K-12 Programs and Partnerships

Apprenticeships in STEAM Exploration

The ASE Program connects motivated high school students with mentors in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) pre-professional internships over the summer. Internships can be part-time or full-time, and provide hands-on work experience in a variety of different industries. The application process includes free workshops on cover letter writing and interview training, and selected applicants are paid a learning stipend. OHSU is just one of many host sites - visit the ASE website to view available positions and their eligibility requirements.

  • Eligibility: High School Students
  • Duration and schedule: Summer (8-10 weeks)
  • Application timeline: January – March, exact dates vary year to year
  • Program contact: ase@saturdayacademy.org 
  • Program website: ASE Program

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 www.dangerousdecibels.org including:
    • 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.

  • Eligibility: Children, adults, families and educators
  • Duration and schedule: Varies by activity
  • Application timeline: Not supplied
  • Program contact: See the program website
  • Program website: Dangerous Decibels

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 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.

  • Eligibility: High School Students
  • Duration and schedule: One Wednesday evening per month, November–May; two hours per session
  • Application timeline: October
  • Program contact: Alicia Lannon, sodadmit@ohsu.edu
  • Program website: Dental Explorers

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.

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. Previous projects focused on the A-Mazing Cell Races. That project offered students 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.

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:

  • Eligibility: High School Student
  • Duration and schedule: Summer
  • Program contact: office@neoahec.org 
  • Program website: MedQuest

 

On Track OHSU!

Established in 2013, On Track OHSU! is a statewide STEM and health sciences pathway program that supports students from middle school through postsecondary education. Through partnerships with Oregon schools, communities, colleges, and OHSU programs, On Track expands access to career exploration, mentorship, hands-on learning, and professional development, helping students envision and pursue futures in science, healthcare, and biomedical research.

On Track provides sustained engagement that builds students’ interest, confidence, academic identity, and sense of belonging in science and healthcare. Programming strengthens perseverance, leadership, and readiness for college and careers. School partnerships reflect geographic access, rural community needs, and socioeconomic and educational resource needs, with support such as transportation, meals, and stipends helping reduce barriers to participation.

The program serves six partner high schools and 11 feeder middle schools, with onsite support from Community Managers and Student Success Facilitators who build relationships with students, families, and school personnel. These staff coordinate programming, provide individualized guidance, and connect students with academic resources, mentors, and educational opportunities. Post-secondary support extends this commitment through advising, professional development, and connections to education and career pathways.

With more than a decade of community partnership, On Track OHSU! connects sustained student support with meaningful opportunities, helping students move from career curiosity toward their educational and professional goals while strengthening Oregon’s future science and healthcare workforce.

Program details: 

  • Eligibility: Middle school students @ Harriet Tubman, Ockley Green, Faubion K-8, Vernon K-8, Parkrose, French Prairie, Valor, Warm Springs K-8, Brixner Jr. High, Chiloquin Jr. High, & Chiloquin Elem. High School students @ Jefferson, Parkrose, Woodburn, Madras, Mazama & Chiloquin. Post-secondary students from any undergraduate institution
  • Duration and schedule: Year-round, from middle school through postsecondary education.
  • Application timeline: Not applicable
  • Program contact: ontrack@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: On Track OHSU!

Oregon AHEC Programs

Oregon Area Health Education Center (AHEC) has education programs across five regional centers and a program office at Oregon Health & Science University. Programs are designed to engage aspiring health care professionals at each step of their journey, which starts with career exploration in their youth, follows them through their education and continues after they obtain their credentials.

To learn more, visit the website below and read the Oregon AHEC Program Guide, which highlights the wide range of opportunities available across the statewide network. The guide organizes programs by stage and eligibility, making it easier to understand what Oregon AHEC offers and how to get involved.

  • Eligibility: Programs across the education continuum, including high school, college and graduate students.
  • Duration and schedule: Dates vary at each of our statewide AHEC Centers
  • Application timeline: Varies by program; consult the program guide
  • Program contact: ahec@ohsu.edu
  • Program website: AHEC Program

Oregon National Primate Research Center Tours

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 charge and provide an opportunity to learn more about the role of nonhuman primates in biomedical research and to observe nonhuman primate behavior. The minimum group size is 10; maximum group size is 50.

  • Eligibility: Educational and community groups and the public, ages 10 and older. Group size: 10–50. Selected laboratory tours are limited to groups of 18 or fewer, ages 16 and older.
  • Duration and schedule: Ongoing
  • Application timeline: Contact the program to arrange a tour
  • Program contact: Kayla McDaniel, mcdankay@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: ONPRC Tours

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.

  • Eligibility: Middle and High School Science Teachers
  • Duration and schedule: Eight weeks in each of two consecutive summers; flexible start and end dates.
  • Application timeline: May–August in the summer before the internship
  • Program contact: Kayla McDaniel, mcdankay@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: Partners in Science Program

Partnership for Scientific Inquiry (PSI)

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.

  • Eligibility: High School Students
  • Duration and schedule: January - May (Course + Projects), June-August (Internship)
  • Application timeline: Late September through Mid November
  • Program contact: psiprogram@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: PSI program

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 STEAM Exploration 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. 

School of Dentistry Summer Research Internship

The OHSU School of Dentistry Summer Research 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 dental students currently enrolled in 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.

  • Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students, plus students currently enrolled in the OHSU Dentistry program. Baseline also lists recent undergraduate graduates and minimum age 16; confirm whether those criteria remain.
  • Duration and schedule: Summer, eight weeks; June - August
  • Application timeline: November- February
  • Program contact: SoDResearch@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: School of Dentistry Research Internship Program

Science Ambassadors

Science Ambassadors is a STEM mentorship after-school program that provides opportunities for high school students to learn about cutting-edge science while mentoring a 5th grade student. High school students meet weekly throughout the school year on Wednesdays. They learn about science from Primate Center researchers and develop hands-on activities relating to important science concepts to share with the 5th grader "mentees" who join the group twice a month.

  • Eligibility: High School Students, 5th Grade Students
  • Duration and schedule: November through mid-May
  • Application timeline: September to mid-October
  • Program contact: The ONPRC Outreach Department at onprcoutreach@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: Science Ambassadors

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.

  • Eligibility: Incoming high school seniors through college; participants in the national STEMPrep Project.
  • Duration and schedule: Summer, 8–10 weeks
  • Application timeline: December 1 - February 15
  • Program contact: stemprep@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: STEMPrep-OHSU Internship Program

Ted R. Lilley Summer CURE Research Program

The CURE Program 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 the CURE Program is to address the issue of health equity by increasing participation of youth from underserved populations in biomedical research and other health-related fields.

  • Eligibility: High School Students, Minimum age 16
  • Duration and schedule: June-August (8 weeks)
  • Application timeline: October - January
  • Program contact: cureinternship@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: CURE Program

Tribal Health Scholars (THS)

Tribal Health Scholars (THS) is a paid externship program that supports and inspires American Indian/Alaska Native high school students to envision themselves as future healthcare professionals and pursue the education and training needed for a career in healthcare.

Scholars participate in a 10-week virtual curriculum that explores a different healthcare field each week and features guest speakers from a variety of health professions. In addition, scholars complete 10 hours of clinical shadowing at a local tribal health clinic or hospital, providing firsthand exposure to healthcare careers and clinical settings. Scrubs are provided. Scholars also receive one-on-one and group mentoring tailored to their individual educational and career interests.

  • Eligibility: American Indian/Alaska Native high school students
  • Duration and schedule: February–May; 10-week virtual curriculum plus 10 hours of clinical shadowing.
  • Application timeline: October 1 - Jan 31
  • Program contact: tribalhealthscholars@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: Tribal Health Scholars

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.

  • Eligibility: High school and college students
  • Duration and schedule: Summer, eight weeks; approximately 24 hours per week.
  • Application timeline: Early December to mid-January
  • Program contact: UCEDDSIP@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: UCEDD