If you’re a high school student in Los Angeles looking to make the most of your summer by building valuable skills, you should consider joining a summer program! Many universities and institutions in LA offer programs designed for high school students across a range of fields, including business, STEM, art, architecture, leadership, and more.
Whether you’re focused on a specific goal or interested in exploring new areas, participating in a summer program will showcase your initiative and give you practical experience. The exposure gained through these experiences can give you an advantage in your education and career. By working with professionals, you’ll get to explore a field you’re interested in and build a strong network.
Here are 12 summer programs for high school students in Los Angeles for you to consider!
1. Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP)
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, Data Science, and more
Location: Virtual
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites, see here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs in areas like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and psychology. You can choose either quantitative or qualitative research methods. After selecting your track, you’ll collaborate one-on-one with a professor or PhD scholar from a leading university to develop a 20-page research paper suitable for journal submission. The program provides specialized field knowledge, expert guidance, a recommendation letter, and feedback to improve future projects and college applications. Apply now for this unique opportunity!
2. UCLA Health Volunteen Summer Program
Subject Areas: Healthcare, Patient Care, Healthcare Administration
Location: UCLA Health, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Applications will open in January
Dates: Orientation is typically in the third week of June, and participants are required to complete 50 volunteer hours by August 31
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old
UCLA Health’s Volunteen Summer Program offers high school students the opportunity to assist in essential areas such as patient transport, wayfinding, and delivering patient mail. As a volunteer, you will help with discharging patients, assist with patient transfers, and support transport staff. Additional duties include greeting visitors and patients as well as providing wheelchair services. These tasks will help hone your communication and people skills. You must commit to completing a minimum of 50 volunteer hours, with the flexibility to design your own schedules. A hybrid option is also available, with more details provided here!
3. Veritas AI
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Finance, Medicine
Location: Remote
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Cost:
- $2,290 for the AI Scholars program (10-week bootcamp)
- $5,400 for the AI Fellowship (12–15 weeks, 1:1 mentorship)
- $6,900 for both AI Scholars + Fellowship
- Need-based financial aid is available
Eligibility: High school students. Students applying to the AI Fellowship program must complete the AI Scholars program or provide evidence of previous experience in AI and Python
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Veritas AI, founded by Harvard graduates, offers two programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program focuses on collaborative learning in AI applications, while the AI Fellowship provides personalized mentorship from PhD experts for independent research projects.
In the AI Fellowship, you’ll examine AI’s influence on fields such as finance, medicine, and gaming, with opportunities to publish or present your work. Previous projects have explored AI in medicine, educational tools, and gaming algorithms. The program emphasizes technical skill-building and applying AI concepts to real-world challenges.
4. USC’s Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement
Subject Areas: Journalism, Communications, Multimedia Production, Writing, Public Speech and Debate, Interviewing, Ethnography
Location: USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Applications will open in early in the year
Dates: June 17 – July 19
Eligibility: High school students who reside in and attend high school in Los Angeles County
USC’s Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement is a four-week summer program designed to introduce high school students to college-level media communication and journalism. The academy aims to help you understand how media and journalism contribute to developing civic-minded leaders while also enhancing your skills in speech, debate, writing, and critical thinking.
Each year, 26 students from Los Angeles County are chosen to participate. In addition to the coursework, the program offers assistance with writing college essays and provides insights into USC Annenberg’s undergraduate programs and possible career paths in media and journalism. You will have the chance to engage with USC Annenberg scholars who specialize in issues related to gender, race, and ethnicity in communication and journalism. The program included a session led by Rogelio Lopez, a media maker and adjunct lecturer at USC.
5. USC Pre-College International Relations Summer Program
Subject Areas: Popular Culture, Politics, Religion, Feminism, Human Rights
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $11,347 (Residential) | $7,812 (Commuter) + $65 nonrefundable application fee
Application Deadline: May 2
Dates: June 15 – July 12
Eligibility: Students who have completed at least the 9th grade by the start of the program. International students must demonstrate English proficiency in one of these ways
The USC Pre-College International Relations Summer Program provides high school students with an opportunity to explore the causes of war and develop strategies for effective conflict resolution. You will examine different stages of conflict and apply this knowledge to regions impacted by war and violence. The course also delves into the economic drivers of conflict and examines the roles played by individuals, peace initiatives, governments, and international organizations.
Through interactive learning experiences like simulations, role-playing, and negotiation exercises—including a Model UN simulation—you’ll gain practical skills in diplomacy and conflict management. Case studies will enhance your understanding of current events and historical conflicts. A visit to the Museum of Tolerance will offer insight into genocide, and you’ll develop a case study that focuses on conflict resolution approaches, preparing you for advanced college-level work. You will also analyze the role of movies, television, music, literature, and art in shaping conflict and promoting peace.
6. UCLA’s TeenArch Studio Summer Institute
Subject Areas: Architecture, Modeling, Design, Origami
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA or online
Cost: $5,043 (Residential) | $2,567 (Virtual); scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: June 1
Dates: Session A (Residential): June 30 – July 20 | Session B (Virtual): July 1 – 19
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12 who are at least 15 years old by the program’s start date and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2
The TeenArch Studio Summer Institute, provided by UCLA’s Department of Architecture and Urban Design, is a 3-week intensive designed for high school students with an interest in architecture and design thinking. This program simulates a college design studio experience, offering insight into architecture and what to expect in college. During the program, you will work on a design project with guidance from UCLA Architecture students, alumni, and faculty.
The curriculum includes design exercises, instruction in drawing and modeling techniques, as well as both group and individual feedback sessions with guest designers and instructors. The projects start by exploring origami to grasp concepts of form and volume. You will attend lectures presented by architects and designers, with the final day dedicated to showcasing your work to faculty from architecture schools in Los Angeles, allowing for discussion and constructive feedback.
7. Los Angeles Urban League’s Biz Camp
Subject Areas: Entrepreneurship, Business, Market Research
Location: Da Vinci Schools, El Segundo, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: June 10 – 28 | July 8 – 26
Eligibility: Students aged 13 to 18
The Los Angeles Urban League’s Biz Camp is a free, three-week summer entrepreneurship program designed to help students turn their ideas into reality through effective planning, analysis, and practical application of what they learn in the classroom. The camp includes interactive activities and guest speaker sessions aimed at giving you business knowledge and helping you launch your own venture. This program is intended for students who have a business idea and seek guidance to realize it. The camp concludes with a Business Plan Competition.
8. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Subject Areas: Business, Leadership, Community Service
Location: Local nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles, CA. You can explore the various available locations here
Cost/Stipend: Free, including the cost of attending the Student Leader Summit in Washington, D.C. The hourly pay rate varies by internship
Application Deadline: January 15
Dates: Varies depending on the internship. 8 weeks in the summer, including a week in Washington, D.C., for the Leadership Summit (July 21 – 26)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are legally permitted to work in the United States, permanently reside in one of the eligible locations, and are in good standing at their school
Bank of America’s Student Leaders Program offers high school juniors and seniors a paid, eight-week internship with local nonprofits, including organizations like Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity. This program aims to provide practical work experience, leadership development, and opportunities for community service. Throughout the program, you will engage in projects that address local community needs while honing your skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership.
As a Student Leader, you will develop a better understanding of your community’s needs and the essential functions that nonprofits fulfill in addressing them. You will also gain valuable skills in civic, social, and business leadership. In addition to the internship, you will attend a national Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you will learn about the collaboration between nonprofits, governments, and businesses in addressing societal challenges. Each local cohort consists of 2-5 student leaders, and with an acceptance rate of 5-8%, the Bank of America Student Leaders Program is very selective.
9. GRAMMY Camp
Subject Areas: Music, Media, Vocal Performance, Music Business, Instrumental Performance, Electronic Music Production, Audio Engineering, Songwriting
Location: Village Recording Studios, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $1,800, which includes facilities, curriculum, and daily lunch + non-refundable application fee of $25. Scholarships available
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: July 14 – 20
Eligibility: U.S. residents in grades 9–12. Graduating seniors can apply, but incoming freshmen are not eligible
GRAMMY Camp is a non-residential summer camp for high school students interested in pursuing a music career. Located at the GRAMMY Museum in downtown Los Angeles, the camp features instruction from industry professionals. There are several tracks available, including audio engineering, songwriting, music business, music and media, winds and strings, vocal performance, electronic music production, rhythm section, and instrumental performance. You will engage in hands-on workshops, master classes, and team projects, gaining valuable insights into the music industry. Approximately 75-85 students are selected for GRAMMY Camp.
10. CAMP CHLA—Health Care Career Exploration
Subject Areas: Healthcare, CPR, First Aid
Location: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free, but participants are responsible for transportation
Application Deadline: January 10
Dates: June 16 – 20 | July 28 – August 1
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, or juniors residing in Los Angeles County. Students who have previously attended Camp CHLA are not eligible to apply.
CAMP CHLA is a five-day program focused on healthcare career exploration, offered twice each summer for high school students in Los Angeles County. During the camp, you will learn about and participate in the daily activities carried out by team members at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). You will attend presentations from healthcare professionals who will discuss their career journeys and provide insights into a typical day in their roles. You will also gain practical skills in health promotion and disease/injury prevention, such as CPR, first aid, and body ergonomics. The program offers networking opportunities with peers who share an interest in pursuing healthcare careers.
11. Pomona College Academy for Youth Success (PAYS) Summer Program
Subject Areas: Math, Critical Inquiry, Literature
Location: Pomona College, Claremont, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 24
Dates: June 22 – July 18
Eligibility: Students currently in 9th grade and residing in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Ventura Counties
PAYS is an intensive four-week residential program that offers an opportunity for high school students to engage in college-level coursework, cultural events, workshops, field trips, and projects. The program continues throughout the academic year for three consecutive years following acceptance. During the summer, you will study a rigorous liberal arts curriculum taught by faculty. You will take Math classes and Critical Inquiry seminars led by Pomona College professors in addition to electives on topics like young adult novels and the pandemic’s effect on sports. Each week, you will also engage in at least one activity that involves data collection and modeling. The program accepts only 90 local high school students each year.
12. Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program
Subject Areas: Medical Research, Patient Care, Medicine
Location: Various medical centers in Los Angeles, CA and virtual
Cost: Free, one $500 scholarship will be awarded
Application Deadline: February 16
Dates: Multiple two- and four-week sessions between June and August
Eligibility: Students currently in 11th and 12th grade; each facility may have additional requirements
The Los Angeles Pediatric Society’s Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program, founded in 1969, gives a limited cohort of students the chance to work alongside medical mentors and experts at various hospitals. Each year, the program receives between 300 and 450 applications, with selected applicants typically ranging from 100 to 180. As an intern, you will participate in daily sessions led by general pediatricians and specialists, including surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, infectious disease specialists, ophthalmologists, radiologists, child life specialists, and therapists.
The program will place you at a hospital in the Los Angeles area, such as Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where you can observe and assist with various medical procedures, treatment plans, and patient care, gaining valuable exposure for a future healthcare worker. You will also have the opportunity to deliver presentations at the end of the program. Past program highlights can be viewed here. Upon completion of the program, you will receive a certificate and have the chance to win a $500 scholarship from the Edward M. Rissman Scholarship Fund.
Image Source – UCLA Logo
