15 Summer College Programs for High School Students in California
For high school students looking to challenge themselves, summer college programs offer an excellent opportunity to gain early exposure to university-level academics and campus life. These programs allow you to learn from college faculty, explore subjects not usually offered in high school, and work on projects that reflect the rigor of college-level coursework. Some also integrate workshops, mentorship, or site visits, giving you insight into both academic pathways and career prospects.
California is home to many universities and colleges that offer summer programs for high schoolers. These programs stand out for their selectivity and the access they offer to mentorship, networking, and research. Whether you are interested in STEM, humanities, or pre-professional growth, these programs give you exposure to college life and a chance to grow academically. To help you get started, we have put together 15 summer college programs for high school students in California.
1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR) Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $500 as stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Less than 3% acceptance rate; ~50 students selected
Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are at least 16 years old and high school juniors or seniors.
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR) Program is one of the most prestigious research opportunities for high school students in California. This 8-week full-time program matches you with a Stanford lab to conduct original biomedical research in areas such as cancer biology, neurobiology, bioinformatics, and bioengineering. Under the guidance of faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars, you will learn molecular biology techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication. The program also includes seminars and guest lectures from Stanford researchers, providing a broader context on careers in biomedical science. With an admission rate of less than 3 percent, SIMR offers highly competitive preparation for students aspiring to make careers in medicine or research.
2. Mathematics Intensive Summer Session (MISS)
Location: California State University, Fullerton, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; includes meals, materials, and a graphing calculator
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: June 6
Eligibility: Female high school students (typically rising sophomores and seniors); must be college-bound
The Mathematics Intensive Summer Session (MISS) at California State University, Fullerton is a 4-week commuter program aimed at enhancing math skills and preparing students for college-preparation coursework. You will spend 6 hours per day reviewing algebra through pre-calculus, with instructions tailored to your upcoming academic level. The program emphasizes collaborative problem-solving and interactive lessons aligned with California standards. Special attention is given to supporting female students and first-generation college-bound participants. You will receive free textbooks and meals, and first-time participants will be provided with a graphing calculator to support their continued math studies.
3. UC Santa Barbara Pre-College Research Programs
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts per program
Dates: Research Mentorship Program (RMP): June 16 – August 1; Summer Research Academies (SRA): June 25 – July 25
Application Deadline: RMP: March 17, SRA: March 31, opens December 15
Eligibility: RMP: Advanced 9th–11th grade students with a weighted GPA as 3.80+; SRA: 9th–11th grade students with weighted GPA as 3.60+ (UC a–g)
UC Santa Barbara offers 2 summer pre-college tracks for motivated high school students ready to engage in university-level research. The Research Mentorship Program (RMP) pairs you with UCSB faculty for a 6-week research project, guiding you through every stage from proposal to final presentation. Along with your project, you will attend GRIT talks and structured workshops focused on academic and college preparation. The Summer Research Academies (SRA) emphasize interdisciplinary research methods through guided seminars and collaborative projects, providing a more structured introduction to research. Both programs allow you to earn 4 to 8 college credits while gaining access to UCSB’s campus resources, faculty mentorship, and transferable academic skills.
4. UCLA Pre-College Summer Institutes
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA (both residential and commuter options available)
Cost/Stipend: ~$2,500 - $6,000 depending on the program; scholarships available for selected institutes
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by program; selective enrollment
Dates: June – August (1 to 3 week sessions depending on the program)
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school students aged 15+ years (17+ years for residential programs); open to international students
The UCLA Pre-College Summer Institutes offer high school students an intensive academic experience that replicates the rigor of a university classroom. Program options can span across multiple disciplines, including nanoscience, economics, design media arts, and mock trials. Over the course of 1 to 3 weeks, you will complete structured coursework, gain exposure to UCLA faculty-led instruction, and work on capstone projects or performances specific to your field of study. Many institutes incorporate lab-based learning, fieldwork, and guest lectures from industry professionals, connecting academic content to practical applications.
5. Summer College Immersion Program (SCIP)
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA (residential)
Cost/Stipend: ~$4,000–$6,000, depending on course selection; $350 as enrollment fee; financial aid is not widely available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited cohort of high-achieving students
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 1 (International) / May 1 (Domestic)
Eligibility: U.S. and international high school students currently in 10th to 11th grade with a minimum GPA of 3.8
The Summer College Immersion Program (SCIP) is UCLA’s premier six-week residential college experience for motivated high school students. As a participant, you will enroll in actual UCLA courses for credit alongside university students, gaining hands-on exposure to the rigor of undergraduate academics. In addition to attending faculty lectures and completing graded assignments, you will have full access to UCLA resources, including libraries, study spaces, and academic support services. Co-curricular workshops focus on time management, academic writing, and preparing you for the transition to college life. At the end of the program, you will receive an official UCLA transcript.
6. UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Virtual Track
Location: Online (hosted by University of California, Berkeley, CA)
Cost: ~$1,500–$3,000 depending on the course; includes tuition and support services
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; limited space due to course capacity
Dates: Session A: May 27 – July 3; Session B: June 9 – August 15; Session C: June 23 – August 15; Session D: July 7 – August 15; Session E: July 28 – August 15; Session F: July 7 – July 25
Application Deadline: June 2
Eligibility: Domestic and international high school students
The UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Virtual Track provides high school students with the opportunity to earn college credits by enrolling in an official UC Berkeley summer course from anywhere in the world. Subjects range widely, including computer science, psychology, data science, and economics, with availability for both synchronous and asynchronous learning options. You will complete graded assignments and participate in live discussions alongside Berkeley undergraduates and visiting students. In addition to coursework, the program offers orientation sessions, interactive workshops, and virtual mentorship to prepare you for college-level academics. Upon completion of the course, your grades and credits are recorded on an official UC Berkeley transcript, giving you valuable academic credentials.
7. UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Residential Track
Location: University of California, Berkeley, CA (residential)
Cost/Stipend: ~$7,050 (includes tuition, housing, and meals); one full-ride media scholarship available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; competitive for housing spots
Dates: Session C: June 23 – August 15; Session D: July 7 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 10
Eligibility: Domestic and international high school students
The UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Residential Track allows you to experience life as a Berkeley student while earning credit by completing two official summer session courses. You will live in on-campus housing, take classes taught by UC Berkeley faculty, and submit graded assignments that appear on a UC Berkeley transcript. The program also includes structured orientation and co-curricular workshops led by admissions professionals, providing insights into college readiness and the admissions process. Outside of academics, Resident Assistants coordinate community activities, excursions, and social events to help you connect with peers. A unique feature of this program is the full-ride media scholarship awarded to one participant who documents their experience for program outreach.
8. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies Online Math & Physics
Location: Online (hosted by Stanford University, Stanford, CA)
Cost/Stipend: $1,600 + $35 as application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited enrollment per course
Dates: Summer Term: June 17 – August 8; Fall Term: August 25 – December 12
Application Deadline: May 12 for the Summer session
Eligibility: High school students prepared for advanced math or physics coursework
The Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies offers an online Math & Physics program for high school students looking for rigorous university-level coursework. Subjects include Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Heat & Light, providing an opportunity to study beyond the high school curriculum. While courses are self-paced with an expected workload of 8 to 12 hours per week, they also include live office hours, midterm exams, and final exams scheduled within fixed windows, and optional graded homework depending on the track. Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive Stanford Continuing Studies credit.
9. USC Summer Programs
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (residential)
Cost: $7,812 – $11,347; limited financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; courses fill up fast on a rolling basis
Dates: Four weeks in July; exact dates vary depending on the course
Application Deadline: International: March 14, Domestic: May 2
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12
The USC Summer Programs offer high school students a 4-week residential experience with over 20 academic tracks in fields such as engineering, medicine, business, architecture, and journalism. Each course involves 5 to 6 hours of daily instruction and hands-on learning, including lab work, simulations, group projects, or site visits, depending on the subject. Successful completion of the program earns you 3 units of elective college credit, giving you a transcripted credential from USC. Beyond the classroom, you will take part in academic field trips, supervised social activities, and recreational outings that reflect the experience of college life.
10. University of the Pacific Summer High School Institute
Location: University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA (residential)
Cost/Stipend: $3,650 + $500 as nonrefundable deposit
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; space limited by program capacity
Dates: Session 1: June 2 – June 12; Session 2: June 17 – June 27
Application Deadline: Session 1: May 11, Session 2: May 25
Eligibility: Open to high school students; no GPA requirement specified
The University of the Pacific Summer High School Institute is a 2-week residential pre-college program offering more than 50 hands-on courses across fields including arts, engineering, business, athletics, and health sciences. You will work directly with Pacific faculty in labs, studios, and makerspaces, applying concepts to real-world projects like culturing bacteria, designing prototypes, or developing creative media. In addition to academic sessions, the program emphasizes teamwork through group projects and collaborative learning experiences. While living on campus, you will be a part of evening recreational and wellness activities that reflect the routine of college life.
11. California College of the Arts (CCA) Pre-College Program
Location: California College of the Arts, San Francisco, CA
Cost: ~$8,075 (residential); ~$5,615 (commuter); tuition includes 3 college credits and meal plans; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort admitted annually
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: Scholarship: February 24, Final: June 10
Eligibility: High school students who will complete grades 10th–12th by summer
The California College of the Arts (CCA) Pre-College Program offers a 4-week immersive art and design experience, allowing you to build a professional portfolio while earning 3 college credits. You will choose one focus area, such as architecture, animation, fashion design, game arts, or UI/UX, and spend the program engaged in studio practice, critiques, and conceptual development. Courses are taught by practicing artists and faculty from CCA’s BFA programs, giving you direct exposure to professional creative practices. Residential students also participate in gallery visits and studio tours throughout San Francisco, connecting their coursework to the city’s vibrant arts community. With both residential and commuter options, along with available scholarships, the program offers intensive training to aspiring visual and applied artists.
12. California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)
Location: University of California, San Diego, CA (residential)
Cost/Stipend: $42 as application fee; $5,007 as program fee; financial aid available for California residents
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~200–250 students per UC campus
Dates: July 6 – August 2
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: California high school students in grades 8th–12th with strong performance in math and science
The California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) is a 4-week intensive STEM program hosted at UC San Diego. As a participant, you will choose a cluster focused on a specific discipline such as molecular biology, quantum physics, or aerospace engineering. In small cohorts, you will conduct research projects under the guidance of UCSD faculty and graduate mentors, gaining hands-on experience in both lab and fieldwork settings. The program emphasizes independent inquiry, group collaboration, and the ability to present your scientific findings formally.
13. Academic Connections
Location: University of California, San Diego, CA (residential)
Cost/Stipend: $4,500 as tuition fee; $200 as optional SAT Test Prep; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; space limited by course enrollment
Dates: July 7 – July 25
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
The Academic Connections at UC San Diego is a 3-week residential program that introduces high school students to university-level coursework across STEM, social sciences, and the arts. Course offerings cover subjects such as ocean ecosystem dynamics, biotechnology, and structural engineering, all taught by UCSD faculty or graduate instructors. You will engage in lectures, collaborative projects, and guided research, with final presentations designed to replicate college-level assessments. Beyond the academics, you will live on campus, gaining access to labs, libraries, and other university facilities. The program focuses on developing critical thinking, data analysis, and subject-specific inquiry while offering a structured introduction to the pace and expectations of UCSD classes.
14. Summer Academy in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Location: California State University, Fresno, CA
Cost/Stipend: $285
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open to qualified applicants; space is limited
Dates: June 16 – 20
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Students entering grades 4th–12th
The Summer Academy in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics at California State University, Fresno is a week-long program that introduces students to practical STEM applications in a university environment. You will focus on areas such as wind energy, physics, and mathematics using a combination of debates, interactive labs, and problem-solving sessions. You will build models, run experiments, and apply geometry and physics-based reasoning to real-world challenges, all under the guidance of Fresno State faculty and STEM educators. The program concludes with the awarding of a Certificate of Accomplishment recognizing your participation and the skills you have developed in mathematical reasoning, collaborative inquiry, and design thinking.
15. Bruin Ascent Summer Experience (BASE)
Location: Online (hosted by University of California, Los Angeles, CA)
Cost/Stipend: Free (scholarship-based)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort of scholarship recipients
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: High-achieving California high school students from economically underprivileged communities
The Bruin Ascent Summer Experience (BASE) is a fully funded 6-week program that allows students to enroll in an official UCLA online course and earn college credit. In addition to academics, you will participate in co-curricular workshops on study strategies, time management, college planning, and mentorship sessions with current UCLA undergraduates. Coursework comes directly from UCLA’s summer offerings and is included on an official transcript, giving you a credential that reflects real college-level achievement. Designed for high-achieving students from underprivileged backgrounds, BASE combines academic rigor with peer engagement and mentorship in a supportive virtual environment.
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world. The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that addresses a genuine need of the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their Manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!
Image Source - Stanford University Logo