Searching for a productive way to spend your summer? Palo Alto has several programs for high school students that focus on subjects such as coding, biotechnology, and environmental science and more. These programs provide hands-on learning experiences, the chance to collaborate with professionals in the field, and networking opportunities with other students. The list of programs below also includes internships!
Here are 7 summer programs for high school student s in Palo Alto for 2025!.
Subjects Offered: Medicine
Location: Stanford University Campus, Stanford, Palo Alto
Eligibility: High school juniors
Application Deadline: Applications will open in mid-December
Dates: July 23-25, 2025
Cost: No cost
The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP) offers educational opportunities for first-generation and low-income high school juniors. Over a five-week period, you will engage in faculty-led lectures on medical and health science topics, attend career-building workshops, and network with Stanford Medicine professionals.
Additionally, you will work on a research project focused on addressing public health disparities. Throughout the program, you will receive mentorship from faculty, healthcare professionals, and college mentors to help with college readiness and future career planning.
Subjects Offered: Mathematics
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors
Location: Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
Cost: Online: $3,850; Residential: $8575 (financial aid available)
Program Dates: Session One: Online: June 16 – July 4, 2025; Residential: June 22 – July 18, 2025; Session Two: Online Only: July 7 – 25, 2025.
Application Deadline: Application generally open in mid-December
The Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) is for students passionate about math. You will dive into advanced topics like abstract algebra, number theory, or algebraic topology through lectures, research, and problem-solving. The program explores both current mathematical research and its historical development, with applications across science.
SUMaC is designed for students who want to go beyond high school math. It’s focused on mathematical enrichment, not grades or credits. You will have a college-level workload, including assignments outside of live classes. Although the focus is on pure math, real-world applications are also introduced.
Subjects Offered: Medicine
Eligibility: Currently high school seniors or juniors
Location: Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
Cost: $40 application fee; participants receive a stipend (minimum $500)
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31, 2025
Application Details: February 22, 2025
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week program for high school juniors and seniors. You will conduct basic research alongside Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers in a medically-oriented project. Students choose from eight specialized research areas, receiving individualized mentorship.
The program aims to increase interest in biological sciences and medicine while helping you understand how scientific research is performed. Priority is given to Bay Area applicants since housing is not provided. Around 50 students are admitted each year.
Subjects Offered: Biology, Robotics, Engineering
Eligibility: Grades 9-12
Location: Palo Alto College, Palo Alto
Cost: N/A
Program Dates: N/A
Application Details: N/A. However, applicants can register here to learn more.
Palo Alto College offers a Youth Summer Camp for students entering grades 9-12, with a focus on STEM fields and other enriching activities. Camps include topics such as biology, robotics, engineering, soldering techniques, and welding, along with hands-on sessions in dental hygiene and meteorology.
Each camp typically runs for one week, either in the morning or afternoon, with a few full-day options. The camps emphasize interactive learning and practical skills, with opportunities for field trips and project-based activities. The registration deadline and capacity vary by camp, and enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. To enroll in the camp, register here.
Subjects Offered: Robotics
Eligibility: Ages 13-17
Location: Palo Alto High School, Palo Alto
Cost: $1449
Program Dates: Different dates in between June-July
Application Details: Self-paced
BattleBots Camp: Robotics Engineering with VEX at Palo Alto High School gives you hands-on experience in robotics. You’ll design, build, and program robots using the VEX Robotics Design System and VEX C++. This program covers engineering principles, coding strategies, and problem-solving through real-world applications.
You’ll wire and customize your robot to tackle daily challenges, fine-tuning hardware and software for better performance. Teamwork and iterative design are key as you prepare your robot for peer competitions, sharpening your skills in collaboration and innovation.
Subjects Offered: Computational Biology
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years of age
Program Dates: June 21 to July 19, 2025 (3 weeks)
Application Deadlines: Early Decision – February 1, 2025 | Regular Decision – March 1, 2025
Cost: Application Fee: $50, Enrollment Deposit: $800, Program Fee: $6,715 (commuter) | $8,500 (residential)
CMU, located 6 miles from Palo Alto in Mountain View, California, offers a computational biology pre-college program. You’ll explore the intersection of biology and computer science through hands-on activities. This includes studying genomic patterns, analyzing data, and investigating real-world issues like COVID-19.
No programming experience is needed. You’ll get prep materials to learn the basics before starting. This program is for you if you’re curious about using biology and tech to solve scientific challenges.
Subjects Offered: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
Location: SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-17
Program Dates: One-week summer camp
Cost: Not specified
Application Details: Applications open in mid-December
SAGE Camp at SLAC is a free, one-week residential summer program designed for high school students aged 14-17. Hosted by scientists and engineers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, California, the camp offers an immersive experience into STEM professions.
Throughout the week, you'll engage in hands-on scientific projects, job shadowing, facility tours, career talks, and professional development classes. This program aims to broaden your understanding of STEM careers.
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!
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.