If you’re a high school student in California looking to build your STEM skills this summer, a summer program can give you the chance to work on hands-on projects, get one-on-one guidance, and dive into a topic you’re curious about. California is a great place to explore STEM, with a range of options that include major tech companies in Silicon Valley, research labs, and startups. It’s a strong environment to get early experience through a summer program or internship.
Many universities and institutions in California offer programs that provide technical training, mentorship, and exposure to specialized topics. They also help you build a portfolio that can enhance your college applications and future career goals. Depending on the program, you might learn how new tech is developed in AI, robotics, or biotech; observe surgeries; design games or electronic gadgets; explore sustainable aviation; or create academic posters.
Since these programs happen locally during summer break, you won’t miss school, and you can avoid the extra cost of commuting or housing while still gaining practical experience and making useful connections.
To help you get started, we’ve listed 15 top STEM summer programs for high school students in California:
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate: Around 10–25%
Dates: The summer cohort typically runs from June to August
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with an unweighted GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale are encouraged to apply
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week opportunity for high school students to do an independent research project with support from a PhD mentor. You can choose from subjects in STEM, social sciences, or humanities. The program includes research method workshops and help with writing a full-length research paper. You’ll also get guidance from a writing coach to help shape your research topic. Some possible subjects include biology, chemistry, physics, math, computer science, data science, and engineering. STEM topics range from machine learning and biotech to global warming and civil or environmental engineering. If your area of interest isn’t listed, you can work with your mentor to create a custom topic. Completing the program may make you eligible for UCSD credit. Application information is available here.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars.
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective; the exact acceptance rate is not specified
Dates: Multiple cohorts are offered throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort
Eligibility: AI Scholars is open to all high school students. The AI Fellowship is for students who either have prior experience with Python or have completed the AI Scholars program.
Veritas AI offers programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. Founded by Harvard researchers, the programs are taught by instructors from institutions such as MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and Princeton. The AI Scholars program is a beginner-friendly, 10-session course that covers AI, machine learning, and data science through hands-on projects using real-world examples. If you already have some programming experience, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase is a more advanced option. You’ll work one-on-one with a university mentor to create a research project and get help preparing it for publication. You can see past student projects here.
3. Cal State ECST LAunchPad Summer Program
Location: California State University, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 45 students
Dates: July 7 – July 18
Application Deadline: May 10
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
LAunchPad is a two-week summer program at Cal State LA, sponsored by Boeing Global Engagement. You will get to explore engineering and computer science through hands-on activities and talks with faculty, students, and industry professionals. You’ll learn about civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, computer science, materials science, and how these fields connect to future careers. Each day focuses on a different theme, starting with a faculty presentation and Q&A, followed by interactive projects using simple materials or computer tools. You’ll work in small groups with a learning facilitator who helps guide your final project, the Futurathon. The program ends with a showcase and virtual awards ceremony, and you’ll also hear from current students about their college and career paths.
4. UCSF Summer Student Research Program
Location: Multiple sites across the San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; high school students earn a $3,000 stipend
Acceptance Rate: The acceptance rate isn’t specified, but the program is likely very selective
Dates: June 2 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors from underrepresented backgrounds in science who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, have completed at least one year of math and biology, and will be at least 16 by June 1
The UCSF Summer Student Research Program gives you hands-on experience in biomedical research at local labs or clinics. You’ll be matched with a mentor who’ll guide you through a project in a clinical, lab, or community health setting, depending on availability. The program, affiliated with UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, offers seminars, mentoring, workshops, training, and networking opportunities for students interested in STEM and the health sciences. Over the nine weeks, you’ll join journal clubs, attend weekly talks by UCSF researchers and doctors, and take part in social events. It ends with a research symposium on the first Friday in August.
5. UCLA’s Mary S. Easton Center: Neuroscience High School Scholars Summer Program
Location: Virtual or in person at the University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive, <6%
Dates: June 16 – July 24
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors, aged 16–18, who are from underrepresented communities or have an interest in working with them
The UCLA Neuroscience High School Scholars Program is a six-week summer program for students interested in neuroscience, especially Alzheimer’s and other dementias. It focuses on health disparities and cultural awareness. Each week includes three structured days with three hours of activities, such as seminars, neurology grand rounds, brain dissections, journal clubs, research exposure, literature reviews, and mentorship. You’ll learn about neurodegenerative diseases, brain function, and research methods. The program will also help you start an Alzheimer’s Awareness Club at your school. Some students may work on research projects involving data analysis, cognitive tests, and lab skills.
6. Stanford RAMP UP / STaRS Internship Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: The program is free but unpaid, and students must arrange their housing and transportation
Cohort Size: Around 20 students
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application Deadline: November 30
Eligibility: U.S. high school and community college students who will be 16 or older by the start of the program
The Stanford RAMP UP / STaRS Internship Program is a 7-week program for high school and community college students interested in biomedical science or healthcare. It’s geared toward students who are from low-income backgrounds, underrepresented in research, and first-generation, and offers hands-on experience in biomedical research and healthcare. You’ll learn lab techniques, work with Stanford faculty and graduate students on real research projects, build presentation skills, and get career advice. The program runs weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and includes teamwork, mentorship, and problem-solving activities. You can check out past intern stories here.
7. CURE (Community, Urban, Research, and Education) Internship Program at UCSF
Location: University of California, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students earn a stipend
Cohort Size: Around 11 students
Dates: June 16 – August 8; orientation is held on June 12 and 13
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: Current 11th graders who have a minimum GPA of 2.5, have completed Biology or Chemistry with at least a B, and will be at least 16 by the program start date
UCSF’s CURE Internship Program is a paid, 8-week summer program for high school juniors from underserved backgrounds who are interested in health science or biomedical research. You’ll work full-time (40 hours a week), get matched with UCSF faculty, postdocs, or grad students, and gain hands-on experience in areas like behavioral science, clinical research, basic science, or population health. You’ll also complete your own research project and present it at a one-day symposium. The program includes support for choosing a science major and planning for college and careers in healthcare or research.
8. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)
Location: Stanford University campus, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 24 students
Dates: June 23 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 17
Eligibility: High school juniors who live in Northern California
The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program is a five-week program for low-income, first-generation local high school juniors interested in science and medicine. You’ll attend lectures, workshops, and networking events at Stanford Medicine, and work in small groups on a public health disparities research project that includes writing a paper, creating a presentation, and designing a poster. You’ll receive mentorship from healthcare workers, Stanford faculty, and college students as you explore medical careers and prepare for college. The program also includes campus tours, hospital internships at Stanford, career talks, shadowing opportunities, and demonstrations from the Stanford medical community.
9. Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology (ICLEM) by JBEI
Location: Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students must arrange their own transportation. There is a $3,000 stipend.
Cohort Size: 8 – 10 students
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 16
Eligibility: Economically disadvantaged high school sophomores and juniors who are at least 15 years old, live in Contra Costa, Alameda, or San Francisco County, have passed Algebra 1 and Biology, and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher
JBEI’s iCLEM is a paid summer program for high school sophomores and juniors from low-income backgrounds. You’ll work on a hands-on microbiology research project with support from JBEI scientists, gaining experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, synthetic biology, microbiology, and biofuels. You’ll also explore careers through workshops, connect with UC science majors, high school teachers, and research mentors, and go on field trips to biotech and pharmaceutical companies. You will also receive help with college preparation and develop science communication skills.
10. UCSF SEP’s High School Intern Program (HIP)
Location: University of California, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; interns earn $3,200 for part-time or $4,500 for full-time work post-internship
Cohort Size: 25 students
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Current high school juniors attending an SFUSD or San Francisco charter school
The UCSF SEP High School Intern Program is an eight-week opportunity that enables high school juniors to participate in biomedical research at the University of California, San Francisco. You’ll be matched with a UCSF scientist who will guide you through a research project based on your interests. Program coordinators consider your preferences, schedule, and location when placing you in a lab. You’ll work closely with your mentor on a project in areas like developmental biology, cancer, neuroscience, molecular biology, stem cells, immunology, or infectious diseases. You’ll also connect with researchers, build science communication skills, and get support with college prep, like help with financial aid, resumes, personal statements, transcripts, and campus tours.
11. University of Southern California’s Young Researchers Program
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; students must arrange their own transportation to USC, but LA Metro passes are provided. U.S. students earn a $300 stipend.
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive, with an acceptance rate likely under 10%
Dates: June 16 – July 25; student orientation is held on June 13
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors living in Los Angeles who attend a public or charter school in the LA, Lynwood, Compton, or Inglewood Unified School Districts
USC’s Young Researchers Program (YRP) is a six-week summer program for local rising high school seniors interested in scientific research. It’s designed to support students from underrepresented backgrounds and help them explore college and STEM careers. You’ll work on a research project with a graduate mentor and get hands-on experience doing university-level research. You’ll also get to share your findings in a public poster presentation. You will participate in seminars and workshops on topics like college applications, scholarships, and STEM careers. The program also features field trips, including a tour of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab and a visit to Catalina Island for outdoor science activities.
12. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free, with a $40 application fee (waivable for financial need). Housing and meals aren’t included. All students earn a minimum $500 stipend, with need-based grants of $2,500 or more available.
Cohort Size: Around 50 students
Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Stanford’s SIMR is a summer research internship that will allow you to work on medical research projects with researchers, faculty, and students. You’ll get hands-on lab experience and one-on-one mentorship in a research area that matches your interests. You can choose from fields like genetics, bioinformatics, cardiovascular biology, immunology, neurobiology, bioengineering, stem cell and regenerative medicine, and cancer biology. The program starts with two weeks of lectures and laboratory work, followed by weekly group talks. In the final two weeks, you’ll create a research poster for a presentation. You can also apply to a separate bioengineering boot camp for hands-on learning without laboratory research.
13. UCSD’s Research Experience for High School Students (REHS)
Location: University of California, San Diego, CA
Cost: The non-research program is free; the research option costs $1,500. Financial aid is available, and students who qualify for free or reduced lunch can attend the research program at no cost.
Cohort Size: 45 students
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Students in grades 10–12 from San Diego County who have at least a 3.0 GPA and are 16 or older
UCSD’s Research Experience for High School Students (REHS) is an eight-week program that provides hands-on research experience and teaches skills such as testing hypotheses, running experiments, and analyzing data. You’ll work with a mentor, usually a computational research scientist, and be part of a research team in areas like software development, computer science, computational chemistry, neuroscience, or cancer diagnostics. You’ll join lab meetings, participate in group discussions, and complete readings and software training. You’ll also create a scientific poster about your project and career goals to present at a mid-August event. More information on specific projects is available here.
14. California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS)
Location: University of California campuses: San Diego, Los Angeles, Irvine, Santa Cruz, or Davis, CA
Cost: $5,256 + a non-refundable $44 application fee; financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Each campus accepts 160–200 students
Dates: UCI, UCSD: July 6 – August 1; UCD, UCLA, UCSC: July 6 – August 2
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: California high school students entering grades 9–12 with a GPA of 3.5 or above
COSMOS is a four-week program for high school students interested in STEM fields. You’ll work on hands-on, lab-based projects with scientists, faculty, and researchers at one of five UC campuses. The program is divided into clusters, each focusing on advanced STEM topics like robotics, physics, biomedical science, computer science, marine science, game theory, and more. You might explore areas such as quantum mechanics, nanotech, sustainable aviation, climate change, or video game design. You’ll study topics beyond the high school level, use advanced lab equipment, and build skills for college and STEM careers. Each campus offers a different curriculum based on its faculty’s research.
15. Research Mentorship Program at the University of California, Santa Barbara
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $12,474 (residential option) | $5,175 (commuter option); limited scholarships are available, with priority for California residents
Acceptance Rate: 4 – 6%
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 17
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 – 11 with at least a 3.8 GPA can apply; outstanding 9th graders may also be considered. Accepted students must attend an RMP Prep Webinar before the program begins.
UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program (RMP) is a competitive summer program that offers hands-on research experience. The program starts with a virtual orientation, followed by six weeks in person at UCSB, where you’ll spend 35–50 hours a week on your project. You’ll be matched with a mentor, like a grad student or professor, and choose a project in areas like astronomy, biology, computer science, engineering, or psychology. You’ll learn research skills, set academic goals, and explore careers, plus attend GRIT talks led by UCSB researchers. You’ll use library resources, collect data, and do fieldwork. At the end, you’ll write a research paper, present your work at a symposium, and earn 8 college credits through two courses: Introduction to Research and Presentation Techniques.
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 California, Santa Barbara