15 Medical Research Programs for High School Students in California
As a high school student, programs that focus on medical research give you a practical way to test your interest in healthcare and the life sciences. You’ll build core lab skills, learn how research studies are designed and analyzed, and work with mentors who can guide next steps. These experiences often include poster sessions or symposia, so you practice scientific writing and presenting while earning references that matter for college and future labs. In short, medical research experiences are an accessible way to gain hands-on exposure, industry context, and meaningful connections.
California, in particular, is a powerhouse for this kind of learning. With the UC system, Stanford, USC, and a dense biotech corridor (San Diego – La Jolla, the Bay Area, Los Angeles), you’ll access hospital-based institutes, translational research groups, and cutting-edge wet and dry labs. Whether you live in the state and want a nearby placement or you’re out of state and looking to experience California’s research ecosystem, you’ll find options ranging from cancer biology and neuroscience to regenerative medicine and AI-enabled health.
Below, we’ve narrowed the field to 15 medical research programs for high school students in California.
1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $40 application fee (can be waived); $500–$2,500+ stipend based on need
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; ~50 students
Dates: June 8 – July 30
Application Deadline: December 19 – February 21
Eligibility: Current U.S.-based juniors or seniors (16+)
During the Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR), you’ll join a Stanford lab and work closely with faculty, postdocs, and graduate students on a medically oriented research project in areas such as genetics, bioengineering, immunology, or neuroscience. The program is designed to foster your understanding of how real-world scientific research is conducted while increasing your exposure to the biological and medical sciences. In addition to hands-on lab work, you’ll participate in enrichment seminars and discussions on ethics and career development. While the program is open to students across the U.S., priority is given to Bay Area applicants due to its local mentorship model.
2. Veritas AI + Medicine Deep Dive
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Need-based financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with prior Python experience or completion of the Veritas AI Scholars program
The AI + Medicine Deep Dive is a 10-week advanced course that blends artificial intelligence with cutting-edge medical research applications. As a participant, you’ll work directly with mentors from top universities to explore how machine learning models are used in diagnosing diseases, interpreting medical scans, and improving patient outcomes. Each session combines expert-led lectures, interactive coding notebooks, and a guided project where you’ll train and evaluate your own AI models. Projects often focus on real-world datasets in genomics, neuroscience, drug discovery, and hospital admissions, giving you a comprehensive view of how AI is reshaping healthcare.
3. UC San Francisco: High School Intern Program (HIP)
Location: UC San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Stipend: $3,200 (25 hrs/week); $4,500 (35 hrs/week)
Cohort Size: ~25 interns
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: January – March 2
Eligibility: Current high school juniors enrolled in SFUSD or SF charter schools
The High School Intern Program (HIP) at UC San Francisco offers an intensive, eight-week paid research experience for students from San Francisco public and charter schools. As a participant, you’ll be paired with a UCSF scientist who mentors you through every stage of a biomedical research project, ranging from molecular biology and neuroscience to immunology, cancer, or stem cell research. In addition to hands-on lab work, the program includes college counseling, resume and personal statement workshops, and college tours to UC campuses. Funded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH), HIP emphasizes equitable access to research experiences for low-income and first-generation college-bound students.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Medicine Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program; Need-based financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Motivated high school students with strong academic curiosity; Prior research experience not required
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers a mentored, project-based research experience for high school students interested in medicine, biology, biotechnology, or public health. Over a 12- to 16-week period, you’ll work one-on-one with a PhD researcher from institutions like Harvard, Stanford, or Oxford to design, execute, and write an original research paper. Topics often include human disease, biomedical innovation, genetics, or health policy, and you can also propose a custom topic tailored to your interests. You’ll attend structured workshops on the research process, covering question development, literature review, data analysis, and paper writing, and receive coaching from writing and publication specialists. Each cohort culminates in the Lumiere Research Symposium, where you will present your work.
5. City of Hope: Eugene & Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy
Location: City of Hope, Duarte, CA
Stipend: $4,500
Acceptance Rate: Around 2%
Dates: Approximately June – August
Application Deadline: March 16 (tentative)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and undergraduate students (16+); No prior research experience required
Hosted by the City of Hope National Medical Center, the Eugene & Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy offers a 10-week opportunity to conduct hands-on biomedical research alongside leading scientists. You’ll join a City of Hope laboratory, working on an independent project under the supervision of a faculty or postdoctoral mentor. Research areas often include cancer biology, molecular genetics, stem cell biology, and immunology, reflecting the institution’s focus on translational medicine. In addition to daily lab work, you will attend weekly seminars, networking events, and research skill workshops. The program culminates in a scientific symposium where you’ll present your findings to peers and faculty.
6. UCI Cancer Research Institute: Summer Youth Science Fellowship Program
Location: UCI Cancer Research Institute, Orange County, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort Size: ~20 students
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: December – February 28
Eligibility: Current 11th-12th graders attending Orange County high schools; Must have completed at least one biology and one chemistry course; More details here
The Summer Youth Science Fellowship Program at UCI’s Cancer Research Institute gives high school students a chance to experience real cancer research in a university laboratory. Over six weeks, you’ll work approximately 30 hours per week under the mentorship of UCI scientists, learning essential lab skills while contributing to an ongoing research project. Areas of study often include molecular biology, biochemistry, and oncology, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern cancer research. You’ll participate in lab meetings, research discussions, and professional development workshops. The program culminates in a final symposium where you’ll present your findings to faculty, peers, and community members.
7. Salk Institute: Heithoff-Brody High School Summer Scholars Program
Location: Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: San Diego County high school students (16+) with at least one year of biology and chemistry completed and a minimum GPA of 2.75
The Heithoff-Brody High School Summer Scholars Program offers an immersive, eight-week paid internship that places you in world-renowned research laboratories. Working side-by-side with Salk scientists, you’ll contribute to ongoing projects in fields like neuroscience, molecular biology, genetics, and cancer research. You will be paired with a dedicated mentor and expected to commit 30-40 hours per week to their research. Beyond lab work, the program features seminars, workshops, and site visits to local biotech companies, giving you exposure to San Diego’s thriving research ecosystem. The experience culminates in the Summer Scholars Research Symposium, where you’ll present your findings as a poster or oral presentation. Founded more than 40 years ago, the program remains one of the most competitive medical research programs for high school students in California.
8. Scripps Research High School Student Research Education Program
Location: Scripps Research, La Jolla, California
Stipend: $4,830
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 4
Eligibility: San Diego County students from partner schools (16+) with a minimum GPA of 3.0; Should have completed at least 1 year each of high school-level chemistry and biology
The High School Student Research Education Program at Scripps Research introduces high school students to the forefront of biomedical discovery through hands-on lab work and mentorship. During the program, you will join a seven-week internship on the La Jolla campus, preceded by a three-day pre-internship “boot camp” that builds essential lab and safety skills. You will work full-time under the guidance of faculty and graduate student mentors, exploring topics in molecular biology, chemistry, and translational medicine while gaining exposure to advanced research technologies. You will also participate in professional development sessions focused on college readiness and career exploration. The program’s partnership with the REACH initiative aims to expand access to research for students from historically underrepresented communities.
9. UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland: Summer Student Research Program (SSRP)
Location: UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, Oakland, CA, and partner sites in the Bay Area
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 2 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors or seniors (16+) or undergraduate students; Must have completed at least one year of math and biology; Applicants from underrepresented, low-income, or first-generation backgrounds are strongly encouraged
The Summer Student Research Program (SSRP) at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland has provided students with immersive, mentored experiences in biomedical and clinical research. During the program, you will be matched with UCSF faculty mentors and placed in active laboratory, clinical, or public health research projects across Oakland, San Francisco, and Berkeley. You will be expected to follow a structured nine-week curriculum that includes weekly seminars, journal clubs, and professional workshops, culminating in a formal Research Symposium where you will present your findings to peers and scientists. The program’s mission is to foster interest in the health sciences among students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, building both technical and professional confidence for future STEM success.
10. The Lundquist Institute: High School Summer Fellows Program
Location: The Lundquist Institute, Torrance, CA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: 8 weeks
Application Deadline: Spring
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors in Los Angeles or Orange Counties with strong academic standing and interest in science
The High School Summer Fellows Program is an immersive, eight-week research experience for those eager to explore medicine and biomedical science. As a participant, you’ll work full-time alongside physicians and researchers in one of several disciplines: cancer biology, metabolic diseases, infection and immunity, neurotherapeutics, respiratory medicine, or women’s and children’s health. You will be expected to design and conduct an independent research project under the guidance of a mentor, eventually presenting your findings at the program’s closing symposium. In addition to hands-on lab work, you will attend lectures, professional development sessions, and campus-wide events to better understand translational science and medical innovation. You will receive a Certificate of Completion, recognizing your effort and research contribution.
11. UCLA Brain Research Institute: NeuroCamp Summer High School Program
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 15-20 students
Dates: June 16 – 18; June 23 – 24, 26 – 27
Application Deadline: April 27
Eligibility: Los Angeles-area high school students with a strong interest in neuroscience; Must be able to attend all sessions in person
Hosted by the UCLA Brain Research Institute (BRI), NeuroCamp is a free summer program designed to introduce motivated high school students to the fundamentals of neuroscience and laboratory research. Over seven afternoons, you’ll explore the structure and function of the brain through hands-on modules in molecular neurobiology, neurophysiology, and neuroanatomy. Guided by UCLA faculty and graduate mentors, you’ll learn basic lab techniques, analyze experimental results, and gain exposure to real neuroscience research environments. The program culminates in a mini capstone session where you will discuss what you have learned with mentors and peers.
12. Rosetta Institute of Biomedical Research: Molecular Medicine Workshops
Location: UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, Alameda, and virtual options available
Cost: Varies by workshop; Need-based financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple sessions, including June 1 – August 16 (varies by campus)
Application Deadline: Rolling, with priority deadlines per session
Eligibility: High-achieving students aged 14-18; Letter of recommendation required for in-person workshops
The Molecular Medicine Workshops are intensive summer and winter programs designed for high school students interested in medicine, biomedical research, or drug development. Led by PhD-level instructors, each workshop blends lectures with laboratory work to help you understand normal molecular and cellular processes and how they change in diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and autoimmune disorders. You can choose from university-based sessions at UC Berkeley or UC San Diego, as well as online and commuter options. Workshop topics include Molecular Neuroscience, Molecular Biology of Cancer, Immunology, Aging, and AI-Enhanced Bioinformatics. In the final phase, you’ll apply your learning by designing an original research project focused on a gene or molecular process of your choice.
13. Samuels Family LA-HIP High School Internship Program
Location: The Saban Research Institute of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; ~20–25 interns per year
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors attending public schools in Los Angeles County; Must be legally eligible for employment in California
The Samuels Family Los Angeles High School Internship Program (LA-HIP) at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) offers an introduction to biomedical research and college preparation for high school students. Over seven intensive weeks, you’ll conduct hands-on experiments in labs at The Saban Research Institute, working on projects related to regenerative medicine, neuroscience, oncology, and pediatric diseases. You will be mentored by CHLA scientists and participate in workshops on laboratory methods, scientific communication, and data analysis. Beyond research, LA-HIP provides comprehensive college counseling, SAT preparation, and academic mentorship through partnerships with Mosaic College Counseling and The Princeton Review. The summer culminates in a Science Symposium, where you will present your research to faculty and families.
14. UCLA Health: BrainSPORT High School Research Internship
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: Spring
Eligibility: Rising juniors with a strong interest in neuroscience, sports medicine, or clinical research
The UCLA BrainSPORT High School Research Internship introduces students to clinical and translational research in concussion and brain injury medicine. Under the mentorship of Dr. Christopher Giza and the multidisciplinary BrainSPORT Team, you’ll assist with research projects that explore pediatric concussions and post-concussion symptoms. This includes studies that involve neuroimaging, blood sampling, and cognitive testing. You will work directly with UCLA staff and medical trainees to recruit patients, collect data, and help implement study protocols. You’ll also attend weekly lab meetings and complete a capstone presentation based on your area of interest, providing real exposure to the structure and rigor of academic research.
15. UC Davis: Young Scholars Program
Location: UC Davis, Davis, CA
Cost: $7,500 tuition + $45 application fee; Need-based fee reductions available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~40 students selected annually
Dates: June 21 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 1 – March 1
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (16-18); Must be U.S. residents attending high school in the U.S.
The UC Davis Young Scholars Program (YSP) is a six-week residential research experience that immerses talented high school students in original, faculty-mentored projects across the biological, environmental, agricultural, and natural sciences. During the program, you will be paired with a UC Davis researcher to conduct an independent project, participate in lab meetings, and gain firsthand experience in experimental design and data analysis. Beyond lab work, you’ll attend a structured lecture series, go on field trips, and live in university residence halls, fostering an authentic preview of undergraduate research life. You will earn five units of university credit and present your work at the end-of-program research symposium.
Image Source - University of California, Los Angeles Logo