Students on the Forefront
For years, Students on the Forefront has provided Brooks students with on-site opportunities in research laboratories, hospitals and hubs of engineering and technological innovation. The program opens doors for rising sixth-form students to gain professional insights and experiences in areas of intellectual curiosity and passion. It is our strong belief that a hands-on research opportunity in a lab or field setting will best encourage students to pursue their interests further.
2026 Program Timeline
- January 29: Application window opened, with an information meeting
- February 16: Applications due at 8 a.m.
- February 23-27: Interviews held on campus
- March 6: Decisions released: Congratulations, Brooksians!
My placement allowed me to look beyond the classroom and experience what it is like to be in the field professionally. They don't teach you how tiring it is to be in surgery for 10+ hours at a time, or how long and how much precision it takes to develop a single microscope slide in school!
Recipients, selected through a competitive application process, will participate in this summer undertaking provided by the program. Students must be willing to commit to the programs for their entire length and recognize the serious obligations involved in such an undertaking.
I've been asked if I'm in med. school about six times. It's fun to respond with, 'Nope, I'm actually in high school.'
Recent opportunities:
- Clinical rotations in cardiology and general surgery at Lawrence General Hospital (LGH)
- Surgical clinical rotation, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)
- Amyloidoisis laboratory research, Boston Medical Center (BMC)
- Orthopedic medicine rotation, Tufts Medical Center (TMC)
- Internship in communications and science writing, Quebec Labrador Foundation, Ipswich, MA (QLF)
- Psychiatric neuroimaging laboratory of Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH)
- Medical device development and testing, Globus Medical
- Field-based research and community engagement, Coastal Restoration and Climate Resilience Lab
For students who do not live in the Boston or North Shore (MA) area, Brooks School arranged for housing through Harvard Summer School (HSS). Students took one class in addition to completing their professional experience; they received college credit for that class. Students apply to the HSS program as soon as they receive their Students on the Forefront placement, and then register for classes in the spring.
For questions about the Students on the Forefront program, contact Dean of Teaching and Learning Joanna McDonough.