Ages
14 years–17 years
Rising 10th-12th
Cost
$1400/session
Dates
Aug 10, 2026 – Aug 21, 2026
Hours
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Schedule
Amenities
Lunch
Bring your own lunch
About This Camp
STARS is a two-week summer research experience designed to promote full participation in the next generation of scientists, doctors, and other health professionals. This program provides students with state-of-the-art laboratory and computer science skills needed to succeed in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) in college and beyond, and tailored to the needs of students from contexts that may have excluded them from STEM.
Students conduct hands-on science and computer projects and participate in enrichment activities including discussions with researchers and tours of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Stony Brook University, or other University campuses. After the two-week program, students also have a line of communication to mentors who can provide advice on finding future research experiences and preparing for college. Students will join our alumni network which includes school-year virtual and in-person activities for mentorship, college prep, and research experiences.
Classes run Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (College visit field trip day may conclude at 6:00 p.m.). Parents are responsible for on-time drop-off and pickup, including assisting students arriving via public transportation with determining the correct schedule and route to arrive on time. We will work to accommodate students for whom transportation presents a hardship.
Students build skills in three areas:
Molecular Biology
acquire basic biological/biomedical laboratory skills such as laboratory safety, DNA extraction and analysis, DNA sequencing, and other molecular biology techniques work on a complete research project using DNA barcoding to identify species of invertebrates, insects or plants in their environment Coding and Data Science
learn the basics of computer coding (in the Python language) and fundamental data science skills learn how to write code in order to analyze biological data Science and Career Skills for Success
understand how to develop science research questions communicate the results of research, including writing, speaking, and presentation skills explore career opportunities in science and understand how to prepare for success (writing a resume, finding a mentor, effective study techniques)
Grades: entering grades 10–12 July 27–August 7, 2026 (Cold Spring Harbor, LI), August 10–21, 2026 (Brooklyn) Student/guardian orientation Saturday prior to camp Monday–Friday, 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (college field trip day concludes at 6:00 p.m.) Scholarship; tuition waived for accepted students
Cancellation & Transfer Policy
To be eligible for a refund, cancellation requests must be received by the DNA Learning Center a minimum of three weeks prior to the session start date - with no exceptions.
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