New York Bioforce
Free Comprehensive Science Research Training Leading to Paid Summer Internships in Research Labs and Health Care Institutions
April 4 - August 14, 2026
Thank you for your interest in New York Bioforce! This program is designed for students graduating in 2026 or 2027 from low-resource backgrounds who would most benefit from increased opportunity in STEAM fields. It provides 50 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.
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We've placed students at Columbia Engineering, Weill Cornell Medicine, the New York Cancer and Blood Specialists, and life science companies. This program prepares participants for higher education in STEAM fields and ultimately to join the workforce as the next generation of scientists and health care professionals.
Applications for 2026 are open now!
Prospective Students
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“Bioforce helped me curate a mindset that I can do hard things and I can self advocate.”
Christine Olagunju, NY Bioforce 2023
Application & Eligibility
Application Deadline: January 22, 2026
Please do NOT apply for SYEP before applying to NY Bioforce.
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis.
Applicant Eligibility
This program provides STEAM opportunities for students from low-resource backgrounds who would most benefit from increased opportunity in STEAM fields, creating pathways to success in high-tech industries.
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Additionally, qualified applicants meet the following criteria:
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Must be an 11th or 12th grade student (graduating 2026 or 2027)
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Attend a NYCDOE public or charter high school
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Should have an interest in pursuing academic or professional opportunities in STEAM
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Prior research experience is NOT required.
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Must be available to attend training sessions on Saturdays throughout the spring, and commit to their own learning and growth
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Can demonstrate educational and/or economic disadvantage:
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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
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Applicant family income qualifies for Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or other similar government aid.
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Application Checklist
Applications will not save once they have been started. The application will ask for the following: ​
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Resume: 1 page, saved as a PDF
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Unofficial Transcript
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Pick 1 of the following questions and answer in essay format (300 words max):
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​If you had all the resources you could ever want to design a scientific tool, solution, or experiment to solve a challenge in your community or daily life, what would it be and why? Explain your design process and how your own experiences inspired this idea.
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Think about a moment in your life that changed the way you see science or the world around you. How did this experience shape your curiosity, and how does it influence the kind of scientist or problem-solver you hope to become?
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Questions?
Email: hello@hypothekids.org
Stay Up to Date
Stay connected to learn how we're equipping the next generation of STEAM trailblazers. Get program highlights, student success stories, and updates on ways your support is making a difference.
What To Expect
Program Overview
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 NYC students from low-resource backgrounds a strong foundation in professional and 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:
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PHASE I: LIFE SCIENCE RESEARCH AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS TRAINING
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Runs: April to July
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Time commitment: 50 hours
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Format: Saturday sessions at Columbia University Morningside and Manhattanville campus with virtual weeknight seminars
PHASE II: MENTORED INTERNSHIPS
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Runs: July to August
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Time commitment: 150 hours
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Format: 25 hours/week for 6 weeks working with an internship mentor in their lab or health care facility
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Internship Partners
We are always adding new labs and organizations to our list of internship providers to ensure the best possible experience for our students. Here are some of the labs and organizations where we've placed Bioforce students:
STEAM Curriculum
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This program combines engaging academic content focused on STEAM with hands-on training, creative exploration, and professional development. Our curriculum is designed to give students the fundamental tools they need to succeed in their internships and in future STEAM endeavors. With our experienced instructors from top-tier research institutions, and our curated curriculum that is responsive to employer needs, we provide a highly effective learning experience. We believe that our well-rounded foundation in science research will help students discover their passion, reach their full potential, and make a positive impact on the world.
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Biomedical Engineering
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Molecular Biology
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Data Science and Biostatistics
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Clinical Science
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Professional Skills (resume building, email writing, interview prep, etc.)
Internship Research
At the conclusion of our program, every students has the opportunity to share their research experience and hard work to the public in a poster session at the American Museum of Natural History. Below are examples of student poster presentations.
