10 Summer Research Programs for High School Students in San Diego

If you are a high school student in San Diego, a summer research program is a great way to explore your interests and develop new skills. You will get the chance to work in a lab, learn from experts, and connect with like-minded peers. These programs help you deepen your knowledge while building a strong foundational skillset.

San Diego offers various summer research opportunities in science, medicine, engineering, and more. From programs hosted by university-led initiatives to nonprofit fellowships, you can gain experience in data analysis and field research. Local programs can also reduce travel costs, and some provide stipends or financial aid. 

Here are 10 summer research programs for high school students in San Diego that you can check out! 

10 Summer Research Programs for High School Students in San Diego

1. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)

Location: Various Department of Navy labs; NHRC Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, is one of them

Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipends of: $4,000 for first-time, $4,500 for returning

Dates: 8 weeks in summer (with possible 2-week extension)

Application Deadline: August 1 – November 1

Eligibility: U.S. 10th-12th graders (must be 16+ by start date); Some lab exceptions apply

SEAP is an 8-week summer program that places high school students in Department of the Navy labs across the country to work on real research alongside Navy scientists and engineers. Open to students with strong academic records and an interest in STEM, this highly competitive program offers a rare glimpse into the world of Naval research and development. You will be matched to labs based on your interests and application strength, including recommendations and personal statements.

2. Veritas AI – AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase 

Location: Virtual

Cost: Varies according to program; need-based financial aid available

Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year (dates vary)

Application Deadline: Varies by cohort

Eligibility: High school students with prior experience with Python or those who have completed the AI Scholars program

The Veritas AI Fellowship is a 15-week virtual program where high school students dive into independent research at the intersection of artificial intelligence and a field of their choice. As a participant, you will receive 1-on-1 mentorship, collaborate with peers, and work toward producing a research project that is eligible for publication and presentation. The program is designed for students who have either completed the Veritas AI Scholars course or already have a strong foundation in Python and basic AI concepts. Throughout the fellowship, you will build out your ideas with guidance, culminating in a final project that you can showcase. 

3. Scripps Research Translational Institute: Student Research Internship Program

Location: La Jolla, San Diego, CA

Cost/Stipend: None

Dates: June 2 – August 8 | June 16 – August 22

Application Deadline: March 31

Eligibility: Ages 16+, high school or higher education students

This 10-week summer program immerses high school and college students in translational science, with a focus on genomics, mobile health (mHealth), and personalized medicine. As an intern, you will be exposed to clinical trial design, data analysis, and the real-world application of digital health tools. Each student is paired with a mentor based on their interests and can choose between dry lab or limited wet lab positions. If you're fascinated by how data, biology, and tech intersect in medicine and you want to learn from leading scientists, this program offers just the right balance of challenge and mentorship.

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Virtual

Cost: Varies by program; need-based financial aid available

Dates: 12-week to year-long options (dates vary by cohort

Application Deadline: Varies by cohort

Eligibility: High school students with strong academic records

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers ambitious high school students the chance to work closely with Ph.D. mentors on self-directed research projects. Conducted entirely online, this program allows participants to explore a wide range of academic fields—from psychology and economics to computer science, engineering, and international relations. As a participant, you will receive individualized guidance as you research, write, and complete a formal research paper throughout the program. With flexible scheduling and full financial aid available, this is a great option for high-achieving students ready to take on academic work that mirrors a college-level research experience.

5. JCVI Summer Internship Program

Location: Rockville, MD, and La Jolla, CA

Cost/Stipend: Free; $17.50/hour

Dates: Summer (May – August); Part-time academic-year positions also available

Application Deadline: Opens in March 

Eligibility: U.S. students (16+) currently enrolled in high school with a minimum GPA of 3.0 

The JCVI Internship Program offers students hands-on experience in genomic research through structured mentorship and active participation in ongoing scientific projects. As an intern, you will work alongside leading scientists in areas such as synthetic biology, infectious disease, and bioinformatics. In addition to lab work, you will attend seminars, career workshops, and a final poster presentation. This is a competitive, paid opportunity ideal for students exploring careers in STEM 

6. Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program

Location: Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA

Cost/Stipend: None; Stipend offered

Dates: June 16 – August 8

Application Deadline: December 12 – March 28

Eligibility: San Diego County high school students (16+); Should have completed high school biology and chemistry; Minimum GPA of 2.75 (exceptions considered)

The Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program is an 8-week paid internship that includes lab work, seminars, biotech site visits, and workshops, all designed to expose students to real-world science and lab culture. The program places strong emphasis on mentorship, scientific communication, and building foundational lab skills. As an intern, you will wrap up your experience by presenting your research projects at a final symposium. It's a great fit for students who are serious about pursuing STEM in college and want to experience what working at a world-class research institute is actually like.

7. The Scintillon Research Institute: SURE

Location: Scintillon Institute, San Diego, CA

Cost: $2,000 (early); $2,500 (late); Financial aid is available

Dates: July 14 – August 8

Application Deadline: May 1

Eligibility: San Diego County high school students (16+)

The SURE (Summer Undergraduate Research Experience) Program is for high school students in San Diego who are passionate about biomedical research. With a strong focus on nurturing talent from underserved backgrounds, this immersive program introduces you to real lab work, scientific thinking, and future career pathways in science. As a participant, you will be paired with mentors and be expected to follow a specially designed research curriculum and be on-site full-time through the week. Past students have gone on to attend top universities and often credit the program with shaping their academic and career goals. 

8. SDSC Research Experience

Location: UC San Diego, San Diego Supercomputer Center

Cost: $1,500

Dates: June 16 – August 8

Deadline: February 15 – March 15 

Eligibility: High school students (primarily in the San Diego region)

Hosted by the San Diego Supercomputer Center at UCSD, REHS is an intensive 8-week summer internship for high school students interested in computational science and research. As a participant, you will work in small groups on real research projects under the guidance of UCSD scientists and mentors. You will learn how to formulate and test hypotheses, conduct computational experiments, and interpret the results of those experiments. The program also emphasizes practical learning, collaboration, and scientific communication through activities like lab meetings and a final poster presentation. 

9. California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS)

Location: UC San Diego, CA

Cost: $5,256 + $44 application fee (financial aid available)

Dates: July 6 – August 1

Application Deadline: January 8 – February 7

Eligibility: California rising 9th-12th graders; GPA of 3.5 and above

COSMOS at UC San Diego is a 4-week residential program for high school students who show strong interest and ability in STEM. In this program, you will get to dive deep into focused academic clusters like bioengineering, computer science, or marine biology, drawing from UCSD’s strengths as a research university. You will live on campus, work closely with faculty, and experience academics beyond a typical high school curriculum. The program is competitive, but it’s an excellent stepping stone for those seriously considering STEM in college and beyond.

10. UC San Diego Research Scholars: (BRIDGE)

Location: Virtual

Cost: $2,500

Dates: July 7 – 25

Application Deadline: May 28 (tentative)

Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12; GPA of 3.3+

Offered by UCSD’s Division of Extended Studies, the BRIDGE (Business Research for Innovation, Design, Growth, and Entrepreneurship) course gives high school students a hands-on foundation in entrepreneurship and business strategy. Through case studies, simulations, and real-world frameworks, you will learn to develop and pitch innovation-driven business proposals. You'll gain an understanding of key components necessary for running a successful business, including capital acquisition, organizational leadership, and value creation for founders and stakeholders. You will develop analytical, strategic, creative, and critical thinking skills essential for becoming an innovative, opportunity-focused, and entrepreneurial leader.