New York Bioforce students will immerse themselves in the fundamental principles of scientific investigation, get hands-on experience in laboratory techniques, and complete paid summer internships at research labs and health care institutions. We offer under-represented NYC students a strong foundation in life science research skills to create a pathway towards academic and career success in STEAM. At the end of the program, students get the exciting opportunity to present their internship research in a poster session at the American Museum of Natural History. The program is broken into two phases:
- Phase I: Life Science Research and Professional Skills Training
- Phase II: Mentored Internships
This program is designed for students graduating in 2025 or 2026 from low-income families with backgrounds that are underrepresented in STEAM. It provides 100 hours of science research and professional skills training on Saturdays in the spring followed by placement in a six-week paid summer internship at cutting-edge academic and industry labs and health care institutions.
Location(s)
- Columbia University, New York City, New York
Schedule
- 2025 dates TBA
- Phase I: April - July
- Phase II: July - August
Cost/Compensation
- Accepted students are paid through the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) via direct deposit or paper checks
- Students receive detailed instructions on the payment process, including the necessary documentation and deadlines for payment setup
Eligibility Requirements
- Students must be from a background that has historically been excluded from these fields, including students of color, women and non-binary students, LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities, and first generation students.
- Must be an 11th or 12th grade student (graduating 2025 or 2026)
- Attend a NYCDOE public or charter high school
- Should have an interest in pursuing academic or professional opportunities in STEAM
- Prior research experience is NOT required.
- Must be available to attend training sessions on Saturdays throughout the spring, and commit to their own learning and growth
- Can demonstrate educational and/or economic disadvantage:
- Applicant attends a NYC high school that has an Economic Need Index (ENI) of 0.8/80% or higher. Please check your school's ENI through this website: https://tools.nycenet.edu/dashboard
- Applicant family income qualifies for Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or other similar government aid.
Deadline
- February 20th, 2025
Application or Entry Requirements
- A completed online application
- Resume: 1 page, saved as a PDF
- Unofficial Transcript
- 2 Short Answer Essays
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
Have other questions?
HYPOTHEkids is a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Design, Math) education and youth development non-profit organization founded in 2013 that supports K-12 underrepresented students from low-income communities across New York City. Its mission is to provide students with hands-on STEAM education and internship experiences to support the next generation of scientists and engineers.
