14 Math Programs for High School Students in California
If you are a high school student interested in math, a structured program can be a great way to explore mathematics beyond the high school curriculum. Math programs can help you develop practical skills like critical thinking and problem-solving through project work, while also offering you access to mentorship and industry or academic connections. Math programs typically offer a glimpse into research, university-level coursework, and applications of math in various fields, allowing you to learn beyond the basics.
California is home to prestigious universities and organizations that offer learning experiences focused on math, data science, and related fields. Local students can attend these programs and avoid costs for long-distance travel, and out-of-state students looking to explore future studies in the state can experience the opportunities available. These programs can be early opportunities to explore your interests in math before committing to an undergraduate program.
To help you with your search, here is a list of 14 math programs for high school students in California.
1. 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 enrichment program designed to strengthen students’ mathematical skills. You will attend six hours of math instruction every weekday at the CSU campus and explore topics in Algebra 2/Math 3 and Pre-Calculus aligned with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. The program focuses on helping you build foundational math skills and supplement your traditional learning. You will also interact with CSU Fullerton faculty, explore career options in math, and gain insights into the university experience during the program.
2. Veritas AI Programs
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Vary by cohort; several cohorts (in summer, winter, fall, and spring) throughout the year
Application deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply here.
Eligibility: High school students; certain programs may require prior experience with AI/Python or completion of the Veritas AI Scholars program
Veritas AI offers various virtual AI-focused programs for high school students. These programs combine instruction with project-based learning, which can help you explore the intersection of mathematics, data science, and artificial intelligence. If applying to the beginner-friendly AI Scholars program, you will learn how to work with Python and explore machine learning, AI, and data science concepts. Here, you will also collaborate with peers on a project, which can focus on the use of math and AI to solve real problems. You can also opt for the AI Fellowship program, which offers you mentorship to develop your own unique math and AI project. You can check out past projects here.
3. QCaMP (Quantum, Computing, Mathematics, & Physics)
Location: Various sites in CA and NM
Cost/Stipend: None; stipends offered (exact amount not specified)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 30 – July 25
Application deadline: March 21
Eligibility: High school students who live in the Bay Area (California) or Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Gallup, NM, and are 16 years old by the first day of camp
QCaMP is a free, in-person summer camp that introduces you to the rapidly growing field of quantum information science (QIS) with a focus on mathematics and physics. The program offers insights into how quantum mechanics can revolutionize computation. As a participant, you will explore fundamental and advanced concepts in linear algebra, algorithmic thinking, and quantum circuits while you gain experience in designing and testing circuits on real quantum computers. You will engage in lectures and problem-solving workshops, and connect with researchers and professionals from Berkeley Labs, Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and IBM. Supported by the Quantum Systems Accelerator and the U.S. Department of Energy, the program also offers stipends.
4. Horizon Academic Research Program: Math Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Vary by cohort; the spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, and the summer cohort runs for 10 weeks (June – September).
Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohorts; spring, summer, and fall sessions available
Eligibility: High school students
This selective online experience allows you to explore niche topics, including those in math, in absolute detail through college-level research. You will work with professors and Ph.D. scholars from universities like Harvard, MIT, and Yale, and receive mentorship to design and complete an original research project. The program includes seminar-style classes, one-on-one mentorship, and writing clinics designed to develop academic communication and research skills. You can choose from two tracks: the 10-week Seminars that cover broader topics and 12–16-week Labs, which cover specialized topics and offer individualized, publication-focused mentorship. At the end of the program, you will submit a 20-page research paper to reflect your independent inquiry and showcase your findings. You can focus on theoretical and applied math, data analysis, mathematical modeling, quantitative finance, or algorithmic reasoning for your project.
5. 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
Application deadline: Registration opens 1–2 months before the quarter begins
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 12
The Stanford Math Circle offers you access to weekly classes, where you will explore topics that go beyond a standard high school math curriculum. Each week, you will attend sessions led by a mathematician/instructor and dive into challenging math concepts. The program emphasizes problem-solving and mathematical thinking. The online structure allows you to participate from anywhere, while in-person classes offer access to small-group interaction and personalized attention while exploring a university campus.
6. 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 is designed to provide high schoolers with a strong foundation in the mathematical principles underlying data science and computer science. It offers two tracks—the Beginner and the Advanced track—to cater to different levels of math experience. Both tracks cover math and data science concepts, including probability, graph theory, calculus, and linear algebra, which also play a role in machine learning, cryptography, and search algorithms. You will engage in lectures, guided problem-solving exercises, and projects designed to help you develop both conceptual understanding and practical application skills in math. The program is led by professors with research experience.
7. 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 UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, offers STEAM workshops to school students of all ages. Here, you will explore diverse fields, including math, marine biology, engineering, and computer programming. You will engage in activities and creative problem-solving during workshops led by instructors and explore core scientific concepts and real-life stories of pioneering women in science. The program also offers insights to prepare for STEAM careers. You can choose from virtual (live and asynchronous formats) and in-person options.
8. 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: $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
COSMOS is a four-week residential summer math program conducted across various University of California campuses. You can choose from various STEM focus areas, or clusters, including mathematics, and spend the summer exploring advanced topics within the subject. You will learn from university faculty, researchers, and scientists while engaging in hands-on, lab-intensive project work. You will also attend seminars and guest lectures while experiencing college life on a UC campus. The program offers access to university resources and opportunities to interact with undergraduate students and university faculty.
9. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Location: Virtual or residential at Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Online: $3,580 | Residential: $8,575 (includes housing, meals, course materials, tuition, field trips, and transport between SFO and Stanford); financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Online Session 1: June 16 – July 4; Session 2: July 7 – 25 | Residential Session: June 22 – July 18
Application deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11
SUMaC is a math-intensive online and on-campus program designed for high school students. As a participant, you will explore advanced math concepts within topics like abstract algebra, algebraic theory, and number theory. You will participate in daily lectures, guided problem-solving sessions, and collaborative research, refining mathematical thinking in the process. You will learn about modern applications of math in computer science, physics, and engineering. This program can help you gain experience in managing a college-level workload and working on complex assignments and long-term problem sets. Your experience will culminate in a final project and presentation.
10. UCLA Summer Institute: Discovering College Math
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $3,046
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
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 and are 15 or older
This program covers college-level mathematics, with a focus on discrete math: the mathematics of countable objects such as graphs, sequences, and logical structures. The program emphasizes creative, rigorous problem-solving and highlights how mathematics underpins computer science, genetics, and game theory. As a participant, you will cover the curriculum of UCLA’s undergraduate course Math 61, earn college credit, and dive into topics like logic, combinatorics, and graph theory. Your mornings will be structured around Math Circle-style collaborative sessions, allowing you to learn how to tackle complex problems. Afternoon sessions will include college-style lectures followed by independent problem sets.
11. Research Mentorship Program (RMP) at the University of California, Santa Barbara : Math track
Location: UCSB, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: Commuter: $5,175; Residential: $12,474 (includes housing and meals); scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application deadline: March 17
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.8 GPA
RMP provides rigorous, hands-on research experiences in a variety of disciplines, including math. It begins with a multi-day virtual component that introduces you to campus resources, research methods, and mentors, allowing you to prepare for the in-person experience. On campus, you will spend six weeks engaged in intensive, university-level research, dedicating 35–50 hours per week to projects under the guidance of graduate students, postdocs, or faculty mentors. The program also offers courses and training, allowing you to gain experience in data collection, fieldwork, and literature review, and learn how to communicate your findings through research papers and formal presentations. Additionally, you will attend lectures and seminars led by UC Santa Barbara researchers, experience college life first-hand, and find opportunities to network with your seniors and peers.
12. MIT PRIMES USA
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Year-round program starting on January 1
Application deadline: November 18
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (including home-schooled students) residing in the U.S. outside the Greater Boston area
PRIMES-USA is a year-long, tuition-free virtual math research program that pairs you with graduate students and faculty mentors from MIT and other top universities who will guide you through an intensive research experience. The program is structured in four phases: advanced reading to prepare for research, active project work with mentor guidance, independent study, and finalizing the project with mentor support. In the process, you will work on developing skills in problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, and academic writing. The experience culminates in a final research paper and a presentation at the PRIMES Fall Conference. High school sophomores typically work on group projects, while juniors may pursue individual or collaborative research projects. You will also participate in weekly mentor meetings to ensure you stay on track to meet your goals.
13. University of Maryland’s 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
This program allows you to explore the intersection of mathematics and quantum information science. As a MathQuantum Fellow, you will explore key math and quantum science concepts, including cryptography, quantum mechanics, and linear algebra. The program offers a blend of seminars, lectures, coding labs, and professional development workshops that simulate a modern research environment. You will be guided by mentors as you conduct mini-projects and explore the applications of quantum concepts. You will also engage in discussions on emerging technologies and ethics. The program also gives you the opportunity to attend the Qubit by Qubit High School Summer Camp to engage in hands-on quantum computing experiences.
14. 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 offer middle and high school students access to online college-level courses across disciplines. You can choose from math courses like Discrete Mathematics, Number Theory, and Logic and Problem Solving. Each math course typically consists of online lectures covering topics like geometry, probability, cryptography, etc. These courses also allow you to work on puzzles and problem sets and present your solutions. Project work and class discussions are typically part of the experience. You will study alongside peers from around the world, gaining experience in cross-cultural collaboration as well as managing university-level math coursework.
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