15 Biology Programs for High School Students in Kansas
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 fields such as medicine, environmental science, genetics, and paleontology.
Why should you attend a biology program in Kansas?
Kansas offers biology programs through institutions like state universities, natural history museums, and research organizations. Depending on the program you choose, you could take part in fossil excavation and preparation, cancer or molecular biology research, or an animal sciences lab experience. Whether you live in Kansas or are coming from out of state, you can find a program suited to your interests and experience level.
To help you compare your options, we've compiled 15 biology programs for high school students in Kansas.
If you’re looking for STEM programs in Kansas, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These programs span cancer biology, paleontology, pharmacy, animal science, nursing, AI in medicine, environmental science, and independent research, so students with a wide range of interests within biology can find a relevant option in or near Kansas.
Several programs are free or low-cost, including Nurse Academy (free), K-State Animal Science Leadership Academy ($50), Bethel College Summer Science Institute ($60), and KU School of Pharmacy Day Camp ($75), while others, such as ACE High School Summer Research Program, offer a $2,940 stipend.
The Sternberg Museum offers three distinct programs at different experience levels, including Field Paleontology and Fossil Prep Methods for beginners and Research Academy for returning students who want to conduct original paleontological research.
Application deadlines range from February (World Food Prize Kansas Youth Institute) to May (Newman University Investigative STEM Program), with several programs, such as Lumiere, Veritas AI, and BCYC Immersion tracks, accepting rolling applications year-round.
1. Accelerate Cancer Education (ACE) High School Summer Research Program
Location: University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS
Stipend: $2,940
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 8 – July 17
Application Deadline: March 25
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors (16+) attending high school in Wyandotte County, KS, or Jackson County, MO, with an interest in biomedical science and a 3.0+ GPA
The Accelerate Cancer Education (ACE) High School Summer Research Program provides an introduction to cancer biology through a combination of research activities, educational sessions, and mentorship. You work on topics like cell biology, genetics, cancer development, and current approaches to treatment and prevention. Research experiences are paired with seminars that help explain how scientific discoveries move from laboratory studies to clinical applications. The program also introduces high school students to scientific communication through presentations, discussions, and interactions with researchers.
2. Veritas AI's AI + Medicine
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students who have completed the AI Scholars program or have experience with coding
Veritas AI’s AI + Medicine program examines how artificial intelligence tools are being applied to medical and biological challenges. Throughout the program, you learn foundational concepts in machine learning before exploring topics such as disease prediction, medical imaging, and healthcare data analysis. Case studies and guided projects introduce you to working with real-world datasets and evaluating AI-driven approaches to medicine. The curriculum also covers ethical considerations related to data use, privacy, and decision-making in healthcare settings. By the end of the program, you will have worked through practical applications that connect computational methods with healthcare questions.
3. World Food Prize: Kansas Youth Institute
Location: Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
Stipend: $500 scholarship to Kansas State University's College of Agriculture
Acceptance rate/cohort size: More than 1,800 students annually
Dates: March 6
Application Deadline: February 23
Eligibility: High school students
The World Food Prize: Kansas Youth Institute focuses on global food security and the scientific challenges involved in feeding a growing population. You research an issue related to agriculture, nutrition, sustainability, or food systems and develop evidence-based recommendations to address it. The program encourages students to examine how biology, environmental science, and public policy influence agricultural outcomes around the world. Presentations and discussions allow you to share your findings and engage with experts working in related fields. You also explore the social, economic, and scientific factors that affect food access and production.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program allows you to conduct an independent research project under the guidance of a PhD mentor in various fields, including biology and related life sciences. The program centers on developing a research question, reviewing academic literature, and carrying out an extended investigation. You learn how to evaluate sources, synthesize information, and communicate findings using methods common in academic research. Depending on your project focus, you may explore specialized biology topics ranging from genetics and neuroscience to ecology and public health. The program concludes with a completed research paper or project that reflects your work over the course of the session.
5. Nurse Academy
Location: The University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, KS
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 50 students
Dates: June 17, July 8, and July 22
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school and college students
Nurse Academy provides an introduction to nursing and healthcare through activities that examine patient care, medical procedures, and human biology. You learn about topics such as anatomy, physiology, health assessment, and the responsibilities of healthcare professionals. Hands-on exercises and demonstrations help illustrate how biological knowledge is applied in clinical settings. The program may also incorporate simulations or case-based learning to explore healthcare decision-making and patient interactions. Discussions with nursing professionals offer additional insight into the field and its day-to-day practices.
6. BCYC Immersion Biology Track
Location: Benedictine College, Atchison, KS
Cost: $695 (scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 5 – 10
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school students
The BCYC Immersion Biology Track introduces high school students to core concepts in biology through a structured academic experience that combines instruction, discussion, and research-focused activities. You explore topics such as genetics, ecology, DNA analysis, and human health while engaging with scientific literature and current biological research. The program emphasizes analytical thinking by encouraging you to evaluate evidence and interpret biological data. Alongside coursework, you participate in projects that mirror aspects of the scientific research process. Throughout the program, you’ll receive instruction and guidance from the faculty at Benedictine College’s Biology Department.
7. Bethel College Summer Science Institute
Location: Virtual/Bethel College, North Newton, KS
Cost: $60
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 36 students
Dates: June 14 – 19 (in-person); June 8 – July 3 (online)
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th to 12th graders (graduating seniors will be considered if there is space)
The Bethel College Summer Science Institute introduces high school students to scientific research through faculty-led investigations in biology, chemistry, psychology, health science, and related fields. The program emphasizes the research process, giving you experience with activities such as collecting data, testing hypotheses, analyzing results, writing code, and using statistical software. You participate in two research groups, allowing you to explore specialized topics that are often not covered in standard high school science classes. Readings, laboratory work, and field studies provide the background needed to support each investigation. Biology-focused options may include studying ecosystems through field research or examining molecular biology concepts in a laboratory setting.
8. BCYC Immersion Pre-Med Track
Location: Benedictine College, Atchison, KS
Cost: $695 (scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 7 – 12
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school students
The BCYC Immersion Pre-Med Track introduces high school students to topics at the intersection of biology, medicine, and healthcare. Through coursework and guided discussions, you examine subjects such as human anatomy, physiology, disease processes, and medical ethics. The curriculum encourages you to think critically about how biological knowledge is applied in clinical and research settings. Activities may involve analyzing case studies, reviewing scientific literature, and exploring current issues in healthcare. Alongside academic content, you engage with mentors and peers in conversations about medical and biological questions.
9. Newman University’s Investigative Summer STEM Program
Location: Newman University, Wichita, KS
Cost: $425 by May 1, $450 after (scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 7 – 12
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a 3.0+ GPA who have completed at least one high school science course
Newman University’s Investigative Summer STEM Program allows you to explore scientific inquiry through hands-on projects and laboratory activities. The program introduces high school students to research methods used across STEM disciplines, including biology and related sciences. Rather than focusing solely on lectures, you work through investigations that require observation, experimentation, and analysis. Faculty-led sessions help explain how scientific questions are developed and tested using evidence-based approaches, while collaborative activities provide opportunities to interpret data and discuss findings with other participants. Throughout the program, you gain exposure to the processes that underpin scientific research and problem-solving.
10. FHSU Sternberg Museum’s Field Paleontology Kansas
Location: Sternberg Museum, Hays, KS, and regional state campgrounds
Cost: $3,731 (scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session 1: June 14 – 26; Session 2: July 5 – 17
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18
This camp focuses on the study of prehistoric life through field-based research and fossil investigation. You learn how paleontologists locate, document, excavate, and analyze fossil specimens while exploring the geological history of Kansas. Fieldwork is paired with instruction on topics such as evolution, ancient ecosystems, and the methods used to interpret fossil evidence. High school students gain experience recording observations and applying scientific techniques in outdoor research settings. The program also examines how fossil discoveries contribute to broader biological and ecological understanding. By combining field investigations with scientific analysis, it provides a practical introduction to paleontology and earth sciences.
11. Health Professions Exploration Program
Location: K-State College of Health and Human Sciences, Manhattan, KS
Cost: $450
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20 students/session
Dates: June 7 – 12 and June 21 – 26
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Health Professions Exploration Program introduces you to a range of careers and disciplines within healthcare while highlighting the biological sciences that support them. Through workshops, presentations, and interactive activities, you examine topics related to human health, disease, and patient care. The program explores how professionals from different healthcare fields apply scientific knowledge in their daily work. You may engage with case studies, demonstrations, or simulations that illustrate clinical concepts and healthcare decision-making. Discussions with practitioners provide additional insight into the interdisciplinary nature of modern healthcare.
12. KU School of Pharmacy Summer Camp
Location: University of Kansas, Lawrence/Wichita, KS
Cost: $75 (day camp), $250 (overnight)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Day camps: June 8 and 10 (Lawrence), July 14 and 16 (Wichita); Overnight camps: June 16 – 18 and June 21 – 23 (Lawrence)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students and incoming college freshmen
The KU School of Pharmacy Summer Camp explores the science behind medications and their role in healthcare. You learn how drugs are developed, tested, and used to treat disease while examining biological concepts related to human health and physiology. Laboratory activities and demonstrations introduce techniques commonly used in pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences. The camp also covers topics such as drug interactions, medication safety, and the research process behind pharmaceutical development, and you’ll get the opportunity to engage with pharmacy-related case studies and scientific problem-solving activities. Overall, you’ll gain a broader understanding of how biology, chemistry, and healthcare intersect within the field of pharmacy.
13. K-State Animal Science Leadership Academy
Location: Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
Cost: $50
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20 students
Dates: June 10 – 13
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: High school students
The K-State Animal Science Leadership Academy examines the scientific, agricultural, and leadership aspects of animal science. You explore topics related to animal biology, nutrition, genetics, reproduction, and livestock management through a combination of educational sessions and hands-on activities. The program introduces how biological principles are applied within animal agriculture and related industries. The curriculum provides an overview of both the scientific and practical dimensions of animal science, while discussions and group projects encourage you to analyze current issues affecting animal production and food systems. You’ll also participate in activities designed to strengthen communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
14. FHSU Sternberg Museum’s Fossil Prep Methods Kansas
Location: FHSU Sternberg Museum, Hays, KS
Cost: $4,212 (scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session 1: June 14 – 26; Session 2: July 5 – 17
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18
Fossil Prep Methods Kansas centers on the techniques used to clean, preserve, and prepare fossil specimens for research and museum collections. You learn how paleontologists and museum professionals remove surrounding rock and sediment while protecting delicate fossil structures. Instruction covers the tools, methods, and documentation practices involved in specimen preparation. As you work with fossil materials, you gain insight into how prepared specimens contribute to scientific study and public exhibits. The program also examines the role of fossil preparation within the broader process of paleontological research.
15. FHSU Sternberg Museum’s Research Academy Kansas
Location: FHSU campus/Sternberg Museum, Hays, KS
Cost: $4,452 (scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 14 – 26
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: High school students who have successfully participated in one or more Sternberg camp programs in a prior year
Research Academy Kansas focuses on paleontological research by guiding returning students through the process of analyzing real scientific datasets. You work with 3D scans of skeletal elements from both living and extinct carnivoran species, learning how researchers investigate anatomy, evolution, and ecological adaptations. The program introduces skills such as reading scientific papers, using anatomical terminology, building research questions, and interpreting biological data. Using software commonly employed in research settings, you collect measurements, landmark skeletal structures, and conduct analyses that explore relationships between form and function. As the project develops, you incorporate unidentified fossil specimens into your dataset and test hypotheses about their identity, behavior, and evolutionary history.
Frequently asked questions
1. What biology programs are available for high school students in Kansas?
Options include cancer and biomedical research programs, such as ACE High School Summer Research Program, paleontology programs, such as FHSU Sternberg Museum's Field Paleontology, Fossil Prep Methods, and Research Academy Kansas, healthcare and pre-med programs, such as Nurse Academy, BCYC Immersion Pre-Med Track, and Health Professions Exploration Program, animal and agricultural science programs, such as K-State Animal Science Leadership Academy, and virtual programs, such as Veritas AI AI + Medicine and Lumiere Research Scholar Program.
2. Are there free or low-cost biology programs for high school students in Kansas?
Yes, Nurse Academy is free, and K-State Animal Science Leadership Academy ($50), Bethel College Summer Science Institute ($60), and KU School of Pharmacy Day Camp ($75) are among the most affordable. ACE High School Summer Research Program is free and provides a $2,940 stipend. Several other programs, such as BCYC Immersion tracks and FHSU Sternberg Museum programs, offer scholarships for eligible students.
3. Which Kansas biology programs are best for students interested in paleontology?
The FHSU Sternberg Museum runs three tiered programs: Field Paleontology Kansas for hands-on fossil excavation, Fossil Prep Methods Kansas for learning specimen cleaning and preservation techniques, and Research Academy Kansas for returning students who want to conduct original research using 3D skeletal datasets and scientific analysis software.
4. When should I apply to biology programs for high school students in Kansas?
The earliest deadline is World Food Prize Kansas Youth Institute (February 23), followed by ACE High School Summer Research Program (March 25) and FHSU Sternberg Museum programs (April 10). Programs, such as Lumiere, Veritas AI, and BCYC Immersion tracks, accept rolling applications year-round, so students should begin researching options in the fall and apply early for stipend-bearing and competitive programs.