If you’re a high school student in LA and curious about research, you might want to check out a summer research program. Los Angeles is packed with top universities and research centers that offer high schoolers a chance to explore research projects through structured programs, camps, and hands-on experiences.
These programs let you work on individual or team projects under the guidance of actual researchers and mentors. You’ll get to explore theories, run experiments, analyze data, and even present your findings – basically, do what real researchers do. Whether you’re into engineering, biomedical research, computer science, or even social sciences, there’s something for you.
If this sounds like the right fit for you, here are 15 summer research programs for high school students in Los Angeles!
15 Summer Research Programs for High School Students in Los Angeles
1. UCLA Brain Research Institute NeuroCamp Summer High School Program
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: April 27
Program Dates: 2 weeks (June 16 – 18, June 23 – 24 & 26 – 27)
Location: Neuroscience and Genetics Research Center, Los Angeles, CA
Eligibility: Grades 9-12 (do not need to reside in LA, but housing and transportation assistance are not provided)
Subject Areas: Neuroscience, Genetics
The NeuroCamp Summer High School Program at UCLA’s Brain Research Institute gives you an introduction to neuroscience and helps you explore science as a career. You’ll learn about the structure, development, and function of the human brain and nervous system. The program covers topics like neural plasticity, molecular mechanisms behind neuronal signal strength, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Through hands-on research under faculty supervision, you’ll practice neuroscience lab techniques like analyzing samples, imaging, and maintaining records. You’ll also work on projects with your peers, building your ability to collaborate and apply what you learn in a lab setting.
2. UCLA Bruin Ascent Summer Experience (BASE)
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: April 15
Program Dates: June – August
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: California high school student in Grades 10 or 11, 3.5+ unweighted GPA, first-time applicant, and household AGI within Family Income Eligibility Tables.
Subject Areas: Anthropology, Chemistry, Economics, Gender Studies, International Development Studies, Neuroscience, Physics, Political Science
UCLA’s Bruin Ascent Summer Experience (BASE) is a merit-based online scholarship program that lets California high school students from under-resourced communities take one UCLA summer online course for free and earn college credit. You can choose from a wide range of fields, like space sciences, world politics, economics, neuroscience, and anthropology.
Alongside your course, you’ll join weekly co-curricular workshops to build essential skills like time management, effective note-taking, and reading techniques. You’ll also be matched with a UCLA undergraduate mentor whose academic background aligns with your summer course.
3. Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program
Cost: Individual Research Program ($2,990), Premium Research & Publication Program ($5,900), the Research Fellowship ($8,900), Professor Premium Publication Program ($8,900)
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The Summer Cohort I deadline is April 13!
Program Dates: Summer: June – August, fall: September – December, winter: December – February, spring: March – June.
Location : Virtual
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school, demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4), and no previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
Subject Areas: Science, Engineering, Technology, Humanities, Business, Environment, Gender Studies, International Relations
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is meant for high schoolers interested in exploring research as well as an area of interest in great detail. Lumiere was founded by researchers at Harvard and Oxford who have first-hand knowledge of rigorous academics and research.
Lumiere’s research programs allow you to conduct an independent research project with guidance from PhD scholars and professors. It’s a fairly selective online program. Previously, over 4,000 students applied for just 500 spots. If selected, you will be assigned a mentor who will work with you 1-on-1 throughout the program and help you draft your university-level research paper. Find more details about the application here!
4. Inspire at Cedars-Sinai
Cost: A stipend is paid.
Application Deadline: February 8
Program Dates: June 30 – September 5 (6-10 weeks, depends on mentor and intern availability)
Location: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
Eligibility: High school students age 16+ prior to the program’s start, preferably should be in LA/nearby areas with transportation to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and eligible to work in the USA.
Subject Areas: Healthcare
The Inspiring New Scientists through Professional Internships and Research Experience (INSPIRE) is a summer research-based internship focused on healthcare. You’ll get hands-on training, participate in research discussions, and attend virtual workshops.
You’ll learn research processes, lab safety regulations, and how to use protected health information (PHI) appropriately. The program also teaches you to write a research paper, from the abstract to endnotes and citations. You’ll practice collecting and analyzing data and improve your presentation skills.
5. Loyola Marymont University Environmental Science: The Living City
Cost: Application Fee – $65; Program – $6,125
Application Deadline: March 15
Program Dates: July 6 – July 18
Location : Los Angeles, CA
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors
Subject Areas: Ecology, Urban Environmental Research
Loyola Marymount University’s Environmental Science: The Living City is a field ecology course focused on urban environmental research. You’ll study bird biodiversity, sociobiology, taxonomy, and field science technology while exploring how science, ecology, and social science intersect to address urban environmental challenges.
Through lab work and field trips to the Ballona Wetlands, you’ll apply scientific research methods like data collection and species observation, studying how birds and other wildlife coexist with urban communities. You’ll also conduct hands-on projects, including creating a cast of a painted hummingbird.
6. UCLA Sci | Art Lab + Studio Summer Institute Program
Cost: $2,711 (Commuter), $3,793 (Residential; housing not available for students under 17).
Application Deadline: June 6 (Session A); June 13 (Session B & C). Admission to the program is granted on a rolling basis starting February 15.
Program Dates: Session A (Residential) June 22 – July 5; Session B (Commuter) July 7 – July 18; Session C (Commuter) July 21 – August 1
Location: UCLA ArtSci Center Los Angeles, CA
Eligibility: Attending 9th – 12th grade in Spring and at least 15 years of age (or 17 years for residential sessions) by the first day of the summer session.
Subject Areas: Science, Contemporary Arts
The Sci|Art Lab+Studio Summer Institute at UCLA is a two-week, 4-credit program where you’ll explore the connection between scientific research and creative innovation. You’ll learn skills like bio art and design, digital animation, coding, and maintaining a lab notebook. Lab tours will introduce you to experimental devices like the Large Plasma Device and biological fluorescence microscopes.
You’ll also participate in co-curricular activities like film screenings, virtual workshops, and field visits. The program wraps up with a collaborative project called “Imagine the Impossible,” where you’ll present a multimedia piece alongside your peers.
7. UCLA Computer Science Summer Institute – Introductory Track
Cost: $3,291 (scholarships are available for California students)
Application Deadline: June 13
Program Dates: June 23 – July 11(3 weeks)
Location: UCLA Computer Science Institute, Los Angeles, CA
Eligibility: 9th – 12th Grade in Spring and must be at least 15 years of age by the first day of Summer Sessions 2.
Subject Areas: Computer Science
UCLA’s Computer Science Summer Institute Introductory Track welcomes students with or without prior computer science knowledge. You’ll learn programming languages like Python and Java, develop data analysis techniques, and work on algorithm design and problem-solving strategies.
The coursework covers key concepts like data types, control structures, loops, and functions, offering a strong foundation for fields like software development, data science, and artificial intelligence. You’ll also gain experience in debugging and writing efficient code. By the end of the program, you’ll earn UCLA course credits and receive a letter grade.
8. UCLA-CDU CIRC Program
Cost: Paid, $4,800 stipend
Application Deadline: February 16
Program Dates: June 10 – August 16 (10 weeks + extends into a year-long continuum)
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Eligibility: High school seniors with 1+ semester of community college classes, 3.2+ GPA, and plans to transfer to a community college in the Fall. Must be a US citizen/permanent resident.
Subject Areas: Science, Healthcare
The Cultivating Interest in Research Careers (CIRC) program, run by UCLA and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), helps high school seniors from underrepresented groups get started in science and healthcare research. It includes a 10-week summer research program and a year-round research pathway.
You’ll work with researchers studying cardiovascular disease and prevention, learning lab techniques, data analysis, and scientific writing. You’ll also build critical thinking, presentation, and communication skills. Plus, you’ll join workshops, get help with college transfers, and present your research at the annual CIRC Research Symposium.
9. Occidental College Research Early Access Program (REAP)
Cost: Study award of $6,000, up to $400 in consumable research expenses + subsidized on-campus housing & meals
Application Deadline: March 19
Program Dates: May – August(10 weeks)
Location: Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA
Eligibility: Rising sophomore students
Subject Areas: Psychology, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Cognitive Science, Physics
The Occidental College Research Early Access Program (REAP) gives rising sophomores a head start in scientific research. You’ll work on a faculty-mentored independent project in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, cognitive science, physics, or psychology. Priority is given if you’re first-generation, low-income, or had limited lab science access in high school.
You’ll learn research methodologies, lab techniques, and how to analyze data in your chosen field. You’ll also complete research ethics training, meet regularly with your mentor, and submit a final research report. The program wraps up with a presentation at the Oxy Summer Research Conference.
10. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Project Stride
Cost: Free with stipend (students receive a stipend to cover expenses, no cost to participate)
Application Deadline: February 15
Program Dates: 10 weeks (Information on dates not available)
Location: Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA
Eligibility: 11th-grade high school student with 3.0+ GPA (overall and in math/science); US citizen/permanent resident; priority for students from King/Drew Magnet High School, Alliance Health Sciences Academy, and other Watts community schools in South LA.s.
Subject Areas: Clinical Research
Project STRIDE is a clinical research summer program for 11th-grade students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds, funded by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. You’ll work on a mentored research project, write an abstract, create a research poster, and present your work at the Research Day symposium. Alongside research, you’ll learn good clinical practices, get leadership training, and take resume-building classes. The program also helps you prepare for the SAT and improve your writing skills.
11. Harvard Secondary School Program (SSP)
Cost: $4,050 (4 credits) / $7,900 (8 credits) + non-refundable $75 application fee. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for financial aid.
Application Deadline: April 9
Program Dates: June 21 – August 9 (7 weeks)
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old when the program begins in June and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, and will graduate from high school and enter college in the current year/next two years. No minimum GPA requirements!
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, Business, Languages, Creative Arts, and more.
The Harvard Secondary School Program (SSP) is a college-level summer program for high school students, including those who are homeschooled. You’ll take 4- or 8-credit courses from over 200 options in STEM, economics, animation, music, entrepreneurship, languages, and more.
You’ll gain college-level experience, explore potential college majors, and develop academic independence. You’ll also join online activities, like discussion forums and hobby-sharing spaces, and have access to Harvard’s tutoring and writing center.
12. Horizon Academic Research Program
Cost: $5,950 for each, a Horizon Labs course and a Seminars course
Application Deadline: Vary by cohort. The Summer cohort deadline is March 23!
Program Dates: Spring: March 3; Summer: June 16! Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in grades 9-12, GPA 3.67 (unweighted or equivalent) and a demonstrated interest or achievement in the chosen subject (some of the subjects have formal course prerequisites).
Subject Areas: Science, Humanities, Computer Science, Healthcare
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students, with topics including data science, machine learning, psychology, and political theory. You can choose to focus on either quantitative or qualitative research, depending on your interests. Once you select a subject area, you will be paired with a professor or PhD scholar who will guide you through the research process.
The program culminates in the development of a 20-page research paper, which you may submit to academic journals for consideration. Additionally, you will receive a letter of recommendation and feedback to help support your academic growth and research skills.
13. Energy Mag
Cost: Free. Details are based on the latest available information. Students should check the program’s official website for any updates.
Application Deadline: Open all year round
Program Dates: Rolling dates (2 to 8 weeks)
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors and seniors with GPA over 3.25 and at least one honors science or honors English class (exceptions in appropriate cases)
Subject Areas: Renewable Energy and Climate Change
The EnergyMag High School Internship lets you research renewable energy and climate change while developing analytical, research, and communication skills. You’ll work on a mentor-guided project about a specific company, technology, or market, conducting data analysis, expert outreach, and technical writing.
Your final report, once approved, gets published on EnergyMag’s portal with your name credited. You’ll also receive an Internship Letter of Accomplishment documenting your research contributions.
14. UCLA COSMOS
Cost: $44 (non-refundable application fee) + $5,256 (Tuition fee)
Application Deadline: February 7
Program Dates: July 6 – August 2
Location: UCLA California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS), Los Angeles, CA
Eligibility: California high school students only, completing grades 8-12 with 3.8 unweighted GPA with a particular focus on math and/or science grades (each cluster also has prerequisites)
Subject Areas: Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, and more
The UCLA COSMOS program is a 4-week summer research experience for California high school students interested in STEM fields. You’ll join a pre-selected cluster focused on topics like biomedical sciences, mathematics, physics, computer science, aerospace engineering, AI, robotics, and ecology.
The curriculum includes lab work, lectures, and research projects designed by UCLA faculty. You’ll also work on scientific writing and communication, collaborate in study groups, and participate in field trips and recreational activities.
15. Samuels Family Latino and African American High School Internship Program (LA-HIP)
Cost: Free with a stipend
Application Deadline: February 7
Program Dates: June 16 – August first week (tentative)
Location: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, CA
Eligibility: Current junior in high school from an underrepresented minority in medicine and science with a Social Security Number or DACA Number and a keen interest in STEM
Subject Areas: Science, Biomedical Research
The Samuels Family LA-HIP is a paid summer internship for high school juniors from underrepresented minorities interested in STEM. You’ll work in a biomedical research lab under the guidance of a faculty scientist, learning lab techniques, scientific communication, and research presentation skills.
Throughout the program, you’ll maintain a lab notebook, collaborate with scientists, write a scientific abstract, and present your research at the Science Symposium. You’ll also get college prep workshops, SAT prep classes, and career guidance. The program provides a stipend, Metro card, and hospital cafeteria meals.
Image source: University of California, Los Angeles
