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High School STEM Academy

Unlike The Pathway Initiative’s city-funded programs, the High School STEM Academy, offered during the school year and over the summer, is a fee-for-service program. We encourage families who are able, with students who are interested in STEM, to pursue this program to set up their children for success in college and future careers, while helping to support TPI’s programming for underserved and low-income students. 

Who This Program Is For

The High School STEM Academy provides an immersive, hands-on experience for high school students (grades 9-12) to explore career opportunities and develop a strong foundation in science and research skills. This program is a great option for students preparing for Advanced Placement biology courses or who are interested in studying nursing, pre-medicine, biology, or engineering in college. 

Summer Program

The summer program runs from June to August, in person at Biogen’s CoLab in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Students experience hands-on learning in a real molecular biology wet lab, giving them a great foundation for the school year—or college—ahead. This program runs for 30 hours each week and costs $2,250 per week, with discounts available for early birds and siblings! Students may sign up for one week or the full term.

Week One

Molecular Biology and Lab Techniques

Week Two

DNA and Genomics

Week Three

Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

Week Four

Bioinformatics and Data Analysis

Week Five

Advanced Molecular Biology Techniques

Week Six

Molecular Biology and Disease

Week Seven

Application of Molecular Biology in Medicine and the Environment

Week Eight

Final Project

School-Year Program

School-Year Program Schedule

Explore Your Future in STEM

Our comprehensive program offers a deep dive into key scientific fields, preparing you for a career in research and industry. Choose your path from our specialized tracks:

  • Medicine & Health Sciences

  • Biotechnology & Molecular Biology

  • Academic Research

  • Data Analysis & Technical Writing


Program Structure

Each track is delivered in a focused 4-week block.

  • Virtual Content: Two 1.5-hour sessions per weekday (4:00 PM – 5:30 PM)

  • Hands-on Labs: 2.5 to 3-hour sessions every Saturday

  • Location: CentralLab / Biogen Co-Lab, Cambridge


Pricing

Coming soon.

Fall

  • Week 1 (09/08/2025-09/12/2025): Introduction to Molecular Biology & Lab Safety
    • Two Virtual Sessions (1.5 hr each): Foundational concepts of molecular biology (cells, biomolecules), and the critical importance of laboratory safety protocols.
    • Saturday (2.5-3.0hr hr Wet Lab): Lab Tour & Safety Induction: Familiarization with Biogen Lab Environment, Equipment Overview, and Basic PPE Practice.
  • Week 2 (09/15/2025-09/19/2025): Mastering Micropipetting & Solution Preparation
    • Two Virtual Sessions (1.5 hr each): Principles of accurate liquid handling, types of solutions (molarity, percentages), and buffer concepts.
    • Saturday (2.5-3hr hr Wet Lab): Precision Micropipetting Practice & Preparation of Standard Solutions (e.g., buffer solutions, simple dilutions).
  • Week 3 (09/22/2025-09/26/2025): DNA Structure, Replication & Extraction
    • Two Virtual Sessions (1.5 hr each): Deep dive into DNA’s double helix, the central dogma, and the process of DNA replication.
    • Saturday (2.5-3hr  hr Wet Lab): Hands-on DNA Extraction from Biological Samples (e.g., cheek cells, fruit) & Basic DNA Quantification.
  • Week 4 (09/29/2025-10/03/2025): DNA Analysis: Gel Electrophoresis & Introduction to PCR
    • Two Virtual Sessions (1.5 hr each): Principles of gel electrophoresis for separating DNA fragments, and a conceptual introduction to PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and primer design.
    • Saturday (2-2.5 hr Wet Lab): Agarose Gel Electrophoresis of Pre-prepared DNA Samples & Visualization. (Focus on the electrophoresis technique, with PCR samples provided/explained conceptually due to time constraints).
  • Week 5 (10/06/2025-10/10/2025): Gene Cloning Fundamentals: Restriction Enzymes & Vectors
    • Two Virtual Sessions (1.5 hr each): Introduction to gene cloning, the role of restriction enzymes in ‘cutting’ DNA, and types of bacterial vectors (plasmids).
    • Saturday (2.5-3hr  hr Wet Lab): Restriction Enzyme Digestion of Plasmid DNA & Agarose Gel Analysis of Digested Products.
  • Week 6 (10/13/2025-10/17/2025): Gene Cloning: Ligation & Bacterial Transformation
    • Two Virtual Sessions (1.5 hr per session): Principles of DNA ligation (joining DNA fragments) and bacterial transformation (introducing foreign DNA into bacteria).
    • Saturday (2-2.5 hr Wet Lab): DNA Ligation Reaction Setup & Bacterial Transformation (e.g., using pGLO plasmid) with Plating for Selection.
  • Week 7 (10/20/2025-10/24/2025): Bioinformatics Tools & DNA Sequence Analysis
    • Two Virtual Sessions (1.5 hr per session): Introduction to bioinformatics, major biological databases (e.g., GenBank), and the basic concept of sequence alignment.
    • Saturday (2.5-3hr  hr Dry Lab/Computer Activity): Using BLAST for Sequence Similarity Searches & Exploring Online DNA Sequence Databases.
  • Week 8 (10/27/2025-10/31/2025): Advanced Bioinformatics & Genomic Data Exploration
    • Two Virtual Sessions (1.5 hr per session): Understanding types of genomic data (FASTA, FASTQ), and principles of genome assembly and annotation.
    • Saturday (2.5-3hr  hr Dry Lab/Computer Activity): Navigating the UCSC Genome Browser & Performing Multiple Sequence Alignments using Tools like ClustalW.
  • Week 9 (11/03/2025-11/07/2025): Protein Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) & Quantification
    • Virtual (1-1.5 hr): Introduction to proteins, their structure and function, and principles of protein extraction and quantification.
    • Saturday (2-2.5 hr Wet Lab): Bradford Protein Quantification Assay & Preparing Samples for SDS-PAGE (conceptual run/pre-poured gels).
  • Week 10 (11/10/2025-11/14/2025): Cellular Analysis: Flow Cytometry (Data & Interpretation)
    • Two Virtual Sessions (1.5 hr per session): Understanding the principles of flow cytometry for analyzing cell populations, and its applications in research and diagnostics.
    • Saturday (2.5-3hr hr Dry Lab/Computer Activity): Analyzing Simulated Flow Cytometry Data & Interpreting Cell Population Gating. (No actual tool use due to equipment limitations).
  • Week 11 (11/17/2025-11/21/2025): Molecular Basis of Genetic Diseases & Detection
    • Two Virtual Sessions (1.5 hr per session): Exploring common types of genetic mutations and their molecular effects on human health.
    • Saturday (2.5-3hr hr Dry Lab/Computer Activity): Analyzing Genetic Mutation Data using Bioinformatics Tools or Simulating PCR-based Mutation Detection (e.g., for Sickle Cell Anemia).
  • Week 12 (12/01/2025-12/05/2025): Microbiology & Molecular Diagnostics of Infectious Diseases
    • Virtual (1-1.5 hr): Introduction to microbial diversity, disease transmission, and how molecular biology identifies pathogens.
    • Saturday (2.5-3hr hr Wet Lab): Microbial Culture & Basic Identification: Culturing Bacteria/Fungi from Environmental Samples (e.g., skin, desk) and Gram Staining
  • Week 13 (12/08/2025-12/12/2025): Personalized Diagnostics & Precision Medicine
    • Virtual (1-1.5 hr): The concept of personalized medicine, how genetic information guides diagnosis, and ethical considerations.
    • Saturday (2.5-3hr hr Dry Lab/Case Study): Case Studies in Pharmacogenomics & Designing Hypothetical Personalized Treatment Strategies based on Patient Data.
  • Week 14 (12/15/2025-12/19/2025): Environmental Biotechnology & Bioremediation
    • Virtual (1-1.5 hr): Applications of biotechnology in environmental science, focusing on bioremediation (using microbes to clean up pollution).
    • Saturday (2.5-3hr hr Wet Lab/Activity): Simulating Bioremediation: Observing Microbial Degradation of Contaminants (e.g., oil, dyes) in a Small-Scale Setup.
  • Week 15 (01/05/2026-01/09/2026): Introduction to AI & Machine Learning in Biotech
    • Virtual (1-1.5 hr): Fundamental concepts of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and their transformative applications in drug discovery and biological data analysis.
    • Saturday (2.5-3hr hr Dry Lab/Computer Activity): Exploring Online AI Tools for Protein Folding Prediction or Basic Drug Molecule Screening.
  • Week 16 (01/12/2026-01/16/2026): Microfluidics & Lab-on-a-Chip Design
    • Two Virtual Sessions (1.5 hr each): Understanding the principles and advantages of miniaturized laboratory devices for molecular analysis.
    • Saturday (2.5-3hr hr Dry Lab/Simulation): Conceptual Design of a Simple Microfluidic Device (e.g., for cell sorting) & ZSpace Simulation of Fluid Dynamics.
  • Week 17 (01/19/2026-01/23/2026): Biofabrication & 3D Bioprinting
    • Two Virtual Sessions (1.5 hr each): Introduction to biofabrication techniques, including 3D bioprinting, for creating tissues, organs, and medical devices.
    • Saturday (2.5 -3hr Hands-on/Demo): Design & Printing of a Biomedical Component Model using a 3D Printer (e.g., a simple prosthetic joint or scaffold).
  • Week 18 (01/26/2026-01/30/2026): Advanced Bioinformatics: ‘Omics’ Data Analysis
    • Two Virtual Sessions (1.5 hr each): Understanding and interpreting large-scale biological datasets from genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics (‘Omics’ data).
    • Saturday (2.5 -3hr Dry Lab/Computer Activity): Analyzing Public ‘Omics’ Datasets (e.g., gene expression from GEO/ArrayExpress) to Identify Differentially Expressed Genes.
  • Week 19 (02/02/2026-02/06/2026): Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Concepts & Applications
    • Two Virtual Sessions (1.5 hr each): In-depth principles of NGS technologies, library preparation, and diverse applications in research and clinical settings.
    • Saturday (2.5-3hr hr Dry Lab/Computer Activity): Exploring NGS Data Formats (FASTQ, BAM) and Visualizing Sequencing Reads with a Genome Browser. (No actual wet lab tool use due to equipment).
  • Week 20 (02/09/2026-02/13/2026): Synthetic Biology: Engineering Biological Systems
    • Two Virtual Sessions (1.5 hr per session): Advanced concepts in synthetic biology, focusing on designing and building novel biological functions. Topics include genetic circuits, chassis organisms, and modularity.
    • Saturday (2-2.5 hr Dry Lab/Design Activity): Design a Simple Genetic Circuit for a Specific Function (e.g., a biosensor or a toggle switch) using Online Design Tools.
  • Week 21 (02/23/2026-02/27/2026): Gene Editing Technologies: CRISPR-Cas9 & Beyond
    • Two Virtual Sessions (1.5 hr per session): A detailed exploration of CRISPR-Cas9 and other gene editing tools, their mechanisms, and their potential for therapy and research.
    • Saturday (2.5-3hr hr Dry Lab/Case Study): Analyzing Case Studies of Gene Editing Therapies & Discussing Ethical Implications.
  • Week 22 (03/02/2026-03/06/2026): Data Visualization & Scientific Communication
    • Two Virtual Sessions (1.5 hr per session): Developing skills in effectively communicating complex scientific findings through clear data visualization and presentation techniques.
    • Saturday (2.5-3hr hr Dry Lab/Activity): Creating Infographics or Short Presentations based on Simulated Biological Data.

Spring

  • Week 1 (04/06/2026-04/10/2026): Block-Based Coding for Biological Simulations
    • Two Virtual Sessions (1.5 hr per session): Introduction to computational thinking and logic using block-based coding platforms to model simple biological processes.
    • Saturday (2.5-3hr hr Computer Activity): Build a Simple Simulation of Cell Growth or Population Dynamics using a Block-Based Coding Environment.
  • Week 2 (04/13/2026-04/17/2026): Introduction to Python for Bioinformatics & Data Handling
    • Two Virtual Sessions (1.5 hr per session): Fundamental Python programming concepts (variables, loops, functions) and how to handle basic biological data files (e.g., FASTA).
    • Saturday 2.5-3hr hr Computer Activity): Write Simple Python Scripts to Read & Parse DNA Sequences or Perform Basic Data Filtering.
  • Week 3 (04/27/2026-05/01/2026): Robotics in the Lab: Automation for Biotech Processes
    • Two Virtual Sessions (1.5 hr per session): Exploring the increasing role of robotics and automation in modern high-throughput molecular biology and drug discovery.
    • Saturday (2.5-3hr hr Hands-on/Demo): Observe a Demonstration of a Lab Robot (if available) or Assemble/Program a Simple Educational Robot Arm for a Basic Lab Task.
  • Week 4 (05/04/2026-05/08/2026): Automating Lab Tasks: Hands-on Robotics Principles
    • Two Virtual Sessions (1.5 hr per session): Deeper dive into robotic control, sensor integration, and how automation streamlines experimental workflows.
    • Saturday (2.5-3hr hr Hands-on/Demo): Programming a Simple Robot to Perform a Repetitive Task relevant to a Lab Setting (e.g., moving a pipette tip, sorting objects).
  • Week 5 (05/11/2026-05/15/2026): Synthetic Biology: Engineering Novel Biological Systems
    • Two Virtual Sessions (1.5 hr per session): Advanced concepts in designing and constructing biological parts, devices, and systems with specific functions.
    • Saturday (2.5-3hr hr Dry Lab/Design Activity): Design a Bio-sensor System using Synthetic Biology Principles for a Specific Environmental or Medical Application.
  • Week 6 (05/18/2026-05/22/2026): Genome Editing with CRISPR-Cas9: Advanced Applications
    • Two Virtual Sessions (1.5 hr per session): Deeper exploration of CRISPR-Cas9 applications beyond basic gene knockout, including gene activation, epigenome editing, and therapeutic strategies.
    • Saturday (2.5-3hr hr Dry Lab/Case Study): Analyze Case Studies of Advanced CRISPR Applications in Disease Therapy or Agricultural Improvement.
  • Week 7 (05/25/2026-05/29/2026): Epigenetics & Gene Regulation: Beyond the DNA Sequence
    • Two Virtual Sessions (1.5 hr per session): Understanding how gene expression is controlled through epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation and histone modification, and their impact on health and disease.
    • Saturday (2.5-3hr Dry Lab/Data Analysis): Interpreting Public Epigenomic Datasets to Understand Gene Regulation in Different Cell Types or Diseases.
  • Week 8 (06/01/2026-06/05/2026): Cancer Genomics & Ethical Considerations in Biotech
    • Two Virtual Sessions (1.5 hr per session): An overview of the genomic changes in cancer development and how genomic data guides targeted therapies.
    • Saturday (2-2.5 hr Discussion/Debate): Ethical Debate on Emerging Biotechnologies (e.g., germline editing, direct-to-consumer genetic testing) and Career Pathways in Biotech.