STARS (Science Technology & Research Scholars)

In-Person STARS

Cold Spring Harbor and Brooklyn

STARS is a two-week summer research experience designed to promote full participation in the next generation of scientists, doctors, and other health professionals. This program provides students with state-of-the-art laboratory and computer science skills needed to succeed in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) in college and beyond, and tailored to the needs of students from contexts that may have excluded them from STEM.

Students conduct hands-on science and computer projects and participate in enrichment activities including discussions with researchers and tours of the laboratory and college campuses. After the two-week program, students also have a line of communication to mentors who can provide advice on finding future research experiences and preparing for college. Students will join our alumni network which includes school-year virtual and in-person activities for mentorship, college prep, and research experiences.

Classes run Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (College visit field trip day may conclude at 6:00 p.m.). Parents are responsible for on-time drop-off and pickup, including assisting students arriving via public transportation with determining the correct schedule and route to arrive on time. We will work to accommodate students for whom transportation presents a hardship.

Students build skills in three areas:

Molecular Biology

• Acquire basic biological/biomedical laboratory skills such as laboratory safety, DNA extraction and analysis, DNA sequencing, and other molecular biology techniques
• Work on a complete research project using DNA barcoding to identify species of invertebrates, insects or plants in their environment

Coding and Data Science

• Learn the basics of computer coding (in the Python language) and fundamental data science skills
• Learn how to write code in order to analyze biological data

Science and Career Skills for Success

• Understand how to develop science research questions
• Communicate the results of research, including writing, speaking, and presentation skills
• Explore career opportunities in science and understand how to prepare for success (writing a resume, finding a mentor, effective study techniques)

Eligibility:

• The STARS program is open to all students and encourages participation for all groups of students in STEM.
• Eligible students have completed the 9th grade.

All accepted students are accepted on scholarship ($1,400 tuition is waived). As part of their service as scholars, students have a community engagement responsibility, including a presentation at the end of their research experience and help to recruit and support future STAR scholars.

Application Process and Requirements:

• Create an account on the summer camps page and register for STARS.
• On the payment page, open the "Request Scholarship" drop-down at the bottom of the page and complete the form.
• Application is a selective process. Once your application and teacher recommendation are received, we will reach out to you for a personal statement (500 words or less).
• Transportation: Student’s parents/guardians are responsible for transportation to and from the camp in Cold Spring Harbor (9:00 a.m. drop off, 4:00 p.m. pickup). For students arriving by public transportation, please intent to arrive prior to 9:30 am and choose a route that departs shortly after 4:00PM. If there is a hardship, funds may be available to provide transportation alternatives, including bussing.
• Applications are due April 1, 2025 for STARS Brooklyn, and April 15, 2025 for STARS Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island.

Contact STARS staff at STARS@cshl.edu with questions.