15 Science Programs for High School Students in California
Science programs can be a practical option for high school students looking to explore academic interests beyond the classroom while developing applied skills. You’ll gain exposure to concepts through structured coursework, laboratory work, and research-based learning experiences that reflect academic and industry practices. You’ll build technical and analytical skills by working on projects that mirror professional environments while also developing communication and teamwork through presentations and group activities. You’ll also interact with mentors, researchers, and peers, helping you understand different career pathways across fields such as biomedical research, engineering, neuroscience, and environmental science.
Why should you attend a Science program in California?
California offers access to universities, research centers, and organizations actively engaged in scientific research and innovation across multiple disciplines. You’ll benefit from proximity to labs, healthcare institutions, and technology hubs that shape program content and provide exposure to current research and industry practices. You can access mentorship from faculty and professionals while participating in projects, lab work, or site visits. You can consider these programs whether you are a local student or traveling from another region, as many offer residential and virtual options.
In this blog, we have listed 15 science programs for high school students in California.
If you’re looking for programs in California, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 15 programs span biomedical research, neuroscience, AI, fisheries biology, food science, environmental engineering, psychology, and clinical science, so students with a wide range of science interests can find a relevant option in California or online.
Several programs are free or paid, including Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program ($3,000 stipend), Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy ($4,500 stipend), TECH360 ($500 stipend), Stanford STaRS Internship (fully funded), and Tech Flex Leaders (paid), making professional science experiences accessible without significant financial barriers.
Many programs are hosted at major research institutions, including Stanford Medicine, USC, City of Hope, and Loyola Marymount University, giving students direct access to university labs, faculty mentors, and clinical research environments.
Programs vary significantly in length and format, from two-week intensives, such as Stanford AIMI and CNI-X, to eight-week paid research placements, such as Hutton Junior Fisheries, Stanford STaRS, and SIMR, so students can choose based on their availability and depth of interest.
Application deadlines for the most competitive programs fall early, including Stanford AIMI and CNI-X (December 15), Stanford SIMR (February 21), and Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy (March 12), so students should begin preparing materials in the fall.
1. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Students are placed within a 45-minute commute from their homes across all 50 states
Stipend: $3,000
Application Deadline: November 21 – January 25
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (16+)
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid summer internship for high school students sponsored by the American Fisheries Society (AFS). As a participant, you will be matched with a mentor located across the country, resulting in a location-specific internship experience within fisheries and aquatic science. You may work across multiple environments, including field sites, boats, laboratories, and office settings, depending on the assigned project. You may participate in activities such as fish population surveys, water quality testing, electrofishing, and examining specimens under a microscope. You may also contribute to data processing tasks and assist with educational outreach programs for children.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Full financial aid available
Application Deadline: Rolling; Multiple cohorts in a year; You can apply here
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI is an organization led by Harvard graduate students that provides artificial intelligence programs for high school students. You can join the AI Scholars program if you are looking to build a foundation in AI, machine learning, and data science through a 10-session boot camp. You’ll work on real-world projects while learning core concepts and practical applications. You can also consider the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase if you have more advanced experience and want to pursue an individual project. You’ll receive 1:1 mentorship from students at top universities and support from a publication team to prepare research for high school journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. TECH360
Location: Various locations across the U.S., including Los Angeles, CA + Virtual
Stipend: $500
Application Deadline: May 24 (final)
Dates: Los Angeles: June 15 – July 2 (Cycle 1); July 13 – 30 (Cycle 2)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors currently attending a high school in New York City (all boroughs), Los Angeles County, Miami-Dade/ Broward County, or Atlanta
TECH360: Intro to AI is a program by AOT that builds a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence and its real-world impact. As a participant, you’ll get to explore how AI has developed over time and why it is currently a widely discussed topic across industries and education. This means you’ll examine concepts from data science and machine learning to understand how generative and predictive AI models function. You’ll also engage with questions about opportunities, risks, and ethical considerations associated with AI technologies, and learn practical approaches for using AI tools effectively and responsibly across different contexts. By the end of the program, you’ll complete a final group project in which you pitch an AI-powered tool to mock clients, with selected teams presenting at Future Innovators Night.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Science Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Full financial aid available
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Program Dates: Varies by cohort; Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Eligibility: Current high school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a structured research program designed for high school students interested in academic exploration. You’ll engage in one-on-one research with a PhD mentor while working on an independent project in a subject area of your choice, like psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and international relations. You’ll spend the duration of the 12-week program developing your research and analytical skills and complete the program with a full independent research paper based on your work. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy
Location: The Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Duarte, CA
Stipend: $4,500
Application Deadline: March 12
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Eligibility: High school students (16+) who have completed high school courses in chemistry and biology
The Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy at City of Hope provides an opportunity for you to participate in biomedical research projects. This means you’ll design and carry out your own research within a laboratory setting based on your interests while also working with faculty mentors and collaborating with postdoctoral fellows and graduate students. You’ll also get to present your research in weekly seminar sessions to develop your communication and analytical skills. The program also ensures you attend seminars featuring guest speakers who discuss their research and career experiences. You’ll conclude by presenting your research in a poster session to the academic community.
6. Stanford STaRS Internship Program
Location: Stanford Medicine, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Eligibility: High school students (16+)
The Stanford STaRS Internship Program is an eight-week, fully funded research experience focused on medicine, biomedical science, and reconstructive surgery. You’ll work full-time in the Jill Helms Laboratory, conducting experiments, imaging, and data analysis on ongoing research projects. You’ll also collaborate with clinician-scientist mentors, postdoctoral fellows, and research teams throughout the program. The program also offers workshops covering histology, immunohistochemistry, scientific communication, and academic pathways. You’ll also take part in community activities and excursions to explore scientific institutions and the Stanford campus. The program ends with you presenting your research findings at the end of the program to faculty, peers, and guests.
7. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program
Location: Stanford Medicine, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $50 application fee; Limited number of stipends provided
Application Deadline: February 21
Dates: June 8 – July 30
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors (16+)
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week program where you’ll engage in medically oriented research. As a participant, you’ll work with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers on projects related to biological sciences and medicine. You’ll get to select from eight research areas and will be assigned to an institute based on your preferences. During the program, you will participate in research activities that introduce how scientific investigations are conducted. You’ll also have the option to join a bioengineering bootcamp focused on hands-on learning without a lab research component.
8. Tech Flex Leaders
Location: Various locations across the U.S., including Los Angeles, CA + Virtual
Stipend: Paid (amount is not specified)
Application Deadline: July 5 (priority), August 17 (final); Rolling
Dates: June – August (summer cohort)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors attending a public or charter school in New York City (all boroughs), Los Angeles County, or Miami-Dade/Broward County
Tech Flex Leaders (TFL) is an out-of-school time program for high school juniors and seniors in New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami. You can choose from tracks such as web development, digital marketing, data science, UX design, or product management. During the program, you’ll participate in weekly technical training sessions led by industry experts and attend professional development workshops focused on identity, leadership, and navigating careers in technology fields. You gain exposure to tools, frameworks, and concepts used in building websites and other technology-driven solutions. You’ll also engage in career days and mentorship opportunities with professionals from technology companies, including those working in AI.
9. Loyola Marymount University Pre-College: Exploring Engineering Program
Location: Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $11,100 + $65 application fee
Application Deadline: Rolling until the program reaches maximum capacity
Dates: June 21 – July 17
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
The Loyola Marymount University Pre-College: Exploring Engineering Program is a summer course introducing you to mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering concepts. You’ll attend sessions on campus that focus on foundational principles and applications across engineering disciplines and develop skills in problem-solving, analysis, and design techniques while growing your teamwork and communication abilities. You’ll use spreadsheets and software tools to approach engineering problems through practical computer applications and explore manual and computer graphics used in engineering design processes. By the end of the program, upon successful completion, you will receive college credit.
10. USC Pre-College Discover Engineering Program
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $8,130 – $11,570 + $85 application fee
Application Deadline: May 8 (Domestic); March 13 (International)
Dates: June 22 – July 17
Eligibility: Rising 10th graders onwards; More info here
The USC Pre-College Discover Engineering Program is designed for high school students looking to explore engineering through a structured summer course. As a participant, you’ll study disciplines including computer science, environmental engineering, and industrial engineering through lectures and discussions. You’ll complete hands-on projects that involve designing, building, and testing solutions using engineering principles and use simulation tools, real-world materials, and technologies, such as robotics and 3D printing. You’ll also get to conduct research and produce a written paper on an engineering topic. Aside from this, the program offers the chance to visit sites around Los Angeles to understand how engineers approach real-world challenges.
11. USC Psychological Science and Society
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $8,130 – $11,570 + $85 application fee
Application Deadline: May 8 (Domestic); March 13 (International)
Dates: June 22 – July 17
Eligibility: Rising 10th graders onwards; More info here
The USC Psychological Science and Society program introduces you to foundational and contemporary psychological theories through structured coursework. You’ll study topics such as cognitive, developmental, clinical, and social psychology alongside research methods and the history of the field, and explore areas like personality, motivation, relationships, and the mind-body connection through discussions and activities. During the program, you’ll engage in hands-on exercises that apply psychological principles to real-world situations and societal issues and have the chance to develop skills in critical thinking, scientific analysis, and research methods through labs and projects. You’ll also practice communication and teamwork while examining topics like social media, mental health, and happiness.
12. USC The Brain: Introduction to Neuroscience
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $8,130 – $11,570 + $85 application fee
Application Deadline: May 8 (Domestic); March 13 (International)
Dates: June 22 – July 17
Eligibility: Rising 10th graders onwards; More info here
The USC The Brain: Introduction to Neuroscience program provides an overview of neuroscience through lectures, labs, and applied activities. This means you’ll study topics like brain function, learning, memory, aging, and neurological disorders, and participate in laboratory experiments that focus on research design, data analysis, and interpretation. You’ll also visit research facilities to observe how neuroscience research is conducted and get the chance to apply course concepts to a guided case study that integrates theoretical and practical learning. You’ll complete the program with a mock trial where you will present and defend your scientific findings.
13. USC The Science of Food, Nutrition, and the Biological World
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $8,130 – $11,570 + $85 application fee
Application Deadline: May 8 (Domestic); March 13 (International)
Dates: June 22 – July 17
Eligibility: Rising 10th graders onward; More info here
The USC The Science of Food, Nutrition and the Biological World program explores how food interacts with biological systems. This means you’ll study topics such as macronutrients, micronutrients, and the chemistry of food molecules. You’ll also get to examine the biology of plants, animals, and microorganisms and their role in food production, and conduct experiments like DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, and fermentation. You’ll calculate dietary requirements and interpret nutritional information from food labels and analyze broader topics, such as the environmental impacts of agriculture and the development of genetically modified foods.
14. Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X)
Location: Stanford Medicine, Stanford, CA + Virtual
Cost: $1,725 (Virtual); $3,325 (In-person)
Application Deadline: December 15 – March 1
Dates: Virtual: June 8 – 19, June 22 – July 3; In-person: July 6 – 17, July 20 – 31
Eligibility: High school students (ages 14-18)
The Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) at Stanford University is a two-week summer program during which you’ll attend a 10-day session focused on neuroscience, psychiatry, psychology, and related behavioral sciences. You’ll participate in interactive seminars led by faculty covering topics such as neuroimaging, mental health, and clinical research. You’ll also explore career pathways and self-care strategies relevant to transitioning into adulthood. The program offers the opportunity to work in small teams to develop solutions to social issues in neuroscience and psychiatry. You’ll get to present these ideas during a final capstone session to peers, faculty, and families.
15. The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI): Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,400 + $45 application fee; Financial aid offered
Dates: Session A: June 15 – 26; Session B: July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: December 15 – February 20
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders (14+); Students with strong math or computer programming skills or experience with a healthcare project are preferred
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a virtual two-week program that introduces you to AI applications in healthcare. During the program, you will attend lectures on topics such as machine learning, datasets, and model evaluation in clinical contexts and work in teams on research projects guided by mentors and student leads. You’ll get to develop skills in framing research questions, analyzing data, and presenting findings. You’ll also attend speaker sessions with experts from academia, healthcare, and industry, and engage in virtual community activities designed to support collaboration among participants.
Frequently asked questions
1. What science programs are available for high school students in California?
Options include paid research internships, such as Hutton Junior Fisheries and Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy, biomedical and medical research programs, such as Stanford STaRS and Stanford SIMR, neuroscience programs, such as USC Introduction to Neuroscience and Stanford CNI-X, AI and data science programs, such as Veritas AI, TECH360, Stanford AIMI, and Lumiere, and university pre-college courses, such as USC Discover Engineering and LMU Exploring Engineering.
2. Are there free or paid science programs for high school students in California?
Yes, Hutton Junior Fisheries provides a $3,000 stipend, Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy provides $4,500, TECH360 provides $500, and Tech Flex Leaders is also paid. Stanford STaRS is fully funded, and programs such as Veritas AI and Lumiere offer full financial aid for eligible students.
3. Which California science programs are best for students interested in biomedical research?
Students interested in biomedical research might consider Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy for lab-based cancer research at City of Hope, Stanford STaRS for reconstructive surgery and biomedical science research, and Stanford SIMR for a broad range of medically oriented research across eight specialization areas.
4. Which programs are open to students outside California?
Veritas AI, Lumiere Research Scholar Program, Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program (placements across all 50 states), Stanford AIMI (virtual), and Stanford CNI-X (virtual option) are all open to students regardless of location. TECH360 and Tech Flex Leaders also accept students from Los Angeles, New York City, and other eligible cities.
5. When should I apply to science programs for high school students in California?
The earliest deadlines include Stanford AIMI and CNI-X (December 15), Hutton Junior Fisheries (November 21 to January 25), and Stanford SIMR (February 21). Programs, such as Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy (March 12) and USC Pre-College programs (March 13 for international, May 8 for domestic), fall later in the spring. Students should begin researching options in the fall to avoid missing the earliest deadlines.