13 Biology Programs for High School Students in Delaware
If you're a high school student looking to explore biology before committing to it in college, a structured program can be a good option to explore. These programs often combine coursework, research, or lab work with mentor guidance, helping you build skills, gain exposure to new material, and develop connections. Biology programs, in particular, let you work directly with real specimens, data, and lab techniques across areas like neuroscience, forensics, and medicine.
Why should you attend a biology program in Delaware?
Delaware offers biology programs through institutions like the University of Delaware and Delaware-based research and aerospace organizations. Depending on the program you choose, you could take part in a neuroscience or forensic science lab experience, marine and environmental fieldwork, or a fisheries research internship. Whether you live in Delaware or are coming from out of state, you can find a program suited to your interests and experience level.
To make your search easier, we've narrowed down 13 biology programs for high school students in Delaware.
If you’re looking for free programs in Delaware, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These programs span fisheries biology, forensic science, neuroscience, marine science, oncology, AI in medicine, and environmental science, so students with a wide range of interests within biology can find a relevant option in or near Delaware.
Several programs are free or provide stipends, including the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program ($3,000 stipend), Delaware Governor's School for Excellence (tuition-free), Upward Bound Classic Summer Academy (free with a weekly stipend), and Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology ($500 stipend), while others, such as Lumiere and Veritas AI, offer need-based financial aid.
Several programs are fully virtual and open to Delaware students regardless of location, including Veritas AI AI + Medicine, Lumiere Research Scholar Program, Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology, AIMI Summer Research Internship, and CNI-X.
Application deadlines range from January (Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program) to June (UD Forensic Science Pre-College), with several programs, such as Upward Bound, ECO Camp, and CNI-X, accepting rolling applications year-round.
1. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Internship placements across all 50 U.S. states, including DE
Cost/Stipend: $3,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Eight-week internship between June and August (start and end dates determined by the mentor and student)
Application Deadline: January 25
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and rising college freshmen who are at least 16 years old by the internship start date
If you're interested in conservation, aquatic ecosystems, or environmental science, the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program provides an opportunity to gain paid, hands-on research experience alongside professional fisheries scientists. You'll spend eight weeks working approximately 32 hours per week on projects that vary by mentor and location, with activities that may include fish population surveys, habitat restoration, water quality testing, laboratory analyses, data processing, snorkeling, or fieldwork on boats and in aquatic environments. Each student is paired with a local mentor who introduces them to the scientific, technical, and collaborative aspects of fisheries biology while providing guidance on careers in the field. Because placements are individualized, every internship offers a unique combination of laboratory, office, and outdoor experiences, with some involving extended field expeditions.
2. Veritas AI — AI + Medicine (Deep Dive)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students interested in AI, machine learning, and healthcare applications
Veritas AI’s AI + Medicine Deep Dive is a specialized virtual program designed for high school students who want to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare. Founded and run by Harvard graduate students, the program introduces participants to real-world applications of AI in medicine, such as disease diagnosis, medical image enhancement, and predictive modeling. Students work on hands-on projects using machine learning models to analyze healthcare-related datasets and improve clinical decision-making tools. A strong emphasis is placed on understanding model interpretability, helping students explain AI outputs in ways that can support doctors and patients. The program is ideal for students interested in the intersection of computer science, biology, and medicine, and offers exposure to both technical AI concepts and their healthcare impact.
3. Delaware Governor’s School for Excellence
Location: University of Delaware Main Campus, Newark, DE
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 12 – 17
Application Deadline: January 30
Eligibility: Current 10th-grade students who reside in Delaware, attend a selected Delaware high school, and are nominated by their high school principal or counselor
The Delaware Governor’s School for Excellence is a weeklong residential program that emphasizes intellectual exploration, creativity, and leadership development. You’ll live on the University of Delaware campus while participating in either an academic track, featuring discussions, lectures, debates, and interdisciplinary investigations, or an intensive visual or performing arts track led by accomplished faculty and professionals. The program encourages you to examine complex issues such as leadership, diversity, government, and global challenges while collaborating with talented peers from across the state in small-group settings. Throughout the week, you'll broaden your perspectives through master classes, interactive learning experiences, and opportunities for personal growth, culminating in a final performance or showcase of your work.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote; you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
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. 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 psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Forensic Science Pre-College Summer Program
Location: University of Delaware, Newark Campus, Newark, DE
Cost/Stipend: $1,995; partial need-based scholarships of $495 available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: June 8
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, age 15 and older, with credit for at least one high school biology or general science course and an interest in biomedical sciences, laboratory medicine, biotechnology, criminal justice, or crime scene investigation
Designed for students who want to explore the science behind criminal investigations, this weeklong program immerses you in the techniques used by forensic professionals to analyze and interpret evidence. You'll document simulated crime scenes, collect and examine physical evidence, practice fingerprinting and DNA analysis, and learn about forensic toxicology, chemistry, and ballistics through hands-on laboratory activities. The experience also includes visits to professional forensic facilities and crime scene investigation units, providing insight into how these methods are applied in real cases. Working in teams, you'll prepare and present a court-ready forensic report to a panel of scientists and law enforcement experts as part of the program’s capstone project.
6. Upward Bound Classic Summer Academy
Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Cost/Stipend: Free, and students receive a weekly stipend of approximately $15 during the summer program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 17 – July 25
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students eligible beginning in January of their 8th-grade year and current 9th–10th graders from low-income families and/or families in which neither parent holds a four-year bachelor's degree, with demonstrated academic need
Focused on preparing first-generation and low-income students for college success, the University of Delaware’s Upward Bound Classic Summer Academy combines rigorous academics with mentoring and immersive campus experiences. During the six-week program, you'll take college-level classes, participate in tutoring and advising, and develop analytical thinking, study skills, and leadership through a structured curriculum led by university faculty and staff. The program also introduces you to college admissions, financial aid, career exploration, and standardized test preparation while providing opportunities to visit colleges and interact with research faculty. Eligible upperclassmen who earn strong recommendations may participate in a residential living-learning experience, allowing them to experience life in a college residence hall.
7. Neuroscience Pre-College Summer Program
Location: University of Delaware Main Campus, Newark, DE
Cost/Stipend: $2,000; need-based scholarships may reduce cost to $750
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: April 29
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores through seniors, age 15 and older, interested in neuroscience or related fields such as psychology, biology, or medicine
If you're curious about how the brain shapes behavior, learning, and emotion, this weeklong program offers a practical introduction to college-level neuroscience through both laboratory work and research-based activities. You'll conduct hands-on experiments, learn techniques such as EEG and fMRI, analyze neuroscientific data, and explore topics including neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and cognitive processes. The program also includes tours of the University of Delaware’s research facilities and mentorship from faculty and Ph.D. students, giving you insight into academic and research pathways in the field. Throughout the week, you'll collaborate in small teams to design and carry out experiments before presenting your findings in a capstone research presentation.
8. Environment, Climate, and Ocean (ECO) Camp
Location: University of Delaware Newark Campus and University of Delaware Lewes Campus (Marine Science), DE
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6–10 (Technology to Measure our Changing Environment); July 27–31 (Marine Science)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Senior cohorts are for rising 10th–12th graders
A good fit for students who want to study environmental and marine science through field-based learning, ECO Camp combines classroom instruction with hands-on investigations across Delaware’s diverse ecosystems. You'll collect and map environmental data, build and fly drones, evaluate freshwater ecosystems, explore sustainability projects, and examine the impacts of climate change on local environments. The Marine Science Week introduces you to the biodiversity of coastal habitats through laboratory and field experiences using tools such as underwater robotics, microscopes, and scientific sampling equipment. Throughout the program, you'll also visit University of Delaware research laboratories and gain exposure to the technologies scientists use to study Earth's physical, biological, and marine systems.
9. Edge Summer College Program
Location: University of Delaware Main Campus, Newark, DE
Cost/Stipend: $5,495; limited need-based financial aid available after acceptance
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 5 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher who demonstrate strong academic potential, maturity, good judgment, and the ability to succeed in a structured environment
The Edge Summer College Program allows you to experience college life while earning up to six transferable college credits through courses taught by University of Delaware faculty. You'll choose from a range of Edge-exclusive classes, including engineering, clinical medicine, crime scene investigation, hospitality, African American studies, and precalculus, while also completing a required seminar on college readiness, leadership, career exploration, and the admissions process. Living in a residence hall alongside students from across the country and around the world, you'll develop independence while participating in cultural activities and engaging with current UD students and staff. The program emphasizes both academic rigor and practical skill development, helping you build confidence in critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership.
10. Delaware Aerospace Education Foundation (DASEF) STEM program
Location: Smyrna, DE
Cost/Stipend: Full Day: $400; Overnight: $800 (includes a $75 non-refundable application fee); limited need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: There is no information available
Application Deadline: April 30 (scholarship application)
Eligibility: Available for different age groups, including high school students
The Delaware Aerospace Academy offers students an opportunity to explore aerospace and STEM topics through immersive academy experiences available in both full-day and overnight formats. You’ll engage with activities designed to introduce concepts related to aviation, space science, and aerospace technology while learning in a hands-on educational environment. The program is operated by the Delaware Aerospace Education Foundation and emphasizes experiential learning that encourages curiosity and problem-solving. Limited need-based scholarships are available to help reduce participation costs, although a separate scholarship application is required.
11. Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $500 taxable stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 13 – 25
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Full-time high school students at the time of application with a strong interest in scientific research or medicine
This virtual program introduces high school students to cancer research and medicine through a collaborative, multi-institutional learning experience that connects participants with peers and faculty from several leading universities. You'll work on a genetics-based research project and a patient case study to explore the scientific and clinical dimensions of oncology while developing analytical and teamwork skills. Daily faculty lectures, panel discussions, and career-focused workshops provide insight into biomedical research, cancer care, and a variety of professional pathways within the field. The program also emphasizes mentorship and networking by bringing together students and professionals from diverse backgrounds across participating institutions. It is an excellent opportunity for students interested in medicine or biomedical science who want structured exposure to cancer research while building skills and connections that support future STEM pursuits.
12. AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $2,400 program fee; $45 application fee; limited need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session A: June 15 – 26; Session B: July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: February 21 (standard application, extended); February 13 (financial aid application)
Eligibility: Students residing in the United States who are entering grades 9–12 in the fall and are at least 14 years old by the start of the program
This two-week virtual internship introduces high school students to the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare through a research-focused curriculum developed by the Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging. You'll attend lectures from Stanford researchers, clinicians, and trainees covering topics such as machine learning, medical imaging AI, clinical applications, model evaluation, and responsible AI while working in small mentored teams on a health AI research project. Dedicated project sessions allow you to apply technical concepts to real-world healthcare challenges, and a speaker series featuring experts from academia, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations provides insight into emerging career pathways. The program also emphasizes collaboration and communication through team-based research and virtual community-building activities, culminating in a Certificate of Completion for students who successfully participate throughout the internship.
13. Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X)
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Cost/Stipend: Virtual: $1,725; scholarships available for qualified applicants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Virtual Session 1: June 8 – 19; Virtual Session 2: June 22 – July 3
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students generally participating after their sophomore, junior, or senior year; all program activities are conducted in English, and participants should have high proficiency in English
This intensive two-week program introduces high school students to neuroscience, psychiatry, and psychology through an interdisciplinary curriculum led by Stanford faculty and researchers. You'll participate in interactive seminars covering topics such as behavioral neuroscience, neuroimaging, genetics, sleep science, forensic psychiatry, autism, addictions, and mental health while also exploring career pathways in medicine and scientific research. A major component of the experience is working in small collaborative teams to develop innovative solutions to social issues related to neuroscience or psychiatry, culminating in a capstone presentation delivered to classmates, families, and program faculty.
Frequently asked questions
1. What biology programs are available for high school students in Delaware?
Options include fisheries and conservation programs, such as Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, neuroscience programs, such as UD Neuroscience Pre-College and CNI-X, forensic science programs, such as UD Forensic Science Pre-College, marine and environmental programs, such as ECO Camp, oncology and biomedical programs, such as Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology and AIMI Summer Research Internship, and AI in medicine programs, such as Veritas AI AI + Medicine.
2. Are there free biology programs for high school students in Delaware?
Yes, Delaware Governor's School for Excellence is tuition-free, and Upward Bound Classic Summer Academy is free and provides a weekly stipend. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is free and offers a $3,000 stipend. Programs, such as Lumiere, Veritas AI, and UD Neuroscience Pre-College, charge tuition but offer need-based financial aid or scholarships.
3. Which Delaware biology programs are best for students interested in neuroscience?
Students interested in neuroscience might consider UD Neuroscience Pre-College for hands-on EEG and fMRI lab work on the University of Delaware campus, CNI-X for an interdisciplinary two-week virtual program covering behavioral neuroscience, neuroimaging, and psychiatry, and Lumiere Research Scholar Program for independent neuroscience research with a PhD mentor.
4. When should I apply to biology programs for high school students in Delaware?
The earliest deadline is Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program (January 25), followed by Delaware Governor's School for Excellence (January 30), AIMI Summer Research Internship (February 13 for financial aid, February 21 standard), and UD Neuroscience Pre-College (April 29). Programs, such as Upward Bound, ECO Camp, and CNI-X, accept rolling applications, so students should begin researching options in the fall.