The purpose of the Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is to stimulate interest in a career in brain science and medicine through pre-college exposure to a professional academic research and clinical environment combined with short- and long-term mentoring, educational resources, and encouragement.

Application Period

Applications for the Summer 2025 Internship are open from December 1, 2024 to March 1, 2025. 

Qualifications

We are seeking current high school juniors and seniors interested in future research and clinical careers in behavioral sciences (psychiatry or psychology) or brain health-related sciences (neurology, neurosurgery or neuroscience). To foster diversity in the biomedical training field, we strongly encourage students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds to apply. Read the National Institutes of Health: Notice of Interest in Diversity to see the criteria for underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds. 

Program Options

The Johns Hopkins Internship In Brain Sciences Program is conducted in two formats: in person and virtually. Please use this flowchart to determine which program you are eligible for:

Eligibility and Application Forms

JHIBS In-Person Cohen Opportunity Fund: The original iteration of our program, this option is open to students who live in Baltimore City, Maryland, and who are enrolled full time in a Baltimore City Public High School. 

Apply for the Cohen Opportunity Fund Program

JHIBS In-Person Summer Jobs Program: The Johns Hopkins Summer Jobs Program and JHIBS are collaborating for the summer 2025 season to expand the in-person program. Applicants must live in Baltimore City, Maryland, but don't have to be attending a Baltimore City Public School.

Apply for the Summer Jobs Program

JHIBS Virtual Program: Started in 2020, this program is open to students who live anywhere in North America (U.S. or Canada) and are enrolled full time toward a high school diploma.

Apply for the virtual program 

Application Process:

Prepared by the Student Applicant:

To apply, please complete the appropriate application form linked above. As part of the application, all students regardless of the program will be asked to complete the following: 

• Provide basic background and demographic information
• Answer three essay questions
• Upload a resume that includes history of work, hobbies/research experience, etc.
• Upload a copy of your academic transcript (can be unofficial transcript).

Students applying to the JHIBS Summer Jobs Program must also complete the following: 

• The Johns Hopkins Summer Jobs Program - Partner Application
• Baltimore City Youthworks Application

In addition to the application form:

Applicants should request at least two (2) letters of recommendation, each from a person (preferably a teacher/mentor in mathematics or science) who can speak to the student’s background and how they will benefit from this program. 

Prepared by the Letter Writer (Recommender):

Letter writers should send their letter of recommendation (LOR) on behalf of the student to Drs. Amanda Brown and Asante Kamkwalala. Please see contact information at the bottom of the page.

Other Important Information

Complete applications, including all letters, transcripts and essays must be received by March 1, 2025 to be considered.

Application to the in-person program is extremely competitive! Students who apply to the in-person program and are not selected may be offered the opportunity to participate in the virtual program instead.

Note: If you are accepted, please be aware that extended absences during the virtual 5-week or in-person 8-week programs are not permitted. Do not apply knowing that you will not be able to commit to the program full time.

What to Expect in Each Program

Contact

For further information, please contact:

[email protected]

Dr. Amanda Brown
Email: [email protected]

Dr. Asante R. Kamkwalala
Email: [email protected]