If you’re a high school student looking to explore a college summer program and gain practical experience in a structured manner, joining a summer research program at the University of California, Santa Barbara is a solid option.
UCSB hosts several summer programs for high schoolers, like the Summer Research Academies and the Research Mentorship Program (RMP). These programs will allow you to explore topics in STEM, the Humanities, and Social Sciences through hands-on research.
You’ll get to work on projects that deal with real-world challenges using tools like simulations, experiments, data analysis, and modeling. You could study how different genotypes affect behavior and lifespan, use real datasets to learn Python and data science, or look into how algorithms spread hate speech and how bots influence online conversations.
These programs will let you explore your interests, learn useful skills, and form connections. It’s also a great way to explore potential career paths and figure out what you might want to pursue in the future, especially if you’re considering an undergraduate degree at UCSB.
Here are 15 UCSB summer research programs for high school students!
1. UCSB Summer Research Academies (SRA)
UC Santa Barbara’s Summer Research Academies (SRA) let high school students explore research in STEM, Humanities, or Social Sciences while earning 4 college credits. You’ll choose a track, work on a research project with guidance from UCSB faculty, and take part in hands-on labs, lectures, and group activities.
The program starts with a virtual prep period, followed by four weeks on campus. You’ll join GRIT talks with UCSB researchers, build academic and professional skills, and experience college life alongside peers. Throughout the program, you’ll spend 25–40 hours a week on research, write a technical paper, and present your findings at a final capstone seminar.
SRA offers 12 research tracks to choose from, each outlined in detail below:
1. Summer Research Academies — Complex Systems: Interactions, Inputs, and Networks for Natural and Engineered Systems
Subject Areas: Engineering, Dynamical Systems, Control Theory, Robotics, Game Theory
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $8,774 (Residential) | $2,775 (Commuter). A few need-based scholarships are available, depending on your qualifications and availability.
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: June 25 – July 25
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 who have a minimum 3.60 GPA
The Complex Systems track gives high school students a chance to explore how math helps explain and predict complex behaviors in systems, whether in technology, nature, or society. You’ll look at examples like bird flight and blood pressure regulation to understand stability, feedback, and control in real-world systems, which are key ideas in the study of dynamical systems.
You’ll learn how researchers apply these concepts to various real-world applications, from robotic arms to self-driving cars. You’ll study case examples in robotics, biology, and game theory to see how these systems work and how they can be managed. By the end of the program, you’ll have developed skills to analyze and design systems that can adapt and respond to change.
2. Summer Research Academies — Climate is Lit: The Craft of Narrating a Global Crisis
Subject Areas: Literature, Environmental Studies, Creative Writing, Anthropology, Sociology
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $8,774 (Residential) | $2,775 (Commuter). A few need-based scholarships are available, depending on your qualifications and availability.
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: June 25 – July 25
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 who have a minimum 3.60 GPA
The Climate is Lit track allows you to explore climate change as both a scientific issue and a cultural story. You’ll look at how literature helps readers imagine possible futures and encourages them to think deeply about how climate change affects people and the environment.
You will study different types of writing, like narrative nonfiction, literary journalism, and science fiction, to see how they explain the complexities of the climate crisis and reveal the influence of representation and power. You’ll also discuss how race, class, gender, and history shape the way climate stories are told and the impact they have. Through your research, you’ll build skills to communicate climate change clearly and effectively to the audiences you care about, with the goal of driving real change.
3. Summer Research Academies — Defying Fluidity: Diving Into the World of Bio-Inspired Fluid Mechanics
Subject Areas: Microfluidics, Engineering, Biomanufacturing, Aerodynamics, Computational Fluid Dynamics
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $8,774 (Residential) | $2,775 (Commuter). A few need-based scholarships are available, depending on your qualifications and availability.
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: June 25 – July 25
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 who have a minimum 3.60 GPA
The Defying Fluidity track is a great option if you’re interested in learning about Bio-Inspired Fluid Mechanics. You’ll explore how nature can inspire the design of new technologies, like how animals swim or fly, or how we can develop better respiratory treatments.
You will learn the basics of fluid mechanics and see how biological systems influence engineering ideas, such as sharkskin-inspired swimsuits or drone technology. You’ll dive into case studies, do hands-on experiments, and use simulations to study topics like surface tension, swimming mechanics, superhydrophobicity, lift, and drag. By analyzing how certain organisms use fluid-related adaptations, you’ll apply engineering concepts to explore how biological strategies can inform modern design.
4. Summer Research Academies — Inside Scoop: Mapping Organizational Structures and Networks Through Data Science
Subject Areas: Technology Management, Entrepreneurship, Network Theory, Business Administration, Machine Learning
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $8,774 (Residential) | $2,775 (Commuter). A few need-based scholarships are available, depending on your qualifications and availability.
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: June 25 – July 25
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 who have a minimum 3.60 GPA
The Inside Scoop track in the Summer Research Academies gives you a chance to explore how networks of people, resources, and processes work within organizations that impact our everyday lives. You’ll learn how companies organize themselves, manage resources, and build collaborations to stay competitive in a constantly changing world.
This course dives into how organizations operate by looking at factors like leadership structures, how money and ideas move within networks, and how conflict and negotiation play out. You’ll explore these topics using the same tools and frameworks business analysts and organizational researchers use. Working with real-world datasets, you’ll gain hands-on experience in data science and Python programming. You’ll also apply machine learning and network analysis to understand and improve organizational structure, change, and how businesses interact with customers.
5. Summer Research Academies — Molecular Clock: Harnessing the Power of Bioinformatics to Reveal Mechanisms Behind Aging
Subject Areas: Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Genetics, Speciation, Medicine
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $8,774 (Residential) | $2,775 (Commuter). A few need-based scholarships are available, depending on your qualifications and availability.
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: June 25 – July 25
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 who have a minimum 3.60 GPA
The Molecular Clock track at Summer Research Academies is designed for high school students interested in bioinformatics. You’ll explore the latest genetics and molecular-biology breakthroughs and see how age-related issues like sluggish mitochondria, weakened neurons, DNA damage build-up, and declining blood-vessel function shape the search for ways to control aging.
Working with the tiny worm C. elegans, you’ll use bioinformatics tools to spot genes that might run the body’s internal aging timer. You’ll compare genotypes from different wild strains to see how they affect behavior and lifespan, tapping full-genome databases and crunching large datasets to test all kinds of genotype–phenotype combos. By the end, you’ll pin down new gene classes and mechanisms that scientists could target in future anti-aging treatments.
6. Summer Research Academies — Money Moves: Exploring Cultures of Capitalism, Consumption, and Corporation
Subject Areas: Sociology, Political Science, Economic Theory, Religious Studies, Philosophy
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $8,774 (Residential) | $2,775 (Commuter). A few need-based scholarships are available, depending on your qualifications and availability.
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: June 25 – July 25
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 who have a minimum 3.60 GPA
The Money Moves track in UCSB’s Summer Research Academies is for high school students curious about how capitalism, consumer culture, and corporations shape everyday life. You’ll look at how capitalism affects how people see themselves, relate to others, and plan for the future, not just in business, but in personal values and day-to-day choices.
You will explore how capitalism influences factors like spending habits, social media, career goals, and even the popularity of jobs like influencers. You’ll study real-life examples from companies, celebrities, and current trends to explore how economic systems shape identity, community, and society. You’ll also look at how capitalism connects with tech, culture, religion, and the environment, and use those insights to better understand real-world situations.
7. Summer Research Academies — Quantum Intelligence: Unlocking the Future of Computing and the Power of AI
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Quantum Mechanics, Cryptography, Linear Algebra, Physics
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $8,774 (Residential) | $2,775 (Commuter). A few need-based scholarships are available, depending on your qualifications and availability.
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: June 25 – July 25
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 who have a minimum 3.60 GPA
The Quantum Intelligence track in UCSB’s Summer Research Academies will introduce you to how quantum computers tackle complex problems much faster than regular or even supercomputers. You’ll learn how quantum algorithms are changing areas like cryptography and contributing to the race for qubit supremacy.
In this course, you’ll start with the basics, like qubits and quantum states, and build up to a solid understanding of the field. You’ll dive into key algorithms such as Grover’s, Simon’s, and Prime Factorization, and explore topics like quantum system architecture, mathematical models, and error correction. You’ll also explore topics like quantum information, complexity theory, entanglement, and measurement. By the end, you’ll work on research to explore how quantum computing is expanding and testing the limits of different systems.
8. Summer Research Academies — Hate Speech: Examining Rhetoric, Influence, and Social Harm in the Digital Age
Subject Areas: Communication, Media Studies, Psychology, Data Science, Political Activism
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $8,774 (Residential) | $2,775 (Commuter). A few need-based scholarships are available, depending on your qualifications and availability.
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: June 25 – July 25
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 who have a minimum 3.60 GPA
In the Hate Speech track of UCSB’s Summer Research Academies, you’ll explore how online platforms fuel the spread of divisive and inflammatory language. You’ll look at how constant exposure to this rhetoric shapes how people view others in everyday life. You’ll learn how hate speech spreads on social media and news sites, and how algorithms, bots, and fake accounts help amplify it.
You’ll study the ways marginalized groups are targeted through specific language strategies and examine the links between hateful content, ethno-violence, and political extremism. Using tools like Python, machine learning, and large language models, you’ll learn how to detect hate speech and understand the impact of moderation policies. By the end, you’ll be able to analyze the problem and think through practical ways to address the effects of hate speech online.
9. Summer Research Academies — Code Breaker: Unraveling Genetics from DNA to Cutting-Edge Engineering
Subject Areas: Genetics, Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering, Medicine, Biotechnology
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $8,774 (Residential) | $2,775 (Commuter). A few need-based scholarships are available, depending on your qualifications and availability.
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: June 25 – July 25
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 who have a minimum 3.60 GPA
The Code Breaker track introduces high school students to genetic engineering through hands-on research in genetics and gene editing. You’ll explore key discoveries in genetics, from inherited traits in pea plants to modern tools like CRISPR-Cas9.
The course covers how genes affect how our bodies function, including how certain conditions like Turner Syndrome and Sickle Cell Disease develop. You’ll also look into how gene editing could change the way we treat diseases like cancer and cystic fibrosis. Using data from real genetic experiments and the model organism Drosophila melanogaster, you’ll learn how changes in genes impact traits. Along the way, you’ll practice experimental design and apply genetic techniques to your projects. By the end, you’ll have a strong grasp of core genetics and gained hands-on experience that can support future work in the field.
10. Summer Research Academies — Predictive Modeling: Leveraging Phenomenological and Mechanistic Models to Solve Problems
Subject Areas: Physics, Applied Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Machine Learning, Linear Algebra
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $8,774 (Residential) | $2,775 (Commuter). A few need-based scholarships are available, depending on your qualifications and availability.
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: June 25 – July 25
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 who have a minimum 3.60 GPA
The Predictive Modeling track in UCSB’s Summer Research Academies lets you explore how predictive modeling helps us understand and forecast complex systems in science and engineering. You’ll see how this approach simplifies the real world by tracking changes over time, like how planets move, populations grow, animals behave, diseases spread, and more.
You will learn how to build mathematical models using real data and analyze how these systems behave. With Python, you’ll create visualizations and set up optimization problems to make accurate, efficient predictions. You’ll also look at recent advances in the field, practice simulating complex systems, and learn how to spot the common challenges and limits of predictive modeling.
11. Summer Research Academies — Policy Puzzle: Piecing Together the Underlying Principles Behind Policymaking
Subject Areas: Healthcare, Education, Economics, Law, Environmental Science
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $8,774 (Residential) | $2,775 (Commuter). A few need-based scholarships are available, depending on your qualifications and availability.
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: June 25 – July 25
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 who have a minimum 3.60 GPA
The Policy Puzzle track in UCSB’s Summer Research Academies will allow you to explore how public policies affect our lives, shaping everything from the economy and politics to health, education, and the environment. You’ll learn how to analyze these impacts to better understand what works, what doesn’t, and why.
This course will introduce you to qualitative, quantitative, and mixed social science research methods that focus on real-world topics like economic growth, population health, labor markets, education, and climate policy. You’ll look at how research helps evaluate issues like globalization, trade, and industrialization, and you’ll also examine the limits of current theories and methods. By the end, you’ll be able to carry out your own research, interpret findings, and clearly communicate your analysis to inform public policy and law.
12. Summer Research Academies — Digital Brain: The Science Behind How New Media Is Shaping Our Brain and Behaviors
Subject Areas: Cognitive Science, Media Psychology, Media Addiction, Neuroscience, Data Science
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $8,774 (Residential) | $2,775 (Commuter). A few need-based scholarships are available, depending on your qualifications and availability.
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: June 25 – July 25
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 who have a minimum 3.60 GPA
The Digital Brain track in UCSB’s Summer Research Academies lets you explore how digital media affects the brain and behavior. You’ll learn how activities like endless scrolling and immersive games influence our thoughts and actions, especially during childhood and adolescence.
You will study how media use relates to mental health issues like addiction by focusing on three key areas: brain systems involved in reward and self-control, psychological models of learning and development, and communication theories about media’s impact. You’ll get hands-on experience with MRI scans, imaging data analysis, and survey research to study how technology use shapes brain health and behavior. By the end, you’ll have the tools to analyze how digital media shapes brain health and contribute to discussions in education, health, and public policy.
Here are a few other research-based opportunities at UCSB for high school students:
2. UCSB MasterScholar Summer Research Program
Subject Areas: Sustainability, Data Science, AI, ML, Engineering, Environmental Science
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $11,250 + $20 application fee
Application Deadline: March 31 (original deadline) | June 10 (extended deadline)
Dates: July 6 – July 26
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders, recent high school graduates, and gap year students aged 15 to 19
The UCSB MasterScholar Summer Research Program is a three-week pre-college experience for high school students interested in engineering, sustainability, and environmental science. You’ll pick a research field and take part in UCSB’s hands-on science and engineering curriculum. The program helps you develop critical thinking and research skills through discussions, teamwork, and practical projects.
Course options include Innovative Technologies for Ocean Health, Environmental Economics and Policy Strategy, Data Science and AI for Environmental Solutions, Urban Sustainability and Smart City Design, and Data Analytics and Machine Learning for Engineering Solutions. Taught by UCSB professors, classes are small, discussion-based, and modeled after real research environments. You’ll gain experience in research methods, data analysis, and academic writing. After completing the program, you’ll earn UCSB PaCE professional-level credits and a certificate. Each research area includes 20 students, split into 5 groups of 4.
3. UCSB Research Mentorship Program
Subject Areas: Geography, Psychology, Mathematics, Engineering, Film Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Policy, Feminist Studies, Sociology, and more.
Cost: $12,474 (residential option) | $5,175 (commuter option). Limited need-based scholarships available, with priority for California residents.
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Application Deadline: March 17
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–11 with a GPA of 3.8 or higher can apply, and exceptional 9th graders may also be considered. Attending an RMP Preparation Webinar before the program starts is required.
UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program (RMP) is a selective summer program for high school students to experience college-level research. You’ll be paired with a mentor, usually a grad student, postdoc, or faculty member, and pick a project from many fields like Astronomy, History, Art, Biology, Computer Science, Psychology, Engineering, Economics, and more. With your mentor’s guidance, you’ll learn research skills, explore research careers, and discover your academic interests. The program also includes GRIT talks, where UCSB researchers share their latest work and technology.
It starts with a virtual orientation to meet your mentor and learn about resources. Then, you’ll spend six weeks on campus working 35–50 hours a week on your project, depending on the topic. You’ll use the library, do fieldwork, collect data, and more. At the end of the program, you’ll write a research paper, present your findings at a symposium, and earn eight college credits through two courses: Introduction to Research and Presentation Techniques.
4. Summer Springboard Academic Programs
Subject Areas: Behavioral Neuroscience, Engineering, Science, Marine Science, Ecology, Business, Law
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $5,698 (Residential tuition) | $3,298 (Commuter tuition)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: July 20 – August 1
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12 with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent)
Summer Springboard gives high school students a chance to learn on the UCSB campus through courses, group projects, field trips, and guest lectures. You will take up academic courses, participate in college readiness workshops, and go on academic trips..
Courses include Behavioral Neuroscience, where you’ll learn about neurons and brain biology, explore how neuroscience affects teaching and learning, and discuss ethical issues in research. In Business, Strategy & Decision Making, you’ll work on group activities and real-world case studies to practice strategic planning and decision-making skills. Marine Science introduces you to Python programming, marine biology through field trips, and key ecological concepts. The program will let you explore career paths, learn from experienced instructors, work on group projects, hear from guest speakers, and join academic excursions. You’ll also join mentor group discussions, experience college life, and take part in various evening activities. You can check out the program brochure here.
5. UCSB Summer Sessions Open Enrollment
Subject Areas: Art, Anthropology, Biology, Engineering, Music, Languages, Communication, Computer Science, Dance, Film and Media Studies, and more
Location: Virtual or in person at the University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: The cost includes $279 per unit, a $548 campus-based fee, a $33.87 student tech fee, and a $75 application fee.
Application Deadline: Enrollment is open from March 3 to August 18.
Dates: Several summer sessions are available from June 23 to September 14.
Eligibility: High school students
The University of California, Santa Barbara, gives high school students the chance to take college courses through open enrollment during the summer. With open enrollment, you can take UCSB courses alongside undergraduates and experience what college learning is like. If you’re interested in research, there are courses like Research Assistance Training in Anthropology, Analytical Chemistry, Undergraduate Research in Computer Science, Introduction to Research, Methods of Analysis in Mathematics, and others.
You can check course offerings and seat availability here. To enroll, you’ll need to submit your application at least one week before the session you want to join begins. You must keep in mind that submitting an enrollment application doesn’t guarantee a spot in the courses you’re interested in.
6. SIMS Scholars Program
Subject Areas: Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Research
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: June 1
Dates: August 17 – August 29
Eligibility: Incoming first-year students planning to attend UCSB straight from high school in the fall, admitted to a science, engineering, or math major, and who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Summer Institute in Mathematics and Science (SIMS) is a two-week program for incoming UCSB first-year students coming straight from high school and majoring in science, engineering, or math. You’ll build academic skills, explore research practices, and get to know the UCSB community through mentoring, workshops, and hands-on projects. The program covers college-level calculus, technical writing, and teamwork-based research guided by mentors. You’ll also learn how research works at UCSB and gain experience in scientific thinking, problem-solving, and communication.
Beyond academics, you’ll join study groups, social events, and tours of labs and local STEM industries. You’ll connect with UCSB faculty, grad students, and professionals, giving you insight into future opportunities and expectations. Cohorts usually include around 24 students, depending on funding.
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
