15 Chemistry Summer Programs for High School Students in California
As a high school student, summer programs in chemistry give you the chance to explore the subject in a guided manner. These experiences strengthen your knowledge of the subject while gaining exposure to lab techniques and research opportunities, helping you develop practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Many of these programs are run by universities and organizations, allowing you to build connections with peers and mentors who share similar academic interests. They introduce you to academic and industry perspectives that can shape future study and career decisions.
Why should you attend a program in California?
Institutions in California, from major universities to specialized academies, host chemistry programs during the summer. These programs cover a range of topics, including foundational general chemistry, drug discovery, biochemistry, and molecular science. Whether you are a local or an out-of-state student, you can find a program that suits your interests as you explore academic opportunities in the state.
To make the search easier, we’ve narrowed down a list of 15 chemistry summer programs for high school students in California.
If you are interested in summer internships and programs in California, check out our blogs here and here.
1. J.Craig Venter Institute’s (JCVI) High School Internship
Location: J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA
Cost: Free; $17/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: May - August; 10-15 week opportunities are offered throughout the year
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and above
JCVI runs a competitive high school internship program that places students in active research environments focused on genomics, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology. Interns are paired with mentors and contribute directly to lab projects, gaining practical experience with techniques that bridge biology and chemistry, such as molecular modeling and biochemical analysis. Alongside lab work, participants attend seminars, journal clubs, and workshops that expand their understanding of scientific methods and professional development. A key component of the program is the creation of a research poster, which students present to JCVI scientists at the program’s conclusion.
2. Veritas AI Programs
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program (need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars) | Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate
Dates: Multiple 12- to 15-week cohorts throughout the year, including in summer
Application deadline: On a rolling basis; May/June deadline for summer sessions
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship applicants must have either completed the AI Scholars program or have experience with AI concepts/Python
Veritas AI offers virtual programs that connect high school students with mentors from top universities to explore artificial intelligence and its applications across disciplines, including chemistry. The AI Scholars track introduces beginners to concepts such as machine learning and neural networks, with small group projects that let students apply these methods to real-world challenges. For advanced participants, the AI Fellowship provides one-on-one mentorship leading to an independent research project, which can sometimes be submitted for publication or showcased at academic events. Students interested in chemistry may choose to focus on AI applications in molecular modeling, drug discovery, or materials science, fields where computational methods are increasingly central. Both tracks emphasize research design, problem-solving, and hands-on experimentation with AI tools. You can apply to the program here.
3. American Chemical Society Project SEED Program
Location: Varies based on lab choice, check here
Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipend $4000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 8-10 weeks, June–August
Application deadline: April 14
Eligibility: Applicants must be current high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, or recent graduates, with one completed high school chemistry course (preference is given to students whose maximum family income does not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines based on family size)
Project SEED is an 8–10 week summer research program that places high school students in academic or industrial laboratories. Under the guidance of professional scientists, participants contribute to ongoing projects in areas such as organic synthesis, biochemistry, materials development, or pharmaceutical research. Along with lab experience, the program incorporates virtual enrichment camps covering lab safety, career pathways, and professional development. Many participants complete the summer with tangible research experience that supports future academic applications.
4. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on program type (full financial aid is available) | Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately 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! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
The Horizon Academic Research Program is a trimester-long opportunity that pairs high school students with professors or PhD-level mentors to conduct original research and produce a substantial academic paper. Students can choose from a variety of fields, with chemistry-related tracks covering areas such as chemical engineering, sustainable materials, or environmental applications of chemistry. The program accommodates both quantitative and qualitative approaches, allowing projects to range from experimental design to theoretical analysis. Over several months, students draft, revise, and finalize a 20-page paper with structured feedback from their mentor. Many participants prepare their work for submission to academic journals, gaining early exposure to the publication process. In addition, Horizon provides recommendation letters and individualized academic guidance.
5. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Apprenticeship
Location: Various U.S. Army Research Labs and university research centers nationwide, including Cambridge and Boston, MA
Cost: Free; stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: Varies by location
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens and at least 16 years old to qualify
The AEOP High School Apprenticeship program places students in paid, full-time summer research positions at U.S. Army laboratories or affiliated universities. Apprentices work under the supervision of professional scientists and engineers on projects spanning disciplines such as biology, materials science, chemical engineering, and cybersecurity, with some placements focusing on chemistry-related fields like food science or drug research. Daily activities may include assisting with experiments, operating specialized laboratory equipment, and analyzing data alongside mentors. In addition to research experience, the program provides access to workshops, webinars, and career panels that connect students with the broader AEOP network of STEM professionals.
6. Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP)
Location: Fremont, CA
Cost: $0 – $1,070 (For students who meet financial need eligibility criteria, there is no cost to attending ASDRP) | Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Summer, Autumn, and Spring sessions
Application deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: High school students in 9th-12th grade; no prior research experience required
The Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP), based in the Bay Area, enables high school students to design and conduct original research across STEM fields. Instead of repeating known experiments, participants develop their own research questions and pursue them with guidance from experienced mentors. Chemistry-focused projects may involve studying catalytic reactions, developing new materials, exploring energy applications, or working on drug design. Research takes place in ASDRP’s dedicated labs, where students also learn to read and analyze scientific literature, write formal research reports, and take part in peer-review activities modeled after professional science journals. At the end of the session, students present their work at a symposium and may have the chance to publish in ASDRP’s journal or submit findings to external conferences.
7. Bay Area Youth Science (BAYS) Program at UCSF
Location: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA
Cost: No cost; $5,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: June 17 – August 9
Application deadline: March 31
Eligibility: KIPP-SFCP students who are rising juniors and seniors, and are at least 16 years old
The BAYS Program at UCSF is an eight-week paid internship designed for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in biomedical and chemical sciences. The program begins with virtual panels and talks that introduce students to scientific careers, followed by lab placements under the mentorship of UCSF graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Research projects cover areas such as cancer biology, infectious disease, protein biophysics, drug discovery, and computational chemistry, giving participants exposure to both experimental and computational approaches. Fridays are set aside for workshops that focus on laboratory skills, college preparation, and broader life skills like financial planning. At the end of the summer, interns present their projects at a public symposium attended by UCSF staff and external partners. Continued academic-year support, including college application guidance, is also offered.
8. UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program (RMP)
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: Commuter: $5,175 | Residential: $12,474 | Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: NA
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application deadline: March 17
Eligibility: Students in 10th and 11th grades with a minimum 3.8 GPA (exceptional 9th-grade students may be admitted on a case-by-case basis)
UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program (RMP) is a six-week summer program that pairs high school students with a faculty member, graduate student, or postdoc mentor to carry out a university-level research project. After completing an online orientation, students spend 35 to 50 hours each week in labs or in the field, depending on their project focus. Research spans a wide range of disciplines, with options in areas like chemistry, engineering, biomedicine, and environmental science, allowing students to contribute to active academic investigations. The program also includes a research methods course and the GRIT Talks lecture series, which features UCSB researchers presenting their work. Participants complete a technical paper, present their results at an academic symposium, and earn UC Santa Barbara credit, which becomes part of their official transcript.
9. Stanford Summer Session Courses
Location: Stanford University, CA
Cost/Stipend: $7235 | Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Depends on the course; Typically 4 weeks between June 21 and August 17
Application deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and graduate students
Stanford Summer Session allows you to take credit-bearing courses across more than thirty departments, with several chemistry-focused options such as Chemical Principles I and II, Structure and Reactivity of Carbon-Based Molecules, and Understanding the Natural and Unnatural World through Chemistry. These courses often include laboratory work, giving students the chance to apply theory using advanced equipment while gaining experience in research-driven learning environments. Classes run on an accelerated schedule, typically covering a full quarter’s worth of material in just four or eight weeks. Students also live on Stanford’s campus, participate in orientation and advising sessions, and engage in extracurricular activities such as faculty talks, social events, and weekend trips.
10. Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Residential Track
Location: University of California, Berkeley, CA
Cost: 8-week session: $15,950 | 6-week session: $14,650 | Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not mentioned
Dates: Session 1: June 23 – August 15 | Session 2: July 7 – August 15
Application deadline: March 10
Eligibility: Students must have completed 10th or 11th grade by summer, have a 3.0 GPA (weighted or unweighted), and be at least 16 years old.
The Berkeley Pre-College Scholars Summer Residential Track allows high school students to take two college-level courses over six to eight weeks. Chemistry options often include General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and their associated laboratory courses, all of which compress a full semester’s content into the shorter summer term. Students complete lectures, lab work, assignments, and exams alongside Berkeley undergraduates, with the opportunity to earn official university credits documented on a Berkeley transcript. The residential component includes living in campus housing, attending orientation events, and joining workshops on college readiness organized by university staff. Beyond academics, participants can engage in excursions, cultural activities, and community events that provide a well-rounded introduction to life at a major research university.
11. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: In-person and hybrid at George Mason University, VA; Virtual/remote opportunities available
Cost: Free; $25 application fee | Unpaid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application deadline: February 2
Eligibility: 15 years or older for the remote internships; 16 years or above for wet-lab in-person/hybrid internships
ASSIP at George Mason University is an eight-week research experience where high school students work directly with faculty and researchers in university or partner institution labs. Projects span a wide range of STEM disciplines, including chemistry, bioengineering, neuroscience, nanoscience, and forensic science, with opportunities to explore areas like drug discovery, molecular analysis, or materials development. Participants engage in full-time research, gaining hands-on experience with laboratory equipment, data study, and experimental design while practicing scientific writing and oral presentation. The program also hosts discussion forums that connect students with scientists who share career insights and research pathways. At the conclusion of the internship, students present their findings at a poster symposium, and some projects contribute to publications or conference presentations.
12. The American Academy - Chemistry - SCI310
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $238 per semester | Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Self-paced
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and above
The American Academy’s Chemistry (SCI310) course is a fully online, self-paced program designed for high school students and adult learners seeking flexibility while earning credit. The first semester introduces fundamental concepts, including states of matter, atomic theory, the periodic table, chemical bonding and reactions, stoichiometry, and the application of the scientific method in chemistry. The second semester advances into thermodynamics, reaction rates, equilibrium, acids and bases, redox reactions, and electrochemistry, as well as organic and biochemistry topics such as functional groups, polymerization, and biomolecules. Nuclear chemistry is also covered, allowing students to see how the subject extends into energy and medicine. The course is led by licensed teachers, and the format allows learners to take the course independently or as part of a full diploma program.
13. UCLA Summer Online - Chemistry
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Fees based on unit enrollment, plus additional registration, international/extracurricular, and documentation fees | Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment to high school students aged 15+
Dates: Varies depending on the course; program typically runs for 3, 6, 8, 9, or 10 weeks from June to September
Application deadline: Multiple deadlines depending on the course; applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Eligibility: High school students ages 15 and above
UCLA’s Summer Online program allows high school students to earn university credit through virtual courses specifically designed for remote learning. A wide range of chemistry classes is available, including General Chemistry for Life Scientists I and II, General and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I and II, Structure of Organic Molecules, Organic Reactions and Pharmaceuticals, and courses emphasizing synthesis, reactivity, and spectroscopy. More advanced students can also explore specialized offerings such as Catalysis in Modern Drug Discovery or Biochemistry, which covers enzyme structure, metabolism, and the molecular processes of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis. Students complete lectures, labs, assignments, and assessments online, gaining transferable college credit upon successful completion. Courses are structured to replicate the rigor of UCLA’s academic environment while remaining accessible in a virtual format.
14. Arizona State University - Introductory Chemistry
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee and $400 credit conversion fee that you pay only if you’re satisfied with your grade and want to add it to your transcript | Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Self-paced
Application deadline: Open enrolment
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply
Arizona State University’s Introductory Chemistry course is designed to introduce high school students to the molecular principles that shape both living systems and materials science. The curriculum covers fundamental concepts such as atomic theory, molecular structure, chemical bonding, and reactions, while also applying these ideas to practical topics like blood pH regulation and the properties of everyday materials. Students explore the connections between chemistry, biology, engineering, and health sciences, gaining the tools to analyze chemical and physical properties from a molecular perspective. Instruction is structured with interactive feedback, helping learners practice and refine their understanding in real time.
15. Johns Hopkins University - Applications of Chemistry in Medicine
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $1,950 + $85 application fee (financial aid available) | Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Session 1: July 7 – July 18 | Session 2: July 21 – August 1
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students who have completed 9th grade before the start of the program and have a minimum 3.0 out of 4 GPA
The Applications of Chemistry in Medicine course, part of Johns Hopkins University’s Pre-College Online Summer Programs, examines the role of chemistry in advancing healthcare and pharmaceutical sciences. Students learn how chemical principles support drug discovery, compound synthesis, materials development, and diagnostic methods. The course also highlights chemistry’s influence on consumer industries such as cosmetics, pigments, and polymers, showing how the discipline connects theory to practical innovation. Instruction is delivered primarily in an asynchronous format, allowing students to manage coursework at their own pace while meeting deadlines, with optional live sessions available for added interaction. By the end of the course, participants earn one academic credit from Johns Hopkins, making it a formal addition to their academic record.
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