K-12 Programs and Partnerships
Apprenticeships in Science and Engineering Program
The ASE Program provides full-time summer internship experiences to 9-11th grade students beginning with free workshops on cover letter writing and interview skills training. Successful applicants are selected by ASE mentors and gain professional experience while working as interns with mentor professionals from industry, university, non-profit and government agencies. Various internships hosted by OHSU can be found, and applied for, through the ASE website. Internships are for 8 weeks.
Program details:
- When: Summer (8 weeks)
- Eligibility: Rising high school 10th, 11th or 12th grader
- Contact: info@saturdayacademy.org
Biomedical Research Immersion Experience (BRIE)
BRIE is a collaboration between the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce and the Oregon National Primate Research Center/OHSU. Through this program, 16 high school students may visit the Primate Center for 3 hours on each of 5 consecutive Fridays in either the Spring or Fall of each year. Students meet with various West Campus scientists and experience hands-on activities that support learning about the research that is occurring in a particular area. The 5-visit series culminate in a 3-hour job shadow.
Program details:
- When: Ongoing
- Eligibility: High school students
Cardiovascular Internship for High-School Students
Are you an Oregon high-school student interested in studying or working in cardiovascular health? Explore a career in the field of cardiology through a summer internship at the OHSU Knight Cardiovascular Institute.
The Knight Cardiovascular Institute Program gives high school students a chance to explore careers in the field of cardiology, including treatment and prevention. This internship will provide hands-on exposure to real-world applications in cardiovascular medicine, allow students to understand the complexities of the field, and foster a deeper appreciation for the critical role cardiovascular health plays in overall well-being.
Dangerous Decibels program
Dangerous Decibels is the award winning, evidence-based public health program designed to reduce the incidence and prevalence of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) and tinnitus (ringing in the ears, which is an early indicator of hearing loss) by changing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Initiated in 1999, Dangerous Decibels resources are now in use in over 40 countries and the educational program and materials have been translated from English into Portuguese (Brazilian), Malay, Mandarin and Tamil.
The three main educational messages communicated through all Dangerous Decibels activities are:
- What are sources of dangerous sounds?
- What are the consequences of being around dangerous sounds?
- How can I protect myself from dangerous sounds?
The Dangerous Decibels activities include:
- A highly interactive educational program demonstrated to be effective for improving knowledge, attitudes and intended behaviors regarding sound exposure and appropriate use of hearing protective strategies in children and adults.
- Educator training workshops that train, equip and certify individuals from diverse backgrounds to be able to effectively deliver the Dangerous Decibels programs. Workshops have been conducted in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Tonga and the US.
- The Dangerous Decibels website:
- The Jolene Cookbook – a fully illustrated tutorial on how to build your own mannequin that can measure the sound levels produced by personal audio devices.
- The Dangerous Decibels Virtual Exhibit – Eight web-based activities that will help users understand how the ear works, how it breaks and how to protect it from dangerous sounds.
- Information about dangerous noise levels, hearing loss and hearing protection.
- Free downloadable educational resources for families and teachers.
- Research studies about noise exposures in children, community-based hearing loss prevention in American Indian populations, the effectiveness of the Dangerous Decibels intervention in Brazil, China, Malaysia, New Zealand and the US, application of health communication science to changing hearing health behaviors in children and adults.
The program continues as an international, good-faith partnership between experts in hearing science, public health, noise, evaluation and education who are passionately dedicated to preventing noise induced hearing loss and tinnitus.
Visit the Dangerous Decibels site for program details and contact information.
Dental Exploring Program
OHSU’s Dental Explorers program provides participants with a general understanding of what a career in dentistry is all about. Participating high school and college students have been very enthusiastic about their experience, and many of them have successfully matriculated to dental school.
Monthly two-hour sessions are held at the School of Dentistry, with an emphasis on hands-on activities. The first hour is comprised of a lecture from dental school faculty from a variety of disciplines, while the second hour is a laboratory experience. Current dental students organize monthly meetings and act as mentors.
Program details:
- When: Meets one evening each month (generally the first Wednesday) from November through May
- Eligibility: High school students
- Contact: sodadmit@ohsu.edu
Fluorescence Molecular Imaging Internship Program
The Fluorescence Molecular Imaging Internship Program is hosted by the Gibbs Laboratory to provide hands-on science education to high school and college students interested in careers in scientific research. Interns learn a variety of wet bench laboratory skills such as cell culture, spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, macroscopic fluorescence imaging, immunostaining, organic synthesis, small molecule purification as well as antibody conjugation and purification strategies. Additionally, interns learn about data analysis and processing and can learn about programming, especially in the area of image analysis. Interns will also learn about experimental planning and troubleshooting as it relates to their research project.
Program details:
- When: Summer
- Eligibility: High school and college students
- Contact: gibbsinternship@ohsu.edu
Free Entry-level Health Care Career Training at OHSU
Follow your career path to OHSU with free health care job training and certification. Here’s how to participate:
- Choose a career pathway and submit an application when a link is available. Please only apply for one pathway.
- We will contact selected applicants within two months for an interview.
- If selected, you will take classes to learn the role and get certified. Classes last a few weeks to several months depending on the pathway.
- After completing training, apply for the job at OHSU as a priority candidate. If hired, we request you work in that role for at least one year.
Program details:
- When: Yearly
- Eligibility: Must have a high school diploma or be 18 or older
- Contact: buildingbridges@ohsu.edu
Visit OHSU's entry-level health care training site for more information.
Galbraith Lab Quantitative Biology / Biophysics (QBB) Internships
The Quantitative Biology / Biophysics Internship in the Galbraith Lab within the Spatial Systems Biology Group and the BME Department creates opportunities for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students to participate in quantitative biology and biophysics research.
Past projects covered a wide range of quantitative biology and biophysics, including image analysis, -omic analysis, super-resolution microscopy, photophysics of dyes, immunohistochemistry, and basic molecular biology. In the summer of 2024, the projects focus on the A-Mazing Cell Races. Students will have the opportunity to use nanolithography to create cell-size mazes, image cells navigating the mazes, use machine learning to track cell movement, and develop a website to host results.
Interns meet with the PIs nearly daily; they are required to present weekly and are asked to read and analyze literature. In addition to seminars on campus, they are encouraged to view video cast seminars on websites such as iBiology and take online edX courses. All interns are required to keep detailed logbooks, verify reagents, back up data, and learn quantitative analysis. Interns are encouraged to take “scientific ownership” of their project and are asked to begin each week with a 2 min 2 slide presentation that describes 1) the “big picture” for the summer and 2) what part of the picture they were working on last week.
At the end of the internship program, interns are expected to present their work at the annual PacNoW meeting in Portland. PacNoW is the Pacific Northwest Quantitative Biology consortium that was co-founded by the Galbraith Lab at OHSU and the Applewhite and Ritz Labs at Reed. PacNoW is comprised of faculty from OHSU, Reed, Lewis & Clark, U of O, PSU, and OSU. An annual all-day symposium, which rotates between campuses, is held every year at the end of every summer. Quantitative biology students from all member institutions present their summer research.
Program details:
- When: Summer
- Eligibility: High school, undergrad and graduate students
- Contact: galbraithlab@ohsu.edu
Knight Scholars Program
Explore a career in cancer research through a year-long internship with the Knight Cancer Institute at OHSU. The Knight Scholars Program gives Oregon high school students a chance to explore careers in cancer research, treatment and prevention. Programs occur in the student’s home community and at the Knight Cancer Institute in Portland, Oregon. Virtual sessions throughout the school year prepare students for in-person internships during the summer.
The program is part of a national effort to increase diversity in cancer professions. Students from underrepresented communities, including students of diverse races and ethnicities and students from rural areas are encouraged to apply. Students are paid a stipend during their participation in the program. Our next year-long session begins in August 2025. For more information, email knightscholars@ohsu.edu.
Let's Get Healthy!
Education and research program from Oregon Health & Science University that travels around the state to help the public learn about their health.
MedQuest Health Career Exploration Camp
MedQuest is designed for high school students interested in learning more about careers in health care. MedQuest will connect you with new friends, resources, and unique learning opportunities!
Included in your experience:
- Skills and hands-on techniques
- Job shadowing
- Mentorship
- Stethoscopes for all campers
Program details:
- When: Summer
- Eligibility: High school student
- Contact: office@neoahec.org
On Track OHSU!
Created in 2013, On Track OHSU! is a statewide, equity-centered K–16 pathway initiative. The program is designed to support historically underserved students—particularly those from rural, low-income, and communities of color—on their journey toward careers in science, healthcare, and biomedical research.
At its core, On Track OHSU! works in deep partnership with Oregon schools and communities to dismantle barriers to access and success in STEM and health professions. The program provides longitudinal engagement beginning in middle school and extending through college, offering a continuum of opportunities that foster curiosity, build confidence, and cultivate a strong sense of belonging in science and healthcare settings.
Each school site (6 partner high schools and 11 feeder middle schools) is supported by a Community Manager and Student Success Facilitator—a culturally responsive staff member embedded within the school community who builds trust, coordinates programming, and provides holistic support to students and families.
With over a decade of community engagement and a proven track record of impact, On Track OHSU! exemplifies how academic institutions can partner with communities to transform educational trajectories and diversify the future healthcare and research workforce.
Program details:
- When: Ongoing
- Eligibility:
- Middle school students at Harriet Tubman, Ockley Green, Faubion K-8, Vernon K-8, Parkrose, French Prairie, Valor, Warm Springs K-8, Brixner Jr. High, Chiloquin Jr. High and Chiloquin Elem
- High School students at Jefferson, Parkrose, Woodburn, Madras, Mazama and Chiloquin
- Post-secondary students from any undergraduate institution
- Contact: ontrack@ohsu.edu
Oregon AHEC Programs
Oregon AHEC is a partnership between OHSU and five regional centers. Please visit center websites for programs in your county.
Oregon National Primate Research Center
- The ONPRC welcomes elementary and middle school students aged 10 and older; high school groups; students from colleges/universities; civic groups and other organizations; and members of the general public on tours that are designed for the special needs of each group in mind. Depending on group size and interest, tours may feature an interactive presentation about science methods, a presentation about current center research projects, a visit to the outdoor corrals to observe the Center's rhesus and Japanese macaque breeding colonies, a presentation by a Center scientist, and or/tours of selected labs (available for groups of 18 or fewer, ages 16 and older).
- All tours are free of change, and provide an opportunity to learn more about the role of nonhuman primates in biomedical research and to observe nonhuman primate behavior. Minimum group size 10.
Science Ambassador Program (for high school students and 5th graders)
- This program provides opportunities for high school students to learn about cutting-edge science while developing their leadership skills. High school students meet weekly throughout the school year. They learn about science from Primate Center researchers, and develop and implement hands-on activities relating to important science concepts to share with the 5th grader "mentees" who join the group twice a month.
- Applications due in the fall of each year.
- For more information about K-12 opportunities at Oregon National Primate Research Center,
- contact Kayla McDaniel by phone 503-346-5055 or by email: mcdankay@ohsu.edu.
Partners in Science
This program, administered by The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, provides a generous stipend of $6,500 to encourage and enable full-time middle and high school science teachers to participate in research. Selected teachers conduct research projects under the direction of ONPRC/West Campus scientists for 8 weeks during each of two consecutive summers. Scientist mentors at OHSU’s West Campus are identified during the Spring and teachers are recruited at the start of the school year. After their 2nd summer of research, teachers may apply for a Classroom Innovation Grant, that awards up to $5,000 towards supplies for an inquiry-based project in the classroom.
For a list of mentors and projects and to apply to this program at the Oregon National Primate Research Center/OHSU West Campus, contact Kayla McDaniel, mcdankay@ohsu.edu or 503-346-5055. For more information about this program, visit the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust website.
Partnership for Scientific Inquiry (PSI)
The PSI program has an extensive history spanning over two decades, previously directed by a distinguished line of individuals: James Rosenbaum, MD, Edward Neuwelt, MD, Richard Rosenbaum, MD, Tammy Martin, PhD, Leslie Muldoon, PhD, DreeAnna Morris, BS, CPIA, and Hayleigh Ast, ND. Currently, Sofia Vignolo and Sam King, MD/PhD students in the OHSU School of Medicine, coordinate and lead the program. The PSI team also includes multiple teaching assistants who are either graduate or medical students.
The PSI program introduces high school students to the scientific process, encouraging their scientific passion and fostering a relationship between researchers and the local community. Our mission is to open doors to biomedical research for students in Oregon and the Portland metro community who might not have had the chance otherwise, particularly those without built-in advantages. This includes underrepresented racial/ethnic minority groups, students whose parents do not have graduate-level education, and those from low socioeconomic statuses. Our goal is to create a level playing field where talent, curiosity, and dedication are the primary criteria for success, thus inspiring future leaders in science from different backgrounds. We are committed to providing equitable access and opportunities in the world of biomedical research, ensuring that every aspiring student, regardless of their background, can participate and excel in this transformative experience.
Program details:
- When: 16-week course from January to May (optional summer internship)
- Eligibility: Sophomore, junior and senior high school students in Oregon and Portland metro area
- Contact: psiprogram@ohsu.edu
Saturday Academy programs
Saturday Academy offers hands-on, in-depth classes and camps for students in grades 2-12. Classes are taught by community experts in science, technology, engineering, math and the arts. In addition, we offer internships to high school students in science and engineering through our Apprenticeships in Science & Engineering program; we bring SA classes to local schools through our Saturday Academy to You program; and we teach technology and programming to girls through our Girls Engage Technology program.
Financial aid and tuition assistance are available. For more information or to register for classes, please visit Saturday Academy or call 503-200-5858.
School of Dentistry Summer Research Internship
The OHSU School of Dentistry Research Internship Program provides interns with practical research experience in the fields of dental and oral health. This program is designed to support high school students, undergraduates, and those matriculating into the OHSU Dentistry program, offering them valuable opportunities to engage in research activities. Our goal is to establish clear pathways to careers in dental, oral, and craniofacial research, fostering the next generation of researchers in these critical areas.
Our high school and undergraduate summer research programs are directed by Dr. Kirsten Lampi and coordinated by Tippi Etzel with funding through the National Institutes of Health.
Program details:
- When: Summer
- Eligibility:
- Currently enrolled as a student in high school or an undergraduate degree program or recent graduate from an undergraduate program
- 16 years or older
- Contact: etzelt@ohsu.edu or SODResearch@ohsu.edu.
Visit the School of Dentistry Research Internship Program for more information.
STEMPrep-OHSU Internship Program
The STEMPrep-OHSU Internship Program is part of the national STEMPrep Project coordinated by the Distance Learning Center. Our collective mission is to provide longitudinal STEM experiences to talented trainees from underrepresented populations in STEM across their learning continuum. Students selected for the STEMPrep-OHSU Internship Program are enrolled in an 8- to 10-week basic science research internship wherein they conduct experiments and gain wet bench experience: Interns are matched with a basic science research laboratory and conduct a productive hypothesis-driven research project mentored by OHSU faculty, post-doctoral fellows and graduate students. Students engage in twice-weekly didactics with curriculum focused on basic science research fundamentals, cancer research, and graduate education/career path resources. They are additionally paired with a clinical mentor to explore the application of basic science research within the field of practiced medicine. The program culminates with an oral presentation of each student’s research project and a poster symposium.
Students are housed at Portland State University for the duration of the program and commute to OHSU via trolley. Weekend field trips to campus or state landmarks are provided for our interns to explore the joys of Oregon.
Program details:
- When: Summer
- Eligibility: Incoming high school juniors through college
- Contact: stokeske@ohsu.edu
Visit STEMPrep-OHSU Internship Program for more information.
Ted R. Lilley Summer CURE Research Program
The Ted R. Lilley Continuing Umbrella of Research Education (CURE) Program is a research internship program supported by the Knight Cancer Institute and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion. It offers hands-on research experiences to Portland-area high school students who excel academically and come from socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The goal of this program is to address the issue of health equity by increasing participation of underserved and underrepresented minorities in biomedical research and other health-related fields.
Program details:
- When: Summer
- Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors and seniors at least 16 years of age
- Contact: studentdiversity@ohsu.edu
Tribal Health Scholars (THS)
Tribal Health Scholars (THS) is a paid externship program that supports and inspires AIAN high school students to envision themselves as healthcare professionals and to pursue education required for a career in healthcare.
A 14-week virtual experience where each week, scholars learn in depth about different healthcare fields and hear from guest speakers 12 hours of a clinical shadowing externship where scholars gain exposure to health careers at their local tribal health clinics or hospitals (Scrubs will be provided). One-on-one and group mentoring on scholar’s educational and career interests.
Program details:
- When: February-Summer
- Eligibility: High school student
- Contact:
- Katie Harris, Murphy murpkati@ohsu.edu
- Isaac Butler butleris@ohsu.edu
University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Summer Internship Program
Held every summer, the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) Summer Internship Program (SIP) provides opportunities for a diverse group of Oregon high school or early college students to gain experience in the disability field, develop transferable skills, and learn about various career paths in health care. Interns will receive training on disability justice, advocacy and career options. Interns will participate in professional development sessions and tours at OHSU labs, clinics, and facilities.
Interns will participate approximately 24 hours per week in a project at one of the Institute on Development and Disability centers, gaining knowledge in research, clinical care, information dissemination, or community programs. Interns also have an opportunity to network with other interns, as well as OHSU staff and faculty. At the end of the internship, interns present their summer experience to their cohort, internship supervisors and IDD faculty and staff.
This internship is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in health care, with an emphasis on disability.
Program details:
- When: Summer
- Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students (preferably freshman/sophomore if in college) at least 16 years of age
- Contact: Rachel Benson, bensonra@ohsu.edu