15 Internships for High School Students in California
As a high school student, Internships are an excellent way for you to explore career interests, gain experience, and develop essential skills before college. By stepping into office environments, you’ll learn how professional work is done, build confidence through teamwork and problem-solving, and start creating a network. Many organizations also pair students with mentors, allowing them to receive personalized guidance and insight into possible academic or career paths.
California is home to numerous universities, organizations, and think tanks that offer internships in various industries. From tech and science hubs in Silicon Valley to creative centers in Los Angeles, you can find internships focusing on research, entrepreneurship, healthcare, or the arts. These programs are ideal if you live in the state and want local experience, or if you’re an out-of-state student hoping to explore California’s unique learning and professional landscape.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 15 internships for high school students in California.
1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: No program fee; stipend provided (varies by need and project type)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; approximately 50 students selected annually
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Open to current high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old by the program start date
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) allows you to engage in authentic biomedical research alongside Stanford faculty and graduate mentors. During this 8-week internship, you’ll be placed in one of several research areas, such as immunology, cancer biology, bioinformatics, genetics, or cardiovascular medicine, where you’ll perform hands-on experiments and data analysis. You can also opt to join the Bioengineering Team Internship, a collaborative design experience focused on developing innovative biomedical solutions. Working in small teams, you’ll identify real-world medical needs, design and prototype devices, and present your final project at Stanford’s end-of-summer symposium. You will receive a stipend, and those with financial need may receive up to $2,500.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective, small cohort-based model
Program Dates: Multiple 12–15 week cohorts throughout the year (spring, summer, fall, and winter)
Application Deadline: Rolling; new cohorts begin in January, May, September, and November. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: Open to high school students; AI Fellowship applicants should have completed the AI Scholars program or demonstrate prior experience with Python or AI concepts
Veritas AI, founded and led by Harvard graduate students, connects you with top university mentors to explore artificial intelligence through a hands-on, project-based learning model. In the AI Scholars Program, you’ll complete a 10-session boot camp that introduces core concepts in AI, machine learning, and data science, while working on guided projects that apply these ideas to real-world problems. For more advanced learners, the AI Fellowship allows you to design an individual AI project under one-on-one mentorship, developing an original research or applied work piece suitable for publication or competition submission. You’ll gain coding proficiency, analytical thinking skills, and the experience of managing a full research cycle, from concept to execution.
3. The Science Internship Program (SIP)
Location: University of California, Santa Cruz, CA (in-person; housing and commuter options available)
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program type; partial and full need-based scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited placements based on research project availability
Program Dates: June 22 – August 8 (includes an online research prep week from June 16 – 20)
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Open to high school students ages 14–17 (some placements require participants to be at least 16 years old)
The Science Internship Program (SIP) at UC Santa Cruz allows you to conduct authentic research under the guidance of university scientists and engineers. Over six weeks, you’ll collaborate with UCSC faculty and graduate mentors on ongoing research projects in fields such as astrophysics, bioinformatics, environmental science, robotics, and molecular biology. The program begins with an online preparation week, followed by intensive in-person research, and culminates with a final presentation of your findings. You can choose between full-week housing, weekday housing, or daily commuting, making it accessible for both local and out-of-area students. Financial aid is available, covering up to 100% of tuition and housing costs for qualified applicants.
4. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small, mentored cohorts
Program Dates: Multiple 8–12 week cohorts throughout the year (spring, summer, fall, and winter)
Application Deadline: Rolling; main deadlines in January, May, September, and November
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students able to commit 10–20 hours per week
Through Ladder Internships, you’ll gain hands-on experience by working directly with a high-growth startup on real projects across industries like AI/ML, health tech, marketing, consulting, journalism, and more. Each startup partner has typically raised over $1 million, giving you exposure to the fast-paced, problem-solving environment of early-stage companies. You’ll collaborate closely with your manager and contribute to meaningful projects across product development, market research, and data analysis. At the end of your internship, you’ll present your work to company leadership, gaining feedback and insights from professionals in the field. This flexible, remote program is ideal if you’re eager to develop real-world experience in entrepreneurship and innovation.
5. Pediatrics Internship Program (PIPS)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA (in-person with limited remote flexibility)
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate; students with financial need may receive a $3,000 stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; around 40 students
Program Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application Deadline: Opens in winter; typically due in February
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (ages 16+) residing in Northern California counties—San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa, or Santa Cruz; minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0
The Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS) offers you the chance to explore medicine and biomedical science through hands-on research with Stanford faculty, postdocs, and graduate mentors. Designed for students with little or no prior lab experience, the six-week program introduces you to scientific methods, data collection, and research presentation while fostering an understanding of pediatric and clinical research. You’ll spend about 30 hours per week conducting a research project and participating in group discussions, lectures, and networking sessions.
6. STaRS Internship Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA (in-person; no housing provided)
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate; unpaid internship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; limited number of placements across Stanford labs
Program Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: November 30
Eligibility: Open to U.S. high school students aged 16+; must be able to commute to campus daily (no housing available)
The Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Internship Program at Stanford University immerses you in hands-on biomedical research aimed at advancing human health. Over seven weeks, you’ll work side by side with clinicians and researchers to explore topics in plastic and reconstructive surgery, regenerative medicine, and tissue engineering. You’ll learn core lab techniques, such as histology, imaging, and genotyping, while also attending lectures and skill-building workshops that strengthen your understanding of translational science. The program concludes with a final presentation where you will showcase your research to faculty mentors.
7. Student Research Internship Program
Location: Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla, CA
Stipend: Varies by program type; funding and academic credit options available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 40 students selected annually
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8 or June 16 – August 22
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Open to high school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional students; must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program
The Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI) Student Research Internship Program provides you with hands-on exposure to genomics, personalized medicine, and mobile health technologies. Over the course of 10 weeks, you’ll work closely with a primary mentor on projects related to translational medical research, ranging from genetic association studies to the integration of mHealth tools in patient monitoring. You will conduct research in a computational or “dry lab” setting, though limited wet lab positions are available for students interested in bench science. You’ll also participate in seminars, gain experience in study design and data analysis, and present your findings to peers and researchers.
8. Meta Summer Academy
Location: East Palo Alto, CA
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program type; stipend and meals provided
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; limited to local sophomores from partner communities
Program Dates: Six weeks, typically mid-June to late July
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Open to current 10th-grade students who are full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, or Redwood City with a minimum 2.0 GPA
The Meta Summer Academy (MSA) offers you an immersive six-week experience exploring careers in technology, media, and business at one of the world’s leading tech companies. Through workshops and hands-on projects, you’ll gain exposure to coding, financial literacy, art and media, and essential soft skills like networking and reflection. The program also features guest speakers and mentoring sessions with Meta employees, helping you understand both technical and non-technical career paths in the tech industry. You’ll spend around 30 hours per week at Meta’s campus, with transportation, breakfast, and lunch provided.
9. Summer Administrative Internship Program
Location: Stanford Health Care, Palo Alto, CA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited placements across departments
Program Dates: 8–12 weeks (typically June–August)
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students; high school applicants must be at least 16 years old or eligible for a work permit
The Stanford Health Care Summer Administrative Internship Program allows you to explore the operational and leadership side of one of the nation’s top healthcare systems. Through this 8–12-week paid internship, you’ll work alongside a preceptor or mentor in departments such as supply chain, anesthesia services, emergency operations, finance, or nursing administration. High school students can participate in on-site roles that support clinical and service teams, while undergraduate and graduate students engage in more specialized administrative or analytical projects. You’ll also attend seminars with SHC leaders, participate in professional development sessions, and join networking and social events designed to strengthen your career readiness.
10. Summer Internship Program – SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
Location: SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies by department; competitive placement process.
Program Dates: May – September (up to 12 weeks, depending on department schedule)
Application Deadline: Typically opens in winter; deadlines vary by role
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 18+, undergraduates, and graduate students; must be authorized to work in the U.S. and pass a background check
The Summer Internship Program at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory offers you the chance to work in a world-renowned research facility operated by Stanford University and the U.S. Department of Energy. Depending on your background and interests, you’ll take on technical, administrative, or research-related roles within departments focused on physics, engineering, computing, or operations. You will work full-time alongside experienced professionals, gaining exposure to real-world research and the interdisciplinary teamwork that drives large-scale science projects. Each placement provides mentorship, skill-building, and insight into how cutting-edge discoveries move from theory to experiment.
11. SFUSD Summer Internships with Industry Partners
Location: San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; priority given to rising seniors
Program Dates: Six weeks (typically June – July)
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores and juniors enrolled in SFUSD; priority for 11th-grade students
Through the San Francisco Unified School District’s Summer Internships with Industry Partners, you can gain real-world experience across diverse professional sectors while earning pay for your work. You’ll collaborate directly with mentors in fields such as computer science, engineering, finance, law, marketing, and public service, learning how these industries operate day to day. Each intern works a minimum of 20 hours per week and participates in a weekly work-based learning seminar with an SFUSD supervisor or mentor. You’ll build communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that prepare you for both college and future careers. The program’s structure combines professional experience with guided reflection, helping you connect classroom learning to hands-on applications.
12. Genomics Research Internship Program (GRIPS)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA (hybrid; on-campus activities required for Bay Area students)
Cost/Stipend: No program fee; unpaid research; limited need-based support available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small cohort with lab placements
Program Dates: June 16 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Local Bay Area residents only (Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz counties); must be 16+ by start date, with ≥3.0 unweighted GPA and prior exposure to biology, chemistry, or programming
GRIPS places you in a Stanford research lab for an eight-week, ~20-hours/week immersion in computational genetics and genomics. You’ll work under a lab mentor on real projects, develop skills in data analysis and experimental design, and participate in weekly cohort sessions, panels, and seminars on careers in biomedical research. You’ll attend lab activities on campus as needed and join group workshops on a set weekday schedule. You’ll meet regularly with your mentor for check-ins and progress reviews, and you’ll contribute to a final share-out of your work.
13. Summer Research Internship – Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $850 participation fee; full and partial scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited seats for high-achieving applicants
Program Dates: June 16 – June 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering grades 9–12 who are at least 14 years old; strong preference for applicants with math, coding, or healthcare research experience
The AIMI Summer Research Internship at Stanford University introduces you to the intersection of artificial intelligence and medicine through an immersive two-week virtual experience. Each day includes lectures on AI fundamentals in healthcare, mentoring sessions with Stanford researchers, and collaborative group projects addressing real-world clinical challenges. You’ll also attend guest talks from experts in academia, industry, and government, gaining perspective on how AI is transforming diagnostics and patient care. You will earn a Certificate of Completion and may be invited to continue your research beyond the summer. Financial aid is available, covering up to the full participation fee for eligible students.
14. Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Center Summer Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $4,500 program fee and $95 application fee; includes all educational materials.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; small group format for personalized instruction
Program Dates: Program 1: June 23 – July 4, Program 2: July 14 – 25
Application Deadline: January 13 – March 1 (application window)
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 16 or older (exceptions for high school juniors under 16)
The Stanford Summer Internship in Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education immerses you in the fundamentals of heart and lung surgery through a rigorous, hands-on learning experience. Across two intensive weeks, you’ll study cardiac and thoracic anatomy, surgical physiology, and disease treatment through daily lectures and guided lab sessions. Instructors—comprising Stanford faculty, surgical residents, and clinicians—lead live demonstrations and provide direct feedback as you practice suturing, vessel anastomosis, and valve replacement on simulation models. You’ll also gain exposure to diagnostic tools like electrocardiography and echocardiography, helping you understand how surgical interventions are planned and executed.
15. Stanford Clinical Summer Internship (CSI)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA (in-person and virtual options available)
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-based; cost varies by session type
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; limited placements per session
Program Dates: Session 1 (In-person): July 14 – 25, Session 2 (Virtual): July 28 – August 8, Fall Intensive (Virtual): September 10 – November 12
Application Deadline: Opens in winter
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, and undergraduate pre-medical students
The Stanford Clinical Summer Internship (CSI) invites you to explore the intersection of science, medicine, and patient care through immersive, hands-on experiences with Stanford physicians, residents, and medical students. During each two-week session, you’ll participate in guided dissections of the heart, brain, and kidneys, observe real clinical simulations, and visit hospital facilities such as Stanford’s Life Flight emergency station. The program also includes keynote lectures from leading faculty members and opportunities to connect with medical school admissions officers and healthcare professionals.
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