13 Biology Programs for High School Students in Tennessee
Biology programs can be a valuable way for high school students to explore interests in healthcare, research, environmental science, and other life sciences. These programs allow you to go beyond classroom learning by gaining practical experience with scientific methods and practical applications of biology. Through laboratory activities, research projects, workshops, and mentorship opportunities, you can develop a better understanding of how biological concepts are applied in professional settings. Many programs also provide opportunities to interact with university faculty, researchers, and professionals working in biology-related fields.
Why should you attend a Biology program in Tennessee?
Reputable universities and organizations across Tennessee offer biology programs that introduce high school students to different areas of life sciences through guided and mentored learning experiences. Depending on the program, you may conduct laboratory experiments, participate in research projects, explore medical sciences, study ecosystems, learn about genetics, or work with advanced scientific tools and techniques. Students living in Tennessee can benefit from local opportunities, while out-of-state students can also consider these programs to experience Tennessee’s academic and research environments.
To help you get started, we have put together 13 biology programs for high school students in Tennessee.
If you’re looking for summer programs in Tennessee, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These programs span molecular biology, genetics, environmental science, veterinary medicine, and AI in healthcare, so students interested in any area of life sciences can find a relevant option in Tennessee.
Several programs are free with stipends, including St. Jude ($4,800 stipend), NGSI at Oak Ridge (up to $500/week), and Governor's School IB&SS (full scholarship), while others, such as Stanford AIMI and DNA Barcoding Program, charge program fees.
Multi-week residential programs, such as RANGE Summer Research Experience, Governor's School IB&SS, and St. Jude Research Immersion, offer sustained lab or field research, while shorter camps, such as Belmont Science Camps and Meharry DNA Learning Center, provide a more compact introduction.
Application deadlines range from December (Governor's School IB&SS) to March (Meharry STEM Internship), with a few programs, such as RANGE and Meharry DNA Learning Center camps, not specifying fixed deadlines.
1. RANGE Summer Research Experience
Location: Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN
Cost/Stipend: Free (housing, meals, and program supplies included)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: About 25 high school students
Dates: June 14 - July 10
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors or recent high school graduates with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and an interest in agriculture, environmental science, ecology, natural resources, or related STEM fields.
The RANGE Summer Research Experience is a four-week residential research program where you investigate topics at the intersection of biology, environmental science, and sustainability. Working alongside Tennessee State University faculty, you research topics such as biodiversity, soil health, water quality, ecosystems, and habitat restoration while also exploring technologies including drones and environmental sensors. In addition to laboratory work and field experiences, you participate in workshops, campus-based activities, and a research symposium where you present your findings, making it a strong option if you're interested in biological and environmental research.
2. Veritas AI Deep Dive: AI + Medicine
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program type; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10-week program
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students interested in artificial intelligence, medicine, healthcare, or related fields | Prior completion of AI Scholars or equivalent AI experience is recommended.
The AI + Medicine program introduces you to the growing role of artificial intelligence in healthcare and biomedical research. Through this experience, you explore how AI can analyze medical data, identify patterns, and support problem-solving in healthcare settings. The program combines technical instruction with a hands-on research project, allowing you to apply AI concepts to a medicine-related topic while receiving guidance from experienced mentors. You learn about areas such as machine learning applications in healthcare, medical datasets, and the process of developing AI-based solutions for real-world challenges. This program is designed for students who want to explore the intersection of technology and medicine while building foundational skills in AI research.
3. St. Jude High School Research Immersion Program
Location: Memphis, TN
Cost/Stipend: Free (Participants receive a $4,800 stipend)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: June 1 - July 25
Application Deadline: Applications for this cycle have closed.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors in the Memphis-Shelby County area and surrounding counties in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas | Must be at least 16 years old, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and complete the application requirements.
The St. Jude High School Research Immersion Program is an eight-week summer research experience that places participants in mentored laboratory, clinical, psychology, epidemiology, or data science research projects at St. Jude. You will work alongside research mentors on a collaborative project, develop scientific communication skills through guided reflection and personal statement workshops, and present your findings at a community research exhibition with a scientific poster at the conclusion of the program.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program format | Starting from $3,190
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts offered year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students with a demonstrated interest in biology, biomedical sciences, genetics, ecology, neuroscience, public health, or related life science fields.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program gives you the opportunity to pursue an independent biology research project under the guidance of a PhD mentor from a leading university. Depending on your interests, you can explore areas such as molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, immunology, ecology, cancer biology, and public health while learning how to read scientific literature, formulate research questions, and conduct scholarly research. Throughout the program, you'll receive one-on-one mentorship, refine your analytical and scientific writing skills, and produce a university-level research paper. This experience is well suited for those who want to deepen their understanding of biology beyond the classroom while building a strong research portfolio for future college applications.
5. Next Generation STEM Internship Program (NGSI) - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Location: Oak Ridge, TN
Cost/Stipend: Free (participants receive a weekly stipend of up to $500)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: Summer (dates announced annually)
Application Deadline: February 26
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors or recent graduates (who have not yet enrolled in college), at least 16 years old, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, residing in eligible Tennessee counties.
The Next Generation STEM Internship Program (NGSI) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) provides high school students with the opportunity to work alongside scientists, engineers, and research professionals on STEM-focused projects. Participants spend 40 hours per week contributing to laboratory research while gaining exposure to cutting-edge scientific facilities and technologies. In addition to hands-on research experience, students participate in professional development workshops, laboratory tours, seminars, networking events, and poster sessions, helping them develop technical, communication, and research skills while exploring careers in science and engineering.
6. Belmont University Science Summer Camps
Location: Nashville, TN
Cost: $425/week (includes lunch)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: About 24 students per camp
Dates: Various dates depending on camp | Biology-focused camps include July 6 - 10 for Biology at Belmont | Other camp dates vary
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students; participants must be at least 14 years old, may include graduating seniors, and require a minimum GPA of 3.0
Belmont University’s College of Sciences and Mathematics offers a variety of hands-on science summer camps for high school students, including several programs with a strong focus on biology. These camps provide opportunities to explore biological concepts through laboratory activities, research experiences, and faculty-led instruction. Biology at Belmont introduces students to topics such as cell biology, organismal physiology, and ecology through activities including microscopy, organismal studies, dissections, and field biology techniques. From Brain to Behavior at Belmont explores the connection between neuroscience, psychology, and human behavior through interactive learning experiences. RISE in Molecular and Cell Biology provides exposure to statistics and original scientific research, allowing students to practice molecular and cell biology techniques in a laboratory setting.
7. Meharry Medical College DNA Learning Center Summer Camp
Location: Nashville, TN
Cost/Stipend: Varies (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: July 13 - July 17 (middle school) | July 27 - 31 (high school)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 6th - 12th grade students
The Meharry Medical College DNA Learning Center Summer Camp provides students with an intensive, week-long introduction to biology, genetics, and life sciences through hands-on laboratory activities in a state-of-the-art teaching facility. Participants explore topics such as DNA, genome science, and biotechnology while gaining practical laboratory experience and learning from STEM professionals. The program also includes college readiness sessions, career exploration opportunities, and interactions with mentors, helping students strengthen their scientific knowledge while building confidence and preparing for advanced STEM coursework and future careers.
8. DNA Barcoding Program - Meharry Medical College DNA Learning Center
Location: Nashville, TN
Cost/Stipend: $700
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: Check the website for details | Usually 4 days a week
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10th - 12th.
The DNA Barcoding Program at the Meharry Medical College DNA Learning Center introduces high school students to molecular genetics through an immersive, project-based experience. Participants learn to extract and amplify DNA, analyze genetic sequences using bioinformatics tools, construct phylogenetic trees, and investigate topics such as biodiversity and food fraud. Through hands-on laboratory work and open-ended research projects, students gain practical experience with modern genetic techniques while exploring the connections between genetics, ecology, evolution, and conservation biology.
9. Veterinary Summer Experience Program (VSEP) - University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine
Location: Knoxville, TN (with local veterinary practice placements across Tennessee)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: June 9 - July 11
Application Deadline: January 30
Eligibility: Tennessee residents who are current high school juniors or seniors, at least 16 years old by June 1, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
The Veterinary Summer Experience Program (VSEP) at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine offers aspiring veterinarians an immersive introduction to the profession through a five-week experience combining clinical shadowing and campus-based learning. Students spend four weeks working alongside veterinary professionals at an approved local practice before completing a week of educational programming at the University of Tennessee. Throughout the program, participants gain hands-on exposure to veterinary medicine, develop a deeper understanding of animal healthcare, and explore educational and career pathways in the field through mentorship and hands-on experiences.
10. Governor's School IB&SS - East Tennessee State University
Location: Johnson City, TN
Cost/Stipend: Free (full scholarship covering tuition, housing, and meals)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: May 30 - July 2
Application Deadline: December 4
Eligibility: Tennessee students currently in grades 10th or 11th with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in mathematics and science courses, including Algebra II and two semesters of high school science.
The Governor's School for the Integration of Biological & Statistical Sciences (IB&SS) at East Tennessee State University is a five-week residential program that combines biology, mathematics, and statistics through college-level coursework and interdisciplinary research. Students earn seven college credits while studying topics such as cell biology, genetics, DNA replication, evolution, and biostatistics, concluding in an integrated mathematics and science research project. In addition to classroom instruction, students visit research facilities, including ETSU's Quillen College of Medicine, participate in field trips, and collaborate with university faculty and peers.
11. High School STEM Internship Program - Meharry Medical College
Location: Nashville, TN
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: Two 8-week summer internships
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors with strong academic performance, an interest in STEM, and extracurricular involvement | Students must not have graduated from high school by November in the upcoming year
The High School STEM Internship Program at Meharry Medical College offers students a two-year research experience to develop scientific knowledge and laboratory skills through mentored biomedical research. Participants work alongside faculty and graduate students on biology and genetics projects while gaining hands-on laboratory experience, individualized mentorship, and exposure to STEM careers. The program also includes guest lectures, career development workshops, technical and leadership training, and preparation for national science competitions, helping students build a strong foundation for future studies and careers in science and medicine.
12. Vanderbilt Research Experience for High School Students (REHSS)
Location: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: May 26 - July 2
Application Deadline: Not publicly listed | Eligible students should contact their Interdisciplinary Science and Research (ISR) instructor for application details.
Eligibility: Current Interdisciplinary Science and Research (ISR) students at Stratford STEM, John Overton High School, or Hillsboro High School who are rising high school seniors.
The Vanderbilt Research Experience for High School Students (REHSS) is a six-week laboratory research internship that places eligible students to work in a Vanderbilt University or Vanderbilt University Medical Center research lab. Working alongside faculty mentors, you complete an independent research project while gaining hands-on experience with scientific investigation and laboratory techniques. The program is designed to help you explore STEM research in a university setting, develop research skills, and understand potential academic and career pathways in science and engineering.
13. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual (U.S. only)
Cost/Stipend: $2,400 program fee plus $45 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: Two-week program (dates vary by cohort)
Application Deadline: February 13 (financial aid) | February 21 (standard)
Eligibility: U.S.-based high school students entering grades 9th - 12th who are at least 14 years old by the start of the program | Preference is given to applicants with strong math, programming, or healthcare project experience.
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual research program that introduces students to the growing field of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Throughout the program, you learn directly from Stanford researchers, clinicians, and trainees through lectures covering machine learning, medical imaging, clinical AI, healthcare datasets, model evaluation, and responsible AI practices. You'll work in a small team with Stanford student mentors on a health AI research project, applying what you learn to investigate a real-world medical challenge while strengthening your analytical and problem-solving skills. In addition to research sessions, you'll participate in talks from experts across academia, healthcare, industry, nonprofit organizations, and government, giving you a broader understanding of how AI is transforming medicine today. By the end of the internship, you'll have gained experience with collaborative research, scientific communication, and the practical applications of AI in healthcare.
Frequently asked questions
1. What biology programs are available for high school students in Tennessee?
Options include research-intensive programs, such as St. Jude Research Immersion, Vanderbilt REHSS, and NGSI at Oak Ridge; genetics and molecular biology programs, such as Meharry DNA Learning Center and DNA Barcoding Program; and specialized tracks, such as UT Veterinary Summer Experience Program and Governor's School IB&SS for interdisciplinary biology and statistics.
2. Are there free biology programs for high school students in Tennessee?
Yes, several programs are free, including RANGE Summer Research Experience, St. Jude Research Immersion, NGSI at Oak Ridge, UT Veterinary Summer Experience Program, Governor's School IB&SS, Meharry STEM Internship Program, and Vanderbilt REHSS. Lumiere and Stanford AIMI charge program fees but offer financial aid.
3. Which Tennessee biology programs are best for students interested in medicine or healthcare?
Students interested in medicine might consider St. Jude Research Immersion for clinical and lab-based cancer research, UT Veterinary Summer Experience Program for shadowing in veterinary medicine, Meharry STEM Internship Program for biomedical research mentorship, and Veritas AI or Stanford AIMI for the intersection of AI and healthcare.
4. When should I apply to biology programs for high school students in Tennessee?
The earliest deadline is Governor's School IB&SS (December 4), followed by UT Veterinary Summer Experience Program (January 30) and NGSI at Oak Ridge (February 26). Meharry STEM Internship Program closes March 9, while several programs, such as RANGE and Meharry DNA Learning Center camps, do not list fixed deadlines.