Green chemistry, also known as sustainable chemistry, is the practice of designing materials that reduce or eliminate the production of hazardous materials. During this program students will explore the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry and learn how this philosophy is changing the culture in chemical research and industry.
This program dives into green chemistry, a hot new area that is generating jobs for researchers in the industry as well as workers in the medical and health fields. Green chemists work on redesigning agricultural, industrial, and pharmaceutical products in order to reduce or eliminate the production of harmful and toxic byproducts. Green chemists also examine the effects of harmful chemicals on human and environmental health. Understandably, this is a booming area of job growth – a new, valuable field that is generating a wealth of employment opportunities.
Through guided lab activities and toxicology studies, teens will practice the process of developing an experiment, focusing on the importance of background research prior to developing an experimental design, how to incorporate effective controls, and the importance of demonstrating repeatable results.
Take the first step toward being a part of this program by completing an application. Joining the mailing list is another great step for those who need more info or time before applying.
This is a competitive admissions summer research program designed for teens
Cost and Session Information
June 30 - July 18, 2025 | Gann/Bentley, Waltham, MA
Testimonials(10)
"I really enjoyed this program because it gave me 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
"I appreciated the daily lab work and working with chemicals. I appreciated learning about the 12 principles of green chemistry and how different industries were applying these concepts to their work and products.
The field trips were wonderful and I appreciated seeing how chemistry(and esp green chemistry) is being used in the world right at this moment. These helped in my motivation to pursue green chemistry and material science."
- Student Comment- July 19, 2019
"Chemistry Research is a fascinating program that introduced us to the study of green chemistry. In this program we studied real-world problems in the eyes of a chemist, balancing both academics and experimentation.
Professor Ann Lambert provided great insight into the world of green chemistry and was supportive throughout the journey."
- Student Comment- July 19, 2019
"I liked that we learned about green chemical innovations and then applied those concepts in the lab. It was interesting to learn about these solutions, recreate them, and then test how they compared to the commercial product. I also like the field trips we went on."
- Student Comment- July 20, 2018
"In the chemistry program, we learned a lot about green chemistry and sustainability. We also take in the context of the 12 principles of chemistry and have hands-on experiences inside the labs, including those on the field trips. Our teacher is nice and always ready to help us with our materials."
- Student Comment- July 20, 2018
"I liked that the program involved a lot of lab work. We covered a wide range of topics as well, and got a good understanding of how green chemistry applies to many other fields. I liked the field trips to MIT and Beyond Benign too, where we could see real research in progress."
- Student Comment- July 20, 2018
'I liked the concept of green chemistry as a lens that Ann incorporated throughout the program. Through listening to her teach, it was clear that she really knew her chemistry. She was knowledgeable and helpful about labs and our independent research program.'
- Student Comment- July 21, 2017
'I liked learning about a different part of green chemistry everyday and applying the principles of green chemistry to the labs we were doing. Ann and Russell were great. They are both so knowledgeable in chemistry and were always able to answer my questions.'
- Student Comment- July 21, 2017
'The program was really informative and interesting and that's hard to happen regularly. So that's great! We did so many experiments which is a really good way to get the information easily and fun. Mrs. Lambert was really nice, helpful and have enough knowledge to answer all our questions. She's a great teacher...'
- Student Comment- July 22, 2016
'Mrs. Lambert's approach to green chemistry was extremely enjoyable... The focus on creating a presentation at the end was an engaging experience.'
The Boston Leadership Institute is an award-winning summer program for high-achieving teens. Since 2011, BLI has provided unique, engaging, and valuable opportunities to thousands of students from around the United States and the world. Led by highly qualified and decorated teachers and professors from the Boston area, the BLI lineup now covers Healthcare. The subject matter is challenging and exciting, and students gain important credentials to include on college applications...(more)
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...(more)
Ever wonder what is behind the mind of a criminal? Dive deeply into the pathology of a serial killer, the motive of a stalker, or the face of a domestic terrorist. In this class students will not only learn about the different mental illness often found in criminals but what to look for in a crime scene to help catch the perp...(more)
This action packed one week marine biology precollege program will provide students with foundational knowledge of the biology and ecology of marine ecosystems, with a specific focus on the methods that scientists use to study marine habitats...(more)
In this program, students will cover veterinary surgery by performing mock surgeries and bone-settings, research common afflictions such as canine distemper and rabies. They will also explore various methods of diagnosis, including how to detect pain through physical examinations and how to analyze imaging from x-rays, MRIs, and CT scans...(more)
Join one of the rare high school programs that allows teens a hands-on feel for performing surgery. Students dissect and suture under the guidance of experienced instructors while studying anatomy, terminology, and hot topics in medicine. This pre-med program sells out EVERY SUMMER. Join us this summer for this exciting academic program!..(more)
Jump into the world of finance and get a sneak peek into what financial analysts do on a day-to-day basis with the Boston Leadership Institute. Students will be exposed to the mathematical concepts and techniques used in finance and how to apply them to financial markets such as the stock market. ..(more)
The Clinical Psychology one week program provides and introduction to the fascinating world of mental illness: origins, symptoms, and treatment. Students will gain understanding of the major forms of mental disorders such as: Autism, Schizophrenia, Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depression, Eating Disorders, and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity...(more)
Biomedical engineers develop the medical technology that saves lives. In our Biomedical Engineering academic program, you'll spend half of they day in the classroom, developing skills in scientific reasoning and asking research questions, and half of the day in the lab practicing 3D printing, 3D design, DNA extraction, and much more. ..(more)
Take part in award-winning STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) teen academic virtual programs. These remote programs provide students with hands-on lab experience that is rarely accessible to them in school. ..(more)
Precollege students will explore how the latest DNA and genetic testing and technologies can be used by law enforcement and medical examiners to identify the perpetrator of a crime, how dentists can use dental records to identify unknown murder victims, and how bite marks can be used to identify the perpetrator...(more)
With TV shows like CSI and Bones being so popular, Forensics has become an important and exciting discipline in science. This is a chance for students to delve into a subject they don’t see in school! Perfect for those who are interested in Anatomy and Biology or crime, no other course combines these topics as well as Forensics...(more)
On this mission to Mars, students will design how we get there, how we land, how we survive once we are there, and if we are very lucky, how we get back to Earth....for those who wish to do so. This is a great pre-college program for teens interested in various fields like rocketry, physics, space biology, engineering, and 3D printing...(more)
Our pet med program is a fun and exciting way for middle school students to learn what it takes to be a veterinarian. Students will get to explore interesting methods of diagnosis, including how to detect pain through physical examinations, as well as how to analyze imaging from XRays, MRIs, and CT scans...(more)
Chemistry can be among the most challenging requirements for college-bound students. But these courses don’t have to be difficult! Our one week intensive courses are designed to give students who are in, or entering high school, an edge in their chemistry courses. ..(more)
When deciding on a career path, do you see yourself working an exciting and fascinating job where each day is different? Do you want to build long-term relationships with patients? Maybe you’re looking to go into a field that is always in demand. Luckily for you, primary care encompasses all of these qualities and more! BLI is now offering the perfect introductory program for students interested in general internal medicine, general pediatrics, family medicine, etc...(more)
Explore the great outdoors at the Boston Leadership Institute! This course takes full advantage of our location outside of Boston. Our gorgeous Dana Hall campus is situated just outside Boston adjacent to a variety of elements like forests, fields, rivers and more. Students will get their hands dirty exploring the various New England habitats, marshlands, forests, geology and more...(more)
Are you interested in a career in business? Do you see yourself becoming the next Bill Gates?
This program is perfect for students who are interested in a career in business, but don’t yet know which discipline to specialize in, because they will receive an introduction to many!..(more)
Do mysteries excite you? Do you dream of being a federal judge, prosecutor, defense attorney or expert witness? Do you dive into crime scene shows such as CSI, Criminal Minds, NCIS, and Law & Order or podcasts like Serial, Criminal and Someone Knows Something? Go behind the scenes and learn what happens during a murder investigation and the trial that follows...(more)
Students will be introduced to the Engineering Design Process through the design and fabrication of a small scale 3D printed race car. Research on aerodynamics and car design will inform each student’s car design as they fabricate, test and evaluate prototypes for a CO2 powered race car...(more)
Thinking about a career in Engineering? Employ electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer programming in challenging hands-on projects. This is ideal for the future engineer. ..(more)
n this program, students will work together to solve one extensive simulated crime. This material will be different from yet complementary to our popular one-week Forensics program. While the Forensics program teaches the minutiae of various lab techniques, fingerprinting methods, and more, this program will focus on solving a mystery. From crime scene intake to examinations, lab work, and deliberations, will you solve the crime?..(more)
Thinking of a career in Architecture or just looking for a way to combine your interests in STEM with design work? Take advantage of this amazing opportunity to learn the basics, from conception to the mechanics, with MIT-trained and multiple award-winning architects. ..(more)
This program is back for 2023! Join our mailing list to be the first to learn more - https://www.bostonleadershipinstitute.com/mailing-list/.
BLI's one-week pre-med Anatomy course is a jam packed dive into dissections, the skeletal system, neuroscience, and more. If you're a student who prefers a hands experience, join Anatomy and spends hours in the lab every day. ..(more)
This program covers the study, treatment, and research of cancer, including medical radiation and surgical oncology. Students will study the tell-tale signs of cancer, tackle the complex process of diagnosing, including the staging process, and provide a prognosis to a mock patient...(more)
Traditionally one of the most difficult high school science courses, this academic one week program will make learning the subject of physics more accessible and give you the edge to master your high school Physics class...(more)
In this brand new one-week business program, you’ll learn about brand identity, algorithm optimization, organic reach, and every other buzzword and strategy that can help your social media presence blow up. Try your hand at a variety of marketing techniques, such as designing a newsletter in Constant Contact, brochures or posters in Canva, and designing a brand logo in Adobe. ..(more)
Shark Week will explore not only sharks, but ALL monsters of the deep. You might build scale models to get a grasp on the true size of these aquatic predators, examine real shark teeth up close, plot shark sightings against seal populations, and so much more. ..(more)
Calling all athletes and sports fanatics! Explore what it takes to keep elite athletes in tip top shape on and off the field. Our new one-week Sports Medicine program will expose students to the medical methods that help athletes improve their athletic performance as well as recover from and prevent future injuries...(more)
Whether you’re looking for a one-week follow-up to Introduction to Surgery or a stand-alone program, Reconstructive Surgery is for every student. For those looking to continue their surgical education following Introduction to Surgery, this is the perfect option...(more)
Statistics can be an intimidating course. But, this statistics program is not like any statistics class that you will take in school. This program is specifically designed to show students how math is used in every day life from the exciting perspective of sports...(more)
Students will study space exploration missions, the increasingly detailed observations of planets we’ve recently reached, and the uniqueness of our own planet’s ability to harbor life. This one-week program is perfect for teens who are interested in Astronomy or Astrobiology. ..(more)
How do we prevent our most essential information from becoming public knowledge? How do government secrets stay safe? This is the work of cryptography. Without cryptography, the world would grind to a halt. Cryptographers are the critical gatekeepers of national security secrets, vital codes, and more...(more)
In this course, students will be introduced to some of the core principles of Big Data. Students may learn techniques related to controlling the costs and benefits of information processing. The course may focus on elements such as decision-making, data structure and analytical models...(more)
Since the advent of human life, we have looked to those luminescent points in the night sky with wonder and curiosity. How do we know the distances to various stars and planets? What is dark matter? Why do we need it? Is a black hole a hole? Do pulsars pulse? Venus is hotter than mercury, Sirius is hotter than our Sun – but wait, how do we know that? Explore these questions and much more with our BLI teaching team, which includes physics scholars from Harvard and Princeton!..(more)
Origins of Mental Illness is a one-week program for teens that explores the root causes of both common and esoteric mental disorders. We will explore the role of gender, socialization, “biological clocks,” and socioeconomic status in the onset of mental disorders...(more)
Students conduct biological research and explore the extremely hot topic of synthetic biology. This field aims to identify genes that cause genetic diseases, providing a jumping off point for therapeutic intervention. Come join us on the cutting edge of science this summer in our three week pre-college high school program!..(more)
Chart out the stars and constellations so you can look up at the night sky and KNOW what you’re seeing. Create a massive scale model of the planets and the distance between them, gaining a true understanding of the solar system’s enormity. Examine the beauty of refraction and reflection, using prisms like those used in telescopes, and create magical color patterns with the power to control them. Discover the cosmos in this brand-new Pre-High School program!..(more)
The Boston Leadership Institute’s STEM Entrepreneurship hands-on academic program covers what it takes to start a new STEM business. Students generate innovative and forward-thinking product ideas, explore viable opportunities and markets, and learn to write a sales pitch and business plan...(more)
The one-week Introduction to Surgery program will present students with basic surgical skills, such as surgical knot tying and suturing, and then allow them to translate these skills to mock surgeries...(more)
Dive into the terrifying, enchanting, mysterious world under the sea! In this program, we will explore a variety of topics related to all things under the sea. This program is perfect for students with an interest in marine biology as well as oceanography, eco-tourism, and marine conservation...(more)
Plastic and cosmetic surgery is about more than you may think. Learn how surgeons correct cleft palates, perform post-cancer reconstructive surgery, repair trauma deformities, treat burn victims, and much more in this new program...(more)
Thinking of pursuing a pre-med track? This introductory 1-week medicine program will introduce you to the world of surgery. Practice your hand-eye coordination and learn core surgical skills such as suturing and knot-tying and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a surgeon! Your journey starts now with BLI!..(more)
In this program, students will synthesize and explore the properties of polymers ranging from the fun, silly putty to those life-saving applications for medicine. This one-week summer program is designed for teens interested in materials science & chemistry...(more)
Some questions planetary scientists have been studying by using newly developed robot spacecrafts. With this new technology, they are observing planetary systems, replicating environments, and building theoretical models to connect the infinite unknowns of the universe...(more)
This program takes full advantage of our location on the coast in Boston. Wellesley is only a commuter rail ride away from ships departing for the Boston Harbor Islands. Students study high and low tides, venture into rivers and streams, and explore the various New England habitats...(more)
Do mysteries excite you? Do you dream of being a federal judge, prosecutor, defense attorney or expert witness? Do you dive into crime scene shows such as CSI, Criminal Minds, NCIS, and Law & Order or podcasts like Serial, Criminal and Someone Knows Something? Go behind the scenes and learn what happens during a murder investigation and the trial that follows...(more)
From “I can’t believe my eyes” magic tricks to breath-taking special effects on film, what is more fun than being tricked by an illusion? The answer? Finding out how to do these show-stoppers yourself! In the process, students will gain a wide variety of practical know-how and knowledge about the science and technology behind the seemingly impossible...(more)
This program does exactly what its name indicates: give students who might be struggling an edge in biology class. Taught by Regina Campbell-Malone who earned her PhD from MIT, this course covers many of the subjects the wide-ranging science often entails...(more)
Experience a rare, hands-on look at the nervous system and brain. Join an elite group of students who will study neurological diseases and disorders that require neurological intervention. This is a competitive admissions summer research program designed for teens...(more)
Calling all mini entrepreneurs! Do you have ideas to create the next best product on the market? Do you think you have what it takes to convince investors to believe in your product? Learn how you can make your dream a reality with Junior Shark Tank. Students will propose a business plan and create a presentation that they will pitch to a group of "investors"...(more)
Investment Banking is a program designed for teens with an interest in business and math. Is investment banking for you? Find out by reserving a seat for this one-week summer business program! Hands-on activities, film clips, and lectures bring the field to life. Sign up today!..(more)
A hacker targets a system. They attempt to infiltrate it in hopes of stealing precious financial and personal information. They could steal identities, bank account information…but they’re blocked! If it weren’t for cybersecurity specialists, criminals like these could threaten our global wellbeing. EVERYTHING is online. One flimsy safeguard and the system comes crashing down...(more)
Interested in applied math? Enjoy business? Whether you are imagining a side hustle flipping homes, renting out an AirBnB, or becoming a mortgage loan officer, luxury home builder, or real estate investment trust analyst, you will learn what it takes to get you there. This program will be brought to life with a series of hands-on activities such as conducting an appraisal of an actual home on the market, filling out a residential loan application, and constructing an amortization table...(more)
Bring math and applied statistics to life while studying one of the most lucrative career paths – luxury real estate and investment. Wendy Fox, the former Director of Marketing at Platinum Magazine, will teach students how to utilize trends, location, and investment...(more)
This one-week program is for students interested in understanding the process of drug discovery and development in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. The program provides an introduction to the knowledge required for a potential career in the pharmaceutical industry...(more)
Cooking and baking involve a deep understanding of chemical reactions, the building blocks of food, and molecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. How do they all come together? Why do some flavors taste so awful together?! How can one wrong move ruin a whole dish? Conversely, how can a few simple tricks create a masterpiece?..(more)
We’re DIVING into the exciting stuff!
Shark Week will explore not only sharks, but ALL monsters of the deep. You might build scale models to get a grasp on the true size of these aquatic predators, examine real shark teeth up close, plot shark sightings against seal populations, and so much more. ..(more)
Heart-thumping emergency scenes meet the latest breakthrough technologies in emergency medicine in this exciting new program! Students will preview actual case studies of trauma from accident scenes ranging from car accidents to the aftermath of natural disasters such as hurricanes or avalanches...(more)
This program is ideal for students who have outgrown traditional summer camps and are looking for something fun, yet challenging where they can spend time outdoors. Students can have fun in the sun while they learn about engineering basics, conducting a series of projects involving boats...(more)
This hands-on program, designed for high school students who are preparing to take high school Physics or have already completed it, covers critical laws of flight, gravity, and motion, as well as broader topics within aeronautics and aerospace technologies...(more)
Students will cover the human neural systems, provide a detailed look at the pathways and components of the visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, and somatosensory systems. The program will also cover the higher order processes and functions such as learning and memory, emotion, drugs and addiction, stress and sleep. Neuroscience is always one of our most popular programs! ..(more)
Want to save lives one person at a time? In this program, you’ll be presented with ill patients and be expected to diagnose the problem, outline a treatment plan, and provide a prognosis. Hands-on lab work will provide you with a look inside your “patients,” as will activities such as dissections, abdomen palpations, full patient workups, and much more...(more)
Hey future doctor, get your stethoscope ready! Mini Med School is now in session for Middle School Students. In this class, we’ll dive into various areas, focusing on a few new subject areas every day. What makes up a routine check up? How do you test a patient’s reflexes? What are you listening for in their breathing? What about the differences between pediatric physicals and adult check ups. How do you know if a child is developing properly?
..(more)
You’ll learn how to assess a newborn’s vital signs, explore common childhood diseases such as measles and mumps, identify neurological disorders, and examine the differences between pediatric medicine and neonatology.
This program will provide a fast-paced, hands-on glimpse into what it’s like to be a pediatrician. Students will gain insight into childhood diseases and contagion, bloodwork, and mental disorders of childhood diagnosis and treatments...(more)
Students will employ principles of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science while designing and assembling robotic vehicles and machines. Students' designs will be sophisticated enough to pass challenges that students assign to them, such as reacting to sound or finding and retrieving objects...(more)
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
