Program Description
Cornell’s Applied Biotechnology Youth Academy invites curious and motivated high school students and recent (2026) high school graduates to spend three immersive days this summer exploring the science that shapes our world. Through faculty-led seminars, immersive lab experiences, and residential campus life, participants gain a true taste of life as a scientist while building future-ready skills.
High school biology is required, no prior lab experience is needed and all students who complete the program receive a certificate of completion.
What You’ll Do
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Hands-On Experiments
Perform DNA extraction and analysis, microbial culturing, cell-free protein synthesis, and more.
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Faculty Seminars
Engage in interactive lectures with leading Cornell researchers.
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Team Projects
Collaborate with peers who share your passion for discovery.
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Campus Life
Experience what it’s like to be a Cornell student.
What You’ll Gain
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Science Skills
Learn biotech methods and lab techniques.
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Confidence
See yourself as a scientist, even with no prior lab experience.
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Inspiration
Explore future career paths in science and technology.
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Certificate of Completion
Earn a certificate to showcase your achievements.
Program Overview
Choose from one of two sessions, Sunday-Wednesday. Immersive class days are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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Sessions
Session 1
- June 28 – July 1, 2026
Session 2
- July 19 – 22, 2026
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Modality
Residential, non-credit
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Eligibility
16 years and older high school students or recent 2026 graduates who have taken biology. U.S. residents only.
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Application Deadline
May 15, 2026
(Early-bird deadline April 15th, 2026)
Program Policies & Important Information
While the program is not required to follow Department of Health regulations, it does adhere to Cornell University policies that require checking the state sex offender registry prior to hiring staff and maintaining minimum staff-to-child ratios. Note that this program is not required to hire medical personnel and any participants who experience illnesses or injuries in the program will be taken off-campus for care.
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Attendance Requirement
Participants are expected to attend the program in its entirety. Students must be available for all scheduled program dates and activities.
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Residential Program Expectations
Residential participants will be housed in a university residence hall and assigned a roommate who is also enrolled in the program. Students are expected to adhere to university housing policies and program conduct expectations throughout the duration of their stay.
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Code of Conduct
All participants must comply with university policies, laboratory safety protocols, and program behavioral expectations. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from the program without refund.
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Health & Safety
Participants must disclose relevant medical conditions, allergies, or dietary restrictions prior to attendance to ensure appropriate accommodations can be arranged.
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Enrollment & Payment Policy
Enrollment is confirmed upon receipt of full program payment. Full payment is due by June 1, 2026.
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Cancellation & Refund Policy
- All program fees, including the deposit and any remaining balance, are non-refundable under all circumstances. Due to the limited enrollment capacity and the advance commitments required for housing, laboratory materials, staffing, and university facilities, we are unable to offer refunds for cancellations, withdrawals, conflicts, illness, or other personal circumstances.
- If the program is canceled by the university, participants will receive a full refund of all fees paid.
- The program is not responsible for non-refundable travel expenses or other costs incurred by participants.
Program Fees
Please Note: Scholarships or financial aid are not available for this program.
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Residential
$2,600
Application deadline: May 15, 2026
Residential fees include three days of housing in double-occupancy Cornell dormitories, three meals per day in campus dining facilities during the program, snacks, a closing certificate reception, laboratory supplies and related instructional materials, personal protective equipment (PPE), and program activities. The PPE will be collected at the end of the program, but don’t worry—you’ll still leave with a Cornell souvenir to remember your experience!
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Early Bird Residential
$2,400
Application deadline: April 15th, 2026
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Commuter
$1,900
The commuter fee excludes housing. Commuter students attend the program daily from approximately 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and are brought to and picked up from campus each day by a parent or guardian. Commuter participants are also welcome to join us for breakfast.
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Deposit
$500
Upon receiving your acceptance, due within 5 business to secure your spot, and nonrefundable.
Sample Daily Program Schedule
*Subject to change
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7:45 – 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast
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8:30-9 a.m.
Walking tour of campus from dorms to Olin Hall
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9:15-11:45 a.m.
Biotech lecture series
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12-1 p.m.
Lunch
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1:15-5 p.m.
Biotech lab series (includes a snack break)
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5-6 p.m.
Walking tour of campus from Olin Hall to dorms
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6-7 p.m.
Dinner
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7:15-7:30 p.m.
RHD meeting — review of the day and prep for next day
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7:30-10 p.m.
Group activities (leadership team building activities, bowling, board games, etc.)
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10-11 p.m.
Quiet hour in dorms
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11 p.m.
Curfew and bed checks
Program Application
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and program spaces may fill quickly, as this is a small program with only 24 students per session. Prospective participants are encouraged to apply early.
Contact
Questions? Contact the event/conference coordinator:
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Taylor Parente
Olin Hall, Room 116
607-255-7518
ga.biotechacademy@cornell.edu
Program Faculty and Staff
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![Susan Daniel]()
Susan Daniel
William C. Hooey Director of the R.F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Lisa L. Walker 1986 Distinguished Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
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![Eda Celik]()
Eda Celik
Associate Director, Masters of Engineering Program—Biomolecular Engineering Teaching Professor
