8 Free Biology Programs for Middle School Students
Middle school is a crucial time to nurture curiosity and develop foundational skills, especially for students passionate about biology. Free biology programs offer young learners the opportunity to dive into fascinating topics like genetics, microbiology, and environmental science without financial barriers. Through hands-on activities, mentorship, and exposure to advanced concepts, these programs help students build critical thinking and practical skills that pave the way for future academic and career success.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of eight free biology programs designed to inspire middle schoolers and help them explore the wonders of life sciences:
Veritas AI's AI Trailblazers program introduces middle school students to the exciting world of artificial intelligence. With the current discourse surrounding ChatGPT and other natural language models, this program is incredibly cutting-edge, helping students build fundamentals in this field early.
With 100% financial aid available, this program ensures accessibility for all interested students. The curriculum includes understanding AI fundamentals, machine learning, and data science. You will participate in hands-on projects, such as building simple AI models and exploring real-world AI applications. The program's collaborative environment encourages teamwork and creativity, with a final showcase where you present your AI projects.
Location: Online
Eligibility: Completion of AI Scholars or background in coding; students in grades 8-12.
Application Deadline:
Spring Cohort: February 23
Summer Cohorts:
Early Admission: March 23
Regular Admission 1: April 27
Regular Admission 2: May 25
Program Dates:
Spring: March 16 – May 18
Summer(Multiple Cohorts): June – August
Cost: $2290 (Financial aid available)
Subject Areas: Genetics, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology
Location: HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL
Eligibility: Rising 6th through rising 8th graders
Application Deadline: Registration opens March 20
Program Dates:
June 3–7(1 PM–4 PM)
June 10–14(9 AM–12 PM)
June 24–28(9 AM–12 PM)
July 8–12(1 PM–4 PM)
Cost: $200 (scholarships available)
The Code of Life camp offers a week-long deep dive into the building blocks of biology—DNA. You will gain hands-on experience with techniques like DNA extraction, micropipetting, centrifuging, and genetic engineering. You will explore the impact of DNA on physical traits, delve into genetic disorders, and perform experiments such as creating glow-in-the-dark bacteria. The camp includes tours of HudsonAlpha’s research facilities and interactions with scientists, making it a perfect starting point for young students interested in biotechnology. Graduates of the camp can advance to specialized programs like I Want to Work in a Lab Coat or The Secret Lab.
The Junior Explorer Program is an 8-week immersive opportunity for middle schoolers to delve into their academic interests while creating a high school-level project under expert mentorship. Students explore multiple topics in their chosen track during the first four weeks, then focus on a specific area to build a personalized project over the remaining weeks. Weekly one-on-one mentor sessions provide tailored guidance, helping participants develop advanced analytical and problem-solving skills. Tracks include diverse fields such as Biology, AI, Environmental Studies, and Business, fostering interdisciplinary learning and passion-driven exploration.
Subject Areas: Biology, Medicine & Public Health; Mathematics; AI & Data Science; Engineering; Psychology
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
Application Deadline: March for Summer Cohort
Program Dates: Spring Cohort begins March 11; Summer Cohort begins June 3
Cost: $2400 (with need-based financial aid available); $200 deposit required upon conditional acceptance
Columbia University’s S-PREP provides a robust academic and professional development platform for students interested in STEM and medicine. Offering courses such as Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Calculus, the program strengthens foundational skills through interactive labs, Regents exam prep, and supervised research training. You also benefit from college counseling, career workshops, field trips, and mentorship opportunities with top researchers. S-PREP alumni can further engage with summer research initiatives at institutions like the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, enriching their exposure to cutting-edge science.
Subject Areas: Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physics, Psychology, Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Statistics, and more
Location: Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12 who are economically disadvantaged or belong to historically underrepresented groups
Application Deadlines:
Summer Session: April 15
Academic Year Session: September 19
SAT Prep Course: January 1
Program Dates:
Summer Session: July 8 – August 2 (Monday–Friday, 10 AM–2 PM)
Academic Year: November 9 – May 17 (Saturdays, 9 AM–3 PM)
SAT Prep Course: February 1 – May 17 (Saturdays, 9 AM–11 AM)
Cost: Free
The NYU College & Career Lab (CCL) is a six-year, no-cost program designed to prepare underserved middle school students for college success and career exploration. The Exploratory Stage engages rising 8th and 9th graders in a four-week summer session with college-level lectures, workshops, and field trips across diverse fields such as health sciences and public health. Participants interact with NYU faculty and industry professionals, gaining hands-on experience and insight into potential career paths. Throughout the year, Practice Labs offer continued mentorship and practical coaching in networking, resumes, and applications, ensuring long-term support for academic and career growth.
Subject Areas: Neuroscience, Public Health, Law, Business, Health Sciences, Arts, Education, and Culture
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Eligibility: 7th and 8th-grade students currently enrolled in NYC public schools; priority for economically disadvantaged, first-generation college-going students, and students of color
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates: July 7 – August 1 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–2:30 PM)
Cost: Free (includes meals and MTA transportation)
The STARS Biology Camp at UT Southwestern Medical Center offers middle school biology students an in-depth exploration of foundational and advanced topics in biology. Over the course of two weeks, you will engage in lab exercises and learn about DNA structure, protein synthesis, photosynthesis, and enzymatic activity. Alongside these labs, team-building activities and interactive sessions on genetics and cellular organelles provide a hands-on learning experience. This free program also includes meals but requires you to arrange your own transportation.
Subject Areas: Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Cellular Biology
Location: UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
Eligibility: Current 8th-grade students who will take freshman-level Biology the following academic year
Application Deadline: February 3 – March 10 (subject to change)
Program Dates: Typically June
Cost: Free
Hosted by Columbia University’s Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Scientific Enrichment Month is a virtual, month-long summer program focusing on cancer education, public health, and professional skills. You will attend lectures on topics like cancer health inequities, hypothesis development, and behavioral prevention strategies, alongside professional development workshops on resumes, interviewing, and personal statements. You can join peer-led public health working groups that culminate in community presentations on topics such as HPV vaccination and tobacco prevention. Those who meet participation requirements receive a certificate from HICCC, fostering both scientific understanding and career readiness.
Subject Areas: Cancer Research, Public Health, Professional Development
Location: Online via Zoom
Eligibility: Middle schoolers, high school students, undergraduates
Application Deadline: June 23, or when capacity is reached
Program Dates: July 1 – July 31
Cost: Free
8. dynaMIT
DynaMIT is a free, student-run summer program at MIT that offers middle school students hands-on experiences in science and engineering. The program emphasizes accessibility for students from low-income backgrounds and provides close mentorship from MIT undergraduate and graduate students. Throughout the week-long sessions, you’ll explore interactive experiments, collaborative projects, and STEM challenges designed to spark their curiosity and inspire future careers in science and engineering. Held in person on the MIT campus, dynaMIT fosters an inclusive environment where young minds can explore and grow.
Subject Areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA.
Eligibility: Open to rising 6th-9th grade students for the school year, with a focus on students from low-income families and those with limited access to STEM enrichment programs.
Application Deadline: March 3
Program Dates:
Week 1 (Rising 6th/7th Graders): August 11 – August 15
Week 2 (Rising 8th/9th Graders): August 18 – August 22
Cost: Free