10 Biology Summer Programs for High School Students
10 Biology Summer Programs for High School Students
Written by
Written by
George Gatsios, Founder of Delta Institute
George Gatsios, Founder of Delta Institute
Created on
Created on
Mar 3, 2026
Mar 3, 2026
Spend your break from school pursuing your passions with a biology summer program. These programs offer hands-on lab training, research projects, and virtual learning opportunities that help you build essential scientific skills and prepare you for future careers in biology. From investigating neurodegenerative diseases or studying molecular mechanisms of aging, these programs allow students to gain experience across research, build industry relevant skills, and add to their portfolio.
Here are 10 biology summer programs for high school students that combine learning, experimentation, and mentorship.
NASA’s GeneLab for high school students is a virtual biology-centered summer program focused on space biology and bioinformatics research. The program runs virtually, allowing students from across the United States to complete coursework online over the summer at their own pace. You’ll learn how scientists analyze real biological data collected from spaceflight missions, including experiments conducted aboard the International Space Station.
Through guided modules, coding exercises, and research projects, you’ll develop skills in data analysis, genetics, and computational biology while gaining exposure to NASA’s open-science initiatives. You can also choose whether to complete a capstone project with a team and present your work at the end of the program, which will help you develop communication skills and build confidence when explaining complex scientific concepts to your peers. After 12 weeks, you’ll walk away with hands-on experience working with authentic NASA datasets and a stronger understanding of how spaceflight impacts living organisms.
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: March 15 (or until 1,000 applications have been received)
Program Dates: June 1 to August 28
Eligibility: US citizens entering grade 11, grade 12, or college with a minimum GPA of 3.0
The Delve Work-Experience Program gives high school students a unique opportunity to explore biology careers through virtual work placements with leading companies and research organizations like The Vein Institute, Allegheny Health Network, and NHS. Over the 4 weeks, you’ll attend technical and professional development sessions, complete a group project, and receive mentorship from industry experts.
This experience allows you to apply scientific concepts to real-world problems, strengthen your analytical and research skills, and build a professional portfolio that stands out for college applications. You’ll also receive a certificate of achievement and a personalized recommendation letter from the company to highlight your experience.
Cost: $4,900
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the company (you can check all upcoming deadlines here)
Program Dates: Varies depending on the company (you can check all upcoming deadlines here)
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
The RNA Institute’s High School Bioinformatics Summer Camp introduces students to computational biology through the study of RNA sequencing and neurodegenerative disease research. You’ll learn to analyze large biological datasets and use bioinformatics tools to investigate gene expression patterns through live lectures, small group sessions, and mentorship from UAlbany-affiliated researchers.
You’ll also develop foundational skills in R coding, but don’t worry if you don’t have any coding experience, as there are pre-course modules that will help you build basic programming skills before camp starts. Throughout the 4-week program, you’ll work on a capstone project analyzing real datasets from conditions like ALS, Parkinson’s disease, and Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. At the end, you’ll present your project either virtually or in person at RNA Day and receive a Certificate of Completion along with an Introduction to Bioinformatics Skills digital badge.
Cost: $1,250 (if you apply before February 1), otherwise it’s $1,450
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates: July 6 to August 1
Eligibility: High school academic-level students with a minimum GPA of 3.0
Delta Institute’s Deepen Mentorship Program connects high school students with expert mentors in the biology and biomedical fields for a personalized virtual experience. Over the 8 weeks, you’ll work one-on-one with an experienced mentor, including industry leaders and Ivy League alumni, to develop specialized skills and complete a high-impact project tailored to your interests.
The mentorship will focus on advanced learning, hands-on guidance, and professional skill building, helping you create a portfolio that sets your college application apart. You’ll also receive a professional recommendation letter that highlights your unique skills and what you achieved during the program.
Cost: $6,500
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: March 29
Program Dates: Varies
Eligibility: High school students globally
miRcore’s Computational Biology Hybrid Camp is designed for academically motivated high school students interested in math, science, medicine, and computation. The program runs in Michigan and California or online where each five-day session teaches students how to perform computational biology research using patient RNA expression data to identify RNA biomarkers for specific diseases. You’ll select a disease to study with your group and apply research tools currently used by scientists.
By the end of the camp, you’ll complete a capstone project that strengthens skills in data analysis, statistical methods, and scientific communication. In-person students will engage in wet-lab experiments or field trips, while virtual students have a separate program. After presenting your project to your peers and parents at the end of camp, you’ll be eligible to become a miRcore volunteer to gain more hands-on research experience.
Cost: $875 (in-person) $610 (virtual)
Location: Virtual, in Ann Arbor, Michigan (Sessions 1 and 2) or La Jolla, California (Session 3)
Application Deadline: Open until all spots are full
Program Dates:
Session 1: June 15 to June 19
Session 2: July 6 to July 10
Session 3: July 27 to July 31
Eligibility: High school and incoming 9th-grade students interested in computers, math, science, and medicine
The HudsonAlpha Biotech Academy is an intensive, four-week summer program for high school students interested in genetics, genomics, and biotechnology who have been nominated by their teachers. You’ll gain hands-on experience learning fundamental molecular biology techniques, including DNA extraction, amplification, sequencing, and visualization. You’ll also use bioinformatics tools to analyze DNA data, study genetic engineering by producing and purifying proteins, and delve into the emerging field of synthetic biology.
Working in small teams, you’ll conduct experiments, maintain detailed lab notebooks, and engage in independent and collaborative research. Throughout the program, you’ll visit research labs and learn about different professions available in the biotechnology field.
Cost: Free
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Application Deadline: Teacher nominations begin in February
Program Dates: June 22 to July 17
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors who have been nominated by an eligible school’s science department
The Extended Research Program at ELIO Academy is a 12-week online research experience for high school and exceptional middle school students interested in biomedical sciences. You’ll attend live sessions and conduct independent research under the mentorship of established scientists, gaining hands-on experience in areas like molecular medicine, genomics, neuroscience, biotechnology, and bioengineering. You’ll develop essential scientific skills, including systematic literature review, data analysis, evidence-based reasoning, and scientific writing.
Complete the program by producing a research report, manuscript, or scientific poster that you can present at scientific competitions. Recent fellows of the program have produced notable projects, such as “Role of Unregulated Cathepsin-H in Mutated ALS”, which won an ACAP Science Fair Award, showcasing the high level of research and real-world impact students achieve in the program.
Cost: $2,475
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Open now until all spots are filled
Program Dates: June 6 to August 29
Eligibility: High school and middle school students with a strong interest in biomedical sciences
Wake Forest University’s Biology Research Institute offers high school students an immersive, hands-on experience in biological research. You’ll explore a wide range of topics, including plant hormonal development, disease biochemistry, floral ecology, and sustainability research. Through a combination of laboratory experiments, fieldwork, and microscopy, you’ll learn to formulate scientific questions, collect and analyze data, and apply experimental design principles to real-world biological problems.
You’ll work closely with PhD-level instructors and researchers, conducting activities like molecular plant growth experiments, studying mosquito-borne diseases, and analyzing biodiversity in grasslands. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research findings to your peers to earn a Wake Forest University certificate of completion.
Cost: $3,500
Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Application Deadline: Rolling acceptances
Program Dates:
Session 1: July 5 to July 10
Session 2: July 19 to July 24
Eligibility: Current 9th- to 12th-grade students
The Rosetta Institute of Biomedical Research offers a range of molecular medicine workshops for middle and high school students interested in pursuing a career in medicine. The Molecular Biology of Aging workshop focuses on why we age and how aging drives disease, teaching students through PhD-level instruction, interactive lectures, and hands-on laboratory experiences. You’ll begin the workshop by examining the molecular mechanisms that guide embryonic development, building a foundation for understanding how cells grow, differentiate, and regulate genes.
Then the workshop will transition into the biology of aging and age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. You’ll use the knowledge you gained for an original research project on a gene or molecular process of your choice to end the workshop.
Cost: $3,680 (residential) or $2,280 (commuter)
Location: Berkeley, California
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: June 14 to June 27
Eligibility: Middle and high school students ages 11 to 18
The Simons-NYU Science Explorations Program is a free summer experience that introduces high school students to college-level coursework and research in the physical sciences. The program is free and provides a strong foundation in biology, as well as other subjects like chemistry, physics, and psychology.
You’ll learn core biological concepts through lectures, laboratory research, and interactive workshops led by distinguished NYU faculty and guest speakers. This program also gives you the chance to live on campus and engage in social and cultural activities throughout New York City, offering a well-rounded experience that blends scientific learning with community building and exploration.
Cost: Free
Location: New York City, New York
Application Deadline: March 13
Program Dates: July 5 to July 25
Eligibility: US citizens or permanent residents who will be at least 16 years old and a rising high school junior, senior, or recent graduate at the program start date
Spend your break from school pursuing your passions with a biology summer program. These programs offer hands-on lab training, research projects, and virtual learning opportunities that help you build essential scientific skills and prepare you for future careers in biology. From investigating neurodegenerative diseases or studying molecular mechanisms of aging, these programs allow students to gain experience across research, build industry relevant skills, and add to their portfolio.
Here are 10 biology summer programs for high school students that combine learning, experimentation, and mentorship.
NASA’s GeneLab for high school students is a virtual biology-centered summer program focused on space biology and bioinformatics research. The program runs virtually, allowing students from across the United States to complete coursework online over the summer at their own pace. You’ll learn how scientists analyze real biological data collected from spaceflight missions, including experiments conducted aboard the International Space Station.
Through guided modules, coding exercises, and research projects, you’ll develop skills in data analysis, genetics, and computational biology while gaining exposure to NASA’s open-science initiatives. You can also choose whether to complete a capstone project with a team and present your work at the end of the program, which will help you develop communication skills and build confidence when explaining complex scientific concepts to your peers. After 12 weeks, you’ll walk away with hands-on experience working with authentic NASA datasets and a stronger understanding of how spaceflight impacts living organisms.
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: March 15 (or until 1,000 applications have been received)
Program Dates: June 1 to August 28
Eligibility: US citizens entering grade 11, grade 12, or college with a minimum GPA of 3.0
The Delve Work-Experience Program gives high school students a unique opportunity to explore biology careers through virtual work placements with leading companies and research organizations like The Vein Institute, Allegheny Health Network, and NHS. Over the 4 weeks, you’ll attend technical and professional development sessions, complete a group project, and receive mentorship from industry experts.
This experience allows you to apply scientific concepts to real-world problems, strengthen your analytical and research skills, and build a professional portfolio that stands out for college applications. You’ll also receive a certificate of achievement and a personalized recommendation letter from the company to highlight your experience.
Cost: $4,900
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the company (you can check all upcoming deadlines here)
Program Dates: Varies depending on the company (you can check all upcoming deadlines here)
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally
The RNA Institute’s High School Bioinformatics Summer Camp introduces students to computational biology through the study of RNA sequencing and neurodegenerative disease research. You’ll learn to analyze large biological datasets and use bioinformatics tools to investigate gene expression patterns through live lectures, small group sessions, and mentorship from UAlbany-affiliated researchers.
You’ll also develop foundational skills in R coding, but don’t worry if you don’t have any coding experience, as there are pre-course modules that will help you build basic programming skills before camp starts. Throughout the 4-week program, you’ll work on a capstone project analyzing real datasets from conditions like ALS, Parkinson’s disease, and Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. At the end, you’ll present your project either virtually or in person at RNA Day and receive a Certificate of Completion along with an Introduction to Bioinformatics Skills digital badge.
Cost: $1,250 (if you apply before February 1), otherwise it’s $1,450
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates: July 6 to August 1
Eligibility: High school academic-level students with a minimum GPA of 3.0
Delta Institute’s Deepen Mentorship Program connects high school students with expert mentors in the biology and biomedical fields for a personalized virtual experience. Over the 8 weeks, you’ll work one-on-one with an experienced mentor, including industry leaders and Ivy League alumni, to develop specialized skills and complete a high-impact project tailored to your interests.
The mentorship will focus on advanced learning, hands-on guidance, and professional skill building, helping you create a portfolio that sets your college application apart. You’ll also receive a professional recommendation letter that highlights your unique skills and what you achieved during the program.
Cost: $6,500
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: March 29
Program Dates: Varies
Eligibility: High school students globally
miRcore’s Computational Biology Hybrid Camp is designed for academically motivated high school students interested in math, science, medicine, and computation. The program runs in Michigan and California or online where each five-day session teaches students how to perform computational biology research using patient RNA expression data to identify RNA biomarkers for specific diseases. You’ll select a disease to study with your group and apply research tools currently used by scientists.
By the end of the camp, you’ll complete a capstone project that strengthens skills in data analysis, statistical methods, and scientific communication. In-person students will engage in wet-lab experiments or field trips, while virtual students have a separate program. After presenting your project to your peers and parents at the end of camp, you’ll be eligible to become a miRcore volunteer to gain more hands-on research experience.
Cost: $875 (in-person) $610 (virtual)
Location: Virtual, in Ann Arbor, Michigan (Sessions 1 and 2) or La Jolla, California (Session 3)
Application Deadline: Open until all spots are full
Program Dates:
Session 1: June 15 to June 19
Session 2: July 6 to July 10
Session 3: July 27 to July 31
Eligibility: High school and incoming 9th-grade students interested in computers, math, science, and medicine
The HudsonAlpha Biotech Academy is an intensive, four-week summer program for high school students interested in genetics, genomics, and biotechnology who have been nominated by their teachers. You’ll gain hands-on experience learning fundamental molecular biology techniques, including DNA extraction, amplification, sequencing, and visualization. You’ll also use bioinformatics tools to analyze DNA data, study genetic engineering by producing and purifying proteins, and delve into the emerging field of synthetic biology.
Working in small teams, you’ll conduct experiments, maintain detailed lab notebooks, and engage in independent and collaborative research. Throughout the program, you’ll visit research labs and learn about different professions available in the biotechnology field.
Cost: Free
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Application Deadline: Teacher nominations begin in February
Program Dates: June 22 to July 17
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors who have been nominated by an eligible school’s science department
The Extended Research Program at ELIO Academy is a 12-week online research experience for high school and exceptional middle school students interested in biomedical sciences. You’ll attend live sessions and conduct independent research under the mentorship of established scientists, gaining hands-on experience in areas like molecular medicine, genomics, neuroscience, biotechnology, and bioengineering. You’ll develop essential scientific skills, including systematic literature review, data analysis, evidence-based reasoning, and scientific writing.
Complete the program by producing a research report, manuscript, or scientific poster that you can present at scientific competitions. Recent fellows of the program have produced notable projects, such as “Role of Unregulated Cathepsin-H in Mutated ALS”, which won an ACAP Science Fair Award, showcasing the high level of research and real-world impact students achieve in the program.
Cost: $2,475
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Open now until all spots are filled
Program Dates: June 6 to August 29
Eligibility: High school and middle school students with a strong interest in biomedical sciences
Wake Forest University’s Biology Research Institute offers high school students an immersive, hands-on experience in biological research. You’ll explore a wide range of topics, including plant hormonal development, disease biochemistry, floral ecology, and sustainability research. Through a combination of laboratory experiments, fieldwork, and microscopy, you’ll learn to formulate scientific questions, collect and analyze data, and apply experimental design principles to real-world biological problems.
You’ll work closely with PhD-level instructors and researchers, conducting activities like molecular plant growth experiments, studying mosquito-borne diseases, and analyzing biodiversity in grasslands. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research findings to your peers to earn a Wake Forest University certificate of completion.
Cost: $3,500
Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Application Deadline: Rolling acceptances
Program Dates:
Session 1: July 5 to July 10
Session 2: July 19 to July 24
Eligibility: Current 9th- to 12th-grade students
The Rosetta Institute of Biomedical Research offers a range of molecular medicine workshops for middle and high school students interested in pursuing a career in medicine. The Molecular Biology of Aging workshop focuses on why we age and how aging drives disease, teaching students through PhD-level instruction, interactive lectures, and hands-on laboratory experiences. You’ll begin the workshop by examining the molecular mechanisms that guide embryonic development, building a foundation for understanding how cells grow, differentiate, and regulate genes.
Then the workshop will transition into the biology of aging and age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. You’ll use the knowledge you gained for an original research project on a gene or molecular process of your choice to end the workshop.
Cost: $3,680 (residential) or $2,280 (commuter)
Location: Berkeley, California
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: June 14 to June 27
Eligibility: Middle and high school students ages 11 to 18
The Simons-NYU Science Explorations Program is a free summer experience that introduces high school students to college-level coursework and research in the physical sciences. The program is free and provides a strong foundation in biology, as well as other subjects like chemistry, physics, and psychology.
You’ll learn core biological concepts through lectures, laboratory research, and interactive workshops led by distinguished NYU faculty and guest speakers. This program also gives you the chance to live on campus and engage in social and cultural activities throughout New York City, offering a well-rounded experience that blends scientific learning with community building and exploration.
Cost: Free
Location: New York City, New York
Application Deadline: March 13
Program Dates: July 5 to July 25
Eligibility: US citizens or permanent residents who will be at least 16 years old and a rising high school junior, senior, or recent graduate at the program start date
About the Author
George Gatsios holds a BA and MA in Economics from the University of Cambridge and is the founder of Delta Institute. He leads the organisation’s global strategy, overseeing programme design, partnerships, operations, and product innovation across education, career development, and technology. His work centers on building scalable, hands-on learning experiences that connect students with real-world industry exposure and future-ready skills. Alongside his leadership at Delta Institute, George serves as a Research Assistant in Economics at the University of Cambridge and London Business School, contributing to research at the intersection of economic theory, empirical analysis, and policy. He is an active member of the International Baccalaureate Educator Network (IBEN) and a strong advocate for lifelong learning and internationally minded education.
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