Unleash your curiosity and ignite a passion for the natural world. Arboretum Young Scientists is a free and immersive four-week summer program where Boston Public School rising 7th and 8th graders engage in hands-on outdoor exploration, delving into the captivating world of natural sciences amidst the lush beauty of Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum.
Program Highlights
- Explore the hidden lives of the plants and creatures found in the gardens and woodlands at the Arboretum.
- Engage in thrilling hands-on activities, investigations, and experiments.
- Connect with fellow explorers and create lasting friendships and memories.
- Learn about the Arboretum and get introduced to careers in the natural sciences.
- Get a behind the scenes look at the Arboretum through activities led by Arboretum Staff.
- Learn about ecosystems, soil composition, flower and plant adaptations, the importance of plant families, seed dispersal, and more.
- Create and present a final project showcasing all that was learned.
Summer 2025 Arboretum Young Scientists Information
Program Dates
The program runs for four weeks from July 7 to August 1, 2025, Monday through Friday from 9:00am–3:00pm.
Cost
This program is completely free of cost.
Eligibility
Rising 7th and 8th graders from Boston Public Schools.
Application Process
Applications will open January 6. More information coming soon.
Additional Details
- Lunch and snack will be provided daily.
- Transportation will be provided for those that want an alternative to taking public transportation or being driven. Bus pick-up/drop-off will be at several pre-designated, centrally located locations close to where students live. Enrolled students must be able to get to and from the bus locations on time.
- Communication with all accepted and enrolled participant families will be done through a WhatsApp community group, added by invitation leading up to the start of the program.
For questions about the program or assistance with the application process, please contact:
Katie Fox, Manager of Youth Education
Phone: (617) 384 – 5239
Email: katiefox@fas.harvard.edu
Download the program flyer in Spanish or download the program flyer in English.
