The Boyce Thompson Institute is a life science research institute located on Cornell University campus. Scientists at BTI conduct investigations into plant and life sciences research with the goals of increasing food security, improving environmental sustainability in agriculture and making basic discoveries that will enhance human life.
Every year, the Boyce Thompson Institute hosts local high schoolers to take part in research within one of our labs. These high school researchers are involved in the day-to-day research taking place, and get a snapshot into the world of plant science research. The first group of high school researchers at the Boyce Thompson Institute dates back to the 1970s when BTI was still located in Yonkers, New York!
Location(s)
- Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, New York
Schedule
- June 30th – August 7th, 2025
Cost/Compensation
Eligibility Requirements
- A current high school student, who is regional to Ithaca, NY year-round. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept students who are not within a reasonable commute of Ithaca, or are not year-round residents of the area. We consider a reasonable commute to be within ~1-hour away from Ithaca, NY.
- 16 years of age before the first day of the program
- Not graduated by the first day of the program, June 25th (graduating seniors not eligible)
Deadline
- March 31
Application or Entry Requirements
- Complete and submit the questions in the application form
- Include a 500 – 700 word essay explaining your interest in the research experience and potential career and educational aspirations
- Include a copy of your current (unofficial) transcript(s)
- Share two recommenders (name, phone, and email) who we can reach out to directly (your recommenders do not need to provide us a letter as part of the application process)
- Optional: Upload a copy of your resume
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
- Application will open in March 2025
Have other questions?
Boyce Thompson Institute is a life sciences research institution located in Ithaca, New York on the Cornell University campus. BTI scientists conduct investigations into fundamental plant and life sciences research with the goals of increasing food security, improving environmental sustainability in agriculture and making basic discoveries that will enhance human health.
