High School

The Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science (TREES) Program is a unique, tuition-free, summer research and mentorship program offering hands-on environmental research opportunities to motivated high school students. Our goals are to introduce and inspire students towards careers in environmental science and health through a mentored research experience. Students work one-on-one with mentors on projects that they choose and design.

TREES enables students to:

  • Learn the scientific method of discovery
  • Develop ideas into a testable hypothesis
  • Research hypothesis and interpret the results
  • Explore careers through mentors, seminars, and field trips
  • Gain research experience to strengthen their college application
  • Learn to live greener

Curriculum

During the first two weeks of the program, students receive hands-on instruction in basic laboratory skills they will use later in their projects. The remainder of the program is an independent research project. Through their projects, scholars learn to take a scientific approach towards an environmental problem, conducting in-depth library research, training in scientific methodology, carrying out hands-on bench science, and where possible, fieldwork. Toward the end of the summer, students will write a research report and present their projects to invited guests to a public presentation. During Summer 2025, the program will take place between Monday, June 30th and Friday, August 8th.

TREES Sample Schedule
A small group of students sitting together around a table viewing material on laptops

Eligibility Requirements:

• Students must have completed grade 9, 10, or 11 by the summer
• Students should have a strong interest in learning about the environment and engaging in scientific research
• GPA at least 3.0/4.0
• Parental consent required
• Students must be able to commute to and from campus

 

Application Deadline:

Thank you for your interest! We are no longer accepting applications for Summer 2025.

Application Procedures:

When the application cycle is open, applicants will be expected to complete an online application form AND submit the following supplemental documents to ceet@pennmedicine.upenn.edu:
• A current official copy of your transcript
• Two letters of recommendation from your teacher or supervisors (Note: At least one of your letters must be from a math or science teacher.)- Letter of Recommendation Form
• A resume outlining your extra-curricular activities, honors, and/or previous job experiences (Note: Ask your guidance counselor for more details)
• Unofficial PSAT Score Report and SAT Score Report if available

If emailing application and supplemental documents, please include your name and the program name (TREES Program) and contact information.