For future biology and environmental science students
Biology and Environmental Science Opportunities for High School Students
61 volunteer programs, research programs, competitions, and clubs for high school students interested in biology and environmental science: 11 national or online, and 50 local programs in New York City, the Bay Area, and Houston.
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- Opportunities
- 61
- Not paused or waitlisted
- 57
- application availability varies
- Minimum age under 16
- 18
- excludes paused and waitlisted
- Summer only
- 28
- others run longer or do not say
- American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Neuroscience Research Prize
Competition · Nationwide
- Who can join
- Grades 9 to 12
- When to apply
- Applications open July 29, 2026 and close October 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT (past window; confirm next cycle)
- American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) DNA Day Essay Contest
Competition · Nationwide
- Who can join
- Grades 9 to 12
- When to apply
- Last cycle: submission site opened January 9, 2026 and closed March 4, 2026 (past window; confirm next cycle)
- Armand Bayou Nature Center Teen Volunteers
Volunteering · Pasadena, TX
- Who can join
- Ages 14 to 17
- When to apply
- Not posted
- ASPCA Adoption Center Youth Volunteers (ages 16-17)
Volunteering · New York, NY
- Who can join
- Ages 16 to 17
- When to apply
- Not posted
- Bideawee Summer Teen Group
Volunteering · Westhampton, NY
- Who can join
- Ages 13 to 17
- When to apply
- Summer
- Bideawee Teen Volunteers
Volunteering · New York, NY
- Who can join
- Ages 13 to 17
- When to apply
- Not posted
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden Garden Apprentice Program (GAP)
Internship · Brooklyn, NY
- Who can join
- Grades 9 to 11
- When to apply
- December 4, 2026
- California Academy of Sciences Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Internship · San Francisco, CA
- Who can join
- Grades 9 to 12
- When to apply
- Applications closed; check back in February 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Center for Excellence in Education USA Biolympiad (USABO)
Competition · Nationwide
- Who can join
- Not posted
- When to apply
- October 23 (school registration fee for the 2027 competition); host school confirmation by October 20, 2026
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp
Summer program · Atlanta, GA
- Who can join
- 16 and up
- When to apply
- Summer
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) CDC Museum Public Health Academy Online Summer Course
Certification or course · Online
- Who can join
- 16 and up
- When to apply
- Summer
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Partners for the Future
Research · Cold Spring Harbor, NY
- Who can join
- Grade 12
- When to apply
- School year
- Exploratorium High School Explainer Program
Internship · San Francisco, CA
- Who can join
- Ages 15 to 18
- When to apply
- School-year applications typically available in July; summer applications typically in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy I-YEL: Inspiring Young Emerging Leaders
Club or organization · San Francisco, CA
- Who can join
- Not posted
- When to apply
- Applications for the 2026-2027 cohort were due Friday, October 2 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy LINC Summer High School Programs
Summer program · San Francisco, CA
- Who can join
- Not posted
- When to apply
- Summer 2026 applications were due Sunday, March 15, 11:59 pm (past window; confirm next cycle)
- Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy Urban Trailblazers
Summer program · San Francisco, CA
- Who can join
- Not posted
- When to apply
- Applications for Summer 2026 open; interviews April 11 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Grassroots Ecology Youth Stewards
Volunteering · Palo Alto, CA
- Who can join
- Not posted
- When to apply
- Summer 2026 enrollment closed; check back spring 2027 (spring session info in winter) (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Happy Hollow Park & Zoo ZooTeen
Volunteering · San Jose, CA
- Who can join
- Ages 14 to 17
- When to apply
- Applications accepted year-round; files reviewed mid-summer. 2027 season applicants contacted end of summer 2027. (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Hidden Villa Weekend Ambassador
Volunteering · Los Altos Hills, CA
- Who can join
- 16 and up
- When to apply
- Year-round
- Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Nature Rangers
Volunteering · Houston, TX
- Who can join
- Ages 13 to 17
- When to apply
- Teen summer applications have closed for Summer 2026 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Teen Trail Team
Volunteering · Houston, TX
- Who can join
- Ages 13 to 17
- When to apply
- Teen summer applications have closed for Summer 2026 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Houston Museum of Natural Science Moran Ecoteen Summer Volunteer Program
Volunteering · Houston, TX
- Who can join
- Grades 9 to 11
- When to apply
- Complete the interest form to receive the application link (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Houston Museum of Natural Science Moran Teen Advisory Council
Club or organization · Houston, TX
- Who can join
- Ages 14 to 19
- When to apply
- Submit the interest form (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Houston Zoo First Year Zoo Crew Explorers
Volunteering · Houston, TX
- Who can join
- Ages 13 to 17
- When to apply
- Applications for Summer 2026 are closed; applicants notified by April 28 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- International Brain Bee Brain Bee (USA National Brain Bee)
Competition · Nationwide
- Who can join
- Ages 13 to 19
- When to apply
- School year
- Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)
Competition · Nationwide
- Who can join
- Not posted
- When to apply
- School year
- Liberty Science Center Teen Summer Docent Program
Summer program · Jersey City, NJ
- Who can join
- Grades 10 to 12
- When to apply
- Summer
- Liberty Science Center Youth Volunteering
Volunteering · Jersey City, NJ
- Who can join
- Ages 16 to 18
- When to apply
- Year-round
- Long Island Science Center Student Volunteers
Volunteering · Riverhead, NY
- Who can join
- 11 and up
- When to apply
- Not posted
- Maimonides Medical Center Science Scholars Program
Summer program · Brooklyn, NY
- Who can join
- Grade 12
- When to apply
- March 26, 2026 (past deadline; confirm next cycle)
- McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston (Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) High School Summer Research Program
Research · Houston, TX
- Who can join
- 16 and up
- When to apply
- January 15, 2027
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Summer Student Program
Research · New York, NY
- Who can join
- 16 and up
- When to apply
- February 5, 2027
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Teen Conservation Leaders
Volunteering · Monterey, CA
- Who can join
- 14 and up
- When to apply
- Applications closed for 2026; interviews were in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Moody Gardens Society for the Advancement of Volunteer Youth (SAVY)
Volunteering · Galveston, TX
- Who can join
- Ages 13 to 17
- When to apply
- Not posted
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research (SIP)
Research · Nationwide
- Who can join
- Not posted
- When to apply
- On or about February 15th (date unconfirmed; check official page)
- New York Botanical Garden Explainer Program
Volunteering · Bronx, NY
- Who can join
- Not posted
- When to apply
- November 14, 2026
- NewYork-Presbyterian Lang Youth Medical Program
Club or organization · New York, NY
- Who can join
- Grade 6
- When to apply
- Year-round
- North Shore Animal League America VolunTEEN Program
Volunteering · Port Washington, NY
- Who can join
- Ages 16 to 17
- When to apply
- Recruits twice a year for Fall/Winter (September-January) and Spring/Summer (April-August) (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Oakland Zoo Teen Summer Internships
Internship · Oakland, CA
- Who can join
- Grades 11 to 12
- When to apply
- Applications closed for Summer 2026; info meetings were held in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Oakland Zoo Teen Wild Guides
Volunteering · Oakland, CA
- Who can join
- 13 and up
- When to apply
- Application open year-round; Fall 2026 applications were due September 1 (past window; confirm next cycle)
- Oakland Zoo ZooCamp Teen Assistants and Interns
Volunteering · Oakland, CA
- Who can join
- Grades 9 to 12
- When to apply
- Summer 2026 applications were open February 1 to April 1; check back for Summer 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA Junior Volunteers
Volunteering · Burlingame, CA
- Who can join
- Ages 13 to 17
- When to apply
- Year-round
- Prospect Park Alliance Park Youth Representatives
Internship · Brooklyn, NY
- Who can join
- Not posted
- When to apply
- 2026 applications closed; check back in early 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Prospect Park Alliance Woodlands Youth Crew
Internship · Brooklyn, NY
- Who can join
- Not posted
- When to apply
- 2026 applications closed; check back in early 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- San Francisco Zoo & Gardens ARC Junior Zoologist
Volunteering · San Francisco, CA
- Who can join
- Ages 15 to 17
- When to apply
- Not posted
- San Francisco Zoo & Gardens ARC Nature Trail Volunteer
Volunteering · San Francisco, CA
- Who can join
- Ages 12 to 14
- When to apply
- Applications for 2027 open in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- San Francisco Zoo & Gardens Leadership Fellows
Volunteering · San Francisco, CA
- Who can join
- Grades 10 to 12
- When to apply
- Summer
- Society for Science Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
Competition · Los Angeles, CA
- Who can join
- Grades 9 to 12
- When to apply
- School year
- Society for Science Regeneron Science Talent Search
Competition · Nationwide
- Who can join
- Grade 12
- When to apply
- November 5, 2026 at 8pm ET
- Stanford University School of Medicine Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Research · Stanford, CA
- Who can join
- 16 and up
- When to apply
- Late February 2027
- The Lawrence Hall of Science Teen Internship Program
Internship · Berkeley, CA
- Who can join
- Grades 11 to 12
- When to apply
- Applications opened December 17, 2025 and closed January 15, 2026 (past window; confirm next cycle)
- The Lawrence Hall of Science Teen Research Programs
Summer program · Berkeley, CA
- Who can join
- Grades 7 to 12
- When to apply
- Registration for Summer 2026 closed; check back in late fall for Summer 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- The Marine Mammal Center Youth Crew
Volunteering · Sausalito, CA
- Who can join
- Not posted
- When to apply
- Online application is available for two months (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- UCSF Summer Student Research Program (SSRP)
Research · CA
- Who can join
- 16 and up
- When to apply
- 2026 cycle closed; 2027 information to be posted later (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Wave Hill Forest Project
Internship · Bronx, NY
- Who can join
- 16 and up
- When to apply
- 2026 applications closed; check back next winter for 2027; separate SYEP application required (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Wildlife Conservation Society and Fordham University Project TRUE
Research · Bronx, NY
- Who can join
- Grades 10 to 11
- When to apply
- Summer
- Wildlife Conservation Society Discovery Guide Volunteer Program
Volunteering · Bronx, NY
- Who can join
- Ages 14 to 22
- When to apply
- Applications for the next cycle open in late December for Spring 2027; an interest form is available now (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Aquarium of the Bay Education Summer Docent VolunteerPaused
Volunteering · San Francisco, CA
- Who can join
- 16 and up
- When to apply
- Check back December 1 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Aquarium of the Bay Teen Volunteers (SEA Team)Paused
Volunteering · San Francisco, CA
- Who can join
- Ages 14 to 15
- When to apply
- Check back December 1 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- California Academy of Sciences Academy Naturalist Teen (ANT) VolunteerPaused
Volunteering · San Francisco, CA
- Who can join
- Not posted
- When to apply
- Not posted
- The Lawrence Hall of Science Teen VolunteersPaused
Volunteering · Berkeley, CA
- Who can join
- Not posted
- When to apply
- Not posted
| Opportunity | Where | Who can join | Commitment | When to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Neuroscience Research PrizeCompetition | Nationwide | Grades 9 to 12 | Not posted | Applications open July 29, 2026 and close October 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT (past window; confirm next cycle) |
| American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) DNA Day Essay ContestCompetition | Nationwide | Grades 9 to 12 | Not posted | Last cycle: submission site opened January 9, 2026 and closed March 4, 2026 (past window; confirm next cycle) |
| Armand Bayou Nature Center Teen VolunteersVolunteering · Parks and environment | Pasadena, TX | Ages 14 to 17 | Not posted | Not posted |
| ASPCA Adoption Center Youth Volunteers (ages 16-17)Volunteering · Animal shelter or rescue | New York, NY | Ages 16 to 17 | Not posted | Not posted |
| Bideawee Summer Teen GroupVolunteering · Animal shelter or rescue | Westhampton, NY | Ages 13 to 17 | Select Fridays in summer for a couple of hours | Summer |
| Bideawee Teen VolunteersVolunteering · Animal shelter or rescue | New York, NY | Ages 13 to 17 | Not posted | Not posted |
| Brooklyn Botanic Garden Garden Apprentice Program (GAP)Internship · Parks and environment | Brooklyn, NY | Grades 9 to 11 | March to November; 4-6 hours weekly in spring and fall, 20-25 hours weekly in summer (about 190-220 hours) | December 4, 2026 |
| California Academy of Sciences Careers in Science (CiS) Intern ProgramInternship · Museum or science center | San Francisco, CA | Grades 9 to 12 | 2 or 3 years through high school graduation; after school and Saturdays during the school year, weekdays in summer | Applications closed; check back in February 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Center for Excellence in Education USA Biolympiad (USABO)Competition | Nationwide | Not posted | Not posted | October 23 (school registration fee for the 2027 competition); host school confirmation by October 20, 2026 |
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) CDC Museum Disease Detective CampSummer program · Government or courts | Atlanta, GA | 16 and up | 1 week | Summer |
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) CDC Museum Public Health Academy Online Summer CourseCertification or course | Online | 16 and up | One week, web-based | Summer |
| Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Partners for the FutureResearch · University lab | Cold Spring Harbor, NY | Grade 12 | Minimum 10 hours per week, September through March of senior year | School year |
| Exploratorium High School Explainer ProgramInternship · Museum or science center | San Francisco, CA | Ages 15 to 18 | Entire school-year or summer session; more than 60 hours of training | School-year applications typically available in July; summer applications typically in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy I-YEL: Inspiring Young Emerging LeadersClub or organization · Parks and environment | San Francisco, CA | Not posted | School year, October to May | Applications for the 2026-2027 cohort were due Friday, October 2 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy LINC Summer High School ProgramsSummer program · Parks and environment | San Francisco, CA | Not posted | SEJI: 3 weeks; SOL: 6 weeks; must attend all program dates | Summer 2026 applications were due Sunday, March 15, 11:59 pm (past window; confirm next cycle) |
| Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy Urban TrailblazersSummer program · Parks and environment | San Francisco, CA | Not posted | Six weeks, June 16 to July 31, 2026, Tuesday-Friday 9:30 am-3 pm, with camping trips | Applications for Summer 2026 open; interviews April 11 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Grassroots Ecology Youth StewardsVolunteering · Parks and environment | Palo Alto, CA | Not posted | Summer 2026: Wednesdays 9 am-12 pm, June 10 to July 29; attendance at every session not required | Summer 2026 enrollment closed; check back spring 2027 (spring session info in winter) (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Happy Hollow Park & Zoo ZooTeenVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | San Jose, CA | Ages 14 to 17 | Minimum 48 hours a year or 4 hours per month | Applications accepted year-round; files reviewed mid-summer. 2027 season applicants contacted end of summer 2027. (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Hidden Villa Weekend AmbassadorVolunteering · Parks and environment | Los Altos Hills, CA | 16 and up | 1-2 shifts monthly | Year-round |
| Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Nature RangersVolunteering · Parks and environment | Houston, TX | Ages 13 to 17 | Minimum 2 full camp weeks (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.) | Teen summer applications have closed for Summer 2026 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Teen Trail TeamVolunteering · Parks and environment | Houston, TX | Ages 13 to 17 | Up to 30 hours of community service | Teen summer applications have closed for Summer 2026 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Houston Museum of Natural Science Moran Ecoteen Summer Volunteer ProgramVolunteering · Museum or science center | Houston, TX | Grades 9 to 11 | First-year Ecoteens commit to one two-week session | Complete the interest form to receive the application link (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Houston Museum of Natural Science Moran Teen Advisory CouncilClub or organization · Museum or science center | Houston, TX | Ages 14 to 19 | Two-year term; monthly meetings (virtual and in person) plus council-planned events | Submit the interest form (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Houston Zoo First Year Zoo Crew ExplorersVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | Houston, TX | Ages 13 to 17 | Four-week session, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (2026 sessions ran June 1 - August 7) | Applications for Summer 2026 are closed; applicants notified by April 28 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| International Brain Bee Brain Bee (USA National Brain Bee)Competition | Nationwide | Ages 13 to 19 | Not posted | School year |
| Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)Competition · University lab | Nationwide | Not posted | Not posted | School year |
| Liberty Science Center Teen Summer Docent ProgramSummer program · Museum or science center | Jersey City, NJ | Grades 10 to 12 | Not posted | Summer |
| Liberty Science Center Youth VolunteeringVolunteering · Museum or science center | Jersey City, NJ | Ages 16 to 18 | At least one full day every week for a minimum of 6 months, then at least every other week | Year-round |
| Long Island Science Center Student VolunteersVolunteering · Museum or science center | Riverhead, NY | 11 and up | Not posted | Not posted |
| Maimonides Medical Center Science Scholars ProgramSummer program · Hospital or health system | Brooklyn, NY | Grade 12 | Full time, Monday to Friday, July 6 to July 31, 2026; no vacation or summer classes allowed | March 26, 2026 (past deadline; confirm next cycle) |
| McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston (Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) High School Summer Research ProgramResearch · University lab | Houston, TX | 16 and up | 4 weeks, June 7 - July 2, 2027 | January 15, 2027 |
| Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Summer Student ProgramResearch · Hospital or health system | New York, NY | 16 and up | 8 weeks, June 29 to August 20, 2027 | February 5, 2027 |
| Monterey Bay Aquarium Teen Conservation LeadersVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | Monterey, CA | 14 and up | Volunteer 3 to 4 days per week; summer program June 8 to August 2, 2026 with mandatory training | Applications closed for 2026; interviews were in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Moody Gardens Society for the Advancement of Volunteer Youth (SAVY)Volunteering · Zoo or aquarium | Galveston, TX | Ages 13 to 17 | Not posted | Not posted |
| National Institutes of Health (NIH) Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research (SIP)Research · Government or courts | Nationwide | Not posted | Not posted | On or about February 15th (date unconfirmed; check official page) |
| New York Botanical Garden Explainer ProgramVolunteering · Parks and environment | Bronx, NY | Not posted | Four training days plus a 4.5-hour shift every Saturday or Sunday, March 20 through June 19, 2027; minimum 125 hours | November 14, 2026 |
| NewYork-Presbyterian Lang Youth Medical ProgramClub or organization · Hospital or health system | New York, NY | Grade 6 | Six-year commitment, 7th grade through 12th grade | Year-round |
| North Shore Animal League America VolunTEEN ProgramVolunteering · Animal shelter or rescue | Port Washington, NY | Ages 16 to 17 | Minimum of 2-4 hours a week for at least 20 weeks | Recruits twice a year for Fall/Winter (September-January) and Spring/Summer (April-August) (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Oakland Zoo Teen Summer InternshipsInternship · Zoo or aquarium | Oakland, CA | Grades 11 to 12 | About 200 hours across 7 weeks, Sunday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Saturday, 9 am-4:30 pm; Summer 2026 ran June 10 to about August 1 | Applications closed for Summer 2026; info meetings were held in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Oakland Zoo Teen Wild GuidesVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | Oakland, CA | 13 and up | Every other weekend during the school year; once a week in summer | Application open year-round; Fall 2026 applications were due September 1 (past window; confirm next cycle) |
| Oakland Zoo ZooCamp Teen Assistants and InternsVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | Oakland, CA | Grades 9 to 12 | Varies by role; camp runs in 1-week sessions, June 1 to August 7, 2026 | Summer 2026 applications were open February 1 to April 1; check back for Summer 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA Junior VolunteersVolunteering · Animal shelter or rescue | Burlingame, CA | Ages 13 to 17 | 2 hours per week for at least six months | Year-round |
| Prospect Park Alliance Park Youth RepresentativesInternship · Parks and environment | Brooklyn, NY | Not posted | Not posted | 2026 applications closed; check back in early 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Prospect Park Alliance Woodlands Youth CrewInternship · Parks and environment | Brooklyn, NY | Not posted | Not posted | 2026 applications closed; check back in early 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| San Francisco Zoo & Gardens ARC Junior ZoologistVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | San Francisco, CA | Ages 15 to 17 | Two days per month for six months | Not posted |
| San Francisco Zoo & Gardens ARC Nature Trail VolunteerVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | San Francisco, CA | Ages 12 to 14 | Minimum seven days per month; seasonal, June to September | Applications for 2027 open in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| San Francisco Zoo & Gardens Leadership FellowsVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | San Francisco, CA | Grades 10 to 12 | June 15 to August 7, Monday-Friday, 8:15 am-4 pm, in one of three cohorts | Summer |
| Society for Science Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)Competition | Los Angeles, CA | Grades 9 to 12 | Not posted | School year |
| Society for Science Regeneron Science Talent SearchCompetition | Nationwide | Grade 12 | Not posted | November 5, 2026 at 8pm ET |
| Stanford University School of Medicine Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)Research · University lab | Stanford, CA | 16 and up | June 7 - July 29, 2027 (8 weeks, tentative); must start on the first day | Late February 2027 |
| The Lawrence Hall of Science Teen Internship ProgramInternship · Museum or science center | Berkeley, CA | Grades 11 to 12 | Saturday workshops in May plus full-time summer placement, Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm, June 1 to August 7, 2026 | Applications opened December 17, 2025 and closed January 15, 2026 (past window; confirm next cycle) |
| The Lawrence Hall of Science Teen Research ProgramsSummer program · Museum or science center | Berkeley, CA | Grades 7 to 12 | One-week sessions in June and July 2026; optional residential add-on for some sessions | Registration for Summer 2026 closed; check back in late fall for Summer 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| The Marine Mammal Center Youth CrewVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | Sausalito, CA | Not posted | 8-month service learning program; all posted dates are mandatory | Online application is available for two months (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| UCSF Summer Student Research Program (SSRP)Research · Hospital or health system | CA | 16 and up | 7 weeks, June 15 to July 31, 2026, in person | 2026 cycle closed; 2027 information to be posted later (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Wave Hill Forest ProjectInternship · Parks and environment | Bronx, NY | 16 and up | Full summer program | 2026 applications closed; check back next winter for 2027; separate SYEP application required (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Wildlife Conservation Society and Fordham University Project TRUEResearch · Zoo or aquarium | Bronx, NY | Grades 10 to 11 | Summer (June-August) plus Saturdays September-December | Summer |
| Wildlife Conservation Society Discovery Guide Volunteer ProgramVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | Bronx, NY | Ages 14 to 22 | Typically a spring and a summer session | Applications for the next cycle open in late December for Spring 2027; an interest form is available now (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Aquarium of the Bay Education Summer Docent VolunteerPausedVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | San Francisco, CA | 16 and up | Minimum 6 months; volunteer orientation required | Check back December 1 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Aquarium of the Bay Teen Volunteers (SEA Team)PausedVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | San Francisco, CA | Ages 14 to 15 | Minimum 6 months; volunteer orientation required | Check back December 1 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| California Academy of Sciences Academy Naturalist Teen (ANT) VolunteerPausedVolunteering · Museum or science center | San Francisco, CA | Not posted | Not posted | Not posted |
| The Lawrence Hall of Science Teen VolunteersPausedVolunteering · Museum or science center | Berkeley, CA | Not posted | Not posted | Not posted |
Email me this list
A link to this list, so you have the age rules and application windows when they open.
Summer programs for biology and environmental science students
| Program | Where | Who can apply | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEOPArmy Educational Outreach Program | Multiple locationsCommuter | Current high school students (also open to undergraduates) | Free with stipend | Varies by position; applications are always openLast cycle’s date |
| ASPIREJohns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory | Laurel, MDCommuter | High school juniors and seniors | Free | Not posted |
| ASPIREHarvey Mudd College | Claremont, CAResidential | Rising 10th, 11th, or 12th graders | Paid | March 31, 2026 (priority deadline; rolling admission afterward until full)Last cycle’s date |
| BSASUC Berkeley GLOBE (Global Learning and Outreach from Berkeley Engineering) | Berkeley, CACommuter | High school students ages 15 to 17 by the start of the program | Paid, aid available | March 31, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| COSMOSUniversity of California | CAResidential | Rising 9th through rising 12th graders | Paid, aid available | February 5, 2027 |
| EPICCal Poly College of Engineering | San Luis Obispo, CAResidential | Currently in grades 6 to 11 | Paid, aid available | March 31, 2027 |
| GarciaGarcia Center for Polymers at Engineered Interfaces, Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NYResidential or commuter | High school students at least 16 years old | Paid | Not posted |
| LLPPrinceton University Science Outreach | Princeton, NJCommuter | Local New Jersey high school students age 16 or older | Free | March 15, 2026, 11:59 pm ESTLast cycle’s date |
| BWSIMIT Beaver Works (MIT Lincoln Laboratory and MIT School of Engineering) | Cambridge, MACommuter | Students entering their senior year of high school | Paid, aid available | March 31 (prerequisite online course registration); teacher recommendation due April 2 |
| MITESMIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES) | Cambridge, MAResidential | 11th graders | Free | February 1, 11:59 pm PST |
| MMSSUniversity of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts | Ann Arbor, MIResidential or commuter | Rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors | Paid, aid available | Rolling admission until courses fill; all seats for 2026 were filled as of April 6, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| Nanoscience Lab Summer InstituteCalifornia NanoSystems Institute at UCLA | Los Angeles, CACommuter | High school students, grade 9 and up, at least 15 years old | Paid, aid available | Not posted |
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- Library (9)
- Animal Shelter (5)
- Parks and Environment (5)
- Community Service (3)
Frequently asked questions
What activities help a future biology and environmental science student?
Activities a student keeps up over time and can describe in their own words. One long commitment usually says more than several short ones.
Do these programs have age limits?
Most do. Each program page shows the minimum age or grade the organization posts, and says so when nothing is posted.
Sources and method
Each opportunity was read from the organization's own page. A rule, date, or fee the page does not state is left blank. Last checked 2026-10-13. Programs change age rules, hours, and application windows, so confirm on the official page before applying. Dewey Smart is not affiliated with these organizations.
Suggested attribution: Dewey Smart. “Biology and Environmental Science Opportunities for High School Students”. https://www.deweysmart.com/opportunities/major/biology-and-environment.
When quoting a figure, include its data year and population, and retain its source link. Reuse terms.
