Applied Biotechnology Youth Academy

Cornell campus from above overlooking Cayuga Lake.

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. This hands-on residential program blends engaging seminars from Cornell faculty with practical laboratory experiments in applied biotechnology, giving students a true taste of life as a scientist. Participants will experience campus living, connect with peers who share their passion for discovery, and build skills that spark future academic and career pathways—right here at Cornell University. High school biology is required, and even if you don’t have any lab experience yet, you’ll discover how exciting and accessible real scientific research can be! All students who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate of completion.

Allison Godwin in lab coat working with undergraduate students in Olin Hall lab.
Students perform an experiment with foam and funnels in Olin Hall.
Eda Celik's fall 2025 biotechnology class works together in a lab in Olin Hall.

Program Details

Choose from one of two sessions, Sunday-Wednesday. Immersive class days are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

  • Sessions

    Session 1

    • June 28 – July 1, 2026

    Session 2

    • July 19 – 22, 2026

  • Modality

    Residential, non-credit

  • Eligibility

    16 years and older high school students or recent 2026 graduates who have taken biology. U.S. residents only.

  • Application Deadline

    May 22, 2026

Program Policies & Eligibility Overview

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.

  • Eligibility Requirements

    • Open only to students who currently reside within the United States
    • Applicants must be 16 or 17 years old at the time of the program
    • Applicants must be entering 11th or 12th grade or recent 2026 high school graduates

  • U.S. Residency Requirements

    This program is open only to students currently residing within the United States.

  • Enrollment & Payment Policy

    Enrollment is confirmed upon receipt of full program payment. Full payment is due by May 30th, 2026.

  • Attendance Requirement

    Participants are expected to attend the program in its entirety. Students must be available for all scheduled program dates and activities.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Health & Safety

    Participants must disclose relevant medical conditions, allergies, or dietary restrictions prior to attendance to ensure appropriate accommodations can be arranged.

  • 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:

*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 welcome 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!

**The commuter fee excludes the housing. Commuter students are encouraged to attend the breakfast, dinner and welcome reception on Sunday evening if their schedule permits.

Scholarships or financial aid are not available for this program.

  • Residential*

    $2,600

    (Application deadline: May 22, 2026)

  • Early Bird Residential*

    $2,400

    (Application deadline: April 15th, 2026)

  • Commuter**

    $1,900

  • Deposit

    $500

    (due May 30, 2026. Nonrefundable.)

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.

Apply Now

Contact

Questions? Contact the event/conference coordinator:

Program Faculty and Staff

  • 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

  • Eda Celik

    Eda Celik

    Associate Director, Masters of Engineering Program—Biomolecular Engineering Teaching Professor

  • Kristina Rose

    Kristina Rose

    M.Eng. Program Coordinator

  • James Tanaka

    James Tanaka

    Lab Manager

  • Taylor Parente

    Taylor Parente

    Event/Conference Coordinator

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