The High School Biotech Training Program @ UC Berkeley is an eight-week paid summer internship program for public high school students in the San Francisco Bay Area. We seek bright and motivated high school sophomores and juniors to participate in a summer research project that will expose them to the opportunities available in biotechnology. The atmosphere is supportive with no emphasis on competition. We follow a hands-on approach to teaching.

What kind of students are we looking for?

• Students for whom this opportunity would provide a critical difference in their lives. We seek students who are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and have little or no family history of college attendance.

• Students who are curious about science, interested in learning, and motivated by project-based experiences.

• We do not review grades in the application process; rather we look for students who convey their interest and enthusiasm in the internship through their written application, teacher recommendation, and in an interview.

• Students must have completed their sophomore or junior year by summer 2008, and be at least 16 years old by June 1, 2008.

• Students must be currently enrolled in a public school in San Francisco, Alameda, or Contra Costa Counties.


Overview and Program Goals:

• Students will receive hands-on instruction in microbiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry, and will participate in a bioenergy related research project.

• Students will meet daily with instructors and scientists to discuss concepts, goals, and results of their experiments.

• Students will work to improve their communication skills by working with scientists to prepare their data for publication and by working with teachers to prepare essays for college applications.

• Students will receive materials and instruction on the college application process including an overview of the SAT.

• Two high school science teachers will be employed full-time to supervise daily activities and projects.

• The program will culminate with a student presentation of the research conducted over the course of the summer.

Applications and teacher recommendations are DUE by March 12, 2008.

Click here for an application packet, and teacher recommendation form.

For questions or additional information, please contact Kate Spohr.