Updated October 2026
TL;DR
This article covers 16 STEM internships for high school students in California, spanning opportunities within national labs, university research programs, tech companies, and science museums. You may explore fields like biotechnology, computer science, physics, chemistry, or environmental science, depending on the program. Most run over the summer for 6 to 10 weeks, though a few offer year-round or multi-year commitments. Pay ranges widely, with many free opportunities and stipend-based programs available, and a couple of internships that charge an application fee. One option is fully remote, but most require you to be local to the host lab, company, or university.
Interested in science, tech, engineering, and math but not sure how to explore these areas beyond school? A STEM internship can give you a chance to spend part of your time outside the classroom working on a project, learning from researchers, or getting familiar with a professional STEM environment. Depending on the opportunity, you could explore anything from biotechnology and computer science to engineering, environmental science, or physics. Some internships are designed around research, while others focus more on hands-on projects, workplace experience, or mentorship. If you’re a California high school student who wants to see what STEM looks like beyond school, these internships can help you explore different possibilities.
Why should you do a STEM internship in California?
California has a wide range of STEM opportunities for high school students, from programs run by university research labs and technology companies to opportunities offered by hospitals, science centers, and engineering organizations. A STEM internship in California can give you a closer look at the different kinds of work happening across the state’s universities, research institutions, companies, and science organizations. You may get to observe how a research team operates, contribute to a project, or learn about a STEM career directly from people working in the field. Since California has opportunities across many science, tech, math, and engineering disciplines, an internship here can also help you compare different types of work instead of committing to one area too early. This can be especially useful if you know you enjoy STEM but are still deciding which subject or career direction interests you. If you are trying to challenge yourself and gain meaningful experience in the process, here’s how to get into a competitive internship.
How do you apply for a STEM internship in California?
Begin by narrowing down the type of STEM experience you want and then check each program’s requirements carefully. Within California, internships can differ significantly in their eligibility rules, with some limited to students from particular cities, school districts, or grade levels. If you are trying to secure your first-ever internship, our guide to applying for internships without any experience can be a good starting point! Applications may also require transcripts, resumes, essays, recommendations, or information about your academic interests. Pay attention to whether the internship is in person, whether you need to arrange transportation, and whether there are additional requirements for working in a laboratory or professional setting. Since many programs have early deadlines, make a list of the programs you want to apply to and start preparing their materials ahead of time.
To help you with your search, we have narrowed down 16 STEM internships for high school students in California. We have prioritized experiences that let you build an early professional network and work on real STEM projects.
If you are looking for opportunities in STEM beyond California, check out our selection of STEM summer internships and STEM camps.
Quick overview
|
Program type |
Top programs |
Cost/Stipend |
Best for |
|
National lab or government programs |
SEAP, AFRL Scholars Program, AEOP Internships, Sandia National Laboratories Internships, Berkeley Lab Experiences in Research (EinR), Berkeley Lab Director's Apprenticeship Program (BLDAP) |
Free; stipends ranging from ~$500/week to $4,500 for the whole summer |
Students who want a paid, structured research placement at a federally funded lab or a national lab |
|
Laboratory or university-based programs |
$2500 Tuition, $95 application fee; need-based stipends available |
Students who want mentored, campus-based research experience |
|
|
Museum and science communication internships |
California Academy of Sciences CiS, California Science Center Community Teen Interns, Exploratorium High School Explainer Program |
No cost; stipend available |
Students who want to combine STEM learning with public-facing work, such as leading demonstrations or educational activities at a museum |
|
Tech, startup, and multi-industry Internships |
Cost varies with aid available; stipend available (amount varies) |
Students who want exposure to a company work environment, whether remotely from anywhere or in person with local eligibility requirements |
1. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: U.S. Department of the Navy labs, including sites in California
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $4,000 stipend for new participants, and $4,500 stipend for returning participants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~300 placements across 38+ labs; California-specific numbers not available
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer; term can be extended to 10 weeks.
Application deadline: November 30
Eligibility: High school students, ages 16 and up, who have completed at least grade 9 and are U.S. citizens; certain labs may be open to permanent residents or dual citizens (check individual lab pages for additional requirements here).
Each year, SEAP places high schoolers in Department of the Navy labs to contribute to real naval research for 8 to 10 weeks in the summer. At your assigned naval research lab, you will contribute to naval research projects in STEM while working closely with scientists and engineers. Depending on placement, you may help with software development and design, experiment design, data analysis, testing and analysis of hardware or software systems, engineering design, and other lab-based work. While the day-to-day tasks can vary by site, you will connect with researchers, tour laboratories, and learn about paths in research and STEM at SEAP. Additionally, you will shadow STEM professionals and participate in technical meetings.
Who it’s best for: Students looking for a credible paid internship focused on naval STEM research.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote! You can participate from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts every year, including Fall, Summer, Spring, and Winter
Application deadline: Varies by cohort; Fall (September), Spring (January), Summer (May), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10 to 20 hours a week for 8 to 12 weeks; open to high school, undergraduate, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective startup internship program for ambitious high school students! Through the program, you will work with a high-growth startup on an internship. Startups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from AI/ML and tech/deep tech to journalism, health tech, marketing, consulting, and more. Ladder’s startups are high-growth companies that, on average, raise more than $1 million. You will work closely with a manager on real-world projects and present your work to the company. The virtual internship is usually eight weeks long. Apply now!
Who it’s best for: Students seeking exposure to the daily operations of startups and a fully virtual project-based internship experience.
3. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: No fee for applicants with household incomes under $80,000; $50 application fee for others (waivers available); need-based stipends may also be available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~50 students/year
Dates: June 7 – July 29
Application deadline: Late February (exact date TBA for the next cycle)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, ages 16 and up, who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; preference is given to Bay Area students.
SIMR is an eight-week summer program that lets you explore and engage in biomedical research at Stanford while working alongside Stanford faculty, students, and postdoctoral researchers. As a SIMR participant, you will work within a Stanford lab/institute alongside a mentor, contributing to a project in STEM fields such as bioengineering, cancer biology, genetics, immunology, and neuroscience. Your daily schedule will combine lab work and lectures, helping you connect your hands-on experience with classroom concepts. SIMR will wrap up with a poster presentation, giving you the chance to practice science communication.
Who it’s best for: Students looking for a mentored, research-focused biomedical and healthcare exposure within a university environment.
4. California Academy of Sciences Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Stipend: Paid; amount typically exceeds minimum wage rates
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed
Dates: Multi-year, year-round commitment; you will work after school and on Saturdays during the school year, and on weekdays during the summer.
Application deadline: TBA; the next application window opens in February
Eligibility: Current 9th or 10th graders enrolled full-time in an SFUSD school, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher and a grade of C or better in science and math; students must be able to obtain a valid U.S. work permit and commit to the program for two to three years through high school graduation.
CiS is a paid multi-year internship designed to help students learn, teach, and engage with science and engineering in and around the California Academy of Sciences. You will join as a rising sophomore or junior and continue engaging with CiS through graduation, spending most of the time conducting outdoor fieldwork and running STEM learning experiences for visitors of the museum. Twice each month, you will attend training sessions to learn from professionals about STEM career paths, build science communication skills, and receive guidance on financial literacy and college applications. As the program progresses, you will join project groups to work on a research or environmental action project led by a researcher or partner at the California Academy of Sciences. You may also get to serve on the CiS Leadership Council or receive individualized mentorship from Academy experts.
Who it’s best for: Students in San Francisco who are interested in STEM education and a long-term paid internship at a museum.
5. Meta Summer Academy
Location: Menlo Park, CA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; ~200 students in total since the program began.
Dates: June 15 – July 24
Application deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school sophomores who are year-round residents of East Palo Alto, North Fair Oaks, Belle Haven, or Redwood City with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
Meta Summer Academy is a paid experience that lets high schoolers learn about the inner workings of a leading tech company. Over the course of six weeks, you will attend workshops covering topics in digital media and coding basics, engage in project-based tasks, and explore real-world workplace operations. The internship will also offer a look at how teams within a company contribute to product development. Mentorship from professionals will help you understand the day-to-day responsibilities in tech roles. Alongside technical skills, you will practice communication and teamwork. The experience can also be your chance to learn about potential paths within tech.
Who it’s best for: Students in and around Menlo Park looking for exposure to the daily work of a leading tech company.
6. American Chemical Society’s Project SEED
Location: Participating research sites across the U.S., including in California
Cost/Stipend: No fee; $4,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~350+ students/year; California-specific numbers not available
Dates: 8- to 10-week summer research experience; dates vary by host site
Application deadline: April 6
Eligibility: High school students under 18 who have completed at least one year of high school chemistry; applicants’ annual family income should not be above 300% of the limits defined in Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Project SEED is a paid, summer experience that connects high school students to university labs or research facilities in the country. You will spend 8 to 10 weeks working within a laboratory and engaging in real research work within chemical science alongside a scientist or research mentor. Depending on your placement, you may go on field trips and campus tours, attend career panels, as well as access other professional development opportunities. Additionally, you may get to attend the American Chemical Society National Meeting, where you can share your findings with a large audience of professionals. You may also be able to return to Project SEED in the consecutive year to continue engaging in chemistry research.
Who it’s best for: Students who want chemical science research experience and an opportunity to work in a real lab.
7. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Multiple sites in the U.S., including in California
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend is typically $506.80/week; a few sites offer bigger stipends + travel coverage (check details here)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Typically selective; exact details not officially disclosed
Dates: Vary by site and internship; typically a minimum commitment of 8 weeks is required, with most internships running 10 – 12 weeks in the summer, spring, and fall.
Application deadline: Summer: January 11 | Fall/Spring: Not specified
Eligibility: Upper-level high school students, undergraduates, and graduate students who are U.S. citizens and 16+
The AFRL Scholars Program is a paid internship that lets high school and college students work on active STEM projects at Air Force research facilities. You will join a research team at an Air Force lab, with placements spanning areas like chemistry, computer science, engineering, physics, and data science. Over eight weeks or more, you will work in a lab under the guidance of scientists, learn about and contribute to Air Force-centric R&D, and explore potential paths in STEM. Tasks can vary by placement: you may work with large datasets, run tests or experiments, or help document research. You may also be able to participate in the program next year to continue engaging in research.
Who it’s best for: Students who want to contribute to research within Air Force labs and explore real technical projects.
8. AEOP (Army Educational Outreach Program) Internships
Location: Research sites available across the country, including in California
Cost/Stipend: No fee; stipend is typically available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed; typically selective
Dates: June – August; dates vary by opportunity
Application deadline: Varies by lab position
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; specific roles can have additional criteria
Every year, AEOP places students at Army facilities and university labs to work with scientists or engineers on STEM research. As an AEOP intern, you will work under the guidance and supervision of a scientist or engineer on active research projects in STEM. Your daily schedule will depend on placement, but you may help collect and analyze data, run experiments, and conduct other lab work. The internship will also offer access to mentorship from a STEM professional. You will additionally access educational workshops and sessions and opportunities to connect with peers and the AEOP internship network.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in STEM research who are looking for credible lab-based experiences and close mentorship.
9. California Science Center Community Teen Interns
Location: California Science Center, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/stipend: No cost; stipend available (amount not specified)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed
Dates: Year-round; schedule varies by program cycle
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: High school students in grade 10 or 11 with a GPA of 2.0 or higher
The California Science Center’s Community Teen Intern program gives high school students the chance to support STEM education and work with community partners. As an intern, you help deliver STEM classes and educational activities and work closely with other students and educators. The internship may include both virtual and in-person activities, depending on the position and program cycle. You will work as part of a team while also finding opportunities to work independently. The internship can help you engage with science and engineering concepts while practicing public speaking.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in STEM education seeking a paid, hands-on experience at a museum.
10. Internships @ Sandia National Laboratories
Location: Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA; other sites also available
Cost/Stipend: Free; competitive hourly pay and benefits available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed; can vary by role
Dates: Year-round and summer internships (10 to 12 weeks) available
Application deadline: Varies based on specific opportunity
Eligibility: Students, ages 16 and up, who are enrolled full-time at accredited high schools, colleges, or universities; a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher for undergraduate and high school students applying for clerical/labor-based positions and 3.0 or higher for undergraduate students and high schoolers applying for R&D, technical, or business positions is required.
Sandia National Laboratories’ internships and co-op programs let students engage in research and technical work in advanced lab settings. As an intern at Sandia’s labs, you will contribute to projects in areas like cybersecurity, engineering, energy, and advanced research centered on national security. Depending on the placement, you will work with researchers, engineers, or other professionals while receiving guidance throughout. In addition to the assigned placement tasks, you may attend networking events, engage in leadership sessions, access employee resource groups, and join professional development programs that can help you build workplace skills and explore paths in STEM.
Who it’s best for: Students who want hands-on lab work experiences and can commute to Sandia’s facilities in Livermore.
11. Berkeley Lab’s Experiences in Research (EinR)
Location: Berkeley Lab, Berkeley, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $500/week stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~10% acceptance rate
Dates: June 15 – July 24
Application deadline: March 22
Eligibility: 10th – 12th graders who are 16+, have a 3.0+ GPA, and live in Northern California
Each summer, the Berkeley Lab runs EinR, a six-week internship for high schoolers interested in STEM and STEM-adjacent areas. As an intern, you will work about 30 to 35 hours each week alongside Berkeley Lab professionals on projects in STEM and practice coding, explore data science, engage in administration or communication tasks, and/or assist with experimental research. Your daily schedule will vary by project and mentor’s needs. You may assist scientists and engineers in lab work or assist with the lab’s behind-the-scenes operations. During the summer program, you will also get to practice science communication and teamwork while working with your mentor.
Who it’s best for: Students in Berkeley who want to work in a lab on real STEM projects.
12. STaRS Internship Program @ Stanford
Location: Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: None; need-based transportation assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~20 students/year
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application deadline: TBA for next cycle
Eligibility: High school and community college students, ages 16 and up
The Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Summer Program is an eight-week research experience that introduces students to medicine, biomedical science, and academic research. You will conduct hands-on biomedical research in a Stanford laboratory alongside clinician-scientist mentors and research teams. The schedule will include training in lab techniques such as histology, imaging, and genotyping, along with lectures and skill-building workshops. You will also receive mentorship from faculty and student leaders and participate in community-building activities and educational experiences. At the end of STaRS, you will present your research findings at a final presentation showcase.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in biomedical research, medicine, or lab science who want hands-on research experience in a university setting.
13. Berkeley Lab Director’s Apprenticeship Program (BLDAP): Interdisciplinary Pathways to Machine Learning and Data Science
Location: Berkeley Lab, Berkeley, CA
Cost/Stipend: No fee; $500/week stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially specified
Dates: June 16 – July 24
Application deadline: March 22
Eligibility: Current 10th- or 11th-grade public school students, ages 16 and up, in Contra Costa, Alameda, and San Francisco counties
BLDAP is a project-based STEM program that lets you engage in work focused on interdisciplinary pathways to machine learning and data science. As a participant, you will take an introductory Python course, learn about data science, and work on scientific projects and bioscience-related experiments. The program will also offer the chance to connect with researchers and operations staff. You will practice problem-solving, communication, and collaboration while learning about Berkeley Lab’s research activities. The summer program will wrap up with a final presentation where you will share your work with other participants and mentors.
Who it’s best for: Students in the Bay Area who are interested in science, coding, and data science and want to experience working at a national laboratory.
14. SHTEM Summer Internships for High Schoolers at Stanford University
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $95 non-refundable application fee; $2500 Tuition, no stipend, but financial aid may be available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed
Dates: June 22 – August 14 (tentative; dates TBA for the next cycle)
Application deadline: February 1 (tentative; details TBA for the next cycle)
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are at least 14 and U.S. citizens/permanent residents
SHTEM is an on-campus internship where you will work in small groups on interdisciplinary projects guided by Stanford University mentors. The program is designed to help you explore how fields like tech, biology, engineering, and arts intersect in research. You will explore research questions through readings, discussions, and project work. Meetings and collaborative activities during the program will simulate research group workflows. You may also get to present your work at the end of SHTEM.
Who it’s best for: Students seeking exposure to interdisciplinary research and the opportunity to work on team projects on a university campus.
15. The Intern Project
Location: Various organizations in Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend and college credit available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by year; 130+ students in the last summer cycle.
Dates: Cohorts in the fall, spring, and summer
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: LA County 10th – 12th graders
Offered by the non-profit LA Promise Fund, the Intern Project places students in work environments where they can contribute to projects across industries, including in science, tech, healthcare, and engineering. During the internship, you will complete placement-specific tasks and participate in workshops to build skills in communication, project management, and career readiness. Mentorship and practice interviews will help you build career readiness. You will additionally connect with peers and professionals across disciplines and teams, building an understanding of workplace expectations and collaborative environments. The experience can also prepare you for future academics and college applications.
Who it’s best for: LA County students looking for paid local internships and mentored work experience.
16. Exploratorium High School Explainer Program
Location: Exploratorium, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 130+ students/year (across summer and school-year cohorts)
Dates: Summer and school-year opportunities available; specific dates vary
Application deadline: Summer applications are typically available in March; school-year applications are typically available in July.
Eligibility: High school students, ages 15 – 18, can apply as first-time Explainers, while returning Explainers can be up to 20 years old; applicants must be able to obtain a valid work permit.
The High School Explainer Program is a paid workforce and youth development program at the Exploratorium. As an Explainer, you will work with museum visitors, help them engage with exhibits, lead demonstrations, and support different museum operations. Before working with visitors, you will receive more than 60 hours of specialized training covering science content, exhibit facilitation, career readiness, and youth development. Experienced Explainers may also participate in specialized internships or study groups. The program is designed to help you build job skills while learning how to communicate with and assist people from different backgrounds.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in science communication and looking for paid work experience in a science museum.
What skills can you pick up in STEM internships?
The skills you work on can vary depending on the internship, but you could learn everything from laboratory techniques and research methods to programming, technical writing, data collection, or engineering design. Some programs may offer you experience with using specialized equipment or software, while others may teach you how to plan a project and document your progress. You may also pick up skills that matter in STEM workplaces, such as asking good questions, explaining your work to others, managing your time, and working within a research or project team. To get the most out of the STEM internship, check out our guide to setting goals for your internship.
Can a STEM internship help with your college applications?
A STEM internship can give you something more specific to talk about than just saying you are interested in science or technology. Your experience can help colleges see how you explored that interest when you had the opportunity to work outside a traditional classroom setting. Here’s how you can use your experience:
Show that you took initiative: Applying for an internship and committing your time to a STEM project can demonstrate that you actively looked for ways to pursue an academic interest. Additionally, instead of only naming the organization, you can explain the research, project, or responsibilities you actually took on.
Highlight depth rather than just participation: If you spent several weeks working on one project, you can discuss how your understanding of a topic changed or became more detailed over time.
Give context to your academic choices: An internship might help explain why you chose certain advanced courses, extracurricular activities, or future areas of study.
Tell a more personal story: An unexpected result, difficult problem, or moment when you discovered a new interest can be a concrete experience to reflect on in an essay or interview.
What students wonder about these STEM internships
1. Do these internships let you focus on one STEM field, or will you get exposure to several areas at once?
It depends on the program. Some place you into a specific field, like biomedical research or chemistry, from the start, while others are broader and let you work across disciplines such as engineering, computer science, and data science within the same placement, depending on your assigned lab or mentor.
2. Will you actually run experiments and contribute to real research, or mostly observe and assist?
Most of these internships involve genuine hands-on work, such as collecting and analyzing data, running experiments, or contributing to an active research project alongside a scientist or engineer, rather than just observing. That said, the specific tasks and how much independence you get can vary quite a bit depending on your placement and mentor.
3. How much do these internships cost, and what kind of stipends are available?
Costs vary significantly across the list. Several are completely free and pay a stipend, with amounts ranging from about $500/week to $4,000 – 4,500 for the full program, while a smaller number charge an application fee or don't offer any stipend at all.
4. Are any of these internships fully virtual, or do all of them require you to be on-site?
The majority require you to be physically present at a lab, company, or campus, and some are limited to students who live within a specific city or region. That said, if you are looking for an entirely virtual STEM work experience, Ladder Internships is a program on the list that connects you with startups to work on projects remotely.