General admission deadline
17 May 2026
Final published deadline for Summer 2026 programs.
In-person Program
Foundations of Human Genetics High School Course
A hands-on human genetics course combining laboratory experiments, bioinformatics, case studies and ethical debate with insight into genetics-related careers.
Last verified: 26 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
In-person Program
Foundations of Human Genetics High School Course
A hands-on human genetics course combining laboratory experiments, bioinformatics, case studies and ethical debate with insight into genetics-related careers.
Last verified: 26 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
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Human Genetics Summer Course at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Applications open
Eligibility
Grades 9-12; minimum 3.0 GPA
Age range / Year group
14-18 / Grades 9-12
Location / Region
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Cost
$5,698 residential; $2,998 commuter
Duration
2 weeks
Format
In-person
Application deadline
Rolling · Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Save programBiologyMedicineScience
Accommodation: Residential or commuter
Meals: 3 daily residential; lunch commuter
Certificate / Outcome: Certificate and professor recommendation
Latest verified cycle: 2026
Sessions / cadence: 9 x 3-hour weekday classes
Tutors / faculty: Christa Ventresca, PhD
Human Genetics Summer Course summary
Students explore how DNA influences traits, genetic disorders, medicine and society through laboratory work, simulations and case studies.
The academic experience includes bacterial transformation, genetic engineering, bioinformatics, data interpretation and discussion of gene editing and genetic privacy.
It best suits science-focused students who want practical exposure to genetics while testing possible pathways in biology, healthcare, biotechnology or biomedical research.
What is Foundations of Human Genetics High School Course?
Foundations of Human Genetics is a Summer Springboard pre-college course focused on DNA, inheritance, genetic disorders and the connections between genetics, medicine and society. Students learn through interactive laboratory activities, simulations, case studies and scientific discussion.
The practical work includes genetic engineering, bacterial transformation, bioinformatics and genetic-data analysis. Career exploration and ethical questions about gene editing and genetic privacy help students connect scientific concepts with real-world decisions and professions.
Why Succeed highlights Human Genetics Summer Course
Students use real genetic tools and techniques rather than relying only on lectures.
The curriculum connects molecular genetics with medicine, public health and biotechnology careers.
Bioinformatics and data analysis introduce computational approaches used in modern genetics.
Ethical debate adds social context to gene editing, genetic privacy and scientific communication.
Residential and commuter options accommodate different approaches to campus participation.
Who is Human Genetics Summer Course for?
Best for
High school students who enjoy biology and want structured laboratory exposure to genetics, bioinformatics and healthcare applications.
Not ideal if
You need college credit, a purely lecture-based course or an advanced research placement centered on an independent project.
Is Human Genetics Summer Course worth it?
This course can be worthwhile for students who want to test a serious interest in genetics through experiments, data analysis and career exploration. The combination of scientific technique and ethical discussion offers broader insight than a classroom survey alone.
Its main limitation is that it is short enrichment rather than a college-credit course or extended independent research project. Families should judge the value of the campus experience, instruction and included activities against lower-cost ways to explore biology locally or online.
A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$5,698 residential; $2,998 commuter; includes Residential tuition includes the academic course, lodging and all meals., Residential tuition includes excursions and weekend excursions., Commuter tuition includes the academic course, lunch and excursions., Commuter programming runs from 9am to 5pm on weekdays., All students receive college-readiness workshops., Residential students receive evening activities and on-campus support..
Accommodation
Residential or commuter
Meals
3 daily residential; lunch commuter
Provider details
Review the Summer Springboard provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
2 weeks; Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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 Human Genetics Summer Course need?
Effort level
Moderate to high academic engagement.
Best started
Begin four to six weeks before the next admission deadline.
Main challenge
Moving between molecular concepts, practical techniques and ethical analysis.
Typical preparation
Review core ideas about DNA, genes, chromosomes and inheritance.
Prepare a short explanation of why genetics interests you for the application questions.
Discuss travel, accommodation and support needs early if attending residentially.
Useful if
You have a basic school-level biology foundation and enjoy practical science.
What do students do on Human Genetics Summer Course?
The course moves from foundational genetics into practical experimentation, data interpretation, applied case studies and discussion of scientific careers and ethics.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Investigate how DNA determines traits and how inheritance patterns work.
- 2
Use laboratory techniques including bacterial transformation and genetic engineering.
- 3
Apply bioinformatics tools to investigate gene sequences and analyze data.
- 4
Study genetic disorders through simulations and real-world case studies.
- 5
Present findings and debate issues such as gene editing and genetic privacy.
- 6
Explore careers in research, genetic counseling, healthcare and biotechnology.
Human Genetics Summer Course 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
Session 1
19-31 July 2026
University of Michigan course session.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
General admission 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
Minimum 3.0 GPA or local equivalent
Eighth grade completed before the program starts
English proficiency required for international applicants
Essential Eligibility Criteria must be met
How much does Human Genetics Summer Course cost?
Program tuition
$5,698 residential; $2,998 commuter — Choose the participation type during application.
Funding or discounts
- Application fee: From $99 — Mandatory and nonrefundable.
- Program deposit: $600 — Paid with the application to hold a place.
- Need-based scholarship: Up to 30% residential — Up to 60% of commuter tuition.
- Eligible discounts: 5% — Heroes, multi-program, sibling or referral terms apply.
What's included
Residential tuition includes the academic course, lodging and all meals., Residential tuition includes excursions and weekend excursions., Commuter tuition includes the academic course, lunch and excursions., Commuter programming runs from 9am to 5pm on weekdays., All students receive college-readiness workshops., Residential students receive evening activities and on-campus support.
How to apply to Human Genetics Summer Course
- 1
Open the application portal and enter basic contact information.
- 2
Verify the email address and complete the account details.
- 3
Create a new application from the dashboard.
- 4
Select University of Michigan, the session, course and tuition type.
- 5
Complete the student details, short answers and agreement forms with the student present.
- 6
Pay the application fee and $600 program deposit, then submit the application.
- 7
Monitor email for the enrollment decision and any additional required forms.
What does Human Genetics Summer Course cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
DNA and inheritance
Study how DNA determines traits and how inheritance patterns operate.
Genetic disorders
Investigate disease biology and the societal effects of genetic conditions.
Laboratory genetics
Practice bacterial transformation, genetic engineering and experiment design.
Bioinformatics
Use computational tools to analyze genetic data and gene sequences.
Genetics ethics
Debate gene editing, genetic privacy and responsible scientific communication.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Human Genetics Summer Course?
A typical day during the program.
Academic course
Three-hour genetics classes run on weekday mornings.
Excursions or activities
Students join academic excursions or recreational activities.
Readiness workshop
College-readiness or True You sessions follow afternoon activities.
Residential evening
Dinner, clubs and evening activities precede night checks.
Who teaches on Human Genetics Summer Course?
The named instructor, Christa Ventresca, PhD, trained in genetics, genomics and bioinformatics and has taught biology at the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University. Summer Springboard says instructors are selected for subject expertise and their ability to challenge and engage students.
Christa Ventresca’s work has received recognition from genetics, diabetes and teaching organizations.
Where do students stay on Human Genetics Summer Course?
Residential plan
- Campus suites: Students share gender-separated suites with roommates and a common bathroom.
- Meals: Three daily meals are included, with multiple dietary accommodations.
- Residential support: Program staff live in the dorms and emergency support is available continuously.
- Campus security: Residence access is controlled and university security patrols continuously.
Non-residential plan
- Weekday attendance: Commuters attend from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday.
- Commuter lunch: Lunch, academic programming and standard excursions are included.
Residential suites are separated by gender and share a common bathroom.
What happens after Human Genetics Summer Course?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Use practical laboratory experience to inform future biology study.
Explore pathways in biomedical research and genetic counseling.
Connect genetics with healthcare, pharmaceuticals and public health.
Receive a completion certificate and professor recommendation letter.
Reflect on course learning when planning future academic choices.
The program does not award college credit at this campus.
Where does Human Genetics Summer Course take place?
The program takes place on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor, a walkable college city with campus dining, residence halls and academic facilities. The wider campus experience may include local excursions, college-preparation activities and social programming.
The provider states that the University of Michigan does not run or control the program.
Human Genetics Summer Course FAQs
Students study DNA, inheritance, genetic disorders, bioinformatics and the relationship between genetics, medicine and society. Ethical questions around gene editing and genetic privacy are also discussed.
It emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratory experiments, simulations, case studies and genetic-data analysis. Practical techniques include bacterial transformation and genetic engineering.
The course has nine three-hour classes. Week one runs from 9am to noon Monday through Friday, and week two runs at the same time Monday through Thursday, with extra academic activity on Wednesday afternoon.
The named instructor is Christa Ventresca, PhD, who trained in genetics, genomics and bioinformatics and has taught biology at two Michigan universities.
Yes. Families may choose residential tuition or commuter tuition, with commuters attending weekday programming and receiving lunch.
Residential students stay in gender-separated university suites with roommates and a shared common bathroom. Basic linens, WiFi, laundry facilities and residential staff support are provided.
No college credit is awarded at this campus. Students receive a completion certificate and a professor’s recommendation letter after completing the program.
Applicants complete an online form with short-answer questions and agreements, meet the academic and eligibility criteria, and pay an application fee and program deposit.
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Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Ben Stacy
Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader
Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.
Sources and verification
Source types reviewed
- Main FAQ | Knowledge Base | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- Travel Logistics FAQ | Knowledge Base | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- General Information FAQ | Knowledge Base | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- (1) New Messages!
- (1) New Messages!
- University of Michigan | Campus | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- (1) New Messages!
- Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- 2026 HS 2-week Foundations of Human Genetics V2
- Tuition Protection Plan T&C
- Foundations of Human Genetics | University of Michigan Course | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
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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Application process checked
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