15 Programs for High School Students in Los Angeles, California
If you are a high school student, academic programs are an excellent option for you to deepen your interests and build practical skills before college. Whether you’re curious about medicine, computer science, business, writing, or engineering, these programs offer a path to explore advanced topics while gaining exposure to projects and mentorship. Top institutions and organizations enable you to establish connections with industry professionals and like-minded peers around the globe.
Why should you attend a program in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is home to several universities, research centers, hospitals, and industry hubs, such as UCLA and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, which offer academic programs. You can benefit from the city’s blend of academic rigor, cultural diversity, and innovation-driven industries. These programs are valuable for students living or studying in the city, as well as for out-of-city or out-of-state students eager to experience Los Angeles’ academic landscape.
To help you, we’ve identified 15 strong programs for high school students in Los Angeles, California.
If you are looking for engineering internships in Los Angeles, check out our blog here.
1. UCLA Health Volunteen Summer Program
Location: UCLA Health, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; space is limited by the hospital's capacity to place and supervise student volunteers.
Dates: Typically during the summer months; participants must complete 50 volunteer hours by August 31
Application Deadline: Typically, April
Eligibility: Students must be at least 16 years old. | Must provide proof of a valid government-issued photo ID and extensive proof of immunizations, including Varicella, MMR, TB (blood test only), and compliance with the most recent COVID-19 vaccination policy
The UCLA Health Volunteen Summer Program enables high school students to gain firsthand experience in hospital operations and patient care. You will support day-to-day functions, including wayfinding, patient mail delivery, wheelchair transport, and visitor assistance. You can also help staff during patient discharge, enabling you to observe how different clinical teams coordinate. The program emphasizes communication, professionalism, and service-oriented skills that are vital in healthcare environments. You can choose your shifts through a flexible scheduling system, and a hybrid volunteer option offers additional accessibility.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program type; full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small group and 1:1 mentorship formats
Dates: Multiple 12–15-week cohorts offered in spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November); you can apply to the program here
Eligibility: AI Scholars: All high school students | AI Fellowship applicants must have completed AI Scholars or show experience with Python/AI concepts
Veritas AI provides structured learning pathways for high school students interested in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. In the AI Scholars program, you will participate in small-group sessions that introduce core AI concepts and guide you through building your first real-world models. The curriculum is project-based, allowing you to apply algorithms to practical domains such as computer vision, NLP, or social impact analytics. More experienced students can join the AI Fellowship, where you will work 1:1 with a mentor from a top university to design and execute an independent AI research project. You will also receive support from Veritas AI’s publication team, which can help you submit to high school research journals or conferences.
3. The Intern Project (TIP) – Summer Internship Program
Location: Los Angeles County
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically, 100+ students per summer
Dates: 8-week internships, typically mid-June to early August
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–12 in LA County public schools
The Intern Project (TIP) places students in eight-week paid internships with organizations across fields such as business, engineering, healthcare, media, and technology. You will gain hands-on experience through real workplace tasks, often using tools like CRM platforms, budgeting software, or project-tracking systems, depending on your placement. Internships may be remote or on-site, and each student is paired with professional mentors who support workplace learning and skill development. TIP also includes job-readiness workshops, career exploration sessions, and structured performance evaluations. In addition to professional experience, you can earn college credit upon successful completion of the program.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote; you can participate from anywhere
Cost/Stipend: Varies by track; full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 1:1 mentorship model
Dates: 12-week to year-long cohorts offered in summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November); you can find more details about the application here
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students with demonstrated high academic achievement (accepted students typically maintain an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers high school students the opportunity to conduct independent, university-level research under the guidance of Ph. D.-level mentors. You will work 1:1 with a researcher to develop a project proposal, learn relevant methodologies, and complete a full-length research paper by the end of the program, and also be eligible to earn UCSD credit. The curriculum encompasses a broad range of fields, including psychology, computer science, engineering, economics, physics, international relations, and other disciplines. Throughout the program, you will receive structured feedback on your writing, analysis, and data interpretation. You may also present your work in competitions or submit it to high school research journals with the support of your mentors.
5. UCLA Steve Tisch BrainSPORT Concussion Summer High School Research Internship
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 4 students
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: Typically closes in April
Eligibility: Rising juniors; preference for students willing to mentor future cohorts or continue during the academic year
The UCLA Steve Tisch BrainSPORT Concussion Summer High School Research Internship immerses students in clinical and translational neuroscience focused on adolescent concussion recovery. You will work alongside research scientists, clinicians, and medical students to support ongoing studies and learn how multidisciplinary research teams operate. Tasks may include patient recruitment, data entry, and assisting with study procedures such as neuroimaging, blood sampling, autonomic testing, and cognitive assessments. Weekly lab meetings provide exposure to research discussions, updates, and collaborative planning. Through this experience, you will gain foundational skills in clinical data handling, research ethics, and patient interaction. The program is ideal for students interested in neuroscience, sports medicine, or clinical research careers.
6. CAMP CHLA – Health Care Career Exploration
Location: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited cohort sizes
Dates: Session 1: June 16 – 20; Session 2: July 28 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Current 9th–11th graders residing in Los Angeles County | Past participants are not eligible
CAMP CHLA is a weeklong program designed to introduce high school students to careers across the healthcare field. During the program, you will shadow clinical staff, observe hospital operations, and attend interactive career talks led by medical professionals. You will also practice hands-on skills such as CPR, first aid, and body ergonomics, building a foundation in basic health and safety practices. Daily rotations highlight a range of medical specialties, giving you insight into the variety of roles within a major pediatric hospital. The program also encourages collaboration with peers and staff, helping you develop communication and teamwork skills. This opportunity is particularly suited for students considering a future in medicine or allied health.
7. Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program
Location: Various medical centers across Los Angeles, CA; virtual options available
Cost/Stipend: No cost / One $500 scholarship awarded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 100 – 180 students
Dates: Multiple two-week sessions from June to August
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school students currently in 11–12 grades from Los Angeles and its adjacent counties
The Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program, run by the Los Angeles Pediatric Society, provides high school students with structured exposure to medical professions. It places you at hospitals such as Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, where you can observe clinicians, including paediatricians, surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, and other specialists. Depending on the site, you may assist with non-clinical patient care activities, giving you insight into the patient experience and workflow in medical settings. At the end of the program, you will create a presentation reflecting on what you learned and receive a certificate of achievement. A competitive scholarship is awarded annually to one participant through the Edward M. Rissman Scholarship Fund.
8. Mary S. Easton Center Neuroscience High School Scholars Program
Location: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and online
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: June 15 – July 23
Application Deadline: February 9
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Hosted by UCLA’s Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Disease Research, this six-week program introduces students to the neuroscience of aging and neurodegenerative disorders. You will participate in hands-on activities, including brain dissections, guided research modules, and community-facing projects focused on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The program offers both in-person and online tracks, providing you with flexibility in how you engage with the course material. Students are also encouraged to establish Alzheimer’s Awareness Clubs at their schools to expand outreach and advocacy efforts. Throughout the year, you will have access to virtual seminars led by neuroscientists and clinicians, providing ongoing mentorship and exposure to careers in neurology and cognitive science.
9. Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center Teen Volunteer Program
Location: Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically, small cohort size
Dates: Year–round with rolling start dates upon acceptance
Application Deadline: Open year–round
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old | Pass health screening, complete information session, and orientation | Have a valid social security number
The Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center Teen Volunteer Program offers high school students a structured opportunity to support patient services and hospital operations. You will assist patients, families, and staff with tasks such as greeting visitors, providing wayfinding support, and addressing non-clinical service needs. Before beginning, students must complete a health screening, attend an orientation, and pass a background check. You are required to commit to at least 100 hours of service over the course of one year, developing responsibility, communication skills, and professionalism in a healthcare environment. Proficiency in English is required, and multilingual volunteers may be placed in roles where additional language skills are beneficial.
10. MOCA Teen Program
Location: Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; around 15 – 20 students
Dates: September – June; Thursday evenings and select weekends
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors at the time of application
The MOCA Teen Program is a paid, year-long internship that introduces students to contemporary art, museum careers, and the creative production process. You will work closely with MOCA staff and Los Angeles–based artists to explore curatorial practices, public programming, and exhibition development. You will take on responsibilities such as organizing Teen Night and Virtual Teen Night, producing social media content, and contributing to event planning and community outreach. Weekly meetings provide opportunities to engage in discussions about artistic themes, cultural issues, and the role of museums in public education. The program emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and creative expression through hands-on projects.
11. Samuels Family LA-HIP High School Internship Program
Location: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; up to 24 interns
Dates: June 16 – August 1, with college counseling extending through the academic year
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Current juniors at public high schools in Los Angeles County | Produce documents to be legally employed in California
The Samuels Family LA-HIP High School Internship Program offers a comprehensive, yearlong pathway for students interested in biomedical research and college preparation. During the summer, you will conduct hands-on laboratory experiments at The Saban Research Institute under the mentorship of professional scientists. The program integrates biology coursework, research skills training, SAT preparation, and structured college application workshops. You must commit to the full-time summer schedule and decline participation in other programs, ensuring full engagement with research and academic components. LA-HIP focuses on supporting students with limited access to STEM opportunities, helping to reduce barriers to careers in science and medicine. College counseling continues throughout your senior year, providing individualized guidance through the admissions process.
12. Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement
Location: USC University Park and Health Sciences campuses, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Transportation scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; around 26 students
Dates: June 16 – July 3
Application Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: High school students residing and attending school in Los Angeles County
The Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement is a three-week summer program that introduces students to college-level work in communication, journalism, and public engagement. You will participate in seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects focused on media literacy, storytelling, and civic leadership. You will develop practical skills in writing, interviewing, multimedia production, and public speaking while learning how the media shapes social and political issues. Throughout the program, you will work with USC faculty, student mentors, and industry professionals who guide you through hands-on assignments and discussions. Final projects may include published articles, multimedia features, or civic action initiatives developed with peers.
13. Getty Museum Youth Programs
Location: Getty Center and Getty Villa, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: Varies by track; includes summer internships, year-round workshops, and photography intensives
Application Deadline: Typically, spring
Eligibility: High school students in Los Angeles County
The Getty Museum Youth Programs offer Los Angeles County high school students structured opportunities to develop skills in the visual arts, museum education, and public engagement. As a Teen Gallery Guide, you receive training in art history, interpretive dialogue, and visitor interaction before leading gallery conversations for museum visitors during the summer. Students interested in photography can participate in Unshuttered, a program that offers technical instruction, mentorship from teaching artists, and the chance to exhibit work both at the Getty and online. Many programs explore social and cultural themes, encouraging you to develop your own artistic voice while engaging with community-focused projects.
14. UCLA Pre-Med Summer Scholar Program
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: $1,450; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: Session 1: June 23 – 27; Session 2: July 7 – 11
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are U.S. citizens and are at least 16 years old by the program start date
The UCLA Pre-Med Summer Scholar Program offers high school students an introduction to healthcare careers through interactive clinical activities. You will take part in workshops covering surgical techniques, pathology, medical imaging, and emergency response, including CPR and “Stop the Bleed” training. Guest lectures and Q&A sessions with clinicians offer insight into medical specialties and the pathway to becoming a healthcare professional. The curriculum is designed for students with a strong interest in medicine and emphasizes both technical skills and clinical awareness. You must submit a short essay and résumé as part of the application process. While tuition includes instruction and materials, housing, meals, parking, and transportation are not provided.
15. USC Pre-College Programs – Psychological Science & Society
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: $85 nonrefundable application fee; Domestic Residential: $11,570; Domestic Commuter: $8,130 | International students: $12,208 + $185 Visa Application Fee + $350 SEVIS I-901 fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; around 25 students
Dates: June 22 – July 17
Application Deadline: Domestic students: May 8; International students: March 13
Eligibility: Domestic and International students: Rising 10th–12th graders | International students should demonstrate English proficiency in one of the ways listed here
USC’s Psychological Science & Society program introduces students to core concepts in psychology while exploring how these ideas apply to contemporary social issues. Over four weeks, you will explore topics such as social media behaviour, drug use, stress, motivation, and emotional well-being through lectures, discussions, and case studies. The program includes an independent research project, providing you with experience in study design, data analysis, and scientific communication. You will also explore various areas of psychological science, including clinical and developmental psychology, as well as social and behavioural research. Faculty and teaching assistants provide guidance throughout the program, helping you understand how psychological research informs real-world decision-making.
Image Source - University of California Los Angeles Logo