10 Biology Summer Programs for Middle School Students
Exploring biology during middle school can foster a deeper interest in the life sciences and help students refine their academic paths before starting high school. These summer programs provide hands-on experiences, including laboratory experiments and fieldwork, enabling you to engage with advanced scientific concepts in a structured yet accessible manner. For students considering careers in medicine, environmental science, or biotechnology, a biology summer program offers early exposure to fundamental topics and research methodologies.
This list highlights 10 biology summer programs for middle school students, each selected for its emphasis on experiential learning, expert instruction, and opportunities to develop foundational scientific skills. Whether students are interested in genetics, marine biology, or human anatomy, these summer programs offer a comprehensive introduction to various biological fields while preparing them for future academic pursuits. We have also covered a host of free, online, paid, and region-specific research opportunities and internships for middle school students here.
1. Intermediate Marine Science Camp
This two-week biology summer program provides middle school students with an in-depth introduction to marine science through hands-on fieldwork and laboratory activities. You will establish your own saltwater tanks, conduct water quality testing in Somes Sound, and explore tidal pools, salt marshes, and bogs. The program includes site visits such as whale-watching excursions, fishing boat trips, and a visit to a bird rehabilitation center. Small-group research projects focus on the chemical, physical, and biological aspects of oceanography, equipping you with essential marine science techniques. The camp concludes with a family cookout.
Location: Seal Harbor, ME.
Cost: $3,200 for a two-week session.
Dates: Session I: June 22 - July 4 | Session II: August 3 - 15.
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines.
Eligibility: Middle school students aged 12-15 years are eligible to apply.
2. Lumiere Junior Explorer Program - Biology Track
This 8-week online program allows middle school students to explore their academic interests through an independent research project under the guidance of a Ph.D. mentor. The program is structured in three phases: the first four weeks focus on exploring different topics, followed by a deep dive into a chosen subject, and concluding with the development of a research project. You will gain exposure to cutting-edge topics in biology, medicine, and public health while receiving personalized mentorship. The program emphasizes critical thinking, academic writing, and research methodology, offering you a unique opportunity to engage in early scholarly work.
Location: Virtual.
Cost: $2400. Need-based financial aid is available.
Dates: June 2 - July 28.
Application Deadline: Early Admission: February 9 | Priority Admission: March 9 | Regular Admission I: April 13 | Regular Admission II: May 11.
Eligibility: Middle school students in grades 6-8 who are interested in research are eligible to apply.
3. UC Berkeley - Summer Teen Research Programs
This one-week research-based biology summer program provides middle school students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge scientific research at UC Berkeley. You will conduct experiments, explore STEM career pathways, and engage with faculty and students in a university laboratory setting.
The program offers two specialized tracks in biology—Animal Behavior and Investigations wherein you will examine how animals interact with their environments, conduct observational experiments, and explore the intersection of biology and psychology; and Body Systems and Biomedical Innovations which focuses on how medical professionals diagnose and treat diseases, with an emphasis on biomedical technologies and problem-solving. The program is non-residential but offers an optional residential add-on, allowing you to experience campus life and interact with current university students.
Location: University of California, Berkeley, CA.
Cost: $1,465. Financial aid awards are available for Bay Area teens and prioritized based on financial need.
Dates: Session 1: June 23-27 | Session 2: July 7-11 | Session 3: July 13-19 | Session 4: July 21-25 | Middle School Residential Add-on: June 22-27.
Application Deadline: Session 1 deadline: June 16 | Sessions 2, 3, and 4 deadline: June 29.
Eligibility: Middle school students in grades 7-8 are eligible to apply.
4. Genetics Summer Camp for Middle School Students
This week-long genetics camp introduces middle school students to the fundamentals of genetics, covering DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis through the Central Dogma of Biology. You will study heritable diseases and how genetic traits are passed down at both molecular and organismal levels. The camp includes interactive activities such as building genetic models with household items, extracting strawberry DNA, and constructing functional microscopes. A key feature of the program is the EU Genetics Conference, where you will present research on heritable diseases to peers and families.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford and University of California, Los Angeles, CA.
Cost: Day Camp: $2,180 | Extended Day Camp: $2,570 | Overnight Camp: $2,985.
Dates: Stanford University: July 13 - 18 | UCLA: July 20 - 25.
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines.
Eligibility: Middle school students in grades 6-8 are eligible to apply.
5. MSM S.T.E.A.M. Academy
The Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) S.T.E.A.M. Academy is a four-week summer program designed to introduce middle school students to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), with a focus on health sciences. Through hands-on experiments, interactive exercises, and inquiry-based learning, you will engage with subjects such as engineering, health sciences, sports science, financial literacy, and coding. The curriculum aligns with the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) and includes dissections, coding projects, and thematic programming that integrates health and STEAM disciplines.
Location: Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.
Cost: $850.
Dates: June 2 - 27.
Application Deadline: May 2.
Eligibility: Middle school students are eligible to apply.
6. Georgetown University - Medical Research: Clinical Trials Resulting in Medical Discoveries
Offered by Georgetown University, this biology summer program introduces students to evidence-based medicine and the research process behind medical breakthroughs. You will design and conduct your own research studies using professional methodologies, explore the ethics of medical research, and analyze scientific literature. The curriculum covers biostatistics, epidemiology, and cancer research, providing a strong foundation for students interested in medical research, pharmaceuticals, or clinical medicine.
Location: Virtual or in-person at Georgetown University, Washington, DC.
Cost: $1,795. Need-based scholarships are available.
Dates: 1-week session: June 1 – June 8 | 2-week session: June 1 – June 15 | 4-week session: June 1 – June 29.
Application Deadline: May 25.
Eligibility: Middle school students who are at least 13 years old are eligible to apply.
7. Middle School Biotech Camp
HudsonAlpha’s biotechnology summer camps offer middle school students an engaging introduction to DNA, genetics, and genetic engineering. The Code of Life camp explores topics such as DNA extraction, genetic disorders, and enzyme functions, with hands-on activities like micropipetting, centrifuging, and engineering glow-in-the-dark bacteria. You will also tour HudsonAlpha’s facilities and interact with professional researchers. Students who complete this camp can advance to "I Want to Work in a Lab Coat" or "The Secret Lab" programs, which offer deeper insights into biotechnology careers.
Location: HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology
Cost: $200.
Dates: Session I: June 2 – 6 (1 PM – 4 PM) | Session II: June 9 – 13 (9 AM – 12 PM) | Session III: June 23 – 27 (9 AM – 12 PM) | Session IV: July 7 – 11 (1 PM – 4 PM).
Application Deadline: Applications open on March 19 and are accepted on a rolling basis.
Eligibility: Rising 6th – 8th graders are eligible to apply.
8. STEM Focused Summer Programs - Biology Track
Offered by College Gate® and College Academy®, this summer program provides middle school students with a hands-on exploration of biology through project-based learning. The curriculum includes topics such as ecosystems, human biology, genetics, and environmental science. Activities include plant and animal cell dissections, DNA extraction, and investigations into biological processes. With a 10:1 instructor-to-student ratio, you will receive personalized instruction while building a strong foundation in life sciences.
Location: Stonehill College, Easton, MA.
Cost: Day Program: $1,100 | Day and Extended Day Program: $1,400.
Dates: Session 1: July 7 - July 25 | Session 2: July 28 - August 15.
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines.
Eligibility: Middle school students aged 11 - 14 years are eligible to apply.
9. Rosetta Institute of Biomedical Research - Molecular Medicine
The Rosetta Institute's Molecular Medicine Workshops provide middle school students with an immersive experience in biomedical research, drug development, and molecular medicine. Through lectures and laboratory sessions, you will explore molecular and cellular biology and how disruptions in these processes lead to disease. The program covers topics such as personalized medicine, experimental design, and cutting-edge drug development techniques. At the conclusion of the workshop, you will design and present original research projects focused on specific genes or molecular processes. Workshops are available in in-person formats at institutions such as UC Berkeley and Columbia University, as well as online, offering flexible learning opportunities.
Location: Virtual or in-person at UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, and Columbia University.
Program Dates: Varies depending on the program.
Cost: Starts from $3,680.
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines.
Eligibility: Middle school students interested in biomedical research, drug development, pharmacy, or nursing are eligible to apply.
10. UC San Diego - Sally Ride Science Academy Summer Workshops
The Sally Ride Science Academy offers STEAM-focused workshops for middle school students, allowing them to take on roles such as marine biologists, pharmacists, and more. The program emphasizes hands-on projects and technical skill-building under the guidance of expert instructors. A key feature of the program is its mentorship from accomplished women in STEAM fields, providing you with inspiring role models in science and technology. Workshops are available both in-person and online, offering flexible participation options.
Location: Virtual or in-person at University of California San Diego, CA.
Cost: Ranges from $50 to $300. Need-based scholarships are available.
Program Dates: July 7 – July 25.
Application Deadline: May 31.
Eligibility: Middle school students are eligible to apply.
Image source - UC Berkeley