If you’re a high schooler based in or around Orange County, CA looking for a way to spend your summer, consider a summer program! Whether you’re interested in STEM, the arts, research, or career exploration, summer programs are designed to help you build advanced skills, gain practical and professional experience, and work closely with professionals in your field of interest.
Orange County, CA, is home to several top universities, such as the University of California and Irvine Valley College, which may provide programs at reduced tuition fees. Choosing summer programs for high school students in Orange County, CA, can also be a smart financial decision; it eliminates the need for travel or housing while still offering high-quality instruction and mentorship.
In this guide, we have listed 15 summer programs for high school students in Orange County, CA, looking to make the most of their summer. They also include a few virtual summer programs that allow students in Orange County, CA, to apply.
15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Orange County, CA
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available | None
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June) | Summer cohort: June 1
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November) | Summer cohort: May 10
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school | Must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. It offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs you with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can find more details about the application here. Even though the program isn’t run by a university, completing it may make you eligible to receive UCSD credit.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available | None
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility: AI Scholars: All high school students | AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
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, you will be 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, you will 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 and apply here.
3. Pomona College Academy for Youth Success (PAYS)
Location: Pomona College, CA
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Dates: June 22—July 18
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: Current 9th-grade attending school in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Ventura Counties
PAYS is a selective, fully-funded summer program designed to support high-achieving 9th graders from underrepresented or low-income backgrounds. As a participant, you’ll spend four weeks living on the Pomona College campus, taking college-style courses in math and critical inquiry. Beyond academics, the summer includes field trips, community-building events, and exposure to cultural and professional experiences. Once admitted, you’ll remain in the program for three years, with academic-year workshops and continued college prep support. You’ll also work closely with teaching assistants and mentors to strengthen your writing, communication, and analytical thinking skills.
4. California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS)
Location: University of California, Irvine, Orange County
Cost/Stipend: $5,256 + $44 application fee; full and partial scholarships available | None
Dates: UCI, UCSD: July 6 – August 1 | UCD, UCLA, UCSC: July 6 – August 2
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: California high school students entering grades 9–12 | Desirable GPA of 3.5 or higher
COSMOS at UC Irvine is a competitive four-week residential STEM program that allows you to explore advanced topics in science and engineering under the guidance of university faculty. You’ll select one focus area—or “cluster”—for intensive study. Past cluster themes have included data science in healthcare, sustainable aviation, and brain bioengineering. Working in pairs or small teams, you’ll engage in lab research, fieldwork, and collaborative problem-solving. The program culminates in a research poster presentation where you share your findings with peers and faculty. COSMOS is ideal if you’re looking for rigorous academic exposure in a university setting.
5. UCI Cancer Research Institute’s Summer Youth Science Fellowship Program
Location: Cancer Research Institute, University of California, Irvine
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Dates: June 23—August 1
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors enrolled in Orange County High Schools | Must have completed one biology and chemistry/lab class
This six-week commuter program offers high school students the chance to contribute to cancer research at UC Irvine. You’ll spend over 30 hours each week in the lab, working closely with a mentor to develop and execute an individual research project. The program ends with a research symposium where students present their findings to peers and faculty. Only 20 students are accepted, making the program highly selective. It’s a strong option if you want to explore biomedical science in a university setting. You can expect a full-time lab schedule, real technical training, and a preview of what working in biomedical research feels like.
6. California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA)
Location: California Institute of the Arts, Santa Clarita. While not in Orange County, it is approximately. 70 miles from Orange County.
Cost/Stipend: CA State Residents: $4,830; Out-of-State and International Students: $9,977 | None
Dates: July 5 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students between grades 8-12 from California | a limited number of out-of-state applicants may also apply
CSSSA is a four-week immersive arts program where you can train in disciplines such as animation, music, theater, visual arts, film, dance, and creative writing. You will live on campus and follow a structured curriculum that includes studio practice, lectures, field trips, and guest workshops. Each applicant must submit a portfolio or audition piece specific to their chosen field. You’ll earn three units of CSU Extension credit and graduate as a California Arts Scholar. The program is designed for students seeking rigorous pre-professional arts training. It’s particularly valuable if you’re preparing a portfolio for college applications or conservatories.
7. City of Hope Cancer Center’s Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy
Location: City of Hope Cancer Center, Duarte, CA (45 minutes from Orange County)
Cost/Stipend: None | $4,500
Dates: June 2—August 8
Application Deadline: March 12
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older | U.S. citizens or permanent residents
This 10-week biomedical research program places you in an active lab at City of Hope, where you’ll join a research team and contribute to ongoing projects. You’ll have the opportunity to choose your own research focus and develop a project aligned with your interests in cancer biology, molecular medicine, or related fields. Past projects have explored topics such as neural stem cell delivery systems and RNA-based therapies. In addition to lab work, the program includes weekly seminars, workshops, and professional development sessions. You’ll produce a formal research report and present your findings at a final poster symposium. This opportunity is ideal for students looking to build serious experience in biomedical research.
8. Summer Engineering Workshop at Chapman University
Location: Swenson Family Hall of Engineering, Orange, CA
Cost/Stipend: $75 per session (includes lunch and take-home project) | None
Dates: June 23 – July 21 (various one-day workshops offered Mondays–Fridays)
Application Deadline: Typically mid June
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–12
Chapman’s Summer Engineering Academy offers a series of one-day, hands-on workshops where you’ll explore real-world engineering topics in campus maker spaces. There will be a new theme each day, ranging from Python programming and Arduino-powered smart cars to machine learning, game development, and prototyping with 3D printers and laser cutters. Projects are designed to be completed in a single session, and you’ll leave each day with something you’ve built yourself. Chapman engineering undergraduates and faculty guide the workshops, providing insight into college-level engineering in a supportive environment. You’ll learn essential skills like soldering circuits, writing code, and designing hardware using industry-standard tools and software.
9. CHOC’s Medical Intelligence and Innovation Institute (Mi4) Summer Internship Program
Location: Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), Orange, CA
Cost/Stipend: None (limited support may be available for transportation and housing for low-income students) | None
Program Dates: June 16 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: All high school students
Hosted at CHOC’s Medical Intelligence and Innovation Institute, this selective summer internship is designed for high school students interested in medical research, innovation, and technology. Over eight weeks, you’ll explore emerging areas like nanomedicine, AI in healthcare, robotics, genomic medicine, and medical device development. The program includes clinical shadowing, participation in a journal club focused on artificial intelligence in medicine, and guided research on a proposed healthcare innovation. You’ll also attend workshops led by clinicians and researchers and develop a final project or abstract. Exceptional students may have the chance to present their work at the international AIMed conference.
10. UCI x GATI’s BEAM Program
Location: University of California, Irvine, Orange County
Cost/Stipend: $9,995; financial aid available | None
Dates: July 6 –19
Application Deadline: March 21
Eligibility: All high school students
UCI and the Gifted and Talented Institute (GATI) jointly offer the BEAM Program—Biology, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Medicine—which gives high school students a deep dive into applied STEM learning. You’ll explore fields like aerospace engineering, mechanical and chemical engineering, and neurobiology through a combination of lab work, projects, and lectures. The program is offered in three formats: online, in-person, or hybrid, with flexibility depending on your location and availability. Depending on the format you choose, you can also earn up to four college credits. In addition to BEAM, the program also offers tracks in Game Science and Entertainment Technology. It is designed to build both research capacity and creative problem-solving in a university setting.
11. Bank of America’s Student Leaders Program
Location: Internship in Orange County, CA + Summit in Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None | Paid (amount unspecified)
Dates: Summer, 8 weeks typically start in June
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Current 11th and 12th graders | Legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Bank of America’s Student Leaders program combines community engagement with leadership development through an eight-week paid internship at a local nonprofit. If selected, you’ll gain real-world experience in civic leadership, social impact, and nonprofit operations. The program concludes with a one-week, all-expenses-paid summit in Washington, D.C., where you’ll connect with student leaders from across the country and engage with policymakers and community organizers. This is a highly competitive opportunity with acceptance rates between 5 to 8%, but it is a strong addition to your resume if you’re interested in social change, public service, or leadership.
12. Concordia University’s Summer Research Institute
Location: Concordia University Irvine, Orange County
Cost/Stipend: Registration fee applicable (not specified) | None
Dates: Late May – Mid-July
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: All high school students
This 8-week research internship lets you explore topics in the liberal arts through hands-on research alongside Concordia faculty. You’ll be assigned to a specific area ranging from public health and chemistry to art, ecology, or rhetorical theory, where you will assist with lab work, fieldwork, or data collection. Weekly cohort discussions allow you to connect with fellow interns and refine your thinking across disciplines. Toward the end of the program, you’ll present your work in a final showcase. While unpaid, you can apply separately for paid student employment, and housing support may be available. Participants also have the opportunity to earn college credit.
13. MIT THINK Scholars
Location: Virtual; finalists are invited to MIT in Cambridge, MA for a fully funded four-day visit
Cost/Stipend: None | each finalist receives up to $1,000 for their project
Dates: February—June
Application Deadline: January 1
Eligibility: Full-time high school students | Permanent U.S. residents
If you already have a STEM research idea and want funding and mentorship to execute it, the THINK Scholars program is a way to do so. This is a proposal-based competition where selected finalists receive guidance from MIT student mentors and up to $1,000 in research funding. You’ll work independently on your project throughout the spring semester, culminating in a final report. Finalists also get an all-expenses-paid trip to MIT, where you’ll tour labs and meet researchers. The program prioritizes technical creativity and initiative over prior lab access. It’s especially useful for building research experience outside a formal summer lab setting.
14. The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science (JHIBS)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None | $500
Dates: July–August, 5 weeks
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors residing in North America
JHIBS offers neuroscience-focused summer research experiences at Johns Hopkins for high school students who are underrepresented in STEM. You will deep dive into topics like mental illnesses, neurodegenerative diseases, and brain development while learning about basic laboratory techniques and experiments. You’ll also attend seminars by faculty, engage in career development workshops, and be paired with a mentor and supported in creating a final research presentation. With fewer than 10 students selected each year, the program is highly selective and aims to build long-term research and academic readiness. It’s a strong option if you’re interested in neuroscience and want exposure to academic research in a structured, supportive setting.
15. Spark Summer Mentorship Program (Spark SMP)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None | $500
Dates: Typically 6–8 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: April
Eligibility: U.S. high school students in grades 9-12
Spark SMP connects high school students with full-time research internships in computer science, hosted by academic labs and tech companies. You’ll apply to specific projects in areas like AI, machine learning, computer vision, and software development. Previous project topics have included AI for predictive analytics, data engineering, extreme weather modeling, disease detection, ML workflow development, and quantum technologies. Mentorship and weekly enrichment sessions are included, with a final presentation at the end. With an acceptance rate under 5%, the program is highly competitive. It’s best suited for students with a demonstrated interest in computer science who are looking to gain deep technical experience over the summer.
Image source – Spark SMP