Getting a head start on your scientific career doesn’t have to wait until college. Biology programs for high school students offer a unique chance to swap standard textbooks for hands-on lab work, field research, and professional mentorship. Whether you are interested in genetics, marine biology, or medicine, these programs help you build a competitive college resume while discovering what a career in STEM actually looks like.
Why should you choose Nevada as a high schooler?
Between the unique desert ecology of the Mojave and the cutting-edge biomedical labs at UNLV and UNR, as a student in Nevada, you have access to diverse ecosystems and world-class facilities. Choosing a program in the Silver State means you can study everything from high-tech molecular biology to field-based ecology right in your own backyard. With that, here is a list of biology programs for high school students in Nevada to help you narrow down your choices.
However, if you want to explore options beyond the state line, you can also check out our guides on 15 Biology Programs for High School Students and 15 Biology Programs + Internships for High School Students.
1. UNLV Anatomy Academy Summer Camp
Cost: $125
Dates: June 1 – 5
Application Deadline: Not specified
Location: University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV
Eligibility: High school students and recent graduates
In the UNLV Anatomy Academy Summer Camp, you will study human anatomy and physiology through hands-on laboratory sessions and interactive workshops. The curriculum focuses on identifying major organ systems and understanding the biological mechanisms of the human body. You will get to develop skills in medical terminology, clinical observation, and the use of anatomical models. The program also introduces basic diagnostic techniques like measuring blood pressure and interpreting heart rhythms.
2. UNLV Nurse Camp
Cost: $550
Dates: Weeklong sessions in June and July
Application Deadline: Rolling
Location: University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV
Eligibility: High school students
The UNLV Nurse Camp is an immersive experience that introduces you to clinical biology and the fundamentals of healthcare. As a participant, you will engage in simulation lab activities, practicing skills such as suturing, infection control, and vital sign assessment. The curriculum covers human pathophysiology and the biological requirements of patient care. You will also develop practical skills in a controlled clinical environment while learning about the educational requirements for health science careers.
3. Short-Term Research Experience Program for Underrepresented Persons (STEP-UP)
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid
Dates: 8-12 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: February 15
Location: University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with a minimum 2.75 GPA who come from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds
STEP-UP pairs students with established research mentors to work on projects related to biomedical sciences, such as metabolism, endocrinology, obesity, and organ system diseases. As a participant, you will gain hands-on experience in experimental research techniques, data collection, responsible conduct of research, and scientific inquiry. The program also includes opportunities to present research results at a national symposium, developing communication and scientific presentation skills.
4. UNLV Student Interactions with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (SISTEM)
Cost: Free
Dates: Spring/fall sessions
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Location: University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV
Eligibility: High school students in Southern Nevada
SISTEM is a career awareness series that exposes high school students in Nevada to STEM disciplines, including biology-related fields, through talks and activities led by professionals. The program is designed for students interested in pursuing STEM degrees for careers that require a Bachelor degree or further study. It helps you learn about science careers and real scientific challenges while strengthening analytical thinking and exposure to actual scientific content.
5. Nevada INBRE Tribal Academy of Health and Science
Cost: Free
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Location: University of Nevada, Reno, NV
Eligibility: Native American students who are eligible for the Native American Fee Waiver program
The Nevada INBRE Tribal Academy of Health and Science is an academy that supports Native American students in Nevada with personalized career and education guidance in biomedical and health sciences. As a participant, you will receive mentorship, tutoring, and academic advising tailored to long-term science/medical career goals. The program fosters understanding of health science pathways and helps students build networks with professionals and research mentors.
6. NASA GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS)
Cost: Free
Dates: June 1 – August 28
Application Deadline: March 15
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA, who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents, and have completed at least one biology course
The NASA GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS) program is a virtual biology research program that introduces you to space biology and omics-based research methodologies. You’ll learn how to analyze genetic and protein data, apply computational biology techniques, and interpret large biological datasets. The curriculum strengthens skills in bioinformatics, data visualization, and scientific communication through structured modules. You’ll also gain familiarity with real NASA scientific practices relevant to biological research in space.
7. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Cost/Stipend: Free; $3,000 stipend offered
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: January 25
Location: Nationwide
Eligibility: Rising and graduating high school seniors (16+)
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid internship that pairs students with fisheries or aquatic science professionals for hands-on research and fieldwork. During the program, you’ll participate in ecological sampling, fisheries management projects, and aquatic habitat conservation activities alongside scientists. You will get to build practical skills in field biology, data collection and analysis, and ecosystem study techniques.
8. Johns Hopkins Biomedical Engineering Innovation (BMEI)
Cost: $4,260 (summer), $4,150 (spring & fall); Scholarships available
Dates: Summer: June 22 – July 31; Fall: August 25 – December 5; Spring: January 20 – April 27
Application Deadline: Spring: December 12; Summer: Rolling
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students and recent graduates who have As and Bs in math and science, have completed Algebra II and a year of physics (including lab), and are comfortable with trigonometric functions
The Johns Hopkins Biomedical Engineering Innovation (BMEI) online course immerses you in biomedical engineering through projects that apply biological system modeling, experimental design, and engineering problem-solving. You will build practical skills in analyzing physiological systems, designing prototypes (e.g., biomedical sensors), and simulating biological processes like cardiovascular dynamics. You will also gain exposure to technical communication and design iteration in a structured academic setting.
9. Wake Forest Virtual Regenerative Medicine Academy
Cost: Free
Dates: July 13 – 17
Application Deadline: March 15
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18
The Wake Forest Virtual Regenerative Medicine Academy is a biology program that provides you with a deep dive into the field of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. As a participant, you will engage in virtual laboratory demonstrations and interactive sessions with scientists from the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The curriculum emphasizes the process of growing organs in the lab and the ethical considerations surrounding advanced biotechnology. You’ll also explore various career pathways in biomedical research through guest lectures and professional development workshops.
10. George Mason Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Cost: $1,299 + $25 application fee; Financial aid available
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application Deadline: February 15
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students (15+)
ASSIP places high school students alongside research teams on scientific projects that can include biology-related themes such as cellular biology, biotechnology, or environmental science. You’ll work one-on-one with faculty researchers and get hands-on experience with the latest technology and equipment. You will also learn research planning, experimental execution, scientific reporting practices, and gain exposure to various STEM career paths.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like animal sciences, disease prevention, and biology, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you conduct advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choice. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Wake Forest University