15 Free Summer Programs for High School Students in California

Looking for a summer in California that’s more than just part-time work or casual activities. Summer programs for high school students can help you turn those months into something more unforgettable. These opportunities let you explore new subjects, build skills, and even connect with mentors who can guide you toward college and career goals. From research and coding to healthcare and leadership, there is a program that matches your interests. The best part is that they’re free – designed to make the learning experiences accessible to everyone.

If you want to check out other summer programs, here’s a list of free leadership programs & here’s a list of some STEM-specific internships!

Why should you do a Summer Program in high school?

By the end of the free summer programs for high school students in California, you will come away with new confidence, friendships, and experiences that stand out on your college applications. If you are ready to make the summer count, here are 15 free summer programs for high school students in California that will help you to invest in your future, and discover your next big passion. 

1. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Virtual
Cost: Fully funded
Dates: Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students

The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation will help high school students take on an independent research project under the guidance of a PhD mentor from a top university. Over twelve weeks, you’ll meet regularly with your mentor to learn research methods, refine your topic, and write a full-length academic paper – just like any college-level scholar. The program includes structured support such as writing sessions and workshops, that walk you through each step of the research process. You’ll have the choice to focus on sciences or dive into the humanities and social sciences, exploring areas such as sociology, philosophy, and public policy. By the end of the program, you’ll have created a substantial piece of original research that demonstrates both critical thinking and academic writing skills.

2. Ladder Internships

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Virtual
Cost: 100% financial aid
Dates: Several cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students

Ladder Internships give high school students an opportunity to work with fast-growing startups and make a real impact. Over the course of eight weeks, you’ll contribute directly to projects and gain first-hand knowledge of how startups function. Depending on the track, you might work as part of a company team or alongside a CEO, seeing how decisions are made in an early-stage business. Each internship involves weekly sessions with the host company, complemented by 5–10 hours of independent work. The program places a strong emphasis on practical experience, so your tasks reflect the real challenges startups face rather than classroom simulations. The program blends academic curiosity and professional work. For those who want to dive deeper, there’s also an option to combine the internship with a mentored research project. By the end of the program, you’ll have tangible experience of working in the startup world and connections that can help you in your career journey. 

3. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 50 students
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $40 application fee (can be waived); $500 minimum stipend, with stipends of $2,500 and more provided on a need-based system
Dates: June 8 – July 30
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (preference is given to Bay Area students) who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program and are U.S. citizens/permanent residents

This summer program gives high school students in California an opportunity to  work directly in a Stanford lab on a medical research project. You’re paired with a mentor, often a faculty member, postdoc, or graduate student, who will guide you through every step of the process – from setting experiments to analyzing data. The program covers eight different areas of research, including cancer biology, immunology, stem cell science, cardiovascular biology, and genetics. If you prefer a more engineering-focused route, you can join a bioengineering bootcamp designed to teach engineering principles in the context of healthcare and medicine. 

4. QCaMP (Quantum, Computing, Mathematics, & Physics)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 15 students
Location: Several locations, including the Bay Area, CA
Stipend: Provided
Dates: June 30 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 21
Eligibility: High school students with an understanding of basic algebra

QCaMP is your chance to explore the mind-bending world of quantum physics concepts and its applications in computing. Instead of just reading about theory, you actually build circuits and run them on a real-world quantum computer. The camp starts with the basics: algebra, computing fundamentals, and core physics ideas, before showing how quantum mechanics changes traditional rules of physics. Through this program, you’ll gain both a foundation in mathematics, physics and computer science, and first-hand experience in a rapidly growing field. 

5. Meta Summer Academy

Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Location: Meta Headquarters, Menlo Park, CA
Stipend: Provided
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school sophomores with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA who live in East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City

Meta Summer Academy is a six-week summer program for high school students in California who want to see what it is really like to work in one of the world’s leading tech companies. Coding is a key focus of the experience, but you’ll also take on financial literacy workshops, art and media projects, and reflection-based activities that help you connect what you learn with your future goals. You’ll meet employees and executives who share their career experiences, giving you insights into different pathways in technology and related fields. You’ll leave this free summer program for high school students in California with experience working in a real-world tech environment and skills that will take you places in your career journey.

6. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program

Acceptance rate/cohort size: 24 students
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 23 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 17
Eligibility: First-generation and low-income high school juniors in Northern California

This free summer program for high school students in California centers on medicine, health equity, and public health research. The program blends hands-on hospital experience with research and professional development, all while working with doctors, mentors and researchers at Stanford University. You’ll rotate through Stanford Hospital, where you’ll observe patient interactions, shadow medical staff, and participate in laboratory activities. Alongside this, you collaborate with other students on a group research project that addresses community health challenges such as inequities in care or barriers to access. To round off your experience, you’ll attend faculty lectures and workshops to gain insights into public health and medicine, while receiving mentorship from health professionals and Stanford students who will guide your learning and support your career growth. 

7. Bruin Ascent Summer Experience (BASE)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: California 10th or 11th graders with a minimum unweighted 3.5 cumulative GPA and a household income equal to or lower than your category in the Family Income Eligibility Tables

BASE is an online program from UCLA allows high school students to take college-level summer courses and earn academic credit. Alongside your course, you’ll participate in career guidance workshops that explain the college admissions process and help you plan your academic path. You’ll also meet one-on-one with a UCLA student mentor who provides guidance on managing coursework and navigating college life. The program goes beyond academics – you’ll take part in workshops on study strategies, financial wellness, and presentation skills. Moreover, it’s an occasion to connect with other students through study groups that make learning collaborative and fun. 

8. Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement

Acceptance rate/cohort size: 26 students
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 16 – July 3
Application Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: Students who live and attend high school in Los Angeles County

If you’re curious about media, journalism, and civic engagement, this three-week summer program for high school students in California is your chance to explore how communication shapes the world around you. Hosted by USC, the program gives you a college level experience, working directly with USC faculty on subjects such as writing, multimedia production, public speaking, and debate. You’ll hear from professional journalists and scholars, who will provide insights into careers in the field and introduce you to different approaches to storytelling. You’ll also take part in group discussions and interviews to help you sharpen your critical thinking and communication skills. 

9. Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy

Acceptance rate/cohort size: <10%
Location: City of Hope, Duarte, CA
Stipend: $4,500
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 12
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 by the start of the program, have completed high school courses in chemistry and biology, and are U.S. citizens/permanent residents

At the Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy, you'll step into a real biomedical lab and take charge of your own research project in an area that interests you the most. Rather than following a fixed curriculum, you’ll carry out experiments alongside scientists, graduate students, and postdocs, and learn how discoveries actually take place. The program emphasizes independence while still pairing you with mentors who will guide your technical work and critical thinking process. Weekly seminars and workshops give you the necessary practice in explaining your findings, creating posters, and writing reports. You’ll also learn how professional scientists share their results at conferences and publish in academic journals.

10. Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program

Acceptance rate/cohort size: 100–180 students
Location: Facilities in Los Angeles, Torrance, Sylmar, Santa Monica, and Tarzana
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: 1-, 2-, and 4-week programs across July and August
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: 11th and 12th-grade students. Each facility may have specific requirements

This summer program for high school students in California introduces you to the wide range of careers in pediatric medicine. Each day features talks and interactive sessions led by professionals such as general pediatricians, surgeons, dietitians, radiologists, and therapists. You’ll learn what a typical day looks like in these roles, explore the  different skills each specialty requires, and  see how many types of professionals work together in the health system to care for young patients. Sessions are held virtually or in-person, depending on the facility, and include time for Q&A with the presenters. 

11. Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program

Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Location: Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA
Stipend: Provided
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: Students who live and attend school in San Diego County and are at least 16 years old

If you’re interested in cutting-edge biology, the Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program offers eight weeks of hands-on lab work at the world-famous Salk Institute. You’ll design and conduct your own research project under the guidance of a scientist mentor. Beyond the lab, you’ll take part in seminars, biotech site visits, and workshops that cover topics such as data analysis, wet lab methods, and science communication. Networking is a major part of the experience – you’ll connect with researchers and other students during enrichment activities that show you what it's really like to be a part of a scientific community. This free summer program for high school students in California ends with a research symposium, where you present your project to other students, mentors, and family – just like a real scientist.

12. Camp CHLA

Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25–30 students
Location: 4650 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Session 1: June 16 – 20; Session 2: July 28 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who live in Los Angeles County

Camp CHLA is a  five-day summer program that lets high school students step into the world of healthcare and see what it's like to work in a hospital. schedule. Throughout the program, you’ll hear directly from professionals such as nurses, doctors, and therapists about their daily work and career paths. Hands-on sessions teach you practical skills, including CPR, first aid, and health promotion techniques. You’ll also participate in group activities with other students interested in health sciences, creating a collaborative learning environment. By the end of the program, you’ll have a first-hand look at hospital life and a clearer sense of whether a career in medicine and allied health may be right for you. 

13. Bank of America Student Leaders

Acceptance rate/cohort size: 4–8%
Location: Several locations nationwide; the final summit is in Washington, D.C.
Stipend: $10–20/hour
Dates: Dates vary by market, but the program typically starts soon after the end of the school year
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors with good academic standing who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. 

The Student Leaders program is an eight-week paid internship that gives high school students an opportunity to make a real difference in their communities. You’ll work with a local nonprofit, contributing to community-based projects that address social challenges such as education and public health. Along the way, you’ll gain practical job experience, take part in leadership training and skill development workshops. The program focuses on civic engagement, showing you how nonprofits, businesses, and governments work together to make a positive change. One of the highlights of the program is the National Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you’ll meet other students from across the country and learn how leadership plays out on a larger scale. You’ll leave the program with concrete work experience, deeper understanding of civic leadership, and insight into the nonprofit sector.

14. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 20 students/class
Location: Virtual
Stipend: $300 needs-based grant for eligible students
Dates: 2 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: 9th to 11th grade students 

This program introduces you to the world of computer science through a mix of coding lessons, real-world projects, and mentorship from professionals in tech. You’ll start by learning programming fundamentals and then apply your skills to create websites, games, and other digital tools. What makes the program special is its focus on representation and diversity in technology, so you’ll get to hear from women and nonbinary professionals about their success stories and discover there is no single path to success in tech. 

15. Pomona College Academy for Youth Success (PAYS)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 90 students
Location: Pomona College, Claremont, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 22 – July 18
Application Deadline: February 24
Eligibility: 9th graders who live in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, or Ventura County

Pomona College Academy for Youth Success (PAYS) is a free summer program for high school students in California that combines academic preparation with college readiness and cultural enrichment. During the summer, you’ll  take courses in subjects such as math, science, and writing, taught by Pomona college faculty. In addition to the coursework, you’ll participate in workshops that focus on standardized test preparation, college applications, and financial planning. Group discussions and community-based projects encourage you to connect academics with broader social issues. You’ll also receive mentorship from Pomona College students, who will share insights about college life and help you transition to higher education. 

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