The Center for STEM Education, Computational Skills, and Community Engagement – known as Arecibo C3 (AC3), developed at the facilities of the former Arecibo radio telescope – announced its Summer Explorations 2026 program: “The Science of DNA,” an innovative educational offering aimed at middle and high school students, being the only camp in Puerto Rico dedicated to the study of DNA in a real laboratory setting.
Through this immersive experience, participants will have the opportunity to delve into the world of genetics and biotechnology, exploring disciplines that are transforming areas such as medicine, environmental conservation, and scientific research. Through practical experiments, students will learn to extract DNA, use microscopes, analyze genetic data, and work with tools and techniques currently used by scientists worldwide.
“The goal of these explorations is to awaken scientific curiosity and offer authentic experiences that bring students closer to STEM careers from an early age,” stated Jason Williams, Associate Director of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center (DNALC) and Principal Investigator at Arecibo C3. “We aim for each participant not only to learn, but also to develop confidence and a lasting passion for research and discovery.”
The program is based on the curriculum of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center (DNALC), recognized as a world leader in pre-university education in genetics and biotechnology, and offered exclusively in Puerto Rico through AC3. As part of the experience, students will work with advanced laboratory technology and participate in real experiments, acquiring key skills for their academic and professional future.
The Summer Explorations consist of one-week sessions, designed to offer a complete experience or combine several weeks to delve deeper into different topics. The summer programs take place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The academic offering is organized by school level. For middle school students (grades 5th to 8th), the explorations “Fun with DNA,” from June 1st to 5th, and “The World of Enzymes,” from June 8th to 12th, will be offered. Meanwhile, high school students (grades 9th to 12th) can participate in “Science of DNA,” from June 15th to 19th, and “DNA Barcoding,” from June 22nd to 26th, both at the Arecibo C3 facilities, located at the historic Arecibo Observatory. Additionally, seeking to broaden access to these experiences, in collaboration with the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust, programs will be offered at their facilities in the metro area aimed at this same level, including “DNA Barcoding,” from June 15th to 19th, and “Science of DNA,” from July 6th to 10th, 2026.
These summer camps are part of Arecibo C3’s mission to position Puerto Rico as a hub for accessible scientific innovation, the development of young talent, and the promotion of using STEM to solve real-world challenges in society.
The organizers announced that scholarships will be available for qualifying students, as part of their commitment to expand access to high-quality STEM educational opportunities.
For more information and registration, interested parties can visit: https://areciboc3.org/es/visit/summer-science-explorations/.