15 STEM Programs for High School Students in San Diego
If you are a high school student interested in STEM, participating in a structured program can be a strong way to explore the field beyond the classroom. By participating in research projects, lab work, coding activities, and mentorship experiences, you can develop critical thinking, technical skills, and a deeper understanding of how STEM fields shape innovation. These programs also help you build confidence in experimentation, collaboration, and problem-solving while gaining exposure to potential academic and career pathways.
Why should you attend a program in San Diego?
San Diego offers a strong environment for STEM exploration, with its concentration of research institutions, universities, biotech companies, and environmental science organizations. From marine biology along the Pacific coast to research work in biotechnology, robotics, and health sciences, you can explore a wide range of STEM disciplines. With access to experienced mentors and top-tier facilities, San Diego provides you with meaningful opportunities to engage with science and technology.
To help you get started, we have compiled a list of 15 STEM programs for high school students in San Diego.
If you’re looking for online STEM programs, check out our blog here.
1. Heithoff-Brody High School Summer Scholars Program at the Salk Institute
Location: Salk Institute, La Jolla (San Diego), CA
Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: San Diego County residents aged 16 or older with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Completion of at least one year each of high school-level chemistry and biology (exceptions considered case-by-case)
The Heithoff-Brody High School Summer Scholars Program gives high school students from San Diego County the chance to conduct research at the Salk Institute, a renowned nonprofit research center. Working alongside a scientist mentor, you will contribute to a research project while learning laboratory techniques, bioinformatics methods, and data analysis skills. The program also includes seminars, workshops, and visits to biotechnology organizations. It concludes with a research symposium where you present your work through a poster or oral presentation, making it a strong opportunity for students interested in biological sciences.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Rolling. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply here.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI offers hands-on learning programs in artificial intelligence, developed by Harvard graduate students and alumni. The beginner-friendly AI Scholars program introduces you to Python programming, machine learning fundamentals, and real-world AI applications. For students seeking deeper engagement, the AI Fellowship offers one-on-one mentorship to help you design and complete an independent AI project. Past participants have created interdisciplinary projects connecting AI with fields such as healthcare, environmental science, and mental health.
3. Scripps Research Translational Institute Internship
Location: Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla (San Diego), CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 30
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and graduate students who are at least 16 years old
The Scripps Research Translational Institute Internship is a selective 10-week summer program open to high school students aged 16 and older. In this lab-based experience, you will work with researchers on projects related to translational science, including genomics, proteomics, and personalized healthcare. The program introduces you to research design, clinical trial processes, and data analysis, particularly in genomics and mobile health studies. Guided by a primary mentor and collaborating with research teams, you will gain insight into how molecular science contributes to understanding health and disease.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program (STEM Track)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic backgrounds; accepted students have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.3 out of 4.0
Established by PhD scholars from Harvard and Oxford, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective research opportunity for motivated high school students. Through one-on-one mentorship with a PhD-level expert, you’ll conduct independent research in STEM areas such as biology, physics, engineering, mathematics, or technology. The program encourages interdisciplinary exploration while helping you build advanced research and analytical skills. Its personalized format allows you to deepen your understanding of scientific topics and produce a polished research project by the end of the experience. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. San Diego Math Circle (SDMC)
Location: University of California, San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not published
Dates: Throughout the school year
Application Deadline: Registration-based enrollment; deadlines may vary by session
Eligibility: San Diego students in grades 5–12
The San Diego Math Circle (SDMC), hosted by UC San Diego, supports students in grades 5–12 who enjoy exploring mathematics beyond the classroom. Through after-school sessions, weekend lectures, and competitions, you will engage with mathematical ideas in creative and collaborative ways. The program focuses on strengthening logical reasoning and problem-solving skills that are valuable across STEM fields and other analytical disciplines.
6. OPTIMUS Outreach Program
Location: Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, CA
Stipend: Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: Typically early spring
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11 at select San Diego high schools (Lincoln, Hoover, Crawford, Morse, Madison, Garfield, Mark Twain, or Preuss)
The OPTIMUS Program is an eight-week cancer research internship designed for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds. Hosted by UC San Diego medical and graduate students, the program places you in cancer research labs at the Moores Cancer Center while also offering opportunities to shadow physicians in clinical settings. You will learn about cancer biology, medical research methods, and clinical practice through hands-on activities. Participants also develop practical skills, such as suturing under the guidance of surgical residents, and receive a stipend for their work.
7. Volunteer at Birch Aquarium
Location: Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla (San Diego), CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not published
Dates: Year-round volunteer program with a minimum 6-month commitment
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Ages 16 and older
As a volunteer at Birch Aquarium, you help create engaging learning experiences for visitors while promoting awareness of marine ecosystems and conservation. Volunteers support public education by guiding guests through exhibits, answering questions, and assisting with animal encounters. Roles may include Tide Pool Interpreter, Greeter Volunteer, Aquarist Assistant, or School Programs Assistant. You may also help staff deliver marine science lessons for K–12 students, covering topics such as tide pool ecosystems, fish diversity, and kelp forests, while sharing insights from research conducted at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
8. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Various labs in the U.S., including NIWC Pacific, San Diego, CA
Stipend: $4,000 (new participants) | $4,500 (returning participants)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by placement
Dates: 8 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school students, ages 16 and up, who are U.S. citizens and have completed at least 9th grade
SEAP is an eight-week paid research internship that places high school students in Department of the Navy laboratories nationwide. In San Diego, participants are typically placed at the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific, where they work alongside scientists and engineers on active naval research projects. Your work may involve areas such as engineering, mathematics, technology development, and C4 systems. In addition to research experience, you will attend professional development workshops, shadow technical professionals, and present your project at the end of the program.
9. San Diego State University’s Training Astronomy Research Scholars (STARS)
Location: San Diego State University (SDSU), San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~15 students
Dates: June 24 – July 19
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates, community college students, and SDSU freshmen and sophomores who live in the San Diego area
The NSF-supported SDSU STARS program gives high school students in the San Diego area the opportunity to explore astronomy through hands-on learning. You will study Python programming, astronomy concepts, and data analysis with SDSU faculty before moving into research activities such as analyzing galaxy data using specialized software. The program also includes a field trip to Mount Laguna Observatory, where you will observe the night sky using professional telescopes. In the final phase, you will complete a small-group research project under faculty guidance and present your findings to peers.
10. California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)
Location: University of California campuses, including UC San Diego, CA
Cost: $5,518 + $46 application fee; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 160 – 200 students per campus
Dates: July 5 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: California high school students in grades 8–12 who excel in mathematics and science
COSMOS is a summer academic program designed for high-achieving students interested in advanced STEM learning. You’ll engage in rigorous coursework and research across subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering, exploring a topic aligned with your interests using university labs, libraries, and other campus resources. The residential format offers a glimpse into college life while connecting you with peers who share similar academic goals. Through research projects and collaborative learning, COSMOS helps strengthen both your subject knowledge and research experience.
11. UC San Diego Academic Connections Residential Program
Location: UC San Diego, San Diego, CA
Cost: $4,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~25 students
Dates: July 7 – 25 (previous year)
Application Deadline: May
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12
UC San Diego’s Academic Connections program is designed for students interested in studying advanced subjects in greater depth. It offers a variety of STEM courses, ranging from topics like ocean ecosystems to engineering design. Throughout the program, you will participate in lectures, group discussions, and project-based learning, culminating in a final presentation. Guided by UC San Diego faculty, the experience encourages academic exploration, collaboration with peers, and a preview of university-level learning.
12. UCSD Mentor Assistance Program (MAP)
Location: San Diego Supercomputer Center, San Diego, CA
Cost: $1,000 research project program fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: October 1 – May 31 (previous year)
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: High school students (grades 10–12)
The UCSD Mentor Assistance Program (MAP) pairs motivated high school students with UC San Diego faculty and researchers for an eight-month mentorship experience. During the program, you will work closely with your mentor to develop a research project, explore academic interests, or prepare science fair submissions. The structure emphasizes independent learning through biweekly meetings, academic readings, and occasional lab visits. Students who complete the mentorship may also become eligible for a follow-up summer internship.
13. Sally Ride Science Academy
Location: University of California, San Diego, CA
Cost: Varies by course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – 24
Application Deadline: Enrollment opens in January
Eligibility: High school students
The Sally Ride Science Academy offers workshops in a wide range of STEM and creative disciplines, including biology, astronomy, robotics, coding, data science, engineering, psychology, and digital design. These sessions are designed to help you explore new interests, build critical-thinking skills, and collaborate on hands-on projects. Most workshops, led by scientists and educators, take place on the UC San Diego campus, with some virtual options available for added flexibility.
14. Summer Medical Academy (SMA) – Rady Children’s Hospital
Location: Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, CA
Cost: $3,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session 1: June 15 – 26 | Session 2: July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: High school students ages 15–19 who have completed at least 9th grade by June
The Summer Medical Academy (SMA) at Rady Children’s Hospital is a two-week program that introduces high school students to careers in healthcare. Through a mix of clinical workshops, lab activities, medical simulations, and talks by healthcare professionals, you will explore fields such as pediatrics, emergency medicine, surgery, nursing, public health, and medical ethics. The program also emphasizes teamwork and communication through skills sessions, group activities, and networking opportunities. By the end of the academy, you will present a collaborative project that reflects what you learned during the program.
15. University of San Diego STEAM Academy
Location: University of San Diego, San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Week-long summer program
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Current middle and high school students
The USD STEAM Academy is a one-week summer program that combines science, engineering, and creative learning through interactive activities. You will explore how scientific ideas connect to global challenges, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Activities may include building chain-reaction machines to understand physics concepts and learning mathematical ideas like topology and geometry through origami. The program also incorporates leadership development, teamwork exercises, and creative sessions in sports and the arts, concluding with participation in a Youth and Community conference.
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