15 Science Internships for High School Students in California
Finding professional experiences in science as a high school student can be tough, especially when you're trying to figure out which direction in STEM actually interests you. That’s where structured internship programs come in! They offer a chance to apply what you’ve learned in class to real-world research, lab work, or public engagement.
Many science internships for high school students in California are hosted by universities, research institutes, museums, and federal organizations. These programs don’t just teach content, they introduce you to how science is practiced in the field, in labs, and in collaboration with professionals. Some emphasize technical skills and mentorship; others focus on public communication, fieldwork, or academic writing. The experiences vary, but most expect a serious time commitment and a willingness to learn fast.
We’ve put together a curated list of 15 science internships for high school students in California that offer exposure to real research and help you build skills that will last.
15 Science Internships for High School Students in California
1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $40 application fee (can be waived). All students receive a $500 minimum stipend, with stipends of $2,500 and above provided on a needs-based system
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; around 50 students are accepted each year
Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years old, live and attend high school in the U.S., and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Bay Area students are strongly recommended to apply
SIMR is a science internship for high school students in California where you’ll be able to work in a Stanford research lab on a medically focused project in areas like immunology, cancer biology, neuroscience, or bioengineering. After orientation and safety training, you’ll spend most of your time conducting hands-on lab work under the guidance of a graduate student or postdoc mentor. The program includes weekly lectures to provide context and background across different biomedical fields, with time set aside toward the end for preparing a formal research poster. You’ll be matched with a lab based on your preferences and work full-time on campus during the summer. The poster session wraps up the program, giving you experience communicating scientific work to a broader audience.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on program type
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Motivated high school students
Ladder Internships places you on a project team at a fast-growing startup, where you’ll contribute to real deliverables over the course of eight weeks. Internships are part-time and typically involve 5–10 hours of work per week, including structured sessions with company mentors. You might work on product development, research, marketing strategies, or user experience, depending on the startup’s goals and your assigned role. Students in the CEO Internship track will get to collaborate directly with a startup CEO or founder, often with experience at top firms like Google or McKinsey. Overall, the program emphasizes project management, professional communication, and exposure to startup culture.
3. UC Santa Cruz Science Internship Program (SIP)
Location: University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
Cost: $65 application fee + $600 deposit + $4250 tuition. Housing costs are $6650 (full-time) and $4725 (weekly commuters). There are also optional transportation costs. Need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~5%
Dates: June 13 – August 9
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students (who are not graduating this summer) between the ages of 14 and 17 at the start of the program. Many SIP interns are rising seniors; however, it is not a requirement
The UC Santa Cruz Science Internship Program is a science internship for high school students in California, where you’ll work directly on an ongoing research project for eight weeks, working alongside faculty, grad students, or postdocs in fields that range from physics and engineering to the social sciences and digital arts. The program starts with a virtual research prep week before transitioning to full-time, in-person work. Rather than simulated assignments, your project is part of real, active research already in progress, and your work is expected to contribute meaningfully to the mentor’s outcomes. You’ll gain experience in advanced research methods, while also learning how scientific collaboration works in real lab environments.
4. UC Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: Commuter: $5,175, Residential: $12,474 (includes $75 application fee and $1,000 deposit). Scholarships are available, with priority given to California residents
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 4–6%
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions due March 17
Eligibility: Students in the 10th or 11th grade (outstanding 9th graders may be accepted on a case-by-case basis), with a minimum 3.8 academic weighted GPA
UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program places you in a fast-paced academic environment where you’ll spend six weeks contributing to an ongoing research project of your choice. After an initial virtual orientation, you'll work closely with a mentor, like a grad student, postdoc, or faculty member, to conduct research in a field like neuroscience, marine biology, sociology, computer science, and more. The workload is intensive, so you’ll be expected to dedicate 35 to 50 hours per week to lab work, field studies, data analysis, or literature review. You’ll also take two research-focused courses and present your findings in a formal symposium, all while earning college credit.
5. Scripps Research Summer High School Internship Program
Location: Scripps Research La Jolla campus, San Diego, CA
Stipend: $4,830
Acceptance rate/cohort size: <5%
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 4
Eligibility: Students from REACH partner schools, who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program, have completed at least one year of high school chemistry and biology, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and who can obtain a work permit for the duration of the program
Scripps Research in La Jolla is a science internship for high school students in California where you’ll spend seven weeks in a biomedical research lab, working full-time on real experiments under the guidance of a graduate student mentor. The program begins with a short “boot camp” to get you up to speed on lab safety, experimental techniques, and foundational concepts. After that, you’ll be matched with a research group based on interviews with faculty, giving you a tailored placement that reflects both your interests and the lab’s focus. Your day-to-day work might involve designing experiments, running assays, and interpreting data in active research settings. Mentors also support you with college applications and academic planning, offering feedback on essays and selection strategies.
6. NASA Internship Programs
Location: Remote/NASA centers nationwide
Stipend: Most interns get a stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Summer: Late May – August, Fall: Late August – Mid-December, Spring: Mid-January – Early May
Application Deadline: September 12 (Spring), February 27 (Summer), May 22 (Fall)
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old at the time of application, have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, and are U.S. citizens
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers science internships for high school students in California that place you directly alongside engineers, scientists, and other professionals at NASA centers and facilities. Whether you’re interested in space science, computer systems, or data analysis, there are roles that match a wide range of interests.You’ll work on real projects that support NASA’s broader mission, building both technical and workplace skills in the process. Each intern is paired with a mentor, and the structure of the experience is made to emphasize both training and hands-on contributions to NASA.
7. Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Center Summer Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,500 (includes all supplies) + $95 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 30 students are accepted
Dates: Program 1: June 23 – July 4, Program 2: July 14 – 25
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: Students must be at least 16 years old at the start of the internship (exceptions can be made if the student is a junior)
This intensive program by Stanford introduces you to the fundamentals of cardiothoracic surgery through a structured mix of lectures and hands-on technical training. Each day is divided between morning sessions on topics like cardiac anatomy, thoracic physiology, and diagnostic imaging, and afternoon skills labs where you’ll practice surgical techniques such as knot tying, dissection, and suturing using simulation tools. You’ll also gain exposure to surgical procedures like valve replacement and bypass grafting, with instruction from Stanford surgeons, residents, and staff. The curriculum balances clinical knowledge with technical development, so you get foundational experience in pre-med theory, as well as practical experience with real surgical instruments and examine anatomical models.
8. Summer Research Connection (SRC)
Location: Caltech labs, Pasadena, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 30 students per cohort
Dates: 6 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Typically late March
Eligibility: High school students from Pasadena Unified School District high schools who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program and have a demonstrated interest in STEM subjects
At the Caltech Summer Research Connection, you’ll be placed in a small team with local science teachers to conduct STEM research in a Caltech lab over six weeks. You’ll collaborate directly with faculty and researchers on ongoing projects in areas like robotics, AI, astrophysics, or computational biology. Each track is tied to real scientific inquiries, giving you the chance to contribute to current investigations rather than simulations or mock assignments. Your mornings start with seminars to build research-related skills, followed by hands-on lab work for the rest of the day: collecting data, running experiments, and analyzing results. The structure simulates the routine of professional scientists and emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and inquiry-based learning.
9. UC San Francisco High School Intern Program
Location: University of California, San Francisco, CA
Stipend: 25 hours/week: $3,200, 35 hours/week: $4,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25 students are accepted
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Rising seniors from SFUSD or SF charter schools. Low-income and first generation students are encouraged to apply
This is a science internship for high school students in California where you’ll spend eight weeks conducting biomedical research alongside a scientist mentor. You’ll take on original research projects in fields like neuroscience, stem cell biology, infectious disease, or molecular biology, with a tight timeline to complete and present findings by the end of the summer. The program balances intensive lab work with structured support, including college prep workshops, transcript reviews, and small-group counseling sessions. You’ll also build research communication skills and develop a clearer understanding of biomedical career pathways through direct mentorship and peer collaboration.
10. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: You’ll be placed at a location within 45 minutes of your home
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~8%
Dates: Mid-June – Late July/August
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: All current high school students who are at least 16 years old by the application deadline and are residents of the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program offers a hands-on introduction to fisheries and aquatic science through an eight-week summer internship. You’ll be matched with a professional mentor and work both indoors and outdoors. Activities might include collecting fish population data, analyzing water samples, restoring habitats, or supporting public education efforts. Depending on your placement, you might find yourself on a boat, in a lab, or at a remote field site doing multi-day research. Each internship is unique to its mentor and location, so your experience will reflect the specific projects at that site. You’ll also collaborate with your mentor to set a schedule and develop a personalized learning plan.
11. NOAA Student Opportunities
Location: Varies by internship
Stipend: May be paid or unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Typically summer months; some opportunities may be year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by internship
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens
NOAA offers a range of science internships for high school students in California that cover environmental science, marine biology, climate research, science communication, and more. The opportunities range from short-term to multi-year, spanning hands-on fieldwork, virtual collaboration, and public outreach. Programs like the Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador and the Young Changemakers Fellowship emphasize conservation and community involvement, while others such as the NWS Student Volunteer Program allow you to explore weather and climate sciences from the inside. Some internships prioritize citizen science, while others center on data collection, policy awareness, or education.
12. Project SEED
Location: Several institutions nationwide
Stipend: $4,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June – July/August
Application Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: High school students whose family's annual income is not 300% over the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Project SEED places you in a professional lab environment for 8 to 10 weeks, where you’ll contribute to real-world chemistry research under the guidance of an experienced mentor. Whether in an academic, government, or industrial setting, your work will be centered on active scientific investigations ranging across all areas of chemistry. You're expected to take part in the full research process, from reviewing scientific literature to presenting your findings. In addition, the program doesn’t just focus on lab work; it also offers virtual workshops that cover college preparation, lab safety, and career pathways in chemistry-related fields.
13. Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Stipend: Interns get paid above the minimum wage, with pay increasing as they advance in the program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 50 students per cohort
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: 9th or 10th grade students who attend a SFUSD school, have a minimum 2.5 GPA and a C or higher in science and math, have a valid work permit, and can commit to 2–3 years of attendance. Students from underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply
The Careers in Science (CiS) program is a long-term, year-round internship where you’ll take part in both science learning and science teaching. Starting in the summer, you’ll be involved in outdoor fieldwork, lead visitor interactions at the California Academy of Sciences, and attend biweekly workshops focused on science communication, career exploration, and life skills. Over time, you’ll have the chance to join research-based project groups, contribute to exhibit design, and even present your work at conferences. The program’s tiered structure means you can move into leadership roles or receive mentorship as you grow.
14. California Science Center Community Teen Interns
Location: California Science Center, Los Angeles, CA
Stipend: $17.28/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in August; check the website for updates
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors who live within 1–3 miles of the Science Center and are allowed to work in the U.S. Interns will be expected to maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA
The Community Teen Interns program is a science internship for high school students in California where you’ll take part in delivering interactive science experiences to museum guests. Your main role will involve guiding visitors and leading hands-on STEM activities, like fire simulations or dive demonstrations, while helping visitors see how science connects to everyday life. The program is built around communication, you can expect to develop public speaking, teamwork, and leadership skills. You’ll also learn how to guide inquiry-based discussions and facilitate learning for people of all ages. In addition, you’ll get the opportunity to contribute ideas for future museum programming, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how science exhibits are built.
15. High School Explainers
Location: The Exploratorium, San Francisco, CA
Stipend: Students are typically paid around or slightly above minimum wage
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Year-round and summer sessions
Application Deadline: Applications open in July for the school year program and in March for the summer program; check the website for updates
Eligibility: High school students who are 15–18 years old (returning Explainers can be up to 20 years old), and can work in the U.S.
At the Exploratorium’s High School Explainer Program, you’ll take on an active role interacting with museum visitors, running demonstrations, and supporting exhibit operations. As an Explainer, you’re expected to communicate scientific concepts clearly, ask good questions, and help others engage with hands-on exhibits. You’ll receive over 60 hours of training before and during your time on the floor, covering science topics, public speaking, and workplace readiness. Some participants can move into more specialized internships or join focused study groups later on.