Computational biology is one of the fastest-growing fields at the intersection of biology, computer science, and mathematics. For high school students, summer programs in this area provide a rare chance to explore how data and algorithms are used to understand genetics, disease, evolution, and more. These experiences go beyond what most school curriculums cover, introducing you to coding, data analysis, and research methods that scientists use in real labs.
Attending a computational biology summer program can also help you build practical skills and clarify your interests before college. Many programs emphasize collaboration, giving you the opportunity to work on real projects with peers and mentors. The exposure can strengthen college applications, but more importantly, it allows you to see how your curiosity in science and technology can be applied to solving practical problems in healthcare, medicine, and the environment.
In this blog, we’ve compiled 15 computational biology summer programs that help students build interdisciplinary skills and gain experience with research and tools used in the field.
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic records (avg. admitted GPA ≥ 3.3/4.0)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper. The program spans a wide range of disciplines, and you can tailor the topic to one that suits your interests. You can find more details about the application here.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program is a great fit if you’re just starting with AI, robotics, machine learning, or data science. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. However, if you’re seeking a more in-depth and advanced experience, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase is a strong option. Through this program, you get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that you have access to the in-house publication team to help you secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. GRIPS at Stanford University
Location: Stanford University Campus, CA
Cost: None
Application Deadline: February 28
Program Dates: June 16 – August 7
Eligibility: Current high school students who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program and reside in one of the following counties: Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz.
The Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS) is an eight-week hybrid program for Bay Area high school students interested in computational biology. You’ll spend 20 hours a week conducting research in a genomics lab, developing skills in data analysis, experimental design, and scientific communication. In addition to lab work, the program includes cohort sessions, career panels in biomedical research, and regular mentor check-ins. The focus is on building technical proficiency and research fluency in real lab environments.
4. Computational Biology at Carnegie Mellon University
Location: Carnegie Mellon University Campus, PA
Cost: $7,480 (Commuter); $10,000 (Residential)
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: June 21 – July 19
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old before the start of the program
The Pre-College Program in Computational Biology at Carnegie Mellon University introduces high school students to the intersection of biology, computer science, and automation. Over the course of the program, you’ll investigate real microbial ecosystems, starting with fieldwork in Pittsburgh’s rivers, then extracting and sequencing bacterial DNA in the lab. You’ll then analyze that data through code you write in small, guided teams. Through modules in genome assembly, evolutionary trees, and metagenomics, you’ll build a strong foundation in both experimental techniques and computational problem-solving. The program highlights the synergy between biology and computer science while giving you early exposure to university-level research and technology.
5. Columbia Pre-College – Modern Biology & Its Real World Applications
Location: Columbia University Campus, NY
Cost: $12,764
Application Deadline: Accepted on a rolling basis
Program Dates: Summer A (in-person): June 30 – July 18 | Summer B (in-person): July 22 – August 8
Eligibility: Current high school students
Columbia University’s pre-college course in modern biology gives high school students a foundational understanding of key biological principles and their real-world applications. The course covers core topics like molecular biology, genetics, and evolution, and examines how they inform fields such as medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. As the course progresses, you’ll apply that knowledge to subjects like genetic engineering, cancer biology, immunology, and virology, while also developing skills in data analysis and exploring emerging research methods. The program incorporates discussions on bioethics, the biological dimensions of climate change, and the relationship between biology and broader disciplines like history, anthropology, and economics.
6. The Rockefeller University’s Summer Science Research Program
Location: RockEDU Science Outreach Laboratory at The Rockefeller University, NY
Cost: None
Application Deadline: January 3
Program Dates: June 23 – August 7
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old before the start of the program
The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) offers high school students the chance to conduct hands-on research alongside professional scientists in a team-based setting. Each group works under the guidance of a trained team lead and receives support from experienced mentors, creating a structured and collaborative learning environment. Hosted in Rockefeller’s RockEDU lab, the program provides you with personal lab space and the opportunity to contribute to an ongoing research project, one that may be in computational biology, and reflects both your interests and the expertise of your team. The experience begins with a week of orientation, where you gain familiarity with your team’s research focus, essential lab skills, and best practices in the lab. From the second week onward, you are encouraged to design and explore an independent research question related to the group’s central theme.
7. Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace
Location: Genspace in Brooklyn, NY
Cost: None; $2,000 stipend provided
Application Deadline: January 8
Program Dates: June 30 – August 15
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old before the start of the program and live near OR attend a NYC Public or Charter School within 45 minutes of Genspace
The Genspace Biorocket Research Internship is a six-month paid program for high school students interested in exploring biotechnology and genetic engineering. As an intern, you will work on research projects involving areas like DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology, all conducted in a professional lab environment equipped with modern tools and technology. In addition to lab work, you receive mentorship from practicing scientists and take part in field visits and improv-based workshops that help strengthen public speaking and science communication skills. Past interns have investigated topics ranging from algal water purification to microbiome variation in tree species, gaining experience in both experimental design and data analysis.
8. Mathematical and Computational Research in Biological Sciences at University of Chicago
Location: University of Chicago Campus, IL
Cost: $8,900
Application Deadline: Accepted on a rolling basis
Program Dates: June 14 – July 4
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors
This University of Chicago pre-college course introduces high school students to the intersection of biology, mathematics, and computer science through computational biology. You will explore how macromolecules like DNA, RNA, and proteins function, and how to use coding and data visualization tools to analyze biological processes. The course also offers access to high-performance computing tools through the university’s Research Computing Center. You will learn to conduct literature reviews, interpret large-scale biological data, and present your findings through scientific posters. Applicants should have completed at least one year of high school science and have some prior experience with coding. Designed for students with interests in biology, math, or computer science, the course provides a hands-on foundation in research and data analysis.
9. GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS) with NASA
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Accepted on a rolling basis
Program Dates: June 2 – August 29
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are US citizens
GL4HS is a four-week virtual program that introduces high school juniors and seniors to space biology research through NASA’s GeneLab platform. You learn to work with omics datasets, like genomic and transcriptomic data, while developing core skills in computational biology, data analysis, and scientific research methods. The program combines interactive lessons, coding labs, and a collaborative research project that culminates in a team competition. You also gain exposure to NASA scientists, academic researchers, and industry professionals through virtual networking sessions. One student team may be invited to present at the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research (ASGSR) conference.
10. The Broad Summer Scholars Program
Location: The Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA
Cost: None; $3,600 stipend provided
Application Deadline: January 22
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are US citizens and attend a high school in Massachusetts
The Broad Summer Scholars Program offers high school students the chance to conduct hands-on research at the Broad Institute, a world-renowned center for biomedical and genomic research. Over six weeks, you are paired with professional scientists and engage in original research across areas like chemical biology, computational biology, and genomics. In addition to lab work, the program includes seminars, mentorship opportunities, and events focused on career exploration and college readiness. You attend lectures by leading researchers, take part in a college fair, and build connections with peers and professionals. The program culminates in a research presentation where students share their findings with the Broad community.
11. Biomedical Research Academy at UPenn
Location: University of Pennsylvania Campus, PA
Cost: $9,949
Application Deadline: Not specified
Program Dates: July 5 – 26
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors
The Penn Biomedical Research Academy gives high school students a hands-on introduction to molecular, cellular, and genetic biology through the lens of biomedical research. Designed for those curious about how biology connects to disease, the program combines daily lectures, journal clubs, and lab work for a well-rounded experience. You’ll attend lectures from Penn scientists and clinicians, participate in small-group discussions of scientific papers led by faculty mentors, and conduct experiments in university labs. Research topics may include genome sequencing, vaccine development, antibiotic resistance, and more, offering exposure to both foundational concepts and cutting-edge discoveries in biomedicine.
12. Summer Research Experience at Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Location: Worcester Polytechnic Institute Campus, MA
Cost: Not specified
Application Deadline: Not specified
Program Dates: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students; please write to [email protected] for more information.
The Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (BCB) Summer Research Experience at WPI offers high school students the chance to explore how math and computer science can be applied to solve complex biological and medical problems. As a participant, you’ll work alongside WPI faculty and student researchers on real-world projects at the intersection of these fields. Whether you’re interested in coding, data analysis, or life sciences, this program provides hands-on exposure to bioinformatics tools and techniques while helping you build foundational research skills in a university setting.
13. miRcore Computational Biology Research Camps
Location: Virtual
Cost: $680 + $70 application fee
Application Deadline: Not specified
Program Dates: Session 1: June 16 – 20 | Session 2: June 23 – 27 | Session 3: July 7 – 11| Session 4: July 28 – August 1
Eligibility: Current high school students
This virtual summer program introduces high school students to the role of genomics and computational biology in understanding disease. You’ll investigate how the genome and transcriptome influence health by working directly with patient RNA expression data to identify potential biomarkers linked to specific conditions. Over the course of the camp, you’ll collaborate in small teams to choose a disease of interest and explore possible diagnostic or treatment approaches. Using tools and methods common in scientific research, the program emphasizes open-ended exploration and builds foundational skills in computational analysis, biology, and biomedical research.
14. Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee
Application Deadline: December 9 – February 28
Program Dates: June 16 – 27
Eligibility: Current high school students who are at least 14 years old before the start of the program
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) offers a two-week virtual internship for high school students interested in how AI is shaping the future of healthcare. Through a mix of faculty-led lectures, small-group mentorship, and collaborative research projects, you gain hands-on exposure to real-world AI tools and medical imaging applications. The program also includes “Career Lunch and Learn” sessions with professionals from across academia, industry, and government, providing insight into a range of career pathways at the intersection of technology and medicine.
15. Bioinspired Design at The Lawrence
Location: Valley Life Sciences Building, UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley, CA
Cost: $1,465 (commuter) + $1,255 (if you choose the residential option)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Program Dates: July 7 – 11 or July 21 – 25
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and freshmen
The Lawrence Hall of Science at UC Berkeley hosts a hands-on summer program in Bioinspired Design, introducing high school students to the intersection of biology and engineering. Modeled after a college-level integrative biology course, the program explores how natural systems can inspire innovative solutions to practical problems. Working in pairs or small teams, you’ll experiment with 3D-printed prosthetic hands, wildlife-inspired robots, and biomimetic materials like gecko adhesives. Afternoons include museum exhibit tours and Q&A sessions with Berkeley researchers. The program concludes with a project showcase and a certificate of completion from UC Berkeley.
Image source – UC Berkeley