If you are a high school student in San Diego interested in exploring new ideas and gaining research experience this summer, a research program might be a great opportunity for you!
Many universities and research centers in San Diego provide hands-on research experiences in areas such as software development, medicine, technology, business, astronomy, nanotechnology, and more. These programs offer the chance to learn about the research process directly from professionals, work on projects guided by experts, and connect with peers who share similar interests.
Early involvement in research can enhance your college applications while building critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These opportunities will also allow you to explore potential career paths and prepare for higher education.
To help you get started, we have compiled a list of 13 research programs for high school students in San Diego, California.
1. UCSD’s Research Experience for High School Students (REHS)
Location: University of California, San Diego, CA
Cost: The program without a research project is free, while the program with a research project costs $1,500. Financial assistance is available for the research program, and students eligible for free or reduced lunch are exempt from the fee.
Application Deadline: March 15 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Dates: June 17 – August 9 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–12 from San Diego County who are at least 16 years old and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
The UCSD Research Experience for High School Students (REHS), part of the San Diego Supercomputer Center’s (SDSC) outreach program, allows high school students to contribute to an ongoing research project over eight weeks as volunteers. The program focuses on the scientific process, including hypothesis development, testing, computational experiments, and drawing conclusions.
Throughout the program, you will work on a research project, develop work readiness skills, gain hands-on computational experience, and receive mentorship from computational research scientists. Available research areas include computer science, computational chemistry, software development, neuroscience, cancer diagnostics, and more.
You’ll also participate in lab meetings and group discussions, becoming part of the research community. At the program’s conclusion, you will create scientific posters showcasing your research and career goals, which will be displayed at an event in mid-August. The program includes software training, readings, and discussions with your mentor and their graduate team, requiring 15-20 hours of work per week. You can find more details about available projects here.
2. Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI)’s Student Research Internship Program
Location: Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla (San Diego), CA
Cost: There is no cost to attend, but students may need to cover the expenses for housing, meals, and transportation.
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: June 2 – August 8 | June 16 – August 22
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional (medical, law, graduate, or business school) students who are at least 16 years old by the start of their internship
The SRTI Student Research Internship Program offers high school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional students the chance to work with top scientists and a multidisciplinary team in fields like genomics, bioinformatics, digital medicine, and community engagement. The competitive program accepts 40 students, each assigned a mentor to guide their research and provide advice on academic and career development. While most work in dry labs, a few wet lab positions are available. You should specify your lab preference on the application.
During the 10-week internship, you will gain hands-on experience in translational science, study design, mobile health technologies, and clinical trials. The program includes seminars, developing a research project, and presenting at a final symposium. You will explore current topics in translational science, including the genetic basis of diseases and the role of mobile technologies in healthcare. You will also learn about genomic studies and mHealth trials, and observe the clinical trial process. Additionally, you will improve your ability to present scientific concepts to peers and mentors.
3. Heithoff-Brody High School Summer Scholars Program at Salk Institute
Location: Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla (San Diego), CA
Cost/Stipend:
- There is no cost to attend, but students must arrange their housing, meals, and transportation.
- Stipends are provided, though the amount is unspecified.
- Transportation options and public transit stipends are available for students who need assistance securing transportation.
Application Deadline: March 5
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Eligibility: San Diego County high school students who are at least 16 years old, 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 offers high school students the chance to work closely with a Salk scientist on a research project. Available research areas include neuroscience, biotechnology, genetics, structural and mechanical engineering, computational biology, cancer, immunology, and technology, among others.
During the 8-week paid internship, you will attend seminars on data analysis, wet lab techniques, bioinformatics, and science communication. You will also take part in workshops, seminars, and events to network with peers and Salk staff while gaining insight into the Salk Institute’s research environment.
The program ends with the Summer Scholars Research Symposium, where you will get to present your research as either a scientific poster or an oral presentation. You will spend 30-40 hours per week on the internship, with hours varying based on your lab schedule. Lab hours are typically between 8 AM and 5 PM. You can explore the available research areas for 2025 here.
4. The SDSU STARS Program
Location: San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Cost: The official website does not list any information about the cost of this program.
Application Deadline: March 1 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Dates: Session 1: June 24 – July 5 | Session 2: July 8 – July 19 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Eligibility: High school juniors, seniors, recent high school graduates, community college students, and SDSU undergraduates in their first or second year, based in the San Diego area
The San Diego State University Training Astronomy Research Scholars Program (STARS) is a four-week summer program for local high school students interested in astronomy research. During the program, you will gain hands-on experience with scientific instruments, programming, and advanced telescopes at Mount Laguna Observatory.
You will work with faculty and students from SDSU’s Department of Astronomy on projects related to binary star systems, galaxy formation, and supernovae. Working in small groups of 3-4, you will also have the opportunity to participate in evening observing sessions. The program emphasizes skills such as computer programming, critical thinking, and exploring academic pathways. Activities take place from 9 am to 2 pm on weekdays, and only 15 students are selected each year.
5. California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS)
Location: University of California campuses: Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, San Diego, or Santa Cruz, CA
Cost: The cost is $5,256, with an additional $44 application fee. All payments are non-refundable. This fee covers housing, meals, activities, orientation, field trips, and on-site support. Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: February 7
Dates:
- UCI, UCSD: July 6 – August 1
- UCD, UCLA, UCSC: July 6 – August 2
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders in California with a GPA of 3.5 or higher
COSMOS is a four-week residential summer program for high school students interested in STEM. The program offers hands-on, lab-based projects in collaboration with faculty, researchers, and scientists. It is organized into clusters at various UC campuses, with UC San Diego clusters covering topics such as Climate Change, Engineering Design and Control of Kinetic Sculptures, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Music & Technology, Introduction to Autonomous Vehicles, and Biodiesel from Renewable Sources, among others.
You will explore advanced topics beyond the high school curriculum in state-of-the-art facilities, enhancing your skills and awareness of educational and career opportunities in STEM fields. You can apply to one of five University of California campuses—UC Davis, UC San Diego, UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles, or UC Santa Cruz. Each campus offers a curriculum based on the faculty’s expertise, with 160–200 spots available at each location.
6. Research Scholars at UC San Diego
Location: University of California, San Diego, CA (hybrid/online options are available)
Cost: The cost ranges from $1,500 to $4,800, depending on the program and format selected.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the slots are filled.
Dates: Programs are offered seasonally throughout the year, including summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12 who are at least 15 years old and have a minimum GPA of 3.0
The Research Scholars program at UC San Diego, managed by the Division of Extended Studies, offers high school students the opportunity to develop sought-after skills by working on real-world research projects. You will get to explore various research tracks, such as Bioengineering, Business Research, Life Sciences, and Marine Science.
For instance, in the Life Sciences track, you will explore molecular biology and modern laboratory techniques. You will conduct fieldwork, design experiments, collect and process samples, execute experiments, and analyze data. The program concludes with you presenting your research findings at a poster session attended by local scientists and industry professionals, offering valuable exposure to the broader scientific community.
7. Project SEED by American Chemical Society
Location: The program provides both in-person and virtual research projects for students. Lab locations are available here, with opportunities in San Diego, CA.
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost to participate, and interns receive a $4,000 stipend
Application Deadline: April 10 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Dates: June – July
Eligibility:
- High school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent graduates who have completed at least one chemistry course
- Your family income must not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, adjusted for family size
- Project SEED provides various methods to verify financial eligibility, which can be accessed here
Project SEED is a paid summer fellowship that offers high school students hands-on chemistry research experience. If accepted, you will work 8 hours a day for 8 to 10 weeks at a research lab, either at a university, government lab, or another facility. You will have the opportunity to work independently or with other students on a project, and at the end of the summer, you will write a report or create a poster. The program focuses on supporting students from underrepresented communities and provides internships and summer camps to assist with college applications.
The Summer I program is for first-time participants, where you will work on a chemistry or related field project under the guidance of a scientist-mentor. The Summer II program allows students from Summer I to continue their research or start a new project during an additional summer (or two). The program will prepare you for college and a career in chemistry, and you may have the opportunity to present your research at the American Chemical Society National Meeting. Project SEED also provides virtual summer camps that focus on professional development, career opportunities in chemistry, college preparation, and lab skills.
8. UCSD IEM OPALS High School Internship Program
Location: University of California, San Diego, CA
Cost:
- Spring session: $2,500 + $50 application fee
- Summer session: $2,000 + $50 application fee
Application Deadline:
- Spring session: November 28, 2024
- Summer session: April 15
Dates:
- Spring session: January 11 – June 25
- Summer session: July 7 – August 1
Eligibility: Current high school students (grades 9–12) and community college students are eligible. Students under 16 years old must follow the Minors in laboratories from UCSD.
The UCSD IEM OPALS High School Internship Program offers high school students a foundation in STEM, focusing on realistic expectations and a rigorous research approach. You will collaborate with researchers and students on interdisciplinary projects in engineering and medical science. This experience will help you understand scientific principles and analyze experimental data. At the end of the internship, you will present your findings through a research talk or poster. The program covers a range of research topics, such as comparing calcium responses in neurodegenerative disease cells, studying stress responses in endothelial and nerve cells, and exploring nanotechnology at the cellular level. You may also work on AI and machine learning applications in image processing.
The program is divided into two sessions:
- The Spring session runs from mid-January to June, requiring 2-4 hours per week. It includes monthly Zoom meetings and in-person gatherings at UCSD, except in May due to AP tests and finals. Zoom meetings are scheduled in the evenings or on weekends, and in-person gatherings are on weekends or school holidays.
- The Summer session is a four-week intensive, in-person program, meeting weekdays from 9 AM to 4 PM.
9. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of Navy (DoN)
Location: Opportunities are available at various lab locations across the country, including in San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost to participate. New participants receive a stipend of $4,000, while returning participants receive $4,500.
Application Deadline: Applications are due by November 1 each year.
Dates: The internship lasts eight weeks during the summer, with the option to extend for up to two more weeks.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least 9th grade, are at least 16 years old, and are U.S. citizens are eligible to apply. Graduating seniors can also participate. Students should check if their chosen lab has any additional requirements or exceptions.
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) offers high school students internships in STEM fields, providing hands-on research experience in Department of Navy (DoN) labs under the guidance of Navy scientists and engineers. Over eight weeks, you will work on real naval research projects spanning fields such as environmental science, oceanography, meteorology, chemistry, biology, engineering, earth science, applied mathematics, physics, astronomy, computer science, and more. SEAP offers around 300 internships across more than 38 labs nationwide, with placements based on academic performance, recommendations, personal statements, and research interests.
If you’re interested in research opportunities in San Diego, you can apply to work at NHRC Naval Health Research Center, where you will assist in research aimed at improving military operational readiness and addressing health issues for warfighters, veterans, and their families. As an intern, you will work on research projects, attend seminars, participate in meetings, and shadow professionals. You’ll also engage in outreach, professional development, team-building, tour labs, and present your research through a final presentation and poster.
10. Internship Program at J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI)
Location: J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla (San Diego), CA
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost to participate; interns are paid an hourly rate based on their education level. You can view the stipend rates here.
Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis once positions are posted. You can view the current postings here.
Dates: Most internships are offered during the summer, with some available throughout the year. Semester internships last between 10-15 weeks.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old, have a 3.0/B average, and reside in the United States are eligible. Students under 18 must obtain a work permit from their local high school in Maryland and California, regardless of their residence.
The JCVI Summer Internship Program offers high school, undergraduate, and graduate students the opportunity to engage in research across various STEM fields. As an intern, you will be paired with a faculty mentor and work alongside experienced scientists on projects that match your academic interests and abilities, gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge equipment and technology. Available research areas include genomics, synthetic biology, technology, environmental science, and more. You will also attend seminars to deepen your scientific knowledge and participate in workshops focused on developing professional and soft skills.
The internship includes workshops such as journal clubs, career development sessions, and interdisciplinary scientific seminars.
11. SURE Summer Research Internship Program at Scintillon Institute
Location: Scintillon Research Institute, San Diego, CA
Cost: The program costs between $2,000 and $2,500, with need-based financial aid available.
Application Deadline: June 1 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Dates: July 15 – August 9 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Eligibility: High school students from San Diego County school districts
The SURE Program at Scintillon Institute introduces high-achieving and underserved high school students from San Diego County school districts to basic scientific research. Directed by Brian Lawson, Ph.D., the program aims to build a pipeline of future scientists for San Diego County’s competitive biomedical research community. If selected, a Scintillon Institute faculty member will be assigned as your scientific mentor to guide you through the program’s curriculum and support you until graduation.
The program offers a tailored curriculum to balance your time constraints with the commitment required for basic research. Participation is in-person, with attendance required Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., focusing on hands-on wet lab bench work. Previous participants have gone on to study at prestigious universities such as Stanford, Yale, and the University of California, San Diego.
12. Summer Program to Accelerate Regenerative Medicine Knowledge (SPARK)
Location: Sanford Burnham Prebys, La Jolla (San Diego), CA
Cost/Stipend: The program is free to participate; participants receive a stipend
Application Deadline: April 1 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Dates: The program runs for six weeks, starting in mid-June.
Eligibility: California high school students aged 16 or older, with preference given to those from San Diego or Imperial County
The Summer Program to Accelerate Regenerative Medicine Knowledge (SPARK) is a 6-week, paid internship program that offers California high school students hands-on experience in stem cell research at leading institutes, including the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute. Some spots are reserved for students involved with the San Diego MESA Alliance, which supports economically disadvantaged and underrepresented students in STEM fields.
During the internship, you’ll work alongside scientists in a stem cell research lab, learning advanced laboratory techniques such as cell culture, genetic analysis, and bioengineering methods used in regenerative medicine. At the end of the program, you will present your research at the SPARK annual conference. SPARK is offered at 11 institutions across Northern and Southern California, each with its own application and selection process. For inquiries, you can contact CIRM at [email protected].
13. UCSD Mentor Assistance Program (MAP) for High School Students
Location: San Diego Supercomputer Center, La Jolla (San Diego), CA
Cost: The program without a research project is free, while the research-based program costs $1,000. Financial assistance is available for the research program, and students eligible for free or reduced lunch are exempt from the fee.
Application Deadline: May 15 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program). The applications for the 2025 program will open on April 15.
Dates: October 1 – May 31, 2026 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Eligibility: San Diego County high school students in grades 10–12 who are at least 16 years old and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
The Mentor Assistance Program (MAP), part of the San Diego Supercomputer Center’s (SDSC) student outreach initiatives, connects high school students with UCSD mentors from diverse fields such as Nanoengineering, Biochemistry, History, Marine Physical Sciences, Athletics, Pharmacology, and Computer Science. This eight-month program runs from the fall to the following spring and allows students to collaborate with mentors to explore academic and career interests.
You can seek guidance on class projects, delve into research topics, develop Science Fair projects, visit labs or workspaces, or deepen your knowledge through assigned readings and discussions. For example, if you’re interested in a field like bioinformatics, sports medicine, or linguistics but don’t have a specific project in mind, your mentor might assign scholarly articles every two weeks and discuss them with you bi-weekly. You will be expected to work 2–4 hours per week with your mentor during the academic year.
Bonus:
14. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: You can get the exact cost by raising an interest form here.
Application Deadline:
- Spring 2025 deadline: February 16
- Summer 2025 deadline: February 16 (early), March 23 (priority), April 20 (regular-I), May 18 (regular-II)
Dates:
- Spring seminar: March 3 onwards
- Summer seminar: June 16 onwards
- Horizon Labs offers flexible start dates, but applications must be submitted at least four weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 3.67 on a 4.0 scale can apply. Most participants are in 10th or 11th grade. Some tracks have specific prerequisites, which you can review here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in subjects like physics, data science, chemistry, political theory, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, and psychology. You can choose to focus on either qualitative or quantitative research methods.
After selecting your subject and research method, you will be paired with a professor or PhD scholar from a recognized university who will guide you through the program. By the end, you will produce a 20-page university-level research paper, which can be submitted to academic journals for potential publication. This program provides the opportunity to explore specialized fields under expert mentorship. Additionally, you will receive a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback on your work to support future research and college applications. Here!
15. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,990. Financial aid is available!
Application Deadline: Application deadlines vary by cohort.
Dates: The summer cohort runs from June to August, the fall cohort from September to December, the winter cohort from December to February, and the spring cohort from March to June.
Eligibility: High school students with an unweighted GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers a 12-week opportunity for high school students to conduct independent research. You will be paired with a Ph.D. mentor who will provide personalized guidance throughout the program. Lumiere also offers UCSD credits upon successful completion of the research program.
With support from your mentor and a writing coach, you will select and refine a research topic. The program includes workshops on research methods and offers assistance in completing a detailed independent research paper. Fields of study include data science, sociology, history, physics, chemistry, engineering, economics, and more. If your interests extend beyond these fields, you can tailor your research topic to fit your preferences. Further details about the application process are available here.
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