12 Math Research Programs for High School Students in California
Mathematics is more than formulas and equations; it’s the foundation for problem solving, innovation, and analytical thinking across every modern field. If you are a high school student eager to explore math beyond the classroom, research-based learning offers a chance to deepen your understanding, refine your reasoning, and prepare yourself for future research or study in mathematics. From abstract algebra to computational modelling, these opportunities let you approach math as a creative discipline rather than a set of rules to memorise.
In California, a growing number of programs give you the chance to collaborate with mentors, engage in projects, and dive into advanced topics that reflect the way professional researchers work. These programs blend rigorous coursework with practical application, helping you build both technical knowledge and critical thinking. Whether you are a California resident or an out-of-state student looking to explore the opportunities the state offers, you can find a program that fits your goals.
We’ve highlighted 15 math research programs for high school students in California
1. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory: Experiences in Research
Location: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA
Stipend: $500/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Current 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade students in Northern California with experience in independent work who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program
Experiences in Research is one of the few research programs for high school students in California that blends STEM research with professional skill-building in a national laboratory setting. Over six weeks, you will join teams working in diverse fields such as data science, experimental research, and coding-driven problem solving. Depending on your placement, you might analyse large datasets, assist in mathematical modelling, or contribute to ongoing research in technology and engineering. Mentors guide you through the process of defining research questions, interpreting results, and presenting findings effectively.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students. The AI Fellowship requires completion of the AI Scholars program or prior experience with Python
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. MASTERMIND
Location: USC Viterbi School of Engineering, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 16 – July 11
Application Deadline: May 30
Eligibility: Students preparing for AP Calculus, college-level math, or STEM majors
The MASTERMIND program (Mathematics Applying Science, Technology, Engineering’s Relationships, Materials, Instruction, Numeracy, and Delivery) emphasises the connection between mathematical theory and real-world application. Through interactive labs and guided instruction, you will strengthen your grasp of algebraic and precalculus concepts while preparing for calculus and higher-level STEM coursework. You’ll work with tools like ALEKS for adaptive learning and MATLAB® to visualise equations and data, bridging abstract math with hands-on experimentation. This math research program for high school students in California is especially useful if you want to apply mathematical ideas to practical, data-driven problems.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students
In the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, you will conduct an independent, mentor-guided research project over 12 weeks. You’re paired with a PhD researcher who helps you refine your topic, formulate a research question, and develop a structured approach to data analysis and writing. Each stage mirrors the process of formal academic research. You’ll attend writing and methodology workshops, receive personalised feedback, and produce a 15-page research paper by the end of the program. Topics span numerous disciplines, including mathematics, data science, computer science, physics, and economics, allowing you to integrate mathematical methods into interdisciplinary work.
5. California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)
Location: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UCLA, UC Merced, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz
Cost: $46 application fee + $5,518 (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 160–200 participants/campus
Dates: July 5 – July 31/August 1
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th graders in California with demonstrated academic excellence in STEM
At COSMOS, you will spend four weeks exploring advanced STEM topics through university-level coursework and research. Each University of California campus offers distinct academic clusters, combining two science or math courses with a science communication class. You will work closely with UC faculty and researchers, often in small groups where you will conduct lab experiments, analyse data, and present findings. The environment mirrors real-world research collaboration, letting you experience how professional scientists approach problems. This math research program for high school students in California is tailored to the host university’s strengths, so your learning experience depends on its research focus.
6. UCSB Research Mentorship Program
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $5,175 (commuter); $12,474 (residential). Scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 17
Eligibility: 10th or 11th graders with a minimum 3.80 academic weighted GPA
Through UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program, you will take part in academic research alongside university faculty and graduate mentors. Before arriving on campus, you will complete a virtual orientation introducing you to research tools and strategies. Once on-site, you will dedicate 35–50 hours per week to a project that matches your chosen field, such as mathematics, neuroscience, or engineering. You might analyse data, conduct fieldwork, or perform experiments depending on your mentor’s focus. The program also trains you to write and present a technical research paper, culminating in a symposium where you share your work with peers and faculty.
7. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA/Online
Cost: Online: $3,580; Residential: $8,575 (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Online: 64 students; Residential: 40 students
Dates: June 22 – July 18
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: 10th and 11th graders who demonstrate a high level of mathematical ability and a strong interest in abstract mathematics.
Stanford University Mathematics Camp is one of the leading math research programs for high school students in California, where you will spend several weeks immersed in advanced mathematical theory and discovery. The program blends lectures, guided research, and collaborative problem solving to help you explore areas such as number theory, abstract algebra, and topology. Whether you participate in the residential or online format, you’ll tackle challenging concepts, work on problem sets, and present final research projects that reflect your understanding of higher-level mathematics. Instructional assistants and graduate students provide feedback and mentorship as you refine your approach to proofs and problem design.
8. UCLA's Discovering College Math Summer Institute
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $3,046 (subject to change). Financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 14 – August 1
Application Deadline: June 13
Eligibility: 9th–12th graders who are at least 15 years old by the start of the program
The Discovering College Math Summer Institute introduces you to discrete mathematics and its practical applications in computing, genetics, and game theory. Over three weeks, you earn college credit while exploring topics such as logic, sequences, graph theory, and combinatorics through lectures, workshops, and group problem-solving. The program emphasises mathematical creativity and reasoning, encouraging you to develop rigorous proofs and think abstractly about problem structures. Each day combines the Math Circle approach in the morning with college-style lectures and problem sets in the afternoon. You’ll practice framing mathematical arguments, collaborating on complex problems, and presenting your reasoning clearly.
9. UC Berkeley's Pre-College Scholars Program
Location: University of California, Berkeley, CA
Cost: Session C: $15,950; Session D: $14,650
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session C: June 23 – August 15; Session D: July 7 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 10
Eligibility: High school students who have completed the 10th or 11th grade, have an overall B average, and are 16 years old by the start of the program
As a Pre-College Scholar at UC Berkeley, you will experience university life while earning credit in math-intensive courses like discrete mathematics, calculus, and combinatorics. Over several weeks, you will attend lectures led by Berkeley faculty and engage in discussions that demand higher-level reasoning and analytical thinking. Coursework emphasises logical proof, data interpretation, and mathematical modelling. Mentorship and support from staff help you balance research-oriented coursework with independent study. While not solely a math research program for high school students in California, it offers strong opportunities to strengthen your quantitative and problem-solving skills through genuine college-level study.
10. PRIMES-USA
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 50 students
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Applications open October 10
Eligibility: High school juniors and sophomores residing outside the Greater Boston area
PRIMES-USA is a year-long math research program for high school students that allows you to work remotely with mentors from MIT and other universities. You will progress through four phases—reading, research, independent study, and writing—culminating in a final paper and presentation at the PRIMES conference. Early in the year, your mentor assigns advanced readings to prepare you for research, and you will meet weekly to discuss progress. Once you begin your project, you will apply higher-level math concepts to open-ended problems that may lead to publishable results. The flexible schedule allows you to continue your studies while maintaining steady research momentum.
11. MathQuantum High School Fellowships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 10 students
Dates: 2 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: High school students interested in mathematics, computer science, physics, and/or quantum (information) science
MathQuantum Fellowships give you a structured introduction to the intersection of mathematics and quantum information science. Over about two weeks, you will join a cohort of high school students for online lectures, seminars, and guided problem-solving sessions. The experience blends theoretical learning with a mini-project that applies mathematical methods to quantum computing challenges. You’ll also explore related research areas through discussions with mentors and researchers working in the field. In addition to research exposure, the program incorporates career mentoring and professional development, helping you understand how math underpins emerging technologies.
12. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
Location: Online
Cost: $3,080 (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session One: June 16 – 27; Session Two: July 7 – 18
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–11
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes lets you take a deep dive into advanced subjects not usually found in the high school curriculum. You will select a single intensive online course, such as Discrete Mathematics, Number Theory, Logic and Problem Solving, or Introduction to Machine Learning, and spend several weeks studying it in a small, interactive classroom. Each class meets live, encouraging active discussion and collaboration with instructors and peers from around the world. You’ll learn directly from subject experts who design and teach the courses themselves, focusing on conceptual understanding rather than grades or credit. Through readings, assignments, and real-time discussions, you sharpen your analytical thinking and mathematical reasoning in a collegiate setting.
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