14 Summer Programs for High School Students in San Francisco
Summer programs offer an opportunity for high school students to explore their interests beyond the standard curriculum. They provide a platform to gain skills, receive industry exposure, and build a network of professional connections. These programs allow you to explore a range of fields, from scientific research to creative arts. For students looking to use their summer productively, participating in a structured program can be a good experience. To help you navigate the options, we’ve curated a list of 14 top summer programs available to high school students in San Francisco.
14 Summer Programs for High School Students in San Francisco
1. UCSF Summer Student Research Program
Location: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipend provided ($3,000)
Dates: Early June to early August (9 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are at least 16 years old
The UCSF Summer Student Research Program provides an experience in the world of biomedical research. Students are paired with UCSF faculty mentors and work on active research projects, gaining exposure to either basic science or clinical research. Participants learn essential laboratory techniques, how to design experiments, and methods for analysing data. The program is designed to foster an understanding of scientific inquiry and to inspire the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals. It culminates in a poster session where students present their findings to the UCSF community, providing experience in scientific communication.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on program description
Dates: Several 12-15-week sessions available year-round, encompassing spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
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, established and managed by Harvard PhD candidates, provides courses for high school students enthusiastic about artificial intelligence. Those eager to begin exploring AI, machine learning, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars Program. In this 10-meeting boot camp, you will learn the basics of AI and data science while tackling authentic, practical assignments. For those with greater expertise, consider the AI Fellowship featuring Publication & Showcase. In this setup, you will collaborate one-on-one with advisors from leading institutions on a distinctive, personalised endeavour. An added perk is the availability of an internal publishing group to assist in obtaining spots in youth-oriented research publications. Feel free to explore samples of previous endeavours right here.
3. Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid internship
Dates: Year-round commitment, including an intensive summer component beginning in June
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Full-time enrollment as a 9th or 10th grader in an SFUSD institution; at least 2.5 GPA, including a C or above in math and science; current work permit; capacity to dedicate 2–3 years
The Careers in Science Intern Program is a long-term, multi-year internship that offers deep engagement with science. Hosted at the California Academy of Sciences, the program provides comprehensive job training and mentorship. You will work alongside scientists and educators, learning about research methods, science communication, and teaching skills. Participants get behind-the-scenes access to the museum's research and exhibits, and they play a direct role in educating the public. This is not just a summer program but a year-round commitment that provides sustained professional development, academic support, and a pathway to STEM careers.
4. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Dates: Spring and fall sessions span 15 weeks, whereas the summer session lasts 10 weeks (June-September)
Application Deadline: Numerous submission dates spread out over the year for the Spring, Summer, and Fall groups
Eligibility: Secondary school learners maintaining solid scholastic records (over 3.67/4.0 GPA) are welcome to apply. The bulk of admitted participants are 10th/11th graders! Merely a handful of options mandate official prerequisites; additional specifics on which are accessible here
Horizon provides trimester-length research initiatives for secondary school learners in fields like data science, machine learning, political theory, and beyond! It's among the rare research opportunities for high schoolers that lets you opt for either quantitative or qualitative approaches. After choosing a specific topic area, Horizon connects you with a university professor or doctoral expert who serves as your guide during the entire research process. In the role of enrollee, you'll need to craft a 20-page academic paper suitable for submission to top-tier journals while still in high school. Additionally, the initiative supplies a recommendation letter to every participant along with in-depth critiques of your work that can inform upcoming endeavours.
5. UCSF Program for Investigation and Training in Careers in Health
Location: UCSF Mission Bay Campus, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: July 7 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Upcoming 10th-11th grade students possessing at least a 2.50 UC/CSU GPA; priority for first-generation and economically challenged learners from collaborating schools
PITCH introduces students to health‑science careers through experiments, site visits, and mentorship. You will investigate public‑health issues affecting your communities, work with UCSF graduate mentors, and receive one‑on‑one advising on college preparation. The program culminates in a health symposium where students present group research projects. Because it’s free and aimed at first‑generation students, PITCH lowers financial barriers to exploring healthcare pathways.
6. CURE Research Internship Program at UCSF
Location: UCSF facilities (Mission Bay, Parnassus Heights, Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, along with various linked locations)
Cost/Stipend: Stipend available
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: Enrolled as an 11th grader presently or as a community college learner at CCSF; 16 years of age or more at the initiative's beginning; at least a 2.5 GPA; finished Biology or Chemistry, achieving a B or above; prepared to dedicate full-time effort (40 hrs/week) across 8 weeks
The CURE Research Internship Program pairs participants with a UCSF professor, postdoctoral researcher, or PhD student whose skills match their focus areas in fundamental, medical, psychological, or community-based sciences. At the start, you’ll cycle through various UCSF laboratories to pick up methods such as tissue culturing, data analysis, and organism studies, before selecting a main advisor informed by those rotations. Operating on a full-time basis, you’ll perform lab tests, support active studies, and dive deep into a life sciences setting. A lot of advisors are from diverse racial backgrounds, and those from marginalised communities can access additional guidance. By summer's close, you’ll showcase your results in Byers Auditorium, honing your oratory and display abilities.
7. Community Youth Center (CYC) College and Career Access Summer Program
Location: Various site visits across San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: $50
Dates: June 6 - July 18
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Upcoming 9th-12th graders of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage enrolled in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD)
For Asian American and Pacific Islander SFUSD learners eager to chart university and professional journeys, the College & Career Access Summer Initiative starts with a kickoff session in June. Via seminars, you’ll discover methods for developing personal essays, aid requests, and award pursuit methods. Every Friday, you’ll head to nearby universities and job spots, with options to roam grounds, join classes, examine facilities, and interact with specialists who may outline their occupational journeys.
8. High School Explainer Program
Location: High School Explainer Program Exploratorium, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Dates: Varies every summer; check the official page close to the application period
Application Deadline: During spring, typically March
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18 with a valid work permit
In the role of High School Explainer, you'll receive more than 60 hours of instruction centred on scientific topics, leading exhibits, preparing for careers, and nurturing youth growth. You'll lead guests around displays, plus get chances to participate in focused internships or learning circles, while teaming up with classmates from varied cultural, economic, and academic origins.
9. Community Youth Center (CYC) Balboa and San Francisco International (SFI) High Summer Programs
Location: Balboa Project varies yearly; SFI Program: SFI High Campus, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: June 10 - July 23
Application Deadline: Dates vary annually
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders
In the Balboa Project, you'll attend in-person sessions each weekday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. over a six-week period. You'll get to select classes from options like Writing, College Readiness & Exploration, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics), Health & Fitness, or Art Making. All activities revolve around practical projects, such as drafting an essay, constructing a prototype, developing software, designing a fitness routine, or producing artwork. SFI High participants join an identical six-week, weekday schedule with the same five-topic choices, tailored just for your school, meaning you'll collaborate on practical projects alongside familiar peers! Conversely, the Balboa Project welcomes any young people (though Balboa students receive preference).
10. Project SEED - American Chemical Society
Location: Various locations across the U.S., including San Francisco
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: 8 - 10 weeks, typically June - August
Application Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: Secondary school 10th, 11th, and 12th graders who have finished at least one chemistry class and whose family earnings fall at or below 300% of the national poverty thresholds
Project SEED is a summer research internship that assigns high schoolers to university or corporate chemistry laboratories, allowing them to create and execute their own chemistry-oriented experiment guided by a scientific advisor. In addition to lab activities, it includes university preparation classes, professional growth seminars, and, when possible, excursions or university visits. By summer's conclusion, you could have the chance to present your discoveries at the American Chemical Society's yearly national meeting, building skills in public speaking and industry networking.
11. California College of the Arts Pre-College Program
Location: California College of the Arts campus
Cost/Stipend: Residential - $8,075; Commuter - $5,615
Dates: July 7– August 1
Application Deadline: February 24
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18
This four-week summer course provides a chance to engage in studio projects with College of the Arts instructors. You'll gain three university credits while developing portfolio items in areas such as graphic design, fashion design, film and photography, 3D fine arts and crafts, UI/UX design, and beyond. Upon completion, you'll possess university-level skills and fresh artistic networks to bolster your future endeavours.
12. San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Summer Programs for High School Students
Location: SSIP CityWorks — internships at SFPUC or partner firms; SF YouthWorks — roles across 30-plus city departments; Project Pull — work with SFPUC and other city–county agencies
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program
Dates: Typically 8 - 10 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: Varies according to program
Eligibility: SSIP CityWorks — Open to rising seniors who live in San Francisco’s District 10 or 11; SF YouthWorks — Designed for SFUSD 11th- and 12th-grade students across the city; Project Pull — Welcomes San Francisco high-school and college participants
SSIP CityWorks, SF YouthWorks, and Project Pull serve as compensated summer internship initiatives that provide San Francisco learners with practical involvement in government and engineering professions. SSIP CityWorks assigns ascending seniors from SF Districts 10 or 11 to the Public Utilities Commission or affiliated companies for contributions to genuine infrastructure efforts, such as CAD drafting and site assessments. SF YouthWorks connects SFUSD juniors and seniors to placements in more than 30 municipal divisions, featuring guidance, training sessions for abilities, and excursions. Project Pull assigns secondary and university students from varied origins to experts in areas like science, engineering, and architecture.
13. Summer@San Francisco Conservatory of Music - Multiple Programs
Location: Bowes Centre, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program
Dates: Varies according to program
Application Deadline: April 1 (Technology & Applied Composition Immersive; Guitar Workshop); April 8 (Vocal Academy); June 1 (Harp Immersive; Introduction to Composition)
Eligibility: Check each program for eligibility
Summer@SFCM provides intensive week-long programs, offered in residential or commuter formats, held at the Bowes Centre. After acceptance, you will perform auditions or present portfolios, followed by individual instruction, ensemble sessions, practice time, and seminars, culminating in a capstone such as a performance, audio track, or original piece. Options feature Technology & Applied Composition (music for movies and video games, audio engineering), Vocal Academy (vocal skills, pronunciation, stage presence), Guitar Workshop (personal coaching, skill-building classes), and Harp Immersive (focused training, group playing, solo showcases). Additionally, there's an Online Introduction to Composition program exploring chords, tunes, and scoring tools. In every area, learners team up with classmates, gain insights from SFCM instructors and industry experts, and produce pieces for their portfolios.
14. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program & Self‑Paced Pathways
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; admissions are competitive
Dates: Round 1: July 7 – July 18; Round 2: July 28 – Aug 8 (live classes meet 2–3 hours per day), plus self‑paced Pathways running June 30 – Aug 8
Application Deadline: Early decision Feb 26; final deadline April 11
Eligibility: Girls and non‑binary students entering grades 9‑11 for SIP; grades 9‑12 for Pathways; U.S. residents; no prior coding experience required
Girls Who Code offers a two‑week Summer Immersion Program (SIP) and a six‑week self‑paced Pathways program. SIP participants learn web development, data science or cybersecurity through live virtual instruction, collaborative projects, and mentoring from industry professionals. You will choose a topic (AI, data science, cybersecurity or web development) and complete modules at your own pace with optional live sessions and office hours. The program is free and aims to increase representation in tech, making it a strong choice for students without access to local computer‑science courses.
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