Break into Biotech
Break into Biotech is a 3-day immersive STEM experience where curiosity meets innovation. Designed for rising 7th, 8th, and 9th graders, this program blends biotechnology-inspired challenges with hands-on science exploration. Students will experiment, analyze, collaborate, and think like scientists while uncovering how breakthroughs in biology and technology shape our world.
Registration is now open! Click below to register.
About Break into Biotech
Welcome to Southern Research’s Break into Biotech, an engaging summer experience designed to spark curiosity and expand opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for rising 7th through 9th grade students. This dynamic program introduces students to the innovative world of modern science through hands-on exploration, real-world applications, and interactive learning experiences.
Throughout the program, participants collaborate on challenges and investigations that build critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Guided by experienced educators and mentors, students explore biotechnology-inspired concepts alongside broader STEM fields, gaining practical experience that connects classroom learning to real scientific impact.
Break into Biotech is more than a summer program. It is a space where students can grow their confidence, discover new interests, and connect with peers who share their enthusiasm for STEM. Whether experimenting in the lab, analyzing data, or working as a team to solve complex problems, participants leave with new knowledge, strengthened skills, and a deeper understanding of how science shapes the world around them.
Join us for an inspiring and immersive STEM experience at Southern Research’s Break into Biotech.
Camp dates
Week 1: June 22-24
Week 2: June 29 – July 1
Location
Southern Research STEM Outreach
2000 9th Ave S
Birmingham, AL 35205
Eligibility
Students must be rising 7th-, 8th-, or 9th-grade students.
Registration
Registration is now open.
Cost
The registration fee for Break into Biotech is $100. This helps cover the cost of activity materials & supplies, lunch, and camp swag.
Deadline
Registration closes on May 15, or until all spaces are filled. Secure your place today! A waitlist will be available once capacity is reached.
Questions
Please send questions to stem@southernresearch.org.
Break into Biotech has a $100 registration fee per student. The fee includes all lab supplies, lunch, and camp swag.
Yes. If your student can no longer attend, full refunds are available for cancellations no less than two weeks before the registered week of Break into Biotech. No refunds will be issued for no-shows or cancellations within 2 weeks of the date of the event.
Please note that Eventbrite service and processing fees are non-refundable and will not be reimbursed.
The active hours of the camp are from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Students may be dropped off as early as 8:00 a.m. each day and must be picked up by 3:00 p.m.
Yes. We will provide lunch each day of the camp.
Break into Biotech will be held at Southern Research’s STEM Outreach Building, 2000 9th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205.
Yes. Each participating student must complete the Eventbrite registration to secure a spot in Break into Biotech. Please be sure to register for the same week.
No, we do not provide transportation. We encourage carpooling if you are able.
Yes. We are accepting current 6th-grade students who will be in 7th grade during the 2026-2027 school year.
Yes. You do not need any prior experience with the topics we will cover during the camp—you’ll learn all of these things during the camp!
If filled out correctly, you should receive a copy of your registration via email. This email will contain your “ticket” to attend Break into Biotech. If you did not receive a confirmation email or message, please email Shon Essex at dessex@southernresearch.org.
No. Both weeks offer the same program, activities, and overall experience. The second week is offered to provide additional scheduling options, so students only need to register for one week.
We also offer another middle school camp, STEM’s Greatest Hits (June 15-17), with a different curriculum.
Yes. To change to a different week of camp, please contact Shon Essex at dessex@southernresearch.org.
Yes, there are! Please contact Shon Essex at dessex@southernresearch.org, subject line: “Break into Biotech Scholarship” for more information.
Scholarship requests must be submitted by April 17. Applicants will be notified of their award within one week of the deadline.
STEM Calendar
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