Sacramento offers high schoolers a range of summer programs tailored to its blend of innovation and civic spirit. From exploring sustainable urban design inspired by California’s green initiatives to delving into public policy at the state capital, these programs will allow you to explore and build professional networks. You will gain valuable skills through projects like creating prototypes in local maker labs or crafting solutions to regional challenges, fostering technical mastery and creative problem-solving.
Here are 7 summer programs for high school students in Sacramento, California!
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Vary according to cohort:
- Winter: December 16, 2024 onwards
- Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance
Application Deadline: December 1, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort
Subject Areas: Data science, biology, chemistry, political theory, psychology, and more
Eligibility: High school students, typically in 10th or 11th grade, with a 3.67+ GPA. Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, public health and safety, social psychology, and medicine. It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research, you’ll be paired with a professor or PhD scholar from a top university who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program includes a letter of recommendation for every student, plus comprehensive feedback on projects that can assist with future work and college applications. Apply here!
Subject Areas: STEM, humanities, and social sciences
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Application Deadline: Summer deadlines are usually in March, April, and May
Program Dates: June to August (summer). Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, offers high school students the opportunity to work one-on-one with PhD mentors to develop an independent research project in their subject area. Selected students will undergo immersive sessions with their mentors, who will help them produce a college-level research paper based on their projects. Support from writing coaches will also be provided. You can choose your subject track in the application form as well as a specific area of focus!
The California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) is a well-regarded program that provides high school students with focused training in the visual and performing arts, creative writing, animation, and film. Established in 1987, the program offers a supportive setting for you to refine your artistic skills and explore new creative approaches. You will choose one of seven departments to focus on and, upon completion, can earn 3 units of elective credit from the California State University system. Designed for students interested in pursuing careers in California’s arts and entertainment industries, CSSSA combines rigorous instruction with an environment that fosters creativity and growth.
Subject Areas: Theater, music, animation, film, photography, dance, visual arts, writing, and more
Location: California State Summer School for the Arts, Sacramento, CA
Cost: $4,830 + $145 transaction fee for California residents, $9,977 for out-of-state residents. Financial aid available
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
Program Dates: July 5 – August 1, 2025
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in grades 8 through 12.
The UC Davis Summer Pre-College Programs provide a great opportunity for high school students in Sacramento to experience college life and explore academic interests. These two-week residential programs are open to high school students and take place on the UC Davis campus. You’ll live in dorms, connect with peers, and engage with faculty in fields where UC Davis is known for research. Each program offers a focused “major,” allowing you to dive into a subject area while learning from university professors. The experience also includes guidance from admissions advisers, helping you gain insights into college applications and prepare for the next stage of your education.
Subject Areas: STEM subjects, arts and humanities, social sciences, and more
Location: University of California, Davis, CA (20 minutes from Sacramento)
Cost: $6,985 + a $100 application fee
Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
Program Dates:
- Session 1: July 17 – 18, 2025
- Session 2: July 21 – August 1, 2025
Eligibility: Rising sophomores to seniors in high school.
The Summer Youth Academies at Sacramento State College of Continuing Education offer students in grades 7 through 12 a chance to explore diverse subjects and gain insight into college life. These weekday summer programs feature academic and career-focused activities guided by faculty and professionals from fields like computer science, engineering, public safety, business, and the arts. A highlight of the academies is the opportunity to connect with industry professionals who share their experiences as guest speakers, providing perspectives on various career paths.
Subject Areas: Computer science, arts, business, engineering, public safety, and more
Location: California State University, Sacramento, CA
Cost: $330 per academy
Application Deadline: Information for 2025 will be released on January 31, 2025
Program Dates: Multiple week-long sessions between June and August
Eligibility: Open to any students entering 7-12 grades in the fall
6. City of Sacramento’s Summer @ City Hall
The Summer @ City Hall (S@CH) program offers high school students in Sacramento a unique opportunity to learn about local government and civic engagement. This six-week program combines interactive learning with practical insights into local governance. You will work with credentialed teachers and team members, focusing on a curriculum that emphasizes youth development and understanding government processes. Upon completion, you can earn five elective credits or community service hours if you attend schools outside the partner districts.
Subject areas: Civic engagement, leadership
Location: City Hall, Sacramento, CA
Cost: No cost, stipend of $500 provided
Application Deadline: April 19, 2025
Program Dates: June 15 – July 31, 2025
Eligibility: Current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors attending SCUSD, TRUSD, or NUSD high schools or residing within city limits
7. Met Sacramento High School’s Internship Program
The Internship Program at The Met Sacramento High School allows you to explore your interests through practical experience. Twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, you’ll participate in shadow days at local organizations and businesses, where you’ll observe and assist professionals in a field that interests you. If the experience aligns with your goals and the mentor’s expectations, it can transition into an internship, which counts toward elective credits for graduation. Internships typically last one academic year, though the exact duration may vary based on project opportunities and the commitment of both you and your mentor. Note that this internship is only available to students attending the Met Sacramento High School.
Subject Areas: Varies based on your selected organization
Location: Met Sacramento High School, Sacramento, CA
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Program Dates: The program runs year-round and typically aligns with the academic year
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled at the Met Sacramento High School
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the UnitedStates.