If you’re a high schooler in California looking to get serious about research, there’s no better time than summer. Summer research programs for high school students in California provide a unique opportunity to delve into advanced topics across STEM, social sciences, and the humanities. These programs go beyond classroom learning, giving you hands-on lab exposure, access to expert mentorship, and a chance to build technical and analytical skills typically reserved for undergraduates.
California is home to some of the top research universities and institutes in the world, including Stanford, UCLA, UC Berkeley, and Scripps Research, which host summer research programs for high school students in California every year. These programs are highly regarded not only for their academic rigor but also for connecting you with practical applications of your interests, whether it’s bioinformatics, neuroscience, astrophysics, or sustainability. For California residents, applying to a local program can also be a financially smart move. Many offer free or low-cost options for in-state students, reducing the burden of travel and housing while still delivering an intensive research experience.
Here’s a compiled list of 15 summer research programs for high school students in California spanning immersive lab internships, university-led research academies, and pre-college STEM intensives:
1. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
Cost: The program is fully funded!
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world.
Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation stands as a non-profit research program tailored for gifted students from low-income backgrounds. Stemming from the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, renowned for its extensive one-on-one research opportunities for high school students, the foundation provides the same access to independent research experiences at zero cost. The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In the flagship program, talented high-school students are paired with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can apply here!
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. You can apply here.
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. If you are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science, you would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, you are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, you get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that you have access to the in-house publication team to help you secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. Cancer Research Institute Summer Youth Science Fellowship Program – UCI
Location: University of California, Irvine (UCI)
Cost/Stipend: Free of cost
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in 11th or 12th grade at Orange County high schools
This six-week program places selected high school students directly into cancer research labs at UCI, where they engage in 30-hour work weeks under faculty mentorship. You’ll gain exposure to wet lab techniques, hypothesis-driven inquiry, and experimental troubleshooting, while developing your own research project. The experience concludes with a formal research symposium, giving you a chance to present findings to the broader scientific community. You can expect to deepen your understanding of cancer biology, lab safety protocols, and academic research methodology.
4. UCLA Summer Sessions
Location: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA); some courses are online
Cost: Approx. $1,800–$2,400 per 4-unit course (plus campus/registration fees)
Dates: Varies by course selection; Session A runs late June–late July, and Session C runs early August-early September
Application Deadline: Registration opens February 15; deadlines vary by session
Eligibility: High school students who have completed 9th grade by the start of summer
This program gives high schoolers the opportunity to take UCLA undergraduate courses for credit during the summer months, across disciplines like life sciences, math, computer science, linguistics, economics, and film. You’ll join UCLA students in lecture-based or lab-integrated classes learning to manage college-level problem sets, analyze research papers, and participate in discussions. Many courses, like COM SCI 31 (Intro to Computer Science I) or LIFESCI 7A (Cell and Molecular Biology), come with significant theoretical and quantitative rigor. The experience is ideal for students looking to simulate a real undergraduate workload while diving deep into subject areas of interest.
5. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free of cost. Stipend of at least $500
Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors (class of 2025 or 2026), age 16+ by program start, U.S. citizens or green card holders currently enrolled in U.S. high schools. Priority given to Bay Area applicants.
SIMR is an intensive eight-week research internship where students join Stanford research labs to explore real-world biomedical questions. You’ll work under the mentorship of Stanford faculty, postdocs, and graduate researchers in fields such as immunology, cancer biology, stem cells, bioengineering, and neuroscience. Alongside lab work, you’ll attend a series of training lectures that introduce you to core concepts in experimental design, ethics, and data analysis. The program culminates in a poster session where you’ll present your findings to the broader Stanford community.
6. Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS)
Location: Stanford University, CA
Cost/Stipend: $3,000 (need-based)
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application Deadline: Not yet announced; decisions released April 2 last cycle
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors residing in the Bay Area
PIPS is a 6-week research internship for high school students interested in science, medicine, and healthcare careers. You will work 30 hours per week on mentored research projects with Stanford faculty, postdocs, and researchers, often in clinical or biomedical settings. The program emphasizes scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and building foundational research skills, particularly for students with limited prior exposure. Weekly programming includes lectures, collaborative workshops, and structured lab work, giving you hands-on insight into the medical research process. Need-based stipends are available to ensure access for students from underrepresented or low-income backgrounds.
7. Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS)
Location: Stanford University, CA (hybrid format; in-person attendance required)
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 16 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students age 16+ living in Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz counties with prior coursework or experience in biology, chemistry, or programming
GRIPS is an eight-week hybrid internship that places Bay Area high school students in Stanford research labs focused on computational genetics and genomics. You’ll work 20 hours per week (typically 9 AM–1 PM) conducting mentored research, engaging in weekly cohort sessions, and exploring career paths through panels and seminars. The program emphasizes both research and professional development, helping students build technical fluency in genomic analysis and scientific communication. You’ll be guided by a lab mentor and collaborate with other interns to present your findings.
8. UC Santa Barbara Summer Research Academies
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara (includes virtual + in-person components)
Cost: $4,800 (includes tuition, room, and board)
Dates: June 25 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school students entering 10th–12th grade; U.S. and international students eligible
This four-week academic program engages high school students in directed research under the mentorship of UCSB faculty across STEM, humanities, and social science disciplines. You will enroll in a 4-unit university course and develop an original research topic based on your selected track. You’ll work closely with researchers, produce a capstone project, and present your findings at a formal seminar. The program includes GRIT talks, research lectures by UCSB faculty, and workshops on academic writing, presenting, and scientific inquiry.
9. UC Santa Cruz Science Internship Program (SIP)
Location: University of California, Santa Cruz (hybrid: 1 week virtual, 7 weeks in-person)
Cost: Approx. $4,000 (financial aid available)
Dates: June 16 – August 8 (includes 1 week virtual + 7 weeks in-person)
Application Deadline: Opened February 1; deadline not publicly specified (usually mid-March)
Eligibility: High school students age 14+, entering 10th–12th grade; students from historically excluded backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply
SIP offers high school students the opportunity to collaborate with UCSC researchers on open-ended, authentic research projects in STEM, social sciences, and the arts. The 8-week program begins with a week of remote onboarding, followed by seven weeks of in-person lab work, project development, and mentorship. You will be placed into labs based on your interests and gain real experience working with university-level data, instruments, or methodologies. The program culminates in a hybrid Presentation Day, where you will formally present your findings.
10. Scripps Research High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA
Stipend: $4,830
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 4
Eligibility: Open only to students from six REACH partner schools: Barrio Logan College Institute, Crawford High School, Hilltop High School, Hoover High School, Lincoln High School, and Morse High School (all in San Diego)
This 7-week full-time internship places selected high school students in Scripps Research labs, where they engage in hands-on biomedical research alongside graduate students and faculty mentors. The program includes an intensive 3-day pre-internship training followed by daily lab work (8 AM–5 PM), project mentorship, and career development guidance. You will be matched to a lab based on your interview and interests, and will receive mentorship by a graduate student throughout the summer. Projects span biological and chemical sciences, with an emphasis on increasing access to STEM for underrepresented students. The program is highly selective and provides a generous stipend to ensure equitable participation.
11. California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)
Location: UC campuses including Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Cruz
Cost: $4,000–$5,000; financial aid available
Dates: Varies by campus; typically late June – late July (4 weeks)
Application Deadline: Opens mid-January; due mid-February (varies slightly by year)
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–12, must be California residents
COSMOS is a four-week residential program that immerses high school students in intensive STEM learning at leading University of California campuses. You can apply to a specific “cluster” such as quantum mechanics, biomedical science, or computer vision, and complete a university-level project under the supervision of UC faculty. Each cluster combines lectures, lab work, group collaboration, and hands-on problem-solving in a non-competitive environment. The program is academically rigorous, with daily schedules filled with research, presentations, and campus engagement activities.
12. UC San Diego Research Experience for High School Students (REHS)
Location: San Diego Supercomputer Center, UC San Diego
Cost: $1,500 registration fee for research-track students; waived for qualifying low-income students
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12 in San Diego County
REHS is an eight-week internship offering high school students hands-on research experience in computational science and engineering. You will be matched with UCSD researchers and graduate students to work on projects in areas such as data science, bioinformatics, high-performance computing, and visualization. You participate in weekly lab meetings, engage in hypothesis-driven research, and learn tools for scientific inquiry. The program concludes with a formal poster presentation showcasing student work. REHS emphasizes mentorship and access, with transportation and financial support available for those who qualify.
13. Science & Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: U.S. Navy research labs across California, including San Diego, Monterey, Corona, and Port Hueneme
Stipend: ~$4,000–$5,000 for 8 weeks (varies by lab)
Dates: Vary by lab; eight-week internships during summer 2025, typically June – August
Application Deadline: November 30 2024
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+, U.S. citizens, with strong interest in STEM and ability to commute to assigned lab
SEAP places high school students in Navy research labs across California, where they conduct real-world scientific and engineering research under the mentorship of Department of Defense scientists. As participants, you will work full-time over eight weeks on projects in fields like cybersecurity, materials science, oceanography, biomedical engineering, and data systems. You will be fully integrated into the research team, often contributing to live military R&D efforts. The program also includes lab tours, presentations, and mentorship aimed at building a pathway into STEM careers. It’s a selective, paid opportunity ideal for highly motivated students with an interest in defence-oriented science and technology.
14. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Location: Stanford University, CA (online and in-person formats available)
Cost: Approx. $3,250 (online) to $7,250 (residential); limited financial aid available
Dates: Session 1 Online: June 16 – July 4, Session 1 Residential: June 22 – July 18, Session 2 Online: July 7 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (grades 10–11 at time of application)
SUMaC is an intensive summer program that immerses mathematically gifted high school students in deep theoretical concepts, research topics, and group problem solving. You’ll explore advanced mathematical ideas such as number theory, abstract algebra, or algebraic topology through faculty-led lectures, proofs, and guided independent inquiry. Some tracks include historical context and applications in physics, computing, or cryptography, connecting abstract math to interdisciplinary domains. You will work collaboratively in seminars and problem sessions, fostering peer learning and analytical depth. It’s a rigorous, research-level experience aimed at students with a demonstrated passion and aptitude for pure mathematics.
15. UCLA BrainSPORT Summer High School Research Internship
Location: UCLA BrainSPORT Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free of cost
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: Applications closed in early April; decisions released April 25
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors (priority given to those interested in continuing into the academic year)
This 8-week internship introduces high school students to clinical neuroscience research within UCLA’s BrainSPORT Program, focused on sports-related concussion and traumatic brain injury. You will assist with patient recruitment, data entry, and implementation of protocols for studies like CARE4Kids, which involves neuroimaging, biomarker analysis, and cognitive assessments. The program includes weekly lab meetings and offers mentorship from UCLA medical students and researchers. The experience culminates in a final research presentation based on a student-selected topic.
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 – UCLA