15 Summer Research Programs for High School Students in California

Participating in research programs, internships, or summer courses can be a great way to explore new fields and learn from professionals. These opportunities give you space to explore your interests and strengthen abilities like problem-solving, communication, and independent thinking. Summer research programs help you make connections with mentors and peers who share your interests, which can be especially valuable as you start considering your future academic and career paths. Participating in a competitive program can also boost your college applications. 

California is home to several universities, research centers, biotech labs, and fast-growing industries ranging from technology to environmental science. As a high school student, you can explore summer research programs that combine academic investigation with practical applications. With that, here is a list of 15 summer research programs for high school students in California, focusing on learning, mentorship, and exposure to professional environments.

15 Summer Research Programs for High School Students in California

1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Paid
Acceptance Rate: <3%
Dates: June 8 – July 30
Application Deadline: December 19 – February 21
Eligibility: Current juniors or seniors (16+) currently living and attending high school in the U.S

In the Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program, you will spend eight weeks working on a medically focused research project alongside Stanford faculty, researchers, postdocs, and graduate students. You will also take part in hands-on lab work, learn how scientific investigations are designed and carried out, and contribute to ongoing biomedical research. Throughout the summer, you will build technical skills, explore topics in biology and medicine, and gain a clearer understanding of what research careers involve. The program is designed to foster your interest in the life sciences while providing you with direct exposure to the scientific process in a university setting. By the end, you will have completed a full research project and gained meaningful experience in one of the country’s leading medical research environments.

2. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program; Financial aid offered
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Various deadlines for different cohorts
Eligibility: High school students 

Ladder Internships is a selective program that matches you with a fast-growing start-up for a hands-on internship. You can choose from a wide range of industries, including tech, AI/ML, deep tech, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. During the internship, you will work directly with managers at high-growth companies, many of which have raised over a million dollars, giving you exposure to real challenges and fast-paced workflows. You will also receive guidance from a Ladder Coach who will provide support throughout your internship. By the end of the program, you will be expected to present your work to the company. 

3. City of Hope: Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy

Location: City of Hope Eugene & Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy, Duarte, CA
Stipend: $4,500
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 12
Eligibility: U.S. high school students (16+) 

During the Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy, you will spend 10 weeks working full-time in a biomedical research lab while designing your own project based on your interests. You will collaborate closely with a mentor—a City of Hope scientist, postdoc, or graduate student—who will guide your day-to-day work and help you build critical thinking and laboratory skills. Each week, you will join seminars where you present your findings, learn from peers, and explore topics such as biomedical ethics, scientific writing, and how to create research posters. The program also offers workshops and continual mentorship that help you understand what a career in biomedical research truly looks like. By the end of the summer, you will write a research report and present your project. You might even get to contribute to publications or novel discoveries.

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on the program; Financial aid offered
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts running 12-16 weeks throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with a high level of academic achievement (3.3+ GPA)

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program gives you the chance to work closely with a Ph.D.-level researcher as you design and complete your own independent research project. You can explore a wide range of subjects and choose a program format that matches your goals and schedule. In the Individual Research Program, you will meet with your mentor for approximately nine sessions and receive structured support throughout the research process, as well as guidance on writing a 15-page research paper. If you wish to concentrate on publishing, the Premium Research & Publication Program spans approximately 16 weeks and includes more comprehensive writing support, detailed publication planning, and collaboration with Lumiere’s publication team. The Professor Premium Publication option offers similar support, but pairs you directly with a faculty professor for your project. Across all tracks, you can expect a rigorous research experience with one-on-one mentorship, academic skill-building, and the opportunity to create work that aligns with professional research standards.

5. UCSF High School Intern Program

Location: University of California – San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Stipend: $3,200 for 25 hours/week; $4,500 for 35 hours/week
Cohort Size: 25 students
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Current high school juniors enrolled in an SF public charter school, SFUSD high school, or participants of College Track San Francisco

During the UCSF High School Intern Program, you will spend eight paid weeks conducting biomedical research alongside a UCSF scientist who will serve as your day-to-day mentor. You will work on a project in areas such as infectious disease, neuroscience, molecular biology, immunology, cancer, stem cell research, or developmental biology, depending on your mentor’s lab. Throughout the summer, you will strengthen your science communication skills, build your professional network through interactions with UCSF researchers, and connect with fellow interns. You will also take part in college counseling activities, including writing workshops, one-on-one meetings with a counselor, financial aid sessions for families, and a full-day college tour to a nearby university. 

6. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory: Experiences in Research

Location: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA
Stipend: $500/week
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 3 – March 23
Eligibility: Current 10th-12th grade students (16+) enrolled in Northern California, preferably within a 20-mile radius of Berkeley Lab

In the Experiences in Research (EinR) program, you will spend six weeks at Berkeley Lab working on real projects alongside researchers and STEM professionals. You will be placed in a project area that aligns with your interests and build technical and professional skills while contributing to tasks that reflect the day-to-day work of a national laboratory. You will also form connections with your Berkeley Lab mentors, who will guide you through your project and introduce you to research practices across different STEM fields. By the end of the program, you will have gained experience in communication, collaboration, and applied scientific thinking, all within a professional research environment.

7. USC’s Young Researchers Program

Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Stipend: $300
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application Deadline: January 17 – March 31
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors in Los Angeles, Lynwood, Compton, or Inglewood 

The USC Young Researchers Program is a six-week summer experience where you will work alongside a graduate mentor on a scientific research project in their area of expertise in a USC lab. Each week, you will also be engaged in workshops covering practical topics like preparing for college, finding scholarships, and exploring STEM career pathways. The program includes field trips to places like NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. You’ll also spend a full day on Catalina Island studying environmental science, hiking, and snorkeling. Designed to support students from the local community, the program provides structured mentorship, exposure to STEM fields, and a clear look at what a future in science might be like. The program ends with a presentation, where you can showcase your findings at a public poster symposium.

8. Caltech’s Summer Research Connection (SRC)

Location: Caltech, Pasadena, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students attending Pasadena Unified School District high schools

The Summer Research Connection is a six-week program that places you in a Caltech research lab, where you’ll work on a scientific project as part of a student–teacher team. Guided by research mentors, you’ll spend the summer building laboratory skills, learning how to approach scientific questions, and contributing to ongoing investigations. The collaborative structure allows you to learn not only from researchers but also from the teachers and peers working alongside you. By the end of the program, you will present your findings in a seminar-style talk, with some presentations later shared on Caltech’s official YouTube channel. 

9. UC Irvine Cancer Research Institute’s Summer Youth Science Fellowship Program

Location: UC Irvine Cancer Research Institute, Irvine, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort Size: Around 20 students
Dates: June 29 – August 8
Application Deadline: November 17 – January 30
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors in Orange County with a minimum 3.0 GPA; Must have completed a chemistry and biology class 

In the Youth Science Fellowship Program at UC Irvine, you will spend six weeks immersed in laboratory-based cancer research while working 30 hours a week alongside UCI scientists. You will be matched with a research mentor and placed in a lab where you will learn foundational techniques, contribute to ongoing projects, and gain confidence in scientific inquiry. Throughout the program, you will also attend scientific seminars, professional development workshops, and cohort reflection sessions that deepen your understanding of cancer research and its real-world applications. The experience will introduce you to emerging research trends, connect you with peers from across Orange County, and offer opportunities to meet leaders in the field. At the end of the summer, you will present your findings at a Scientific Poster Symposium open to faculty, peers, and family.

10. Stanford’s AIMI Summer Research Internship

Location: Virtual
Cost: $40 application fee + $850 participation fee; Financial aid available
Cohort Size: 25 students
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students (14+); U.S. citizens or permanent residents; Preference for applicants with strong math or computer programming skills or experience with a healthcare project

The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) offers a two-week virtual research internship designed to introduce you to how AI is transforming healthcare. Each day includes technical lectures on core AI concepts, mentoring sessions with Stanford student leads and researchers, and group work where you begin exploring problems in medical AI. You will also participate in virtual career panels with professionals from academia, industry, government, and nonprofit sectors, giving you a broader view of the field. After completing the two weeks, you may be offered the opportunity to continue with a longer independent research project, gaining deeper experience in applied AI research. All students who complete the full program receive a Certificate of Completion.

11. UC Santa Barbara: Research Mentorship Program

Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $5,675 (commuter); $13,274 (residential); Limited need-based scholarships available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: December 15 – March 9
Eligibility: International & domestic high school students in grades 10-11 with a minimum 3.8 GPA

During the UC Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program, you will spend six weeks on campus working with university researchers on a project of your choice. You can choose from a wide range of fields, including areas like engineering, neuroscience, economics, marine biology, and computer science, depending on which mentors are available that summer. The program starts with a short virtual component where you’ll meet your mentor, understand research expectations, and familiarize yourself with the resources you’ll use. Once on campus, you’ll participate in hands-on work, including field work, data collection, lab techniques, and problem-solving. You’ll also attend courses that teach you how to write a technical research paper and present your work through talks, posters, and elevator pitches. By the end of the program, you’ll earn eight UC credits and present your project at a formal academic symposium, giving you experience with real university-level research communication.

12. UC Santa Barbara: Summer Research Academies (SRA)

Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $3,475 (commuter); $9,874 (residential); Limited need-based scholarships available 
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 24 – July 26
Application Deadline: December 15 – March 23
Eligibility: International & domestic 9th-11th graders with a minimum weighted GPA of 3.6

UC Santa Barbara’s Summer Research Academies give you the chance to spend several weeks immersed in project-based research across STEM, humanities, or social science fields. You will enroll in a 4-unit university course tied to your chosen track and work under the guidance of an instructor conducting research in that area. Over the summer, you will develop your own research topic, access full campus resources, and present your work in a capstone seminar. The experience also includes GRIT Talks, which are lectures by UCSB researchers that will expose you to current breakthroughs and innovative technologies. Beyond academics, you’ll take part in workshops, mixers, and community events that help you build professional skills and connect with peers from around the world. 

13. UC Santa Cruz: Science Internship Program (SIP)

Location: UCSC, Santa Cruz, CA (hybrid)
Cost: $65 application fee + $4,250 tuition; Scholarships available
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 15 – 19 (online research); June 22 – August 8 (in-person research)
Application Deadline: January 16 – February 28
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 14 and 17 

The Science Internship Program at UC Santa Cruz allows you to spend the summer working on research projects in various fields ranging from science and engineering to the social sciences, humanities, and the arts. You will collaborate directly with UCSC researchers, including faculty and graduate students, giving you insight into how professional research teams operate. Throughout the program, you will learn how to frame research questions, design experiments or investigations, collect and analyze data, and present your findings. SIP emphasizes mentorship and critical thinking, guiding you through the full research process from early planning to the final communication of your work. Alongside the academic experience, you will also join a supportive community of peers and mentors while getting a feel for college life through an immersive on-campus environment.

14. Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP)

Location: Various ASDRP labs in Fremont, CA
Cost: $1,070; Financial assistance available 
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 1 – August 30
Application Deadline: October 17 – February 1 (priority 1), March 1 (priority 2), April 15 (final)
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th-graders around the Bay Area

ASDRP gives you the chance to work on original, high-level scientific projects alongside experienced scientists, engineers, and researchers. You will be paired with a mentor and work on designing a project that explores an open research question. Throughout the summer, you will gain experience with scientific reading and writing, experimental design, computational tools, and data analysis while using professional-grade equipment in ASDRP’s research facility. The program also helps to develop communication skills as you draft research papers, participate in mock peer review, and present your work at a formal poster session. Many students go on to publish in ASDRP’s online journal or submit their work to conferences and external research competitions. 

15. UC Davis Young Scholars Program

Location: UC Davis, Davis, CA
Cost: $45 application fee + $7,500; Fee reductions and application fee waivers offered
Cohort Size: 40 students
Dates: June 21 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 1 – March 1
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors (16-18), U.S. citizens currently residing and attending school in the U.S.

In the UC Davis Young Scholars Program, you will spend six weeks conducting original research in fields like biological, agricultural, environmental, and natural sciences. You will work one-on-one with a faculty mentor in a UC Davis laboratory, design your own research project, and prepare both a journal-style paper and a formal symposium presentation. Throughout the program, you will keep a research notebook, complete graded assignments, and earn five units of University Group Study credit. Beyond the lab, you will experience residential life on campus and get a realistic sense of what it’s like to live and learn at a major research university. At the end of the summer, you will present your findings at a campus symposium and later share your work with peers at your home high school. 

Image Source - Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program Logo