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High School Program in Biomedical Research

The application period for Wistar’s High School Summer Program in Biomedical Research is closed. Check back later for details about our 2026 program. 


A Summer of Science for a Lifetime of Learning

Wistar’s High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research is now accepting applications for its immersive biomedical research program. Students spend four weeks learning best-practices in biomedical laboratory techniques while also contributing to Wistar research in our state-of-the-science Training Lab. Students will also learn to read scientific literature, explore multiple careers in biomedical research, and present their work at the end of the program.

We are excited to support 15 highlymotivated high school students who are passionate about science and interested in experiencing biomedical research. No prior research experience is necessary. Students from Philadelphia high schools are strongly encouraged to apply.

biomedical research program for high school students
FELLOWSHIP SCHEDULE & STIPEND

Wistar’s High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research takes place Monday, July 7th through Thursday, July 31st, 2025. Each week, students are expected to participate Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Note that absences of more than two consecutive days cannot be accommodated – please ensure you can fully participate in the program.

The Wistar Institute is located in West Philadelphia’s University City District at 3601 Spruce Street.

Students will receive SEPTA passes to defray the cost of traveling to and from the Institute. A stipend of $1500 will be awarded to support students’ successful completion of the program.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for the program, students must:

-Be at least 16 years of age by the program start date (July 7, 2025); and
-Have successfully completed at least one high school science course

Note: This program prioritizes participation from students enrolled in the School District of Philadelphia.

TO APPLY

The application period for the 2025 Summer Program is currently closed. Check back again later for more info on our 2026 summer program. 


CONTACT US

For more information about the High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research at The Wistar Institute, please contact:

Jason Diaz, Ph.D.
Education Program Director, Teaching, Learning & Collaboration and Assistant Professor
The Wistar Institute
3601 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-898-3803
jdiaz@wistar.org

Cailey Bice
Education Program Coordinator
The Wistar Institute
3601 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-898-3749
cbice@wistar.org

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Wistar Institute gratefully acknowledges generous support for the High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research from:

Pincus Family Foundation
Christian R. & Mary F. Lindback Foundation
Rich and Lily Siegel

“The High School Fellowship confirmed for me that I want a research career. It exposed me to the field I want to go into before college and gave me valuable experiences I could not have gotten elsewhere.”


A.L., Julia R. Masterman Laboratory & Demonstration School
Wistar High School Fellowship Graduate