Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship at U-M

The Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship at the University of Michigan is a paid, six-week life sciences research program for high school juniors who attend school in Michigan. Interns live on U-M's Ann Arbor campus and work at the bench on real projects in host laboratories. Labs at the Life Sciences Institute and partner departments study areas such as biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and genetics. At the end of the summer, interns present their results to scientists and the public. The program is free, and interns receive $3,000 for their work. Housing in a campus residence hall and meals are covered. The program recruits from across Michigan, including rural and lower-income communities, and accepts 6 to 10 interns each year. The 2026 program ran from June 14 to July 24. Details for the summer 2027 program are expected in late fall 2026.

Open to current high school juniors (rising seniors) attending a high school in Michigan who are US citizens, permanent residents, or hold employment authorization (EAD). No prior research experience or SAT score is needed. Interns must stay on campus for the full six weeks, arrange their own travel to and from Ann Arbor, and carry health insurance. To apply, students complete an online form, upload their high school transcripts, and arrange two letters of recommendation.