If you’re in high school and curious about what research looks like, summer programs are a good way to explore your interests. These programs let you step outside the classroom, work on real projects, and start thinking like a researcher. You can dive into science, technology, social studies, or engineering, depending on what excites you most. These programs also provide a valuable mix of challenge and learning, developing research and analytical skills.
San Diego is a hub for innovation and research, and a great place for this kind of experience. With top universities, research institutes, and biotech companies, the city offers programs across a variety of fields. These programs give you the chance to work with mentors, collaborate with other students, and explore topics you’re curious about in a real research setting.
If you are a local from the area, you benefit from easy access and lower costs. Many summer research programs for high school students in San Diego also welcome applicants from across the U.S. and abroad. You not only gain exposure to professional labs and research settings but also learn to think critically, collaborate effectively, and communicate findings.
Below is a curated list of 13 summer research programs for high school students in San Diego.
1. California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS)
Location: University of California campuses: Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, San Diego, or Santa Cruz, CA
Cost: $5,518
Dates: July 5–August 1
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders in California with a GPA of 3.5 or higher
COSMOS is a four-week residential STEM program offering lab-based, hands-on projects in collaboration with faculty and researchers. At UC San Diego, clusters include Climate Change, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Engineering Design and Control of Kinetic Sculptures, Music & Technology, Introduction to Autonomous Vehicles, and Biodiesel from Renewable Sources. You will explore advanced topics beyond the high school curriculum, gaining technical skills, exposure to research environments, and insights into STEM career paths. The program has 160–200 spots per campus and allows you to choose among five UC campuses, each providing faculty-driven curricula and specialized clusters.
2. Research Scholars Program – UC San Diego
Location: University of California, San Diego, CA (hybrid/online options available)
Cost: $1,500–$4,800 (varies by track and format)
Dates: Sessions offered seasonally throughout the year, including Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Rolling, until slots are filled
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 | Must be at least 15 years old | Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0
The Research Scholars Program at UC San Diego, managed by the Division of Extended Studies, gives high school students the chance to work on real-world research projects and develop skills sought by colleges and industry. You can select from multiple tracks, including Bioengineering, Business Research, Life Sciences, and Marine Science. Throughout the program, you’ll gain hands-on laboratory and research experience, collaborate with peers and mentors, and explore advanced scientific methods. The program concludes with a poster presentation, allowing participants to share findings with local scientists and industry professionals.
3. University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Research Experience for High School Students (REHS)
Location: University of California, San Diego, CA
Cost: Free for the program without a research project | $1,500 for the research track | Financial assistance is available, and students eligible for free or reduced lunch are exempt from the fee
Dates: June 8–July 31
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–12 from San Diego County | Must be at least 16 years old | Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
The UCSD REHS program, offered through the San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC), allows high school students to actively contribute to an ongoing research project over eight weeks. You will gain hands-on experience in the scientific process, from formulating hypotheses and conducting computational experiments to analyzing data and drawing conclusions. Research areas encompass computer science, computational chemistry, software development, neuroscience, cancer diagnostics, and other related fields. You will also work closely with mentors, attend lab meetings and group discussions, and become integrated into the research community. The program typically requires 15–20 hours per week, including software training, assigned readings, and discussions with mentors and their graduate teams.
4. Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI) Student Research Internship Program
Location: Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla, San Diego, CA
Cost: Free to attend | Students are responsible for housing, meals, and transportation
Dates: June 2–August 8 | June 16–August 22
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional students (medical, law, or business school) who are at least 16 years old
The SRTI Student Research Internship Program provides you the opportunity to work with leading scientists in fields like genomics, bioinformatics, digital medicine, and community health. The program is highly competitive, accepting 40 students, each paired with a mentor to guide research and offer career advice. While most placements are in dry labs, a limited number of wet lab positions are available, and applicants can indicate their lab preference. Over the 10-week internship, participants gain experience in translational science, study design, mobile health technologies, and clinical trials. The program includes seminars, project development, and a final symposium presentation.
5. Heithoff-Brody High School Summer Scholars Program – Salk Institute
Location: Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend | Students are responsible for housing, meals, and transportation | Stipends are provided (exact amount unspecified), with additional assistance for transportation
Dates: June 16–August 8
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: San Diego County high school students | Must be at least 16 years old | Must have a minimum GPA of 2.75, and have completed at least one year of high school biology and chemistry
The Salk Institute’s Heithoff-Brody High School Summer Scholars Program allows students to work closely with a Salk scientist on a research project for eight weeks. Research areas include neuroscience, biotechnology, genetics, computational biology, cancer, immunology, structural and mechanical engineering, and other related fields. You will experience wet lab techniques, bioinformatics, data analysis, and science communication while attending seminars, workshops, and networking events with Salk staff. The program concludes with the Summer Scholars Research Symposium, where participants present their work as a poster or oral presentation. You will typically spend 30–40 hours per week in the lab, with schedules from 8 AM to 5 PM depending on your research team.
6. San Diego State University (SDSU) Training Astronomy Research Scholars Program (STARS)
Location: San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Cost: Not specified
Dates: June 24–July 19
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors, seniors, recent graduates, community college students, and SDSU undergraduates in their first or second year, based in San Diego
The San Diego State University Training Astronomy Research Scholars (STARS) Program is a four-week summer program for students interested in astronomy research. You will work with SDSU faculty and students at Mount Laguna Observatory, researching topics such as binary star systems, galaxy formation, and supernovae. You will learn to use scientific instruments, programming tools, and advanced telescopes, and participate in evening observing sessions. The program emphasizes critical thinking, programming skills, and research methods through hands-on, small-group projects. Classes run weekdays from 9 AM to 2 PM, and the program accepts only 15 students each year, ensuring individualized attention.
7. Project SEED – American Chemical Society
Location: In-person and virtual research projects; lab locations include San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate; interns receive a $4,000 stipend
Dates: June–July
Application Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, seniors, or recent graduates who have completed at least one chemistry course | Family income must not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Project SEED is a paid summer fellowship that offers high school students hands-on research experience in chemistry, with a focus on supporting underrepresented communities. You’ll work 8 hours a day for 8–10 weeks in university, government, or private labs, either independently or collaboratively on a research project. You’ll develop lab skills, professional experience, and college preparation knowledge, culminating in a research report or poster presentation. The program offers two tracks: Summer I is designed for first-time participants to complete a chemistry or related project under the guidance of a mentor, and Summer II is for returning students to continue or initiate a new project. Virtual summer camps are also available, covering professional development, career pathways in chemistry, college preparation, and laboratory techniques. You might have the opportunity to present your research at the American Chemical Society National Meeting.
8. University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Institute of Engineering in Medicine (IEM) OPALS High School Internship Program
Location: University of California, San Diego, CA
Cost: $3,000 (Program fee) | $65 (Application fee)
Dates: 4 weeks in summer (exact dates to be announced)
Application Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: Current high school students (grades 9–12) and community college students | Students under 16 must follow UCSD’s Minors in Laboratories policy
The UCSD IEM OPALS High School Internship Program gives you a foundation in STEM through hands-on, interdisciplinary research in engineering and medical science. You will work on projects such as studying calcium responses in neurodegenerative disease cells, analyzing stress responses in endothelial and nerve cells, exploring cellular nanotechnology, and applying AI and machine learning to image processing. The program emphasizes scientific principles, data analysis, and experimental design, culminating in a research talk or poster presentation. The Summer session is a four-week intensive program, meeting weekdays from 9 AM to 4 PM, offering a full immersive research experience.
9. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) – Department of Navy (DoN)
Location: Various Department of Navy labs across the U.S., including San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate | New participants receive a stipend of $4,000, and returning participants receive $4,500
Dates: Eight-week summer internship, with optional two-week extension
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school students who have completed 9th grade and graduating seniors | At least 16 years old | Must be a U.S. citizen
The SEAP program lets you gain hands-on research experience in STEM fields under the guidance of Navy scientists and engineers. You can work on projects in environmental science, oceanography, meteorology, chemistry, biology, engineering, applied mathematics, physics, astronomy, computer science, and more. You will attend seminars, participate in team-building activities, shadow professionals, and contribute to outreach efforts. In San Diego, you can work at the Naval Health Research Center, helping improve military operational readiness and health outcomes for warfighters and veterans. The program concludes with a final presentation and poster, providing you with the opportunity to showcase your research and findings.
10. Internship Program – J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI)
Location: J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate | Interns are paid an hourly rate based on education level
Dates: Summer internships run approximately 10–15 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old | Must have a minimum GPA ~3.0 (B average) | Must be U.S. residents | Under-18 students must obtain a work permit
The JCVI Summer Internship Program allows you to engage in cutting-edge research across genomics, synthetic biology, environmental science, and technology. You will be paired with a faculty mentor and work alongside experienced scientists, gaining hands-on experience with advanced laboratory equipment. The program includes seminars and workshops to enhance scientific knowledge and professional skills, covering topics such as journal clubs, career development, and interdisciplinary science. By participating, you develop technical expertise, problem-solving and effective communication skills while contributing to research projects tailored for your academic or professional experience.
11. SURE Summer Research Internship Program – The Scintillon Research Institute
Location: Scintillon Research Institute, San Diego, CA
Cost: $2,000 (till May 1) | $2,500 (post May 1, if a spot is available) | Need-based financial aid available
Dates: July 14–August 8
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students from San Diego County school districts who are at least 16 years old
The SURE Program introduces high school students to the fundamentals of scientific research. You will be paired with a faculty mentor who will guide your research experience and provide ongoing support. The program focuses on hands-on wet lab work, requiring in-person attendance Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Previous participants have gone on to study at prestigious universities, including Stanford, Yale, and UC San Diego. By the end of the program, you will gain practical research experience, strengthen your lab skills, and develop a foundation for a career in biomedical science.
12. Summer Program to Accelerate Regenerative Medicine Knowledge (SPARK)
Location: Sanford Burnham Prebys, La Jolla, San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate | Stipend provided
Dates: Typically six weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: California high school students aged 16 or older | Preference given to students from San Diego or Imperial Counties
The SPARK Program offers a paid, six-week internship in stem cell research, giving you hands-on experience in regenerative medicine techniques such as cell culture, genetic analysis, and bioengineering. You will work alongside scientists at leading labs, including Sanford Burnham Prebys, and gain exposure to advanced research methods. Some spots are reserved for students affiliated with the San Diego MESA Alliance, supporting underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students in STEM. The program culminates in a research presentation at the SPARK annual conference, allowing you to showcase your findings and demonstrate scientific growth. SPARK is hosted at 11 institutions across California, each with its own selection process.
13. University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Mentor Assistance Program (MAP) for High School Students
Location: San Diego Supercomputer Center, La Jolla, San Diego, CA
Cost: Free for the program without a research project | $1,000 for the research-based program | Financial assistance is available, and students eligible for free or reduced lunch are exempt
Dates: October 1–May 31
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: San Diego County high school students in grades 10–12 | Must be at least 16 years old | Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
The MAP program connects you with a UCSD mentor from a wide range of disciplines, including Nanoengineering, Biochemistry, Marine Physical Sciences, Pharmacology, Computer Science, History, and Athletics. Over the course of eight months, you will collaborate with your mentor to explore different academic interests, research topics, and career pathways. You can seek guidance on class projects, develop Science Fair experiments, visit labs, or deepen your knowledge through readings and discussions. The program requires 2–4 hours per week of engagement with your mentor during the academic year, helping you build research skills, critical thinking, and professional connections.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – UC San Diego