15 Best Summer Internships for High School Students in California
Doing an internship as a high school student is a solid way to strengthen your profile, enhance your resume, and gain practical experience in a field that interests you. Internships don’t just help you build professional skills; they also show colleges and future employers that you’re proactive, motivated, and willing to challenge yourself. By exploring internships in high school, you can explore potential career paths, connect with industry professionals, and decide which fields are the best fit for you.
From biotech hubs in San Diego and innovative startups in the Bay Area to political offices in Sacramento and global NGOs with virtual programs accessible anywhere, there are numerous ways to get involved with professional experiences in a subject of your choice.
In this blog, we’ve covered 15 of the best summer internships for high school students in California.
1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A $500 minimum stipend is offered; and an additional $1,500 (or more) for students from underrepresented backgrounds
Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors aged 16+ who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
SIMR is one of the top medical research internships for high school students in the Bay Area, and across the country, placing participants in Stanford labs for eight weeks. You’ll work on research in areas such as immunology, cancer biology, neurobiology, and bioengineering under the mentorship of Stanford faculty. The program includes daily scientific lectures and professional workshops that help you build lab and communication skills, concluding with a poster presentation where you will showcase your research. SIMR emphasizes access by offering larger stipends to students from underrepresented backgrounds, helping ensure that motivated students from all communities can participate.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies with the program type
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (8–12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students; requires a 10–20 hour/week commitment
Ladder Internships connects ambitious students to high-growth startups and nonprofits in fields such as health tech, AI/ML, journalism, and consulting. You’ll work on current projects under the guidance of both your startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach, gaining experience in industry-standard workflows. Throughout the program, you’ll participate in one-on-one sessions to strengthen your communication, time management, and leadership skills, in addition to group learning workshops. Some of the participating startups are founded by alumni of Y Combinator, Google, and Microsoft, giving you a chance to build a strong professional network. The internship concludes with a formal presentation to company leadership.
3. Scripps Research Institute: Student Research Internship Program
Location: Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California (specific lab locations may vary)
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 2 – August 8 or June 16 – August 22
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older
This 10-week summer program immerses high school students in research at the intersection of translational science and personalized healthcare. You’ll work under the guidance of a research mentor on projects that may span genomics, proteomics, mobile health, and data-driven clinical studies. Beyond lab work, you’ll learn about study design, data analysis, and how clinical trials operate. The program also encourages collaboration, giving you the chance to connect with researchers from diverse disciplines.
4. USC Center for the Political Future – High School Internship Program
Location: Los Angeles, California
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 1 – August 1
Application Deadline: Typically late May
Eligibility: High school students (graduating seniors not eligible) with a minimum 3.0 GPA
This high school internship allows students to explore political research and policy analysis. Over two months, you’ll complete rigorous assignments analyzing the Center’s annual ‘Climate Forward Conference,’ developing detailed written evaluations of major discussions. This internship mirrors the structure of a college research placement, sharpening your analytical and communication skills through structured projects and deadlines. It’s a good opportunity for students interested in politics, climate policy, and public affairs. Participants gain experience in political research that can be relevant for their studies in governance, policy, or environmental leadership.
5. SLAC Summer Internship Program
Location: SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Dates: Up to 12 weeks between May and September
Application Deadline: Rolling, varies based on department needs
Eligibility: Open to high school students 18 and older, undergraduates, and graduate students authorized to work in the U.S.; all interns must pass a background check
The SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory offers summer internships that place students at one of the country’s top research centers. You’ll contribute to projects that align with department needs, ranging from entry-level administrative support to technical tasks in advanced physics and engineering fields. You will work on computer science, data analysis, accelerator physics, materials science, or even science communication and business operations. SLAC also encourages high school students to volunteer at programs like the Regional Science Bowl and SAGE Camp to enhance their exposure to research. With a wide range of topics such as laser physics and structural biology, this internship provides a chance to see how large-scale scientific projects operate, making it an option worth considering for students interested in STEM research or high-tech applications.
6. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $850 program fee + $40 application fee (financial aid available)
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: California high school students aged 14+; undergraduates with computer science experience may apply as student leads
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship introduces high school students to the intersection of artificial intelligence and medicine through a focused two-week virtual program. Participants engage in guided research projects and attend expert-led lectures on topics such as AI in medical diagnostics, imaging, and healthcare systems innovation. The program also features “Lunch and Learn” sessions with professionals from the government, academia, and nonprofits, providing broad perspectives on how AI and machine learning can be applied in healthcare. An optional extended independent research track lets you continue exploring your project beyond the formal program dates.
7. Bay Area Youth Science (BAYS) Program – UCSF
Location: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students receive a $5,000 stipend
Dates: June 17 – August 9
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors at KIPP San Francisco College Preparatory, aged 16 or older, who have completed the spring lecture series
The BAYS Program at UCSF provides an eight-week STEM research experience for KIPP-SFCP high school students. You will work in UCSF labs on research projects in cancer biology, drug discovery, infectious diseases, and more, under the mentorship of experts and top scientists. Weekly programming will cover lab techniques, college preparation, and professional skills, while Fridays feature specialized workshops and seminars. The program will conclude with a formal research presentation to the UCSF scientific community. Apart from the stipend, this program offers continued support on college applications.
8. OPTIMUS Outreach Program
Location: Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, California
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend provided
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–11 who reside in San Diego and attend select partner schools
This program, for students from underrepresented and minority backgrounds, offers exposure to cancer research and clinical settings. You’ll work in research labs studying cancer biology, shadow physicians in clinical settings, and receive hands-on training in procedures like suturing under the guidance of surgery residents. The program also pairs you with mentors from the UC San Diego School of Medicine, helping you explore both patient care and careers in academic medicine. With a stipend to support you, OPTIMUS provides a blend of research, clinical learning, and professional mentorship, making it a solid option for aspiring physicians and biomedical researchers in the Bay Area.
9. Stanford STaRS Internship Program
Location: Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California
Cost/Stipend: Applicants may apply for stipend support
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application Deadline: Typically in November
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older by June
The Stanford Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Internship is a prestigious summer program designed for students interested in biotechnology, surgical innovation, and biomedical engineering. Under the mentorship of Stanford surgeons and researchers, you’ll explore areas like tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and medical device development. The program combines lab work, seminars, and collaborative research, offering an opportunity to study how technology advances patient care. With only around 20 students accepted, the program ensures dedicated mentorship and exposure to medical research.
10. California Innocence Project (CIP) Internships
Location: California Western School of Law, San Diego, California
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Spring, Summer, and Fall sessions
Application Deadlines: March 1- Summer, July 1- Fall, November 1- Spring
Eligibility: Open to high school, college, law, and post-bar students
CIP offers high school students the chance to engage directly with criminal justice reform and post-conviction legal work. As an intern, you’ll assist with case research, prepare files, and support communication with clients and experts in efforts to overturn wrongful convictions. The program includes comprehensive training on the legal and factual components of innocence claims before you begin dedicating 15–35 hours per week to active casework. Working alongside attorneys and case managers, you’ll gain insight into how flaws in the justice system are identified and addressed. This internship is great for students interested in law, civil rights, or public policy and eager to explore how legal systems can be challenged and improved from within.
11. Genomics Research Internship Program for High School Students (GRIPS)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, California
Cost/Stipend: None; need-based scholarships available
Dates: June 16 – August 7
Application Deadline: December – February 28
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ from Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz counties, with a minimum 3.0 GPA and prior coursework in biology, chemistry, or programming
The GRIPS program at Stanford offers high school students from the Bay Area a eight-week deep dive into genomic science. You’ll work in Stanford labs under faculty mentorship, assisting with experiments and contributing to research projects in molecular biology and computational genetics. The program also includes weekly seminars, cohort discussions, and panels exploring the evolving field of genomics. Designed especially for students from under-resourced schools, GRIPS emphasizes mentorship and skill-building, ensuring participants gain exposure to top research environments and can explore career options in biomedical science.
12. Meta Summer Academy
Location: Menlo Park, California
Stipend: Students will receive a stipend
Dates: June 17 - July 26, for 30 hours per week
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores who are full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, or Redwood City are encouraged to apply
The Meta Summer Academy is a selective, paid six-week opportunity for high school students. During this program, you will get to observe the day-to-day operations at the Meta headquarters, one of the world’s leading tech companies and social media platforms. You will work the Meta employees, learn coding, and strengthen your tech and business administration skills. Each student is paired with a Meta employee mentor and participates in workshops that build technical, communication, and professional skills. The program includes transportation support, making it accessible to local students, and accepts only about 150 participants, making it both competitive and prestigious.
13. Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, California
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A $3,000 stipend is offered to students demonstrating financial need
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application Deadline: Typically early spring
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from select Northern California counties with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0; priority for students with limited research backgrounds
The PIPS program at Stanford provides a six-week immersive research experience for high school students interested in pediatrics, child health, and disease biology. You will work roughly 30 hours a week in Stanford labs under the mentorship of experienced researchers, gaining exposure to biomedical techniques and the scientific method. The program also includes seminars and workshops on professional development and science communication, helping students learn how to present their work. Designed to promote equity in medical and research fields, PIPS offers a $3,000 stipend for students who demonstrate financial need and places a strong emphasis on supporting those with little prior lab experience.
14. SFUSD Industry Summer Internships
Location: San Francisco area, California
Cost/Stipend: No cost; paid internship (stipend amount varies by placement)
Dates: Typically 6 weeks; exact dates vary by internship
Application Deadline: Details for summer applications open February 1
Eligibility: Open to current high school sophomores and juniors, with priority given to juniors
The San Francisco Unified School District’s Industry Summer Internships program offers high school students the chance to explore a wide range of careers through paid, hands-on experiences. You’ll work under the guidance of industry mentors in sectors such as animation, automotive technology, computer science, culinary arts, hospitality, and urban agriculture. The program includes weekly seminars led by SFUSD supervisors that will help you build essential professional skills and prepare you for future career pathways. With placements across diverse industries, this program gives you a direct look at workplace expectations and helps expand your network.
15. San Francisco SSIP CityWorks Internship
Location: San Francisco, California
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend provided
Dates: 20 hours per week from June to early August
Application Deadline: Typically mid-March
Eligibility: Must be a rising high school senior or college student residing in District 10 or District 11 of San Francisco
The SSIP CityWorks Internship is a targeted summer program for students from San Francisco’s southeast neighborhoods, offering hands-on experience in engineering and urban planning. You will be placed with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) or private firms working on the Sewer System Improvement Program, where you will collaborate with engineers on infrastructure projects that impact local communities. The program also features professional meetings and field trips that deepen understanding of how city systems operate. With direct mentorship and practical exposure to engineering careers, CityWorks helps students build essential skills and networks that support future opportunities in urban development and public works.
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