About

Historically, GL4HS was a four-week, synchronous intensive, but starting in 2025 and continuing into 2026, the program has changed in format and expanded in scope. Currently, NASA GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS) is a free, 12-week asynchronous training program sponsored by NASA’s Ames Research Center. The program invites rising high school juniors and seniors to immerse themselves in space life sciences, with a particular emphasis on omics-based bioinformatics—the science of analyzing complex biological data, such as genetic codes, to understand how living systems adapt to spaceflight. The 2026 session runs from June 1 through August 21 and is primarily self-paced, offering students significant flexibility.

GL4HS focuses on developing skills in space biology research and computational analysis techniques. Participants learn to apply bioinformatics methods to NASA’s Open Science Data Repository (OSDR), explore real-world space biology questions, and develop oral presentation skills. Students who choose to participate in the optional Capstone Project work in self-formed teams of four to prepare a hypothesis-based research proposal. Throughout the 12 weeks, students have access to optional live office hours and mentorship from NASA researchers and guest lecturers.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents attending a U.S.-based high school, have completed at least one high school biology course, and maintain a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0. The application for the 2026 cycle requires digital transcripts and personal responses, with a deadline of April 10, 2026 (or earlier if the application limit is met). While GL4HS does not provide a stipend or residential housing, it offers high-level scientific training and access to advanced computational biology workflows at no cost.

The program bridges the gap between high school biology and professional bioinformatics, giving students practical experience with real NASA research data and preparing them for future STEM careers in the space sciences.