15 Free Biology Summer Programs for High School Students
If you are a high school student interested in biology, a summer program can be a great learning opportunity. Summer programs present a great opportunity for you to gain meaningful experience, and free programs allow you to do so without the burden of cost. These programs typically combine laboratory work, field exploration, data analysis, and mentorship, allowing you to acquire practical skills while also gaining exposure to real-world scientific research. For students with an interest in biology and related fields such as genetics, ecology, microbiology, neuroscience, or public health, free biology summer programs provide a strong foundation for future academic and professional pursuits.
To help you make the most of your summers, we have curated a list of 15 free biology summer programs for high school students.
15 Free Biology Summer Programs for High School Students
1. Stanford University - Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Stipend: $500 minimum stipend. Stipends of $2,500 and above are awarded on a needs-based system.
Cohort size: 50 students
Dates: June 8 – July 30
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are 16 years or older by the start date of the program
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week internship designed for high school juniors and seniors interested in biomedical sciences. You will work full-time under the mentorship of Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, or graduate students, gaining direct exposure to laboratory research. The program offers eight research specialties: immunology, stem cell and regenerative medicine, neurobiology, cardiovascular biology, cancer biology, bioengineering, bioinformatics, and genetics/genomics. Participants choose their focus before joining the appropriate institute. The curriculum combines practical lab work with lectures and seminars that cover essential concepts and techniques in biomedical research.
2. Veritas AI – Deep Dive: AI + Medicine
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. 100% financial aid is available.
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students who have completed the AI Scholars program or have a background in coding
Veritas AI’s Deep Dive: AI+ Medicine program blends biology and artificial intelligence, teaching high school students how to analyze biological data using machine learning. You can engage with bioinformatics tools and algorithms to understand applications in genomic data and disease prediction models. This interdisciplinary approach offers hands-on experience in AI and enhances skills applicable to both biology and computer science. By the end of the program, you will have completed data-driven projects relevant to modern biomedical challenges.
3. New York University - Simons-NYU Science Explorations Program
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Cohort size: 80 students
Dates: July 5 – 25
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, and recent high school graduates who are 16 years or older at the start of the program
The Simons-NYU Science Explorations Program is a three-week residential summer program that introduces high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates to college-level study in the life and physical sciences. Offered at no cost, the program covers biology, chemistry, neural science, physics, and psychology through a combination of lectures, workshops, and laboratory research. You will learn directly from NYU faculty and guest speakers while gaining foundational exposure to multiple scientific disciplines. In addition to academic components, you will also engage in cultural and social activities in New York City.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program - Biology Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. 100% financial aid is available
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: Summer cohort runs from June to August
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students are eligible
The Lumere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities across a broad range of subject areas. It pairs you 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 biology, biotechnology, human body & diseases, psychology, chemistry, and more. You can find more details about the application here!
5. The Rockefeller University - Summer Science Research Program
Location: RockEDU Science Outreach Laboratory, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Cohort size: 32 students
Dates: June 23 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 3
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old at the start of the program
The Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) is a team-based research initiative for high school juniors and seniors, hosted by the Tri-Institutions: Rockefeller University, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Weill Cornell Medicine. Each summer, 32 students are selected and placed into four research teams of 8–10 scholars, guided by scientific trainees and mentors. Teams work in dedicated RockEDU laboratories and follow a structured progression: introduction to research methods, selection of a research question, data collection and analysis, and preparation of a final poster presentation. In addition to lab-based research, you will engage in elective courses, workshops, guest lectures, networking opportunities, and social events.
6. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Placements available across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico (within 45 minutes of your home)
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance rate: Varies depending on location
Dates: Flexible start and end dates and determined by the selected student and their mentor.
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or rising college freshman. Applicants must be 16 years old by their internship start date.
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid summer internship sponsored by the American Fisheries Society (AFS) to encourage high school students to explore careers in fisheries and aquatic science. You will be matched with professional mentors across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, with placements typically located within commuting distance of your home. You will work about 32 hours per week, with experiences varying by location and mentor. Activities may include fish population surveys, habitat restoration, electrofishing, snorkeling, water quality testing, data analysis, and educational outreach. Alongside your field and lab work, you'll participate in the Scholar’s Summit as a key part of your internship.
7. The Jackson Laboratory - Summer Student Program
Location: The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME and Farmington, CT
Stipend: $7,000, plus room, board, and travel
Cohort size: 40 - 45 students
Dates: May 30 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors
The JAX Summer Student Program (SSP) is a 10-week research fellowship for graduating high school seniors interested in genetics and genomics. You will join active research projects under the mentorship of experienced scientists, gaining hands-on laboratory experience while developing increasing independence as researchers. In addition to lab work, the program includes professional development sessions on topics such as genetic testing, data visualization, science communication, and peer review. Weekly journal clubs and discussions with JAX scientists and professionals provide insight into diverse career pathways in science, from research and medicine to law and communications. The program culminates in your presentation of your research findings to peers, mentors, and family members.
8. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History - High School Internship Program
Location: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC
Stipend: $3,600
Acceptance rate: No information available
Dates: June 24 – August 5
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Current high school students are eligible
The NMNH Summer High School Internship at the Smithsonian Institution provides high school students with hands-on experience in museum work. You will be placed in either the Department of Entomology or the Department of Exhibits. Projects may include sorting and classifying moth specimens, assisting with collections of insects such as spiders and centipedes, or contributing to exhibit development. Besides project work, you'll enhance your public engagement skills, participate in field trips and behind-the-scenes tours, and connect with peers sharing similar interests.
9. Stanford University - Stanford Medical Youth Science Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free
Cohort size: 24 students
Dates: June 23 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 17
Eligibility: Low-income, first-generation high school juniors who live in Northern California
The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP) is a five-week summer enrichment program for high school students with an interest in science and medicine. You will engage in a mix of hospital internships, faculty lectures, professional development workshops, and a group research project on public health disparities. The program emphasizes both academic learning and practical exposure, offering opportunities to shadow health professionals, observe patient care, and take part in laboratory and departmental activities at Stanford Hospital. Additionally, you will attend lectures on public health, research methods, and human anatomy, as well as workshops on college preparation, financial aid, and admissions planning.
10. Columbia University - State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP)
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate: No information available
Dates: July 28 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: New York State residents in grades 7–12 who are economically disadvantaged and/or in need of STEM enrichment; must maintain at least an 80% average in math and science
The State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP) is a free preparatory initiative for high school students who are interested in careers in medicine or STEM fields. The program is designed to strengthen academic readiness for college while encouraging greater participation in science, mathematics, technology, and health-related professions. You will take enrichment courses in subjects such as anatomy, biochemistry, chemistry, organic chemistry, brain and cognitive science, physics, psychology, and advanced mathematics, including calculus and statistics. In addition to coursework, S-PREP provides PSAT and SAT preparation, career development and college readiness workshops, academic counseling, as well as field trips and college tours.
11. Stanford University - Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free. Stipends of $3,000 are given to students on a needs-based system
Cohort size: 40 students
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 24
Eligibility: Rising junior and senior high school students who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program. Applicants must reside and attend high school in one of the following counties in Northern California: San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa, and Santa Cruz.
The Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS) is a six-week summer program that introduces you to science, medicine, and research through faculty mentorship and hands-on projects in maternal and child health. You will spend about 23 hours per week in a research lab, working under the guidance of faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff to complete an independent project. Each of you will prepare a research poster and present your work at the program’s closing symposium. In addition, you will meet weekly for interactive workshops that cover research methods, career exploration in medicine and science, and leadership development. The program also provides practical guidance on college readiness, including workshops on applications, financial aid, and building a college list.
12. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory - Biotech Summer Experience
Location: Edward Teller Education Center, Livermore, CA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate: No information available
Dates: July 14 – 25
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years or older by the start of the workshop. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher.
The LLNL Biotechnology Summer Experience is a two-week program that immerses high school students in molecular biology and bioinformatics research. You will investigate genes from the freshwater plant Landoltia punctata (duckweed) through experiments such as plasmid DNA isolation, PCR, restriction digestion, and gel electrophoresis. You will also use professional bioinformatics tools to analyze gene sequences, gaining experience with techniques applied in modern biology laboratories. At the conclusion of the program, your DNA sequence findings are submitted to GenBank, with each sequence credited to you by name, offering a unique opportunity for recognition in an international scientific database.
13. Stanford University - Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Summer Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free
Cohort size: 20 students
Dates: June 15 – August 6
Application Deadline: November 30
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years old by the start of the program
The Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Summer Program is a seven-week, in-person research experience at Stanford designed to introduce high school students to careers in healthcare and biomedical science. You will work full-time in the Jill Helms Laboratory, conducting hands-on projects in areas such as histology, imaging, and genotyping, while contributing to ongoing biomedical research. The program combines laboratory training with interactive lectures, workshops on scientific communication and career pathways, and regular mentorship from faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduates. The program concludes with a formal presentation in which you will share your research findings with faculty, peers, and invited guests.
14. University of Pennsylvania - Provost’s Summer Mentorship Program (SMP)
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective, 12-15 students
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Rising 10th and 11th-grade students in Philadelphia
The Provost’s Summer Mentorship Program (SMP) is a four-week, campus-based initiative for high school students from Philadelphia. The program connects you with one of five Penn Graduate and Professional Schools: Medicine, Nursing, Dental Medicine, Engineering, or Law. Along with practical experiential learning, you'll also get structured support in study skills, time management, SAT prep, financial literacy, and personal statement writing to boost your college readiness. The program concludes with a college fair on campus, giving you an opportunity to further explore higher education options.
15. Stanford University - Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS)
Location: Virtual and in-person at Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free
Cohort size: 20 students
Dates: June 16 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years or older by internship start date. Applicants must be residing in one of the following counties: Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz, and have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0.
The Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS) is an eight-week summer program that introduces Bay Area high school students to research in computational genetics and genomics. You will spend about 20 hours per week working in a research laboratory under the guidance of a faculty mentor, gaining hands-on experience in genomics research. In addition to their lab work, you will take part in weekly cohort sessions, career panels, and seminars that highlight pathways in biomedical research. Regular mentor check-ins further support you in developing both technical skills and an understanding of the broader scientific field.