Have you started thinking about how you want to spend your summer yet? Perhaps getting a job, spending time at summer camp, going on vacation, or more? I’m sure that many of you have not even begun to think about the big break, yet it is quickly approaching. Summer vacation is one of the best times for you to express yourself, find a hobby, and expand your knowledge. One of the best ways to do so is to apply for educational programs and internships. Although these may seem daunting, and many of you see summer as your break from school, these programs are much more than sitting, learning, and writing. In this article, I will go over a couple of unique (and free) programs that may fit your interest. 

Biogen

Are you interested in engineering, research, and drug development? Then the Biogen summer program may be just your forte! Biogen is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts that specializes in the development, research, and therapy of “neurodegenerative, hematologic, and autoimmune diseases to patients worldwide.” Their summer program is open to high school students grades 9-12 and focuses on hands-on lab activities, meeting scientists, and getting involved. According to their website, you will learn how to complete techniques such as “bacterial transformation, site-directed mutagenesis, protein extraction, affinity purification and PAGE.” Sounds like a blast to me. 

Cost: Free

Date: Cambridge sessions are July 9 - 13, July 16 - 20, August 6 - 10, & August 13 - 17

Time: 9AM to 4PM, only to 1 PM on Fridays

Application date: Opens February 26th at 9AM, closes March 12th at midnight

Focus: Biotechnology engineering, drug development, laboratory skills

Other details: Lunch is provided daily, must at least have completed 9th grade by the summer 

Learn more: https://www.biogen.com/en_us/global-impact/summer-programs.html

NEAQ

The New England Aquarium summer internship program continues to be a highly competitive program that hundreds of students apply to annually. For students with a love of the ocean and marine biology, the NEAQ Summer Teen Internship program may be a perfect fit! After undergoing one week of training, students will take on 1 of 5 jobs and learn how to be responsible, persevering, and independent. In addition, students may have the ability to interact one-on-one with sea animals!

Cost: Paid for Boston residents, free for non Boston residents

Date: July 2nd - August 17th 

Time: 20-25 hours of weekly work 

Application date: Opens mid February

Focus: Extensive Marine Biology training, behind the scenes work 

Other details: Learn valuable life skills, visit other New England destinations, one week of training 

Learn more: http://www.neaq.org/get-involved/internship-programs/teen-internships/

Museum of Science Clubhouse

The Museum of Science “At the Clubhouse,” program runs annually during July and  August in Boston. They offer more than half a dozen programs for high school students, depending on what students are interested in. Some of these programs include graphic design, music production, 3D design, programming, and more. Throughout all of these, students have the opportunity to interact with museum visitors, children, animals, technology, and more.  

Cost: Free 

Date: July 11th - September 1

Time: Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5PM

Application date: Fill out a membership form online or during arrival  

Focus: Technology, design, STEM 

Other details: Program since 1993!

Learn more: http://clubhousebeat.org/

Junior Achievement Summer Academy

The JA programs are open to high school students who are interested in financial, entrepreneurial, and literary skills. Students who are interested in money management, finance, and more should apply! JA programs are known worldwide and are extremely well developed. Students will develop valuable life skills and get a better understanding of topics of their choice.

Cost: Free 

Date: August 15th-19th 

Time: 9AM - 2:30 PM

Application date: Program-specific 

Focus: Finance, entrepreneurship, literacy

Other details: Dozens of programs

Learn more: https://www.juniorachievement.org

The time to apply for programs is now! Most programs review applications beginning in January and ending in March, so what are you waiting for? Apply now and have the best summer of your life!