What are the criteria for high school students to apply to GRIPS?

Students must reside in one of the following counties: Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz counties, and be 16 years of age by program start date. All interested students must submit an application by the due date in February.

Do I need prior internship or lab experience to apply?

No.  We strongly encourage students who have not had previous research experiences to apply. GRIPS is meant to be an entry-level program that introduces high school students to biomedical research.

Is there a charge to participate in this program?

No. There is no application fee, nor is there a fee to participate in the GRIPS program. To make this program more accessible, low-income students may be eligible for a scholarship.

What should I expect if I am selected?

Upon notification of acceptance, applicants will be required to fill out necessary HR documents. Participants must complete all required paperwork by requested deadlines to begin the program on time. Participants should expect to work approximately 20hrs per week for the duration of the program.

Can I start the internship any time I want? e.g. Sept - Jan?

No. The internship dates this year are June 17 - August 8, 2024.  While short absences may be accommodated, students should commit to the entire length of the program. 

Will I be notified if I do not get selected?

The Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS) is run by a small team of researchers who are volunteering their time. We apologize that due to the number of applications, it is not possible for us to respond to every applicant. If you have not heard from us by the due date, it means you were not selected. 

Will participation in this program lead to a research paper?

Participants should not expect to publish a paper. Due to the long timelines of most biomedical research, it is unusual for short experiences such as GRIPS to result in publications.

Can I work with the professor of my choice?

Lab placements will be made based on availability of host labs and projects. As such, we cannot guarantee specific lab assignments. However, if you are interested in specific professors or research topics please include that in your essays. We will do our best to place selected applicants in labs that match their interests.

Do I need prior computer science knowledge to apply?

No. However, your level of computer programming experience may be used to determine lab placement and appropriate projects. The most common languages used by genetics/genomics laboratories are Python, R, and Java. Prior experience in one of these languages is helpful, though not required.

I reside outside the US. Am I eligible to apply?

No. The program is only meant for students who reside in local counties.

Can a student from a non-Bay Area High School apply to the program if housing arrangements are made by the student?

No. The program is only meant for students who reside in local counties.

Is the program highly competitive, or do most applicants who meet the qualifications generally get in?

The program is highly competitive.  Typically we receive 250+ applications for less than 20 positions.

Are there any other ways for high school students to work in Genetics Dept labs?

GRIPS is the only high school level program sponsored by the Genetics Department. However, many Genetics Department faculty and community members are involved in programs run by other departments and groups at Stanford. The Stanford Office of Community Engagement maintains a list of additional opportunities for high school students. 

I’m faculty, staff, or a graduate student in the Genetics Department. How can I get involved in GRIPS?

Contact us at grips-program@stanford.edu to sign up as a host lab, mentor, or application reviewer. Please also share information about the GRIPS program with any local high school students who are interested in gaining research experience. We would welcome your help and involvement!

Can I donate to support this program?

Yes! We welcome your support. Your gift will have a direct benefit on our educational programs, making it possible for us to continue providing course materials, program staff, resources and laboratory supplies, and need-based scholarships for low income students. If you are interested in supporting GRIPS (or any of our other educational programs) please contact us at grips-program@stanford.edu

I have a different question not answered on this page. Who can I contact?

Please direct any other questions to us at: grips-program@stanford.edu