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Why Join BioSpark
What Sets Us Apart
Discover the excitement of science in action with BioSpark, a hands-on biotechnology program designed to spark curiosity and build confidence in the lab. Step inside a real research environment, where you’ll conduct experiments using professional biotech techniques and learn directly from mentors and peers. BioSpark goes beyond the classroom—helping you gain practical lab
experience, strengthen critical thinking skills, and connect with industry experts. With a certificate of completion and valuable STEM experience, you’ll stand out on college applications and be better prepared for a future in science and innovation. Take the first step toward your biotech career—your journey starts here.
Step into a state-of-the-art biotech lab and experience real-world scientific discovery. Through engaging, hands-on experiments, you'll:
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Conduct advanced biotechnology techniques, including DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, and microbial culturing.
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Work alongside peers and mentors, solving scientific challenges through collaboration and critical thinking.
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Gain practical lab experience, preparing you for future academic and professional opportunities.
Hands-On Learning & Exploration
Colleges and universities value students who take initiative in STEM fields. BioSpark gives you a competitive edge by:
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Awarding a certificate of completion to enhance your college applications.
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Developing key skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and communication.
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Providing direct access to mentors and industry experts to help guide your next steps in science and biotechnology.
Take the first step toward your future in biotech—BioSpark is your gateway to innovation, discovery, and career readiness!
Shape Your Future in Biotech
Is BioSpark for You?
Are you a high school student in San Antonio or the surrounding area with a passion for science? If so, BioSpark is the perfect opportunity to explore the exciting world of biotechnology!
Ideal Candidates:
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Currently enrolled in high school with good academic standing (unofficial transcript required).
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Curious about biotech, medicine, or life sciences and eager to gain hands-on lab experience.
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Excited to work in a real lab, collaborate with peers, and solve scientific challenges.
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No prior lab experience? No problem! We welcome all experience levels and provide the support you need to succeed.
Programs for Students
Sharpen your scientific skills with an intensive week of practical training and project preparation.
Dive into in-depth research and complete a significant portion of your science project over two weeks.
Work part-time/full time for 4 weeks (We may chose from the current batch: May shadow a scientist, lab prep, curriculum development; must be eligible
to work in the US and must have BioSpark’s experience)
Preparing high school students for careers in life science. This program meets Thursdays (4-6PM online) and Saturdays (9AM-2PM) from
October through December. Teach them: making solutions, growing cells, isolating DNA, amplifying and digesting DNA, visualizing DNA,
enzyme activity BCSI testing) We may offer stipend/gift card.
Runs every school year from ___month till Regional science fair; teams are mentored on project ideas by Junior/Senior Scientist (provide 10 hours
Lab resources provided by Alamo BioCenter, Each team should have 10 or fewer students and a high school teacher or parent as the team leader(s).
If >10 students interested, we welcome participation of multiple teams from the same school. These teams can all be registered by the same team leader(s).
FAQs
You may submit an unofficial transcript when applying. However, we ask that you request your official transcript from your school and ensure it is sent to us before the program orientation day.
During the bootcamp, students will gain hands-on experience in various lab skills. Additionally, they have the option to take an on-site micro-credentialing exam offered by the Bioscience Core Skills Institute (BCSI), a third-party evaluator. An external assessor, independent of the bootcamp instructors, will evaluate students' proficiency in key lab skills.
This certification is optional, and students who choose to participate will need to pay an additional fee of $20 per microcredential. The four microcredentials offered are:
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Lab Safety
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Documentation & SOP (Standard Operating Procedures)
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Quantitative Lab Skills
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Lab Cleanup & Maintenance
Because not all students may want to take this certification, it is not included in the general bootcamp schedule but will be available as an additional opportunity.
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BioSpark follows a progressive learning model, where each day builds upon the previous day's experiments, for example:
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Introduction to lab safety and essential protocols
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Microbiology techniques and hands-on culturing
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DNA isolation using samples from previous day's experiment
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Introduction to bioinformatics and scientific databases for experimental design
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Data analysis, teamwork, and presentation skills—students will compile results, interpret findings, and present their work
Unlike traditional classroom learning, students won’t just read about experiments—they will design, conduct, and analyze their own. This immersive approach helps students connect concepts and understand how different techniques integrate in real-world biotech research.
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BioSpark uses high-school-safe biotech kits from a third-party vendor, developed specifically to ensure student safety while providing an authentic lab experience. These kits, along with high-quality reagents and materials, make up a significant portion of the program cost.
Additionally, students will be guided by highly qualified instructors, many of whom hold PhDs in advanced scientific fields. These experts have extensive experience mentoring high school students and understand the gaps in traditional science education. BioSpark is designed to fill those gaps, providing students with an unmatched, real-world biotech learning experience that is often unavailable in school labs or traditional internship programs.
Signing in with Gmail ensures that your uploaded transcript remains secure and protected. This authentication helps us maintain the privacy of your information while allowing you to safely submit necessary documents.
Yes! BioSpark is open to all high school students, including freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
BioSpark is a five-day intensive program, with each day focusing on a different segment: Lab Safety, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, and Bioinformatics. On the final day, students will present their findings, showcasing their hands-on research and analytical skills.
BioSpark is an ever-evolving bootcamp format that adapts based on the interests and feedback from previous cohorts. Although we can't promise the same structure each time, we are eager hear about your learning preferences, so feel free to share your thoughts
There are students who could benefit from financial assistance. Each cohort, we reserve a few spots for sponsored students. If you are interested in sponsoring the bootcamp training for one or more students, please reach out directly to our Chair at Niti@AlamoBioCenter.com. Your support can help shape the future of aspiring young scientists!
