Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology (iCLEM)

The Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology (iCLEM) is a paid summer science program at the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) for economically disadvantaged high school sophomores and juniors in the San Francisco Bay Area. It aims to deepen students' understanding of biotechnology, microbiology, and biomanufacturing. Participants complete a hands-on research project in a JBEI laboratory, mentored by JBEI researchers and UC undergraduates. Along the way they learn core concepts in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biofuels, and synthetic biology. The program also covers college preparation, including writing and revising a personal statement, and career exploration through conversations with STEM professionals and visits to local biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. The 2026 program opened with a mostly virtual prep week from June 8 to June 12, followed by six weeks of in-person research at JBEI's laboratories in Emeryville, California, from June 20 to August 1, 2026. Students received a $3,000 stipend.

Open to current high school sophomores and juniors who live in Alameda, Contra Costa, or San Francisco County. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents, have at least a 2.5 GPA, and have passed Algebra 1 and Biology. For 2026, students had to be 16 by June 15, 2026, and have household income below $120,800 (family of four) in Alameda or Contra Costa County or $156,650 in San Francisco County. Students must commit to a mostly virtual prep week plus six weeks of in-person lab research in Emeryville, CA. Application: current transcript, personal statement, a statement on why you are applying to iCLEM, and the name and email of a teacher who can provide a reference. Late applications are not accepted.