14 STEM Research Programs for High School Students in California
If you’re a high school student interested in science or technology, STEM research programs are an exciting way to get introduced to the field and learn more. Instead of just reading about discoveries, these programs let you step into real labs, work with advanced tools, and learn directly from scientists, engineers, and researchers. They’re designed to help you gain practical experience, explore your academic interests, and build connections that can shape your future college and career paths. These programs allow you to see what research looks like and develop valuable skills.
California, in particular, is one of the best places to experience such learning. Home to top universities, such as Stanford, UCLA, and UC San Diego, as well as research institutions and tech innovators, the state provides a rich environment for STEM exploration. Whether you live in California or are looking to explore the research opportunities offered in the state, you can find a research program that suits your interests and needs.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve compiled a list of 14 STEM research programs for high school students in California.
1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: No cost; stipend $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors as of the fall, graduating in this or next year, and at least 16 years old by June 9. Applicants must reside in the U.S., attend high school in the U.S., and be U.S. citizens/permanent residents with a green card
SIMR is an eight-week research internship where high school students conduct biomedical research alongside faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students at Stanford University. Participants are matched to one of several research areas—such as immunology, cancer biology, bioengineering, neurobiology, or stem cell science—based on their academic interests. Under mentor guidance, you’ll perform lab experiments, analyze data, and develop scientific reasoning and communication skills. The program also features seminars and professional development sessions that discuss the impact of medical research on healthcare and innovation.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program type
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately 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: 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 is a virtual research and learning experience designed for high school students interested in artificial intelligence and data science. Through two main programs, the AI Scholars Program and the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase, you can explore both foundational and advanced AI concepts under expert mentorship. The AI Scholars track introduces you to core topics such as machine learning, neural networks, and data science through live sessions and guided projects. For those seeking a deeper challenge, the Fellowship allows you to work one-on-one with mentors from leading universities to design and complete an independent AI research project. Students often focus on real-world issues in healthcare, sustainability, or AI, and may have opportunities to publish their findings or present them at showcases. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. Scripps Student Research Internships
Location: Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla, CA
Cost: None; students may receive a stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: June 2 – August 8 | June 16 – August 22
Application deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school students who will be at least 16 years old by the internship start date
The Scripps Research Translational Institute’s Student Research Internship is a 10-week program that connects biomedical research with real-world healthcare applications. As an intern, you’ll work on projects involving genomics, computational biology, or mobile health (mHealth) technologies under the guidance of a mentor. Depending on your assignment, your work may include data analysis, digital health studies, or the evaluation of wearable devices used in clinical trials. Weekly seminars and journal discussions expand your understanding of precision medicine and data-driven healthcare. You’ll also prepare and present your findings through oral or poster presentations at the program’s conclusion.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program type
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts in spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application deadline: Varies by cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in high school with a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. Sessions are conducted virtually and customized to your pace, allowing flexibility while maintaining academic rigor and structured deadlines. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper. You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
5. J.Craig Venter Institute’s (JCVI) High School Internship
Location: J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA
Cost: Free; $17/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May – August; 10-15 week opportunities are offered throughout the year
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and above
The J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) High School Internship is a summer research program designed to introduce students to advanced work in genomics, bioinformatics, and microbiology. During the internship, you’ll work alongside a mentor on a lab-based project that contributes to ongoing scientific studies at JCVI. Interns attend weekly seminars, journal clubs, and skill-building workshops to deepen their understanding of research practices and data interpretation. The experience includes direct access to professional-grade laboratory tools and participation in discussions on current scientific developments. At the program’s conclusion, you’ll present a research poster summarizing your project to institute scientists and receive feedback on your methods and findings.
6. BrainSPORT Summer High School Research Internship at UCLA
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application deadline: April
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors intending to mentor interns in the next year
The BrainSPORT Summer Internship at UCLA focuses on research related to concussions and pediatric brain injuries, connecting you with neurologists, clinicians, and scientists studying sports-related head trauma. Throughout the program, you’ll assist with the CARE4Kids study by recruiting participants, collecting and managing data, and observing cognitive or neuroimaging assessments. Lab meetings allow you to see how research teams analyze data and refine their studies, giving you an inside view of how clinical trials function. You’ll collaborate closely with medical students and faculty, contributing to ongoing research while learning key aspects of study design and coordination. The internship concludes with a presentation in which participants share a project based on their summer work or on specific interests in neuroscience and sports medicine.
7. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) by the Department of Navy
Location: Varies by lab locations
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend: $4,000 (new participants) | $4,500 (returning participants)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive, 300 students across 38 labs
Dates: June – August (8 weeks)
Application deadline: Applications open in August and close on November 1 every year
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 10-12 who are 16 years old by the start of the program and are U.S. citizens
SEAP, run by the U.S. Department of the Navy, places high school students in research labs across the country—including multiple sites in California—for eight weeks during the summer. As an intern, you’ll work under the mentorship of Navy scientists and engineers on real-world projects in areas like robotics, cybersecurity, ocean engineering, and materials science. Around 300 students are selected annually, and lab placements are matched to individual research interests. Your daily work may involve modeling systems, conducting experiments, or assisting with environmental and technological studies.
8. UCSF Summer Student Research Program
Location: San Francisco and Oakland
Cost/Stipend: None; stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approx 35-40 students per year
Dates: February 14
Application deadline: June 2 – August 1
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors or seniors, age 16+ by June 1, with at least one year of completed math and biology
The UCSF Summer Student Research Program is a nine-week, full-time opportunity that allows high school students to participate in clinical or basic science research under the mentorship of UCSF faculty and staff. Interns spend their days conducting experiments, collecting data, and working closely with mentors in research or healthcare settings. Weekly activities include journal club discussions, scientific seminars led by MDs and PhDs, and community-building events that encourage collaboration among participants. You’ll also complete a personal statement, research abstract, and detailed project proposal before presenting your findings at a formal Research Symposium.
9. UCSF High School Intern Program (HIP)
Location: UC San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $3,200 (part-time) or $4,500 (full-time) stipend upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25 students selected annually
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Current high school juniors enrolled in an SFUSD school, SF charter school, or College Track SF; must be from historically marginalized backgrounds in science
The UCSF High School Intern Program (HIP) is an eight-week paid research internship for rising seniors enrolled in San Francisco public or charter schools. Participants are matched with UCSF scientists and work on independent research projects in fields such as neuroscience, infectious disease, or cancer biology. Alongside lab research, the program includes seminars, journal clubs, and college-readiness workshops covering topics like financial aid, essay writing, and resume building. The program culminates in a formal symposium where students present their findings to peers and mentors.
10. Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program at the Salk Institute
Location: Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA
Cost: Free; $17/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application deadline: March 28
Eligibility: Students 16 years and older who reside and attend school in San Diego County with a minimum 2.75 GPA and have completed at least one year each of high school biology and chemistry
The Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program at the Salk Institute provides high school students with an eight-week paid opportunity to participate in professional-level biological research. Under the mentorship of a Salk scientist, you’ll contribute to ongoing projects in areas like molecular biology, genetics, or neuroscience, gaining experience in lab techniques, bioinformatics, and data analysis. The program also includes weekly seminars, workshops, and site visits to biotech companies, giving you insight into how academic research connects with industry. By the end of the internship, participants present their research at the Summer Scholars Research Symposium through a poster or oral presentation.
11. Experiences in Research
Location: Berkeley Lab, Berkeley, CA
Cost: None; $500 stipend per week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; Approx. 10% acceptance rate
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application deadline: March 23
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12 (11th-12th graders preferred) living in Northern California (20-mile radius preferred); Must have a 3.0+ GPA and be 16+; OUSD students need the ECCCO common application
Experiences in Research is a six-week paid internship hosted by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory for students interested in STEM research careers. The program matches you with a project team aligned with your interests—ranging from experimental science and data analysis to coding, communications, or science administration. Working about 30 hours per week, you’ll engage in project-based tasks under the mentorship of lab staff, while also participating in professional development workshops and peer-learning sessions. The internship combines technical research exposure with training in teamwork, project management, and scientific communication.
12. Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 5%-8% acceptance rate
Dates: June 16 – August 7
Application deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Open to local students from Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz counties. Must be 16+ by start date and hold a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA
The Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS) is an eight-week summer experience for high school students in the Bay Area who want to explore computational genomics and genetics. You’ll be placed in a Stanford research lab and spend around 20 hours per week working on data-driven projects while learning to use computational tools for biological research. Each student is paired with a mentor who provides consistent feedback and guidance throughout the internship. Alongside lab work, participants take part in weekly cohort meetings, seminars on biomedical career pathways, and professional development workshops. The program’s structure emphasizes both technical and academic growth, with an expectation that you attend all sessions and fully engage in discussions, seminars, and lab-based activities.
13. OPTIMUS Outreach Program
Location: Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego
Cost: None; stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective, 10-12 interns per cohort
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application deadline: Early Spring
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11 who reside in San Diego and attend Lincoln, Hoover, Crawford, Morse, Madison, Garfield, Mark Twain, or Preuss High Schools
Hosted by UC San Diego’s Moores Cancer Center, the OPTIMUS Outreach Program is an eight-week summer internship designed to introduce high school students to cancer research and clinical medicine. You’ll spend part of your time working in research labs on cancer-related projects while also shadowing doctors and medical students in clinical environments. The program covers topics such as cancer biology, health disparities, and how laboratory findings are translated into patient care. Participants engage in mentorship sessions, group discussions, and community education activities that highlight public health and healthcare equity.
14. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $25 application fee, which is waived based on financial need
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years old
ASSIP at George Mason University is an eight-week research initiative for high school students interested in pursuing advanced STEM studies. Participants engage in projects across diverse areas, including neuroscience, robotics, environmental science, cybersecurity, and bioengineering, working under the mentorship of university faculty and professional researchers. The program emphasizes practical research skills, including laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication, supported by workshops on writing and career development. Students also explore various STEM career paths through seminars and networking sessions with professionals. A major component of ASSIP is the final poster presentation, where participants share their research findings, with some projects even extending to academic publications or conference presentations.
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