15 Free STEM Programs for High School Students in California

If you’re a high school student interested in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, STEM programs can help you explore these fields. They offer a space to apply what you learn in school to guided projects, research, and academic challenges while helping you strengthen problem-solving and analytical thinking. Many programs are free to attend, making it easier for you to gain exposure to professional mentors, university settings, and collaborative learning experiences without the financial burden.

Why should you attend a STEM program in California?

California is home to universities, hospitals, and research institutions that host programs across a range of STEM disciplines. You can take part in laboratory research, engineering projects, or data-focused studies that encourage you to think critically and explore potential career paths. Whether you live in California or travel to attend, these programs let you connect with peers, mentors, and educators who share your curiosity and drive to learn.

Below, we have compiled a list of 15 free STEM programs for high school students in California. 

If you are looking for engineering internships in Los Angeles, check out our blog here.

1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA

Cost/Stipend: Free; $500 minimum stipend, with needs-based stipends of $2,500+ available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 50 students per cohort

Dates: June 8–July 30

Application Deadline: February 21

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors | Must be at least 16 years old by program start | Must attend high school in the U.S. and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder) | Selection strongly favors Bay Area students

The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week biomedical research internship that gives high school students hands-on experience in a research lab affiliated with Stanford University. You will work on medically oriented research projects under the mentorship of Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate researchers. The program focuses on building core research skills, including experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. You will also learn how translational and basic biomedical research is conducted in an academic medical setting. The experience concludes with a formal presentation of your research, allowing you to showcase your work. 

2. Veritas AI

Location: Virtual

Cost/Stipend: Varies by program; full financial aid available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small, mentor-led cohorts

Dates: Multiple 12–15 week cohorts offered throughout the year (spring, summer, fall, winter)

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (Spring: January, Summer: May, Fall: September,  Winter: November)

Eligibility: High school students and AI Fellowship applicants must have completed AI Scholars or demonstrate prior 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. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students 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, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here. 

3. SIMR Bioengineering Team Internship (BioE Bootcamp)

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA

Cost/Stipend: Free to participate (application fee required); summer stipend provided

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; students work in teams of 4–5

Dates: June 9–July 31

Application Deadline: Typically February

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors. Must be at least 16 years old by program start

The SIMR Bioengineering Team Internship (BioE Bootcamp) is an eight-week, hands-on program that introduces high school students to bioengineering through real-world medical design challenges at Stanford University. You will work in small teams to identify real-world medical needs and develop practical engineering solutions using the biodesign process. The program combines lectures on diverse bioengineering topics with three full days per week of project-based work. You'll spend time prototyping, testing ideas, and participating in design reviews, learning how engineers evaluate tradeoffs and refine solutions. With mentorship from Stanford graduate and undergraduate students, you will build skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and technical problem-solving. Teams also have access to Stanford’s advanced resources, including maker spaces, machine shops, wet labs, and specialized faculty expertise. The program concludes with a formal presentation of your prototype at the SIMR poster session.

4. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation

Location: Remote (available worldwide)

Cost/Stipend: Free; fully funded

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; one-on-one mentorship model

Dates: Multiple 12-week cohorts offered throughout the year (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)

Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)

Eligibility: Current high school students or rising college freshmen | Must demonstrate strong academic achievement

The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is a fully funded, mentored research experience designed for high-achieving high school students interested in independent academic research. You will be paired one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor to design and execute an original research project in your chosen field. You can choose a wide range of research areas,  including psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and other STEM-focused disciplines. Over the course of 12 weeks, you will conduct literature reviews, develop research methodologies, and produce a polished independent research paper. 

5. Meta Summer Academy

Location: Meta offices (Bay Area, California)

Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend provided (amount varies by year)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited cohort serving local students

Dates: June 16–July 25 (six weeks, 30 hours/week)

Application Deadline: December 1–February 14

Eligibility: High school sophomores (10th grade). Must be a full-year resident of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City. Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. No prior work or coding experience required

Meta Summer Academy (MSA) is a six-week, paid summer program that introduces high school students to careers in technology through hands-on learning and workplace exposure at Meta. You will build foundational coding skills while exploring creative and professional areas such as financial literacy, art and media, and effective communication.  The program connects you directly with Meta employees and guest speakers who share insights into a wide range of tech and non-tech career pathways. You will participate in structured activities that build confidence, collaboration, and problem-solving skills in a professional environment. With transportation support and meals provided,  MSA ensures that local students can participate without logistical or financial obstacles. 

6. Pomona College Academy for Youth Success (PAYS)

Location: Pomona College, Claremont, CA

Cost/Stipend: Free; all program costs covered

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 30 students admitted per year

Dates: Residential summer session: June 21–July 17 (academic-year programming continues for three years)

Application Deadline: February 23 (recommendations due March 2)

Eligibility: Current 9th-grade students. Must attend high school in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Ventura County | Preference for first-generation college-bound and low-income students. Must be taking Geometry or Integrated Math II

The Pomona College Academy for Youth Success (PAYS) is a free, three-year program designed to help high-achieving high school students prepare for admission to selective colleges and universities. Over the course of three years, you will participate in summer and academic-year sessions that focus on critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Each summer, you attend a four-week residential session on Pomona College's campus, where you enrol in small Critical Inquiry seminars taught by Pomona College professors. You'll also complete logic-based math coursework and engage in weekly hands-on data and problem-solving exercises. As you progress through the program, you will receive ongoing mentorship, SAT preparation, and individualized college and financial aid advising. Seniors also have opportunities to participate in faculty-led research projects and receive support during the college application process, from refining essays to evaluating final college choices. 

7. Samuels Family LA-HIP High School Internship Program

Location: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), Los Angeles, CA

Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend provided, plus Metro card and meals

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; limited cohort admitted annually

Dates: Summer lab internship: mid-June–early August (seven weeks), College counseling continues through senior year

Application Deadline: February 1

Eligibility: Current high school juniors. Must attend a public high school in Los Angeles County. Must be eligible for legal employment in California.  Strong academic performance and demonstrated interest in science.

The Samuels Family LA-HIP (Los Angeles High School Internship Program) is a yearlong program that helps you gain access to biomedical research and college-preparation, even if your school has limited science resources. You will participate in a full-time, seven-week summer internship conducting hands-on biomedical research at The Saban Research Institute at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, working under the mentorship of professional scientists. You'll explore a wide range of research areas, including regenerative medicine, cancer and blood disorders, diabetes, neuroscience, and pediatric health. In addition to lab work, the program provides college-level biology instruction, SAT preparation, and college and financial aid counseling that begins before senior year and continues as you prepare your application. The program concludes with a formal Science Symposium, where you present your findings to the research community. 

8. Mathematics Intensive Summer Session (MISS)

Location: California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), Fullerton, CA

Cost/Stipend: Free; all meals, books, materials, and supplies provided

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Capacity-limited; cohort-based commuter program

Dates: July 7–August 1

Application Deadline: June 6

Eligibility: Middle, high school students, and College-bound students preparing for their next math course

The Mathematics Intensive Summer Session (MISS) is a four-week, in-person math enrichment program designed to help students build strong math skills and confidence for the year ahead. You will attend six hours of mathematics instruction each weekday, focusing on building the foundations you need for more advanced coursework. The program is structured to support students transitioning into their next level of math. You'll practice problem-solving, logical reasoning, and analytical approaches in a supportive environment that prioritizes learning over routine assignments. mathematical confidence. 

9. Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS)

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA

Cost/Stipend: Free; need-based stipend of up to $3,000 available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort-based research placements

Dates: June 8–July 24

Application Deadline: Typically February

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors. Students from all backgrounds are welcome. Designed for students with little to no prior research experience

The Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS) gives high school students a seven-week introduction to the world of science, medicine, and pediatric health research. You will complete a mentored research project alongside Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers, gaining firsthand insights into how scientific studies are designed and conducted. The program places a strong emphasis on maternal and child health, helping you understand how biomedical research connects with practical improvements in pediatric healthcare. Structured for students new to research, PIPS focuses on developing key skills such as scientific thinking, problem solving, and communication. You will commit approximately 30 hours per week to a mix of lab work, mentorship, and educational activities. 

10. Camp CHLA & Camp CHLA Discovery Day

Location: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), Los Angeles, CA

Cost/Stipend: Free; no participation fee

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; capacity limited by session size

Dates: Camp CHLA (5-day program): June 15–19 or July 27–31, Camp CHLA Discovery Day (1-day program): August 4 or August 7

Application Deadline: January 19

Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, or juniors. Must reside in Los Angeles County; prior Camp CHLA participants are not eligible.

Camp CHLA is an in-person, five-day program that introduces high school students to the exciting world of healthcare careers inside a major pediatric medical center. The program introduces you to a wide range of clinical and health-related professions, from doctors and nurses to therapists, technicians, and public health specialists. You will also participate in hands-on training in CPR, first aid, and health promotion, building practical skills while becoming familiar with the real hospital environment. For students seeking a shorter introduction, Camp CHLA Discovery Day offers a one-day snapshot of career talks and practical skill sessions. Both options provide insights into daily hospital operations and the roles of clinical teams, without requiring prior experience. 

11. Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program

Location: Los Angeles, CA (primarily virtual with some in-person components)

Cost/Stipend: Free; one $500 scholarship awarded to a participant

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited cohort; selective

Dates: Typically held during the summer (multi-day program)

Application Deadline: Varies annually

Eligibility: High school students interested in health and medical careers

The Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program is a medical mentorship initiative established in 1969 to help high school students explore careers in health professions. You will participate in daily sessions featuring presentations and interactive discussions led by pediatricians, medical specialists, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, therapists, and other healthcare professionals. These conversations give you insights into a wide range of roles, along with a realistic look at day-to-day responsibilities and the education path required to enter each field. Depending on the year's format, sessions may be delivered virtually or in person, allowing flexibility so you can participate regardless of location.

12. Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Summer Program

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA

Cost/Stipend: Free; fully funded

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; small annual cohort

Dates: June 15–August 7

Application Deadline: November 30

Eligibility: High school students from all backgrounds, no prior lab or research experience required

The Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Summer Program is an in-person biomedical research experience that introduces high school students to careers in healthcare and scientific research. You will work closely with clinician-scientist mentors in Stanford laboratories, conducting hands-on research related to human health and biomedical innovation. Over the course of the program, you will learn and apply essential laboratory techniques such as histology, imaging, and genotyping while participating in interactive lectures and skills-based workshops. The program emphasizes curiosity, problem-solving, and scientific creativity,  helping you think like a researcher even if you're completely new to the field.  At the end of the program, you will present your research findings in a formal final showcase, strengthening both technical understanding and communication skills. 

13. SFUSD Summer Internships with Industry Partners

Location: San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) partner sites, San Francisco, CA

Cost/Stipend: Paid internship

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by industry partner; priority given to 11th-grade students

Dates: Six weeks during the summer

Application Deadline: Opens in February

Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors, priority given to rising seniors (11th grade)

SFUSD Summer Internships with Industry Partners give high school students the chance to explore professional careers through hands-on work experiences that go far beyond the classroom. These internships place you directly inside real workplace environments, where you work alongside industry mentors and supervisors while developing practical, career-ready skills. Internship placements span a wide range of fields, including computer science, engineering, environmental science, finance, law, marketing, and public leadership. In addition to on-the-job training, you will participate in a weekly work-based learning seminar led by an SFUSD supervisor or mentor. The program places a strong emphasis on professional development, networking, and exposure to workplace expectations. 

14. UCLA BrainSPORT Summer High School Research Internship

Location: UCLA BrainSPORT Concussion Program, Los Angeles, CA

Cost/Stipend: Free 

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very limited; small research intern cohort

Dates: June 9–August 1

Application Deadline: Typically spring

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors with a strong interest in neuroscience, medicine, or clinical research. Preference for students interested in continuing during the academic year

The UCLA BrainSPORT Summer High School Research Internship offers high school students an in-depth introduction to how real neuroscience research is used to understand and treat sports-related concussions. You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, research scientists, nurses, and medical trainees within the UCLA BrainSPORT Concussion Program. You will take on active responsibilities such as assisting with patient recruitment, researching data collection and entry, and supporting the execution of study protocols. Besides this, you will attend weekly traumatic brain injury lab meetings, gaining exposure to how clinical research teams operate in a medical setting. The internship concludes with a final research presentation on a topic related to concussion science or brain health. 

15. NeuroCamp Summer High School Program

Location: UCLA Brain Research Institute (BRI), Los Angeles, CA

Cost/Stipend: Free

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 15–20 students per cohort

Dates: Week 1: June 16–18, Week 2: June 23–24, 26–27

Application Deadline: April 27

Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12

NeuroCamp is a free summer outreach program that introduces high school students to neuroscience through hands-on learning. Over the course of the program, you'll study foundational concepts in neuroscience while gaining exposure to basic laboratory techniques in molecular neurobiology, neurophysiology, and neuroanatomy. The program emphasizes experiential learning, allowing you to engage directly with scientific methods and tools used in neuroscience research. Classes are taught by UCLA-affiliated researchers and educators, and offer insights into academic research environments and college-level expectations. NeuroCamp is structured to encourage students from the Los Angeles area to think about college pathways and careers in science. 

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