For Students Entering Grades 7 – 12

Teen Research Programs
Summer 2023

Calling all aspiring teen scientists! Explore a career in science, and conduct research at UC Berkeley in our Teen Research Programs. Our programs offer a captivating opportunity to do science with real experts and a fascinating glimpse into the college experience and a career as a scientist. 

A student using a pipette.

Teen Research Programs
2023

Entering Grades 7-9

Two students are holding up a model bridge that they have designed and built.

Designing and Engineering Bridges

Are you ready to take your design and engineering skills to the next level? In this program, you will learn about and build models of various types of bridges, including truss bridges like the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge and suspension bridges like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge. Non-residential
Offered July 10-14

Two students are working on a science activity during the Body Systems and Biomedical Innovations program.

Body Systems and Biomedical Innovations

Are you interested in gene editing and other innovations that can help people with chronic diseases and other conditions? In this program, you will deepen your knowledge of body systems, investigate how some of these systems may break down, and explore how scientists and engineers are working to solve these problems. Non-residential
Offered July 10-14

Two students are working on a coding project during the Coding and Engineering Nano-Satellites program.

Coding and Engineering Nano-Satellites

Have you ever wondered how scientists use programming to explore the deepest reaches of space? In this program, you will discover an exciting real-world application of computer programming. Learn block-based coding and use it to overcome engineering challenges as you build and program your own model satellite. Non-residential
Offered July 10-14

Entering Grades
10-12

Three students making observations on the beach.

Marine Biology

Are you curious about what it takes to be a Marine Biologist? Experience firsthand the investigative work, exciting discovery, and fun of ocean science at the Bodega Marine Laboratory! Residential Only
Offered June 11-16

Non-residential with Optional Residential Add-on

Bioinspired Design

Can scientists and engineers adapt ideas from nature to solve real-world problems? Discover how we are taking inspiration from the natural world to spark innovation in the fields of biology and engineering. Non-residential with Optional Residential Add-on
Week of June 12-16

Two students are working in the Biotech lab on a science project

Biotech Genetics

Are you curious about the future of gene editing? Discover the exciting field of biotechnology and learn how scientists are using a new technology called CRISPR to accurately and efficiently change organisms’ genes. Non-residential with Optional Residential Add-on
Week of June 12-16

Two students are working together and using a laptop for a science project.

Science of Social Media and Attitudes

Have you ever been surprised by someone’s reaction to a meme or an online post? Are you curious how your peers think about current events? Discover the field of social psychology and learn to conduct your own research in this exciting program. Non-residential with Optional Residential Add-on
Week of June 12-16

Four students are working together during an investigation of stream water in the Forest Ecology Teen Research Program.

Forest Ecology

Are you interested in biology and forest management? Step into the shoes of a ecologist, and learn how scientists are studying and protecting ecosystems in the face of climate change. Residential Only
Offered June 25-30

Two students are working together and using a laptop in a classroom for a science project

Artificial Intelligence for Real-life Problem Solving

Are you curious about the future of artificial intelligence (AI)? Explore cutting-edge AI technologies and concepts! Learn about ongoing artificial intelligence research from Berkeley scientists and experts. Non-residential & By Application Only – Deadline extended to 4/10/23!
Week of July 24-28

A teen volunteer and young students are making observations of nature in the Outdoor Nature Lab.

Climate Ambassadors

Are you interested in environmental science and have a passion for addressing climate change? The Climate Ambassadors program explores the crossroads of environmental research, climate communication, and personal and professional growth. By Application Only
Year-long Program

Programs
By Date

During a one-week session, students will experience parts of college life, such as campus tours, lab tours, meeting current students and faculty, and learning about various STEM career pathways. Each program is unique in content, context, and expert staffing, yet all are similar in design principles. We aim to offer the best hands-on science learning, real-life applications, and true research experiences.

Week of June 12-16, 2023*

Entering
Grades
TitleLengthLocationType
10-12Bioinspired Design1 weekUC Berkeley CampusNon-residential with optional residential add-on
10-12Biotech Genetics1 weekUC Berkeley CampusNon-residential with optional residential add-on
10-12Science of Social Media and Attitudes1 weekUC Berkeley CampusNon-residential with optional residential add-on
*Optional residential add-on begins Sunday, June 11.

June 11-16, 2023

Entering
Grades
TitleLengthLocationType
10-12Marine Biology1 weekBodega Marine Laboratory, Bodega BayResidential Only

June 25-30, 2023

Entering
Grades
TitleLengthLocationType
10-12Forest Ecology1 weekHastings Natural History Reservation, Santa Lucia Mountains, Carmel ValleyResidential Only

July 10-14, 2023

Entering
Grades
TitleLengthLocationType
7-9Designing and Engineering Bridges1 weekUC Berkeley CampusNon-residential Only
7-9Body Systems and Biomedical Innovations1 weekUC Berkeley CampusNon-residential Only
7-9Coding and Engineering Nano-Satellites1 weekUC Berkeley CampusNon-residential Only

Week of July 24-28

Entering
Grades
TitleLengthLocationType
10-11Artificial Intelligence for Real-life Problem Solving1 weekUC Berkeley CampusNon-residential Only & Application Required

Year-long Program

Entering
Grades
TitleLengthLocationType
10-11Climate AmbassadorsYear-long programUC Berkeley CampusApplication Required

Important Dates

Financial aid applications and camp registration open now!

Feb 14, 2023

Registration is open to Members

February 14, 2023

Financial Aid Application is open to Members and Non-members

Feb 20, 2023

Last day of Member-only registration

Feb 21, 2023

Registration is open to the general public

March 5th, 2023

Financial aid applications for all TRP close at 11:59 p.m. except Ai4All.

March 15th, 2023

Begin notification of financial aid awardees

Apr 10, 2023

Last day to cancel and receive a refund for Marine Biology.
Financial aid applications for Ai4All close at 11:59 p.m.

Apr 20, 2023

Last day to cancel and receive a refund for Forest Ecology
Applications for Climate Ambassadors close at 11:59 p.m.

April 30th, 2023

Last day to cancel and receive a refund for all other programs

Financial Aid

The Lawrence provides access to youth of all backgrounds. Our financial assistance program centers on equity—removing barriers, enhancing opportunity, and broadening participation in science. The financial aid process for middle and high school Teen Research Programs is now closed! If you have already applied, award decisions and registration instructions will be communicated starting March 15 and on.

If your teen (entering grades 10 and 11) are of underrepresented communities and wish to apply to the AI4 All Program, please submit a Financial Aid Application here. The last chance to submit an application for AI4 All is midnight on April 10, 2023. Award decisions and registration instructions will be communicated starting April 15.

Program Costs

In our effort to broaden participation this summer, we are offering two prices: (1) the actual cost of the program; and (2) the reduced cost of the program. In addition to both these options, financial support is available to qualifying families through the financial aid application process.

Each program is unique in content, context, and expert staffing, yet all are similar in design principles. We aim to offer the best hands-on science learning, real-life applications, and true research experiences. Each program will expand knowledge and skills in a variety of STEM areas and will add valuable experience to college and career pathways.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Teen Research Programs, for both middle & high school, take place on the UC Berkeley Campus?

This summer, most HS and all MS programs take place on the UC Berkeley Campus, in the Valley of Life Sciences Building. There are also some off-site HS programs. More details can be found in the program-specific FAQs

Will lunch be provided to my teen?

All teens should pack a water bottle and snacks for themselves throughout the day. For the safety of others, we ask that you not include any food containing tree nuts or peanuts. Middle school students will not have lunch provided, and will eat lunches they pack from home, enjoying them at one of UC Berkeley’s beautiful green spaces. To help demystify the college campus experience, all high school students will eat a campus-provided lunch in a campus dining hall; lunch costs are automatically included in the price of the program.

When and where do I drop off my teen?

All programs run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. These are the drop-off and pick-up, times too. The exact drop-off location will be communicated to you in a welcome email the week before program start date. We encourage parents to sign the ‘Self Sign Out’ waiver so that teens can leave on their own after each program concludes for the day.

Can I drop off my teen late/pick up early when they have medical or other engagements?

Yes, you can pick up your teen before 5:30 p.m. or drop them off after 9:00 a.m. Depending on the timing, teens might be located at a range of sites on campus. Therefore, we need to know as far in advance as possible in order to make sure your teen is able to connect quickly with their group for late drop-off or the designated adult picking them up early. Ideally, you have already opted for ‘Self Sign Out’ and your teen can arrive and leave as needed for other arrangements.

Can I register my teen outside of their grade band?

For multiple reasons, we do not allow participants to register for programs designed for grade levels other than their own. Since a large portion of each program involves student-driven investigation and exploration, e.g., the design and build of a physical creation, or the design and carrying out of an investigation, participants are easily able to differentiate the challenge level to a just-right place for them. Thank you for understanding.

My teen’s needs are unique. How do I communicate that with the staff in advance?

We use CampDoc (also known as DocNetwork), an electronic health record system, to securely collect information about participants. CampDoc is designed to protect your teen’s privacy while alerting us to details such as allergies or dietary restrictions, medical or medication needs, special learning or social needs, and other home or life situations that might affect your teen’s participation. The information you provide will help us to support your teen safely and to optimize their learning and social experience. If you would like to discuss your teen’s needs before summer, we would be happy to set up a conversation to discuss how we can best support them.