WISE: Waksman Institute Summer Experience (Rutgers Waksman Student Scholars Program)

Research & internship · Rutgers University – Waksman Institute / Waksman Student Scholars Program

WISE puts high schoolers into real hands-on molecular biology lab work at Rutgers' Waksman Institute, purifying and analyzing DNA fragments alongside scientists rather than sitting in a classroom. The in-person track is a two-week, non-residential day program on the Busch campus in Piscataway, NJ; a lower-cost virtual track (vWISE) covers similar research remotely for students who can't commute. The only academic requirement is having completed a high school biology course, and spots fill on a first-come, first-served basis once applications open. There's no stipend — the in-person track costs $2,200 and the virtual track $600, due after acceptance.

Who can apply

GradesGrades 10–12

Min GPA—

ScopeNational

StatesAll states

FieldsBiology · Bioinformatics · Life Sciences

Logistics

Cost to you$600 online; $2,200 in-person

Financial aidNot listed

StipendNone

FormatVaries

Length2 weeks; a late-June session and a late-July/early-Aug session each year

WhereRutgers University, Busch Campus, Piscataway, NJ, or online (vWISE)

Applying

OpensOpens ~Feb 2027; vWISE ~Mar

DueNot yet posted (2026 cycle already closed; rolling, first-come first-served)

You submitOnline application, opens after early Feb (WISE) / early Mar (vWISE) each year; reviewed on a rolling, first-come first-served basis with limited spots; requires having completed a high school biology course

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