Biotech Academy
Biotech Academy is a week-long summer program that offers a deep dive into biotechnology skills and applications, student mentoring, and career exposure designed for 10th-12th grade students.
Registration is now open! Click below to register.
About Biotech Academy
Welcome to Biotech Academy, a transformative weeklong summer program tailored for 10th-12th grade students and graduating seniors ready to immerse themselves in the world of biotechnology. Throughout the week, participants will engage in a series of hands-on activities designed to equip them with essential skills for success in this rapidly advancing field.
From mastering the intricacies of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to unraveling the mysteries of gel electrophoresis, students will dive deep into the fundamental techniques of biotechnology. They’ll experience the thrill of DNA extraction firsthand, unlocking the genetic secrets hidden within biological samples. Additionally, through culturing bacteria, participants will gain insight into the vital role microorganisms play in biotechnological applications.
But Biotech Academy offers more than just laboratory experiments. Participants will also benefit from personalized mentoring provided by undergraduate students, gaining valuable insights and guidance from those already immersed in the field. Moreover, they’ll have the opportunity to explore potential career paths through exposure to professionals actively shaping the biotechnology landscape.
Get ready for an unforgettable week of discovery, exploration, and innovation at Biotech Academy, where the future of biotechnology begins with you.
Camp Dates
Week 1: July 6-10
Week 2: July 13-17
Location
Southern Research STEM Outreach
2000 9th Ave S
Birmingham, AL 35205
Eligibility
Students must be rising 10th, 11th, 12th grade students, or graduating seniors.
Registration
Registration is now open.
Cost
The registration fee for Biotech Academy 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.
Biotech Academy 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 Biotech Academy. 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.
Biotech Academy will be held at the Southern Research STEM Outreach Building, 2000 9th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205.
Yes. Each participating student must complete the Eventbrite registration to secure a spot in Biotech Academy. 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 9th grade students who will be in 10th grade in the 2026-2027 school year.
Yes. We are accepting students who are graduating from high school in May 2026.
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 Biotech Academy. 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 high school camp, BioScholars Institute (July 20-24), 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: “Biotech Academy 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.