Top 15 Summer Internships for High School Students in the Bay Area (San Francisco++)
If you're a high schooler in San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, or anywhere nearby, a summer internship could help you strengthen your college application, build confidence, and meet professionals in your field of interest. Whether you're interested in science, technology, business, healthcare, or the arts, high school internships in the Bay Area offer hands-on experience in various industries.
The Bay Area is a hub for innovation, making it a prime location for you to dive into cutting-edge projects and gain insights into high-growth industries.
In this list, we’ve listed the top 15 summer internships for high school students in the Bay Area, focusing on selective programs with strong educational value, community impact, or industry connections.
1. UCSF High School Intern Program (HIP)
Location: UC San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 25 students selected annually
Dates: June 9 - August 1
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Current high school juniors enrolled in an SFUSD school, SF charter school, or College Track SF; must be from historically marginalized backgrounds in science
Cost/Stipend: Paid; $3,200 (part-time) or $4,500 (full-time) upon completion
The UCSF HIP is a prestigious summer internship for Bay Area high school students interested in biomedical research. For eight weeks, you will collaborate with UCSF scientists on a guided research project, enhancing your skills in laboratory techniques, scientific communication, and professional networking.
The program emphasizes equity and inclusion, aiming to support students from underrepresented communities in STEM. With a strong reputation, including national recognition from the White House with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring, it is one of the most sought-after high school internships in the Bay Area for aspiring scientists.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective with small cohort sizes
Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies depending on cohort
Eligibility: High school students with prior AI/ML experience or completion of a Veritas AI program
Cost/Stipend: $2,490; financial aid available
The AI Internship Program by Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduate students. Through the 8-week internship, students have the opportunity to work with VC-backed startups on real-world AI/ML projects. Students work directly with mentors from Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and more.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage in machine learning projects with real-world applications, including healthcare and behavioral science. Projects often focus on psychology, public health, or biology, making this a strong option for STEM-minded students with interdisciplinary interests.
The internship includes personalized mentorship, peer collaboration, and a final presentation that can be added to your portfolio. Its virtual format makes it an excellent fit for Bay Area students seeking flexible but rigorous research experience. You can learn more about the program here and apply here.
3. SLAC Summer Internship Program
Location: SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies by department
Dates: Up to 12 weeks between May and September
Application Deadline: Varies based on department needs
Eligibility: High school students (age 18+), undergraduates, and graduate students authorized to work in the U.S.; must pass a background check
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on position
The SLAC Summer Internship Program places high school students (18+) into cutting-edge scientific environments at one of the nation’s top national laboratories. You’ll be assigned to a department based on your background and interests, working on projects that may involve mechanical engineering, computer science, structural biology, or even science communication.
Project complexity ranges from entry-level support to mid-level technical and scientific assignments, depending on qualifications. SLAC also offers high school outreach through events like the Science Bowl and SAGE Camp. This internship is ideal for Bay Area students looking for real research experience in a multidisciplinary setting.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year; Summer cohort starts June 2
Application Deadline: Varies depending on cohort
Eligibility: Open to all high school students, including undergraduates and gap-year students; must be able to commit 10–20 hours per week
Cost/Stipend: Starting at $2,490; financial assistance available
Ladder Internships connects high school students with early-stage startups working across industries like healthcare, psychology, sustainability, and tech. You’ll be paired with a startup founder and guided by a dedicated Ladder Coach who helps you navigate your responsibilities and growth.
Projects often center around behavioral science, digital mental health, or user-centered design, allowing you to gain applied experience in psychology-related fields. The internship ends in a final presentation of your project and provides tangible portfolio material. Its flexible, remote structure makes it especially appealing to Bay Area students seeking experience in a professional, tech-forward environment.
5. Youth Summer Internship Program (YSIP)
Location: South San Francisco, CA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; based on residency and school eligibility
Dates: June 10: Virtual training begins (2 hours/day), June 17 – August 2: Internship placement
Application Deadline: April 12
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18 who live in or attend school in South San Francisco
Stipend: $19/hour
YSIP is the official summer internship program of the City of South San Francisco, providing local high school students with paid work experience in various city departments. You'll start with a week of virtual training focused on workplace skills and career readiness, followed by a seven-week placement that supports day-to-day municipal operations.
You will acquire valuable insights into public service careers while enhancing your communication, teamwork, and administrative skills. This program fosters equity, access, and practical learning for students keen on civic engagement, public policy, and local government.
6. American Chemical Society Project SEED
Location: Various lab locations; San Francisco State University for SF-based students
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; based on academic and financial eligibility
Dates: 8–10 weeks, June to August
Application Deadline: Typically in April
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, seniors, or recent graduates who have completed at least one chemistry course and meet family income guidelines (≤ 300% of Federal Poverty Level)
Stipend: $4,000 stipend
Project SEED offers high school students from underserved backgrounds the opportunity to conduct mentored research in chemistry and related fields. You will work in academic or industrial labs, such as at San Francisco State University, where you will conduct independent research projects supported by faculty and graduate mentors.
The program also provides professional development through university prep workshops, career panels, and the chance to present at the ACS National Meeting. With a generous stipend and immersive lab experience, Project SEED is an ideal opportunity for Bay Area students interested in chemistry, biology, or biomedical research.
7. San Francisco SSIP CityWorks Internship
Location: San Francisco, CA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited to residents of specific districts
Dates: June – early August; 20 hours per week
Application Deadline: Typically mid-March
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or college students who reside in San Francisco’s District 10 or District 11
Stipend: Provided
The SSIP CityWorks Internship offers students from southeast San Francisco a chance to explore careers in engineering and public infrastructure. Hosted by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), the program will place you in city departments or private firms working on the Sewer System Improvement Program.
You’ll receive mentorship from engineers, attend professional meetings, and participate in field trips to active project sites. This internship provides hands-on experience with real-world urban planning challenges and fosters connections within the city's public service and engineering sectors.
8. SFUSD’s Industry Summer Internships
Location: San Francisco, CA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: Typically 6 weeks; varies by placement
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors enrolled in SFUSD
Stipend: Provided, amount not specified
The SFUSD Industry Summer Internships connect students with paid opportunities across a wide range of professional sectors. As an intern, you’ll work alongside industry professionals in fields like animation, culinary arts, urban agriculture, and computer science, gaining workplace experience and technical skills.
Weekly seminars with SFUSD supervisors supplement your internship with training in career readiness, communication, and leadership. With an emphasis on mentorship and career exposure, this program is ideal for San Francisco students looking to explore diverse industries while earning summer compensation.
9. High School Explainers Program
Location: Exploratorium, San Francisco, CA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: Offered during the school year and summer
Application Deadline: Typically March for the summer program; July for the school-year program
Eligibility: Students aged 15–18 who can obtain a valid work permit
Stipend: Paid position
The Exploratorium’s High School Explainers Program offers a unique opportunity to engage with science through education and communication. Instead of working in a lab, you will serve as an interactive science communicator, leading museum visitors through exhibits and assisting them in grasping scientific concepts in an engaging manner.
You’ll receive formal training in public speaking, science content, and interactive learning techniques, all while building real-world skills in a professional museum setting. With a long-standing legacy and a paid stipend, this program is an excellent option for Bay Area students interested in science, education, or public engagement.
10. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~25 interns accepted per session
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
Cost/Stipend: $850 program fee + $40 application fee; financial aid available
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship introduces students to the emerging field of AI in medicine through a structured, two-week virtual program. You will participate in research projects, lectures, and mentorship sessions with Stanford engineers and scientists exploring how machine learning is transforming healthcare.
Topics include medical diagnostics, imaging, and healthcare systems, with opportunities to interact with professionals from government, academia, and nonprofits during “Lunch and Learns.” You may also apply for an extended independent research experience after the program. This is a strong option for Bay Area students interested in computer science, health technology, or biomedical innovation.
11. Bay Area Youth Science (BAYS) Program
Location: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited to KIPP-SFCP students
Dates: June 17 – August 9
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors at KIPP San Francisco College Preparatory (KIPP-SFCP); must be 16 or older, and have participated in the spring lecture series
Stipend: $5,000
The BAYS Program at UCSF is a prestigious, paid STEM internship aimed at increasing access to research opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds. You will spend eight weeks conducting supervised research in UCSF labs in fields such as cancer biology, drug discovery, protein biophysics, and infectious disease.
In addition to lab work, Fridays are dedicated to courses on research skills, college prep, and professional development. You will end the program by presenting your research to the UCSF community. The program continues throughout the year with college application support, making this a powerful launchpad for future scientists from KIPP-SFCP.
12. Stanford STaRS Internship Program
Location: Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~20 students accepted
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application Deadline: Typically in November
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older by June
Stipend: stipend support available upon application
The STaRS Internship Program at Stanford immerses high school students in advanced medical and bioengineering research. You will work on projects in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and surgical device development, learning alongside Stanford faculty and research scientists.
The program emphasizes hands-on lab experience, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the translation of scientific discovery into healthcare innovation. You will engage in seminars and collaborative research projects, culminating in a final presentation. STaRS stands as an excellent option for students focused on medicine, technology, and their intersection in surgical innovation.
13. Genomics Research Internship Program for High School Students (GRIPS)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive
Dates: June 16 – August 7
Application Deadline: 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
Cost: Free; need-based scholarships available
GRIPS offers an immersive, eight-week research experience in genomics at Stanford University for students from under-resourced schools. You will assist faculty and graduate researchers with projects in molecular biology, biomedical data science, and computational genetics.
The program also features weekly seminars, mentorship, and cohort-based learning, helping you explore the future of genomics and develop lab and coding skills. With an emphasis on equity and access to elite research environments, GRIPS is an exceptional opportunity for Bay Area students passionate about genetics, medicine, or bioinformatics.
14. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR)
Location: Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 50 students admitted
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
Stipend: $500 minimum stipend; $1,500+ for students from underrepresented backgrounds
SIMR stands out as one of the nation’s top summer biomedical research internships, providing full-time lab placements in eight research tracks, such as immunology, cancer biology, neurobiology, and bioengineering. You will be matched with Stanford faculty mentors and participate in lab experiments, data analysis, and collaborative research.
Alongside practical lab experience, you will participate in daily lectures and workshops, culminating in a formal poster presentation of your research at the end of the program. SIMR also provides enhanced stipends and support for students from underserved backgrounds, making it both rigorous and inclusive.
15. Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application Deadline: Typically in early spring
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors in select Northern California counties with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0; priority given to students with limited research experience
Stipend: $3,000 stipend for students demonstrating financial need
PIPS is a six-week research internship that introduces high school students to pediatrics and biomedical science through mentored lab experiences. You will be paired with Stanford researchers and spend about 30 hours per week in the lab exploring child health, genetics, and disease biology.
The program also includes seminars and workshops that build professional development skills and scientific understanding. With a focus on accessibility, PIPS prioritizes applicants with limited prior research opportunities and offers a substantial stipend for students with financial need.