Take part in our award-winning summer STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) teen academic programs. Gifted students will engage in experimental research & take exciting field trips. Topics include Biology, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Robotics, STEM Entrepreneurship, and more.
One-week programs allow students with limited free time the opportunity to dive into a unique STEM subject. These are also an excellent way to mix and match several subjects, helping students decide what they feel most passionate about.
Three-week research programs offer an exclusive opportunity for high school students to study at an advanced level. Whether it’s in the lab, on a field trip to Boston’s famed facilities, or presenting their individual project to the class, BLI three-week students join an elite group who experience college-level academia before graduating from high school.
One-week edge programs offer students the chance to get ahead of the curve when preparing for math, science, or AP courses. Whether it’s to get a better score in Chemistry, get a five in AP Biology, or to strive in Physics, Edge programs will prepare you for that task.
SCIENCE: For students who envision themselves making discoveries in the lab or developing groundbreaking cures, a three-week research program will be a dream come true. Not only do the Science programs allow students the opportunity to clock hours upon hours in the lab, but many are BLI’s flagship programs. Having been honed over time and led by teachers with incomparable lists of accomplishments, these programs are perfect for the future scientist.
ENGINEERING/TECH: Given that engineering is one of the most lucrative career paths, it does a student well to select this area of study early on. BLI offers programs in robotics, aerodynamics, mechanics, and more, all of which require students to develop advanced critical thinking skills and techniques. Whether it be an airplane or a prosthetic limb, high school students rarely have the opportunity to study the inner-workings of our most fascinating technology like they do in BLI’s Engineering programs.
MEDICINE: For students on the pre-med track, there is no better credential to add to a college application than a three-week, competitive admissions research program. Students may practice suturing skills, emergency procedures, or anatomy research, spending hours each day in the lab assisted by experienced TAs and outstanding instructors. Future medical students will thrilled by the active, hands-on nature of BLI’s Medicine programs.
Reviews (4)
Forensic Pathology, Simmons College Campus: Academics, Campus Life, and Leisure
Reviewed
on Sep/06/2016 by Marc Calza
There are really three components to this program, like many other away-from-home summer programs: academics, campus and dormitories, and leisure. Then, my final thoughts.
Academics: I had Rich Fox for forensic pathology for three weeks, and the takeaway as a student is "Wow". There were roughly a dozen in our class, so if there were any issues or suggestions as to the direction of the course (which projects the students thought interesting, particularly), you would not go unheard. Mr. Fox very much knows how to utilize his time and marshal his resources appropriately as we examined live (and dead) insects; cast our own dental, shoe, and finger impressions; and watched Forensic Files with notes pertinent to the forensics topic of the day (and much, much more). With his connections he accessed us to the Boston Police Headquarters through its ballistics, fingerprinting, and DNA labs, as well as the Harvard Museums' art forensics labs--both very enlightening experiences. He, in other words, was never without the sort of passions and commitments of a true teacher.
Campus and dormitories: I'm not one to complain much, but in the dog-days of summer where 90-to-100-degree heat is not atypical, air conditioning in Simmons Hall was absent. Though it was unfortunate that (to my knowledge) it was the only hall not to have AC, it was met at some displeasure that the hallways themselves were hotter that the beautiful and gated (safe) campus grounds. The cafeteria food is average, but board and card games, a BBQ, a gym and swimming pool, and ice-breakers made dorming there at times much easier.
Leisure: There is ample and mostly non-mandatory (though highly recommended!) activities on the afternoons and weekends. Trips to the neighborhoods (accessible by the T (subway) or bus) such as Chinatown, the North and South Ends, and Fenway-Kenmore's Fenway Park, and to museums such as the Isabella Stewart Gardner and the Museum of Fine Arts, quite within walking distance. North up the College's adjacent Brookline Avenue are a multitude of restaurants, a Target, a movie theater, and the nearby train/subway station. All events are scheduled by personable counselors (given enough people) and are reasonable and caring with and for the students.
Final thoughts: BLI, like many other STEM summer programs, is what you make of it. If you don't do any work in the day, stay in the cafeteria in the afternoons, and rest at an early bedtime without exposure to the Bostonian culture, then it's largely not the program's fault for your displeasure. But, for many of us including myself: if you find adequate interest and invest the needed time in your STEM projects, explore the local shops and stores with friends in the afternoons, and immerse yourself in the activities provided amply by the counselors in the evenings, then Boston Leadership Institute will certainly be met, as it largely has been, with high regards.
Chemistry Research
Reviewed
on Dec/28/2015 by Ivy League Deferral
As a relatively high-achieving student in my junior year of high school, I decided it would be best for me to spend my summer enriching my knowledge base in order to perform, as a true intellectual, better. What other place for me but Boston Leadership Institute? Dana Hall, set on a campus that is right by a campus that is home to one of America's top colleges (for women), boasts what one could expect from a prestigious, all-girls boarding school: fully-stocked high school labs with a chemical storage room set squarely in between a small auditorium and a lecture hall (both used for summer children's plays and all unlocked), paths, and grass. Endless opportunity for all who desire awaits the attendees of BLI and my personal experiences here lead me to advise you not to defer your decision to apply any longer.
Biological research is amazing
Reviewed
on Dec/28/2015 by Fausto Capelluto
BLI is a beyond this world experience. I did the Biological Research program and lived in the dorms. Dana hall a beautiful campus to stay in, with numerous activities such as tennis, soccer, lacrosse and an Olympic pool. The program itself is a a very valuable learning experience. How it worked was that we would have fascinating lectures on recent biotechnology innovations in the morning and we would do lab work during the afternoon. The lab work is great because it gives you real experience on lab procedures such as gel electrophoresis which is equivalent to gold when looking for internships or work in the field. The most interesting part however, was the research projects. We got the opportunity to think up our own GMOs based on facts. Throughout the three weeks you can work on the project with extremely supportive and enthusiastic staff, who answer all your questions and even inspire you to reach further. Overall, the program is awesome and worth every penny. I also made a lot of friends there that I still stay in touch with today, so I have quite a collection of wonderful memories.
The Boston Leadership Institute is...
Reviewed
on Jun/25/2014 by preetham
The Boston Leadership Institute is a great program, and it gave me a new perspective with what I want to do as a major for college. I learned a lot of new information, and techniques which will help me in the future. The teachers are great, and people are friendly. By going to The Boston Leadership Institute program, you can meet people from all over, America, the world. My time at BLI was great, and I recommend it to anybody who is interested in STEM.
"Both the program and the teachers were incredible. I truly enjoyed everything we did from our in-class lectures to labs and dissections to our field trips. The program is constructed to give the students the best experience possible and I'm very glad I came. The teacher is also very interested and excited about the material, which proceeds to make the students more interested."
- Student Comment- August 2, 2019
"I really enjoyed the program. In the morning we had lectures. In the afternoon we had a lab based on a lecture so that we understood the concept even better. I also liked the project at the end of the 3 weeks. I learned a lot during class but also while researching my project. The teachers were helpful and knowledgeable."
- Student Comment- August 2, 2019
"I really enjoyed this program because it gave me a good insight into what working as a chemistry research scientist is like. I enjoyed how much lab time we had and that we did a variety of activities and learned about a variety of topics. This gave me a good taste of a wide array of scientific topics. I thought that my teachers were engaging and knowledgeable."
- Student Comment- July 19, 2019
"The program was very interesting and engaging and I learned a lot in a short period of time. The teacher was very knowledgeable and rehearsed and could answer all of our questions."
- Student Comment- August 10, 2018
"I learned so much from this program that I wouldn't have been able to accomplish without it. I learned key lab techniques and performed labs that will prove to be extremely useful in the future."
- Student Comment- July 13, 2018
"I liked the experience I got being around many other people similar to me but from all different parts of the world. I also loved the class as I improved both my presentation skills and my knowledge and view of the medical field."
- Student Comment- August 3, 2018
'It was a very great program. I had an experience that my school could never give me. I see equipment that I have never seen before. We learned with some entertainment along the way.'
- Student Comment- July 15, 2016
'I really enjoyed my time here. The morning lecture and afternoon lab was really fun. It was cool to be able to learn about something and then perform it. All my teachers were really cool and fun. I learned a lot and had a great time on the field trips. Overall, it was a great experience and I would recommend it to others. '
- Student Comment- July 22, 2016
'The program was so fun and a great and new experience. Lab sessions were very exciting... Teachers were very friendly, caring and nice, it was a pleasure attending this program with these great teachers.'
- Student Comment- August 4, 2017
'I loved how hands-on the program was. I felt the combination of class time with real labs immediately following was very beneficial. I loved the teachers for their drive for the subjects they taught and their witty humor. I also enjoyed talking to them outside of the classroom setting.'
- Student Comment- July 21, 2017
Write a Review For Boston Leadership Institute: STEM Summer Programs
"*" indicates required fields
We value your privacy
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. See Privacy Policy
We’re here to help you find teen-centered academic and enrichment opportunities that you never knew existed. By creating an account, you will be able to save your favorites, request information via pre-populated contact forms, and submit reviews. We will also be able to tailor our communications to your stated interests and preferences.
Recently Updated
Recently Updated.jpg)
There are really three components to this program, like many other away-from-home summer programs: academics, campus and dormitories, and leisure. Then, my final thoughts.
Academics: I had Rich Fox for forensic pathology for three weeks, and the takeaway as a student is "Wow". There were roughly a dozen in our class, so if there were any issues or suggestions as to the direction of the course (which projects the students thought interesting, particularly), you would not go unheard. Mr. Fox very much knows how to utilize his time and marshal his resources appropriately as we examined live (and dead) insects; cast our own dental, shoe, and finger impressions; and watched Forensic Files with notes pertinent to the forensics topic of the day (and much, much more). With his connections he accessed us to the Boston Police Headquarters through its ballistics, fingerprinting, and DNA labs, as well as the Harvard Museums' art forensics labs--both very enlightening experiences. He, in other words, was never without the sort of passions and commitments of a true teacher.
Campus and dormitories: I'm not one to complain much, but in the dog-days of summer where 90-to-100-degree heat is not atypical, air conditioning in Simmons Hall was absent. Though it was unfortunate that (to my knowledge) it was the only hall not to have AC, it was met at some displeasure that the hallways themselves were hotter that the beautiful and gated (safe) campus grounds. The cafeteria food is average, but board and card games, a BBQ, a gym and swimming pool, and ice-breakers made dorming there at times much easier.
Leisure: There is ample and mostly non-mandatory (though highly recommended!) activities on the afternoons and weekends. Trips to the neighborhoods (accessible by the T (subway) or bus) such as Chinatown, the North and South Ends, and Fenway-Kenmore's Fenway Park, and to museums such as the Isabella Stewart Gardner and the Museum of Fine Arts, quite within walking distance. North up the College's adjacent Brookline Avenue are a multitude of restaurants, a Target, a movie theater, and the nearby train/subway station. All events are scheduled by personable counselors (given enough people) and are reasonable and caring with and for the students.
Final thoughts: BLI, like many other STEM summer programs, is what you make of it. If you don't do any work in the day, stay in the cafeteria in the afternoons, and rest at an early bedtime without exposure to the Bostonian culture, then it's largely not the program's fault for your displeasure. But, for many of us including myself: if you find adequate interest and invest the needed time in your STEM projects, explore the local shops and stores with friends in the afternoons, and immerse yourself in the activities provided amply by the counselors in the evenings, then Boston Leadership Institute will certainly be met, as it largely has been, with high regards.