If you’re a high school student interested in exploring STEM outside of the classroom, consider enrolling in a STEM summer program!
You’ll gain hands-on experience, learn from mentors, and explore diverse fields such as biotechnology and environmental research. You’ll understand how research works by addressing real-world problems through experiments, simulations, data analysis, and modeling.
The San Francisco Bay Area, especially, is home to big-name companies, cutting-edge research labs, and renowned organizations, which offer great STEM internships or summer programs. These will help you build a portfolio, improve your college applications, and connect with professionals in the field.
To help you get started, we’ve rounded up 17 STEM summer programs in San Francisco for high school students.
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $5,950 each for Horizon Labs and Seminars courses | Need-based financial aid, with a maximum tuition waiver of 90%, is available for seminar courses
Application Deadline: March 23 (priority), April 20 (regular I), May 18 (regular II)
Dates: Summer cohort kicks off on June 16 | Lab schedules are flexible; however, an application should be submitted at least four weeks before the preferred start date
Eligibility: High school students—mostly 10th or 11th grade—with at least a 3.67 GPA | Specific prerequisites for some program tracks can be reviewed here
Horizon runs trimester-long research programs for high school students. STEM options include studying neurodegenerative diseases, mastering Python programming for machine learning, exploring gene editing, and using CRISPR for detecting and treating diseases.
Horizon offers over 600 research topics; you’ll choose a topic and research approach—qualitative or quantitative—and work closely with a mentor, a professor, or a PhD scholar from a recognized university. By the end of the program, you’ll write a 20-page, university-level research paper, which you can submit to academic journals. You can apply here.
2. UCSF Summer Student Research Program
Location: University of California, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free participation | $3,000 stipend for the summer
Application Deadline: February 14
Dates: June 2 – August 1
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors from underrepresented science backgrounds |
At least 16 years old by June 1 | Have finished a year of math and biology with at least a 3.0 GPA
This program gives high school and college students from diverse and under-represented backgrounds a chance to get hands-on experience in biomedical research at local clinics and labs. It includes one-on-one mentoring from healthcare professionals and researchers, workshops, training sessions, and networking opportunities. You can request the type of research you’re interested in; however, your project will be decided after you’re paired with a mentor. Over the 9-week program, you’ll join weekly seminars led by UCSF MDs and PhDs, take part in journal club discussions, and present your work at a research symposium.
3. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: AI Scholars – $2,290, AI Fellowship – $5,400, Combination (AI Scholars + AI Fellowship) – $6,900 | Complete need-based financial aid available for AI Scholars—apply here
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort | Upcoming summer cohort deadline is April 27
Dates: Multiple cohorts offered throughout the year
Eligibility: AI Scholars program open to all high school students | AI Fellowship requires a basic understanding of Python or completion of the AI Scholars program
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
4. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: Offered remotely or on-site at one of NASA’s 10 field centers, including the Ames Research Center in San Francisco
Cost/Stipend: Free participation | Interns may qualify for a stipend, depending on academic level and internship duration
Application Deadline: February 27 for the summer session
Dates: Available in Fall, Spring, and Summer, with exact dates depending on the specific opportunity | Summer session lasts 10 weeks, typically from late May or early June through August
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old, are U.S. citizens, and have a GPA of 3.0 or above
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships for high school and college students, with mentorship, training, and career development in space science, robotics, aeronautics, and space microbiology.
As an intern, you may be paired with a researcher to help design experiments, analyze data from missions, or develop new technology. You may also get the chance to attend virtual talks by astronauts and experts in space and science. This experience will equip you with skills that’ll benefit you in college and your future career. To check out internships for high school students, use the ‘Filter’ option on the NASA website.
5. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)
Location: Stanford University campus, Stanford (San Francisco Bay Area), CA
Cost: Free for all accepted participants
Application Deadline: March 17
Dates: June 23 – July 25
Eligibility: High school juniors who currently live in Northern California
This full-time, five-week summer program is designed for high school juniors from low-income backgrounds interested in science and medicine. During the program, you’ll be mentored by faculty and college students at Stanford Medicine and participate in a public health disparities research project.
You’ll complete a hospital internship at Stanford Hospital, where you’ll get hands-on experience, shadow professionals, and join discussions to learn about different medical careers.
6. Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford (San Francisco Bay Area), CA
Cost: No cost to apply or join GRIPS | Limited number of need-based scholarships available to support students who need additional help
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 16 – August 7
Eligibility: Local high school students who are at least 16 years old, live in Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz counties
The Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS) gives you the chance to spend your summer doing hands-on work in computational genetics and genomics and gain real research experience. It runs for eight weeks, with a 20-hour weekly commitment. You’ll join a research lab for the summer and work on a genomics project with guidance from a lab mentor. Along with your lab work, you’ll take part in required weekly sessions with your cohort, attend panels and seminars about careers in biomedical research, and have regular check-ins with your mentor.
7. CURE Internship Program at UCSF with the Science and Health Education Partnership
Location: University of California, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost to join the program | Students receive a stipend—exact amount not specified on the website
Application Deadline: February 16
Dates: Orientation on June 12 – 13 | Internship runs from June 16 – August 8
Eligibility: Current 11th graders who are at least 16 by the program start date | Students with at least a 2.5 GPA, having completed Biology or Chemistry with a B or better
This program allows high school juniors, especially those from underserved backgrounds interested in health-related fields, a paid, two-month chance to explore careers in biomedical research. You’ll work alongside UCSF faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students, helping you gain experience in basic, clinical, behavioral, and population science research. As part of the program, you’ll do your research project and present it at a one-day Research Symposium.
8. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford (San Francisco Bay Area), CA
Cost/Stipend: Free participation except for a $40 application fee, which can be waived if you have financial need—housing and meals not included | At least a $500 stipend with a need-based stipend of $2,500 or more through special grants
Application Deadline: February 22
Dates: June 9 – July 31 (8 weeks)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
This is a summer research internship for high school juniors and seniors to work on medical research projects alongside Stanford faculty, students, and researchers. The program includes eight research areas: bioinformatics, cardiovascular biology, stem cell and regenerative medicine, bioengineering, immunology, genetics and genomics, neurobiology, and cancer biology. During the program, you’ll attend lectures, do lab work, and create a research poster to present at the final session. You’ll also get the option to go for a bioengineering boot camp, which is hands-on but won’t involve lab research. Around 50 students will be selected this year; however, the final number will depend on lab space and funding.
9. The Lawrence Hall of Science Summer Teen Research Programs – Biotech Engineering and Innovations in Genetics
Location: University of California, Berkeley (San Francisco Bay Area), CA
Cost: Program costs $1,465 | Residential option, which covers on-campus housing, meals, and extra activities, costs an extra $1,255
Application Deadline: June 16 (Session 1), June 29 (Sessions 2 & 4)—applications reviewed on a rolling basis until spots fill up
Dates: June 23 – June 27 (Session 1), July 7 – July 11 (Session 2), July 21 – July 25 (Session 4)
Eligibility: Available to Bay Area high school students entering grades 10–12
The Lawrence Hall of Science at UC Berkeley offers high school students a week-long, hands-on opportunity to explore how scientific principles are applied in the real world. You’ll get a taste of college life by conducting research in university labs, meeting faculty and other students, and learning about different STEM fields, such as biotechnology and genetics.
In the Biotech Engineering and Innovations in Genetics program, you’ll explore biotechnology and learn how CRISPR is used to edit genes accurately and efficiently. You’ll also learn about sterile lab techniques and bacterial transformation with plasmid DNA and tour the Innovative Genomics Institute.
10. UCSF SEP’s High School Intern Program (HIP)
Location: University of California, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost to join the program | Part-time interns earn $3,200 post-internship |
Full-time interns get $4,500 post-internship
Application Deadline: March 2
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors enrolled in an SFUSD or San Francisco charter school
The UCSF SEP High School Intern Program is an 8-week paid summer internship, wherein a UCSF scientist will mentor you to complete your project in biomedical research. You can check out examples of past projects here.
You’ll be assigned a lab placement by a program coordinator, who’ll take into account your preferences and schedule and the lab locations available. You’ll also receive college counseling, which will equip you with the tools and information required to build your resume or personal statement and review transcripts. The program accepts 25 students per cohort.
11. Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology (ICLEM) by JBEI
Location: Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville (San Francisco Bay Area), CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost to attend, but students need to arrange for transportation | $3,000 stipend provided
Application Deadline: March 16
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Eligibility: Economically disadvantaged high school sophomores and juniors who are at least 15 years old, live in Alameda, Contra Costa, or San Francisco County | Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and have passed Algebra 1 and Biology
This is a paid summer program for high school sophomores and juniors from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. You’ll work on a microbiology research project with support from JBEI scientists and researchers, helping you gain experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, synthetic biology, and biofuels.
You’ll also go on industry field trips and take part in career exploration workshops to help you get ready for the college admissions process. You’ll meet STEM professionals, tour biotech and pharmaceutical companies, and build your science communication skills.
12. Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) at Stanford University
Location: In-person at Stanford University, Stanford (San Francisco Bay Area), CA or Virtual via Zoom
Cost: $1,595 (Virtual), $2,895 (In-person) | Scholarships are available for eligible students who can request financial aid as part of the application
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: CNV-X (Virtual), June 16 – June 27; CNI-X Sessions 1 & 2 (in-person), July 7 – July 18 | July 21 – August 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are between 14 and 18 years old
This two-week summer program will introduce you to neuroscience, psychiatry, and psychology through classes and a group capstone project. You’ll explore research studies in Stanford’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and learn about various topics, such as psychiatric epidemiology and behavioral science, from faculty and researchers.
This summer’s theme is “Clinical Neuroscience for the Whole Person,” and each session will highlight faculty working on innovative brain research or clinical care. You’ll work in teams of 8–10 to develop solutions to real-world psychology-, neuroscience-, or psychiatry-related challenges, which you’ll present at the final capstone session.
13. Meta Summer Academy
Location: Menlo Park, San Mateo County (San Francisco Bay Area), CA
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend | Stipend available
Application Deadline: February 14
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Eligibility: High school sophomores with a minimum of 2.0 Cumulative GPA | Full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City
Meta Summer Academy is a hands-on summer program for high school students to learn about AI and tech. You’ll work around 30 hours a week on projects that include coding with machine learning and deep learning, all with support from Meta professionals.
Beyond the tech side, the program covers ethical issues around AI and data use, giving you a better understanding of how these tools shape platforms and apps. While you’ll get to connect with many Meta employees, your direct interaction with them may be limited. You’ll be introduced to mentors through community emails and presentations.
14. Project SEED by American Chemical Society
Location: In-person and virtual research projects available | Some labs are located in San Francisco—find a full list of lab locations here
Cost/Stipend: No cost to join the program | $4,000 fellowship award or stipend to interns
Application Deadline: April 14
Dates: 8–10 weeks between June and August
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent grads who’ve completed at least one Chemistry class | Family income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, based on family size—confirm financial eligibility here
Project SEED is a paid summer program that gives high school students, especially those from under-represented communities, hands-on experience in chemistry research. If accepted, you’ll spend 8 hours a day for 8 to 10 weeks working at a university, government lab, or similar facility.
If it’s your first time joining, you’ll be part of the Summer I program, wherein you’ll work on a chemistry-related project with a scientist. If you return, you’ll enroll in the Summer II program that’ll allow you to continue your research or start a new one. The program helps you get ready for college and explore careers in chemistry, with a chance to present your work at the American Chemical Society National Meeting.
15. Stanford RAMP UP / STaRS Internship Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford (San Francisco Bay Area), CA
Cost/Stipend: Free to join—need to arrange your housing and transportation | Unpaid internship
Application Deadline: November 30
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Eligibility: High school and community college students from the U.S. and its territories | Students who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program
This is a 7-week program for high school and community college students interested in biomedical science or healthcare careers. It’s designed especially for students who are underrepresented in research, first-generation, or from low-income backgrounds.
You’ll work closely with mentors—Stanford faculty and postgraduate students—on real scientific challenges. They’ll help you learn lab techniques, improve your presentation skills, and lend advice about careers. You’ll also build skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and career planning. You can check out past intern experiences here.
16. High School Explainers Program at Exploratorium—High School Explainer
Location: Exploratorium, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost to join the program | Students get $18.93 per hour, based on San Francisco’s minimum wage
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots fill in | Once open, the application is available on the Exploratorium’s current openings page
Dates: June 7 – September 7
Eligibility: High school-aged students with a valid work permit, including those in traditional or alternate post-high school programs
The High School Explainer Program at the Exploratorium is a work-based learning opportunity for high school and early college students. You’ll work directly with visitors on the museum floor and explore exhibits, run demos, answer questions, and help out with daily tasks. You’ll complete up to 60 hours of training, wherein you’ll cover how to interact with visitors, explain exhibits, and understand informal science learning.
You’ll also help with museum operations, guide visitors, perform science demos, answer questions, support guests with special needs when needed, and help maintain and report any issues with the exhibits.
17. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Location: Virtually or in-person at Stanford University, Stanford (San Francisco Bay Area), CA
Cost: Online program costs $3,580 | The residential program costs $8,575.
Application Deadline: February 3
Dates: June 16 – July 4, July 7 – July 25 (Online program) | June 22 – July 18 (Residential program)
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11 | Students who are 18 or older during the program can only apply for the online version
The SUMaC program gives high school juniors and seniors a chance to dive into advanced math. You can join Program I or Program II, both of which focus on important mathematical ideas that connect to both history and current research.
The residential program in session 1 of Program I and II includes in-person activities and field trips, while the online version offers virtual social events, guest speakers, and learning support. The residential program takes 40 students, and the online program accepts 64.
Image source – University of California San Francisco