15 Best Biology Programs for High School Students

Key Takeaways

• These 15 programs cover a broad range of biology-related fields, from molecular biology and genomics at Stanford and the Broad Institute to fisheries biology and ecology through the Hutton Junior Fisheries Program and SUNY Oneonta.
• Program formats vary considerably, from fully virtual options like GeneLab for High Schools to intensive on-site laboratory placements like the Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy, so you can choose based on how hands-on you want the experience to be.
• Several programs, including MIT’s RSI, the Broad Summer Scholars Program, and the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, are free to attend and also provide a stipend, while others charge tuition ranging from a few thousand dollars up to over $15,000, often with financial aid available.
• Many placements pair you one-on-one with a faculty mentor or research scientist on an active project, and most conclude with a poster presentation or research symposium where you share your findings.
• If you want a longer, mentored research experience that results in an independent paper rather than a structured lab placement, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs offers a mentored path toward a formal academic paper across 600+ specializations.

15 Best Biology Programs for High School Students

Programs are structured, time-bound learning experiences that typically run for several weeks or months. Unlike internships, which focus on contributing to a workplace, programs are designed around learning through coursework, mentorship, laboratory work, research projects, and guided academic activities. Many also include a formal application process, scheduled curriculum, and opportunities to work with faculty members, researchers, or professionals in a specific field.

For those interested in biology, these experiences combine classroom instruction with practical training, providing exposure to areas such as molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, biotechnology, ecology, neuroscience, and biomedical research. You may work in university laboratories, conduct field research, analyze biological datasets, or contribute to ongoing research projects under the guidance of scientists and faculty mentors. Below is a curated list of the 15 best biology programs for high school students. And if you are looking for broader opportunities in STEM, you can also check out our guide on the best science camps for high school students here. 

What do the best biology programs for high school students include?

The best biology programs for high school students are built around the tools and methods biologists use to answer research questions. Depending on the program, you may learn laboratory techniques such as DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gel electrophoresis, microscopy, bacterial culturing, cell culture, protein purification, and DNA sequencing. Many programs also introduce concepts in molecular biology, genetics, genomics, immunology, developmental biology, microbiology, cancer biology, and biotechnology through laboratory investigations and faculty-led instruction.

Some programs place greater emphasis on computational biology. In these, you might use bioinformatics platforms to analyze genomic datasets, work with sequencing databases, interpret biological data using Python or R, or explore how machine learning is applied to modern biological research. Other programs focus on ecology and environmental biology, where you collect field samples, monitor ecosystems, identify species, analyze environmental data, and apply statistical methods to ecological research. Many of the best biology programs for high school students also include journal clubs, scientific writing workshops, research seminars, and poster presentations. You’ll often learn how to read scientific literature, formulate research questions, design experiments, analyze results, and communicate findings using the same workflow followed in university research labs.

1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)

Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in subjects such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! 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 you can use to improve future projects. Apply here!

2. MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI)

The MIT Research Science Institute (RSI) is a highly selective, cost-free summer research program where outstanding high school students conduct advanced scientific research at the university level. Students interested in biology begin with intensive seminars taught by leading professors before spending five weeks working on an independent research project under the guidance of experienced scientists and researchers. Throughout the program, you explore current scientific literature, develop a research plan, collect and analyze data, and gain firsthand experience with the complete research process. During the final week, you prepare conference-style written papers and oral presentations to communicate your findings.

3. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program – Texas Tech University

The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University is a highly selective seven-week summer research program for rising high school seniors and recent graduates. You work closely with a Texas Tech faculty mentor on an individual research project in your chosen discipline, with opportunities in fields such as cell and molecular biology, chemistry, engineering, computer science, and more. Throughout the program, you gain firsthand experience with the research process by developing questions, conducting investigations, analyzing results, and communicating your findings. In addition to research, you strengthen your academic writing, critical thinking, and collaboration skills while experiencing university-level scholarship in a small, mentor-focused cohort.

4. Genomics Research Internship Program for High School Students (GRIPS)

The Genomics Research Internship Program for High School Students (GRIPS) at Stanford University is an eight-week research internship that introduces students to genomics and genetics research through hands-on laboratory experience. You are placed in a Stanford research lab, where you work under the guidance of a faculty mentor on an ongoing genomics research project while developing laboratory, data analysis, and scientific communication skills. In addition to your research placement, you participate in weekly cohort sessions, biomedical seminars, career panels, and regular mentor meetings that provide academic and professional development. The program combines immersive research with a supportive community, giving you insight into careers and research in genomics and biomedical science.

5. Broad Summer Scholars Program

The Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP) is a six-week research internship where high school students work alongside scientists at the Broad Institute on original biomedical research projects. Depending on your lab placement, you may contribute to research in areas such as cancer biology, infectious diseases, computational genomics, psychiatric genetics, or chemical biology. Alongside hands-on laboratory work, you participate in training sessions on scientific thinking, poster design, and research communication, attend seminars by leading scientists, and explore careers in biomedical research. The program also includes a college fair, social activities, and opportunities to connect with other students who share your interest in science. At the end of the program, you present your research during a formal scientific poster session.

6. Wake Forest University – Biology Research Institute

The Wake Forest University Biology Research Institute is a hands-on summer program that introduces high school students to biological research through laboratory experiments and field investigations. You explore topics such as plant hormone development, disease biochemistry, ecology, sustainability, and global change while learning modern laboratory and microscopy techniques. Working alongside PhD researchers and faculty, you design experiments, collect and analyze data, and investigate research questions in areas ranging from molecular biology to ecosystem science. The program also includes ecological fieldwork, studies of mosquito-borne diseases, and biodiversity research, giving you experience with both laboratory and outdoor scientific methods. You conclude the institute by presenting your research findings to your peers, developing both scientific and communication skills.

7. GeneLab for High Schools

GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS) is a 12-week virtual summer program that introduces high school students to space biology and bioinformatics using real NASA research data. Working with authentic datasets from spaceflight missions, including experiments conducted aboard the International Space Station, you learn how scientists study the effects of space on living organisms. The program covers omics research, genetics, bioinformatics, computational biology, coding, and biological data analysis through guided online modules and research activities. You can also complete an optional team capstone project and present your findings, strengthening your scientific communication and collaboration skills.

8. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program

The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid summer internship that introduces high school students to fisheries biology and aquatic science through hands-on field and laboratory research. Matched with a local fisheries professional, you earn a $3,000 stipend while participating in activities such as surveying fish populations, monitoring water quality, analyzing biological specimens, and supporting conservation and community outreach projects. Depending on your placement, you may take part in day trips or extended field expeditions that provide firsthand experience with aquatic ecosystem research and management. Throughout the internship, you also learn about environmental conservation, fisheries science, and the role of research in protecting aquatic habitats while working alongside experienced professionals.

9. SUNY Oneonta Summer Research Internship- High School

The SUNY Oneonta Summer Research Internship gives high school students the opportunity to participate in environmental and biological research alongside faculty and researchers. During the internship, you rotate between fieldwork, laboratory analysis, data interpretation, and scientific writing while contributing to ongoing research projects or developing your own. Field activities may include fisheries and plant surveys, water sampling, and ecological monitoring, while laboratory work involves water chemistry analysis, zooplankton identification, fish dissections, and sample processing. Weekly seminars introduce topics such as watershed ecology and research methods, and every intern presents their work to peers and mentors. The program concludes with a technical research report and a scientific poster showcasing your project and findings.

10. Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy

The Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy at City of Hope is a 10-week paid biomedical research internship that matches high school students with research laboratories based on their scientific interests. Working full-time alongside physicians and scientists, you may apply cell culture, PCR, DNA and RNA isolation, microscopy, flow cytometry, protein analysis, and molecular biology techniques while investigating questions in cancer biology, immunology, genetics, or translational medicine. Beyond research, the program includes seminars, workshops on scientific posters, college preparation, grant writing, and weekly presentations where you share your research progress with peers. Throughout the internship, you receive mentorship from leading researchers and build lasting professional connections within the biomedical community.

11. UChicago Medicine’s ResearcHStart Program

The UChicago Medicine ResearcHStart Program is an eight-week summer research internship that places high school students in cancer research laboratories at leading universities in Illinois. Working full-time with faculty mentors and researchers, you contribute to projects in fields such as cancer immunology, molecular biology, bioengineering, cancer therapeutics, and cancer disparities while gaining hands-on laboratory experience. The program also includes workshops on scientific writing, research ethics, pharmacology, and career development, as well as faculty-led seminars exploring the latest advances in cancer biology. Throughout the summer, you receive ongoing mentorship from researchers and peers before presenting your work at a research symposium attended by family, faculty, and members of the scientific community.

12. Carnegie Mellon University – Pre-College Program in Computational Biology

The Carnegie Mellon University Pre-College Program in Computational Biology introduces high school students to the intersection of biology, computer science, and data analysis through an immersive summer experience. Each day is divided between laboratory work and coding challenges, allowing you to generate biological data through experiments and then analyze it using computational methods. You investigate research-inspired topics such as microbial ecology and COVID-19 by collecting environmental samples, sequencing bacterial DNA, and interpreting large datasets with your own code. Working in teams, you also gain experience with robotic laboratory equipment, including automated liquid-handling systems, while exploring how artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming biological research.

13. Simons-NYU Science Explorations Program

The Simons-NYU Science Explorations Program is a free, three-week residential summer program that introduces high school students to college-level coursework in biology, chemistry, neural science, physics, and psychology. Hosted on the NYU campus, the program combines lectures, laboratory experiments, and interactive workshops led by NYU faculty and guest speakers to build a strong foundation across the life and physical sciences. The curriculum emphasizes scientific reasoning, experimental design, and interpretation of biological data through hands-on activities. Alongside academics, you live on campus and participate in social and cultural activities across New York City, experiencing both university life and a collaborative community of students with shared interests in science.

14. HudsonAlpha Biotech Academy

The HudsonAlpha Biotech Academy is a four-week summer program for teacher-nominated high school students interested in genetics, genomics, and biotechnology. Through hands-on laboratory training, you learn core molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction, amplification, sequencing, and visualization, and use bioinformatics tools to analyze genetic data. The program also explores genetic engineering through protein production and purification, introduces synthetic biology concepts, and teaches students how DNA sequencing can be used to identify plant and animal species. Working in small teams, you conduct experiments, maintain laboratory notebooks, and participate in collaborative research while visiting HudsonAlpha research labs and biotechnology companies to explore careers in the life sciences.

15. Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS) at the University of Chicago

The Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS) program at the University of Chicago is a four-week pre-college summer program that introduces high school students to laboratory research in molecular biology, microbiology, and cell biology. You spend most of your time in the lab learning techniques used in modern research before applying them to an independent project in areas such as genetics, developmental biology, or cancer biology. Alongside hands-on experiments, you attend lectures, read scientific research papers, maintain a detailed lab notebook, complete weekly writing assignments, and participate in group presentations and faculty seminars. During the final week, you present your research findings at a formal research forum, gaining experience in both scientific communication and laboratory research. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of biology programs are available to high school students?
You’ll find a mix of formats, including biomedical research placements like Stanford’s SIMR and the Broad Summer Scholars Program, computational and genomics-focused programs like GRIPS and Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Program in Computational Biology, and field-based ecology programs like the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program and SUNY Oneonta’s Summer Research Internship. Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs offers a different kind of option, letting you conduct independent, mentored research remotely across a wide range of biological subjects rather than joining a fixed lab placement.

Do you need prior lab experience to apply?
It depends on the program. Some, like GRIPS, require prior knowledge in biology, chemistry, or computer programming, while others, like the Wake Forest Biology Research Institute, are open to students across grades 9 through 12 without listing specific prerequisites. Programs like RIBS at the University of Chicago do require at least one year of high school biology before you start.

Are there free options available?
Yes, several programs on this list don’t charge tuition. MIT’s RSI, the Broad Summer Scholars Program, GeneLab for High Schools, the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, and the HudsonAlpha Biotech Academy are all free to attend, and many of these also provide a stipend on top of being free.

Which programs offer stipends or paid positions?
A number of these programs compensate participants. The Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy offers a $4,500 stipend, the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program and SUNY Oneonta’s internship both offer $3,000 to $3,500, and UChicago Medicine’s ResearcHStart Program provides a $3,000 taxable stipend. The Broad Summer Scholars Program and Anson L. Clark Scholars Program also offer stipends alongside being free or low-cost to attend.

Which programs focus specifically on computational or bioinformatics-heavy biology?
If computational biology interests you, GeneLab for High Schools centers entirely on bioinformatics using real NASA spaceflight data, and Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Program in Computational Biology combines wet lab work with coding and data analysis. GRIPS at Stanford also incorporates data analysis skills into its genomics research placement, so these three are worth prioritizing if you want a stronger computational focus.

Is there a way to pursue independent biology research beyond a structured program?
Yes. If you’re interested in exploring biology beyond structured programs, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs lets you engage in advanced research and develop a 20-page research paper on a subject of your choosing, with guidance from a professor or PhD scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback, and covers over 600 research specializations. You can find the application here.

When should you apply?
Deadlines for these programs are spread throughout the year, so it helps to plan ahead. MIT’s RSI has one of the earliest deadlines in early to mid-December, while several others cluster in January, including the Broad Summer Scholars Program, the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, and UChicago Medicine’s ResearcHStart Program. February brings a wave of deadlines, including Stanford’s SIMR, the Anson L. Clark Scholars Program, and the Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy, while GRIPS and RIBS run into late February and March. Horizon, by contrast, has multiple deadlines throughout the year across its Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts, giving you more flexibility if you miss an earlier cutoff.

Image source: Horizon Academic Research Program