During the Emerging Leaders laboratory intensive, high school students are paired with a college-age mentor to explore more advanced topics.
Coming to Maryland, Texas, Pennsylvania and Ohio!
Emerging Leaders in Biotechnology is a fast-paced, hands-on accelerated 30-hour biotechnology course that introduces high school and college students to high-demand STEM careers.
The 2026 program includes five virtual events during the spring and a one-week in-person laboratory session over the summer. The virtual sessions will take place Saturday mornings starting April 25th. Below are the dates and locations for the in-person laboratory sessions:
Thank you to our 2026 Emerging Leaders in STEM partners! AstraZeneca, REGENXBIO, DoD STEM, Montgomery County Maryland, AFCEA Bethesda and the Neilom Foundation are helping empower the next generation of innovators and leaders.
Submit your application for the 2026 program. Selected candidates will be notified in April.
We’re seeking passionate instructors to help lead our Emerging Leaders in Biotechnology summer labs — a free, one-week program introducing high school and college students to advanced lab techniques, career pathways, and real-world problem-solving in biotechnology.
Teachers with experience teaching biology or related laboratory courses at the high school or community college level.
Complete the instructor interest form below. Selected candidates will be contacted in February/March.
Participants dive into synthetic biology, CRISPR, biomarkers, and gene editing — using custom-designed science kits and real lab equipment. Alumni have landed jobs at the NIH, cancer research centers, and beyond.
Visit laboratory facilities, build career readiness and networking skills, and develop friendships with like-minded young scientists who will support their journey in STEM. Alumni join a welcoming network of 400 + students and early career professionals.
Graduates walk away with a certificate, a stipend, and hands-on experience that looks great on a résumé. More importantly, you’ll gain the technical and professional skills that make you truly internship-ready — prepared to step into real lab environments with confidence.