If you are a high school student with a strong interest in genetics and are considering a future in science or medicine, participating in genetics research programs early on can be a valuable and impactful experience. Research programs in genetics offer hands-on experience in real labs where you might extract DNA, study genetic mutations, or work with cutting-edge tools used in genomic research.
Many genetics research programs (such as the ones below) for high school students are fully funded or provide stipends, making them accessible regardless of your financial background. You’ll get the chance to collaborate with scientists, learn advanced techniques, and gain insights into the daily work of genetics researchers. Whether you’re already set on a career in genetics or just beginning to explore the field, these experiences can boost your college applications and help you make more informed choices about your future.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 15 standout summer genetics research programs for high school students.
15 Genetics Research Programs for High School Students
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Biology Track
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by program
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week opportunity for high school students to explore academic research through one-on-one guidance. In this program, you’ll work directly with a Ph.D. mentor to develop and complete an independent research project. The program covers a wide range of subjects, including genetics, biotechnology, medicine, neuroscience, and other areas within the life sciences. By the end of the program, you’ll produce a research paper based on your chosen topic and the work you’ve done with your mentor.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites, see here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as biology, medicine, neuroscience, and genomics! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
3. Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: Some need-based scholarships are available for low-income students
Application Deadline: Late December – February 28
Program Dates: June 16 – August 7
Eligibility: Bay Area (Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz) high school students (16+) with a minimum 3.0 GPA; Students must also have some prior knowledge of biology, chemistry, or computer programming
The Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS) is an 8-week opportunity offered through Stanford University’s Department of Genetics. The program centers on computational genetics and genomics, and you’ll work on a research project in a laboratory setting under the guidance of a mentor, who may be a faculty member or a visiting researcher. Students are expected to commit around 20 hours per week to their research. In addition to lab work, the program includes seminars, panel discussions on careers in biomedical research, regular mentor meetings, professional development sessions, and activities designed to build community among participants.
4. Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $2,000 stipend
Application Deadline: February
Program Dates: February 27 – May 22 (spring); June 30 – August 15 (summer)
Eligibility: High school students (16+) attending a NYC Public or Charter school within 45 minutes of Genspace
During the Genspace Biorocket Research Internship, you’ll work on research projects related to areas such as DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, and genetic modification. The program includes guidance from a scientific mentor and access to laboratory facilities. In addition to lab work, the internship incorporates activities aimed at improving communication and collaboration, including field trips and workshops like improv training. Past student projects have included topics such as the impact of algae on water purification and comparisons of microbiomes in different tree species.
5. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipend provided (at least $500)
Application Deadline: February 22
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31
Eligibility: U.S.-based high school juniors or seniors (16+), U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is a two-month research opportunity that places students in one of several biomedical research areas based on their interests. These include Cancer Biology, Neurobiology, Immunology, Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Biology, and Genetics and Genomics. The program admits a limited number of students each year, and those selected gain direct experience in academic research while contributing to ongoing projects in their assigned field. As a participant, you’ll work alongside graduate students, researchers, and postdoctoral fellows in a lab setting.
6. Scripps Student Research Internship Program
Location: Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8; June 16 – August 22
Eligibility: High school students (16+) with a strong interest in genomics or mHealth translational research
The Student Research Internship Program at the Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI) is an 8-week summer program focused on translational science. As an intern, you’ll explore topics such as the genetic factors that influence human traits and diseases, as well as the role of mobile health technologies in clinical research. The program includes training in study design and data analysis methods, including genetic association studies and mobile health (mHealth) trials. You’ll also have the opportunity to observe aspects of clinical research and learn how to communicate scientific findings, covering topics like data interpretation, study design, and presentation of results.
7. Broad Scholars Summer Program
Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a $3,600 stipend
Application Deadline: January 22
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors attending a Massachusetts high school within commuting distance of the Broad Institute; Must have earned a B or higher in math and science; U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or authorized to work in the U.S. (e.g., DACA)
During the Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP), you will be paired with scientists at the Broad Institute to work on research projects in areas such as cancer biology, computational biology, infectious disease, psychiatric research, and genetics. If you’re interested in genetics, you may be placed in research groups focused on topics like Genome Regulation, Cellular Circuitry, and Epigenomics and Genetic Perturbation Platform. Alongside lab work, the program includes activities such as seminars, career discussions, a college fair, and a final poster session where students present their research.
8. Jackson Laboratory’s Summer Student Program
Location: The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipend of $6,500
Application Deadline: Late October – January 27
Program Dates: May 31 – August 8
Eligibility: High school students (18+) who have completed grade 12; U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents
The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program selects around 40 participants each year, who will be paired with scientific mentors to carry out a research project. As part of the program, you’ll design experiments, collect and analyze data, and prepare a report on your findings. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research at a symposium attended by fellow students, researchers, and guests. In addition to lab work, the program includes activities focused on science communication, professional development, and opportunities to explore the surrounding area through organized trips and events.
9. DNA Learning Center Urban Barcode Research Program
Location: DNA Learning Center at City Tech, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipend of $500
Application Deadline: May 27
Program Dates: The first required lab training course will take place from August 25 – 29; Additional sessions will be scheduled during the school year; The research symposium will take place in late May/early June
Eligibility: NYC high school students in grades 9-12
The Urban Barcode Research Program, offered by the DNA Learning Center, gives high school students the chance to participate in a research project focused on DNA barcoding. Each summer, interviews are held in July, and 36 students are selected to join the program. As a participant, you’ll work with mentors to study the relationship between biodiversity and human activity. The program includes training in research proposal writing, sample collection, fieldwork, DNA extraction, barcoding techniques, and data analysis. Before beginning lab work, you’ll take part in foundational courses and lab sessions covering topics such as biodiversity, conservation biology, and research methods.
10. Biotech Summer Experience at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL)
Location: Edward Teller Education Center, Livermore, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: February 3 – March 14
Program Dates: July 14 – 25
Eligibility: High school students (16+) with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher
The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) offers a two-week summer program for high school students with an interest in molecular biology and bioinformatics. During the program, you’ll learn laboratory techniques such as plasmid DNA isolation, PCR, restriction enzyme digestion, and gel electrophoresis. You’ll also use bioinformatics tools to study gene sequences and compare your findings with established scientific methods. Students in the program have the option to submit their DNA sequence data to GenBank, a public database used by researchers worldwide.
11. Houston Methodist’s Summer Internship Program
Location: Houston Methodist, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: December 2 – January 31
Program Dates: May 27 – August 1
Eligibility: Current juniors and seniors (16+)
The Houston Methodist Academic Institute offers a 10-week summer internship during which you’ll work on an individual research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor and present your work in a poster competition at the end. In addition to research, the internship includes weekly career development seminars, lectures from scientists and physician researchers, and mentorship from lab leaders. You’ll also have chances to network and participate in social events with others in the program. Some interns may have the opportunity to contribute to research publications.
12. UChicago Medicine’s ResearcHStart Program
Location: Various universities in Chicago, IL
Stipend: $3,000 (taxable)
Application Deadline: January 20
Program Dates: 8 weeks from June – August
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors(16+) with a strong interest in scientific research or medicine; Should be able to commit to 8 weeks of full-time programming
The University of Chicago Medicine’s ResearcHStart Program offers high school students practical experience in cancer research. As an intern, you’ll work in research labs alongside scientists, learning to design experiments, analyze data, and develop laboratory skills related to cancer biology, immunotherapy, and genetic factors. The program also includes lectures, career workshops, and opportunities to connect with professionals in the field.
13. Biotech Research at the Boston Leadership Institute
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,200
Application Deadline: Not mentioned; Apply early
Program Dates: June 30 – July 11
Eligibility: High school students
This program offers a hands-on introduction to biotechnology and genetic engineering that you can do from home. Guided by Dr. Maria Lazebnik, a PhD graduate in Genetics from Tufts School of Medicine, you’ll explore key concepts in molecular biology through practical experiments. The program provides the necessary lab equipment shipped directly to you, allowing you to perform techniques such as bacterial transformation, genetic engineering, and micropipetting without needing access to a traditional lab. The curriculum also covers relevant topics like antibody-based testing for SARS-CoV-2. As part of the course, you’ll select and research an individual project related to genetic diseases.
14. Biomedical Research Academy – University of Pennsylvania
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $5,949; School District of Philadelphia public or charter high school students may qualify for a Penn Summer Prep scholarship and attend the program for free
Application Deadline: April 27
Program Dates: July 5 – 26
Eligibility: Students in 9th-11th grade with at least one year of biology in high school
The Biomedical Research Academy at the University of Pennsylvania is a three-week residential program that introduces you to cellular, molecular, and genetic research. Through lectures by Penn faculty and scientists, journal discussions, and hands-on lab work, you’ll develop a foundation in biomedical research. You will learn experimental methods such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, and ELISA. The program also includes training in computational biology, where you’ll use tools like Bash and Python to analyze genomic data and interpret biological information.
15. Coriell Summer Experience for High School Students
Location: Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Camden, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: May 15
Program Dates: Mid-July – Mid-August
Eligibility: Must be 17+ by July 1 and a U.S. resident
The Coriell Summer Experience is a four-week internship at the Coriell Institute for Medical Research designed for high school students interested in biomedical research and biotechnology. During the program, you’ll work alongside scientists and technicians to develop skills in DNA extraction, karyotyping, stem cell research, and biobanking procedures. The internship also includes seminars led by Coriell researchers and sessions focused on career development, such as resume writing and interview skills. You will present your final research project at the end of the program.
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