Free Biology Summer Programs for High School Students
Updated: 4 days ago
Updated October 2026
TL;DR
This guide takes you through 10 free biology summer programs for high school students, including opportunities in genetics, biotechnology, biomedical research, marine science, fisheries biology, and laboratory research. You'll find programs that offer hands-on scientific experience, mentorship from researchers, research projects, and, in some cases, stipends, housing, meals, or college credit. The list includes options for students with different interests and eligibility requirements, so you can compare each opportunity before applying. If you want to pursue an independent research project with one-on-one PhD mentorship, explore the Lumiere Research Scholar Program.
If you're a high school student considering a career in biology or a related field, a summer research program can help you explore your interests beyond the classroom. You could learn laboratory techniques, investigate genetics, study marine ecosystems, or contribute to a research project alongside experienced scientists. These experiences can help you explore potential college majors and gain solid experience to discuss in college applications. This guide covers 10 biology and related free summer programs, with details on eligibility, costs, dates, and what you can expect from each opportunity.
Which biology summer program is right for you?
The best program for you depends on the kind of research you want to explore, where you live, your current grade, and whether you need financial support. Use this table to narrow down your options before reading the full program details.
Who is it right for? | Programs to explore | What you can gain |
Students looking for funded, mentored research with flexible participation | Individual PhD mentorship and an independent research paper | |
Students interested in marine science, environmental systems, and college-level coursework | Hands-on learning, two college-credit courses, and a weekly stipend | |
Students seeking experience in a professional research setting | Research experience with scientists, laboratory work, and scientific training | |
Students interested in fisheries, aquatic ecosystems, and conservation | Field or laboratory experience in aquatic and marine science | |
Students curious about genetics, biotechnology, and molecular biology | Exposure to biotechnology, laboratory techniques, and biological research | |
Students interested in biomedical research, laboratory techniques, and diseases such as cancer and infectious diseases | Advanced research experience, a stipend, and support for housing and travel; check the eligibility note below |
10 Biology Summer Programs to Consider
The programs below cover a range of research areas, from independent research and biomedical science to genetics, biotechnology, and aquatic ecosystems. Review the eligibility requirements and current application information carefully, as program dates and deadlines may change from year to year.
Location: Remote
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Program Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Eligibility: You must be enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall and must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program pairs you one-on-one with a PhD mentor to develop an independent research paper over 12 weeks. You’ll refine a research question, explore academic literature, and work through the research and writing process with guidance from your mentor. Biology may be an option depending on available research topics and mentors. You can apply here!
Why it stands out: You can receive individual PhD-level mentorship and complete an independent research paper without paying program fees.
Location: University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD
Cost: Free; $500 weekly stipend, housing, meals, travel to and from campus, and tuition for two college-credit courses provided
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: TBA; previous cycle: six weeks during the summer, typically June–August
Application Deadline: TBA; previous deadline not specified
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have a minimum 2.7 GPA, have been accepted to an accredited U.S. college or university, and plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a geoscience-related field.
The Geosciences Bridge Program introduces you to marine science, atmospheric science, environmental science, physical oceanography, and GIS/remote sensing. You’ll explore these subjects through faculty-led instruction and hands-on activities while strengthening your math skills. You’ll also take two college-credit courses: College Algebra or Calculus I, depending on your placement, and Freshman Seminar.
Why it stands out: You can earn college credit, receive a $500 weekly stipend, and get housing, meals, and travel costs covered before starting your undergraduate degree.
Location: NIH research campuses across the United States, including Bethesda, MD
Cost: No program fee; monthly stipend of $2,530 before high school graduation or $2,840 after graduation
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: TBA; previous cycle ran May–August
Application Deadline: Mid-February, with reference letters due one week later
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents. For the upcoming cycle, applicants must generally be 18 by September 30 and enrolled at least half-time as high school seniors when applying, graduating before the internship begins, or meet another eligible college-enrollment pathway.
The NIH High School Summer Internship Program gives you the chance to work with scientists on active research in biomedical, behavioral, or social sciences. You’ll join a research group at an NIH institute or center, contribute to its work, and build practical research skills.
Why it stands out: You can gain full-time research experience at the NIH, contribute to work led by established scientists, and receive a stipend while exploring careers in science and healthcare.
Location: Local placement within commuting distance of your home in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, or Mexico
Cost: Free; $3,000 stipend and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June–August; 2027 dates to be confirmed with your assigned mentor
Application Deadline: January 24; applications open November 23
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and rising college freshmen who live in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, or Mexico.
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program pairs you with a fisheries or aquatic science professional for an eight-week paid internship. You’ll gain hands-on experience in marine or freshwater research, fisheries management, and conservation. Depending on your placement, you may help with fish sampling, habitat restoration, laboratory analysis, or data collection.
Why it stands out: You’ll receive a $3,000 stipend while gaining practical experience with a fisheries professional near your home, without needing to relocate for the internship.
Location: Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, East Boothbay, Maine
Cost: Free; housing, meals, and snacks provided. No stipend.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 16 students selected in the previous cycle; acceptance rate not specified
Program Dates: TBA; previous cycle: May 17–22
Application Deadline: TBA; previous cycle: April 10
Eligibility: High school juniors in Maine. Students from all Maine counties are encouraged to apply; no prior research experience is required.
The Keller BLOOM Program introduces you to ocean science through hands-on research with professional scientists. You’ll study the biological, chemical, and geological characteristics of the marine environment and learn to collect and analyze scientific data. The week-long program includes laboratory work and research using oceanographic equipment.
Why it stands out: You’ll spend a week working alongside ocean scientists in a professional research laboratory, with housing and meals covered at no cost.
Location: RockEDU Science Outreach Laboratory, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost: Free; public transportation within NYC is covered. Need-based stipends may be available to eligible students. Housing is not provided.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 32 students accepted annually; acceptance rate not specified
Program Dates: TBA; previous cycle: June 22–August 6
Application Deadline: TBA; previous cycle: January 2, with recommendation letters due January 5
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old by the program start date. Applicants must commit to the entire program, which requires approximately 35 hours per week.
The Summer Science Research Program gives you the opportunity to conduct mentored laboratory research at Rockefeller University. You’ll join a research team, develop a research question based on your interests, and investigate it with guidance from scientific trainees and research mentors. The program also includes scientific electives, workshops, guest lectures, and a final research poster presentation.
Why it stands out: You’ll work on a research project in a university laboratory, with a dedicated team of mentors and access to scientific training, at no cost.
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, New York
Cost: Free; $2,000 stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: TBA; previous cycle: February–August, with spring sessions and a summer research internship
Application Deadline: TBA; previous deadline not specified on the current official page
Eligibility: Students aged 16 or older by the orientation date who live in New York City or attend a NYC public or charter school within a 45-minute commute of Genspace. Exceptions may be considered.
The Biorocket Research Internship Program introduces you to biotechnology, genetics, and biology through lab training and a collaborative research project. You’ll learn laboratory techniques, work with scientist mentors, and explore topics in genetic engineering. The program also helps you develop science communication skills and learn about careers in biotechnology.
Why it stands out: You can gain hands-on biotechnology research experience and earn a $2,000 stipend while working with scientists in a community biology lab.
Location: Science and Engineering Complex, Harvard University, Allston, Boston, MA
Cost: No program fee; stipend not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 15 students participated in the previous summer cohort
Program Dates: TBA; previous cycle: June 8–12, as listed in prior program information
Application Deadline: TBA; previous deadline not specified
Eligibility: High school students from the Boston area; minimum age requirements should be confirmed with the program before applying.
BioSTAR introduces you to bioengineering through hands-on laboratory work at Harvard’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. You’ll learn techniques such as cell culture, microscopy, and nanoparticle synthesis while exploring how bioengineering can support drug delivery and cancer research.
Why it stands out: You can develop practical bioengineering skills in a Harvard laboratory and explore how techniques such as nanoparticle-based drug delivery are used in biomedical research.
Location: Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
Cost: Free; $2,000 stipend to help cover transportation and meals. Housing is not provided.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; capacity of 24 students in the 2026 cohort
Program Dates: TBA; the previous program ran July 13 to August 7
Application Deadline: TBA; applications for 2026 closed March 8
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 10 or 11 who can commute to downtown Seattle. Applicants should be interested in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, public health, or a related scientific field. Prior research experience is not required.
The Research Training Program introduces you to laboratory research through hands-on activities at Seattle Children’s Research Institute. You’ll explore topics such as biochemistry, immunotherapy, gene editing, and infectious diseases, learn laboratory techniques, and develop your own independent research project.
Why it stands out: You can gain practical laboratory experience, conduct an independent research project, and receive a stipend while exploring biomedical research careers.
Location: Edward Teller Education Center, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA
Cost: Free; no stipend. Students must arrange their own transportation and bring a laptop. Lunch is not provided.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified; 24 high school students participated in a previous cohort
Program Dates: TBA; previous cycle: July 13–24
Application Deadline: TBA; previous deadline: February 26, with recommendation letters due March 6
Eligibility: Students entering grades 11–12, aged 16 or older by the workshop start date, attending a Northern California high school, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3 and science GPA of at least 3.5. Students must have completed biology and chemistry, or the specified integrated science sequence. Additional citizenship and facility-access restrictions apply.
The Biotech Summer Experience introduces you to molecular biology and bioinformatics through a two-week research project focused on duckweed DNA. You’ll learn techniques such as plasmid DNA isolation, PCR, restriction digestion, and gel electrophoresis, then use bioinformatics tools to analyze gene sequences. The sequences are submitted to GenBank, with participating students credited by name.
Why it stands out: You can contribute to a real molecular biology research project and have your DNA sequence submission acknowledged in an international genetic database.
How do you choose the right biology summer program?
Before applying, compare programs based on more than their names or locations. The right fit is one that matches your interests, eligibility, schedule, and available resources.
Start with your research interests. Decide whether you're most interested in genetics, molecular biology, neuroscience, environmental science, marine biology, or biomedical research.
Check the eligibility requirements carefully. Some opportunities are limited by age, grade, location, citizenship, residency, or college-enrollment status.
Compare the actual costs. A program described as free may still require you to cover transportation, meals, or other expenses. Check whether a stipend, housing, and travel support are included.
Look at the type of experience offered. A laboratory internship, a field placement, and an independent research project can teach you different skills.
Confirm the dates and deadlines. Some information in the list reflects previous program cycles. Check the official website for the next application window before making plans.
If your goal is to develop an independent research question and write a research paper with one-on-one guidance, you can also explore the Lumiere Research Scholar Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you join a biology summer research program as a high school student?
Yes. Several programs in this list are designed for high school students, although eligibility varies by age, grade, location, and other requirements. Read each program's current criteria before applying.
2. Are all biology summer research programs in this list free?
Yes. Some programs are fully funded while many provide stipends, housing, meals, and travel support. Check the official program page to understand exactly what is included and what you would need to pay for yourself.
3. Do you need previous laboratory experience to apply?
No. Some programs accept students without prior research experience, while others expect particular coursework, skills, or academic preparation. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and choose opportunities that match your current experience.
4. Can a biology research program help strengthen your college applications?
Yes. A research experience can help you explore an academic interest, develop scientific skills, and discuss a project or question that matters to you. Its value depends on what you learn and contribute; participation alone does not guarantee admission to a particular college. If you're interested in developing your own research project with individual PhD mentorship, learn more about the Lumiere Research Scholar Program.