TL;DR
Looking for summer medical programs for high school students in Los Angeles? This list includes free hospital volunteer programs, medical career exploration programs, biomedical and clinical research opportunities, neuroscience programs, allied health internships, and paid pre-med experiences. Some programs are virtual, while others take place at hospitals, universities, and research centers across Los Angeles. If you want a structured research experience that you can complete remotely, you can also explore the Horizon Academic Research Program.
If you’re looking for a summer medical program in Los Angeles, the first thing to figure out is what kind of experience you actually want. Some programs give you hands-on exposure to hospitals and patients, while others focus on biomedical research, neuroscience, clinical research, healthcare careers, or allied health. This list covers 15 medical and healthcare programs for high school students in Los Angeles, with details on what you’ll do, who can apply, how much each program costs, and when applications are due.
What kinds of medical programs can high school students do in Los Angeles?
Medical programs can mean very different things at the high school level. Some opportunities give you hospital experience, while others involve biomedical research, clinical research, healthcare career exploration, or hands-on medical skills.
The right fit depends largely on what you want to do during the program.
The biggest distinction is between research, clinical exposure, and volunteering. A hospital volunteer position can give you firsthand experience in a healthcare environment, but it may not involve research or physician shadowing. A research internship can involve data, laboratory work, or clinical studies without giving you the same patient-facing experience.
Which programs offer medical research experience?
If your main goal is medical research, focus on programs that make research part of the experience.
BrainSPORT Summer High School Research Internship at UCLA introduces you to clinical research around traumatic brain injury, concussion, and brain health. Project STRIDE combines clinical research with mentorship, health disparities research, an abstract, a poster, and a Research Day presentation.
For biomedical research, INSPIRE at Cedars-Sinai gives students the opportunity to work with Cedars-Sinai researchers on research projects. LA-HIP goes further with seven weeks of full-time hands-on biomedical research under scientists at The Saban Research Institute.
If you want independent research with a mentor and do not need to be physically located in Los Angeles, Horizon Academic Research Program and Lumiere Research Scholar Program are also options to consider.
Which programs are best for students interested in medicine but not necessarily becoming doctors?
You do not have to be committed to becoming a physician to benefit from a medical summer program. Healthcare includes nursing, pharmacy, medical imaging, therapy, laboratory research, public health, healthcare administration, allied health, neuroscience, and many other fields.
The Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program exposes students to professionals including surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, radiologists, ophthalmologists, and therapists. The Turner-UCLA Allied Health Internship focuses specifically on entry-level allied health careers.
CAMP CHLA – Health Care Career Exploration is another broad introduction to healthcare careers, with presentations from healthcare professionals, CPR and first-aid training, and exposure to a hospital environment.
Which medical programs in Los Angeles are available for each grade?
Your grade matters because many medical summer programs have narrow eligibility requirements.
Grade 9
If you are a freshman, CAMP CHLA – Health Care Career Exploration is one option because the program accepts current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who live in Los Angeles County.
Mary S. Easton Center at UCLA – Neuroscience High School Scholars Program also has neuroscience opportunities for high school students. The virtual summer program itself is aimed at rising juniors and seniors, so check the specific program component before applying.
Grade 10
Sophomores can consider CAMP CHLA – Health Care Career Exploration, UCLA Pre-Med Summer Scholar Program, and hospital volunteer opportunities such as Cedars-Sinai High School Student Volunteers.
Cedars-Sinai High School Student Volunteers accepts high school students ages 14–18, while UCLA Pre-Med Summer Scholar Program requires students to be at least 16.
Grade 11
Junior year opens up several research-focused options. Mary S. Easton Center at UCLA – Neuroscience High School Scholars Program, Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program, Project STRIDE, INSPIRE at Cedars-Sinai, and LA-HIP can all be relevant depending on your eligibility.
Grade 12
Seniors can apply to several of the same research and medical career programs, including Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program, Mary S. Easton Center at UCLA – Neuroscience High School Scholars Program, UCLA Pre-Med Summer Scholar Program, and INSPIRE at Cedars-Sinai.
LA-HIP specifically targets current juniors, so it is designed for students entering senior year.
15 Summer Medical Programs for High School Students in Los Angeles
1. Horizon Academic Research Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid available.
Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th- or 11th-graders! A few tracks require prerequisites.
Horizon offers research in areas including biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, data science, and machine learning. You’ll work with a professor or Ph.D. scholar to develop a 20-page research paper, with a choice between quantitative and qualitative research.
Who is it right for? Students looking for structured, mentor-guided research that can be completed virtually.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote, you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort.
Program 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.
Lumiere pairs high school students 1-on-1 with Ph.D. mentors for independent research. Research areas include psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and international relations.
Who is it right for? Students who want to complete an independent research project with 1-on-1 Ph.D. mentorship.
3. Mary S. Easton Center at UCLA – Neuroscience High School Scholars Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Opens in December
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are interested in neuroscience
The UCLA Neuroscience High School Virtual Summer Program introduces you to neuroscience, with a focus on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. You will attend live neuroscience seminars, hear from researchers and medical professionals, observe Neurology Grand Rounds, analyze current research through a journal club, and complete a final research project and presentation.
Who is it right for? Students entering their junior or senior year who want an introductory virtual experience exploring neuroscience, Alzheimer’s research, medical careers, and scientific literature.
4. Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program
Location: Los Angeles, CA, and virtual; in-person locations vary by facility
Cost: Free; participants are responsible for transportation
Program Dates: July-August; dates and session lengths vary by facility
Application Deadline: Not specified on the official website
Eligibility: Current 11th- and 12th-grade students from Los Angeles and adjacent counties who meet the age and facility-specific requirements
The Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program gives high school students an opportunity to explore healthcare careers through medical mentors and internships. You may attend virtual sessions or participate in person and hear from professionals including surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, radiologists, ophthalmologists, and therapists. Activities and requirements vary between participating facilities.
Who is it right for? Students in grades 11–12 who want to explore a range of healthcare careers and learn directly from medical professionals.
5. CAMP CHLA – Health Care Career Exploration
Location: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free; participants are responsible for transportation
Program Dates: June 15–19 | July 27–31
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, or juniors who live in Los Angeles County; previous Camp CHLA participants are not eligible
CAMP CHLA is a five-day, in-person program focused on healthcare career exploration. You’ll hear from healthcare professionals about their careers and daily responsibilities, receive hands-on training in CPR and health promotion, connect with other students, and gain exposure to CHLA’s clinical teams. You must be available for all five days of your selected session.
Who is it right for? LA County students in grades 9–11 who want an early introduction to healthcare careers and practical healthcare training.
6. UCLA Health Volunteer Summer Program
Location: UCLA Health, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free; participants are responsible for transportation and parking
Program Dates: Summer; 50 volunteer hours must be completed by August 31
Application Deadline: Not specified on the official website
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old by June 1 and can commit to 50 volunteer hours, subject to required health and immunization requirements
UCLA Health Volunteer Summer Program lets you gain experience in a hospital setting through volunteer roles such as patient transport, wayfinding, and delivering patient mail and newspapers. You will interact with patients and visitors, build communication and customer service skills, and learn how a hospital operates while completing a minimum of 50 volunteer hours.
Who is it right for? Students who are at least 16 by June 1 and want hands-on hospital experience through patient-facing service, wayfinding, transport, and other volunteer responsibilities.
7. UCLA Pre-Med Summer Scholar Program
Location: UCLA campus, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $1,450; need-based scholarships available; lodging, transportation, parking, and meals are not included
Program Dates: June 22–26 | June 29–July 3
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are U.S. citizens, are at least 16 years old at the time of participation, and are not yet attending college
The UCLA Pre-Med Summer Scholar Program offers hands-on exposure to several areas of medicine. Activities include robotic and laparoscopic surgical skills, imaging, pathology, suturing, CPR, Stop the Bleed training and certification, and basic science research lab tours. You will also hear from healthcare professionals through guest speakers and a provider panel.
Who is it right for? Students who want hands-on exposure to medicine, surgical skills, emergency care, and healthcare careers.
8. Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Volunteer Opportunities
Location: Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Year-round; minimum 200-hour commitment over approximately one year
Application Deadline: Not specified on the official website
Eligibility: Volunteers must be at least 15½ years old, commit to the same four-hour shift each week, demonstrate professional behavior and a positive attitude, and be flexible in work assignments
The Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Volunteer Program gives you experience supporting patients, visitors, staff, and the local community in a hospital setting. Your department placement is generally determined after onboarding based on hospital needs, your skills, abilities, and service orientation. The program requires a regular four-hour weekly commitment for at least 200 hours over approximately one year.
Who is it right for? Students who can make a long-term commitment and want firsthand hospital experience.
9. BrainSPORT Summer High School Research Internship at UCLA
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June–August
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students; students interested in continuing the internship into the academic year and mentoring future interns are especially encouraged to apply
The BrainSPORT Summer High School Research Internship at UCLA focuses on clinical research involving traumatic brain injury, concussion, and brain health. You’ll learn about patient recruitment, research data, and study protocols while attending weekly TBI lab meetings and working alongside UCLA trainees and other interns. The program ends with a final project and presentation on a research topic of your choice.
Who is it right for? Students interested in neuroscience, concussion, and clinical research who want to work on a research project.
10. INSPIRE at Cedars-Sinai
Location: Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Stipend provided
Program Dates: Summer; 6–10 weeks
Application Deadline: April 28
Eligibility: High school students ages 16–18
INSPIRE at Cedars-Sinai gives high school students the opportunity to gain research experience in a healthcare setting. You’ll work with Cedars-Sinai researchers on research projects while learning about biomedical research, research methods, and healthcare careers. The program also includes workshops and other activities designed to build your research and professional skills.
Who is it right for? Students ages 16–18 who want hands-on exposure to biomedical research and healthcare careers while working with researchers at a major medical center.
11. Turner-UCLA Allied Health Internship
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: One week during the summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students and recent graduates interested in entry-level allied health careers
The Turner-UCLA Allied Health Internship introduces students to healthcare careers that do not require medical school or a traditional four-year college degree. You’ll explore clinical and administrative roles through shadowing opportunities and learn about careers that support physicians, nurses, patients, and healthcare teams.
Who is it right for? Students who want to explore allied health and healthcare careers beyond becoming a physician.
12. Project STRIDE
Location: Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free; stipend provided
Program Dates: Ten weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: 11th-grade high school students who will have completed 11th grade before the program begins; primarily serves underrepresented and disadvantaged students in South Los Angeles
Project STRIDE is a 10-week summer clinical research program that introduces you to biomedical and health sciences research. You’ll work full-time with an assigned mentor on a research project while learning research methods and exploring health issues affecting underserved communities.
Who is it right for? Students entering senior year who are interested in biomedical or clinical research and want intensive, mentor-guided experience studying health disparities and underserved communities.
13. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles High School Summer Volunteer Program
Location: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 22–August 6
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Students ages 15–17 who have completed their freshman year of high school
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles High School Summer Volunteer Program gives you the chance to support patients, families, and hospital staff while gaining experience in a pediatric hospital setting. You may help escort patients to appointments, greet patients and families, provide items to patients, and assist with administrative tasks.
Who is it right for? Students ages 15–17 who have completed freshman year and want hands-on experience supporting patients and hospital teams in a pediatric healthcare setting.
14. Cedars-Sinai High School Student Volunteers
Location: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Year-round; session dates not specified on the official website
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students ages 14–18
Cedars-Sinai High School Student Volunteers gives you the opportunity to support patients, families, visitors, and hospital staff while gaining experience in a healthcare setting. You’ll contribute through volunteer service and learn more about how a major medical center operates while developing communication, teamwork, and service skills.
Who is it right for? Students ages 14–18 who want to gain firsthand experience supporting patients and hospital teams while exploring careers in healthcare.
15. Samuels Family Latino and African American High School Internship Program (LA-HIP)
Location: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free; stipend, Metro card, and hospital cafeteria meals provided
Program Dates: Seven weeks during the summer, followed by college counseling through the academic year
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Current juniors at public high schools in Los Angeles County who can legally work in California and demonstrate strong academics and an interest in science
Samuels Family Latino and African American High School Internship Program (LA-HIP) is a yearlong program that combines seven weeks of full-time, hands-on biomedical research with intensive college counseling. During the summer, you’ll conduct laboratory research under the mentorship of scientists at The Saban Research Institute at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Who is it right for? Students entering senior year who attend a public high school in Los Angeles County and want intensive laboratory research experience alongside structured preparation for college and STEM careers.
How should you choose a medical summer program in Los Angeles?
Start with the experience you actually want.
If you want research, look at programs that produce a research project, abstract, poster, presentation, or other research output. If you want hospital exposure, volunteer programs can give you experience working around patients, visitors, and healthcare teams.
Then check five things:
- Your grade and age: Some programs are limited to specific grades or ages.
- Location: Some programs are fully virtual, while others require you to travel to a Los Angeles hospital or university.
Cost: Several programs are free, while others provide scholarships or stipends. - Time commitment: A one-week program is very different from a 10-week research internship or a yearlong volunteer commitment.
- Type of work: Research, volunteering, clinical exposure, career exploration, and allied health experience are different forms of experience.
A program that matches your actual goal is usually easier to evaluate than one chosen simply because it has a recognizable institution attached to it.
Want to do independent medical research?
If you are more interested in developing a research question than spending your summer in a hospital, an online research program can give you another route.
The Horizon Academic Research Program offers high school research across fields including biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, data science, and machine learning. Students work with professors or Ph.D. scholars and develop a university-level research paper through the program.
What students ask about medical programs in Los Angeles
Yes. Several programs on this list are free, including hospital volunteer opportunities, healthcare career programs, neuroscience programs, and research internships. Some also provide additional financial support such as stipends, transportation support, or scholarships.
Yes. Opportunities include clinical research, biomedical research, neuroscience research, and laboratory research. The research-focused programs on this list can involve mentors, research projects, abstracts, posters, presentations, or laboratory work.
It depends on the program. Some opportunities accept students as early as freshman year, while others are specifically designed for juniors, seniors, or students who have completed a particular grade.
Yes. Virtual research programs can let you explore areas such as biology, neuroscience, psychology, and related fields without living in Los Angeles. If you want structured 1-on-1 research mentorship, you can explore the Horizon Academic Research Program.
Image source: University of California, Los Angeles