If you’re a high schooler in LA looking to engage in a subject outside of your school curriculum in the summer, consider a summer program!
Joining a summer program gives high school students the chance to develop skills, build confidence, and gain hands-on experience in a field they’re interested in. These programs usually take place during school breaks, helping you stay engaged and retain what you’ve learned throughout the school year. Free summer programs, specifically, are a super affordable and accessible way to participate!
Each program offers an opportunity to gain specialized skills, whether you’re interested in data analysis, coding, robotics, architecture, digital media, ecology, or design. You’ll learn both the theoretical and practical aspects, including software like AutoCAD for architecture, Python for data science, GIS for environmental studies, Adobe Suite for graphic design, and MATLAB for engineering.
Since the cost can be a barrier for some, we’ve compiled a list of 15 free summer programs for high school students in Los Angeles!
15 Free Summer Programs in Los Angeles for High School Students
1. Annenberg Youth Academy (AYA) for Media and Civic Engagement at USC
Location: USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: April 14
Program Dates: June 16 – July 3
Eligibility: Students who live and attend high school in Los Angeles County
USC’s Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement is a three-week summer program that introduces high school students to college-level media communication and journalism. The program focuses on the role of media and journalism in shaping civic-minded leaders while helping you develop skills in speech, debate, writing, and critical thinking.
You’ll also be able to engage with USC Annenberg scholars who study gender, race, and ethnicity in communication and journalism. Past sessions have included interactions with award-winning journalist and professor Miki Turner, and media maker and adjunct lecturer Rogelio Lopez.
2. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles High School Summer Volunteer Program
Location: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 10
Program Dates: June 16-August 1; Mandatory orientation on June 8
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their freshman year and will be 15 to 17 years old by the program start date
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles offers a summer program for high school students interested in healthcare administration. In this volunteer program, you will assist patients, families, and hospital staff by escorting patients to appointments, greeting them upon arrival, and providing administrative support.
The program helps you develop skills in patient coordination, medical office administration, and communication. This experience is useful for students interested in fields like healthcare administration, hospital management, or medical office management.
3. USC Bovard Scholars
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free. Transportation to and from campus is covered for those traveling from outside Southern California.
Application Deadline: January 17
Program Dates: July 15-August 2
Eligibility: Current U.S. high school juniors with a weighted GPA of 4.0 or higher who are taking Algebra II or Trigonometry and have demonstrated financial need
The Bovard Scholars Program at the University of Southern California is a three-week residential program aimed at high-achieving students nationwide. It’s designed to sharpen your critical thinking, research skills, and college application strategies, all while preparing you for future careers. The program has a student-to-staff ratio of 3:1, which means plenty of one-on-one attention.
The program will help you develop skills in areas like leadership, time management, and communication. You’ll also practice problem-solving, and research methods, and get hands-on experience with test simulations. As you go through the program, you’ll also explore fields like business, law, medicine, and engineering by interacting with professionals, attending panels, and visiting workplaces in the Los Angeles area.
4. Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program
Location: The program is offered in person at various medical centers in Los Angeles, CA, or virtually.
Cost: The program is free, but participants in the in-person sessions are responsible for their transportation.
Application Deadline: February 14
Program Dates: Online sessions: July 7 to July 17. The in-person program dates vary by facility; please refer to the Facility Address and Requirement List for specific details.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who meet the specific requirements of their chosen facility are eligible to apply. Each facility may have additional criteria for participation.
The Los Angeles Pediatric Society’s Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program lets you work alongside medical professionals in hospitals to explore healthcare careers. You’ll join virtual or in-person sessions, learning directly from pediatricians, surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, and more. These sessions will help you build skills in clinical observation, medical procedures, and patient care.
You’ll gain hands-on experience by shadowing professionals at hospitals like Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. You’ll also learn about fields like pediatrics, surgery, pharmacology, radiology, and therapy. At the end of the program, you’ll present what you’ve learned. You will receive a certificate and have the chance to win a $500 scholarship. Past program highlights can be viewed here.
5. Pomona College Academy for Youth Success (PAYS) Summer Program
Location: Pomona College, Claremont, Los Angeles County, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 3
Program Dates: June 22-July 18
Eligibility: Current 9th-grade students living in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Ventura Counties who are first-generation college-bound and from low-income families and are currently enrolled in Geometry or Integrated Math II
The Pomona College Academy for Youth Success (PAYS) is a four-week residential program where you’ll take college-level courses, attend cultural events, and participate in workshops and field trips. It is designed for high school students aiming to prepare for selective college admissions. You’ll follow a liberal arts curriculum, including Math and Critical Inquiry seminars, as well as electives taught by Pomona students or PAYS alumni.
These electives could cover topics like young adult literature and the impact of the pandemic on sports. You’ll also develop skills in data collection, modeling, and research. Rising seniors have the opportunity to conduct research under faculty mentorship, with the possibility of having their work published in academic journals. The program extends for three years after acceptance to continue supporting your college preparation.
6. Los Angeles Urban League Biz Institute
Location: Offered both virtually and in person at Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: Year-round cohorts available; Winter (Virtual): February 1 – May 31 and Summer (In-person): June 16 – July 3
Eligibility: Students aged 13 to 18
The Los Angeles Urban League Biz Institute is a year-round program for students aged 13–18 that helps you develop business skills and supports your entrepreneurial ventures. Through interactive activities, guest speaker sessions, and mentorship meetings, you’ll learn how to build and launch your business. If you have a business idea, this program offers the resources and guidance to make it a reality.
You’ll receive a $200 investment, earn money during Sale Day, and gain hands-on experience through field trips and competitions. You’ll also compete in two LAUL-hosted competitions and can enter the national NFTE Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, with a $10,000 first-place prize. Last year, two participants from the Biz Institute won first and second place in the national competition with their business ideas.
7. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Local nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles, CA. You can explore the available locations here.
Cost/Stipend: The program is free, including expenses for the Student Leader Summit in Washington, D.C. The hourly pay rate varies by internship.
Application Deadline: January 15
Program Dates: The internship duration varies but typically lasts eight weeks in the summer, including a week in Washington, D.C., for the Leadership Summit from July 21 to July 26.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are legally authorized to work in the U.S., permanently reside in one of the eligible locations, are in good academic standing, and have not previously participated in the program
Bank of America’s Student Leaders Program offers high school juniors and seniors a paid, eight-week internship at local nonprofits like Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity. You’ll gain hands-on work experience while contributing to projects that address local community needs. During the internship, you’ll develop teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
You will also have the opportunity to explore community challenges and understand the role of nonprofits in addressing these issues. The program includes a national Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you’ll learn how nonprofits, governments, and businesses collaborate to solve societal problems.
8. Teen Gallery Guides @ Getty
Location: Getty Center, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: The program is free, with transportation to and from the Getty Museum and all onsite meals provided. Interns will receive a $2,300 stipend upon completing the program.
Application Deadline: March 5
Program Dates: May 3 – August 2
Eligibility: Open to rising juniors or seniors in LA County high schools, living within 25 miles of the Getty Center, and at least 16 years old by program start. No prior art experience is needed.
The Teen Gallery Guides program at the Getty Center is a paid summer internship for teens interested in art, museum spaces, and working with youth. You will strengthen leadership and public speaking skills while learning about careers in the creative arts and connecting with artwork from the Getty Museum’s collection. During the program, you will develop skills in understanding and discussing artwork, engaging audiences, and leading gallery experiences for K–12 students.
In the first half, you’ll research and explore artworks while learning how to guide and engage with the collection and special exhibitions. In the second half, you’ll guide student groups through interactive gallery experiences. You will also meet professionals in the creative arts and museum fields, gain behind-the-scenes access, contribute to digital content, and build professional skills.
9. University of Southern California’s Young Researchers Program
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: The program is free, but students must arrange their transportation to and from the USC campus. Free LA Metro passes will be provided, and students will receive a $300 stipend upon completing the program.
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates: The program runs from June 16 to July 25, with a student orientation on June 13.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors/rising seniors who live in Los Angeles and attend a public or charter school in the Los Angeles, Lynwood, Compton, or Inglewood Unified School Districts.
The Young Researchers Program (YRP) at the University of Southern California is a six-week summer program for rising high school seniors interested in scientific research. It focuses on increasing STEM interest among underrepresented students and encouraging future careers in science and college education.
You will conduct hands-on research in your mentor’s field while attending weekly workshops on college applications, scholarships, and STEM careers. Throughout the program, you will be paired with a graduate mentor and work on a research project, which you’ll present in a public poster session. You will also participate in activities like hiking and snorkeling at Catalina Island for Earth and environmental science studies and tour NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
10. Transportation Career Academy Program (TCAP)
Location: Virtual project team sessions at least twice a week and in-person training sessions in Downtown Los Angeles, CA.
Cost/Stipend: The program is free, and interns who complete all requirements will receive a stipend at the end.
Application Deadline: March 14
Program Dates: June 20 – August 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (16–18) with a minimum 2.5 GPA, U.S. work authorization, and access to LA Metro rail
The TCAP program lets you explore careers in transportation and connect what you learn in school to real-world projects. You’ll work with one of the nation’s largest public transit agencies, learning how to manage projects and solve transportation-related problems.
You’ll develop practical skills using tools common in transportation planning and project management. This includes software for data analysis and project tracking, helping you get a feel for how transportation systems are designed and improved. You’ll also improve your ability to work in teams, communicate effectively, and present your ideas.
11. The L.A. Times High School Insider Summer Internship
Location: The internship follows a hybrid schedule, with on-site work at the Los Angeles Times office in El Segundo, CA, from Monday to Wednesday and remote work on Thursday.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; interns will earn $16.90 per hour
Application Deadline: February 26
Program Dates: June 16 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students graduating in 2025, 2026, or 2027 who live in Los Angeles or Orange County, California, and are legally authorized to work in the U.S.
The L.A. Times High School Insider program is your chance to step into the world of journalism. As a participant, you’ll gain real-world experience reporting on stories that matter, covering everything from breaking news to feature stories and multimedia content. You’ll pick up essential journalism skills like interviewing, writing for different formats, and using multimedia tools to tell a story.
Whether you’re creating videos, podcasts, or interactive graphics, you’ll get hands-on experience in tools commonly used in the industry, such as Adobe Premiere and audio editing software. You’ll also have weekly mentorship and workshops with professionals, where you’ll get feedback to fine-tune your reporting skills and learn the ins and outs of the newsroom.
12. INSPIRE High School Program at Cedars Sinai
Location: Cedars-Sinai main campus in Los Angeles, CA
Cost: There is no cost; interns will receive LA city minimum wage.
Application Deadline: February 8
Program Dates: All internships begin on June 30 and must last at least six weeks (earliest end date: August 8) and no more than ten weeks (latest end date: September 5). High school students must complete their internships before school resumes.
Eligibility: Current high school students who are at least 16 years old before the program starts and eligible to work in the U.S.
The INSPIRE program offers a paid internship where you’ll gain hands-on research experience in a healthcare setting at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Over 6 to 10 weeks, you’ll work with faculty mentors on research in areas like basic, clinical, and translational research, using advanced technologies and tools.
You’ll develop skills in study design, hypothesis development, data collection, and analysis. The program also covers important topics like laboratory safety and the handling of protected health information (PHI). Throughout the internship, you’ll learn how to write research abstracts, properly cite sources, and present your findings in lab meetings and journal clubs.
13. The Ryman Arts Program
Location: Sessions take place on Saturdays at California State University, Fullerton, and Sundays at Otis College of Art & Design in Los Angeles. Summer weekday sessions are held at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA.
Cost: Free, including instruction, supplies, field trips, and transit support.
Application Deadline: The application deadline for the summer cohort is May 14.
Program Dates: Classes are offered in the spring, summer, and fall. The exact dates for each semester can be found here.
Eligibility: Current high school students in grades 9–12
Ryman Arts offers a free, advanced studio art program that helps high school students develop their art skills and build a strong portfolio for college and careers in the arts. The program brings together a diverse group of students from across Southern California.
You’ll focus on foundational drawing and painting techniques while working closely with professional artists. The small group setting lets you receive personalized guidance, and you’ll improve your skills by working alongside other dedicated art students. You’ll also gain experience exhibiting your work publicly, attending guest artist sessions, and visiting museums. In addition to art training, the program includes workshops on college and career planning. You can find details about available classes and their requirements here.
14. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: The exact cost is available upon submitting an interest form, and full financial aid is offered.
Application Date: May 21 for the summer cohort, and September 25 for the fall cohort
Program Dates: Summer seminar – June 24 – September 2; Fall seminar – October 23 – February 19; Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of at least 3.67 on a 4.0 scale can apply. Most accepted students are in the 10th or 11th grade. Some tracks have specific prerequisites, which can be reviewed here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in physics, pathology, data science, political theory, chemistry, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, psychology, and more. With over 1,000 participants, the program offers more than 600 research specializations, allowing students to choose between qualitative and quantitative research methods.
After selecting a subject and research method, you will be mentored by a professor or PhD scholar from a recognized university. By the end of the program, you will complete a 20-page university-level research paper, which may be submitted to academic journals. The program also includes expert guidance, a letter of recommendation, and detailed feedback to support college applications and future research. You can apply here!
15. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,990. Financial aid is available!
Application Deadline: Application deadlines vary by cohort. The upcoming deadline for the summer cohort is March 9.
Program Dates: Summer: June – August, fall: September – December, winter: December – February, spring: March – June.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The Summer Cohort I priority application deadline is March 9!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week opportunity for high school students to conduct independent research with guidance from a Ph.D. mentor. You will receive personalized support throughout the program, including assistance from a writing coach.
With mentor support, you will choose and refine a research topic, participate in workshops on research methods, and complete a detailed independent research paper. Available fields of study include data science, finance, physics, chemistry, gender studies, economics, sociology, history, engineering, and more. You can also customize your research topic based on your interests. More information about the application process is available here.
Image source: University of Southern California
