New York Bioforce
Comprehensive Science Research Training Leading to Paid Summer Internships in Research Labs and Health Care Institutions
Thank you for your interest in New York Bioforce! This program is designed for current 11th and 12th graders 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.
We've placed students at Columbia Engineering, Weill Cornell Medicine, the New York Proton Center, 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.
Prospective Students
Application & Eligibility
APPLICATIONS FOR 2024 ARE NOW CLOSED
PRIORITY DEADLINE: December 15, 2023
APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 31, 2024
Application Process
All components of the application, including letters of recommendation, must be submitted by the deadline. A partial application will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed in the order they were received. Qualified applicants will receive an invitation for a virtual interview.
Applicant Eligibility
The program creates opportunities in STEAM for students from backgrounds that have been historically excluded from these fields, including students of color, women and non-binary students, LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities, and first generation students.
Additionally, qualified applicants meet the following criteria:
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Must be an 11th or 12th grade student (graduating 2024 or 2025)
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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. Documentation of Government aid qualification must be provided with application materials.
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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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Academic History:
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Current High School Transcript
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Attendance Record for the 2022-2023 school year
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Resume: 1 page, saved as a PDF
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Short Answers:
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What are your academic and/or career goals in the life sciences, and how will this internship program fit into them? (250 words)
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The NY Bioforce Program is dedicated to creating a community-based learning environment where persons of all backgrounds and identities are celebrated and supported in their STEAM journey. (300 words)
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(1) How will you contribute to this positive learning environment?
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(2) What would this type of learning environment mean to you?
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Letter of Recommendation: Should be written by someone from a school or work-related environment who knows your strengths, such as a teacher, coach, mentor, or employer.
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Proof of COVID Vaccination
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 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
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Runs: April to July
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Time commitment: 100 hours
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Format: Saturday sessions at Columbia University with virtual weeknight seminars
PHASE II: MENTORED INTERNSHIPS
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Runs: July to August
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Time commitment: 160 hours
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Format: 25 hours/week working with an internship mentor in their lab or health care facility
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
This program combines a rigorous review sessions focused on math and science 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.
Laboratory Training
Watch our preview videos and ignite your curiosity! Our instructors will guide you through each step of the learning process to help you develop the skills you need to succeed. We aim to provide a fun and engaging learning experience that will inspire you to explore a variety of STEAM careers and foster a lifelong passion for science.
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.
Student Testimonials
“Bioforce helped me curate a mindset that I can do hard things and I can self advocate.”
Christine Olagunju, NY Bioforce 2023
NY Bioforce FAQs
WHEN DOES THE BIOFORCE PROGRAM RUN?
The program runs each spring/summer, with training starting on Saturdays following the NYCDOE public school spring break and ending the first week in July. Internships begin the following week and run through the middle of August. Any student applying to the program should be prepared to be available for the entire time and MUST notify instructors of any unavoidable absences.
WHAT TOPICS ARE COVERED BY THE TRAINING PROGRAM?
The training program covers the fundamentals necessary to assist in research labs and enter college level STEAM programs. Topics include the basics of lab safety and protocols, advanced biology, computer programming, experimental design, socially-determined disparities in health, and workplace and lab etiquette. Senior researchers from the life sciences industry and other accomplished professionals will visit students to share their career journeys and life lessons. With the breadth of information covered, it is essential that all students attend consistently and come ready to learn.
WHO CAN APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM?
The program creates opportunities in STEAM for students from backgrounds that have been historically excluded from these fields, including: students of color, women and non-binary students, LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities, and first generation students.
Additionally, qualified applicants meet the following criteria:
-
Must be an 11th or 12th grade student (graduating 2024 or 2025)
-
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 economic or educational 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. Documentation of Government aid qualification must be provided with application materials.
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WHEN DO APPLICATIONS OPEN?
Applications for 2024 will open in November of 2023 and close January 31, 2024. The priority deadline is December 15th. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and qualified applicants will be invited to interview beginning in January of 2024.
ARE INTERNSHIPS GUARANTEED FOR ALL STUDENTS WHO ARE ACCEPTED INTO THE TRAINING PROGRAM?
While it is our goal to connect every student with an internship, because interns work alongside grad students on ongoing research projects, we are only able to place students who have successfully completed the training program. Students have access to a number of instructors and teachers who are dedicated to helping them master the material and should seek help when they need it in order to ensure they are placed in an internship.
HOW ARE INTERNSHIPS PAID?
Accepted students to the NY Bioforce program are paid through the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) via direct deposit or paper checks. Students will receive detailed instructions on the payment process, including the necessary documentation and deadlines for payment setup. The SYEP payroll schedule and payment distribution will be communicated to accepted students, ensuring transparency and clarity regarding their compensation for participating in the program. Read the SYEP enrollment guide if you have further questions about payment procedures or require additional information about SYEP.
I SUBMITTED MY APPLICATION. NOW WHAT HAPPENS?
Great, you’ll be hearing from us soon. All applications will be reviewed by our team as they are received, and qualified applicants will be offered a chance to interview for a spot. After interviewing, students can expect to be notified of a decision within a few weeks. Be sure to check your email often so you don’t miss anything important.
I’M NOT A STUDENT, BUT I WANT TO GET INVOLVED. HOW CAN I HELP?
There are many ways to get involved, and we appreciate your interest! We are always looking for qualified instructors, internship hosts/mentors, and guest speakers from the STEAM field. Please email us at hello@hypothekids.org if you want to help.