AIMI Summer Research Internship
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) is a global leader in advancing artificial intelligence research and translation in healthcare. Through its work spanning research, education, policy, and real-world clinical implementation, AIMI brings together clinicians, scientists, engineers, and industry partners to shape the future of health and medicine.
Drawing on this interdisciplinary expertise—and extensive experience designing educational programs for high school learners—we developed the AIMI Summer Research Internship to provide a rigorous, high-impact introduction to AI in health and medicine. The program is designed to train and inspire the next generation of innovators through mentored research, technical learning, and exposure to real clinical challenges.
AIMI Summer Research Internship Program
During this two-week virtual program, the AIMI Summer Research Internship is designed to spark curiosity and empower the next generation of leaders at the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare. Through a blend of lectures, mentorship, and collaborative project work, students gain exposure to how AI is developed and applied in clinical and research settings.
Introductory & Technical Lectures
Students participate in lectures led by Stanford researchers, clinicians, and trainees covering AI in healthcare fundamentals. Topics may include machine learning basics, medical imaging AI, clinical applications, datasets, model evaluation, and responsible AI.
Mentored Research & Team Collaboration
Students are placed into small teams and paired with Stanford Student Leads and research mentors. Teams work on a focused health AI research project, learning how to frame questions, explore data, and communicate findings.
Hands-On Project Sessions
Dedicated working time allows students to apply lecture concepts while building teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Meet-the-Expert Speaker Series
Guest speakers from academia, healthcare, industry, non-profit, and government sectors share perspectives on real-world AI applications and career pathways.
Community & Social Engagement
Informal activities foster peer connection and cohort community in the virtual environment.
- All interns must be residing in the United States for the full duration of the program. Applicants must currently attending a US high school (entering 9th grade through 12th grade in Fall 2026). At this time, we are unable to accept international students or applicants residing outside of the US.
- Must be over the age of 14 by the start of the program
- Strong preference for students with strong math and/or computer programming skills and/or experience with a healthcare project
- Due to limited space, we expect students to commit to participating for the full-day agenda (9am-1pm) throughout the entirety of the 2-week program
Stanford AIMI embraces inclusion, integrity, diversity, and team-science as pillars for success. We encourage students from all backgrounds to apply, particularly students from groups under-represented in AI, including, but not limited to, first generation students, students from varying socioeconomic backgrounds, students with disabilities, students who are members of federally recognized tribes, students who have been underrepresented in the field on the basis of gender identity or expression of sexual orientation, or students with work, educational, or life experiences that contribute to the diversity of the field of AI in medicine. Applications are open to individuals of all backgrounds and will be reviewed and selections made in conformance with applicable law.
The online application consists of questions related to your background, short-essay questions and uploading your unofficial transcript. You will receive a copy of your completed application upon successful submission.
Applications for 2026 will release on December 15th, 2025.
Session A: June 15 - June 26
Session B: July 6 - July 17
The AIMI Summer Research Internship is a virtual program offered across two sessions. Both sessions feature the same curriculum, structure, and core activities, with only minor variation in guest speakers based on availability. Students will be assigned to a session based on the availability indicated in their application.
Program sessions will take place Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), unless otherwise noted in the program schedule or syllabus. Participants are expected to log in and attend all virtual sessions during the designated program hours.
In addition, project teams may coordinate optional virtual meetings outside of scheduled program hours to collaborate on their research projects.
Students who successfully attend and participate in the full internship program will receive a Certificate of Completion from the Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging (AIMI).
In order to successfully complete the program, students must not have more than 1 excused or unexcused absence.
Key Dates
- Application Opens: December 15, 2025
- Application Deadline (Financial Aid): February 13, 2026 at 11:59pm PST
- Application Deadline (Standard): February 20, 2026 at 11:59pm PST
Fee and Payment Info
- Application Fee: $45
- Program Fee: $2,400
Program fees are due upon acceptance and support the delivery of AIMI’s high school programs, including instruction, research mentorship, curriculum development, and program operations.
The AIMI Summer Research Internship was initially offered at no cost and later at a subsidized rate. As the program has grown, we have worked to expand capacity and provide more students with access to structured research training in health AI. Delivering and scaling these opportunities requires significant instructional, mentorship, and program infrastructure support. The program fee reflects the cost of sustaining and growing a highly structured, research-focused experience led by Stanford students and researchers.
A limited number of need-based financial aid awards are available. We are committed to supporting access for talented students regardless of financial circumstance and encourage applicants to apply for aid if cost would otherwise be a barrier to participation. Please be sure to review the financial aid eligibility criteria in the FAQs section below before submitting a financial aid application.
Application
Submit only one application below, based on whether you are applying for financial aid.
| Standard Application | Financial Aid Application |
|---|---|
| The Standard Application deadline is Friday, February 20, 2026, at 11:59pm PT. The standard application includes questions about your background, short essay responses, and submission of your unofficial transcript. A $45 application fee is due at the time of submission. Please refer to the FAQs below for full instructions. | The Financial Aid Application deadline is Friday, February 13, 2026, at 11:59pm PT. The financial aid application includes the full internship application. No application fee is due when submitting the financial aid application. Application materials will be reviewed only if financial aid eligibility criteria are met. Please refer to the FAQs below for full instructions. |
FAQs
Why does the program charge tuition when it was previously offered at no cost?
The AIMI Summer Research Internship was initially offered at no cost and later at a subsidized rate. As the program has grown, we have worked to expand capacity and provide more students with access to structured research training in health AI. Delivering and scaling these opportunities requires significant instructional, mentorship, and program infrastructure support. Tuition now reflects the true cost of sustaining and growing a highly structured, research-focused experience led by Stanford students and researchers.
We recognize that cost may present a barrier for some families. Need-based financial aid is available to support qualified students.
How many students will be accepted into the program?
Approximately 100 students will be admitted (50 students each session). Final cohort size may vary slightly year to year.
Is there an advantage to applying early?
No. Applications are reviewed after the deadline, and all submissions are evaluated equally.
Do you accept applications after the deadline?
Due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to accept submissions after the posted deadline.
I made an error in my application. Can I resubmit or make edits?
Due to application volume, we are unable to accommodate edits or resubmissions. Only one submission per applicant is permitted.
Can students include letters of recommendation in their application?
Letters of recommendation are not required and are not considered as part of the review process.
Am I eligible to apply if I am not currently living in the U.S. or am not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident?
At this time, the program is geared toward students residing in the United States and attending a U.S. high school in Fall 2026. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or individuals on a valid visa. Proof of status and a U.S. address are required, as participants must be based in the U.S. for the duration of the program. Any changes to residency or visa status must be reported to program staff promptly.
I do not have a background in computer science or coding. Can I still apply?
The Summer Research Internship is designed for students with a strong foundation in computer science, mathematics, and/or biology. Students with limited coding experience are encouraged to consider the Summer Health AI Bootcamp, which provides a more introductory learning experience.
What is the difference between the Summer Research Internship and the Summer Health AI Bootcamp?
The Summer Research Internship is project-based and geared toward students with stronger technical skills, focusing on applied problem-solving in AI in medicine. The Summer Health AI Bootcamp is designed for learners of all levels and emphasizes foundational concepts through lectures, discussions, and guided learning.
Can I apply to both programs?
Yes. Applicants may apply to both programs; however, students may only enroll in one if accepted.
Do participants receive a Certificate of Completion?
Yes. Students who attend and participate fully will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Are AIMI Summer Programs credit-bearing?
No. These programs are non-credit enrichment experiences and do not fulfill academic credit requirements.
Will participation guarantee a letter of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation are not guaranteed. However, we are pleased to write strong letters for students who are actively engaged, demonstrate initiative, and perform well during the internship. Letters are typically based on the quality of a student’s participation, collaboration, and overall contributions to their project team.
Will interns continue working with Stanford researchers after the program ends?
The Summer Research Internship concludes at the end of the two-week program. Summer participants are invited, on a first-come, first-served basis, to apply for the AIMI Academic Year Internship. This longer, more in-depth program spans several months and provides expanded opportunities for sustained mentorship, deeper research engagement, and continued skills development.
AIMI offers need-based financial aid to support eligible students.
Financial Aid Application Deadline: February 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT
The financial aid application includes the full internship application. No application fee is due when submitting the financial aid application. Application materials will be reviewed only if financial aid eligibility criteria are met.
Admitted students may receive partial or full financial aid, depending on demonstrated need and available funding.
Eligibility is assessed on a rolling basis. Applicants who do not meet financial aid criteria will be notified before the standard program application deadline so that they may still submit a standard application before its deadline if they choose to. We are unable to transfer responses between applications. Please save a copy of your answers. A confirmation copy will also be emailed to you.
Applying for financial aid does not impact admissions decisions. Financial need is reviewed separately to ensure it neither advantages nor disadvantages applicants.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet one of the following and provide documentation:
1. Gross Family Income Below $80,000 per Year
Required: A copy of the family’s 2025 tax return showing total annual income. If 2025 taxes have not yet been filed, a 2024 tax return may be submitted instead.
2. Enrollment in a Federal, State, or Local Low-Income Support Program
Required: Official documentation on program letterhead confirming the student’s enrollment.
3. Demonstrated Financial Need
Required: A letter from a high school principal, counselor, financial aid officer, or community leader explaining the student’s financial need. Letters must be on official letterhead and include the recommender’s name, title, email, and phone number.
Alternatively, applicants may submit a short essay describing their financial circumstances or extenuating factors. Program staff may request additional documentation or schedule a follow-up discussion if needed.
Contact Us
Please contact our program staff at aimi-hs-programs@stanford.edu with any additional questions.