Top 15 Biotechnology Summer Programs for High School Students in 2025–2026

The top biotechnology summer programs for high school students allow you to explore genetics, molecular biology, and bioengineering that demonstrate to selective schools that you are ready for advanced STEM work. In this blog, you will find a clear breakdown of the top programs for 2025–2026, so you know exactly what each program offers and which one is best for you.

• What Are the Best Biotechnology Summer Programs for High School Students?
• Research Science Institute (RSI)
• Stony Brook Pre-College Biotechnology Program
• Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
• Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP)
• Stanford Institute of Medical Research (SIMR)
• Summer Science Program (SSP) – Bacterial Genomics
• Boston University RISE
• Science Internship Program (SIP) at UC Santa Cruz
• BioBuilder Summer Research Program
• HudsonAlpha Biotech Academy
• NSLC Biotechnology Program
• Rice Bio Academies
• Georgetown Biotechnology for Science & Health Academy
• LLNL Biotechnology Summer Experience
• BRITE Futures High School Biotechnology Camp (North Carolina Central University)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Best Biotechnology Summer Programs for High School Students?

Below is an overview of the best biotechnology programs for high school students:

Let’s discuss each program one by one.

1. Research Science Institute (RSI)

• Dates: June 28 to August 8, 2026
• Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Cost: Free except for a $75 application fee

The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a six-week residential STEM program for students entering grade 12. You join 100 students selected for high academic performance in math, science, and verbal skills. The program begins with a one-week seminar series in biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and mathematics. You use MIT computing resources to read research papers, model systems, and prepare technical documents.

The following five weeks are spent in a research lab under a mentor. You complete a research project by reading journal articles, creating a plan, collecting data, analyzing results, and preparing a written paper and oral presentation. A panel of Boston-area scientists evaluates the final work and selects five papers and five presentations for recognition.Eligibility requires strong grades, test scores, and recommendations. PSAT math 740+, evidence-based reading 700+, ACT math 33+, and verbal 34+ are recommended. Applicants must submit essays on STEM goals, two teacher or research supervisor recommendations, official high school transcripts, and standardized test scores.

Want to dive into cutting-edge STEM research this summer? Explore our full guide on RSI.

2. Stony Brook Pre-College Biotechnology Program

• Dates: Session One: June 28 – July 3, 2026; Session Two: July 5 – 10, 2026
• Location: Stony Brook University, New York
• Cost: TBA

The Stony Brook Pre-College Biotechnology Program is a one-week, in-person program for U.S. residents aged 15–17 who are rising juniors or seniors and have completed a Regents Living Environment course or equivalent biology class. 

You work with green fluorescent protein (GFP), modify its DNA sequence, genetically engineer bacteria to produce the protein, and isolate it for observation. You also perform lab techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction, bacterial transformation, agarose gel electrophoresis, chromatography, and SDS-PAGE gel analysis. 

Kristen Vadasz, Co-Director of the Biotechnology Teaching Laboratories, teaches and mentors students throughout the week. Lectures are combined with lab exercises to help you learn both the theory and the practical application of each technique. 

Ready to engineer your first proteins this summer? Explore our complete guide on Stony Brook Biotechnology.

3. Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program

• Dates: Bar Harbor: May 30 – August 7, 2026; Farmington: May 30 – August 10, 2026
• Location: Bar Harbor, Maine, and Farmington, Connecticut
• Cost: Fully funded with a $7,000 stipend, plus room, board, and travel

The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program is a 10–10.5 week in-person program for graduating high school seniors and undergraduates. You work on a lab project under a mentor, perform experiments, analyze data, and present your results to JAX scientists and peers.

The program includes weekly Journal Club meetings and professional development sessions on genetic testing, data visualization, science communication, and peer review. You also interact with professionals across science-related careers, including grant writing and veterinary science.

The program runs at two campuses: Bar Harbor, Maine, and Farmington, Connecticut.

4. Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP)

• Dates: June 29 – August 7, 2026
• Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Cost: Free with a $3,600 stipend 

The Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP) is a six-week in-person program for rising high school seniors in Massachusetts with a B or better in science and math. You work with a Broad scientist on an original research project in areas like cancer biology, psychiatric disease, chemical biology, computational biology, or infectious disease. You gain hands-on experience with computational and experimental techniques and have access to a tutor for project-related concepts.

You present your research in a scientific poster session, attend scientific talks, and participate in social events and a college fair. The program provides training on creating posters and presenting results. You must be available for the full six weeks, and the program is open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or non-U.S. citizens with employment authorization.

5. Stanford Institute of Medical Research (SIMR)

• Dates: June 8 – July 30, 2026
• Location: Stanford University, California
• Cost: No program fee; $500 minimum stipend, up to $2,500 based on need

The Stanford Institute of Medical Research (SIMR) is an eight-week in-person program for U.S. high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old. You conduct medically-oriented research under one-on-one mentorship from Stanford faculty, postdocs, and graduate students. You can work in:

• Immunology
• Neurobiology
• Cancer biology
• Stem cell and regenerative medicine
• Cardiovascular biology
• Bioinformatics
• Genetics
• Bioengineering

The program includes lab work, lectures, workshops, and professional development sessions. You also present research in a poster session.

In particular, the Bioengineering (BioE) Team Internship lets you work in teams on design projects addressing medical needs. You use 3D printing, CAD, microcontrollers, PCR, and polymer engineering, with guidance from graduate students and faculty. Students access Stanford labs, maker spaces, and machine shops.

There is a $40 application fee, which can be waived for families earning under $80,000 or under special circumstances. All program costs and stipends are covered after acceptance.

Want to learn more about the programr? Explore our full guide on SIMR.

6. Summer Science Program (SSP) – Bacterial Genomics

• Dates: June 8 – July 13 (Albion College), June 15 – July 20 (Pacific University), June 22 – July 27 (Lehigh University), June 29 – August 3 (Purdue University), July 6 – August 10 (University of Guelph)
• Location: Multiple campuses in the U.S. and Canada
• Cost: Free or partially discounted for most students; stipends up to $3,000 available

The Summer Science Program in Bacterial Genomics is for high school juniors who have completed or are completing biology and Algebra II by June. You study stress resistance in non-pathogenic bacteria using directed evolution, maintain bacterial cultures with a chemostat, sequence evolved strains, and identify mutations. 

You gain hands-on experience with microbiology techniques such as PCR, DNA extraction, and gel electrophoresis, and use Galaxy for genome assembly, mutation calling, and annotation. You analyze data, create visualizations, and produce scientific manuscripts and poster presentations.

Faculty, teaching assistants, and guest lecturers provide direct mentorship. The program covers tuition, room, board, and travel for eligible students. Applications are free, and students from underrepresented STEM backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

If you’re excited to explore bacterial genomics this summer, explore our complete guide on SSP.

7. Boston University RISE

• Dates: Residential: June 28 – August 7, 2026; Commuter: June 29 – August 7, 2026
• Location: Boston University campus, Boston, Massachusetts
• Cost: Tuition varies; limited financial aid available based on need

The Research in Science and Engineering (RISE) program is designed for high school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and want to gain hands-on experience in scientific research. RISE offers two tracks:

• Internship Track. Students are matched with a BU laboratory and work 40 hours per week on a research project under the mentorship of faculty or graduate students, with opportunities in physics, astronomy, biomedical engineering, computer science, and neuroscience.
• Practicum Track. A structured computational research course in areas like neurobiology or data science where students tackle a group research project, attend morning lectures, complete afternoon research sessions, and learn data analysis techniques.

You will work closely with faculty, graduate students, and peers to develop technical skills, conduct experiments, and present your results at the Poster Symposium. Residential students live on campus and join structured social activities, while commuter students participate fully in research and workshops.

Read our full guide on BU RISE to learn more about the program.

8. Science Internship Program (SIP) at UC Santa Cruz

• Dates: Online research week: June 15–19, 2026; In-person research weeks: June 22–August 7, 2026; Presentation Day: August 8, 2026
• Location: UC Santa Cruz campus, Santa Cruz, California
• Cost: Tuition $4,250; Housing options $0–$7,350 depending on plan; Application fee $68; Deposit $750; Optional transportation and gym fees

The Science Internship Program (SIP) at UC Santa Cruz offers high school students aged 14–17 the opportunity to work on open-ended research projects under the mentorship of UCSC faculty and researchers. 

The program begins with a one-week online research period and continues with seven weeks of in-person research in physics, engineering, computational research, the social sciences, and the humanities. Students conclude the program on Presentation Day, sharing their results in a hybrid in-person and online format.

You can participate as an intern working on an independent research project under direct guidance from a UCSC mentor, or as a residential or commuter student, with on-campus housing providing three meals per day or options for weekly or daily commuting with optional shuttle service. 

Selection prioritizes motivation, subject interest, and analytical skills, with preference for returning participants. Financial aid can cover up to 100% of tuition, housing, meals, and transportation.

Check out our full guide on UC Santa Cruz SIP for more details.

9. BioBuilder Summer Research Program

• Dates: July 21 – August 1, 2025
• Location: Ginkgo Learning Lab, Seaport District, Boston, MA
• Cost: $3,400, non-refundable deposit $850

The BioBuilder Summer Research Program at UC Boston welcomes high school students entering grades 10–12 with a strong interest in science and a readiness for hands-on lab work and team collaboration. You will spend two weeks in BioBuilder’s state-of-the-art Learning Lab at Ginkgo Headquarters conducting independent biodesign and bioengineering projects that address real-world challenges such as climate change, renewable energy, and clean water. 

You will learn directly from PhD scientists and award-winning educators from MIT, Harvard, Tufts, and Boston University while gaining practical lab experience. Full participation is required for the entire program, and international students are welcome to apply, though you must arrange your own travel and accommodations. 

Housing is not provided, and students are responsible for meals outside the program hours, which includes lunch provided each day. The program does not provide academic credit but gives valuable research experience to strengthen your future STEM opportunities.

10. HudsonAlpha Biotech Academy

• Dates: June 22 – July 17, 2026
• Location: HudsonAlpha Institute, Huntsville, Alabama
• Cost: Free

The HudsonAlpha Biotech Academy gives rising juniors and seniors nominated by their schools a four-week, hands-on introduction to genetics, genomics, and biotechnology. You will learn molecular biology techniques, identify plant and animal species from DNA sequences, produce and purify red fluorescent protein, and explore synthetic biology. The program also includes visits to research labs and biotech companies at the HudsonAlpha Institute.

The Academy concludes with a presentation to showcase your work to family, teachers, and peers. Teacher nominations begin in February 2026, and only one student per participating high school will be selected.

11. NSLC Biotechnology Program

• Dates: July 6 – 14, 2026, and July 18 – 26, 2026
• Location: University of California, Berkeley, San Francisco, CA
• Cost: $4,495 

The NSLC Biotechnology Program is a nine-day residential program where high school students extract DNA, build dye-sensitized solar cells, and prototype a myoelectric arm to learn how biological principles power modern technology. 

The program includes guest lectures from industry professionals, field trips to research labs, and a leadership curriculum covering communication, resilience, and teamwork. Students live in supervised campus dormitories with meals provided and can earn online college credit through American University. 

NSLC offers scholarships totaling over $500,000 annually to support qualified students.

12. Rice Bio Academies

• Dates: July 7 – 11, 2025
• Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
• Cost: $499/week (includes daily lunch)

The Rice Bio Academies provides high school students currently in 9th through 11th grade the opportunity to explore biotechnology and biomedicine through hands-on lab work. You will extract and analyze DNA, perform bacterial transformation, practice micropipetting, and test PTC genes, gaining practical experience with techniques used in fundamental research. The program is divided into Biotech and Biomed tracks, and all sessions are led by Rice faculty and graduate students. 

Registration requires prior or current enrollment in a high school biology course. Full participation is expected, and space is limited, so completing registration and participant forms is necessary to secure your spot.

13. Georgetown Biotechnology for Science & Health Academy

• Dates: June 28 – July 10, 2026
• Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
• Cost: Residential $6,800; Commuter $5,530

At the Georgetown Biotechnology for Science & Health Academy, you will clone a gene using DNA ligation and transformation techniques, purify proteins, perform DNA analysis, and study enzyme biochemical functions. The program covers bioinformatics, laboratory safety, and applications of biotechnology in medicine, forensics, food safety, and scientific research. 

Each day includes lectures, lab work, off-site visits to research labs or biotech companies, guest speaker sessions, and group discussions from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with evening residential programming until curfew. You will gain hands-on experience with biotech tools, complete a capstone project presenting your results, and earn a Certificate of Participation upon successful completion.

14. LLNL Biotechnology Summer Experience

• Dates: July 13–24, 2026
• Location: Edward Teller Education Center, Livermore, CA
• Cost: Free

At the LLNL Biotechnology Summer Experience, you will work on isolating, characterizing, and analyzing genes from duckweed (Landoltia punctata). You will purify plasmid DNA, perform PCR, restriction digests, and gel electrophoresis, and analyze gene sequences using professional bioinformatics tools. Your DNA sequences will be submitted to GenBank, with each published sequence crediting you by name. 

The program runs weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and is open to students 16–18 years old entering grades 10–12 with a minimum GPA of 3.3 and eligibility to access LLNL under the 2025 NDAA Section 3112. You must bring a laptop, provide your own transportation, and get or purchase lunch onsite.

15. BRITE Futures High School Biotechnology Camp (North Carolina Central University)

• Dates: One-week program (exact 2026 dates TBD)
• Location: BRITE, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC
• Cost: TBA

The BRITE Futures High School Biotechnology Camp gives you an immersive experience in biotechnology and lab research. During the week, you will:

• Analyze DNA with gel electrophoresis to separate biomolecules and interpret your results.
• Perform bacterial transformation to explore DNA modifications and mutations in living organisms.
• Use column chromatography to isolate and purify proteins like green fluorescent protein.
• Apply PCR to DNA evidence in a crime scene simulation.
• Conduct ELISA experiments to understand diagnostics and genetically modified organisms.

You will tour BRITE research labs and perform experiments under the guidance of BRITE scientists. The camp focuses on hands-on laboratory techniques, including DNA analysis, bacterial transformation, chromatography, PCR, and ELISA. This one-week program is open to all high school students interested in science and biotechnology.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best biotechnology summer programs for high school students in 2025?

You can explore top programs such as RSI at MIT, Broad Summer Scholars in Cambridge, and the Stanford Institute of Medical Research for hands-on lab research in genetics, bioengineering, and molecular biology. Each program offers different project types, mentorship, and lab techniques, so you can pick one that matches your interests and skill level.

2. Are there free biotechnology summer programs for high school students?

Yes, programs like RSI at MIT, Broad Summer Scholars, HudsonAlpha Biotech Academy, and LLNL Biotechnology Summer Experience cover tuition and sometimes even provide stipends. You will still need to submit a strong application, transcripts, and recommendations, but cost will not block your access to these selective opportunities.

3. What subjects do biotechnology summer programs typically cover?

Most programs cover genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, bioinformatics, and lab techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, and protein purification. You may also explore specialized areas like cancer biology, stem cells, synthetic biology, or computational biology, depending on the program you choose.

4. How can biotechnology summer programs help with college admissions?

Completing a program shows selective schools that you have hands-on lab experience, can handle challenging STEM projects, and understand real-world applications of biotechnology. You also gain strong recommendation letters, research projects, and leadership experiences that make your application stand out to top colleges.

5. When should I apply for biotechnology summer programs?

Most programs open applications between December and March for the following summer, with deadlines ranging from February to May. Applying early gives you the best chance at scholarships, financial aid, and competitive spots in highly selective labs and research experiences.

Takeaways

• You can get hands-on lab experience in genetics, molecular biology, and bioengineering at top programs like RSI at MIT, Broad Summer Scholars, and Stanford Institute of Medical Research.
• Programs like HudsonAlpha Biotech Academy and LLNL Biotechnology Summer Experience let you participate for free while gaining mentorship, learning advanced lab techniques, and building a competitive STEM resume.
• Most programs teach practical skills such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, protein purification, and bioinformatics, giving you hands-on experience with techniques that scientists use every day.
• Completing a biotechnology program shows colleges that you can tackle advanced STEM projects, collaborate in teams, and present research results, which strengthens your applications to selective schools.
• If you want to make the most of biotechnology programs, working with a college admissions expert can help you choose the right labs, highlight your research experience, and show selective colleges that you are ready for advanced STEM challenges.