If you’re a high school student in the Bay Area looking for hands-on STEM research experience, joining a STEM-focused research program is worth considering. These programs let you work in labs, collect and analyze data, and use advanced tools in engineering, AI, biomedical research, environmental science, and more. Instead of just learning concepts, you’ll get to apply them through hands-on projects.
You’ll also develop key research skills like experiment design, coding for data analysis, statistical modeling, and scientific writing. Working with experienced researchers, you’ll learn how to interpret results, document findings, and present your work. Some programs even offer opportunities to publish research or contribute to ongoing studies in universities and research centers.
To help you find a program that fits your goals, we’ve put together a list of 15 STEM research programs for high school students in the Bay Area!
15 STEM Research Programs for High School Students in the Bay Area
1. NASA’s OSTEM Internships
Location: Virtual / NASA centers across the country
Stipend: While most interns receive a stipend, certain internships are volunteer opportunities.
Application Deadline: Fall: May 16; Spring: September 12; Summer: February 27
Dates: Spring: Jan–May; Summer: May/June–Aug; Fall: Aug/Sept-Dec
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, full-time students (high school through graduate level) aged 16 at the time of application, with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
NASA’s OSTEM internships let you work on real projects in science, engineering, and IT. You’ll work with mentors to develop aerospace technologies, code software for space applications like rover control, and apply engineering principles to Mars mission planning. You’ll also research fluid mechanics, analyze satellite data for wildfire management, and find technical solutions for space exploration.
Along with technical work, you’ll build skills in mentoring, community engagement, and problem-solving. Past Interns have worked on software for the Perseverance Mars Rover and contributed to astronaut landing research.
2. High School Intern Program by UCSF
Location: University of California San Francisco, California
Stipend: $3,200 for 25 hours/week; $4,500 for 35 hours/week
Application Deadline: March 2
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Eligibility: Students who are current juniors and are attending an SFUSD school or SF charter school
The UCSF High School Intern Program (HIP) gives you an eight-week introduction to biomedical research. You’ll work with a UCSF scientist mentor on projects in molecular biology, infectious disease, or regenerative medicine, learning lab techniques, scientific reasoning, and data analysis. Alongside research, you’ll join college counseling sessions, resume workshops, and campus tours.
3. EnergyMag Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the internship chosen.
Dates: Half-time (2–8 weeks, summer), Quarter-time (1–9 months, year-round)
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a GPA over 3.25
The EnergyMag Virtual Internship Program gives you research experience in renewable energy and energy storage. You will work on projects like analyzing energy market trends, studying solar and wind technologies, and investigating energy storage solutions.
The program focuses on independent research with guidance from mentors. You will build skills in data collection, learning how to gather and organize research. You will also develop critical thinking, analyzing data, forming hypotheses, drawing conclusions, and technology use, working with software tools for data visualization, energy modeling, and simulations.
4. UCSD’s Bioengineering Research Scholars
Location: Virtual/ In-person/ Hybrid
Cost: $1,300 – $3,000; Click here for more details
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary for each research course. Click here to know more.
Dates: Dates vary for each research course. For more information, click here.
Eligibility: Students currently in 10th -12 grade and at least 14 years of age by the start of the session (for online courses) with a minimum GPA of 3.0
The UCSD Bioengineering Research Scholars program gives you hands-on experience in bioengineering. You will start with BE-BOAT, learning lab techniques like cell culture, PCR, and microscopy. In BE-ROW, you will work in teams to analyze biomedical data, design experiments, and test engineering solutions.
BE-SHIP lets you develop and present an independent project in areas like tissue engineering, biomaterials, or medical device design. Research covers biomechanics, regenerative medicine, and synthetic biology. You will take live courses, run lab simulations, and work with researchers on data analysis, computer modeling, and bioinformatics.
5. Summer Student Research Program by UCSF
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Stipend: $3,000–$4,300
Application Deadline: February 14
Dates: June 2 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students in their junior or senior year, with at least one completed year in math and biology
The Summer Student Research Program at UCSF gives high school students experience in biomedical research. You will work with a mentor on a clinical or basic science project, learning lab techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and cell culture or analyzing patient data and medical case studies. You will also review scientific literature and attend weekly seminars on research methods, bioinformatics, and healthcare topics.
The program includes networking events and discussions with scientists. You will develop a research proposal, design experiments, use statistical tools like R or Python for data analysis, and present findings at a symposium. Through hands-on work and mentorship, you will also build skills in experimental design, coding for biomedical applications, data interpretation, and scientific communication.
6. Physics in and Through Cosmology
Location: Lawrence Berkeley Lab, Berkeley, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Not specified.
Dates: June 16- June 18 and June 20
Eligibility: High school students
Hosted by Lawrence Berkeley Lab, the Physics in and Through Cosmology workshop explores modern physics concepts for high school students. You will learn about particle physics, dark matter detection, and cosmology through expert-led discussions and hands-on activities.
The program includes lab tours, data analysis sessions, and discussions with physicists about their research. Past workshops have featured Nobel Laureate Saul Perlmutter and other leading scientists. Organized with support from QuarkNet, this free program helps you build skills in scientific reasoning, data interpretation, and physics problem-solving while exploring careers in astrophysics and theoretical physics.
7. CURE Research Internship Program by UCSF
Location: San Francisco, CA
Stipend: This is a paid internship
Application Deadline: December 2 – February 16
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Eligibility: Current 11th grader in high school, at least 16 years old by the start of the program, with a minimum GPA of 2.5
The CURE Research Internship at UCSF is a two-month program where high school students gain research experience in basic, clinical, and behavioral sciences. You will work with UCSF faculty and graduate mentors on projects involving lab techniques, data analysis, and experimental design while exploring careers in health and biomedical sciences.
The program includes college and career guidance, hands-on research training, and opportunities to present your findings at a symposium. You will also develop skills in PCR, microscopy, statistical analysis, and scientific communication, preparing for future studies and careers in medicine, public health, or biomedical research.
8. Interdisciplinary Pathways to Machine Learning and Data Science
Location: Lawrence Berkeley Lab, Berkeley, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 21
Dates: June 17 – July 25
Eligibility: Public school students in 10th and 11th grade in the Bay area, particularly Alameda, San Francisco, and Contra Costa counties, who are at least 16 years old
The Interdisciplinary Pathways to Machine Learning and Data Science (IPMLDS) program gives you hands-on experience in data science, artificial intelligence, and computational research. You will work on projects involving machine learning algorithms, data visualization, and statistical modeling while attending expert-led discussions on emerging topics in AI, big data, and scientific computing.
The program includes a computer science course, where you will learn Python, data analysis techniques, and problem-solving strategies. Completing the program gives you access to year-round workshops at Berkeley Lab and the chance to apply for a research internship the following summer.
9. Berkeley Lab Experiences in Research
Location: Hybrid/Virtual (Lawrence Berkeley Lab, Berkeley, CA)
Stipend: $500/week
Application Deadline: March 23
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Eligibility: Current 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade students enrolled in Northern California with experience in independent work, who are at least 16 years old by June 16
The Experiences in Research (EinR) Internship Program gives you hands-on research experience at Berkeley Lab. You will work with professionals on projects in data science, experimental research, and science communication, gaining skills in data analysis, coding, and scientific writing. The six-week program focuses on research methods, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary STEM applications.
10. Summer Science Intensive: iCLEM
Location: Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), CA
Stipend: $3,000
Application Deadline: March 16
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old, from low-income backgrounds in Alameda, Contra Costa, or San Francisco County, and have a minimum GPA of 2.5
The Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology (iCLEM) is a paid summer program where you get hands-on with biotech and microbiology research at the Joint BioEnergy Institute. You’ll work with scientists and UC undergrads, learning lab techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and spectrophotometry to study molecular biology, biochemistry, and biofuels.
You’ll also sharpen your data analysis, problem-solving, and science communication skills while exploring STEM careers. The program wraps up with a research project, where you apply what you’ve learned in a real lab setting.
11. Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program
Location: Fremont, California
Cost: $0 – $1,070 (Financial aid is available)
Application Deadline: October 15 – April 15 (Summer)
Dates: June 1 – August 24
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in or entering grades 9-12, residing in the Bay Area
The Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP) lets high school students work on research in biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and computer science. You’ll learn lab techniques, coding, data analysis, and experimental design while working with scientists and researchers.
The program includes weekly seminars, public talks, and training sessions on scientific methods, research writing, and presenting findings. You’ll also explore advanced topics like genetics, materials science, and machine learning while gaining experience in academic and industry research.
12. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee
Application Deadline: December 9 – February 28
Dates: June 16- June 27
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12 in Fall, over the age of 14 by the start of the program
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program on AI in medicine. You’ll work on AI research projects, attend technical lectures, and get mentorship from Stanford researchers.
The program includes group research sessions, discussions with industry professionals, and career-focused activities. You’ll explore machine learning in medical imaging, data analysis, and AI ethics in healthcare. Participants can continue independent research after the program. A Certificate of Completion is awarded at the end.
13. Stanford’s Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,595
Application Deadline: December 15 – March 1
Dates: June 16 – June 27
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18 years
The Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) at Stanford is a two-week summer program for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. You’ll explore neuroscience, psychology, and psychiatry through seminars with Stanford faculty and researchers.
You’ll study brain function, mental health, and neurological disorders while working in small teams to tackle neuroscience-related challenges. The program includes discussions on research, clinical applications, and career paths in medicine and science. It ends with a capstone presentation, where you’ll present your findings.
14. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: You must be enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall and must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler.
The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
15. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Spring: February 16; Summer: February 16 (early), March 23 (priority), April 20 (regular-I), May 18 (regular-II)!
Program Dates: Spring: March 3; Summer: June 16! Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
16. Veritas AI – AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Virtual
Cost: $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Application deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Varies according to the cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI with a suitable environment in which to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. The AI Fellowship program will allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest.You can find examples of previous projects here.
Image source: University of California, San Francisco
