15 Summer Research Programs for High School Students in California
Summer research programs for high school students in California offer an excellent chance to explore academic and professional fields. These programs typically link you with top researchers, labs, and institutions, allowing you to learn problem-solving and data analysis. Many are hosted by top universities or research centers and offer access to facilities and mentorship typically reserved for older students.
This list highlights 15 summer research programs for high school students in California!
15 Summer Research Programs for High School Students in California
1. 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 (EinR) is a paid, six-week internship at Berkeley Lab that allows you to explore careers in STEM and related fields through project-based learning. You will join a team that matches your interests, such as experimental science, data analytics, coding, communications, or administrative roles within science organizations. You’ll work on real problems under the guidance of lab staff while also developing professional skills like science writing, teamwork, and project planning. Projects range from practical research and data-intensive tasks to communication activities that promote scientific outreach. In addition to technical experience, the program encourages peer learning and connections with STEM professionals.
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: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
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.
If you're interested in artificial intelligence and want to explore it through a comprehensive research experience, Veritas AI offers two virtual programs to consider. The AI Scholars program introduces foundational topics like machine learning, neural networks, and data science, combining live instruction with guided projects. For those ready for a more advanced challenge, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase allows you to pursue an independent project with support from a mentor affiliated with a top university. Over the course of the program, you'll gain experience in research design, problem-solving, and possibly publishing your work or presenting it at a showcase. Both programs provide exposure to real-world applications of AI, especially in fields like healthcare, finance, or sustainability. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. 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 is a paid internship option focused on biomedical research. You'll be paired with a UCSF scientist who mentors you through the process of conducting original lab research on topics such as neuroscience, immunology, cancer biology, or infectious disease. Throughout the summer, you’ll learn to plan and conduct experiments, analyze data, and present your results to a wider audience. The program also offers college readiness support such as writing workshops, financial aid information, and one-on-one counseling. You'll join a small group of students, collaborating with peers and professionals to develop both scientific and communication skills.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program type
Dates: Multiple cohorts in spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on 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 12-week online opportunity where you’ll work directly with a Ph.D. researcher on an independent academic project in the field of your choice. After selecting a subject–from biology and psychology to economics or political science–you’ll develop a research question, complete a literature review, analyze data, and produce a full-length academic paper. Your mentor will guide you through each stage, helping you build key research and writing skills while also offering feedback to strengthen your work. Many students use their final papers to apply to research journals or submit with college applications. Sessions are scheduled one-on-one, allowing you to work at your own pace while meeting clear deadlines.
5. J.Craig Venter Institute’s (JCVI) High School Internship
Location: J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA
Cost: Free; $17/hour
Dates: May - August; 10-15 week opportunities are offered throughout the year
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and above
JCVI in California runs a competitive summer internship for high school students who want practical experience in biological research. During the program, you’ll be assigned to a mentor and take part in real research projects involving genomics, bioinformatics, or synthetic biology, depending on your lab placement. Interns attend seminars, journal clubs, and workshops to expand their scientific knowledge and build professional skills. You’ll also prepare and present a research poster, judged by JCVI scientists, as part of your final assessment. The internship offers opportunities to interact with leading researchers and become familiar with state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and methods.
6. UCSF Summer Student Research Program
Location: San Francisco and Oakland
Cost: None; $3,000 - $4,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approx. 35-40 students per year
Dates: February 14
Application deadline: June 2 – August 1
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors from underrepresented backgrounds in science who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, have completed at least one year of math and biology, and will be at least 16 by June 1
At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, the Summer Student Research Program gives you the chance to spend nine weeks immersed in a clinical or laboratory research environment. You'll work one-on-one with a mentor and take part in a holistic curriculum that includes seminars from UCSF researchers, journal discussions, and science communication training. By the end of summer, you'll need to submit a complete research proposal, an abstract, and a final presentation, which can be in the form of a talk or a poster. Weekly meetings, workshops, and social activities foster a sense of community among participants. Research projects are diverse, influenced by your mentor’s field, and may concentrate on clinical practice or laboratory science.
7. Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program at the Salk Institute
Location: Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA
Cost: Free; $17/hour
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
At the Salk Institute’s Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program in San Diego, you’ll spend eight weeks working one-on-one with a scientist mentor on a research project tied to ongoing biomedical work. This paid internship includes daily lab experience, where you'll develop skills in techniques like bioinformatics, data analysis, and molecular biology, depending on your assigned lab. Beyond the lab, you'll participate in weekly seminars and workshops that cover experimental design, science communication, and insights into careers in science. The program also includes visits to local biotech companies, offering a glimpse into how research translates to industry applications. As the program ends, you'll present your work in either a poster session or an oral talk at the Summer Scholars Research Symposium.
8. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: No cost; a stipend of at least $500 offered
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 and attend high school in the U.S. and be U.S. citizens/permanent residents with a green card.
SIMR is an eight-week summer research opportunity where you can work alongside scientists at Stanford University on medically focused research projects. As a participant, you'll be matched with a mentor and placed in one of several research areas, including immunology, cancer biology, neurobiology, stem cell science, or bioinformatics. You'll participate in practical lab work while honing essential research skills like data analysis, experimental design, and scientific communication. Besides research tasks, the program offers seminars and group activities that demonstrate how biomedical research affects real-world healthcare. Your institute placement is based on your preferences and application, with full-time participation during the summer.
9. Scripps Student Research Internships
Location: Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla, CA
Cost: None; students may receive a stipend
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
At the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, you can explore how science moves from the lab to real-world healthcare through a 10-week summer internship. This program is especially suited for those interested in biology, computer science, or statistics who want to learn how research connects with personalized medicine and mobile health (mHealth) technologies. You’ll be paired with a mentor based on your interests and get to work on projects that may involve analyzing genetic data, evaluating mobile monitoring devices, or examining clinical trial design. In addition to practical experience, you'll participate in seminars and workshops on genomics, data analysis, and wearable technology in healthcare.
10. Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 5%-8% acceptance rate
Dates: June 16 – August 7
Application deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ from Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz counties; minimum 3.0 GPA; prior coursework in biology, chemistry, or programming required
If you’re a San Francisco Bay Area high school student interested in genetics and data science, the GRIPS program at Stanford offers a structured research experience in computational genomics. Over the course of eight weeks, you’ll be placed in a lab and spend about four hours each weekday analyzing genomic data and learning programming tools used in biological research. You will be paired with a mentor, meet regularly for guidance, and participate in weekly sessions that feature career panels, research pathway seminars, and community-building activities with fellow interns. Although the research aspect is demanding, engaging in group discussions and activities is also mandatory.
11. 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 at UC San Diego’s Moores Cancer Center, the OPTIMUS Outreach Program is an eight-week summer research internship focused on cancer science and health equity. You’ll join a small cohort of high school students who work with researchers in lab settings while also shadowing medical professionals in clinical environments. The program is led by both graduate and medical students and features sessions on cancer biology, health disparities, and translating research into patient care. Participants engage in group discussions, mentorship activities, and may also contribute to community education projects aimed at younger students. The program combines research duties and clinical observations with a comprehensive curriculum.
12. Bay Area Youth Science (BAYS) Program at UCSF
Location: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA
Cost: No cost; $5,000 stipend
Dates: June 17 – August 9
Application deadline: March 31
Eligibility: KIPP-SFCP students who are rising juniors and seniors, and are at least 16 years old
The BAYS Program at UCSF offers a paid summer internship for rising high school juniors and seniors who wish to gain laboratory experience while exploring diverse areas of biomedical research. After an introductory phase featuring virtual talks and scientist panels, you'll conduct research in UCSF labs under the supervision of graduate students and postdocs. Projects span fields like cancer biology, infectious disease, protein biophysics, and drug discovery. On Fridays, interns participate in courses that focus on lab skills, college readiness, and life skills, including financial planning and career exploration. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research at a public symposium attended by UCSF staff and external partners. Following the internship, there's continued support during the academic year through virtual college application guidance.
13. BrainSPORT Summer High School Research Internship at UCLA
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application deadline: April
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors intending to mentor interns in the next year
If you're interested in the intersection of sports, neuroscience, and clinical research, the BrainSPORT Summer Internship at UCLA offers practical experience with ongoing studies in pediatric brain injuries. Over the course of the program, you'll assist researchers, clinicians, and medical students with projects related to concussions, including a major study called CARE4Kids that investigates long-term symptoms following head trauma. Your tasks may involve recruiting participants, collecting and entering data, and observing various testing procedures, such as neuroimaging or cognitive assessments. Weekly lab meetings provide context for how clinical research teams operate and allow you to engage in discussions about study design and outcomes. The program concludes with a final presentation where you share a project based on your work or interests within the field.
14. Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP)
Location: Fremont, CA
Cost: $0 – $1,070 (For students who meet financial need eligibility criteria, there is no cost to attending ASDRP)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: June 1 – August 24
Application deadline: April 15
Eligibility: High school students in 9th-12th grade; No prior research experience required
The Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP) offers high school students in the Bay Area the chance to undertake original scientific research with guidance from experienced mentors. This summer initiative covers various STEM fields, including chemistry, biology, physics, computer science, and engineering, focusing on students developing their own projects instead of following pre-set lab experiments and exercises. You'll be matched with a research mentor who helps you design and carry out a project that aims to answer a novel scientific question. Research takes place in ASDRP’s lab, and students are expected to write research papers, participate in mock peer review, and present their findings at a formal poster symposium. Some students also go on to publish their work or present it at external conferences.
15. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $840 + $40 application fee (financial aid is available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25 students
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and will be 14 years or older by the program's start
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program designed to introduce you to the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare, particularly in medical imaging. Through daily lectures and group projects, you'll explore technical topics like machine learning, data analysis, and image recognition while applying them to real medical problems. The curriculum includes mentorship sessions, collaborative work with Stanford student leads, and virtual talks from professionals in research, medicine, policy, and industry. You'll get the chance to work on a research project alongside peers, with time set aside for career exploration and Q&A sessions that highlight different pathways in the growing field of medical technology. While the main program runs for two weeks, there may be an option to continue independently on a longer research project.