If you’re a high school student in California considering a career in psychology, summer programs can provide you with early (and guided) exposure to topics such as mental health, neuroscience, emotions, and behavior. You can study how the brain works, how people learn and interact, and how psychologists use research and data to solve real problems.
Summer programs can also help you build skills in critical thinking, research design, and data analysis. You may work on experiments, explore case studies, and learn about careers in therapy, psychiatry, clinical psychology, and public health. By joining a psychology-focused summer program, you can also strengthen your college applications and gain experience that adds to your resume.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of 15 psychology research programs for high school students in California!
15 Psychology Summer Programs for High School Students in California
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is designed for high school students interested in conducting independent research with guidance from a mentor. Over 12 weeks, you’ll be matched with a Ph.D. researcher who will support you as you work through each stage of a project ; from developing a research question to writing a final paper.
The program covers a wide range of subjects, including psychology, neuroscience, and consumer behavior, allowing you to focus on an area that aligns with your interests. By the end, you’ll have completed a research paper based on your chosen topic. Application information and program details are available on their website here.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis.
Dates: Multiple 12–15-week cohorts throughout the year, including Summer.
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, created by graduate students from Harvard, offers online programs designed for high school students who want to learn more about artificial intelligence and data science. The AI Scholars program is an introduction to core AI concepts through ten structured sessions. It combines basic theory with practical applications, giving you a chance to work on guided projects.
If you already have some background in the subject, the AI Fellowship provides one-on-one mentorship with researchers from universities. Throughout the program, you’ll work on an independent project and have the option to submit your work to high school research journals. You can also browse previous student projects here.
3. University of Southern California – Psychological Science and Society
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Residential: $11,347 | Commuter: $7,812
Application Deadline: Domestic Students: May 2 | International Students: March 14
Dates: June 15- July 12
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least the 9th grade by June 15 are eligible to apply.
This program gives you a deep look into how people think, feel, and act. You’ll study key ideas in psychology and see how they connect to real life, like how we learn, what shapes personality, what drives motivation, and how technology affects mental health. Each day includes hands-on activities and guided lessons, and you’ll also work on an independent research project. You’ll build skills in analysis, and explore how psychology applies to everyday challenges.
4. Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) at Stanford University
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA or Virtual
Cost: $1,595 (virtual) | $2,895 (in-person). Scholarships are available for qualified applicants and you can request financial assistance in your application.
Application Deadline: Not specified. More information here.
Dates: Virtual session: June 16–June 27 | In-person sessions: July 7–July 18 | July 21–August 1
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors can apply.
The Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) at Stanford University is a two-week summer program that introduces high school students to key topics in psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience. Hosted by the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, the program includes seminars led by faculty and researchers, along with sessions focused on professional pathways and strategies for maintaining mental well-being.
As part of the program, you’ll work in a small group to complete a capstone project related to a topic in mental or brain health. At the end of the session, you’ll present your group’s work to peers and instructors. Previous topics have included areas such as addiction, neuroimaging, trauma, eating disorders, autism, and early intervention.
5. NSLC’s Psychology and Neuroscience High School Summer Program
Location: Multiple locations including UC Berkeley, San Francisco, CA
Cost: $4295 (Residential program). Scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Dates: Multiple 9-day sessions are offered at various locations. For UC Berkeley: Jun 13 — 21 | Jun 25 — Jul 3 | Jul 7 — 15 | Jul 19 — 27
Eligibility: High school students who are 14–18 years old and have completed at least 1 year of high school can apply (students may attend NSLC through the summer following high school graduation).
The NSLC Psychology and Neuroscience Summer Program offers high school students an introduction to key areas within psychology and neuroscience through a mix of academic and hands-on activities. You’ll take part in group workshops, learn about brain anatomy and mental health, and explore topics such as clinical diagnosis, cognitive development, and imaging techniques.
As part of the program, you’ll work with a research team to design a mental health awareness campaign, which you’ll present at the end of the session. The experience includes interactive learning through case studies, lab-style simulations, and discussions with professionals in the field. You’ll also have the opportunity to attend lectures and visit institutions connected to psychology and neuroscience.
6. John Hopkins University – Psychology and Brain Sciences Pre-College Programs
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,950 per credit plus a nonrefundable $85 application fee. Some financial assistance is available.
Application Deadline: No information available. You can check here for updates on Summer programs.
Dates: Multiple 2-week sessions between June and August. Courses are self-paced, and students are expected to dedicate around 15 hours per week.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–12 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Johns Hopkins University offers online pre-college courses for high school students, including several options in psychology. These self-paced classes allow you to explore different areas of the field on a flexible schedule. In Neuroscience and Human Behavior, you’ll examine how brain structures and chemical processes are connected to actions and decision-making.
Psychopathology and Its Development looks at mental health conditions, covering topics such as diagnosis, treatment strategies, and the developmental factors that influence psychological disorders. Psychological Profiling focuses on case studies involving criminal behavior, while also considering the legal and ethical questions involved in profiling.
7. Child Mind Institute – Youth Mental Health Academy
Location: Child Mind Institute, San Mateo, CA and virtual
Cost / Stipend: There is no cost. Interns receive a stipend of up to $2,000 for the first summer and an unspecified stipend for the second summer.
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates: Onsite Mental Health Academy: June 23 — July 24; Monthly workshops & mentor support: August — May; Internship in the mental health-related field: July & August
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who: are from structurally marginalized communities, are enrolled in private or public school in California, and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
The Youth Mental Health Academy is a 14-month program focused on mental health education and professional development for high school students. It begins with a five-week summer session where you’ll take part in interactive lessons on mental health conditions, health disparities, and career pathways in the field. During the academic year, you’ll be matched with a mentor working in a health-related field who will guide you through ongoing learning and development.
In the second summer, you’ll complete a paid internship, gaining around 100 hours of hands-on experience with a community organization or research group. As part of the program, you’ll complete a final project that includes a written research paper, a visual or creative presentation, and a display of your work.
8. Mary S. Easton Center at UCLA – Neuroscience High School Scholars Program
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA or virtual
Cost: None
Application Deadline: March 3
Dates: June 16 — July 24
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, especially from underrepresented communities, with an interest in neuroscience.
The UCLA Neuroscience High School Scholars Program is a six-week summer course designed for juniors and seniors interested in learning about Alzheimer’s disease and related neurological conditions. Throughout the program, you’ll attend seminars focused on brain function, neurodegenerative disorders, and research methods used in this field. If you want to extend your involvement after the program ends, you’ll also receive support on how to start an Alzheimer’s Awareness Club at your school.
9. University of Southern California – The Brain: Introduction to Neuroscience Summer Program
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $10,480 (residential), $7,482 (commuter), or $11,085 (international)
Application Deadline: May 2 for domestic students and March 14 for international students.
Dates: June 15— July 12
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least the 9th grade. International students must meet the additional requirements listed here.
The University of Southern California offers a four-week summer program where high school students can take college-level courses in a subject of their choice. If you’re interested in healthcare, psychology, or neuroscience, the course ‘The Brain: Introduction to Neuroscience’ covers topics related to both typical brain function and neurological disorders.
During the program, you’ll study brain development and the effects of various conditions on behavior throughout life. The course includes lab activities designed to help you better understand cognitive processes like thinking and learning. Additionally, you’ll learn how to use MS Excel to analyze data and complete a final project based on what you’ve learned.
10. BrainSPORT Summer High School Research Internship at UCLA
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA.
Cost: None.
Application Deadline: April 4
Dates: Program Dates: Early June to late August. Approx. 16 hours/week, three to four half-days per week.
Eligibility: Open to rising juniors, especially those interested in mentoring next year or extending the internship.
The UCLA BrainSport Summer High School Research Internship provides an opportunity for students interested in psychology and neuroscience to gain hands-on experience related to brain injuries, particularly those linked to sports. You will be involved in activities such as reviewing existing research, gathering and analyzing data, and working with tools like neuroimaging software and cognitive tests. These sessions will help you understand the psychological and neurological effects of traumatic brain injuries, how concussions are assessed and treated, and the current research in the field.
11. Medical Immersion Summer Academy (MISA) Internship
Location: Oakland, CA
Cost: $1,800 + $75 application fee
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: Multiple 5-day sessions between June and August
Eligibility: High school students who are 15 years or older.
MISA offers an internship program aimed at high school students interested in healthcare, including those considering psychology-related fields. Through partnerships with local healthcare providers such as Alameda Health Systems and Samuel Merritt University, you’ll gain practical experience in clinical environments and observe different healthcare roles.
This experience is intended to give you a clearer understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities of medical and mental health professionals and help you explore potential career paths. The program also provides opportunities to develop useful skills and earn certifications, including CPR, First Aid, Stop the Bleed, Teen Mental Health First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogens.
12. Summer Springboard – Psychology and Neuroscience at UC San Diego
Location: University of California, San Diego
Cost: Residential: $5,698 | Commuter: $3,298
Application Deadline: Deadline unspecified. More information here.
Dates: June 29 – July 11 | July 13 - 25 | July 27 – August 8
Eligibility: Open to high school students.
The Summer Springboard Psychology & Neuroscience course at UCSD gives you a hands-on intro to how the brain works and how it affects behavior. You’ll learn about topics like emotions, personality, mental health, and how people interact. The course also teaches you how psychologists study these ideas using research tools and methods. As part of the program, you’ll come up with your psychology question, design an experiment, and present your results.
13. UT Southwestern “Inspiring Careers in Mental Health” Internship
Location: Remote
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Early February, application opens again in late September.
Dates: June 2–6 and June 9–13 (2 weeks)
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
This is a free, two-week virtual program for high school students interested in mental health. You’ll join live sessions with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other professionals who explain how mental health care works and what they do day-to-day. Before each session, you’ll read short articles to get ready. During the program, you’ll learn about brain science, therapy, mental health tests, and how care is provided in hospitals and clinics.
14. Stanford’s Pre-Collegiate Institutes-Topics in Psychology
Location: Online
Cost: $3,080. Need-based financial aid available
Application Deadline: March 20
Program Dates: July 7–18
Eligibility: Open to High school students
Topics in Psychology is an online summer program designed for high school students interested in understanding human behavior and mental processes. The course covers key areas such as memory, perception, learning, mental health, and social interaction. You’ll explore how psychological research is conducted, including how researchers develop questions, gather data, and analyze human behavior. The program features live sessions, group discussions, and practical exercises.
15. Introduction to Psychology at Carnegie Mellon University’s Open Learning Initiative (OLI)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Dates: Self-paced
Eligibility: Open to all high school students interested in psychology.
Carnegie Mellon University offers a self-paced ‘Introduction to Psychology’ course through its Open Learning Initiative (OLI), designed for students who want to build a foundation in psychological science. The course covers a broad range of topics including memory, intelligence, personality, motivation, emotion, and mental health.
You’ll also explore how psychological research is designed and conducted. The course is divided into 16 units and includes readings, videos, interactive elements, and practice activities. Built-in tools like “Learn By Doing” exercises and self-assessments are included to help you apply concepts and monitor your progress throughout the course.
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 – University of Southern California