the 8-week paid internship students will work in the lab with their mentor while also being expected to participate in seminars, workshops, biotech site visits, and other enrichment activities. At the end of the program, students present their research projects to their mentors, lab peers and families.
The 2025 Heithoff-Brody Scholars Program will run from June 16 to August 8, 2025. This program is open to students 16 years and older who reside and attend school in San Diego County.
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.
Founded more than 40 years ago, the Heithoff-Brody High School Summer Scholars program at the Salk Institute fulfills Jonas Salk’s vision of introducing high school students to laboratory life and the possibility of a career in science.
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 16, 2025.
- Must be able to commit to 30-40 hours per week* to the program from June 16 through August 8.
- 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 the Educational Outreach department at education@salk.edu.
Click here to apply »
High School Summer Scholars Application Workshops
| Date | Time | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 1/14 Tuesday | 5pm – 6pm | Application & Resume Workshop |
| 1/30 Thursday | 5pm – 6pm | Application & Resume Workshop |
| 2/4 Tuesday | 5pm – 6pm | Interview Workshop |
| 2/20 Thursday | 5pm – 6pm | Interview Workshop |
| 3/3 Monday | 5pm – 6pm | Last Minute Application, Resume, & Interview Workshop |
For all workshops above:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://salk-edu.zoom.us/j/89587958733
Meeting ID: 895 8795 8733
Passcode: Salk
Application Requirements
The 2025 Heithoff-Brody High School Summer Scholars Program application will open on December 12,
2024 and close March 5, 2024.
In addition to completing this form, you will need to complete the following within the online application platform:
- Resume in PDF form
- Contact information for one letter of recommendation. We suggest that you discuss the internship program and the
recommendation letter with your chosen recommender ahead of time. - Unofficial transcripts in PDF or image form
- Short Answer Question responses
- Have your parent complete the consent to participate form
- Complete the consent to work with laboratory animals form