15 STEM Summer Programs for High School Students in California
If you are a high school student interested in STEM, summer programs can be an excellent way to develop both academic and practical skills. STEM programs allow you to explore fields like computer science, engineering, and biotechnology while learning from faculty and industry professionals. These opportunities go beyond classroom learning, offering projects, lab work, and networking opportunities in the field.
California is home to many universities and institutions that promote STEM education for high schoolers. Great summer programs include offerings by the UC campuses, the Sally Ride Science Academy at UC San Diego, and research mentorships at Caltech and Stanford. These programs ensure you’re learning from experts in the field and help save travel and housing costs.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve compiled a list of 15 STEM summer programs for high school students in California. They also include a few virtual STEM programs that allow students in California to apply.
15 STEM Summer Programs for High School Students in California
1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR) Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: None / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Less than 3% / 50 students
Dates: June 8 – July 30 (tentative)
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors | At least 16 years old | U.S. citizens or permanent residents
SIMR is a full-time, eight-week summer research program that matches you with a Stanford lab for conducting original biomedical research. Areas of study include cancer biology, neurobiology, bioinformatics, and bioengineering, among others. You’ll gain experience with molecular biology techniques, computational tools, and scientific communication while working alongside Stanford faculty and graduate mentors. The program also includes guest lectures and opportunities to connect with the broader Stanford research community. With an acceptance rate under 3 percent, SIMR is one of the most prestigious STEM summer programs for high school students in California.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10-25% / 70-100 students
Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year; Summer Cohort I: June 2; Summer Cohort II: July 14
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Summer Cohort I: May 11; Summer Cohort II: June 23
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students able to commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–16 weeks
Ladder Internships connects you with high-growth startups for hands-on project experience across industries such as AI/ML, health tech, deep tech, and more. As a participant, you’ll work directly with a startup manager on meaningful projects and receive guidance from a dedicated Ladder Coach. The program emphasizes professional development through mentorship, real-world project execution, and presentation of your work to company leadership. Startups that host interns are typically venture-backed and rapidly scaling, offering exposure to dynamic, innovative environments. This program is especially valuable for California students interested in STEM fields, as it combines flexibility with structured support and guidance.
3. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: None / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive / 24 students
Dates: June 22 – July 26
Application Deadline: Typically mid-March
Eligibility: Current high school juniors from Northern California
SMYSP is a five-week residential program at Stanford designed to support underrepresented students in exploring careers in medicine and public health. As a participant, you will shadow clinicians at Stanford Hospital, take part in anatomy workshops, and collaborate on small-group research projects addressing health disparities. The curriculum also covers epidemiology and public health, reinforced through lectures from Stanford faculty and mentoring from healthcare professionals. The program integrates academic training with college preparation workshops and career development opportunities. It concludes with a formal symposium where you present your research findings to peers and mentors.
4. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual (open to students in California and worldwide)
Cost: Varies depending on program type; need-based financial aid available for AI Scholars
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / Small cohorts per session
Dates: Multiple 12–15 week cohorts throughout the year, including Summer (June – August)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Summer deadlines are typically in May; apply here
Eligibility: AI Scholars: all high school students | AI Fellowship: for students who have either prior experience with Python or have completed the AI Scholars program
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, provides high school students with structured pathways to explore artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program introduces you to AI and data science fundamentals over 10 sessions, with opportunities to apply concepts in real-world projects. More advanced students may pursue the AI Fellowship, where you’ll work 1:1 with mentors from top universities to design and complete an independent project. Fellows also benefit from guidance by an in-house publication team, with the chance to publish in high school research journals. By combining mentorship, applied projects, and research communication, Veritas AI helps you build both technical skills and academic credentials.
5. Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy
Location: City of Hope, Duarte, CA
Cost/Stipend: None / $4,500 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 9-10% / Approximately 70 students
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 12
Eligibility: High school students aged at least 16 by the program start date | U.S. citizens or permanent residents | Should have completed high school courses in chemistry and biology
The Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy is a 10-week full-time biomedical research program hosted at City of Hope. As a participant, you will join a professional lab team and contribute to projects in cancer, diabetes, virology, or related fields. Training encompasses experimental design, lab safety, and molecular biology techniques, equipping you to make meaningful contributions to ongoing research. You will also gain experience in scientific writing by completing a final paper and presenting your findings at a formal symposium. With its focus on hands-on lab work and mentorship, the program provides high school students with an in-depth introduction to biomedical science research.
6. Stanford STaRS Internship Program
Location: Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: None / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective / 20 students per cohort
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: November 30
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years old by June 23
The Stanford Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Internship Program offers high school students hands-on experience in biotechnology and surgical innovation. Over seven weeks, you will work directly with Stanford reconstructive surgeons and research scientists on projects involving tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and medical device development. You will also engage in interactive lectures and skill-building workshops. The program combines laboratory work with seminars and collaborative projects, providing an in-depth examination of how technology is advancing medical care. You will also gain exposure to the research process and its clinical applications, building both technical and professional skills.
7. UCLA Summer Sessions
Location: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) campus
Cost: $350 registration fee plus tuition varies depending on courses
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment / Varies as per program
Dates: Multiple 3-10 week sessions between June 23 and September 12
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 or older who have completed at least Grade 9
The UCLA Summer Sessions for high school students offers a unique opportunity to experience college-level coursework in a university setting. You can explore a wide range of topics, from STEM fields such as computer science and biology to the arts, humanities, and social sciences. During the program, you engage in activities such as hands-on lab experiments, group projects, critical discussions, and creative presentations that foster collaboration and practical learning. One of the program’s distinguishing features is its open enrollment, which means any qualified high school student can participate and earn transferable college credits. Throughout the sessions, you develop essential skills like critical thinking, time management, and academic writing.
8. Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA, and virtual
Cost/Stipend: Virtual: $1,595; In-person: $2,895; financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective / About 50 students
Dates: Virtual: June 16 – 27; In-person Session I: July 7 – 18; In-person Session II: July 21 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–18
The Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X), hosted by Stanford’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, introduces high school students to neuroscience, psychology, and psychiatry through an intensive 10-day curriculum. In either the virtual or in-person sessions, you will attend faculty-led seminars on topics such as neuropsychiatry, psychiatric epidemiology, social neuroscience, and brain imaging. The program emphasizes collaborative problem-solving, culminating in a group capstone project that addresses challenges in the fields of mental health and neuroscience. You will present your project at the end of the session to peers, faculty, and family members, gaining practice in scientific communication.
9. California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS)
Location: University of California campuses: San Diego, Irvine, Davis, Santa Cruz, or Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $5,256 (non-refundable) + a non-refundable $44 application fee; financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 7-21% / Each campus accepts 160–200 students
Dates: UCI, UCSD: July 6 – August 1 | UCD, UCLA, UCSC: July 6 – August 2
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: California high school students entering grades 9–12
COSMOS is a four-week summer residential program designed for high school students passionate about STEM. During this program, you engage in hands-on, lab-based projects alongside university researchers, faculty, and scientists. Each participating UC campus offers its own specialized version of COSMOS, referred to as a "cluster," which focuses on advanced topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Subjects covered in these clusters range widely from engineering, computer science, and robotics to biomedical sciences, ecology, and mathematics. You might explore cutting-edge topics such as quantum mechanics, nanotechnology, climate change, sustainable aviation, real-world chemical principles, mathematical modeling in biology, linear algebra, discrete math, or video game design, depending on the cluster.
10. OPTIMUS Outreach Program
Location: UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: None / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / About 32 students per cohort
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: Typically early spring
Eligibility: 10th–11th grade students at select San Diego high schools (Lincoln, Hoover, Crawford, Morse, Madison, Garfield, Mark Twain, or Preuss)
The OPTIMUS Outreach Program is an eight-week summer internship at UC San Diego’s Moores Cancer Center, introducing high school students to cancer research and clinical medicine. As a participant, you will gain hands-on lab experience in molecular biology while also shadowing doctors in clinical settings. The program provides mentorship from faculty and surgical residents, who guide you through both research and applied medical skills such as suturing. Additionally, you will attend seminars covering various topics, including medicine, oncology, and scientific research. The internship concludes with a final presentation of your research findings, giving you experience in communicating science to professionals and peers.
11. BrainSport Summer High School Research Internship
Location: UCLA Steve Tisch BrainSPORT Concussion Program, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: None / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective/small cohort
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 4
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors; preference given to students interested in continued research and peer mentorship
The BrainSport Summer High School Research Internship at UCLA immerses students in neuroscience and sports medicine research, with a focus on brain injury and recovery in youth athletes. Over eight weeks, you will join a multidisciplinary team working on projects involving concussion research, neuroimaging analysis (fMRI, EEG), and behavioral assessments. Your responsibilities may include conducting literature reviews, assisting with data entry, and supporting patient recruitment efforts. You will also attend weekly lab meetings and collaborate with faculty, clinicians, and graduate researchers. This program emphasizes both scientific and clinical perspectives, offering a unique experience at the intersection of neuroscience, sports medicine, and youth health.
12. Stanford’s Genomics Research Internship Program for High School Students (GRIPS)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: None / need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 5% / 20 students selected from 400+ applicants
Dates: June 16 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older by the program start date | Residents of Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz counties | Minimum 3.0 GPA. Prior knowledge of biology, chemistry, or computer programming
The Genomics Research Internship Program for High School Students (GRIPS) offers an introduction to genomic science through eight weeks of research at Stanford University. You will join an active lab, conducting experiments and contributing to ongoing biomedical studies under the mentorship of Stanford scientists. Beyond lab work, the program includes weekly seminars, cohort activities, and career panels that provide context on genomics in both research and medical settings. Regular check-ins with your assigned mentor ensure consistent progress and personalized support. You’ll gain insight into careers in science and medicine by exploring bioinformatics tools, and present your research findings at the end of the program.
13. UCSF SEP High School Intern Program
Location: University of California, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: None / $3,200 stipend for part-time (25 hrs/week); $4,500 stipend for full-time (35 hrs/week) participation
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective / Around 25 students
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: High school juniors enrolled in SFUSD schools or San Francisco charter schools
The UCSF Science and Health Education Partnership (SEP) High School Intern Program provides students with an eight-week mentored research experience in biomedical science. You will join a UCSF lab and work on projects in areas such as cancer biology, neuroscience, stem cell research, infectious disease, or immunology. Alongside hands-on lab training, the program includes professional development through resume workshops, college advising, financial aid guidance, and campus tours. A dedicated UCSF scientist mentor supports you throughout the program, helping you learn how to design experiments and analyze data. Past projects have covered immunology, stem cells, neuroscience, cancer, developmental biology, infectious diseases, and molecular biology.
14. Summer Medical Academy (SMA) – Rady Children’s Hospital
Location: Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: $3,000; limited scholarships available for students from eligible Title I San Diego County high schools
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / 24 - 30 students
Dates: Session 1: June 16 – 27; Session 2: July 7 – 18
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: High school students ages 15–19 who have completed at least 9th grade by June
The Summer Medical Academy (SMA) is a two-week program designed to give high school students a close look at healthcare careers. Hosted by Rady Children’s Hospital, the program combines clinical workshops, lab activities, and medical simulations with lectures and panels led by practicing healthcare professionals. You will explore areas such as pediatrics, emergency medicine, surgery, and nursing while also gaining exposure to public health and medical ethics. In addition to technical training, the program includes skills sessions, group projects, and networking opportunities that emphasize teamwork and communication. By the end of the program, you will present a group project that showcases both your scientific and collaborative learning.
15. University of the Pacific Summer High School Institute
Location: University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA (residential)
Cost/Stipend: $3,650 + $500 nonrefundable deposit; $500 discount and financial aid are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment / Large cohorts
Dates: Session 1: June 2 – 12; Session 2: June 17 – 27
Application Deadline: Typically May
Eligibility: All high school students
The University of the Pacific Summer High School Institute is a two-week residential program offering over 50 hands-on courses in areas including health sciences, engineering, arts, athletics, and business. You will work in Pacific’s labs, studios, and makerspaces, gaining practical experience on real-world projects such as culturing bacteria, designing prototypes, or developing digital media. Faculty-led sessions emphasize applied learning and collaboration, with opportunities to build subject-specific knowledge while working in teams. Living on campus, you will also take part in evening recreational and wellness activities, as well as structured peer projects. The program offers both academic depth and a glimpse into college life in a supportive residential setting.
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