Biology summer programs for high school students allow you to work on advanced skill sets that go beyond the standard curriculum that you may have covered at school. These programs often include hands-on lab work, field studies, and interactions with professionals, enabling you to gain in-depth experience in a particular field of biology. By engaging in these immersive environments, students can explore their interests, develop critical thinking and technical skills, and gain a clearer understanding of potential career paths in the life sciences.
Here are 12 of the best biology summer programs high school students should consider!
This list includes biology internships, pre-college programs, as well as research programs in biology that you can explore in the summer.
1. Horizon Academic Research Program— Biology track
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
Horizon offers specialized courses on subjects like Neurodegenerative Diseases: Pathogenesis and Pathophysiology, Gene Editing and CRISPR Technology, Machine Learning and Biotechnology, Protein Biophysics, and Bio-Industry. Additionally, Horizon Academic provides an extensive selection of 57 sub-topics within neuroscience, covering areas such as social neuroscience, neurobiology, and a broad array of topics focused on neurodegenerative disorders.
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. Apply here!
Location: Virtual
Application Date: May 21, 2024 for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024 for the fall cohort
Program Dates:
- Summer seminar — June 24, 2024 — September 2, 2024
- Fall seminar — October 23, 2024 — February 19, 2025
- Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) offers high school students the chance to immerse themselves in scientific research within a collaborative team environment. Each team, typically composed of eight SSRP participants, is led by an experienced trainee and supported by scientist-mentors, ensuring focused guidance throughout the program. Working out of the RockEDU lab, participants are provided with individual workspaces to pursue projects that align with their team lead’s expertise while reflecting their own scientific interests.
The program features elective scientific courses, guest lectures, and social events, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of the scientific environment at Rockefeller University. The program begins with an orientation week, during which participants are introduced to their team’s research focus, essential lab techniques, and standard practices. By the second week, participants are encouraged to formulate and select a specific research question within their team’s broader topic for detailed investigation.
Location: RockEDU Science Outreach Laboratory at The Rockefeller University, NY
Cost: No cost.
Application Deadline: January 5, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: June 24 — August 8, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors.
This two-week program at the federally funded Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is tailored for high school students with a strong interest in molecular biology and bioinformatics. The program centers on the genetics of the freshwater aquatic plant Landoltia punctata (Duckweed), offering participants hands-on experience with essential molecular biology techniques, including plasmid DNA isolation and purification, polymerase chain reactions (PCR), restriction digests, and gel electrophoresis.
Beyond the laboratory, students will use bioinformatics tools to analyze gene sequences, aligning their findings with global scientific methodologies. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to contribute to the scientific community by submitting DNA sequences to GenBank, the international DNA repository, thereby making recognized contributions to ongoing research efforts.
Location: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) Discovery Center, Livermore, CA
Cost: No cost.
Application deadline: April 12, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program dates: July 15–26, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Students who are 16 years or older by the start of the workshop, with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher, may apply.
BioSTAR, a community outreach program based at the engineering campus in Allston, introduces high school students to the field of bioengineering. Participants work in a research lab under the guidance of Harvard faculty and researchers, gaining foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in bioengineering. The program offers a comprehensive overview of bioengineering’s impact on advancing human health.
You will engage in activities such as designing and conducting experiments on drug delivery techniques, synthesizing nanoparticles for drug delivery, and performing cell staining. They also utilize fluorescence microscopy for visualization, conduct cell viability assays, and handle data collection and analysis. Due to the program’s competitive nature, early application is encouraged.
Location: Science and Engineering Complex (SEC), Harvard University, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Program Dates: June 8–12, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old.
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, sponsored by the American Fisheries Society, is an 8-week paid summer internship designed to inspire interest in fisheries and aquatic sciences, particularly among underrepresented groups. The program pairs Hutton Scholars with experienced fisheries professionals in their local areas, offering hands-on experience in both laboratory and field research focused on marine and freshwater environments.
As a Hutton Scholar, you’ll actively participate in resource conservation and management projects, with tasks including electrofishing, specimen examination, data processing, and the establishment of aquatic vegetation and fish habitats. The program also provides valuable insights into various career opportunities within fisheries science and offers guidance on academic courses that can support a career in this field.
Location: Depends on where you live. Thanks to its network of mentors, Hutton can place students within a 45-minute commute of the intern’s home.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. $3,000 stipend and an all-expenses paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit conducted at the University of Arkansas.
Application Deadline: Applications for 2024 closed on January 16, 2024. Applications for 2025 will open in November 2024.
Program Dates: June — August (8 weeks).
Eligibility: Current high school students who are at least 16 and live and are residents of the US, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico.
The Broad Summer Scholars Program, hosted by the prestigious Broad Institute, is designed for highly motivated high school students with a strong passion for science and biology, particularly at the intersection of biology and medicine. Over six weeks, you’ll be paired with a scientist at the Broad Institute and engage in original, cutting-edge research in fields such as chemical biology and computational biology.
In addition to research, the program offers opportunities to explore various scientific careers, attend lectures, participate in a college fair, and network with fellow students and professionals during social events. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research, allowing you to share your passion and hone your public speaking skills.
Throughout the program, on-staff tutors will be available to help you review essential scientific concepts, ensuring you leave with a solid knowledge base for college. You’ll also receive specific training in creating scientific posters and best practices for presenting your work. Moreover, all participants gain exposure to both computational and experimental techniques, providing a well-rounded experience in scientific research.
Cost: No cost. $3,600 stipend provided
Location: The Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA
Application Dates: Applications open in mid-November. Applications are typically due the third week of January.
Program Dates: The program typically runs from the last full week of June through the first Friday of August.
Eligibility: Rising seniors in high school who attend a high school in Massachusetts within commuting distance of the Broad Institute may apply. Applicants can be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or non-U.S. citizens with employment authorization (DACA). They must have earned a B or better in science and math classes.
The Genspace Biorocket Research Internship Program offers a 6-month paid internship for students passionate about biotechnology and genetic engineering. Interns will conduct advanced research on topics such as DNA sequencing, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics, utilizing state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and cutting-edge technologies.
Beyond hands-on research, the program includes mentorship from experienced scientists, enriching field trips, and unique improv training to boost scientific communication skills. Previous interns have worked on projects such as analyzing microbiome differences between Red Oak species and studying algal growth for water purification.
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost. $2,000 stipend.
Application Deadline: January 10, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: July 1 — August 16, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Must be 16 years or older by orientation date, and live in or attend a NYC Public or Charter School within 45 minutes of Genspace (exceptions are possible, we recommend emailing Genspace for confirmation!)
The Jackson Laboratory, a leading non-profit biomedical research institution, offers a Summer Student Program for students passionate about genetics and genomics. Each year, around 40 high school and undergraduate students from across the country are selected to participate, joining a diverse and motivated community of research-focused scholars.
During the program, you’ll work on an ongoing research project under the guidance of experienced scientists. You’ll have the opportunity to develop and implement an independent project, analyze data, and report your findings. At the end of the summer, you’ll present your results to researchers, fellow students, and parents, showcasing the work you’ve accomplished.
Location: The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine
Cost/Stipend: No cost. $6500 stipend. Housing, travel, and meals will be covered.
Application Deadline: January 29, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: June 1, 2024 — August 10, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: High school seniors are eligible to apply. At the time of participation in the 2024 program, a high school student must have completed Grade 12; be at least 18 years old; and be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
9. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation — Biology Track
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous 12-week research initiative tailored for high school students, offering personalized 1-on-1 research opportunities across a diverse range of subjects. Each participant is paired with a Ph.D. mentor to collaborate on an independent research project, culminating in the development of a research paper. The program covers a broad array of disciplines, including biology, medicine, psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here!
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Full financial aid is available!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: The summer cohort runs from June to August, the Fall cohort from September to December, the Winter cohort from December to February, Spring from March to June. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility:
- You must be currently enrolled in high school
- Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note. students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
- No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
This 3-week research program offers an intensive introduction to biological research, featuring a lab-focused curriculum and multiple awards. The program delves into advanced topics such as synthetic biology, gene therapy, and genetic engineering — areas critical to addressing genetic diseases and mutations. Under the mentorship of Dr. Maria Lazebnik, an adjunct assistant professor at Bentley University, participants will engage in hands-on laboratory experiments, sharpening their lab and research skills.
The institute also provides a variety of other programs across different biology fields, including online courses in Biomedical and Surgical Research and Biotech Research, as well as in-person programs in Marine Biology, Neuroscience Research, and several areas of medicine. Additionally, short one-week programs in biology and medicine are available
Location: Boston Leadership Institute, Wellesley, MA. The institute offers a few online program options as well.
Cost: $2,200
Application Deadline: There is no deadline, but the institute recommends students submit their applications early.
Program Dates: Session 1: June 24, 2024 — July 12, 2024 | Session 2: July 15, 2024 — August 2, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply.
This summer program at UCSD is designed for high-achieving students eager to explore college-level subjects such as biophysics, programming, marine science, health, and language. The program features engaging coursework, interactive discussions, and hands-on projects that enable students to delve into their chosen fields, grasp foundational concepts, and develop a final project. Participants will have the chance to learn from UC San Diego faculty and engage in thought-provoking discussions with peers who share similar academic interests.
Online course options that cover biology include:
Location: The residential courses will be held at the University of California, San Diego. There are online course options available as well.
Cost: $1,500 (online course tuition) | $1,700 (online course tuition + online SAT prep course) | $5,700 (residential course tuition + housing) | $5,900 (residential course tuition + housing + online SAT prep course). Scholarships are available.
Application deadline: May-end (residential) | Mid-June 4 (online). This is tentative, based on previous years.
Program dates: The program will be conducted over three weeks in July, tentatively.
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply.
The University of Chicago’s Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS) is a 4-week pre-college summer program designed to immerse students in research techniques across molecular biology, microbiology, and cellular biology. Participants work closely with university researchers, spending most of their time in the lab to learn foundational techniques and apply contemporary molecular methods in developmental biology and microbiology. The program combines hands-on lab work with lectures that provide essential background and introduce new concepts. At the end of the program, students present the results of their independent research projects.
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. This is a residential program, students will stay on campus.
Cost: $13,600. Partial need-based scholarships are available. Take a look.
Application Deadline: Mid-January (tentatively, based on previous years).
Program Dates: Tentatively, based on previous years, the program will be held from mid-June to the beginning of July.
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors are eligible. Students must have completed one year of high school biology by the start of the program.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.