15 Research Internships in California for High School Students
As a high school student, participating in a research internship is a solid way to gain hands-on experience in a field of your choice, develop strong research and practical skills, and strengthen your resume. During a research internship, you’ll be able to start reading papers, collecting data, running analyses, writing abstracts, presenting findings, and understanding how research teams operate. It can also connect you with mentors, professors, scientists, and engineers who can help you explore possible majors and career paths. For California high school students, the options are especially strong since the state is home to top universities, medical centers, national labs, biotech hubs, and research institutes working on problems far beyond the classroom.
In case you’re not looking for california-specific research internships, check out this list here!
What research internships are available for high school students in California?
California has a rare mix of research environments, from Stanford labs and UC campuses to Berkeley Lab, Scripps Research, the Salk Institute, UCLA clinical research groups, and startup-focused programs. Depending on your interests, you can explore biomedical science, genomics, neuroscience, AI in healthcare, engineering, environmental science, computational biology, clinical studies, public health, or data-driven research. Some programs are wet-lab based, while others focus on dry lab research, computational work, clinical data, or remote projects.
This list features 15 research internships in California for high school students that are worth considering.
1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $50 application fee (fee waivers available); Limited need-based stipends offered
Cohort Size: 50 students
Dates: June 8 – July 30
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors (16+); Must reside in the U.S., attend high school in the U.S., and be U.S. citizens/permanent residents with a green card
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program gives you direct exposure to biomedical research in a university lab setting. As a participant, you will be matched with a Stanford mentor and will be expected to contribute to a medically oriented project in an area such as immunology, cancer biology, neurobiology, bioengineering, stem cell science, genetics, or bioinformatics. The internship helps you understand how research questions are developed, tested, and refined through lab work, data analysis, and scientific discussion. Alongside your research placement, seminars and professional development sessions introduce you to broader issues in medicine, healthcare, and scientific innovation. You’ll also build core research habits, including experimental planning, careful observation, documentation, and communication.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies; Financial aid available; None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
The Ladder Internship Program places you with a startup where you can contribute to a real project tied to the company's needs. Depending on the company and industry match, your work may involve market research, data analysis, product strategy, content development, health tech, AI, consulting, or another applied area. You’ll work closely with a startup manager while also receiving support from a Ladder Coach, which helps you stay organized and build professional communication skills. The internship concludes with a presentation of your work. Here is the application form.
3. Scripps Student Research Internship Program
Location: Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla, CA
Cost/Stipend: None; Paid (details TBD) and unpaid (college credit) options
Cohort Size: 40 students (high school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional)
Dates: June 1 – August 7; June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 30
Eligibility: High school students (16+) with a strong interest in genomics or mHealth translational research
The Scripps Student Research Internship introduces you to translational research, where scientific findings are connected to real healthcare applications. You’ll get to work on projects involving genomics, computational biology, clinical trial design, digital health, or mobile health technologies used to monitor patient symptoms and outcomes. Depending on your placement, your research may involve data analysis, literature review, study design, or limited wet lab work. You’ll also attend weekly seminars and journal discussions that help you understand current questions in precision medicine and data-driven healthcare. With guidance from a mentor, you’ll develop an independent project and learn how to communicate scientific concepts clearly. The experience ends with formal presentations, allowing you to share your findings through a research meeting or poster symposium.
4. BrainSPORT Summer High School Research Internship at UCLA
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors interested in continuing the internship into the academic year and mentoring interns in the next year
The BrainSPORT Summer High School Research Internship at UCLA focuses on clinical research related to concussions, traumatic brain injury, and pediatric sports medicine. You’ll work alongside a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, researchers, medical students, and staff involved in studies of adolescents with persistent post-concussion symptoms. Your responsibilities may include learning how participants are recruited, how clinical research data is managed, and how study protocols are followed in a healthcare setting. You’ll also attend weekly lab meetings that give you insight into how research teams review findings, troubleshoot challenges, and coordinate patient-centered studies. You’ll complete the internship with a final project on a research topic connected to your summer experience.
5. UCSF Summer Student Research Program
Location: San Francisco and Oakland, CA (varies by mentor and research)
Cost/Stipend: None; $3,000 stipend
Cohort Size: Approx. 35-40 students per year
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores to seniors (16+) with at least one year of completed math and biology, and a GPA of 3.0+; Must be considered underrepresented in the sciences
The UCSF Summer Student Research Program gives you a structured introduction to health science research through one-on-one mentorship with UCSF faculty, researchers, or healthcare professionals. You’ll work on a clinical or basic science project, learning how research questions are investigated through experiments, data collection, literature review, and mentor-guided analysis. Weekly seminars, workshops, journal clubs, and small-group activities also help you build a stronger understanding of biomedical research and clinical practice. The program covers professional development, including scientific writing, research communication, and preparation for future STEM opportunities. You’ll be expected to develop a project proposal, abstract, and presentation as part of the research process. The experience culminates in a formal symposium where you’ll present your findings to peers, mentors, and the broader scientific community.
6. UCSF High School Intern Program (HIP)
Location: UC San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: None; $3,200 (part-time) or $4,500 (full-time) stipend upon completion
Cohort Size: 20-25 students annually
Dates: June 8 – July 31
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
The UCSF High School Intern Program places you in an authentic biomedical research environment under the guidance of a UCSF scientist mentor. You’ll work on an original research project in areas that may include neuroscience, infectious disease, cancer biology, or other fields within the health sciences. The program is rigorous, meaning you will be expected to learn relevant scientific content, develop research skills, and complete a project within a focused summer timeline. Alongside lab work, you’ll participate in peer learning, seminars, journal clubs, and college-readiness activities. The internship also includes individual advising, helping you think more clearly about college pathways and future careers in science. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research at a formal symposium, strengthening both your scientific communication and confidence.
7. Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $55 application fee (waivers available); Need-based scholarships offered
Acceptance Rate: 5% – 8%
Dates: June 15 – August 6
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students (16+) from Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz counties; Must hold a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA
The Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford is designed for students interested in genetics, genomics, and data-driven biology. As an intern, you will be placed in a Stanford research lab where you will work with a mentor on a computational genomics project that may involve analyzing biological data, using programming tools, or interpreting genetic information. The program helps you see how computer science and biology intersect in modern biomedical research. Weekly cohort meetings, seminars, and professional development sessions add structure beyond your lab placement. You’ll also learn how researchers ask questions about genes, disease, variation, and biological systems using computational methods.
8. Experiences in Research
Location: Berkeley Lab, Berkeley, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $500 stipend per week
Acceptance Rate: ~10%
Dates: June 15 – July 24
Application Deadline: February 7 – April 3 (tentative)
Eligibility: 10th-12th graders (16+) with a 3.0+ GPA (11th-12th graders preferred); Must be living in Northern California (20-mile radius preferred); OUSD students need the ECCCO common application
This research internship at Berkeley Lab gives you hands-on exposure to STEM work in a national laboratory environment. You will be matched with a project area that may involve experimental research, data science, coding, science communication, administration, or another STEM-adjacent field. The internship helps you understand that research careers include both technical investigation and the broader systems that support scientific work. Under the guidance of Berkeley Lab mentors, you’ll contribute to project-based tasks while learning how professional research teams collaborate. You’ll also attend workshops and participate in peer activities that strengthen skills such as communication, teamwork, project management, and scientific problem-solving.
9. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Apprenticeship
Location: Various U.S. Army Research Labs and university research centers nationwide, including California
Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipend is provided
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: Varies by location; Typically, June – August
Application Deadline: Varies by position
Eligibility: U.S. high school students (16+)
The AEOP High School Apprenticeship places you in a professional STEM research setting connected to Army-funded laboratories or university research partners. You’ll work under the supervision of a scientist or engineer while contributing to an active project in areas such as materials science, cybersecurity, environmental engineering, regenerative medicine, or nanotechnology. Your role may involve lab techniques, data analysis, technical writing, literature review, or collaborative problem-solving, depending on the project placement. Mentorship is a central part of the experience, giving you guidance on both the research process and future STEM pathways. You’ll also practice summarizing your work through a formal abstract.
10. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Various Department of the Navy laboratories across the country, including California
Cost/Stipend: Free; $4,000 – $4,500
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; ~300
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: August 1 – November 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12 (16+); Must be U.S. citizens
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program allows you to work on applied research inside a U.S. Navy laboratory. You will be paired with professional scientists and engineers and contribute to projects connected to defense, engineering, environmental science, robotics, materials, computing, or ocean technology. Your day-to-day work may include supporting experiments, modeling systems, analyzing data, documenting results, or assisting with technical problem-solving. The program helps you see how research moves from scientific questions to practical applications in national laboratory settings. You’ll also develop workplace habits that matter in STEM fields, including precision, communication, and collaboration with technical teams.
11. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location:Various locations across the U.S., including California
Stipend: $615.60 – $861.60/week (based on education level and credits earned)
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: 8-12 weeks
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: U.S. high school students (16+) who have a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0
The Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program introduces you to advanced STEM research in areas connected to aerospace, defense, space systems, data science, and emerging technologies. Depending on your placement, you may assist with projects involving artificial intelligence, physics, autonomous systems, engineering, software development, or small spacecraft research. Your responsibilities can include analyzing data, supporting simulations, contributing to technical reports, or helping with experimental design. The program also builds professional skills such as documentation, communication, and teamwork in a lab or research environment.
12. Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program at the Salk Institute
Location: Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $17/hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: December 1 – March 1
Eligibility: San Diego County high school students (16+) with a minimum 2.75 GPA; Must have completed at least one year each of high school biology and chemistry
The Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program at the Salk Institute gives you the chance to participate in professional-level biological research under the guidance of a scientist mentor. You’ll contribute to an ongoing project in fields such as molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, or related areas of life science. This research internship helps you build practical lab skills while also developing confidence with data analysis, bioinformatics, literature review, and scientific communication. Seminars, workshops, and biotech site visits expand your understanding of how academic research connects to industry and future career paths. You’ll also become part of a research community, learning how scientists collaborate, test ideas, and present findings. The program concludes with a symposium where you’ll share your work through a formal poster or oral presentation.
13. Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP)
Location: Fremont, CA
Cost/Stipend: $0 – $1,070 (for students who meet financial need eligibility criteria, there is no cost to attending ASDRP); No stipend
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: Summer, fall, and spring sessions
Application Deadline:Varies by session
Eligibility: 9th-12th graders; No prior research experience required
The Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program allows you to conduct original research rather than follow a fixed set of lab exercises. You’ll work with a mentor to develop a research question and pursue a project in an area such as chemistry, biology, physics, computer science, or engineering. The program’s structure helps you learn how to read scientific literature, design experiments or analyses, interpret results, and revise your work based on feedback. You’ll also practice formal research writing, participate in a mock peer review, and prepare your findings for presentation. Some students continue their work beyond the program through publications, conference submissions, or external research opportunities.
14. UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program (RMP)
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost/Stipend: Commuter: $5,175; Residential: $12,474; Limited financial aid offered; Unpaid
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: December 15 – March 9 (rolling)
Eligibility: 10th-11th graders with a minimum 3.8 GPA (exceptional 9th-grade students may be admitted on a case-by-case basis)
UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program pairs you with a faculty member, graduate student, or postdoctoral mentor for a university-level research project. You’ll choose from a wide range of disciplines, which may include engineering, chemistry, biology, environmental science, computer science, social science, or interdisciplinary fields. The research internship is intensive, meaning you will spend significant time each week conducting research, collecting data, reviewing literature, or working in labs and field settings. You’ll participate in a research methods course and the GRIT Talks lecture series, which will expose you to current work across UCSB. You’ll also learn how to translate your research into a technical paper and formal presentation.
15. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,400 + $45 application fee; Financial aid is available
Cohort Size: 50 students per year
Dates: June 15 – 26; July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: December 15 – February 20
Eligibility: U.S. high school students (14+) with solid math or computer programming skills, or those who have worked on a healthcare project
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship introduces you to the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare, medical imaging, and clinical decision-making. Through lectures and technical sessions, you’ll learn core concepts in machine learning, datasets, model evaluation, responsible AI, and medical AI applications. Small-team projects allow you to apply these concepts to a focused health AI research question with support from Stanford-affiliated student leads and mentors. You will also attend speaker sessions with experts from academia, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations, showing you how AI is being used across real clinical and research settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need prior research experience to apply to these internships?
Most programs on this list do not require prior research experience and are designed to teach you the process from scratch. ASDRP explicitly states no prior research experience is required, and programs like Berkeley Lab's Experiences in Research and AEOP are similarly open to motivated beginners. A handful of programs do have minimum GPA requirements as a proxy for academic readiness, including UCSF SSRP (3.0 GPA), GRIPS (3.0 GPA), and UCSB RMP (3.8 GPA), but none of these expect hands-on lab experience going in.
2. Are any of these internships open to students outside California?
The Ladder Internship Program is the only fully remote option on this list and is open to students regardless of location. The AEOP High School Apprenticeship and SEAP both run at locations across the country, including but not limited to California, so students outside the state may find a nearby site through those programs. The remaining internships are tied to specific California institutions (Stanford, UCSF, UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, Berkeley Lab, the Salk Institute) and generally require in-person attendance, with several also restricting eligibility to specific California counties or regions.
3. How do these research internships compare to a startup internship like Ladder's for college applications?
Both carry distinct value depending on your intended major. A research internship at a recognised lab or university (Stanford SIMR, UCSF HIP, Berkeley Lab) signals depth in a specific scientific field and often produces a research output like a poster or symposium presentation, which is valuable for students applying to STEM or pre-med tracks. The Ladder Internship Program instead demonstrates applied business thinking, adaptability, and real workplace collaboration, which resonates more with admissions officers evaluating interest in business, entrepreneurship, or technology product roles. Students unsure of their direction may benefit from pairing one research-based internship with one startup-based internship across different summers.
Key Takeaways
This list covers 15 research internships for high school students in California, ranging from one-on-one biomedical mentorships at Stanford, UCSF, and the Salk Institute to applied government research placements at Berkeley Lab, the Navy's SEAP, and the Air Force Research Laboratory, with most programs offering either a stipend or full funding. The most selective and stipend-rich programs are SEAP (around 300 spots nationally, $4,000 to $4,500), AFRL Scholars ($615 to $861 per week), and UCSF's High School Intern Program ($3,200 to $4,500), all of which close their applications between January and March, so students should begin preparing materials in the autumn. For students who want a flexible, remote alternative to a wet-lab placement, the Ladder Internship Program is the only fully virtual option on this list, placing students directly inside a startup to work on real business problems rather than academic research.