14 Medical Summer Internships for High School Students in California

If you’re a high school student interested in medicine, exploring a medical internship is a good way to learn how healthcare actually works. These programs often combine research, clinical exposure, and mentoring, allowing you to work alongside professionals in hospitals, labs, and academic medical centers. Whether you're interested in patient care, public health, or biomedical research, a summer internship can help you test those interests while developing necessary skills.

Why should you attend an internship in California?

California is home to research hospitals, biotech hubs, and major universities that offer internships to high school students. You have opportunities at institutions such as Stanford, UCSF, and UCLA, where you can access advanced medical technologies, work with diverse patient groups, and be mentored by leading experts. Whether you are a local or out-of-state student, you can find an opportunity that suits your interests.

To help you find a program that fits your goals, we’ve compiled a list of 14 medical summer internships for high school students in California. 

If you are interested in summer research programs in California, check out our blog here.

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

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA

Cost: $40 application fee; All participants receive a $500 stipend (needs-based stipends of $2,500+ available)

Dates: June 8 – July 30

Eligibility: Rising juniors/seniors; age 16+ by start date; must live in and attend high school in the U.S.; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; selection strongly favors Bay Area students

Deadline: February 21

SIMR is an 8-week, research-intensive program that places high school students into Stanford laboratories to work on medically focused projects under the guidance of faculty, postdocs, and researchers. It’s designed to give students a grounded understanding of how scientific research is performed while nurturing long-term interest in biology, medicine, and STEM careers. Students spend the summer immersed in hands-on labs—learning techniques, assisting with ongoing projects, and gaining confidence through valuable work. If you’re motivated, curious about research, and looking for a profound STEM immersion, SIMR remains one of California’s most respected high school research opportunities.

2. Veritas AI - Deep Dive: AI + Medicine

Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Eligibility: High school students in Grades 8-12; Completion of Veritas AI Scholars or prior Python experience is required
Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.

Veritas AI’s Deep Dive in AI + Medicine is a mentor-led work-learn program for students who want to move beyond introductory AI concepts and explore how machine learning is applied to real biomedical problems. Over ten intensive sessions, students work closely with PhD-level mentors on topics such as cardiovascular image analysis, genetic data, and clinical health records, building both technical depth and practical understanding. The small cohort size allows for close guidance, project support, and meaningful feedback throughout the program. For students already comfortable with Python or Veritas’s AI Scholars curriculum, this track offers a clear next step into the intersection of AI and healthcare.

3. Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS)

Location: Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA

Cost: Free; $3,000 stipend available for students with demonstrated financial need

Dates: June 8 – July 24

Eligibility: Rising 11th-12th graders; at least 16 years old; minimum 3.0 GPA; must reside and attend high school in SF, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa, or Santa Cruz County

Deadline: Typically in April

This exceptional 7-week summer internship introduces Bay Area high school juniors and seniors to the foundations of science, medicine, and research through project work with Stanford faculty and researchers. The program is intentionally designed for students with little or no prior research experience, making it a strong entry point into clinical inquiry and pediatric science. During this internship, students dedicate their summer to understanding research methods, developing scientific skills, and exploring careers in medicine and maternal-child health. The experience is immersive, with about 30 hours of engagement each week and opportunities to work both independently and alongside mentors.

4. Ladder Internships: Health Tech Track

Location: Remote

Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available

Dates: 8-week cohorts available year-round (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer)

Eligibility: High school students interested in health tech; no location restrictions listed

Deadline: Varies depending on program type

Ladder Internships offers high school students the chance to work directly with fast-growing health-tech startups, gaining real project experience in an industry setting. The Health Tech Track places students on meaningful, mentor-guided assignments that enable them to develop technical skills, explore healthcare innovation, and understand how emerging companies operate. Because the program runs year-round with seasonal cohorts, students can choose a timeline that fits their schedule while still completing an intensive, 8-week internship. It’s best for students who want practical exposure, not just coursework, and are excited to contribute to real work at early-stage companies. 

5. Bay Area Youth Science (BAYS) Program

Location: UCSF, San Francisco, CA

Cost: Free; participants receive a stipend

Dates: June – August (8 weeks, weekdays)

Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors attending KIPP San Francisco College Preparatory

Deadline: TBA

The Bay Area Youth Science (BAYS) program offers an immersive, 8-week gateway into biomedical and pharmaceutical research for high school students who haven’t historically had access to these opportunities. Designed and led by UCSF faculty, the program places students directly in active research labs, combining experiments with seminars and professional development workshops. The objective is both scientific and structural: to foster confidence, increase access, and enable students to see themselves in STEM fields that often seem inaccessible. Through a full-time schedule and regular mentorship, participants acquire genuine lab skills and cultivate a sense of belonging in academic science. It’s a strong fit for students who want meaningful research experience early and would thrive with structured support in a professional lab environment.

6. Apprenticeship Bridge to College (ABC) Program - Loma Linda University

Location: Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA

Cost: Free; students receive a bi-weekly stipend

Dates: June 16 – July 31

Eligibility: Rising juniors/seniors in Inland Empire high schools; minimum 3.0 GPA; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; at least two science courses completed; evidence of community service

Deadline: Not specified

This 8-week summer program at Loma Linda University is designed for high school students in Southern California’s Inland Empire who want a meaningful introduction to biomedical research and health disparities research. Students spend the summer working alongside faculty mentors, completing hands-on research projects, and learning how diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and HIV/AIDs disproportionately affect underserved communities. The program pairs academic rigor with skill-building seminars in communication, analytical thinking, and STEM fundamentals, making it a strong bridge for students pursuing scientific or medical careers. Beyond the lab, the ABC cohort bonds through weekend outings and shared experiences.

7. Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS)

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA (hybrid/in-person activities required)

Cost: Free; need-based scholarships provided

Dates: June 15 – August 6 

Eligibility: Residents of Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz counties; age 16+; unweighted GPA 3.0+; prior coursework or experience in bio/chem/programming

Deadline: February 28

GRIPS is an intensive genomics and computational genetics research program designed for high-achieving Bay Area high school students interested in biomedical science. You will spend the summer in Stanford research labs, working directly with mentors on real-world genomics projects while also joining weekly seminars, panels, and cohort sessions. The program will operate in a hybrid mode, with students completing lab activities on campus and attending group workshops, and they are expected to commute as needed. GRIPS is designed for motivated students with prior experience in biology, chemistry, or programming, and it places a strong emphasis on inclusion, mentorship, and community-building within STEM.

8. KP Launch High School Program

Location: Multiple CA locations; Northern California Kaiser Permanente service areas

Cost: No cost; $24/hour stipend

Dates: June 15 – July 31

Eligibility: Ages 16-19 by June; current high school students or graduating seniors (Class of 2026); full-time summer availability; legal work eligibility in the U.S.; permanent resident of a Northern California KP service area

Deadline: January 9

KP LAUNCH offers a paid summer internship designed to introduce high school students to non-clinical careers across the healthcare ecosystem. Instead of medical procedures or clinical tasks, interns gain exposure to administrative, operational, and support roles that keep large health systems running. The program blends full-time work experience with weekly workshops that build communication, professional skills, and career awareness, alongside mentorship from supervisors and sector leaders.

9. UCSF High School Intern Program (HIP)

Location: UCSF, San Francisco, CA

Stipend: Paid internship; $3,200 for 25 hrs/week or $4,500 for 35 hrs/week

Dates: June 9 – August 1

Eligibility: Rising seniors; current juniors enrolled in SFUSD high schools or SF public charter schools

Deadline: March 2 

The UCSF High School Intern Program is an immersive, paid research experience designed for rising seniors from San Francisco public and charter schools. High school interns spend the summer conducting original biomedical research under the guidance of UCSF scientist mentors, learning lab techniques, exploring fields such as infectious disease, neuroscience, cancer biology, and regenerative medicine. The program also builds confidence through peer learning, science communication training, and individualized college counseling. It’s a strong fit for students seeking a rigorous introduction to real-world research within a supportive community.

10. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA

Cost: Free; stipend information not listed on the website

Dates: June 22 – July 26

Eligibility: Current high school juniors living in Northern California; low-income and/or first-generation students

Deadline: Applications open mid-December

The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program provides an on-campus enrichment for high school juniors from low-income and first-generation backgrounds in Northern California. It offers a solid introduction to medicine, public health, and scientific research. As an intern, you get to attend lectures, engage with science activities, and learn directly from Stanford physicians, researchers, and undergraduate mentors. The program places equal weight on academic exposure and personal guidance, supporting students as they prepare for college and explore future health careers.

11. UCLA Health Volunteen Summer Program

Location: UCLA Health, Los Angeles, CA

Cost: Free

Dates: At least 50 hours in the summer; exact dates vary by placement

Eligibility: Must be 16+ at registration; able to complete 50 volunteer hours; meet all health and vaccination requirements; U.S. citizens/permanent residents or approved UCLA international students

Deadline: Rolling until full; applications open in January

The UCLA Health Volunteen Summer Program offers high school students a structured way to gain firsthand exposure to a major hospital environment while contributing meaningfully to patient care operations. Volunteers assist with vital services — such as patient transport, wayfinding, and mail delivery — enabling them to observe UCLA Health's operations while enhancing their interpersonal and service skills. Because the program emphasizes reliability, communication, and professionalism, it’s a strong fit for students interested in healthcare and ready for a real-world, client-facing commitment. It’s also one of the few hospital-based opportunities that provides direct interaction with staff and patients across departments, making it especially valuable for students exploring medical careers.

12. UCSF CURE Research Internship Program

Location: UCSF, San Francisco, CA (various research labs and facilities)

Cost: Free

Dates: June 15 – August 7

Eligibility: Current 11th graders or CCSF students; age 16+; GPA 2.5+; completed Biology or Chemistry with B or higher

Deadline: February 8

The CURE Research Internship offers a full-time opportunity for students interested in health careers and seeking early engagement with real scientific research. Interns work in UCSF labs spanning basic, clinical, behavioral, and population sciences, enhancing technical abilities and gaining clarity about research careers. Mentorship is a central element, as students collaborate closely with faculty, postdocs, and graduate students while also receiving college and career guidance. By the end of the program, each intern completes a research project and presents their findings at the program’s Research Symposium.

13. Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills & Education Center Internship

Location: Virtual

Cost: $4,500 + $95 application fee (financial assistance available)

Dates: June 23 – July 4 | July 14 – 25

Eligibility: High school students 16+ (juniors/seniors under 16 may apply)

Deadline: March 14

This intensive Stanford program is designed for students seeking an in-depth, realistic experience in cardiothoracic surgery, one of the most challenging areas in medicine. Over several weeks, students split their days between lectures on cardiac and thoracic anatomy and technical skills sessions led by Stanford faculty, residents, and clinical staff. The program is intensive, but students receive exceptional exposure through hands-on practice in knot tying, suturing, dissections, and simulated surgeries, while also learning how to diagnose major cardiothoracic diseases. It’s a strong fit if you’re curious about medicine and want an experience that feels as close to real surgical training as a high school program allows.

14. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship

Location: Online 

Cost: $40 application fee + $850 program fee

Dates: June 16 –27

Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12; must be 14+; U.S. citizen/permanent resident or valid visa status; strong preference for applicants with math, CS, or healthcare experience

Deadline: February 28 

The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program designed for high school students who want an early and serious look at how artificial intelligence is shaping modern medicine. The curriculum combines technical lessons, project-based learning, and mentorship from Stanford researchers, providing students with a solid understanding of what real AI in healthcare research entails. Students attend lectures, small-group discussions, career presentations, and collaborative workshops that cover both the clinical and computational aspects of the field. For students curious about how technology can address complex health problems, this program offers a focused, meaningful starting point that helps them determine whether to pursue research more deeply.

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