The Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology is an eight-week paid summer biotech internship program for high-potential, low income high school sophomores and juniors. Developed in partnership with UC Berkeley and the Joint BioEnergy Institute, the program seeks to broaden students' understanding of biotechnology and the careers available in this field. In addition to basic science and research, the program also exposes students to career exploration and preparation for the college application process, including field trips to local biotech companies, career talks with scientists, writing a college personal statement, meeting college admission and financial aid experts, and visiting college campuses. Students are paid a stipend of $1500, plus a scholarship of $500 upon successful completion of the program.

While the application process is rigorous, we place primary importance on the teachers' recommendation and the applicant's strong desire to learn biotech research skills and work hard during the summer. The student's GPA is considered, but is not a major factor in our selection process.

iCLEM Highlights (Video)

ICLEM students and instructors, class of 2011.

More about iCLEM

• "Program Gives Teens a Jump on Science" (Mercury News)
• "Science Program Targets Underprivileged Students" (ABC TV newsclip)
•  "iCLEM Provides Students with Hands-On Science Experience and a Salary"
  
• "A Summer with Science"
• "Taking Biofuels from the Lab to the Classroom"
• "Building an Energy Cathedral"
• "Not Your Typical Summer Job for High School Students"

We are no longer accepting applications for iCLEM for summer 2013. The application for summer 2014 will be posted to this website on January 1, 2014. The application deadline will be March 1, 2014.

Eligibility:

To qualify for iCLEM students must meet all the eligibility criteria listed below. Students must:

- be sincerely interested in science, technology, engineering or math

- be a current high school sophomore or junior (in the spring semester of the year they apply)

- attend a public high school in Alameda, San Francisco or Contra Costa counties

- be a US citizen or permanent US resident (with green card)

- be 16 years of age ot older by June 1 of the year they apply

- be from a family whose total household income is no more than $60,000.

Participating students typically have taken Algebra 1 and basic high school biology. Such coursework is not a requirement for admission and may be waived for students who show exceptional motivation.

For questions or additional information, please contact Kate Spohr.