14 STEM Internships for Undergraduates in California
Participating in a college internship is a solid way to strengthen your resume, enhance your academic profile, and significantly improve your employability after graduation. Internships provide practical experience in a chosen field, allowing you to apply classroom knowledge to challenges while building technical and professional skills. They also help you expand your network and secure strong letters of recommendation from supervisors. For those interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, internships are especially valuable, as most STEM fields prioritize demonstrated experience and project-based work.
Why should I do a STEM internship in college?
A STEM internship gives you direct exposure to research, industry tools, and collaborative problem-solving environments that mirror full-time roles. Employers consistently look for candidates who have technical experience, and internships provide concrete evidence of those skills. Beyond technical growth, you will develop soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and time management, all of which boost workplace readiness. Many internships also lead to return offers, long-term mentorship, or research opportunities, further strengthening your professional trajectory. Ultimately, completing a STEM internship in college can significantly increase your competitiveness in both graduate school admissions and the job market.
With that, here are 14 STEM internships for undergraduates in California!
1. Institute for Creative Technologies REU
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Stipend: $8,650
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: December 2 – January 31
Dates: June 1 – August 6
Eligibility: Current U.S. undergrads (not graduating before summer); U.S. citizen/permanent resident
In this 10-week program, you’ll work in a lab focused on interactive computing projects, which may include areas such as natural language dialogue systems or AI applications for tutoring. At the start, you’ll indicate your preferences among available research topics, whether that’s studying machine learning models related to human behavior or developing techniques for real-time virtual environments. Throughout the program, you will attend seminars and group activities alongside other participants. By the end of the session, you will have completed a written research report and delivered a presentation summarizing your work to the institute.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Undergraduates who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship opportunity connecting you with startups and nonprofit organizations globally. The startups operate across a diverse range of industries, including STEM. During the internship, you will contribute to a real-world project that addresses a genuine need for your assigned startup. You will also have the opportunity to present your work at the conclusion of the program. You will collaborate closely with your designated manager at the startup. Apply now!
3. UCLA SPUR: Amgen Scholars Program
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: February 1
Dates: June 22 – August 14
Eligibility: U.S. undergrads interested in biomedical science, chemistry, bioengineering, and chemical engineering; Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.2+
During the Amgen Scholars Program, you will engage in research in fields such as biomedical science, chemistry, bioengineering, or chemical engineering. If you do not already have a faculty sponsor, you will be matched with a UCLA mentor whose work aligns with your academic interests. Over the course of approximately eight weeks, you will contribute to an ongoing research project and gain experience with laboratory methods and data analysis. In addition to your lab work, you’ll participate in program activities that may include a two-day biotechnology conference, faculty luncheons, workshops, and research seminars.At the conclusion of the program, you’ll present your findings in a poster session. The program operates under the SPUR umbrella, and you apply through the centralized online SPUR application, where you may select up to two specific program options.
4. Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Bay Area
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Stipend: $6,000
Cohort Size: 14 students
Application Deadline: December 15 – February 3
Dates: June 22 – August 14
Eligibility: Full-time non-Stanford undergraduate rising juniors or non-graduating seniors (18+) at a U.S. college with a GPA of 3.0+; Must be committed to a PhD in engineering
In this eight-week summer program, you’ll join a Stanford Engineering lab group to conduct hands-on research alongside faculty and graduate students. You’ll engage in workshops focused on graduate school preparation and participate in mentorship partnerships to support your academic and professional growth. Throughout the experience, you’ll contribute to ongoing research projects and develop skills in experimental design, data analysis, and technical communication. You will also have the opportunity to present your work at a research symposium, sharing your findings with peers, faculty, and mentors.
5. JPL Summer Internship Program
Location: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA
Stipend: Monetary award offered (amount varies; monthly disbursements)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: March 13
Dates: May/June start – 10 weeks
Eligibility: Currently enrolled undergrad/grad students in STEM from accredited U.S. universities with a minimum 3.0 GPA; Must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents
In this program, you’ll work closely with a scientist or engineer from JPL on a project in your chosen STEM field. You’ll gain hands-on experience while contributing to ongoing research and missions, applying your knowledge to real-world scientific or engineering challenges. Throughout the internship, you will participate in educational enrichment activities, including lab tours, guest lectures, and career development sessions organized by the JPL Education Office. The experience allows you to develop technical skills, engage in problem-solving, and learn how projects are executed in a professional research environment.You’ll also receive guidance and feedback from your mentor, helping you understand the process of scientific investigation and project management. The program emphasizes practical learning, collaboration, and exposure to advanced research initiatives within NASA and JPL.
6. Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
Location: Caltech/JPL, Pasadena, CA
Stipend: Monetary award offered (amount varies)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: November – February (tentative)
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: Undergrads pursuing STEM degrees (Caltech: min 2.0 GPA, post-third term; non-Caltech: min 2.5 GPA, post-second semester/third quarter)
In this program, you’ll work with a JPL or Caltech mentor to develop a research project in your STEM field. Together, you’ll define the scope of your project and prepare a research proposal, which is reviewed by a faculty committee for approval. Once accepted, you’ll carry out the research full-time over 10 weeks, applying methods and techniques relevant to your area of study. Throughout the internship, you will document your findings in a technical paper and present your work in an oral presentation at a symposium modeled on professional technical conferences. You’ll also engage in enrichment activities such as lab tours, guest lectures, and career-focused sessions organized by the JPL Education Office. The program is designed to provide hands-on research experience while developing skills in scientific communication, problem-solving, and independent investigation under mentorship.
7. Summer Undergraduate Program in Engineering Research at Berkeley (SUPERB) – Artificial Intelligence for Engineering (AI4E)
Location: UC Berkeley EECS, Berkeley, CA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: January 25 (tentatively)
Dates: June – August
Eligibility: U.S. undergraduate rising juniors or seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA; Must have upper-division EECS coursework
In this program, you’ll work alongside EECS faculty and graduate students on research projects focused on AI applications in engineering. Research areas may include artificial intelligence, computational biology, robotics and control systems, human-computer interaction, energy systems, programming systems, security, database management, communications, and micro/nano-electromechanical systems. You’ll participate in weekly presentations by researchers, lab tours, industry visits, and sessions on graduate school opportunities. During the program, you’ll contribute directly to research projects, gaining experience in experimental design, data analysis, and technical problem-solving. You’ll also develop professional skills through exposure to seminars and networking with peers and mentors.
8. USC Keck School of Medicine: Bridging the Gaps Program
Location: Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Application Deadline: December – February 2
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have completed at least two years of undergrad; Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0
The Keck School of Medicine of USC’s Bridging the Gaps (BTG) program gives you exposure to basic science, translational, and clinical research settings. You’ll participate in research activities and attend weekly seminars focused on health-related topics and core healthcare skills. You’ll also attend workshops that cover academic and professional development, including guidance on graduate school applications, financial aid, and related planning topics. The program includes structured instruction in areas such as physiology, pathophysiology, and biostatistics. You may also have opportunities to observe clinical environments through affiliated hospitals. At the end of the program, you’ll present your work and findings to members of the Keck School of Medicine community.
9. REU Site: Applying Data Science on Energy-efficient Cluster Systems
Location: California State University, Northridge, CA
Stipend: $700/week
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: March 15 (tentatively)
Dates: June 2 – July 25
Eligibility: Undergrads in CS/Computer Engineering/related majors with a 3.0+ GPA; Must be U.S. citizens/nationals/permanent residents and have 1+ year remaining before graduation
In this eight-week program, you’ll participate in a research experience focused on data science and energy-efficient computing. You’ll work on mentored projects involving data collection, processing, and visualization, including geospatial datasets and mapping applications. You’ll apply data science techniques to model energy usage in systems such as computing clusters and automotive air conditioning. The program also covers parallel and distributed computing, helping you explore ways to reduce energy costs in large-scale systems and applications. At the start, you’ll attend training sessions that introduce the research environment, context, and necessary technical skills.
10. I-BEST Research Experiences for Undergraduates
Location: UC Merced, Merced, CA
Stipend: $7,000
Cohort Size: 10 spots
Application Deadline: February 24
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Eligibility: Full-time undergrads who are U.S. citizens/nationals/permanent residents; Must be a continuing student in the fall
In this ten-week program, you will be matched with a faculty lab to conduct research in areas such as biophysics, biochemistry, molecular biology, developmental biology, biomaterials, or bioengineering. Your project may involve topics like circadian clock mechanisms, cancer cell migration, biosensors, antibacterial hydrogels, or drug delivery systems. You’ll gain hands-on experience with laboratory techniques while also participating in professional development sessions covering communication, research ethics, career planning, and graduate school preparation. Throughout the program, you’ll attend lectures, workshops, and specialized training sessions, including lab safety, MATLAB instruction, and wet lab bootcamps. At the conclusion of the internship, you’ll present your findings at conferences and symposia, with travel support provided.
11. Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships
Location: DOE national labs in CA
Stipend: $650 weekly
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: January 7 (Summer term)
Dates: May – August (10 weeks)
Eligibility: Full-time undergrads/recent grads (<2 years since degree) who are 18+ and have a 3.0 GPA; Must have 6+ STEM credits + 12 total undergrad credits; More details here
In this program, you’ll conduct research at a DOE laboratory under the guidance of a scientist or engineer mentor in STEM fields that support DOE missions. You’ll work full-time on projects while participating in professional development workshops, lab tours, scientific lectures, and seminars. You’ll also complete site-specific training and adhere to professional standards throughout your internship. As part of the program, you will produce several deliverables, including a research report, a general audience abstract, an oral or poster presentation, and a peer review of another intern’s project. You’ll contribute to program evaluations through entrance and exit surveys. The experience provides hands-on exposure to research in national laboratories, mentorship from professionals, and opportunities to develop technical, analytical, and communication skills in a collaborative environment.
12. NASA OSTEM Internships
Location: NASA centers in CA
Stipend: Paid (stipend varies)
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Eligibility: College-level students in STEM or related fields; More info here
In this program, you’ll work either full-time or part-time at a NASA center or facility on projects related to science, technology, aeronautics, or space exploration. You’ll collaborate with research scientists, engineers, and other professionals who provide guidance and mentorship throughout your work. The experience allows you to apply your skills to real projects while gaining practical, hands-on exposure to the processes and challenges of scientific research. As a NASA intern, you’ll gain insight into the daily operations of a research-focused organization and will have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to ongoing NASA initiatives.
13. Advanced Materials Research Experiences for Undergraduates
Location: UC San Diego MRSEC, La Jolla, CA
Stipend: $600/week
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: January 22
Dates: June 22 – August 14
Eligibility: Undergraduate students
In this program, you’ll participate in the RIMSE Summer School, working with MRSEC faculty on research in predictive assemblies and engineered living materials across chemistry, molecular biology, chemical and nanoengineering, and physics. You’ll complete focused training in theoretical concepts, laboratory techniques, and computational methods before working in small teams on a capstone Discovery Project. You’ll gain hands-on experience using instruments in the MRSEC Materials Characterization Facility, including electron microscopy, Raman/FTIR spectroscopy, and x-ray or electron diffraction. Throughout the program, you will attend seminars led by scientists, as well as professional development workshops covering safety, ethics, communication, and graduate school preparation. At the end of the program, you will present your research orally at the UCSD Summer Research Conference. The program emphasizes full-time engagement in lab work, training, and program activities, with an optional short extension for additional research experience.
14. BRI-SURE Summer Research Program
Location: UCLA Brain Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Unspecified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: January 21
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Eligibility: Undergrads in honors research programs at other colleges/universities with a minimum GPA of 3.0; Must be interested in neuroscience/physiology
In this eight-week hybrid program, you’ll carry out an independent research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Research areas may include neuroendocrinology, neural repair, neural microcircuits, neurobehavioral genetics, molecular and cellular neurobiology, or integrative physiology. You’ll work with data from ongoing studies, build models of biological or behavioral systems, and use coding or other computational tools to support your analysis. Alongside your research responsibilities, you’ll attend workshops, seminars, journal clubs, and career panels designed to provide academic and professional context. The program may also include organized cultural visits, such as trips to local museums or science centers. By the end of the session, you will have produced a written research paper, prepared an abstract and poster, and participated in a poster presentation event or competition. The program is offered under the UCLA SPUR umbrella in coordination with related initiatives such as UC-HBCU Neuroscience Pathways and UC-HSI SOMA.
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