If you’re a high school student interested in biotech, consider a summer program!
Biotech summer programs for high schoolers provide a solid opportunity for you to immerse yourself in cutting-edge science. These programs often involve hands-on laboratory work, mentorship from leading scientists, and exposure to real-world biotechnology applications.
By engaging in advanced techniques and exploring specific areas such as genetic engineering, bioinformatics, or pharmaceutical development, you can develop a sophisticated skillset and gain in-depth experience in your chosen field.
With that, here are 13 biotech summer programs for high school students!
1. Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP) — Biotech track
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across various subject areas! It is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
Horizon offers two specialized biotech tracks: Machine Learning and Biotechnology, and Bio-Industry. The Machine Learning and Biotechnology track focuses on leveraging data analysis and machine learning to uncover genetic links to diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, autism, and autoimmune disorders. Students start with foundational concepts and then apply these to real-world genetic data.
The Bio-Industry track delves into the application of biological principles and technology to innovate and optimize biological systems. Topics include synthetic food, microbial biofuels, CAR-T therapies, and novel approaches like algae bioproduction and enzymatic gold extraction. Both programs equip students with advanced skills and practical experience in their respective fields.
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 Deadline: 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.
This prestigious program offers high school students the opportunity to engage in medical research alongside Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, researchers, and students. With a selective intake of approximately 50 students, the program emphasizes networking and collaborative work. Participants will spend most of the internship conducting one-on-one laboratory research with mentors, utilizing advanced technology. Students are required to choose from fields such as immunology, neurobiology, cancer biology, bioengineering, stem cell and regenerative medicine, cardiovascular biology, bioinformatics, or genetics and genomics.
Location: Stanford School of Medicine (Stanford University), Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost. All students receive a minimum of $500. However, students from underrepresented groups will be paid at least $1,500. Housing, transportation, and meals are not provided.
Application Deadline: February 24, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: June 10, 2024 — August 1, 2024 (8 weeks). TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents can apply.
Founded by PhDs from Harvard and Oxford, Lumiere is a selective research program for high school students, offering the chance to work one-on-one with a PhD mentor to develop an independent research paper. The program provides access to a range of disciplines, including biotechnology. Past projects have included tasks such as classifying medical images, early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease via voice recordings, and researching treatments for diabetic neuropathy.
The one-on-one mentorship ensures students stay abreast of the latest developments in their field and enhance their skills through direct interaction with experts. Additionally, students benefit from engaging with mentors from prestigious institutions like Harvard, Stanford, and CMU, making it a strong option for those interested in interdisciplinary research and producing individual research papers.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Lumiere Individual Research Program — $2,800 | Lumiere Premium Research and Publication Program — $4,800 | Lumiere Research Fellowship — $8,400.
Application Deadline: Rolling, cohort-based, including a summer cohort. Applications for the fall cohort are now open. You can apply here!
Program Dates: Upcoming — August 25th (Fall cohort). The summer program cohort deadline is typically in May.
Eligibility: High school students are eligible.
This 10-week summer program in New York City is designed for rising sophomores and juniors with a strong interest in STEM. It provides immersive, hands-on experiences across various fields, including Bio and Molecular Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Robotics, AI, Computer Science, and Machine Learning.
The program also covers important topics such as college-level research, expository writing, scientific methods, professional development, and ethics. The first six weeks involve remote workshops held after school, while the final four weeks take place in person at NYU from 9 am to 4 pm. With a cohort size of 80, the program is highly selective. We’ve covered more about this program in this article.
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded scholarship, but participants are responsible for their meals and transportation in the program.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: 10 weeks, June 3, 2024 — August 9, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: High school students living in New York City in grades 10 and 11 at the time of application.
This two-week, hands-on program is intended for students with an interest in molecular biology and bioinformatics. The program centers on the isolation, characterization, and DNA sequence analysis of genes from Landoltia punctata, a freshwater aquatic plant commonly known as duckweed. Participants will be responsible for isolating and purifying plasmid DNA, conducting polymerase chain reactions (PCR), performing restriction digests, and running gel electrophoresis.
Additionally, gene sequences will be analyzed using bioinformatics tools that are widely employed in scientific research. The DNA sequences generated will be submitted to the international DNA repository, GenBank, providing an opportunity for participants to receive individual recognition. This program is competitive, and there is no cost to attend.
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 (weekdays). 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.
The Summer Student Program provides an immersive experience in genetics and genomics research, emphasizing laboratory work, knowledge sharing, and professional development. Each year, approximately 40 undergraduate and high school students from across the U.S. are selected for this highly selective 10-week program.
Participants engage in ongoing research under the guidance of experienced mentors, developing and executing independent projects, analyzing data, and presenting their findings to researchers, peers, and parents at the end of the summer. We’ve covered more on this program in our blog here.
Location: The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME
Cost/Stipend: No cost, stipend of $6,500, room, board, and travel included.
Application Deadline: January 29, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: 10 weeks from June — August. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: At the time of participation in the program, must have completed grade 12, be at least 18 years old, and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
This internship is aimed at students interested in biotechnology and genetic engineering. Participants gain experience in researching diverse topics such as DNA sequencing, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics. Under the guidance of expert mentors, students deepen their understanding of life sciences and develop essential laboratory techniques and analytical skills.
The program provides access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and technologies. Past research topics have included biofilm behaviors, algal growth for water purification, and the use of Zebrafish liver cells as biosensors.
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend of $2,000 provided.
Application Deadline: Applications for 2024 are currently closed. 2025 applications will typically open in the fall.
Program Dates: Summer semester (July 1- August 16, 2024). TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Students 15 years or older by July 1, 2019, who attend a NYC Public or Charter School within 45 min of Genspace, can apply.
Brown University’s Pre-College programs are tailored for students interested in delving into the academic and social aspects of college life. The program currently offers over 300 courses, with 17 specifically centered on biotechnology and independent research-related fields. Among these offerings are courses such as Antibiotic Drug Discovery, Genetics Beyond Mendel, and Research Techniques in Molecular Biology.
These courses provide a focused introduction to molecular biology research, offering hands-on experience with advanced laboratory techniques. Though these summer courses do not confer academic credit, they offer a practical opportunity to engage with college-level coursework and explore the field of biotechnology, serving as a preliminary step before pursuing it in higher education.
Note: Some courses are only open to freshmen and sophomores.
Location: Either at Brown University, Providence, RI, or online.
Cost: Courses start at $2,707.
Application Deadline: May 12, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: Each program has several session dates. You can view the prospective dates here!
Eligibility: Open to all high school students.
This course provides a broad introduction to biotechnology, covering foundational topics in molecular biology and genetics as well as applied areas such as microbial biotechnology, agricultural biotechnology, biofuels, and cloning. Key topics include bioremediation, medical biotechnology, DNA fingerprinting, and forensics, with a focus on understanding current techniques, recent advancements, and bioethical considerations in the field.
Designed for undergraduate-level students, the course includes instruction from university faculty, researchers, and professionals in biotechnology. Through a combination of workshop discussions, research projects, and hands-on activities, students will gain a solid understanding of the principles and applications of biotechnology, preparing them for further academic study and potential careers in the field.
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $8,350 (this includes housing and meals). Need-based financial aid is offered.
Application Deadline: Applications for summer typically close by late spring.
Program Dates: Jun 17 — Jul 5, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11, who have taken biology in school, can apply.
The BTS camp provides training in analyzing next-generation sequencing data using the Linux operating system and command-line tools, a valuable skill for those involved in sequencing research and biomedical laboratories. This virtual camp emphasizes both scientific concepts and practical application, allowing participants to generate research results.
The camp will focus on genome sequence variations, with participants proposing a product based on their research findings. While prior programming experience is not required, a basic understanding of transcription and translation at the high school biology level is expected. The program includes guidance from group leaders and offers interactive activities and games to support the learning process.
Note: Biotech enthusiasts can consider Mircore’s other summer program offerings as well.
Location: Online
Cost: $770 (includes a one-year miRcore volunteer membership) | Total cost is discounted if students choose to attend more than one camp.
Application deadline: There is no information available on this.
Program dates: Jul 29 — Aug 2, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Academically motivated current high school students can apply. A preference is given to students who have attended Mircore’s Computational Biology Camp.
The Biotechnology for Science and Health Academy explores the applications of biotechnology in health and science through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory experiments. This program covers topics such as gene cloning, DNA and protein diagnostics in healthcare, forensics, and the role of biotechnology across various industries.
The curriculum includes advanced DNA purification methods, bioinformatics, food safety applications, laboratory safety, DNA ligation and transformation, enzyme function, forensics, biotechnology tools, and protein purification. In addition to lectures, the program features field trips to research laboratories and sessions with scientific professionals, providing opportunities to learn from experts in the field.
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Cost: $6,050 (for residential), $4,200 (for commuters)
Application Deadline: May 15, 2023. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: June 16 — June 28, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility:
- Open to current or rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors during the academic year before the summer program.
- Must have a good academic standing with at least a 2.0 GPA.
- Must be at least 15 years old by the date of check-in.
Project SMART at the University of New Hampshire offers a program focused on advanced topics in biotechnology and its applications and implications in society. Participants will attend lectures, engage in discussions, and learn about the biotechnology research process from UNH faculty and graduate students.
The program emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of biotechnology, covering a range of organisms from viruses to plants. Key subjects include genetics, genetic engineering, DNA, RNA, proteins, GMOs, reproductive technologies, bioremediation, nanotechnology, and intellectual property. The program also includes guest speakers, such as Nobel Laureates and astronauts, who will share insights into current scientific research.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $500 (full and partial need-based scholarships are available).
Application Deadline: TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students.
Stanford’s SHTEM: Summer Internship integrates STEM fields with the humanities, allowing participants to engage in interdisciplinary projects and explore innovative solutions in areas such as biotechnology, information and communication science, neuroscience, computer science, technology, and psychology. Under the mentorship of distinguished faculty and researchers, interns conduct research that contributes to scientific advancements within their chosen field.
The program emphasizes the development of critical skills in experimental techniques, data analysis, and problem-solving while providing access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and cutting-edge technologies. Students are organized into groups, collaborating with peers and mentors, including Stanford faculty and researchers. Throughout the internship, participants work on their projects, attend seminars, and engage in activities, culminating in a final presentation of their work.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost or stipend.
Application Deadline: February 23, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: June 17, 2024 — August 9, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors in the 2023–2024 school year.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.