First application wave
22 February 2026
Application fee increased after this date.
In-person Program
DNA, Data and Discovery High School Course
A hands-on bioinformatics course combining biology, computer science and statistics through real-world genetic datasets, R programming and scientific communication.
Last verified: 26 Aug 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
In-person Program
DNA, Data and Discovery High School Course
A hands-on bioinformatics course combining biology, computer science and statistics through real-world genetic datasets, R programming and scientific communication.
Last verified: 26 Aug 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
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We review public program details such as eligibility, age range, cost, duration, location, format, accommodation, meals and application timing.
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DNA Data and Discovery at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Recently closed
Eligibility
Grades 9-12; 3.0 GPA
Age range / Year group
Grades 9-12, about ages 14-18
Location / Region
Santa Barbara, California
Cost
$3,298 commuter; $5,798 residential
Duration
2 weeks
Format
In-person
BiologyComputer ScienceStatistics
Accommodation: Residential or commuter
Meals: All meals residential; lunch commuter
Sessions / cadence: 9 x 3-hour classes over two weeks
Instructor: UC Santa Barbara PhD candidate
Campus experience: Dorms, excursions and college-readiness workshops
DNA Data and Discovery summary
This pre-college course introduces bioinformatics through biology, computer science and statistics, with an emphasis on turning large biological datasets into useful scientific insight.
Students use R and modern bioinformatics tools to analyze genetic and environmental data, visualize results and communicate analytical findings.
It best suits students curious about computational biology, genetics, conservation, biotechnology or data-led healthcare research.
What is DNA, Data and Discovery High School Course?
DNA, Data and Discovery is a Summer Springboard pre-college course focused on bioinformatics, the field connecting biology with computer science and statistics. Students explore how genetic and environmental data can answer questions about ecosystems, evolution, healthcare and agriculture.
The practical experience centers on real-world datasets, modern bioinformatics tools and R programming. Students also develop data-visualization and scientific-communication skills, with potential subject-specific excursions that connect classroom ideas to laboratories, conservation and biotechnology.
Why Succeed highlights DNA Data and Discovery
It combines life science, coding and statistics in one coherent academic course.
Students work with authentic genetic and environmental datasets rather than only studying theory.
R programming, visualization and scientific communication provide transferable research skills.
The course connects bioinformatics with conservation, healthcare, agriculture and biotechnology careers.
Residential and commuter options let families choose the campus experience that fits them.
Who is DNA Data and Discovery for?
Best for
Students interested in genetics, biology and data who want practical exposure to R, bioinformatics and interdisciplinary scientific research.
Not ideal if
You want a purely laboratory-based biology course or would rather avoid computational analysis and quantitative work.
Is DNA Data and Discovery worth it?
This course can be worthwhile for a student testing whether computational biology feels more engaging than conventional classroom science. Its strongest value is the combination of authentic datasets, R programming and scientific communication within a broader campus experience.
The limitation is that a short introductory course cannot provide the depth of a sustained research project, and the tuition represents a substantial family commitment. Students will gain most if they arrive ready to engage with both biological questions and data-driven methods.
A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$3,298 commuter; $5,798 residential; includes Residential: all meals, lodging, course and excursions., Residential: weekend excursions and campus programming., Commuter: lunch, course, excursions and weekday programming., Need-based scholarship applications are available..
Accommodation
Residential or commuter
Meals
All meals residential; lunch commuter
Provider details
Review the Summer Springboard provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
2 weeks; Santa Barbara, California.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does DNA Data and Discovery need?
Effort level
Moderate to high academic engagement.
Best started
Begin six to eight weeks before the application deadline.
Main challenge
Moving between biological concepts, statistical thinking and R-based analysis.
Typical preparation
Review foundational genetics, ecology and descriptive statistics before the course.
Try a beginner R tutorial so the programming environment feels familiar.
Prepare application information and required documents early, with the student available to complete their portion.
Useful if
You have basic confidence in school science and working with data.
What do students do on DNA Data and Discovery?
Students investigate biological questions through computational analysis, combining dataset work with career exploration and potential field-based learning.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Learn how bioinformatics connects biology, computer science and statistics.
- 2
Access and process real-world genetic and environmental datasets.
- 3
Analyze data using modern bioinformatics tools and R programming.
- 4
Interpret patterns related to ecology, evolution, conservation and health.
- 5
Visualize results and communicate analytical findings clearly.
- 6
Connect the work with scientific careers and potential course-specific excursions.
DNA Data and Discovery dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Reference date
Second application wave
19 April 2026
A later general application checkpoint.
Final application deadline
17 May 2026
Final general admission date for 2026 programs.
Session 1
19-31 July 2026
The published two-week course session.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
First application wave | 22 February 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Second application wave | 19 April 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Final application deadline | 17 May 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Session 1 | 19-31 July 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Open to students in Grades 9-12.
Starting high school in the fall is permitted.
Recent spring graduates may also enroll.
A 3.0 GPA or equivalent is required.
International students must demonstrate English proficiency.
Students must meet the Essential Eligibility Criteria.
How much does DNA Data and Discovery cost?
Program tuition
$3,298; $5,798 — Commuter and residential options respectively.
Funding or discounts
- Deposit: $600 — Paid during application to hold a place.
- Application fee: From $99 — Mandatory and nonrefundable.
- Need-based scholarship: Up to 60% — Up to 30% residential or 60% commuter tuition.
- Eligible discounts: 5% — Heroes, multi-program, sibling or qualifying referral discounts.
What's included
Residential: all meals, lodging, course and excursions., Residential: weekend excursions and campus programming., Commuter: lunch, course, excursions and weekday programming., Need-based scholarship applications are available.
How to apply to DNA Data and Discovery
- 1
Open the official application portal and enter basic contact information.
- 2
Confirm the verification email and complete the account details.
- 3
Choose Create New Application from the dashboard.
- 4
Select UC Santa Barbara, the session, this course and a tuition type.
- 5
Enter the student's information with the student present.
- 6
Pay the $600 deposit and application fee, then submit the application.
- 7
Complete any additional forms or supporting documentation requested after review.
What does DNA Data and Discovery cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Genetic data analysis
Access, process and interpret real-world genetic datasets.
Computational biology
Connect molecular ecology with computer science and statistics.
R and bioinformatics tools
Use R and modern tools to investigate biological questions.
Scientific communication
Visualize data and present analytical findings clearly.
Applied bioinformatics
Explore applications in conservation, healthcare and biotechnology.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on DNA Data and Discovery?
A typical day during the program.
Academic course
Classes normally run from 9 a.m. to noon.
Excursion or activity
Academic excursions or recreational activities begin around 1:30 p.m.
College readiness
College-readiness or True You workshops follow later in the day.
Residential clubs
Residential students join clubs or scheduled evening activities.
Who teaches on DNA Data and Discovery?
The named instructor, Hayley Goss, is a marine molecular ecologist and PhD candidate at UC Santa Barbara. Her research uses genetic data and bioinformatic analysis to study how environmental conditions and human-made structures influence populations across ecosystems.
Her teaching connects molecular biology, data analysis and applied conservation.
Where do students stay on DNA Data and Discovery?
Residential plan
- Manzanita Village housing: Students stay in a UC Santa Barbara residence hall above the ocean and lagoon.
- Full meal plan: Residential tuition includes all meals, lodging and weekend excursions.
- Residence security: Exterior doors remain locked, with electronic access and nightly safety rounds.
- Campus activities: Evening clubs, local activities and weekend excursions extend the campus experience.
Non-residential plan
- Commuter attendance: Commuters receive lunch and weekday programming from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rooms are double or triple occupancy with shared bathrooms and no air conditioning; small fans are permitted.
What happens after DNA Data and Discovery?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Build foundations for further study in bioinformatics or computational biology.
Develop R, data-visualization and scientific-communication skills.
Explore careers in conservation genetics and bioinformatics analysis.
Connect biological data work with healthcare and biotechnology research.
Use the experience to test interest in interdisciplinary science.
The course does not state that it awards academic credit or a certificate.
Where does DNA Data and Discovery take place?
The course takes place on the UC Santa Barbara campus in Santa Barbara, California, close to the Pacific Ocean. Residential students live in Manzanita Village, while campus activities and possible subject-specific excursions connect the academic course with the wider Santa Barbara area.
Summer Springboard states that the program is not run by UC Santa Barbara.
DNA Data and Discovery FAQs
Students study bioinformatics through biology, computer science and statistics. They access and interpret genetic and environmental datasets while exploring applications in ecology, conservation, healthcare and biotechnology.
The course is presented as a hands-on introduction and includes learning to code in R. No specific prior programming requirement is stated, although trying a beginner R tutorial could make the first classes easier.
There are nine three-hour class sessions. Week one runs Monday through Friday, and week two runs Monday through Thursday, normally from 9 a.m. to noon.
Yes. Commuters attend weekday programming from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with lunch, the academic course and excursions included.
Residential tuition includes lodging, all meals, the academic course, excursions and weekend excursions. Optional airport pickup and drop-off costs extra.
Hayley Goss is a marine molecular ecologist and PhD candidate at UC Santa Barbara. Her work uses genetics and bioinformatics to investigate environmental and conservation questions.
Students must have completed eighth grade before the course starts and normally need a 3.0 GPA or local equivalent. International students must demonstrate English proficiency through an interview or an accepted test score.
The campus dining information lists vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher and halal options, along with support for common food allergies.
Alternatives to DNA Data and Discovery
Compare these related science programs if you want a different subject emphasis, location or age range.
Alternatives to DNA Data and Discovery
Cambridge biotechnology study with research methods
Research Methods
Deadline: Not announced
From £5995
16-18
Cambridge
In-person
Best for
Older students prioritizing biotechnology and Cambridge study.
Cambridge biology study with research methods
Biology
Deadline: Not announced
From £5995
16-18
Cambridge
In-person
Best for
Students seeking biology without a dedicated bioinformatics emphasis.
Modern science methods and questions for younger students
Natural Sciences
Deadline: Not announced
Cost not listed
11-16
Wimborne
In-person
Best for
Younger students still exploring across scientific subjects.
Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Sean Stevens
Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)
Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.
Sources and verification
Source types reviewed
- (1) New Messages!
- Tuition and Financial Aid FAQ | Knowledge Base | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- UC Santa Barbara | Campus | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- 2026 HS 2-week Applied Bioinformatics V2
- Tuition Protection Plan T&C
- (1) New Messages!
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 26 Aug 2026)
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Eligibility requirements verified
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