15 Biology Programs for High School Students in Massachusetts
If you’re a high school student who’s curious about biology, joining a program outside of school can be a great way to dive deeper into the subject. These programs give you a chance to do more than just read from a textbook. You’ll get experience in labs, learn practical skills, and even connect with mentors and peers who share your interests.
In Massachusetts, you’ll find some of the most exciting opportunities, thanks to world-renowned universities and research hubs like Harvard, MIT, and Boston University. Programs here are perfect not only for local students but also for out-of-state students who want to explore what the state’s academic scene has to offer. Whether you’re thinking about medicine, genetics, biotechnology, or environmental science, these programs can give you a strong start while boosting your college applications.
To make things easier, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best biology programs in Massachusetts for high school students, each offering unique ways to explore and grow your passion for science.
1. Biological Research: Synthetic Biology
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Olin College, Greater Wellesley, MA (Session 1) and Gann Academy, Bentley University, Waltham, MA (Session 2)
Cost/Stipend: $2,500 tuition; $2,097 residential fee
Dates: Session 1: June 23 - July 11; Session 2: July 14 - August 1
Application Deadline: Not specified; Early applications are recommended
Eligibility: High school students
This three-week program dives into advanced topics like synthetic biology, gene therapy, and genetic engineering. You’ll learn how scientists aim to eliminate genetic diseases, engineer bacteria for health applications, and explore the possibilities of modern medicine through hands-on lab work. Each session is led by highly qualified instructors with PhDs and research backgrounds in genetics, molecular biology, and neurobiology. Past students have also benefited from interactive experiments and supportive mentorship that make complex biology concepts easier to grasp.
2. Veritas AI + Medicine Deep Dive
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective with limited cohort sizes
Location: Online
Cost: Varies based on program type
Program Dates: June 9 - August 11
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: The program is for ambitious high school students.
The Veritas AI + Medicine Deep Dive is a 10-week course where you’ll learn how AI is transforming the healthcare and medical industries. Through projects, you will use AI and machine learning models to diagnose diseases, sharpen medical scans, and develop tools that aid doctors and patients in understanding outcomes. The course curriculum is designed to help you understand the applications of AI in various fields such as genomics, hospital admissions, drug discovery, and neuroscience. You’ll engage with AI experts, lectures, and programming notebooks throughout the program. Here is the program brochure and the application form.
3. The Science of Cells and Innovation
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Location: Virtual
Cost:$3,995; need-based scholarships available.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. Upcoming: September 14 – December 7; October 12 – December 7; October 12 – January 4
Application Deadline: September 7 for the September 14 – December 7 course; October 5 for the October 12 cohorts
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up; high school biology recommended
In this college-level biology course, you'll delve into the world of cells and cutting-edge innovations that are transforming our understanding of biology. You'll learn the cellular and multicellular frameworks, including how to recognise the diversity of cell functions and structures. The curriculum also explores recent discoveries in biomolecular condensates and their connection to human disease, providing a vital background for future careers in medicine, science, and epidemiology. The course culminates in a Final Capstone Project, where you’ll present your work in a medium of your choice and receive detailed feedback from teaching assistants
4. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) – Biology Track
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the cohort
Program Dates: Spring and Fall cohorts run 15 weeks; Summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June – September)
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA above 3.67
In this program, you’ll be paired with a professor or PhD scholar who will mentor you one-on-one as you explore advanced areas such as molecular biology, genetics, ecology, or bioinformatics. Over the course of the trimester, you’ll design and complete an independent project that culminates in a 20-page research paper, something you can submit to academic journals for potential publication. This paper, along with the detailed feedback you’ll receive, can serve as a strong addition to your college applications. Horizon also provides a recommendation letter from your mentor, reflecting your academic ability and persistence in tackling challenging research. If you’re thinking about studying biology, medicine, or environmental science in college, this program gives you an early opportunity to experience what real research feels like and to learn how professionals in the field ask questions and analyse data.
5. Research Intensives - Biology
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Location: University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA
Cost/Stipend: $6,240 plus $85 term fee
Program Dates: June 29 - August 9
Application Deadline: July 3 (last day to add)
Eligibility: High-achieving high school students interested in research
The Research Intensives program at UMass Amherst places high-achieving students like you in professional working labs alongside distinguished faculty and graduate students. You can choose from various biology-related research areas, such as microbiology, biochemistry, or plant science. You'll spend your time conducting research and developing critical lab skills. In addition to technical skills, you’ll practice communicating science effectively, a key skill for future STEM opportunities.
6. Harvard Summer School – Integrated Biology Laboratory
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Maximum enrollment is 24 students
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: $3,850 tuition (4 credits at $962.50 per credit)
Program Dates: July 14 – August 7
Application Deadline: June 17
Eligibility: Open to admitted Secondary School Program students by petition; prerequisites include BIOS S-1a and BIOS S-1b (or equivalents)
This four-week laboratory course integrates anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and genetics through a case-based, clinical approach. You’ll gain experience with advanced lab techniques, including dissections, tissue microscopy, genome sequencing, and biochemical testing of microbes. You will conclude the program with experience that mirrors university-level premedical training, making it a strong preparatory step for future studies in biology or medicine.
7. Broad Summer Scholars Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; $3,600 stipend
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: Late January
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who attend a high school in Massachusetts within commuting distance to the Broad. Must have a B or better in science and math
BSSP is a six-week, fully funded research program where you’ll be paired with Broad scientists to work on projects in areas like cancer biology, infectious disease, computational biology, and genetics. You won’t just shadow; your work contributes to real lab research, culminating in a poster presentation for the Broad community. Alongside research, the program includes college and career panels, a college fair, scientific talks, and social activities that connect you with a close-knit cohort of peers. Weekly academic support is built in, including one-on-one tutoring sessions and wet lab training. You’ll also learn to prepare scientific posters and practice presenting research findings—skills that stand out in college applications and competitions.
8. Tufts University Biomedical Engineering Research Scholars (TUBERS) Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly Selective
Location: Tufts University, Medford, MA
Cost: Free
Dates: July 1 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Must be 16 years of age by July 1 and reside in one of the following cities or towns in Massachusetts: Medford, Somerville, Arlington, Cambridge, Malden, Everett, Melrose, Revere, Chelsea, Winchester, Boston, or Quincy
TUBERS places you in biomedical engineering labs at Tufts for about six weeks so you can work on authentic, mentor-led research rather than “busy work.” You’ll learn common research techniques, design and run experiments, and take a project from hypothesis through analysis and presentation. Mentors (graduate students, undergrads, and faculty PIs) help you shape a project that’s often appropriate for local or national science competitions if you want to enter one. The program is hands-on and project-focused: you’ll present your results to the program community and practice scientific communication. The program encourages applicants from underrepresented backgrounds, and organisers recommend using your project work for competitions (PI approval required).
9. On-Campus Summer Pre-Med Academy - Biology & Chemistry
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly stated
Location: The Academies by Harvard Student Agencies, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: $1,800. Need-based financial aid is available
Program Dates: June 9-13 | June 23-27 | July 14-18 | July 28-August 1
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
This one-week academy is designed for students interested in exploring the intersection of Biology, Chemistry, and Medicine. You’ll cover genetics, immunology, CRISPR, and organic chemistry while also discussing the ethics of new biomedical technologies. The curriculum integrates both science fundamentals and applied knowledge, including the study of diseases such as Down Syndrome and Sickle Cell Anaemia. A highlight of the program is the final presentation, where you’ll research and present on a disease or genetic disorder of your choice. After this program, you’ll gain insight into what pre-med study looks like, while also practising the research and presentation skills that will serve you in future science courses.
10. Botanical Breakthroughs: Exploring Biochemical Properties of Plants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Location: University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA
Cost/Stipend: $3,907 residential; $2,262 commuter
Program Dates: June 29 – July 12
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Rising sophomores – seniors
This two-week summer program gives you the chance to explore the fascinating area of plant-derived products and their use in medicine. You’ll study plant-derived natural products and their uses in medicine, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology while working with UMass Amherst faculty and staff. Hands-on activities take place in teaching labs, the Plant Cell Collection Library, the herbarium, and research greenhouses. Field trips across campus add context to the laboratory work, giving you exposure to both applied and experimental methods. The program concludes with a poster presentation where you’ll share your findings and practice presenting scientific research.
11. Harvard Summer School Pre-College – Introduction to Neurobiology (BIOS P-13502)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly stated
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: $5,800 (noncredit)
Program Dates: July 21 – August 1
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students; prerequisites include AP Biology and basic Chemistry
This neurobiology course introduces you to the structure and function of the mammalian nervous system. Taught by Dr. Laura Magnotti, you’ll study the molecules, cells, and neural circuits that underlie behaviour, as well as how the nervous system develops, adapts with experience, and responds to disease or injury. The program emphasises both conceptual foundations and current research directions in neuroscience. As part of Harvard’s Pre-College program, the course is fast-paced and requires daily attendance, making it a good option if you’re considering majors in biology, neuroscience, psychology, or medicine.
12. Spring Lecture Series for High School Students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 students
Location: Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: April 22-24
Application Deadline: Registration opens mid-winter. First-come, first-served
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 who are 14 years or older
The Spring Lecture Series is a good opportunity for high school students to explore cutting-edge topics in biomedical research. Each day combines lab modules, small group discussions, and talks with leading scientists at the Whitehead Institute. Past themes have included precision medicine, the human microbiome, and cancer research. You will get direct interaction with scientists while engaging in labs and activities not typically available in high school. The program is free, though housing is not provided, so it is best suited for students in the Greater Boston area.
13. Youth Neurology Education and Research Program – Massachusetts General Hospital
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly stated
Location: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
Cost: Paid internship
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8 (tentatively)
Application Deadline: November 1 – January 31
Eligibility: Massachusetts high school and undergraduate students. The program especially encourages applicants from underrepresented backgrounds
The Youth Neurology Education and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital is a selective summer internship where you’ll explore careers in neurology and neuroscience while working directly with physician-scientists. You’ll engage in mentored research, participate in educational activities, and gain structured support to turn your work into presentations, publications, or awards. High school interns spend six weeks on-site, while undergraduates commit to an eight-week experience, both receiving pay for their contributions. Alongside lab and clinical exposure, you’ll attend the INSPIRE Speaker Series, which features talks from leading neurologists and neuroscientists about their paths in medicine.
14. MIT Splash
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: $70 (financial aid available)
Program Dates: November 22 – 23 (tentatively)
Application Deadline: Registration opens mid–to–late October
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 12
MIT Splash is one of the most well-known student-run educational programs in the country, offering you the chance to spend a weekend taking classes on just about anything you can imagine. Over 150 courses are offered, all taught by MIT students, covering topics from rocket science to philosophy to music production. Because the program is exploratory, you’ll design your own schedule and get to sample multiple subjects in a short span of time. While the program isn’t a traditional research or internship experience, it’s an opportunity to dive into new areas of knowledge and interact with the MIT community in a fun, low-pressure setting. The program is open to all high school students, with financial aid available to ensure cost isn’t a barrier.
15. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: About 100 students are accepted each year; the acceptance rate is estimated to be under 5%
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded
Program Dates: June 23 – August 3 (tentatively, based on previous year)
Application Deadline: December – January
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious research opportunities for high school students in the world. Hosted at MIT and run by the Centre for Excellence in Education, RSI selects about 100 students globally for six weeks of intensive research and mentorship. The program begins with a week of academic preparation, including not just STEM but also humanities courses, to emphasise strong communication skills. For the following five weeks, you’ll dive into a research project under the guidance of an MIT mentor, exploring advanced topics in biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and more. The experience culminates in a written paper and a final presentation of your research findings. Admission to RSI is extremely competitive, and participation is considered a strong marker of academic excellence for selective college admissions.
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