13 Math Summer Programs for High School Students in California
If you are a high school student interested in math, summer programs are an excellent option to deepen your mathematical foundation. These programs provide exposure to practical skills, help you improve your research and problem-solving abilities, and offer a platform to build professional connections with mentors and peers. Participating in such programs can also help strengthen your academic confidence and explore new areas of mathematical interest.
Why should you attend a program in California?
Various reputable organizations and universities in California offer math programs during the summer. These programs often include independent projects and presentations to improve your research abilities and scientific communication. Whether you live in California or are visiting the state, these opportunities can help you strengthen your math skills while exploring academic opportunities
To help with your search, we have curated a list of 13 math summer programs for high school students in California.
If you are interested in summer research programs in California, check out our blog here.
1. QCaMP (Quantum, Computing, Mathematics, & Physics)
Location: Bay Area, CA
Cost/Stipend: None; stipend offered (exact amount not specified)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 30 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 21
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years old by the first day of camp
Among our free in-person math summer programs for high school students in California, QCaMP offers a distinctive alternative to traditional opportunities by introducing you to the emerging field of quantum information science (QIS) through a mathematical and physical sciences perspective. The program is designed to build a diverse, skilled future workforce and help you understand how quantum mechanics is transforming the world of computation. Throughout the camp, you’ll explore both foundational and advanced topics in linear algebra, algorithmic thinking, and quantum circuits, gaining hands-on experience in designing and testing real quantum systems. You’ll also take part in interactive lectures, problem-solving sessions, and workshops led by experts from leading institutions such as Berkeley Lab, Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and IBM. By the end of the camp, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for how mathematical reasoning fuels modern quantum technologies, while exploring new ways to approach computational challenges and envision potential career paths in the field.
2. Veritas AI - AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Various cohorts throughout the year for Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI with a suitable environment in which to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI Scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. The AI Fellowship program will allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. You can find examples of previous projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Project MISS (Mathematics Intensive Summer Session) @ CSUF
Location: California State University, Fullerton, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: June 6
Eligibility: Middle and high school students preparing for college-level math
Project MISS is a four-week summer program designed to help you build and strengthen your math skills. Hosted at California State University’s Fullerton campus, the program features six hours of math instruction each weekday, covering Algebra 2/Math 3 and Pre-Calculus topics aligned with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Its structured curriculum is designed to reinforce classroom learning, help you develop problem-solving abilities, and enhance your mathematical foundation. Throughout the program, you’ll also interact with CSU Fullerton faculty, learn about careers in mathematics, and gain firsthand exposure to college life, allowing you to enhance your academic and personal growth.
4. Horizon Academic Research Program (Math Track)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies by cohort; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
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 for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research process. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
5. California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)
Location: Multiple UC campuses (UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, UC Santa Cruz, UCLA)
Cost/Stipend: $46 application fee + $5,518 program fee (includes housing, meals, orientation, field trips, activities, and on-site support)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 160–200 participants on each campus
Dates: July 5 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Rising high school students, typically with a GPA of 3.5 or higher
The COSMOS (California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science) program offers four-week residential math summer programs for high school students in California, on various university campuses. They offer various themed clusters that integrate math with other STEM disciplines, allowing you to delve deeper into your chosen area of study while approaching it from a broader, multifaceted perspective. The program emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning as you work independently and collaboratively on lab-intensive assignments, which typically culminate in a final presentation or research project. Aside from the academic aspect, the program also includes seminars and guest lectures that will expose you to current research and professional insights. The residential experience offers a valuable glimpse into college life as you gain access to campus resources and meaningful interactions with university faculty and undergraduate mentors.
6. UCLA Summer Institute – Discovering College Math
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $3,046
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 14 – August 1
Application Deadline: June 13
Eligibility: High school students with a 3.2 GPA who have taken at least Algebra II
The Discovering College Math Summer Institute gives you a chance to experience college-level mathematics. Unlike typical high school courses that focus on calculus, this program emphasizes creative and rigorous problem-solving, showing how mathematics serves as the foundation of fields such as computer science, genetics, and game theory. You’ll earn college credit by completing the UCLA undergraduate course Math 61, which covers topics including logic, combinatorics, and graph theory. Mornings are spent in Math Circle-style collaborative sessions, where you’ll work through challenging problems with your peers and refine your analytical approach. In the afternoons, you’ll attend college-style lectures followed by independent problem-solving sessions, helping you strengthen your mathematical intuition and prepare for the transition to university-level study.
7. FinDS Summer Program
Location: Virtual or in person at the UCSD campus, San Diego, CA, or UT Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: $100 application fee + Beginner Program fee: $750 (three weeks); $500 (two weeks) Advanced Program tuition: $800
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open to up to 25 students for the in-person program and 50 students for the virtual program
Dates: Beginner Program (UT Austin/online): June 2 – 20 | Advanced Program (UCSD/online): June 2 – 16
Application Deadline: April 23
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders; students who have participated in FinDS beginners or equivalent programs can apply for the Advanced program, whereas students who have taken high school algebra can apply for the Beginner Program
The FinDS Summer Program helps you build a solid foundation in the mathematical concepts that power data science and computer science. It offers two learning pathways—Beginner and Advanced—so you can choose the track that best matches your experience and skill level. Across both tracks, you’ll explore key topics such as probability, graph theory, calculus, and linear algebra, and learn how these areas connect to real-world applications like machine learning, cryptography, and search algorithms. Throughout the program, you’ll participate in lectures, guided problem-solving sessions, and hands-on projects designed to strengthen both your theoretical understanding and practical skills. Courses are taught by experienced professors and researchers, ensuring that you gain a meaningful introduction to how mathematics drives modern computing and data analysis.
8. UC San Diego Sally Ride Science Academy
Location: UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA (virtual options available)
Cost/Stipend: Not specified, scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 6 – 24
Application Deadline: Not specified; applications open in January
Eligibility: High school students
The Sally Ride Science Academy, hosted by the UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, offers engaging STEAM workshops for students of all ages. Through this program, you’ll explore a variety of subjects, such as mathematics, marine biology, engineering, and computer programming, gaining exposure to both theoretical and applied learning with a multi-disciplinary approach. Workshops are hands-on and interactive, encouraging creative problem-solving and exploration under the guidance of expert instructors. You’ll also learn about the real-life journeys of pioneering women in science, helping you connect scientific concepts with inspiring career paths. The academy is available in multiple formats, allowing you to choose between virtual sessions (live or asynchronous) and in-person workshops, making it accessible to learners with different schedules and preferences.
9. Russian School of Mathematics (RSM) High School Program
Location: Virtual and in-person at various locations in the U.S.
Cost: Varies based on location
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 12 students/cohort
Dates: Year-round after-school options; you can enroll for one or more days/week
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–12; placement is based on academic level assessment
The Russian School of Mathematics (RSM) high school program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus AB/BC, and statistics, while also helping you prepare for SAT, ACT, AP exams, and math competitions. The program is structured across three levels: Accelerated, Advanced, and Honors. The Accelerated level focuses on strengthening core skills, the Advanced level emphasizes higher-order reasoning and analytical problem-solving, and the Honors level delves into complex topics and competition-style mathematics. Throughout the program, you’ll work in small-group sessions that promote individual attention and collaborative learning, following a structured curriculum designed to build abstract thinking, logical precision, and mathematical confidence under timed and challenging conditions.
10. MathQuantum Fellowships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 students
Dates: July 14 – 25
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: High school students interested in computer science, mathematics, physics, and quantum information science
Sponsored by the U.S. National Science Foundation, the program introduces you to the mathematical principles that underpin quantum technologies, including cryptography, quantum mechanics, and linear algebra. It combines lectures, seminars, coding labs, and professional development workshops, creating a collaborative environment that mirrors real-world research settings. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, you’ll work on mini-projects that explore practical applications of quantum concepts, preparing you for advanced study in mathematics, physics, or computer science. The curriculum also encourages you to engage in conversations about emerging technologies and ethics, helping you think critically about the role of quantum computing in shaping future innovation. You’ll even have the chance to attend the Qubit by Qubit High School Summer Camp, gaining additional hands-on exposure to quantum computing. With its small, closely mentored cohort, the program ensures individualized guidance as you refine your analytical, technical, and academic skills.
11. Research Mentorship Program at the University of California, Santa Barbara — Math track
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost/Stipend: Commuter: $5,175; Residential: $12,474 (includes housing and meals). Scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.8 GPA
This program offers a comprehensive, research-intensive experience across a wide range of mathematical, scientific, and interdisciplinary disciplines. It begins with a virtual orientation, where you will be introduced to your assignment mentor and campus resources, and learn about research methods in preparation for the on-campus portion of the program. During the subsequent six-week residential phase, you will be engaged in university-level research for 35-50 hours per week as you conduct hands-on projects under the guidance of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, or faculty advisors. You can pursue topics aligned with your interests, including applied mathematics, and develop valuable skills in data analysis and conducting scholarly research. You will also learn how to present your findings through technical papers and formal presentations. Additional benefits of this program include lectures and seminars led by UC Santa Barbara faculty that offer exposure to academic inquiry and professional development in a collaborative environment that will give you a preview of college life.
12. Stanford’s High School Math Circle
Location: Online or in-person at Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: $500/quarter (online) | $525/quarter (in-person)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple sessions around the year; Winter In-Person/ Online: January 13 – March 19;
Application deadline: Registration opens 1–2 months before the quarter begins
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12
This program offers weekly sessions that explore mathematical ideas far beyond the standard high school curriculum. Each class is led by an experienced mathematician or instructor and focuses on challenging concepts and problem-solving strategies that strengthen your analytical thinking. The program is designed to help you think creatively and rigorously about mathematics through interactive discussions and guided exploration. You can choose between online participation, which offers flexibility and accessibility, or in-person sessions, which provide small-group learning, individualized feedback, and the chance to experience the Stanford campus environment.
13. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,080; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; 16 students/class
Dates: June 16 – 27 | July 7 – 18
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–11
Stanford’s Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes allow you to immerse yourself in college-level courses across a wide range of subjects, with a flexible virtual setup. Their mathematics courses include Discrete Mathematics, Number Theory, Logic, and Problem Solving. The classes feature interactive online lectures on geometry, probability, and cryptography, alongside engaging puzzles, problem sets, and group discussions designed to strengthen your analytical thinking. You will apply what you learn to real-world and theoretical problems through projects and presentations. You will also collaborate with students across the world to ensure a holistic experience that promotes your ability to work in cross-cultural teams.
Image source - Horizon Inspires