If you’re a high school student fascinated by DNA, heredity, or the molecular basis of life, a genetics summer program can give you the chance to explore the subject in depth. These programs focus on developing advanced skills in genetics through hands-on lab work, experiments, and exposure to cutting-edge research. You’ll explore gene expression, mutations, bioinformatics tools, and genetic engineering, gaining hands-on experience that goes beyond traditional classroom learning.
Summer programs in genetics also provide opportunities to learn directly from university faculty and researchers, giving you valuable mentorship and insight into the field. You’ll often work on projects, collaborate with peers who share similar interests, and practice critical skills like data analysis and scientific communication.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of 15 genetics summer programs for high school students.
15 Genetics Summer Programs for High School Students
1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: A $40 application fee is required. All students receive a minimum stipend of $500. Needs-based stipends of $2500 or more are available through special grants.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 50 students
Dates: June 8 – July 30
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors aged at least 16 with U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is a highly selective eight-week internship that allows high school juniors and seniors to conduct full-time laboratory research under the mentorship of Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate researchers. As a participant, you can choose from research tracks such as immunology, neurobiology, cancer biology, stem cell and regenerative medicine, cardiovascular biology, bioinformatics, bioengineering, and genetics and genomics. Students focusing on genetics and genomics gain hands-on experience with techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing, and computational analysis of genomic data. In addition to lab work, the program includes lectures, safety training, and the option to participate in a bioengineering boot camp. The experience culminates in a poster session where participants present their research findings to peers and faculty.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote – you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school; students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4); no previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective research program designed for high school students. The program offers 1-on-1 research opportunities with Ph.D. mentors, allowing you to explore advanced topics in genetics and related fields. Over the course of the 12-week program, you will design and complete an independent research project, developing skills in critical reading, data analysis, and scientific writing. Areas of research may include molecular genetics, genomics, population genetics, or computational biology. At the end of the program, you’ll produce a polished research paper that demonstrates your understanding of the subject and your ability to conduct independent academic work.
3. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid available.
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites, see here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas 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 that you can use to work on future projects. Apply here!
4. Biotech Summer Experience at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL)
Location: Edward Teller Education Center, Greenville Rd, Livermore, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Applications are competitive, and space is limited
Dates: July 14 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-12 who are 16 years or older by the start of the workshop, with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher
The Biotech Summer Experience at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is a two-week program that immerses high school students in molecular biology and bioinformatics research. You will work with Landoltia punctata (duckweed) to isolate and characterize genes, gaining hands-on experience in plasmid DNA purification, PCR, restriction digestion, and gel electrophoresis. Alongside lab work, you will utilize bioinformatics software to analyze gene sequences using the same tools employed in professional research. A key feature of the program is the submission of generated DNA sequences to GenBank, where you will receive authorship credit for your contributions. The program provides a rare opportunity to conduct research with real-world applications while developing both wet-lab and computational biology skills.
5. Biotech Research at the Boston Leadership Institute
Location: Online
Cost: $1,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Admissions are competitive
Dates: June 30 – July 11
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students
The Biotech Research Program at the Boston Leadership Institute offers high school students the chance to explore molecular biology and genetic engineering through hands-on experiments conducted from home. You will receive lab equipment to perform advanced procedures such as bacterial transformation, micropipetting, and ELISA-based antibody detection. You will also complete an independent research project on a genetic disease of your choice, developing skills in scientific inquiry and presentation. By combining technical training, topical experiments, and project-based learning, the program can provide a strong foundation in modern biotechnology.
6. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
Location: The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME
Cost/Stipend: No cost, stipend of $7,000, room, board, and travel included
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~40 students
Dates: May 30 – August 27
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors
The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program is a 10-week genetics and genomics research experience for high school seniors and undergraduates. About 40 students are selected each year to join JAX scientists in ongoing lab projects, where they design experiments, analyze genetic data, and present their results at the end of the summer. You will also attend workshops on genetic testing, data visualization, and science communication, while weekly Journal Clubs provide training in evaluating research papers. The program combines hands-on lab work with mentorship and professional development, giving students exposure to both technical skills and the broader applications of genetics.
7. Brown’s Pre-College Program (Biotechnology Courses)
Location: Either at Brown University, Providence, RI or online
Cost/Stipend: Depending on the course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: The program is selective
Dates: Each program has several session dates
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Multiple courses are available for high school students
Brown’s Pre-College Program (Biotechnology Courses) offers high school students the chance to explore biotechnology and molecular biology through a selection of various specialized courses. Options include topics like Antibiotic Drug Discovery, Genetics Beyond Mendel, and Research Techniques in Molecular Biology. Students gain hands-on experience with lab techniques while engaging with advanced concepts in genetics and biotechnology. Although the courses do not carry academic credit, they provide valuable exposure to college-level work. With over 300 total courses available, the program also allows students to explore related academic interests while getting a preview of college life.
8. Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: The exact details are not shared, but expect a small cohort size
Dates: June 16 – August 7
Application Deadline: Applications usually close in February
Eligibility:
- Local residents only (Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz)
- Students must be 16 or older by the internship start date
- Students must have some prior knowledge of biology, chemistry, or computer programming, whether through coursework or extracurricular activities
- Students must have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0
The Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS) is an intensive 8-week summer program focused on computational genetics and genomics. Open to Bay Area high school students, the program places participants in Stanford research labs, where they work under the guidance of faculty or visiting professionals for 20 hours per week. Alongside hands-on lab research, you will take part in panels and seminars on biomedical careers, professional development workshops, and regular mentor meetings. The program also emphasizes community building, giving participants the chance to connect with peers and researchers in the field.
9. Scripps Student Research Internship Program
Location: Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 40 students
Dates: June 2 – August 8 | June 16 – August 22
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old
The Scripps Student Research Internship Program is a summer program focused on translational science and personalized medicine. Over 8-10 weeks, students explore the genetic basis of traits and diseases while also learning how mobile health (mHealth) technologies can be integrated into healthcare. As a participant, you will gain training in study design and analysis methods, including genomic association studies and mHealth trials, and observe clinical research in action. Each student is paired with a mentor for guidance on research, career development, and professional skills. The program also includes seminars, proposal development, and concludes with a poster symposium where students present their work.
10. Broad Scholars Summer Program
Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a $3,600 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in late January
Eligibility: Rising high school senior attending a Massachusetts high school within commuting distance of the Broad Institute; Must have earned a B or higher in math and science. Check more details here
The Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP) gives high school students the opportunity to spend six weeks conducting original research at the Broad Institute. You will be paired with scientists and work on projects in fields such as cancer biology, computational biology, infectious disease, psychiatric research, and genetics. Students interested in genetics may join groups focused on genome regulation, cellular circuitry, or epigenomics. In addition to lab research, the program includes seminars, career discussions, and a college fair that provide insight into academic and professional pathways. The experience culminates in a poster session where students present their findings to the Broad community.
11. Helios Scholars at TGen
Location: TGen headquarters, Phoenix, AZ
Cost/Stipend: Student will receive $14.70/hr as a stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: The program is selective
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 4
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors (from Arizona schools) who are enrolled in college for the upcoming fall session and are at least 16 years old.
The Helios Scholars at TGen program offers high school, undergraduate, and graduate students the chance to immerse themselves in biomedical research through a full-time summer internship. You will conduct hands-on projects in fields such as genomics, cancer biology, neurogenomics, and infectious diseases, working under the guidance of TGen scientists. Depending on your placement, you will either work at TGen headquarters in Phoenix, focusing on the genetic components of diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and neurological disorders, or at TGen North in Flagstaff, concentrating on public health and pathogens. In addition to research, scholars attend seminars, receive career mentorship, and develop scientific communication skills through writing, poster creation, and presentations. The program concludes with a formal symposium where interns present their findings, with select students giving oral presentations.
12. DNA Learning Center Urban Barcode Research Program
Location: DNA Learning Center at City Tech, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Students will receive a $500 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 36 students
Dates: The first required lab training course will take place from August 25 – August 29, and additional sessions will be scheduled during the school year
Application Deadline: May 27
Eligibility: Rising junior or senior in high school, aged 16 years or older
The Urban Barcode Research Program (UBRP) at the DNA Learning Center introduces high school students to hands-on research in biodiversity using DNA barcoding. Following a competitive interview process, 36 students are selected to participate in lab- and field-based projects under the guidance of scientists and educators. Training sessions in biodiversity, conservation biology, and lab techniques prepare students to design and carry out their own research projects. You will gain experience in proposal writing, sample collection, DNA isolation, amplification, and data analysis, linking molecular biology to real-world ecological questions. The program also connects students with the NYC Science Research Mentoring Consortium, giving them access to events and resources at partner institutions.
13. Biotechnology for the 21st Century at the University of Chicago’s Summer Session
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $8,900
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: Session: June 14 – July 4 | Session 2: July 7 – July 26
Application Deadline: Applications for summer typically close by late spring
Eligibility: 9-11 grade students. High school biology is required
Biotechnology for the 21st Century at the University of Chicago’s Summer Session introduces high school students to the foundations and applications of biotechnology. The course covers molecular biology and genetics alongside applied fields such as microbial and agricultural biotechnology, biofuels, cloning, and bioremediation. You will also explore medical biotechnology, DNA fingerprinting, forensics, and the ethical considerations tied to these advancements. Taught by university faculty and researchers, the program combines lectures, workshops, and hands-on projects to build both knowledge and practical skills.
14. Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Students will receive a $2,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: Spring session: February 27 – May 22 | Summer session: June 30 – August 15
Application Deadline: Application typically closes in January
Eligibility: Students 16 years or older who live or attend a NYC Public or Charter School within 45 minutes of Genspace
The Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace is a six-month science research experience for New York City public and charter high school students aged 16 and older. As an intern, you will acquire key skills in biology and genetic engineering while developing science communication abilities to effectively share your work with diverse audiences. Working alongside peers and scientific mentors, students collaborate to design and carry out a research project tailored to their interests. The program includes hands-on lab training, tours of research labs and biotech companies, and opportunities to connect with working scientists. You will also receive career guidance, mentorship, and improv training to strengthen public communication skills. The experience concludes with students sharing their research as part of a broader city-wide network of teen science interns.
15. The Summer Science Program (SSP)
Location: Five campus options, including Purdue University, UNC Chapel Hill, the University of Colorado, New Mexico State, and Indiana University
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: Varies depending on the campus and course. Typically, between June and August
Application Deadline: January 24 for international applicants | February 21 for domestic applicants
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are at least 15 years of age
The Summer Science Program (SSP) is a five-week residential research experience for high school juniors, designed to immerse students in advanced, college-level science. Hosted on the campuses of leading research universities, the program offers hands-on research tracks in astrophysics, biochemistry, bacterial genomics, and synthetic chemistry. Students work in teams to design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and present real-world findings while using professional-grade research tools. Alongside the scientific training, participants build a global network of peers and mentors who share their passion for inquiry.
Image source – SSP International