12 Biology Internships for High School Students in San Diego, California
If you are a high school student interested in pursuing biology in college, participating in high school internships in San Diego can be highly advantageous. They offer a valuable opportunity to explore real-world applications of classroom concepts, establish professional connections, and develop essential academic and technical skills. Several colleges, research centers, and organizations offer high school internships in San Diego that will help you develop a deeper understanding of biology, whether you’re focusing on genetics, environmental science, biochemistry, or healthcare. You’ll also get to collaborate with professionals and peers who share your interests.
In this blog, we’ve put together a list of high school internships in San Diego that you can check out! We've curated this list based on the robustness of the biology components, opportunities for mentorship, and overall learning value. Some are competitive, some are open-enrollment, and others are even virtual, so there’s something for everyone.
1. UC San Diego – The Bioengineering Broad Overview and Techniques (BE-BOAT)
Location: UC San Diego (Options for online or in-person formats)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple sessions available
Application Deadline: Varies by course; Typically in early spring
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18
Cost: $1,300 onwards; Specific costs vary by course
The BE-BOAT program, part of UC San Diego's Research Scholars initiative, offers high school students an introduction to bioengineering through a combination of theoretical instruction and practical application. You’ll engage in courses, such as Mammalian Cell & Tissue Culture and Biomechanics & Mechanobiology, utilizing custom lab kits to perform experiments and analyze results. The program emphasizes foundational techniques in bioengineering, preparing you for advanced research opportunities. Students who complete BE-BOAT may progress to subsequent programs like the Bioengineering Research Orientation Workshop (BE-ROW) and the Bioengineering Scholar High School Internship Project (BE-SHIP).
2. Veritas AI: AI Deep Dive: AI + Medicine
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies, based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students with experience in coding or those who have completed the Veritas AI Scholars program
Cost: $2,290; Need-based financial aid available
The Veritas AI Deep Dive: AI + Medicine is a 10-week online program tailored for high school students interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare. The curriculum encompasses theoretical lectures and practical coding sessions, covering topics such as neural networks, convolutional neural networks (CNNs), and medical data analysis. You engage in hands-on projects, including image classification and segmentation tasks, utilizing tools like TensorFlow and Keras.
The program also addresses ethical considerations in clinical AI applications. You will collaborate in small groups, culminating in a final presentation of your projects. Completion of the program may make you eligible for 3 post-baccalaureate credits through UC San Diego Extended Studies.
3. Scripps Research High School Internship Program
Location: Scripps Research, La Jolla
Acceptance Rate: Selective; limited to students from six REACH partner schools
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 4
Eligibility: San Diego high school students; At least 16 years old; Minimum grade point average of 3.0; Should have completed at least 1 year each of high school-level chemistry and biology
Stipend: $4,830
Scripps Research’s High School Student Research Education Program offers a seven-week immersive experience in biomedical research for students from select San Diego County high schools. As a participant, you will begin with a three-day pre-internship "boot camp" focusing on laboratory safety and foundational research techniques. Following this, you will be matched with faculty-led research laboratories where you will engage in full-time, hands-on research projects. You’ll be paired with a graduate student mentor who will provide guidance on laboratory work, the college application process, and career exploration. The program emphasizes the development of practical skills in molecular biology, chemistry, and neuroscience, aiming to inspire students to pursue careers in the biological and chemical sciences.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring sessions
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students who can commit to 5-15 hours per week for 8-16 weeks
Cost: Program fees start at $2,490; Need-based financial aid is available
Ladder Internships offers a virtual internship program for high school students, providing opportunities to work with startups in various fields, including biology, biotechnology, and health technology. You’ll get a chance to engage in real-world projects, such as data analysis, market research, and product development, gaining practical experience in the biomedical and life sciences sectors. The program emphasizes mentorship, with interns receiving guidance from startup founders and industry professionals. Through this experience, you develop skills in research, communication, and problem-solving, preparing you for future academic and career pursuits in biology and related fields.
5. Life Science Innov8ED Biocom California
Location: San Diego County; primarily in-person with some virtual components
Cohort Size: Approximately 200-300 high school interns participate each school year
Dates: Varies throughout the academic year; Specific dates depend on school district schedules
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; Coordinated through participating schools
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in participating Title 1 schools within San Diego County
Cost/Stipend: Not mentioned
Life Science Innov8Ed, an initiative by Generation STEAM under Biocom California, offers a multifaceted program aimed at providing hands-on science education and career preparation to underserved and Title 1 schools across San Diego County. The program delivers hands-on science labs and lessons, impacting over 10,000 students annually.
As a student participant, you will engage in activities like enzyme experiments, ocean acidification studies, bacterial transformation, and protein purification. Additionally, the program facilitates connections to local life science professionals through career panels, company tours, and celebration events. A notable component is the in-class biomanufacturing internships, where 200–300 high school interns gain practical experience each school year.
6. Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program – Salk Institute
Location: Salk Institute, La Jolla
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; approximately 12 students selected from around 250 applicants
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: San Diego County high school students who have completed at least a year of chemistry and biology; At least 16 by program start; Minimum GPA of 2.75; More details here
Stipend: Paid internship; Stipend amount not specified
The Heithoff-Brody High School Summer Scholars Program offers eight-week paid high school internships in San Diego that are hosted by the Salk Institute in La Jolla, CA. The program offers you hands-on experience in scientific research under the mentorship of Salk scientists. You’ll engage in laboratory work, participate in seminars and workshops, and attend biotechnology site visits. The program emphasizes the development of STEM skills, including wet lab techniques, bioinformatics, data analysis, and science communication. At the end of the internship, you will present your research projects at the Summer Scholars Research Symposium.
7. SURE Summer Internship Program – Scintillon Institute
Location: Scintillon Institute, San Diego
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: July 14 – August 8
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students from San Diego County
Cost: $2,000 if application is received by May 1; $2,500 for late applications; Financial aid available
The SURE (Summer Research) Program at the Scintillon Institute offers four-week intensive research high school internships in San Diego for students interested in biomedical research. The program aims to introduce both top-performing and underserved students to basic scientific research, fostering interest and preparing them for college and future careers in biomedical research.
As a participant, you will be paired with Scintillon faculty mentors who will guide you through a specially tailored curriculum that balances your time constraints with the commitment required by basic research. The curriculum includes hands-on laboratory work, exposure to advanced scientific techniques, and participation in seminars and workshops. The program is led by Dr. Brian Lawson, a core faculty member at Scintillon's Center for Aging Research.
8. Summer Springboard – Biotechnology at UC San Diego
Location: UC San Diego
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates:
Session 1: June 29 – July 11
Session 2: July 13 – July 25
Session 3: July 27 – August 8
Application Deadline:
1st Wave: February 23
2nd Wave: April 20
Final Deadline: May 16
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.0 GPA; International students must demonstrate English proficiency
Cost/Stipend:
Residential Tuition: $5,698
Commuter Tuition: $3,298
Required Course Supplement: $250
The Summer Springboard Biotechnology Program at UC San Diego offers high school students a two-week immersive experience in biotechnology. As a participant, you will engage in hands-on laboratory work, collaborating with scientists to explore the process of drug discovery—from molecule design and compound creation to in vitro biological activity.
The curriculum includes protein isolation techniques and testing biological reactions, providing practical exposure to advanced research methodologies. You also get opportunities to visit local biotech incubators and interact with professionals in the field, enhancing your understanding of real-world applications in biotechnology. The program is led by experienced instructors, such as Dr. Vicki Nienaber-Meadows, who brings over 30 years of industry experience.
Location: UC San Diego
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; cohort sizes vary by cluster and campus
Dates: July 6 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 8 – February 7
Eligibility: High school students who have completed grades 9-12 by the start of the program; Applicants should demonstrate academic excellence and a strong interest in STEM fields
Cost: California residents: $4,128; Out-of-state students: $6,500; Financial aid is available for eligible California residents
The California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) at UC San Diego is a four-week residential summer program designed for high school students in San Diego with a strong interest in STEM fields. The program involves intensive coursework and hands-on research projects within specialized subject areas known as "clusters." Each cluster combines lectures, labs, and group projects, allowing you to delve deeply into topics like tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, climate change, and machine learning.
You will work closely with UC San Diego faculty, researchers, and graduate students, gaining exposure to advanced scientific concepts and methodologies. The program fosters a collaborative learning environment, encouraging peer interaction and mentorship. At the end of the program, you will present your research findings to peers and instructors, demonstrating your acquired knowledge and skills.
10. Rady Children’s Medical Academy: Summer Medical Academy (SMA)
Location: Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, California
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates:
Session 1: June 16 – June 27
Session 2: July 7 – July 18
Application Deadline: February 21 (Tentative)
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-19 by June 1 who have completed at least 9th grade
Cost: $3,000
The Rady Children’s Summer Medical Academy (SMA) is a two-week, in-person program in San Diego designed for high school students passionate about healthcare careers. You’ll engage in lectures, skills clinics, hands-on activities, group projects, career panels, and interactive discussions, gaining a comprehensive overview of the medical field.
The curriculum covers various healthcare professions, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and social work, and offers practical experiences such as trauma care simulations. The program aims to inspire students to become caring, insightful health professionals in a complex and rapidly changing world. SMA is taught by healthcare professionals from Rady Children’s Hospital and community partners, ensuring an immersive and authentic learning experience.
11. The Better Education for Women in Science and Engineering (BE WiSE)
Location: Fleet Science Center, San Diego
Cohort Size: Approximately 120 students are accepted annually
Dates: Ongoing participation with events throughout the year
Application Deadline: December 2 – February 28
Eligibility: Female and female-identifying students in grades 7-12 residing in San Diego County.
Cost/Stipend: None
The Better Education for Women in Science and Engineering (BE WiSE) program, hosted by the Fleet Science Center in San Diego, is a free initiative designed to engage female and female-identifying students in grades 7-12 with enriching STEM experiences. The program offers hands-on workshops, experiments, and interactions with STEM professionals, aiming to spark interest and sustain involvement in science and engineering fields. You’ll get opportunities to attend events at various institutions, including UCSD School of Engineering, San Diego Supercomputer Center, and more. The program fosters a community of young women passionate about science through out-of-school activities and mentorship.
12. Sanford Burnham Prebys: Summer Program to Accelerate Regenerative Medicine Knowledge
Location: Sanford Burnham Prebys, La Jolla
Cohort Size: Approximately 10 students per cohort
Dates: 6 weeks
Application Deadline: Typically in the spring
Eligibility: High school students from underrepresented groups in California with an interest in biomedical research
Stipend: Paid
The SPARK Program, funded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), provides high school students from underrepresented groups with hands-on experience in biomedical research. Over six weeks, you will engage in stem cell research projects under the mentorship of Sanford Burnham Prebys scientists. You will learn laboratory techniques, contribute to ongoing research, and present your findings at a culminating symposium. The program aims to inspire students to pursue careers in science and medicine by immersing them in a professional research environment.