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High School Graduate Research Program

Prepare for a career in science

A summer research opportunity for graduating high school seniors

Van Andel Institute’s High School Graduate Research Program is an eight-week paid summer research experience that introduces recent high school graduates from the Grand Rapids area to cutting-edge biomedical research. This program is open to all academically qualified students.

As part of the program, participants will work full time in the lab alongside professional scientists. They will develop invaluable skills and extend their knowledge of a variety of research-related topics.

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. An interest in pursuing a college degree in the natural sciences or biomedicine is preferred but not required for participation in the program.

Questions? Please contact Outreach Specialist & Program Coordinator Christian Mittendorf, M.A., at [email protected] or 616.234.5022.

VAI Research Departments

Cell Biology

Scientists in our Department of Cell Biology pursue fundamental research to understand how our cells grow, communicate, survive, assemble into tissues and organs, respond to the environment, and change with age.

Epigenetics

Scientists in our Department of Epigenetics seek to understand how epigenetic changes may either protect us from or predispose us to complex diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s and metabolic disorders.

Metabolism and Nutritional Programming​

Scientists in our Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming explore the intricate mechanics of cellular metabolism and their implications for health and in disease.

Neurodegenerative Science

By leveraging discoveries made in VAI’s labs and collaborating with researchers around the world, scientists in our Department of Neurodegenerative Science are working to translate breakthroughs into life-changing new treatments for Parkinson’s, dementias and depression.

Structural Biology

Scientists in our Department of Structural Biology harness cryo-electron microscopy and other state-of-the-art techniques to visualize molecules that may serve as treatment targets for cancer, neurological disorders, metabolic diseases, infectious diseases and more.

Program Details

The application period for the 2026 program has closed.

Tentative 2027 Program Dates: June–July 2027 (final dates to be announced)

Available Positions: 10

Paid Program: $15/hour

Commitment: Selected students must be able to commit to an eight-week continuous program. Typical hours will be Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a meal break.

Attendance: Attendance for the entire program and at all planned activities is mandatory.

Eligibility

To participate in Van Andel Institute’s High School Graduate Research Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Applicants must be 17 or older and will graduate from high school by the end of the 2026–2027 school year
  • Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Interest in pursuing a college degree in the natural sciences or biomedicine is preferred but not required for participation in the program
  • Preferred applicants will have completed at least one high school lab science course in biology or chemistry
  • Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents (green card holders with a work permit)

Application Process

  • Application period: The application window is open from January to mid-March 2027.
  • Interviews: Selected participants can expect to be interviewed in April 2027. Interviews will be conducted by faculty members in a friendly, welcoming environment appropriate for high school students. The faculty may choose to interview via Zoom or through an in-person meeting.
  • Offers announced: Selected applicants will receive offers to participate in the program on a rolling basis following their interview. Offers will be sent in May 2027.
  • Acceptance deadline: Applicants who receive offers will be given a date by which they need to accept or decline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Van Andel Institute’s address is 333 Bostwick Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

No, the High School Graduate Research Program does not award credits.

Yes, participants will be provided parking in VAI’s employee parking area.

Applicants must fill out the program application and provide a high school transcript that shows course grades and overall GPA.

Potential employment depends on the availability of positions and the needs of individual labs. These positions are sponsored by the laboratory and separate from the High School Graduate Research Program.

Yes. Each participant is required to complete a final project in consultation with their mentor. Acceptable project formats include:

  • An oral presentation on a selected scientific topic
  • A short written review summarizing the program experience or lab work
  • A poster presenting the student’s research

Participants will engage in hands-on research in fields such as molecular and cellular biology, structural biology, epigenetics, genetics, neuroscience, metabolism and bioinformatics under expert supervision. You’ll be a valued member of an active research team — maintaining lab records, analyzing data and following professional lab safety practices.

Complementing your laboratory activities, the program offers mentorship from professional scientists and includes workshops, journal clubs, career development sessions, and opportunities to connect with peers through social and networking events. 

VAI is committed to excellence through broad participation and diverse perspectives. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences who share our passions for innovation and collaboration.

Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance employer.