15 Microbiology Summer Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 20 hours ago
- 12 min read
Microbiology summer programs offer you an accessible way to engage in college‑level academics while building practical lab skills in areas like bacteriology, immunology, and genetic analysis. You’ll gain hands-on experience with practical techniques such as microbial culturing, microscopy, PCR, and data analysis in real research settings. These programs often feature mentorship from university faculty, seminars with industry professionals, and networking with peers who share your passion for microbes. Unlike longer internships, microbiology camps usually span one to eight weeks, providing an intensive experience without being an expensive option to explore.
If you’re drawn to healthcare, biotechnology, epidemiology, or environmental science, a focused microbiology program can help you assess your interests and strengthen your college applications.
Here are 15 microbiology programs for high school students!
15 Microbiology Summer Programs for High School Students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type. Financial aid is available!
Dates: Summer: June - August, Fall: September - December, Winter: December - February, Spring: March - June.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The Summer Cohort I application deadline is April 13!
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as AI, ML, data science, psychology, physics, economics, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. More details about the application are here!
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. April 27 for the regular summer application deadline
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year. The summer cohort starts in May
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or be experienced with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI + Medicine introduces high school students to the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare through hands-on, project-based learning. In this program, you’ll work in small teams to explore healthcare data, build diagnostic tools, and apply machine learning to real-world medical problems. The curriculum includes mentorship from AI professionals and exposure to medical imaging, neural networks, and clinical data science.
You’ll complete a collaborative capstone project evaluated by PhD-level experts, offering a practical way to demonstrate your understanding of AI in medicine. With full financial aid options, this program supports access for students interested in both technology and health.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Typically, 30 - 40 students attend the in-person program each year.
Location: Waksman Institute on the Busch campus, Piscataway, NJ
Cost/Stipend: $600
Dates: June 23 - July 3 | July 28 - August 8
Application Deadline: June 15 (tentative, based on the previous year's program)
Eligibility: Students must have completed a high school-level biology course to be accepted into the vWISE programs.
At Rutgers University’s Waksman Student Scholars Program (WSSP), you’ll spend two weeks in an immersive molecular biology and bioinformatics institute designed to introduce high school students to research practices. You’ll conduct laboratory procedures—such as DNA purification, PCR, restriction digests, and gel electrophoresis—on novel genetic material from duckweed, then analyze and annotate these sequences using professional bioinformatics tools like BLAST. Each year, sequences vetted through your work are submitted and published on GenBank, ensuring your contributions are acknowledged in the scientific record. During daily seminars and lab sessions, you’ll learn from Rutgers faculty and research staff, gaining mentorship in experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific communication. The program also integrates collaborative elements, as you’ll work with peers and teachers to troubleshoot experiments and present findings at the annual Waksman Forum poster session. This experience combines hands-on lab skills with real-world publication and presentation opportunities, providing a strong foundation in microbiology and computational biology.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Less than 3% (approximately).
Location: Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: All students participating in the program will receive a minimum stipend of $500.
Dates: June 9-July 31
Application Deadline: 22 February
Eligibility: Students must currently be juniors or seniors. Students must also be 16 years old or older by the start date of the program. Students must currently be living in and attending high school in the U.S. AND must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a green card in order to apply.
At the Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR) – Immunology Track, you’ll spend eight weeks working full-time alongside researchers at Stanford’s medical school, tackling questions in immunology and related biomedical fields. You’ll engage in lab-based experiments such as flow cytometry, ELISA assays, and cell culture techniques—while learning to design studies, manage data, and troubleshoot protocols using tools like PCR and microscopy. Weekly lectures and seminars delivered by faculty, postdocs, and graduate students will deepen your knowledge of immune system function and experimental methods. Close mentorship ensures you get regular feedback on your progress, and you’ll practice communicating findings through lab meetings, written reports, and a final poster presentation at the program’s culminating symposium.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 18 class size.
Location: Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA
Cost/Stipend: $7,259. Additional fee - $180.
Dates: Session I: June 22 - July 11 | Session II: July 13 - August 1
Application Deadline: May 16
Eligibility: Students must be in grades 7–11, meet CTY math eligibility, and have completed Anatomy & Physiology or earned at least a B in high school biology.
At Johns Hopkins’ Biotechnology Summer Program, you’ll spend three weeks engaging in advanced lab techniques and molecular biology concepts at the CTY on-campus site. You’ll learn core biotech skills, such as DNA/RNA structure and function, cell division processes, mutation types, and ethical considerations, through a mix of lectures and hands-on lab work. In the laboratory, you’ll extract bacterial DNA, manipulate genes using restriction enzymes, perform gel electrophoresis, and model polymerase chain reactions to closely mirror industry-standard methods. You’ll also analyze scientific literature, write original abstracts connecting biotechnology with societal impact, and present your findings through papers, posters, or executive summaries. Collaborative projects and interactive discussions will reinforce your ability to interpret data, apply critical ethical reasoning, and communicate complex ideas effectively. By the end of the course, you’ll understand the molecular foundations and modern applications of biotechnology, along with real-world lab experience that supports further study in microbiology and genetics.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Location: University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded.
Dates: June 3–August 2 (tentative)
Application Deadline: April 6
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 16 years of age by June 1 and have taken advanced classes in both Biology and Chemistry. Applicants must have an active bank account in their name for electronic deposits.
At the University of Kentucky’s Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics (MIMG) Summer Fellowship, you’ll spend your summer collaborating closely with faculty, graduate students, and research scientists on lab projects. You’ll receive direct training in experimental methods and will progress into performing independent experiments by the program’s end. Hands-on tasks may include microbial culture, PCR, flow cytometry, and gene expression analysis, depending on your placement. Weekly seminars, lab meetings, and discussions will deepen your understanding of modern infectious-disease research and lab techniques. The fellowship culminates in a final oral presentation within the department, where you'll share your results and demonstrate your developing scientific communication skills. While the program is competitively selected, it offers a fully funded experience with opportunities to continue research beyond the summer.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Less than 20%
Location: University of Chicago Hyde Park campus, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: $14,490
Dates: June 14 - July 12
Eligibility: Open to current high school sophomores and juniors (grades 10–11) who have completed at least one year of high school biology.
At the University of Chicago’s Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS) four-week summer residential program, you’ll apply molecular and microbiological techniques in a hands-on lab environment. Day-to-day, you’ll train in methods like pipetting, microbial cultures, DNA/RNA handling, and cell-based assays before moving on to independent mini-projects under faculty and graduate-student mentorship. You’ll attend lectures to build conceptual understanding, maintain a detailed lab notebook, and participate in group presentations and a final research forum to hone your scientific communication skills. Held on the University of Chicago's Hyde Park campus in Chicago, IL, the program immerses you in a research-focused academic setting alongside peers with similar interests. Successful alumni may qualify for a return placement in UChicago labs the following year, further extending their research journey.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Cohort size typically reaches around 394 interns
Location: University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
Cost/Stipend: $4,850 (including a $600 non-refundable deposit)
Dates: Online week: June 16–20 | In-person research: June 23–August 8
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Open to current high school students aged 14–17 as of program start (some projects require age 16)
At UCSC’s SIP, you’ll spend eight weeks on genuine research, starting with a preparatory online week followed by intensive lab work on campus under the mentorship of UCSC faculty, graduate students, and postdocs. You’ll select a project in areas like microbiology, molecular biology, or environmental science and apply practical methods such as microbial culturing, PCR, and data analysis. Weekly seminars and lab meetings will strengthen your ability to connect hands-on techniques with larger research questions and improve your scientific presentation skills. Under close guidance, you'll keep a lab notebook, write abstracts, and refine your communication while immersed in authentic scientific workflows. The program concludes with a symposium where you'll present your findings, reinforcing both your technical expertise and public speaking abilities.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20 high school rising seniors are admitted (4-8%)
Location: Fred Hutch campus, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; interns are awarded stipends upon completion
Dates: June 23 - August 15
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Applicant must be a high school student entering their senior year with a strong science background, available for the full eight-week Seattle program, and able to attend a Zoom interview.
At Fred Hutch Cancer Center’s Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP), you’ll spend eight weeks in a paid, full-time research role designed for rising seniors passionate about biomedical science. During the first two weeks, you’ll receive hands-on training in core lab techniques such as sterile pipetting, PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA isolation, and basic cell culture across Fred Hutch’s Training Labs. In the following six weeks, you'll join a research team in areas including infectious diseases, immunology, and microbiology, working alongside scientists to contribute to ongoing projects. You’ll also attend weekly seminars, professional-development workshops on scientific communication and ethics, and social activities with fellow interns. The program culminates in a formal presentation to the Fred Hutch community, allowing you to showcase your work and strengthen your public speaking skills.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Acceptance is highly competitive (~4–6%) with about 50–60 high‑achieving sophomores and juniors selected each year
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost/Stipend: Commuter fee is approximately $5,175; residential cost (including housing/meals) is around $12,474. Need-based financial aid is available
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application Deadline: December 15– March 17
Eligibility: Open to U.S. and international high school students entering 10th or 11th grade (outstanding 9th graders considered case-by-case) with a weighted GPA of at least 3.80
At UCSB’s Research Mentorship Program, you’ll spend six weeks working full-time alongside faculty, graduate students, or postdocs on a research project you select from a wide array of disciplines, ranging from molecular biology and microbiology to computer science and environmental studies. You'll learn core research techniques, refine experimental design, and analyze data in a university lab setting. GRIT Talks and seminars introduce you to cutting-edge research at UCSB, broadening your understanding of current scientific frontiers. Weekly meetings and mentor interactions help you develop professional skills, including scientific writing and oral presentation. You’ll also earn college credit through two interdisciplinary courses and showcase your work at a final symposium, honing communication skills that support future academic pursuits. The program balances structured research training with immersive university life and peer networking.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: The camp admits approximately 20 high school students each summer
Location: Oregon State University campus, Corvallis, OR
Cost/Stipend: $320 (lunch provided); need-based scholarships available
Dates: July 14–18
Application Deadline: Registration is open until August 12.
Eligibility: Open to students entering grades 10–12 in the fall.
At OSU’s week-long Microbiology Camp, you’ll dive into three core subfields- food systems, human health, and aquatic microbiology through a mix of hands-on lab experiments and data analysis. You'll practice microbial techniques, including culturing, microscopy, and DNA extraction, under the guidance of STEM Academy instructors and microbiology graduate mentors. The program includes field trips such as a full-day visit to the Hatfield Marine Sciences Center, offering context on microbiology’s real-world applications. Throughout the week, informative sessions exploring non-traditional educational paths, scholarship strategies, and career routes reinforce your hands-on learning. A focus on community and inclusion ensures a supportive space, especially for underrepresented students, helping you build skills, confidence, and connections as you explore microbiology.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open to all qualified applicants; exact acceptance rate is not published. Program capacity is filled through priority given to two-week applicants.
Location: SUNY Old Westbury campus, Old Westbury, NY
Cost/Stipend: 950 per one-week session, with a $50 early-bird discount; no stipend provided
Dates: Session 1: August 4–8 | Session 2: August 11–15
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Current high school students in grades 9–12 with an interest in lab research
At SUNY Old Westbury’s ICaRE Summer Science Program, you’ll spend one or two weeks in a hands-on laboratory setting focused on fields like molecular biology, cancer biology, neuroscience, immunology, and microbiology. Under faculty mentorship, you’ll learn core lab methods such as microbial culturing, PCR, cell-based assays, and experimental techniques used in cancer and immunology research. The program emphasizes the scientific method: you’ll read peer-reviewed papers, form hypotheses, design and execute experiments, and analyze data. You’ll also develop communication skills through written reports and oral presentations at the end of each session. The mix of short-term immersion, faculty guidance, and lab-based problem-solving offers a focused introduction to microbiology and related biomedical sciences for motivated high school students.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective.
Location: Penn’s campus, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: $9,949
Dates: July 5–26
Application Deadline: Rolling until capacity is reached
Eligibility: Current high school students in grades 9–11, with at least one year of biology required
In Penn’s Microbiology & Infectious Diseases Academy, you'll explore core areas including cell and molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, genetics, epidemiology, and public health with a focus on pathogens such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, influenza, and smallpox. Each day features lectures on microbial life cycles, infection mechanisms, and disease management, followed by collaborative case studies and group activities applying these concepts. You’ll also visit biomedical research labs to perform hands-on microbiology experiments such as culturing pathogens and visualizing microscopic features. Guest interviews with epidemiologists, public health leaders, and virologists offer real-world perspectives, which you’ll discuss in breakout sessions to deepen your understanding. The experience culminates in student-led presentations and a public service announcement project designed to inform peers and family about pandemic preparedness. By completing this academy, you’ll gain a foundation in microbial science, pathogen response, and science advocacy.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selects a small cohort (approx. 8–10 students) of economically disadvantaged sophomores and juniors from Alameda, Contra Costa, or San Francisco Counties
Location: Joint BioEnergy Institute labs, Emeryville, CA
Cost/Stipend: Stipend of $3,000 for full participation.
Dates: June 16 - August 1
Application Deadline: March 16
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, age 16 by June 16, enrolled as a high school sophomore or junior, meeting income guidelines, and minimum GPA with Algebra I and Biology completed
At iCLEM, you'll spend six weeks working full-time in professional microbiology and bioenergy labs, conducting research projects alongside JBEI scientists and UC undergraduate mentors. You'll perform core microbiological techniques such as microbial culturing, DNA isolation, PCR, and enzymatic assays on biofuel-relevant samples under close guidance. The program includes weekly lectures, lab tours, and field visits to local biotech companies to learn how microbiology drives industrial innovation. You'll also receive support preparing for college, including personal statement feedback and STEM career panels. In a final presentation session, you'll communicate your research findings to scientists, peers, and mentors, gaining experience in scientific discourse. This paid program combines rigorous lab training, professional exposure, and college preparation tailored for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive: fewer than 8% acceptance, with about 8–10 interns selected annually from over 130 applicants
Location: Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA.
Cost/Stipend: $1,800 stipend
Dates: Starts June 16.
Application Deadline: February 7.
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores and juniors, 16 years or older by program start date, permanent/primary residents of southwest Pennsylvania.
During this six-week internship, you’ll work full-time, 240 hours, in faculty-led labs focused on women’s and infant health, reproductive biology, and associated biomedical fields. You’ll design and perform experiments, collect and analyze data, and engage in formative “Lunch & Learn” sessions with investigators that deepen your understanding of biomedical careers. Mentorship from institute researchers supports your development in key lab techniques, including molecular assays and data interpretation, within a real-world research environment. The experience concludes with a formal presentation where you share your results with MWRI faculty and interns, sharpening your scientific communication skills.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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