11 Chemistry Research Programs for High School Students in California
If you are a high school student interested in chemistry, research programs can be a great way to learn more about your interest. These programs often provide practical lab experiences and mentorship from university researchers, and help you build analytical and research skills. As a participant, you will explore topics ranging from marine and environmental chemistry to biomedical research, computational chemistry, and chemical engineering.
Why should you attend a program in California?
California offers a variety of summer and year-round chemistry research programs, hosted by colleges and institutes in the state. These opportunities are open to both local and out-of-state students interested in exploring California’s academic and research environment. Participating in a research program will allow you to gain valuable skills, build your scientific portfolio, and prepare for future studies in STEM fields.
To help with your search, below is a list of 11 chemistry research programs for high school students in California.
If you are interested in summer research programs in California, check out our blog here.
1. Project SEED – American Chemical Society
Location: Various labs nationwide across the U.S. (academic, government, industry)
Cost: Free; students receive a stipend of $4,000 for both Summer I and Summer II
Dates: June – August (8-10 weeks)
Application Deadline: February – April 14 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school students (first-time participants for Summer I; returning SEED alumni for Summer II)
Project SEED is an exceptional paid summer fellowship that will place you in chemistry and related research labs for 8-10 weeks. As a participant, you will work under the guidance of a scientist-mentor, gaining firsthand experience with meaningful lab projects—not just routine tasks. Alongside research, the program includes activities, such as campus tours, career panels, and opportunities to present posters at conferences. The experience is designed to help you build skills and confidence, while also providing exposure to scientific careers.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort; You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students
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. Stanford STaRS Internship Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 15 – August 7 (tentative)
Application Deadline: November 30
Eligibility: High school students (16+) from all backgrounds; Prior lab experience not required
The Science, Technology, and Research at Stanford (STaRS) Internship allows you to explore careers in healthcare and biomedical research. Over the course of the summer, you will work alongside Stanford scientists and clinicians on research projects while learning key lab techniques such as histology, imaging, and genotyping. The program also incorporates lectures, workshops, and a final research showcase, helping you build both technical and communication skills. No prior research experience is required, but curiosity, persistence, and enthusiasm are highly valued.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Chemistry Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of at least 3.3
Lumiere’s Research Scholar Program allows you to work closely with PhD mentors from top universities like Harvard and Oxford. You will have the opportunity to complete a guided research project that culminates in a university-level paper, with the option to focus on a chemistry specialization, ranging from organic and inorganic chemistry to chemical kinetics and dynamics. All work is one-on-one with a mentor, who will provide personalized guidance while exploring cutting-edge scientific questions. The program is fully virtual and is structured to allow a deep dive into both theoretical concepts and practical applications in chemical research.
5. Stanford University: Inspiring Future Scientists Through Shadowing (IFSS)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free
Dates: June 16 – June 27
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (16+) from the specified counties (Alameda, Santa Clara, San Francisco, or San Mateo County)
IFSS is a two-week summer program that offers high school students the chance to explore cutting-edge chemical research. As a participant, you will shadow multiple graduate students in Stanford’s Chemistry Department. You will also gain broad exposure to various research techniques and topics, fostering a well-rounded understanding of the field, without focusing on an individual project. IFSS emphasizes observation, interaction, and discovery, making it ideal for those curious about diverse areas of chemical research.
6. Summer Science Intensive: iCLEM
Location: Emeryville, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $3,000 stipend
Dates: June 16 – August 1 (includes one prep week + six weeks in-person)
Application Deadline: March 16
Eligibility: 10th-11th graders with a GPA of 2.5+; Must live in Alameda, Contra Costa, or San Francisco County and meet income requirements; U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
The Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology (iCLEM) is a paid summer program for high school students from the Bay Area who are interested in biotechnology, microbiology, and biofuels. As a participant, you will spend six weeks in state-of-the-art Emeryville labs working on real-world research projects, while being mentored by scientists and undergraduate researchers. Alongside lab work, the program provides career exploration, guidance for the college application process, and opportunities to develop science communication skills. iCLEM is designed to support economically disadvantaged students and make STEM careers more accessible.
7. Berkeley Lab: Experiences in Research (EinR)
Location: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA (hybrid or virtual)
Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipend of $500/week
Dates: June 20 – July 28
Application Deadline: February 7 – April 3
Eligibility: 10th-12th grade student (16+) with a GPA of 3.0+; Preference for Northern California students in grades 11-12 (recommended within 20 miles of Berkeley Lab for hybrid/in-person)
Experiences in Research (EinR) provides high school students with the chance to contribute directly to projects at Berkeley Lab. Over six weeks, you will work alongside professionals in experimental research, data science, and science communication. You will also have the opportunity to learn more about real-world STEM careers. As an intern, you will spend 30-35 hours per week developing technical and professional skills in a lab environment. These projects often involve elements of chemistry, coding, and data-driven research. This is a paid internship program and is designed to help you build connections, deepen your understanding of STEM pathways, and strengthen your readiness for future academic and professional opportunities.
8. California Academy of Sciences: Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid above minimum wage
Dates: Year-round (after-school, weekends, and summer)
Application Deadline: February 1 – April 1
Eligibility: Current 9th-10th graders in SFUSD with a minimum 2.5 GPA; Must commit 2-3 years through graduation; a Valid work permit is required.
The CiS Intern Program is a paid, multi-year opportunity for San Francisco high school students often underrepresented in STEM. As an intern, you will gain hands-on experience in fieldwork, science research, and public engagement while working at the California Academy of Sciences. Beyond research, you will facilitate learning experiences for museum visitors, attend bi-monthly training, and explore STEM careers with professionals. You will also receive guidance on college and financial readiness. As you progress, you will get to take on leadership roles, contribute to research projects, and mentor peers.
9. UCLA Nanoscience Lab Summer Institute
Location: UCLA campus, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Commuter: $1,981; Residential: $2,470; Financial aid available
Dates: Residential: July 20 – 26; Commuter: July 21 – 25
Application Deadline: Residential: June 6; Commuter: June 13
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10-12; 15+ for commuter sessions and 17+ for residential sessions; Strong background in science required
Over the course of this five-day workshop, you will explore the fundamentals of nanoscale phenomena through laboratory experiments and demonstrations designed by UCLA researchers. You will also engage with a variety of topics, including bio-toxicity, supercapacitors, and photolithography, while learning both bottom-up and top-down approaches to nanofabrication. The program emphasizes scientific analysis, experimental design, and effective communication of research findings, giving you a real sense of how cutting-edge nanoscience is applied in today’s laboratories.
10. UCI Chemistry Academy
Location: University of California, Irvine, CA
Cost: $967 per session (partial and full scholarships available)
Dates: June 23 – 27; July 7 – 11; July 14 – 18; July 21 – 25 (tentative)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 8-17 (themes vary by age group)
Hosted by UC Irvine’s Chemistry Department, the Summer STEM Summit will introduce you to timely and engaging areas of science through interactive experiences. Each one-week session features two themes, with topics ranging from forensic science and cosmetic chemistry to food chemistry and sustainable cities. As a participant, you will work in UCI’s state-of-the-art labs, learning directly from faculty and industry professionals. You will also get to connect chemistry concepts to real-world issues. The program’s structure allows younger students (8-12) and older students (13-17) to explore age-appropriate content, making it a dynamic introduction to STEM fields.
11. UC Davis Young Scholars Program
Location: UC Davis, Davis, CA (residential)
Cost: $7,500; $45 application fee; Need-based fee reductions available
Dates: June 21 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 1 – March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors (16+); U.S. residents only
This six-week summer residential program will immerse you in original university-level research across the biological, agricultural, environmental, and natural sciences. As a participant, you will be paired with UC Davis faculty and research groups to conduct an independent project in a state-of-the-art lab. Chemistry often intersects with research areas like environmental studies, agricultural science, and biological systems, making the program particularly relevant for students with chemical science interests. Beyond research, you will also get to experience college life, earn UC credit, and return to your school equipped to share your work with peers.
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