If you’re wondering how to get started on academic research as a high school student in California, here’s a list of 20 research opportunities that you should check out!
Why should I do research as a high school student?
Engaging in high school research through structured programs offers a solid opportunity to develop advanced skills and gain a ton of experience in a specific field. This can come in handy before applying to college - demonstrating an advanced skillset ina field you are passionate about can serve as a solid boost to your profile.
Additionally, if you’re gunning for prestigious research opportunities as a high school student after the summer/school year, former research experience can help you secure a spot in these research programs.
Through hands-on investigation and experimentation, you can explore your academic interests in-depth, learn how to formulate hypotheses, collect and analyze data, and draw meaningful conclusions - all skills that come in handy in college!
1. Horizon’s Research Program
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! 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 Ph.D. 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.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and college applications. Apply here!
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: May 21, 2024, for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024, for the fall cohort
Program Dates:
- Summer seminar — June 24, 2024 — September 2, 2024
- Fall seminar — October 23, 2024 — February 19, 2025
- Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students, across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler.
The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The main summer deadlines are March 15, April 15, and May 15
Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Eligibility:
- You must be currently enrolled in high school
- Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note. students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
- No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
Program Dates: The summer cohort runs from June to August, the Fall cohort from September to December, the Winter cohort from December to February, Spring from March to June
3. Veritas AI — AI Fellowship
Veritas AI specializes in a research program tailored for high school students passionate about artificial intelligence. Their programs emphasize collaborative learning, hands-on project development, and personalized 1-on-1 mentorship guided by Harvard graduate students and alumni. The AI Fellowship program at Veritas AI spans 12–15 weeks, focusing on independent AI research projects.
Proficiency in Python is preferred, with an option to complete the AI scholars program beforehand. This fellowship encourages interdisciplinary exploration, empowering students to integrate AI into various fields like medicine, finance, environmental science, and education, fostering impactful research across a slew of domains. Find examples of previous projects here.
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Computer Science
Cost: $1,790 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $4,900 for the 12–15-week AI Fellowship | $4,700 for both. Need-based financial aid is available. You can apply here.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis.
Program Dates: Various according to the cohort
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit prior experience with AI concepts or Python.
COSMOS, the California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science, is a renowned UCSD summer program designed for motivated students passionate about STEM fields. Participants engage in rigorous hands-on coursework and research spanning diverse disciplines like biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering.
Utilizing university resources such as teaching labs and libraries, students pursue individual research projects aligned with their interests. The program’s on-campus residence offers a firsthand experience of college academic life, enriching their understanding and preparation for future STEM endeavors.
Subject Areas: STEM disciplines
Location: University of California, San Diego (residential)
Cost: $42 non-refundable application fee + $5,007 for the residential program including housing, meals, orientation, field trips & activities, and on-site support. Financial aid is available for California residents.
Application Deadline: TBD for 2025
Program Dates: TBD for 2025
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–12, who excel in mathematics/science, and are attending a California high school are eligible to apply.
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an intensive 8-week residential internship designed for high school juniors and seniors. Hosted within Stanford University’s prestigious Institutes of Medicine and select departments, the program offers hands-on research experiences in cutting-edge fields.
Participants work closely with individual mentors, immersing themselves in research tailored to their interests and placed within specific institutes of their choice. Comprehensive information about each institute’s research is accessible through departmental website links, ensuring a well-informed and enriching experience for all participants.
Subject areas: Immunology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Neurobiology, and more.
Location: Stanford University campus (Stanford, CA)
Cost: $40 application fee with a need-based refund, stipend of $500 provided ($1500 for need-based students).
Application Deadline: TBD for 2025
Program Dates: 8 weeks, TBD for 2025
Eligibility: High School Juniors and Seniors. At least 16 years old when the program begins. Living in the U.S. and U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a green card.
Subject Areas: AI, machine learning, programming, robotics.
Location: BAIR lab, University of California, Berkeley, CA.
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Dates TBA for 2025. Applications typically close in April.
Program Dates: The 2024 program will run from July 8 to July 12.
Eligibility: Bay Area high school youth entering grades 10–12 can apply.
This free program invites students entering grades 10–12 to delve into cutting-edge AI technologies, concepts, and ethics, guided by Berkeley scientists and experts. Hosted at UC Berkeley’s BAIR Lab, participants collaborate with researchers in areas such as computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing, planning, control, and robotics. The program includes daily guest lectures, activities led by BAIR Lab researchers, and visits to research labs. You can also enjoy the experience of campus life, including daily lunches at UC Berkeley dining halls and a campus tour!
This program offers a diverse range of dynamic workshops covering traditional STEM fields such as astronomy, biology, engineering, computer science, and robotics. In addition to these, participants can explore subjects like coding, data science, digital design, and psychology. Guided by experienced instructors and scientists, these interactive workshops provide opportunities to delve deeply into various interests, develop critical thinking skills, and engage in collaborative projects. While most courses are conducted in person, online options are also available to enhance flexibility for participants.
Subject areas: Environmental Science, Biotechnology, Coding, Data Science, Digital Design, and Psychology.
Location: University of California, San Diego
Cost: Each course’s fees differ, ranging from $175 to $450. Scholarships are available.
Application deadline: The deadline for the 2024 program was May 31, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program dates: 4-day workshops held across July until August for different courses. Students can choose more than one course, the dates don’t overlap.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students.
The Applications of Nanoscience Summer Institute is tailored for high school students with a foundation in chemistry, focusing on the fundamentals of creating market-ready technologies. Spanning two weeks, participants explore essential nanoscience applications and hone skills in scientific literature review, design thinking, and entrepreneurship.
The program guides students through proposing nanotechnology-based products, conducting initial research, and validating scientific concepts. This immersive experience integrates rigorous scientific methods with practical business projects, culminating in a team-based project. Students gain hands-on experience in collaborative research and pitching their business ideas and products to potential investors in technology.
Subject Areas: Chemistry, Physics, Nanoscience
Location: UCLA campus (Los Angeles, CA). Living on campus is optional.
Cost: $4,281 (residential). Need and merit-based scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: The deadline for the 2024 program was June 1, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: TBD for 2025. 2024 dates are as follows —
- Residential: July 7 — July 20, 2024
- Commuter: July 8 — July 19, 2024
Eligibility: Anyone enrolled in high school (freshman to senior). Strong science foundation in chemistry, physics, and biology.
This internship program by the University of California, Santa Cruz, provides an immersive experience in computer science research and technological advancement. Participants engage in a variety of projects encompassing software development, computational modeling, data analysis, and exploration of innovative algorithms. Each participant is paired with a mentor who oversees a tailored research project aligned with their individual interests and proficiency levels in computer science.
This mentorship is pivotal, offering invaluable insights into the research process, problem-solving methodologies, and technical skills essential for a career in science and technology. Participants actively contribute to lab meetings and collaborate closely with their research teams to achieve project objectives. The program culminates in a symposium where participants present their findings, showcasing their learning journey and contributions to the scientific community.
Subject Areas: Computer Science
Location: University of California, Santa Cruz
Cost: $4,000
Application Deadline: The deadline for the 2024 program was March 31st, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: June 26, 2024 — August 18, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Students who are at least 14 years of age on the program start date can apply.
SHTEM: Summer Internships for High Schoolers at Stanford University offer a prestigious opportunity for aspiring scholars to engage in cutting-edge research virtually during the summer. You will be able to work on tailored projects across diverse fields such as information science, engineering, arts, linguistics, psychology, biology, neuroscience, computer science, technology, philosophy, and design.
Mentorship from Stanford Compression Forum’s students, faculty, and staff, alongside affiliated organizations, is integral to the program, fostering research, analysis, and writing skills in high school and community college students.
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost, or stipend provided.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January and are closed for 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program dates: June 17, 2024 — August 9, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Students who will be in grades 11–12 at the time of application, OR full-time community college students (within the first 3 years of community college), are eligible to apply.
Subject Areas: Mathematical biology
Location: University of California, Irvine, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Dates TBD for 2025. Applications typically close in April.
Program Dates: Typically 6 weeks from June to July. The 2024 program will run from June 17 to July 25.
Eligibility: Applicants must currently be high school students, and not be graduating in spring 2024.
This 6-week program in mathematical biology teams students with UC Irvine undergraduates to work on a computational biology research project under the guidance of a principal investigator. Participants will gain insights into computational biology and its university-level instruction.
Additionally, they will attend workshops to enhance skills in mathematical research, modeling, presentation delivery, and research paper writing. Participants in this 6-week program will also benefit from hands-on experience in applying theoretical concepts to real-world research challenges, which will lead to a comprehensive understanding of computational biology.
The UC Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program offers a competitive summer opportunity designed for high school students keen on engaging in hands-on, interdisciplinary research at a university level. Participants select research projects across diverse STEM fields and collaborate closely with mentors.
Throughout the program, students delve deeply into their chosen projects, gaining valuable insights into research methods and professional pathways. This program is particularly beneficial for students interested in exploring the intersection of STEM with other disciplines, providing a solid opportunity for meaningful research engagement.
Subject areas: STEM
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA.
Cost: $4,700 (commuter option) | $6,599 (housing option)
Application Deadline: March 15, 2024
Program Dates: June 17, 2024 — August 2, 2024
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11 (outstanding 9th graders may be accepted on a case-by-case basis) with a minimum 3.80 weighted GPA, can apply.
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP), sponsored by the Department of Navy, provides an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in science and engineering. Participants engage in practical projects encompassing cybersecurity, software development, algorithm design, and data analysis, allowing them to apply their classroom knowledge and explore emerging technologies.
Typically spanning eight weeks during the summer, SEAP offers an immersive experience within a professional research environment. Under mentorship, students navigate their assigned projects, gaining invaluable insights into scientific research and development. This program is particularly suited for high school students interested in expanding their understanding of real-world science applications, especially those aspiring to careers relevant to national defense.
Subject Areas: STEM
Location: Many lab locations to choose from across the country, with several in California.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend of $4,000 (new participant) and $4,500 (returning participant)
Application Deadline: November 1, every year.
Program Dates: Eight weeks in the summer. Exact dates vary depending on the lab you choose.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least grade 9, and are at least 16 years old when the internship begins, can apply.
Subject Areas: Science and medicine.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free.
Application Deadline: Dates TBD for 2025. Applications typically close in March.
Program Dates: Typically 5 weeks from June to July. The 2024 program will run from June 24 to July 26.
Eligibility: SMYSP is specifically for current high school juniors in Northern California.
The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP) is a five-week immersive enrichment program focused on science and medicine, designed for low-income, first-generation high school juniors residing in Northern California. SMYSP operates as a full-time summer program, requiring students to commute to Stanford’s main campus Monday through Friday throughout the program.
During the five weeks, participants attend faculty lectures, engage in professional development workshops, participate in Stanford Medicine networking events, and collaborate on a public health disparities research project. Beyond the program, students receive ongoing research mentorship from faculty, healthcare professionals, and college students, assisting them in college preparation and navigating future careers in medicine.
The Berkeley Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY) invites 50 students globally each year to immerse themselves in business disciplines at Berkeley. Led by Berkeley Haas professors and featuring insights from corporate guest speakers, the program offers intensive learning experiences in business formation and development. Participants engage in independent research, computer lab assignments, and collaborative team projects.
Working together, teams create comprehensive business plans, culminating in a final presentation at the end of the session. B-BAY also prepares students for the college admission process by facilitating interactions with undergraduates and admission advisors from Berkeley and other institutions. This includes guidance on crafting compelling UC personal statements and college application essays.
Subject Areas: Business, Entrepreneurship
Location: UC Berkeley, CA
Cost: California Resident — $6,050 | Out of State Resident — $7,050 (Application fee: $80)
Application Deadline: TBD for 2025. Applications typically close in February (Applications are accepted on a first-come first-served basis).
Program Dates: July 6–July 20, 2024 (Session I) | July 20–August 3, 2024 (Session II). TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply.
The Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars program provides a paid internship opportunity for high school students driven to explore aerospace engineering. Scholars receive mentorship from full-time AFRL scientists and engineers, gaining access to AFRL laboratories and engaging in innovative research projects. The program offers a range of research topics to choose from, and you can take a look at the different mentor bios here.
Each scholar can apply to up to three topics per AFRL site. This summer’s topics include Advanced Carbon-Based Conductors for Aerospace Applications and Characterization of High-Temperature Structural Materials. The program also features projects like ‘Advanced Robot Controller Design and Implementation,’ which involve applying computer science concepts.
Subject Areas: STEM subjects like Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering
Location: Several locations across the United States. Find one that works for you! For California residents, the closest lab is Edwards AFB 90 miles north of Los Angeles!
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will be paid $492.40 per week.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary based on the chosen site.
Program Dates: The program typically offers summer internships, with a limited number of positions during the fall and spring semesters. Dates vary each year. ARFL internships typically run 10–12 weeks, with a minimum requirement of 8 weeks. They can last up to 14 weeks based on mentor preferences and funding availability.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old can apply
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging offers a prestigious 2-week virtual internship aimed at immersing participants in the complex realm of AI applications in healthcare. This intensive program includes lectures, mentoring sessions, social activities, collaborative research projects, and virtual Career Lunch and Learns featuring distinguished guest speakers.
Open to freshmen and other high school students, this competitive program accepts approximately 50 students annually. Tailored for those passionate about health and technology, it strives to advance AI research in medicine, aiming to enhance societal well-being. Participants can anticipate gaining profound insights and hands-on experience in this rapidly evolving field, preparing them for future pursuits at the intersection of AI and healthcare.
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning
Cost/Stipend: No cost. This is an unpaid internship. Students will receive a certificate upon completion and the potential to extend their internship.
Application Deadline: The application deadline for the 2024 internship was March 31, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: June 17–28, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: U.S. high school students over 14 years old with strong math and/or computer programming skills and/or experience with a healthcare project.
This is a multi-year, year-round immersive internship and youth development program designed for students from underrepresented communities in STEM, including girls and students of color. Hosted at the California Academy of Sciences, the program aims to foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, workforce readiness, and community leadership among interns. Participants typically begin as rising sophomores or juniors and continue through high school, advancing in responsibilities based on their performance.
Interns engage in bi-monthly interactive sessions covering science communication, career insights from STEM professionals, and essential life skills such as financial literacy. They collaborate with scientists, researchers, and educators at the California Academy of Sciences, participating in outdoor field activities and receiving guidance on their college applications. In groups, interns work on science research or environmental action projects as part of their internship experience.
Subject Areas: STEM
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, California
Cost/Stipend: No application cost, a stipend is provided, but information on the amount is not available. Applicants will have to manage their commute to the Academy and nearby sites.
Application Deadline: The application deadline for 2025 was April 5, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: Multi-year, year-round participation, selected applicants were invited for an in-person group interview on April 27, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Students who
- are currently enrolled full-time as a 9th or 10th-grade student in an SFUSD school — check if your school qualifies here;
- have maintained a GPA of 2.5 and a grade of C or higher in science and math
- can obtain a valid work permit (US citizens and others authorized to work in the US);
- can commit to all attendance requirements for 2 or 3 years, through high school graduation;
- can commute to the Academy and nearby locations after school on Saturdays during the school year, and on weekdays in the summer (some remote work may be required).
Designed for high-achieving students eager to delve deeply into their chosen subjects, this summer program by UCSD offers a range of STEM courses, from ocean ecosystem dynamics to introductory structural engineering. Participants engage in rigorous coursework, interactive discussions, and hands-on projects, gaining mastery of foundational concepts and culminating in a final project.
Subject areas: Engineering, Ecology, Programming, Marine Science, Health, Language
Location: University of California, San Diego (for the residential courses)
Cost: $1,500 (online courses), $5,950 (residential courses tuition). Scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: The application deadlines for 2024 were May 24, 2024 (residential) and June 2, 2024 (online). TBD for 2025.
Program dates: July 7 — July 27, 2024 (residential) | June 1– June 26, 2024 (online). TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply.
SUMaC is a program (offered both virtually and in-person) hosted by Stanford University, designed for high-achieving high school juniors and seniors seeking a rigorous experience in mathematics. Tailored for students passionate about exploring cutting-edge mathematical research and its applications across scientific fields, this 4-week camp integrates advanced mathematics learning through lectures, guided research, and collaborative problem-solving. SUMaC immerses participants in a college-level workload. The program aims to offer a thorough exploration of advanced mathematical concepts and their practical applications in the real world.
Subject Areas: Mathematics
Location: Virtual OR Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: $3,550 (online), $8,250 (residential). Need-based financial aid is available.
Application deadline: TBD for 2025.
Program dates: TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors are eligible to apply.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.