UC Davis Young Scholars Program (YSP)
A 6-week residential research program. You must request the Biology/Genetics projects, which often involve plant genomics or molecular biology.
Applications for summer 2026 will open on January 1, 2026.
Summer residential research program designed to introduce approximately 40 high-achieving high school students.
Program dates for summer 2026 are June 21 – August 1.
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Buck Institute for Research on Aging (Summer Scholars)
Located in Novato. Research focuses on molecular biology of aging. Projects involve significant genetics work (CRISPR, gene expression).
Stanford GRIPS (Genomics Research Internship Program)
The "Gold Standard" for high school genetics. You work in a lab for 8 weeks on computational genetics and genomics projects.
UCSC Science Internship Program (SIP)
A 9-week internship at UC Santa Cruz. You are matched with a faculty mentor. You must specifically apply for the Biomolecular Engineering or Molecular, Cell, & Developmental Biology tracks.
Bay Area BioGENEius Challenge
The most rigorous biotechnology project competition. You must have original research (e.g., from a science fair project) to enter.
Golden Gate STEM Fair (GGSF)
The ISEF-affiliated fair for the SF Bay Area. You must enter the "Biological Sciences" category with a genetics project.
JBEI iCLEM (Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology)
Held at the Joint BioEnergy Institute in Emeryville. Focuses on synthetic biology and microbial genetics. Paid stipend provided.