The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) is excited to announce that the Internship Challenge application period is now open for internships taking place May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027. This program focuses on enhancing the talent pipeline for Massachusetts life sciences companies by providing college students hands-on work experience through paid internship opportunities. The program creates hundreds of new internships each year by enabling small companies to hire paid interns. Since 2009, the MLSC has supported over 8,300 internships for college students (representing nearly 300 academic institutions) with over 1,250 Massachusetts organizations.
This year, the program will offer paid internships to more than 600 college students and recent graduates who are considering career opportunities in the life sciences. Host companies commit to providing a dedicated mentor and meaningful internship opportunity that relates to the academic focus of students. Students in any major are encouraged to apply, though most interns have been Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Computer/Data Science and Business majors.
Since placements are rolling, there is no application deadline. However, students are urged to apply soon for the best chance to secure a summer placement. Host organizations review applications and contact students directly for interviews. The MLSC reimburses companies (with 100 or fewer employees in MA) and research institutions for intern stipends of up to $9,600 (based on a pay rate of $20/hour for 12 weeks).
Any student enrolled in a Massachusetts college or university is eligible to apply if they meet one of the following:
- Enrolled at a 4-year college or university and will have completed at least their freshman year before the internship or have graduated within the past calendar year. Graduate students must be enrolled in a master’s degree program or have received their degree within the past year. Other advanced degree candidates are not eligible.
For further details regarding this program, please visit our website: www.masslifesciences.com/programs/internship-challenge/
If you have questions, please email internship@masslifesciences.com
