Curious about biology and its applications for real-world challenges? Consider participating in a biology program during your school year!
What can I expect from a biology program for high school students?
- Biology summer programs for high schoolers provide an immersive experience in advanced topics, allowing you to develop specialized skills in areas such as molecular biology, genetics, or environmental science.
- These programs often offer hands-on lab work, access to cutting-edge technology, and mentorship from leading scientists, enabling you to engage deeply with complex biological concepts.
- Through intensive coursework and collaborative projects, you can explore specific fields of interest, building a robust foundation that prepares you for future academic and professional endeavors in the life sciences!
Here are 15 biology programs for high school students!
1. Horizon — 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 few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
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. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and college applications. 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.
This two-week program at the federally funded Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is designed for high school students with a strong interest in molecular biology and bioinformatics. The focus of the program is the genetics of the freshwater aquatic plant Landoltia punctata (Duckweed). Participants will gain practical experience in molecular biology techniques, including plasmid DNA isolation and purification, polymerase chain reactions (PCR), restriction digests, and gel electrophoresis.
In addition to laboratory work, students will apply bioinformatics tools to analyze gene sequences, aligning their data with global scientific methodologies. The program also offers the opportunity to contribute to scientific research by submitting DNA sequences to GenBank, the international DNA repository, providing a platform for recognized contributions to the scientific community.
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.
The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) offers an opportunity to engage in scientific research within a collaborative team setting. Each team, typically consisting of eight SSRP participants, is guided by an experienced trainee serving as the team lead, supported by scientist-mentors. This structure provides focused guidance throughout the program. Based in the RockEDU lab, participants are provided with individual workspaces to pursue projects aligned with the team lead’s expertise while considering their specific scientific interests.
The program includes elective scientific courses, guest lectures, and social events that contribute to a broader understanding of the scientific environment at Rockefeller University. The program begins with an orientation week, where participants are introduced to their team’s research focus, essential laboratory techniques, and standard practices. As the program advances into the second week, participants are encouraged to develop and select a specific research question within the broader team 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
The Geosciences Bridge Program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the NOAA Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center (LMRCSC), provides a hands-on internship experience designed to support the transition from high school to university for students with interests in marine sciences and geosciences. With an acceptance rate of 2–3%, the program admits 7–8 students annually from across the nation.
Participants engage in a curriculum that includes marine biology, marine biochemistry, marine geology, physical oceanography, atmospheric sciences, and geographic information systems (GIS)/Remote Sensing techniques. The program combines lectures from experienced faculty, field trips for applied learning, and hands-on activities that develop practical skills. Additionally, students take two for-credit college courses, offering an early introduction to university-level academics and their associated expectations.
Location: University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD
Cost/Stipend: No cost. $500 stipend per week, with free housing, meals, and transportation all provided.
Application Deadline: The exact deadline is currently unavailable, but applications are usually due in spring.
Program Dates: June-August (6 weeks)
Eligibility: High school seniors entering their first year of an undergraduate degree program in geosciences can apply (preference will be given to students entering the institutions listed here). Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and have a minimum 2.7 GPA.
BioSTAR, a community outreach program based at the engineering campus in Allston, offers high school students an introduction to bioengineering. Participants in this program work in a research lab, learning foundational bioengineering principles and techniques from Harvard faculty and researchers. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of bioengineering’s role in advancing human health.
During BioSTAR, students engage in hands-on activities such as designing and conducting research experiments on topics like drug delivery techniques, nanoparticle synthesis for drug delivery, and cell staining. Participants also utilize fluorescence microscopy for visualization, conduct cell viability assays, and manage data collection and analysis. Due to the program’s competitive nature, early application is recommended.
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
6. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation — Biology Track
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an intensive research initiative designed for high school students, providing personalized 1-on-1 research opportunities across a wide array of subjects. In this 12-week program, students are paired with Ph.D. mentors to work closely on an independent research project. By the program’s conclusion, participants will have developed an independent research paper. Available research topics span 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!
The Stanford Summer Session offers a rigorous 8-week academic program for high school students, providing the opportunity to experience campus life while studying at a university with a strong academic reputation. For students interested in biology, the program includes a variety of courses such as Microbiology: Human Health & society, Introduction to Biotechnology, Introduction to Cancer Biology, and Introduction to Human Physiology.
This program’s curriculum spans a broad range of topics, from genetics and anatomy to public health, allowing students to explore various aspects of the biological sciences. Each credit-bearing unit typically involves around three hours of work per week, though this can vary depending on the course selection and individual skill level. The immersive nature of the eight-week session enables students to engage deeply with their chosen biology subjects, providing a solid foundation for future academic pursuits.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA. Both residential and commuter options are offered.
Cost: $4,962 (Commuter, minimum 3 units) | $17,328 (Residential, minimum 8 credit-bearing units, which is typically 2–3 courses). Calculate your exact costs here. Merit-based and need-based tuition grants are available.
Application Deadline: January 26, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: June 22, 2024 — August 18, 2024, TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Students who are current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors at the time of application, at least 16 years old at the start of the program, and no more than 19 years old by the last day of the program, can apply. Those applying must also not be matriculating into Stanford as a first year.
The University of Chicago’s Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS) is a 4-week pre-college summer program designed to introduce students to research techniques in molecular biology, microbiology, and cellular biology. Participants work closely with university researchers and spend the majority of their time in the lab, learning foundational lab techniques and applying current molecular methods in developmental biology and microbiology. While the program emphasizes hands-on lab work and projects, it also includes lectures to provide essential background and introduce new concepts. The program culminates with students presenting 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.
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, sponsored by the American Fisheries Society, is an 8-week paid summer internship aimed at fostering interest in fisheries and aquatic sciences, with a focus on underrepresented groups. The program pairs Hutton Scholars with experienced fisheries professionals in their local area, providing relevant, hands-on experience. As a Hutton Scholar, you will engage in both laboratory and field research, exploring marine and freshwater environments.
The internship involves active participation in resource conservation and management projects, with practical tasks that may include electrofishing, specimen examination, data processing, and the establishment of aquatic vegetation and fish habitats. Additionally, the program offers insights into various career opportunities within fisheries science, along with guidance on academic courses that support a career in this field. This internship provides practical scientific experience and helps inform decisions about future academic and professional paths in environmental science.
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.
Brown University’s Pre-College programs offer students the opportunity to explore the academic and social aspects of college life. Among the over 300 programs available, 77 focus specifically on biology, biotechnology, and independent research. These courses include Cancer Biology: An Evolving Puzzle, Marine Ecology, Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, Genetics, Epigenetics and Human Behavior, Research Techniques in Molecular Biology, Neuroscience in Health and Disease, and Introduction to Medicine.
These courses are part of the Summer@Brown, Summer@Brown Online, or STEM for Rising 9th and 10th Graders programs under the Brown Pre-College umbrella. Although non-credit, these programs provide a thorough introduction to college-level academics and allow students to explore subjects in depth before pursuing them further in college. The courses are designed to foster curiosity and build intellectual skills, offering insights into topics ranging from human emotions and ethics to the intricacies of our governing bodies.
Location: Most courses are held on campus at Brown University, Providence, RI, except a few that are conducted in a hybrid mode or online.
Cost: Costs vary based on the program and teaching mode, starting at $2,707. Brown Pre-college offers a few need-based scholarships.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in May for summer programs. TBD for 2025.
Program dates: Courses are conducted as part of a program, and each program has several session dates. You should check the dates for your preferred courses.
Eligibility: Some courses are open to all high school students, while some are open only to rising 9th and 10th graders.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides a range of summer internship programs for high school students interested in biomedical research. Participants in these programs collaborate with NIH scientists on active research projects, gaining experience in data analysis and essential laboratory techniques.
The High School Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (HiSTEP) program is designed to broaden participation and promote diversity within STEM fields. Unlike the HS-SIP program, HiSTEP does not involve full-time hands-on research. Instead, it offers a broad introduction to scientific, professional, and personal skills, including leadership training, wellness programming, and career exploration in STEM-M fields. This prepares students for future scholarships and internships.
For those who have previously participated in HiSTEP or have similar research experience, HiSTEP 2.0 offers advanced experience in scientific research. This program allows students to design and conduct independent research projects under the mentorship of experienced biomedicine professionals. Additionally, HiSTEP 2.0 includes weekly workshops and seminars focused on further developing scientific, professional, and personal skills, enhancing the overall learning experience, and preparing students for careers in science.
Location: Students can choose from NIH campuses across the country. The NIH main campus is in Bethesda, MD.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend of $2,300–2,530 (for students currently in high school) and $2,570–2,840 (for students who have graduated high school).
Application Deadline: February 1, every year.
Program Dates: Minimum 8 weeks in summer, information on exact dates is not available.
Eligibility: Students who are high school juniors or seniors at the time of application (or have recently graduated), and are 17 years or older on June 15, 2024, may apply. Do look through all the eligibility requirements before applying. There are some additional requirements for HiSTEP and HiSTEP 2.0.
The Genspace Biorocket Research Internship Program offers a 6-month, paid opportunity for students with a strong interest in biotechnology and genetic engineering. Interns engage in advanced research on topics such as DNA sequencing, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics, using state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and technologies.
In addition to hands-on research, the program provides mentorship from experienced scientists, enriching field trips, and innovative improv training to enhance scientific communication skills. Previous interns have worked on projects like 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!)
This summer program is tailored for high-achieving students interested in exploring college-level subjects such as biophysics, programming, marine science, health, and language. The program offers engaging coursework, interactive discussions, and hands-on projects, allowing students to delve into their chosen subject area, learn foundational concepts, and develop a final project. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from UC San Diego faculty and engage in intellectual discussions with peers who share similar academic interests.
Residential course options for those interested in biology include the following: Introduction to Marine Science, Introduction to Marine Invertebrates and Phylogenetics, and Computers and COVID: An Introduction to Programming and Computational Biology. Online course options that cover biology include the Introduction to Biophysics and Microbiology and the Social Justice of Famous and Forgotten Diseases.
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 Jackson Laboratory, a leading non-profit biomedical research institution, offers a Summer Student Program for students interested in genetics and genomics. Each year, approximately 40 undergraduate and high school students from across the country are selected to participate. As part of this program, you will join a diverse group of research-focused students, fostering a community of motivated science scholars.
Throughout the program, you will work on an ongoing research project under the mentorship of experienced scientists. You will develop and implement an independent project, analyze data, and report your findings. At the end of the summer, you will present your results to researchers, fellow students, and parents.
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.
This 3-week research program provides an intensive introduction to biological research, notable for its lab-focused curriculum and multiple awards. The program covers advanced topics such as synthetic biology, gene therapy, and genetic engineering — concepts relevant to addressing genetic diseases and mutations. Under the guidance of Dr. Maria Lazebnik, an adjunct assistant professor at Bentley University, participants will engage in hands-on laboratory experiments, enhancing their lab and research skills.
The institute also offers a variety of other programs across different biology fields, including Biomedical and Surgical Research (online), Biotech Research (online), Marine Biology, Neuroscience Research, several programs in medicine, and short one-week programs in biology and medicine.
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.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.