• Full summer availability and a commitment to work with your lab 35+ hours a week
• Willingness to participate and engage in a professional setting with a positive attitude
• To follow and comply with program rules and expectations
• Completion of pre-KEYS assignments that are due before the start of the program
• Timely completion of course assignments during program dates

The first week of the program is Training Week. You spend the week with program staff being trained in the necessary skills you need to be successful working in your lab. The second week through the final week of the program, you work full-time with your research lab. Once a week you will meet with program staff and peers for Science Seminar. During Seminar, you receive presentations from University of Arizona colleges and researchers, practice your presentation skills, and prepare to create your research poster.

• 3 credits of University of Arizona MCB 103 coursework
• Up to 4.0 entering University of Arizona GPA (dependent on success in internship)
• Assured admission to the University of Arizona W.A. Franke Honors College
• Recommendation letters for college, program, or internship applications
• Increased potential to work in a University research lab following your internship
• Lasting friendships
• Preference for KEYS Crew mentor positions in future KEYS cohorts

Program staff work diligently to ensure that you are placed into a laboratory based on your research interests. Part of the KEYS Internship is developing professional skills, such as working in new and diverse environments.

No. However, we will be looking for your passion for science when evaluating your application. 

Your application is evaluated on your passion for science, willingness to learn, communication ability, and ambition to pursue STEM. 

1. Submit a completed program application by the deadline of December 13, 2024. 
2. If your application qualifies you, an invitation to interview will be sent to your email.
3. Interview with program staff.
4. If your interview qualifies you, an invitation to be part of the KEYS program will be sent to your email.

Students who have previously taken at least one science class will be better prepared to succeed in KEYS, but will not disqualify you when being selected for the program. KEYS program staff and University of Arizona lab staff will work with students to help them learn the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in their research projects. 

Applicants will receive an email about their interview status by the middle of February, and acceptance in the program by the end of March. Check your email frequently - including your junk/spam mail. Applicants on the waitlist may not hear of the final decision until the end of April.

KEYS is a free program; generous program donors ensure students can participate without cost being a deterrent. We do offer financial aid and/or resources for associated costs such a University of Arizona CatCard, parking permit, meals, transportation, and financial support to supplement leave of absence from current employment to participate in KEYS during the seven week internship.

The 2025 internship will begin on June 2nd and will end on July 18th.

Applications for the 2025 KEYS Research Internship program will open November 1, 2024 and close on December 13, 2024. 

University of Arizona policy requires that all students working full time in a university laboratory be 16 years of age or older. For that reason, you must be 16 years old on the first day of the program to be eligible for KEYS. There are no exceptions made to this rule, and we will not accept applicants who will not be 16 years old by the first day of the program (June 2, 2025).  

Meeting any of the following criteria:

• If you live in Arizona for more than 9 months of the year.
• If one or more parent/legal guardian are residents of the state and custody is shared. 
• The question of residency for state income tax purposes cannot be answered by a general rule but depends largely on the circumstances of each case. 
• Generally, no one single factor is controlling, but all relevant facts must be considered in determining residency. The determination of residency is dependent on physical presence and an intent to abandon the former residence and remain in the new residence for an indefinite period of time. For more detailed information, visit the Arizona Department of Revenue website.

You can find your weighted and unweighted GPA on your transcript, or you can ask your school administration office/academic advisor. 

Select teachers or counselors that you know well. They will be able to give more specific information, which will help during the application review. Please make sure to ask your recommenders to provide a recommendation for you and let them know you will be providing their contact information on your KEYS application. KEYS staff will contact your recommenders and ask them to fill out a recommendation form. No letters of recommendation will be accepted; only the KEYS recommendation form will be considered. 

Yes, so they are aware of our program policies and expectations.

Email keys@bio5.org and inform program staff what edits you need to make to your materials. Do NOT submit another application form.

You can see the materials received by logging in to the KEYS application portal and viewing the status page. If you have any questions please contact the KEYS email at keys@bio5.org or call 520-626-8124.

There is no fee to apply.

You can reach us at keys@bio5.org or call us at 520-626-8124.

High school students aged 16 years of age or older by June 2, 2025, and have a minimum of one year Arizona residency.

Kelle Hyland
KEYS Program Manager
khyland@bio5.org
520-626-6192

No, KEYS will not be providing campus housing for the 2025 KEYS Research Internship. If you live outside of the Tucson area, please ensure you have a local housing option prior to applying. KEYS staff are unable to provide any guidance or suggestions regarding housing options for KEYS participants.