high school research programs bay area

Opportunities

Learning and career building opportunities.

Some of the best STEM programs and internships for teenagers in the country are provided in the Bay Area. Please visit the websites of our ever-growing colony of friends below for more information on these ongoing programs.

B.A.T.S. aims to provide you with the most up-to-date information on STEM learning and career building opportunities. “Breaking news” opportunities are regularly announced on our  home page , and in more detail on our Facebook and Instagram pages . You can also get these announcements via email with the  Opps For B.A.T.S.  newsletter.

Other websites to check include  The California STEM Network ,  UC Berkeley’s STAR database , Science Near Me ,  Pathways to Science ,  TeenLife , and the  San Francisco Unified School District Science Department , . If you know of other STEM opportunities or resources to find them that we should be promoting, please  contact us .

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Museums and science centers, colleges and universities.

• Camps and Summer Programs

Zoos and Aquaria

Parks, recreation areas, and preserves, youth and community organizations, laboratories and other research facilities, maker spaces, classroom visits, resources for exploring and finding jobs.

• More Opportunities

Out-of-state Programs

• Youth Programs  at the  California Academy of Sciences
• Teen Internship Program  at the  Computer History Museum
• High School Explainers  at the  Exploratorium
• Opportunities for Teens   at the  Lawrence Hall of Science

University of California, Berkeley

• Pre-College TRIO Programs
• Summer Math And Science Honors (SMASH) Academy  (in partnership with the  Level Playing Field Institute )
• Girls in Engineering Program  –  Note: Program is for rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. High school students are welcome to volunteer.
• Vive Center’s ROAR Academy
• Public talks and lectures from Science at Cal
• Free tutoring from Cub Support
• Youth programs from UC Berkeley’s Society of Women Engineers (SWE) chapter
• Lawrence Hall of Science  Summer Teen Research Programs  and  BAIR Lab High School Summer Program  (artificial intelligence)

 Stanford University

• Stanford Young Investigators
• Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Center Stanford Summer Internship
• Other STEM Programs for High School Students
• Astronomy lectures with the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (KIPAC)

University of California, San Francisco

• High School Intern Program (HIP)
• Cellular Construction Workshop (CCW)
• TWC organizes an annual Teen Wellness Summit for Bay Area high school students and their teachers/program leaders
• Summer Student Research Program
• CURE Internship Program
• Brain Camp @ UCSF

University of California, Santa Cruz

• Science Internship Program  (SIP)

Sonoma State University

• Sonoma State University/Sonoma County Office of Education Summer High School Internship Program  (SHIP) –  Note: Program is open only to students enrolled under the Sonoma County Office of Education umbrella

University of California (various campuses)

• California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science  (COSMOS)

Foothill College

• Astronomy lectures from the  Silicon Valley Astronomy Lecture Series , sponsored by the  Astronomical Society of the Pacific,  the  SETI Institute,  the  University of California Observatories , and Foothill College .
• Summer programs from Girls Who Code
• Research program camps from the Headwaters Science Institute
• STEM bootcamps and internships with Nexgenegirls
• Computer science bootcamps from Kode with Klossy
• Expeditions from Inspiring Girls* Expeditions
• Summer and Online Camps with  AI Camp
• Summer Internships  with  Galileo Innovation Camps
• STEM Academy with  GIRL STEM STARS
• iD Tech Summer Programs  with  various locations  to choose from
• Youth Programs  at the  California Academy of Sciences
• Youth Crew  at the  Marine Mammal Center
• Teen Programs  at the  Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Teen Programs  at the  Oakland Zoo
• Teen Volunteer Opportunities  at the  San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
• Leadership Development Program at CuriOdyssey
• Inspiring Young Emerging Leaders (I-YEL)  at the  Crissy Field Center  in the  Golden Gate National Recreation Area
• Youth Crew  at the  Marine Mammal Center  in the  Golden Gate National Recreation Area
• TeenNat Program  at  Pepperwood Preserve
• Conservation Council at the Sonoma Land Trust
• Y Scholars and Other Youth Programs  at the  YMCA-PG&E Teen Center
• Innovate, collaborate, and create with  TeenTechSF
• Band of Environmentally Educated and Employable Teens (BEETS)
• In-house training programs with Youth Radio
• Sustainable Youth Internships   with  EarthTeam
• Free coding classes and workshops with Mission Bit
• Join Teens in Health to network with other high schoolers leading for science education and health advocacy
• Science talks from Popping the Science Bubble and the Berkeley Public Library
• Young adult programs from the Booker T. Washington Community Service Center
• Internships from Genesys Works
• Leadership program from Outward Bound California
• Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology (iCLEM)  at the  Joint BioEnergy Institute  –  Note: This is a summer program open only to students enrolled in high schools in Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Francisco counties who meet certain eligibility requirements. See website for full details.
• Middle school and high school programs at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBL)
• Physics in and Through Cosmology from the Physics Division of Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBL)
• Middle and high school programs at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
• The Mix  at the  San Francisco Main Public Library  in the San Francisco Civic Center. –  Note: This FREE program pairs media mentors with teens 13-18 years old in 1:1 interest-driven learning in digital media, including 3D animation, robotics, game design, and audio and video production!

These organizations will visit your classroom, so ask your teacher to check them out and sign ’em up!

• Planet Bee Foundation  is dedicated to creating a green minded generation by inspiring environmental stewardship and individual action through the teaching lens of the struggling honey bee.
• CareerOneStop , a career and job exploration site sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor
• Tips for Teens: How to Find Your First Real Job (from resumebuilder.com )
• Many cities have youth employment programs. For example, Berkeley runs YouthWorks , a program where youth ages 14-25 get valuable work experience, training opportunities, and make some income.
• The Oakland Public Library has a great webpage for teens looking for jobs
• California’s Employment Develop Department summarizes resources and opportunities for youth on their Services for Youth page

More opportunities

• Up Next Scientists , a student-driven initiative, provides free, virtual research opportunities.
• MITES programs at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.)

Programs for High School Students

Main navigation.

For additional camps, see the Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE) list of summer camps  here .

Advanced Science Exploratory Program

Advanced Science Exploratory Program is a non-profit 501(c)(3) offering educational seminars aimed to ignite excitement about science, scientific research, and scientific career paths. Each series offered aims to equip students with the knowledge to incite their curiosity, and make informed decisions as they take their next steps in their education towards their career pursuits. A number of different types of seminars are currently open for enrollment, including 1) Mentorship Series such as "think like a scientist" (equip students with the knowledge, insight and skills required for success in their career pursuits); 2) Foundations Series such as "how scientists study the brain" (inspire interest, and both inform and expand student’s scope of career opportunities through exposure to various fields) 3) Focused Series such as "understanding emotion and its relationship with the brain" (use specific topics as a vehicle to exemplify the range of methods and approaches one can use to study within a field). 

See available seminars here!  https://www.asciencepro.org/upcomingseminars  

A significant part of our mission is to actively diversify the field of scientific research by extending opportunities to students whom wouldn’t otherwise have the resources required to pursue transformative scientific opportunities. Please contact us if you are interested in an income-based scholarships for one of our seminars.

AI in Medicine Summer Programs (by the Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging)

Applications for Stanford AIMI's Summer Programs for high school students are now live! Explore healthcare's future through our AI in Medicine Summer Research Internship and Bootcamp! During the two-week virtual programs, we aim to spark interest and empower the next generation of AI leaders in medicine. Our hope is to inspire students to develop innovative AI solutions to advance human health for all.

Summer Research Internship: Dive into AI's impact on healthcare through expert-led sessions, a hands-on project, & mentorship from Stanford researchers. Open to ambitious high school students entering 9th-12th grade in Fall 2024 who want to apply their technical skills to real-world clinical problems. Learn more and apply here: https://aimi.stanford.edu/education/summer-research-internship

Summer Bootcamp Program: Designed for high school learners of all technical levels, this free virtual bootcamp offers a curated curriculum that covers the fundamentals of machine learning in healthcare settings. Discover the intersections through this series of virtual lectures led by Stanford’s leading health AIexperts.  Learn more and apply here: https://aimi.stanford.edu/education/aimi-summer-bootcamp

Key Dates: Applications Due: March 31, 2024, 11:59pm PT Program dates (internship & bootcamp): June 17-28, 2024 (Mon-Fri,9am-12pm PT)

Campus Walking Tours

The Stanford Visitor Center offers a range of no-cost tours, exploring the highlights of Stanford’s beautiful campus.

Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills Summer Internship

This two-week course is designed to educate high school students considering careers in science and medicine in cardiothoracic surgical anatomy and physiology. It is an intensive course that will provide knowledge of and exposure to basic and advanced   cardiothoracic surgery and technical skills (e.g., knot tying, tissue handling, suturing, and coronary artery bypass and valve replacement surgery). Lectures and skills sessions are conducted by Stanford University faculty and surgical residents. Currently, we are planning two virtual on-line sessions during Summer 2024.  There is a program fee, and financial assistance is available for applicants in need.  Check the program page for detailed information:  https://med.stanford.edu/cssec/summer-internship.html . Please check the website for the application due date.

Clinical Anatomy Summer Program (CASP)

The Clinical Anatomy Summer Program (CASP) offers high school students the unique opportunity to explore anatomy and health careers in a week-long, non-residential, in person program. Summer program students engage with virtual modalities of learning anatomy, hands-on suturing and dissection workshops, and the opportunity to interact with human cadaveric specimen! In 2024, CASP is offering both an in-person and virtual program. For more information, please visit: https://med.stanford.edu/anatomy/education/virtual-casp.html . The last day of registration for this program is April 19, 2024.

Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X)

The Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) is an intensive summer program that generally follows a student’s sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school. During a two-week session either online or on the campus of Stanford University, participants are exposed to the breadth of research found in the Stanford Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Three sessions will be offered in 2024: Session 1 (June 17- June 28) will be held virtually via Zoom. Sessions 2 (July 8-July 19) and 3 (July 22-August 2) will be held in-person at the Stanford campus. There is a program fee and financial assistance is available for applicants in need. Learn more and apply on the website: https://med.stanford.edu/psychiatry/special-initiatives/CNIX.html . Applications will be accepted until March 1, 2024.

Educational Studies Program/Splash!

ESP/Splash! offers a Saturday or Sunday on campus full of academic and non-academic classes taught by Stanford students. ESP invites students to attend classes that could vary from completely “non-academic” stuff like cookie baking and origami, to complicated and challenging classes on machine theory or quantum mechanics. 

Farm to Table Summer Camp

Our Farm to Table Camp, offered for the 12th summer in collaboration with Santa Clara Unified School District, provides students in kindergarten through 8th grade with engaging and empowering learning experiences on our organic 11-acre suburban farm located in Santa Clara.

Future Advancers of Science and Technology

FAST is a program in which Stanford University graduate students mentor Future Advancers of Science and Technology (FAST) toward achieving their goals of answering open questions in science and engineering clever solutions to problems in their society. High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors of Andrew P Hill High School and James Lick High School meet with Stanford PhD students during afternoons of two Saturdays each month. The goal is to brainstorm projects and carry out experiments / build prototypes between September and February. In late January through March, high school students present their work at local science fairs, state science fairs, and at a Symposium at Stanford University.  FAST also offers a series of online workshops to help high school students navigate the college process.

Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS)

The Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS) brings summer internship opportunities in  computational  genetics and genomics to Bay Area high school students. GRIPS offers highly talented high school students a unique research experience, professional development, and community building opportunities. GRIPS is a twenty hour, eight week long research intensive experience for high school students. Program participants will be placed in a research laboratory for the summer and conduct genomics research under the supervision of a lab mentor. Application deadline is February.

Health Career Collaborative (HCC)

The Health Career Collaborative is a student-driven health career exposure & mentorship program that connects 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students from East Palo Alto Academy to undergrads, medical and graduate students, and faculty at Stanford. The HCC's goal is to expose students from disadvantaged and/or underrepresented backgrounds to the exciting field of healthcare in aims of making the future workforce of medicine more representative, and its delivery more equitable. If you are interested, please reach out to the contacts listed on the HCC webpage . 

High School Chemistry Outreach

Beginning in 2009, the Stanford Chemistry department teamed up with American High School in Fremont to bring in novel hands-on guided inquiry lab experiences. In these labs, students work together in small groups to carry out an exciting activity that would otherwise not be possible with the minimal equipment and supplies available to most high schools. The lab topics fit within the California Curriculum Standards, presented with an emphasis on how these concepts apply in the real world.  

Inspiring Future Scientists through Shadowing (IFSS)

IFSS is a two-week program hosted each summer by the chemistry department to give rising juniors and seniors in high school an opportunity to experience cutting edge chemical research while shadowing a graduate student mentor as they work in the laboratory.

Introduction to Logic High School Summer Camp 

The Introduction to Logic High School Summer Session is a two-week, non-residential program offering an introduction to logic from a computational perspective. With applications in mathematics, science, engineering, business, law, a Stanford Computer Science professor and logician and an award-winning high school instructor jointly teach this workshop. The 2024 session will take place on the Stanford campus. Scholarships are available. For more information, see  http://intrologic.stanford.edu/studentcamps/logicisfundamental.html .

MRS Outreach Ambassadors

MRS Outreach Ambassadors are graduate students in the Stanford Chapter of the Materials Research Society who offer in-class demonstrations and lectures on the materials of our world, materials of the future, and careers in science and engineering. Teachers may request a school visit at no charge. 

Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS)

The Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS) is a 6-week program in which high school students from diverse backgrounds are invited to learn about science, medicine, and research with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students and researchers on a medically-oriented project. The goals of the program include increasing interest in biological sciences and medicine in Bay Area high school students, helping students to understand how scientific research is performed, and increasing diversity of students and researchers in the sciences. Students will spend 30 hours per week in the program (Monday through Friday, approximately 6 hours/day) .There is no cost associated with participation in this program – priority will go towards students underrepresented in medicine (racial/ethnic minority, first-generation college, low-income, etc)

Pre-College Opportunities within Energy Research (POWER)

POWER is a Stanford Energy Club program that offers hands-on workshops to introduce local high school students from historically marginalized communities to topics in sustainability and energy research. We are motivated by the goal of diversifying the pipeline of future energy leaders. To find out more about POWER’s past workshops, please visit  https://www.stanfordenergyclub.com/past-workshops

Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics Courses

These online courses are designed for motivated and academically advanced high school students to explore their intellectual passions, develop analytic reasoning and creative thinking, and study directly with expert instructors. Courses are offered for credit throughout the summer and academic year, and give students the opportunity to take a broad offering of math and physics courses not typically offered in secondary schools.

Science Accelerating Girls' Engagement (SAGE)

SAGE (Science Accelerating Girls' Engagement) is a one-week summer camp for public high school students (age 14-17) hosted by scientists and engineers to share what life is like in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professions.

This program aims to foster innovation, grow the STEM community, and engage intelligent, creative, and passionate young women in the everyday life of scientists and engineers. Throughout the week, students will participate in job shadowing, hands-on projects, professional development, networking activities and more!

Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Summer Internship Program

Each year, the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery hosts 15-30 talented high school and undergraduate students in our research laboratories.  The program is free to participants. STARS interns spend 7 weeks mastering basic lab techniques, participating in research projects, and presenting their work all under the mentorship of experienced researchers. Typically the internship begins in late June and extends to the first week in August, exact dates to be determined.

Seeds of Change

Seeds of Change partners Stanford undergraduates in technology disciplines with high school students interested in advancing the participation of women and girls in STEM, and provides an integrated curriculum of mentoring, training and skills development. The program’s goal is to establish and retain young women in technology fields, and create future women STEM leaders.

SHTEM Summer Internship Program

The Stanford Compression Forum hosts its annual SHTEM internship program every summer. This internship is intended to provide early exposure to research transcending traditional disciplinary boundaries. Students will be grouped to multifaceted projects that will benefit from their existing interests and strengths, while exposing them to new areas. Projects will be mentored by students, faculty and staff of the Stanford Compression Forum and its affiliated organizations. Themes will span and combine the science of information and communication, engineering, the arts, linguistics, psychology, biology, neuroscience, computer science, technology, philosophy, and design, among other areas. There is no fee to participate, but students must commit to attending the duration of the program. The 2024 program will be virtual. Applications are being accepted until February 23rd, 2024.

SIMR - Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program

SIMR is for high school juniors and seniors interested in hands-on research in immunology, stem cell, cancer, neuroscience, bioinformatics or cardiovascular medicine. This eight week program enables students to take part in research, attend introductory lectures and present their work at a poster session open to the Stanford community. There is no cost to participate; interns earn at least a $500 stipend.

SMASH Academy on Stanford Campus

SMASH is a state of the art Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) summer enrichment program for high school students at Stanford, and other colleges.  High potential Black, Latino/a, Native American, Southeast Asian or Pacific Islander high school students participate in this three-year 5-week summer math and science enrichment program. There is no cost to participate.

SLAC Summer Internship Program

Participants in this program include high school (ages 18 and older), undergraduate and graduate level college students. Our internship programs are designed to provide students with stimulating, real-world work experiences. Interns can work up to twelve weeks from May until September, depending upon department needs and student school schedules. All students must be authorized to work in the U.S. and must pass a basic background check.

Stanford AI4ALL

Stanford AI4ALL aims to increase diversity in the field of Artificial Intelligence. During this three-week online program, students are immersed in AI through a combination of lectures, hands-on research projects, and mentoring activities. Participants engage with professionals in the field to learn about cutting-edge ideas, such as how AI can be applied in medicine, disaster response, and combatting poverty. The program also aims to build a close-knit community and encourage interest among underrepresented populations in the field.  

Stanford Clinical Science, Technology and Medicine Sumer Internships

This program is designed for high school (rising juniors and seniors) and pre-medical undergraduate students interested in pursuing careers in medicine, STEM, medical research and development, or health care design, with a specific focus on Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine. Three sessions will be offered in 2024: Session 1 June 24 - July 5, 2024, Session 2 (Clinical Skills) July 15-July 19, 2024, Session 3 (Virtual) July 29-August 9, 2023. Tuition varies depending on session.

Stanford Clinical Summer Internship

The Stanford Clinical Summer Internship brings together curious learners from differing backgrounds to actively engage in the exploration of the art and science behind world-class medicine. Discover, contribute, and make meaningful connections and friendships while working alongside dedicated and dynamic Stanford medical students, residents, and faculty, who are all eager to share the joy they have found in medicine.

Stanford High School Summer College

High School Summer College allows high-achieving students between 16-19 years to access undergraduate courses at Stanford University. This eight- or nine-week experience provides academic, social, and intellectual opportunities not found in a high school classroom. Rolling admission is open until May 1st for Summer 2024.

Stanford EXPLORE: A Lecture Series on Biomedical Research

The Stanford Explore Lecture Series covers the basic fundamentals and current research areas in Immunology, Neuroscience, Regenerative and Stem Cell Medicine, Cancer Biology, Bioengineering and Bioinformatics. Students must be in 9th-12th grade at the time of registration. This will be a 3-week virtual program in July.  

Stanford Math Circle

Math circles are weekly online gatherings of high school, middle school, and elementary school students working on problems involving complex and advanced mathematical topics, guided by mathematicians and educators.

Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)

The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program offers five weeks of intensive science and health training each summer. Participants are mentored throughout the five-week program by medical professionals, faculty, and college students with a passion for science. There is no cost to participate. The program is open to low-income, underrepresented high school juniors who live in Northern and Central California. 

Stanford Medicine Art & Anatomy Summer Program 

The Art & Anatomy Program is a 2-week summer immersion in visual storytelling. We offer both an in-person, and a virtual program. The program will include a speaker series from leading anatomists, physicians, and creatives whose work blend art and medicine. This will be followed by a week of drawing mentorship to develop a resolved final illustration. Students will present their final projects to a panel of artists, museum curators, and physicians. The program will take place June 17-28, 2024. No prior drawing or anatomy experience is required. Apply by March 18, 2024.

Stanford Medicine Clinical Summer Internship (MEDCSI)

MEDCSI is a rigorous 2 week program in Medicine that is open to highly motivated high school rising juniors and seniors, and premed students. Workshops and sessions are taught by Stanford faculty and include hands-on experiences such as performing bedside ultrasounds, dissections, suturing, splinting and visits to the Stanford emergency life flight station and free clinics. There are two identical sessions each summer, and both virtual and in-person sessions are available. There is a fee to participate. Applications are due February 25, 2024.

Stanford Neurodiversity Project - Research, Education, and Advocacy Camp for High Schoolers (SNP-REACH)

SNP-REACH is a two-week summer camp for high school students. Students will join via Zoom or in person on Stanford's campus from around the US and around the world. Leading lecturers, researchers, and clinicians from Stanford and around the country will present on different aspects of neurodiversity and allyship. Small group projects allow students to connect in a deeper, more active way. Both remote and in-person formats allow students to make new friends, expand their worldview and continue the conversation beyond the camp. At this camp, students have a variety of opportunities, which include learning more about neurodiversity advocacy, the strengths-based model, universal design principles, and more. Students can also hear from neurodivergent student advocates and collaborate on neurodiversity advocacy projects that they can continue beyond the program in their own high schools. Needs-based scholarships are available by application. The financial aid application can be requested after the camper is admitted.

Stanford Online

Stanford Online offers free online courses taught by Stanford faculty to lifelong learners worldwide, and a variety of professional education opportunities in conjunction with many of the University’s schools and departments.

Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies (SPCS)

Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies offers online and residential academic enrichment opportunities for academically motivated youth, both in the summer and during the academic year. 

Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics

Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics offers 13 courses throughout the year, giving students an advanced offering of math and physics courses not typically available in secondary schools.

These online courses bring motivated and academically talented high school students together to allow them to explore their intellectual passions, develop analytic reasoning and creative thinking, and study directly with expert instructors. Courses in the University-Level Online Math & Physics programs are largely self-paced. Expert instructors are available for optional office hours to meet with students online and offer assistance as they progress through the course material. All courses carry Stanford University Continuing Studies credit, and students earn a Stanford Continuing Studies transcript. 

Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)

The Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP) is a virtual summer outreach program hosted by the Stanford Physics Department, designed to get high-school girls excited about physics. This 3-week program is completely free to participants, and is held through video chat.  First-generation students and students from underrepresented backgrounds in physics are particularly encouraged to apply. Absolutely no prior knowledge of physics or coding is required.

Students will learn about cutting edge research in physics in fields such as quantum physics, quantum computing, astrophysics, and cosmology. They will learn how to code in Python, and then apply their coding skills to physics-based projects. Students will attend lectures by Stanford professors and researchers and work in small groups led by Stanford undergraduates, as well as attend college planning and career development workshops. Students will have the opportunity to form mentorship relationships with Stanford students and professors. Applications will be accepted until May 1, 2024

Stanford seeME

Stanford seeME is an outreach event to introduce young students to engineering! The Mechanical Engineering (ME) department at Stanford opens its doors to high school and middle school students in Spring 2022, where they will learn hands-on engineering from current Stanford students. By connecting middle- and high-school students with little or no background in Engineering, to diverse graduate students who are passionate and eager to teach it, we hope to create meaningful experiences that encourage every participant to explore a potential academic or professional career in Engineering. seeME lets students explore hands-on classes such as: wind energy, driverless cars, predicting the spread of disease, industrial engineering, fire, and data science.

Stanford School of Medicine Art & Anatomy Summer Program

This is a 2-week virtual program for rising 9th to 12th grade students that will combine lectures and drawing mentorship, led by Stanford Lecturer Lauren Toomer, who is jointly appointed in the Clinical Anatomy and Art & Art History Departments. For more information, visit our website . Applications for this program are open until until March 18th, 2024.

Stanford Science Penpals

Stanford Science Penpals connects 6th-12th graders across the U.S. to Stanford scientists. The goal is to expose kids to diverse scientific careers, answer science questions, and share a love of science! Penpal exchanges start in September and end in June. We encourage students to get in touch with us.

Stanford Summer Humanities Institute

Stanford Summer Humanities Institute is a summer enrichment program where rising high school juniors and seniors explore the big questions at the heart of the humanities in seminars led by distinguished Stanford professors.

Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)

SUMaC leads participants on a journey in advanced mathematics through lectures, guided research, and group problem solving. In an environment centered on mathematics, participants explore current lines of mathematical research, the historical development of important areas of mathematics, and applications across scientific disciplines. Online and residential options are available.

Stanford ValleyCare Clinical Academy Program

The Stanford ValleyCare Clinical Academy Program is a two-week program in Pleasanton, CA for high school juniors and seniors with a strong interest in medicine as a career. Students will participate in an enriched curriculum consisting of hands-on activities, interactive lectures, and simulation experiences .   Students must be   16 years old to participate. There is a $50 application fee and a $4,000 fee to participate. Applications close March 8, 2024.

Stanford Young Investigators

At the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, high school scholars spend the summer working in research groups and laboratories on the main Stanford campus. Since 2004, over 300 high school students have worked in our research labs and learned about the process of science first hand. We offer several   different options , with different areas of focus and time commitments. Students are supervised directly by graduate scholars, post docs and lab managers. Once a week we have talks, lab tours, and field trips as a group.

Unpaid Internships for High School Students

In addition to formal internship programs for high school students, Stanford labs sometimes host high school interns on an informal basis, usually in unpaid internships. The Office of Community Engagement is not able to help individual students identify a host lab or project, but if you click on the red title above, you will find some information and tips.

The Winter Cohort application deadline is November 24, 2024! Click here to apply.

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12 High School Internships in the Bay Area in 2024-2025

Are you a high school student looking for internships in San Francisco and the rest of the Bay Area? You don’t need to look anywhere else, because the Bay Area offers an array of internships that give you real-world experience and help you explore your career interests.

These internships provide the opportunity to learn and grow, allowing you to apply your classroom knowledge in practical settings and develop essential skills for your future.

Whether you're passionate about science, technology, arts, or social impact, there is an internship for you. In this article, we will explore a list of 12 internships for high school students in the Bay Area, covering different kinds of opportunities.

Additionally, you could check out our blogs on research opportunities in California , as well as deep dives on programs such as SIMR and HMMT .

1. AI  Internship Program by Veritas AI

The AI Internship Program by Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduate students. Through the 8-week internship, students have the opportunity to work with VC-backed startups on real-world AI/ML projects. Students work directly with mentors from Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and more. This program is a great opportunity for students who have prior experience with AI/ML and are looking to gain real-world exposure to a career in the field. Students get a chance to network with industry professionals, work closely with company leadership, and receive a letter of completion from the company at the end of the internship. You can learn more about the program   here  and apply   here .

Cost:  $2,490

Application Deadline: October 20, 2024

Internship Date: The start date for the cohort is November 11, 2024

Eligibility: Open to high school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a   Veritas AI  program 

2. Ladder Internships

Cost : $1490 (Financial Aid Available)

Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.

Application Deadline: April 16 and May 14

Program Dates: 8 weeks, June to August

Selection Rate: Selective

Eligibility: Students who can work 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!

Ladder Internship is a selective program for high school students to work with startups.

Ladder Startups work in fields including healthcare and medicine , technology, machine learning and A.I ., finance, environmental science and sustainability, business and marketing, media and journalism, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form .

As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project 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 - the Ladder Coach serves as a second mentor and a sounding board, guiding students through the internship and helping them navigate the startup environment.

Note that as a Ladder Intern, you will engage in a coaching+work-based model - a component that sets it apart from most internships in this list. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.

3. Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program at California Academy of Sciences

Application deadline: Applications typically open in winter or early spring for the coming academic year, and close by late spring or early summer.

Eligibility: 9th and 10th graders enrolled in an SFUSD school, who have maintained a GPA of 2.5 and a grade of C or higher in science and math, are eligible to apply.

Program dates: After school and on weekends, year-round participation

Location: California Academy of Sciences

Stipend: Students will be paid, but information on the exact amount is not available.

CiS is a multi-year, year-round, paid internship and youth development program for students who come from communities underrepresented in STEM, including girls and students of color. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the sciences, you can consider this immersive internship program. As an intern, you will work alongside scientists, researchers and educators at the California Academy of Sciences. You will learn the ropes of scientific research and science communication. This internship includes interactive training sessions twice a week, outdoor field activities and guidance on your college applications. In groups, you will work on a science research or environmental action project.

4. CURE Internship Program at University of California, San Francisco with the Science and Health Education Partnership

Application deadline: March 10, 2023

Eligibility: Current 11th graders, who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, and have completed Biology or Chemistry with a grade of B or better, can apply.

Program dates: June 5, 2023 - August 4, 2023

Location: University of California, San Francisco

Stipend: Students will receive a stipend, but information on the exact amount is not available.

The CURE (Community, Urban, Research, and Education) Internship Program is for students interested in biomedical research. This internship provides a platform for you to immerse yourself in career opportunities across various fields of research, including basic, clinical, behavioral, and population sciences. As an intern, you will be mentored by UCSF faculty, post-doctorate students, and graduate students. You will conduct your own research and present your findings in a 1-day Research Symposium at the end of the program. As a part of your internship, you will also receive college and career advice.

5. Art Speak Internship at Asian Art Museum

Application deadline: Applications typically open in early spring, and close by early summer.

Eligibility: Students in grades 10, 11, and 12 can apply.

Program dates: August to May, 6-8 hours a week minimum, with both virtual and on-site sessions.

Location: Asian Art Museum

Stipend: Students will be paid a stipend, but information on the exact amount is not available.

If you’re interested in art and culture, and fascinated by the behind-the-scenes workings of a museum, this internship might be for you. It will give you a firsthand experience in museum operations, event planning, and art education. As an intern, you will discover Asian art and cultural traditions, learn from local artists and arts organizations, engage in social justice and youth activism, conduct informational interviews with museum staff to explore careers in the arts, and develop your leadership skills by creating and facilitating hands-on art activities. The program will give you insight into art curation, exhibition design, and public programming, nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills.

6. Neuroscape: Summer High School Internship at University of California, San Francisco

Application deadline: Applications typically open around January or February, and remain open for several weeks.

Eligibility: Students enrolled in a SFUSD high school can apply.

Program dates: The internship is conducted over the summer, and the dates will be decided on the student’s availability.

Location: University of California, San Francisco (Mission Bay campus)

Stipend: No information is available.

Combining science and technology, this internship is a chance to explore the subject of translational neuroscience and possible careers in the field. For the internship, you will be paired with a team of mentors to work on an independent research project. You get hands-on experiences and learn new skills related to translational neuroscience and technology, with projects ranging from literature reviews to interactive media programming. With laboratory experiments, data analysis, and scientific discussions, you will gain insights into various fields, such as biology, medicine, and public health. The internship will culminate in short presentations about what you learnt over the course of the program.

7. Project Pull at San Francisco City Department

Application deadline: February 28, 2023

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors that live in San Francisco or go to a high school in San Francisco can apply. Further details on eligibility and dates are available.

Program dates: June 12, 2023 - August 4, 2023

Location: Across city and county department offices.

Stipend: $17.50 per hour

This internship at Project Pull aims to provide work experience, mentorship, and professional development to diverse youth, and introduce you to the public sector. Interns are placed in various city departments, where you will work on projects and gain hands-on exposure to different areas of public service. Through this immersive experience, you get a chance to develop essential skills, including teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leadership. You will also receive guidance and support from dedicated mentors who will help you navigate career paths and set goals for your future.

8. Student Interns at Sandia National Laboratories

Application deadline: No information is available.

Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or above, with a GPA of 3.0 or above, can apply.

Program dates: Based on the school schedule, each student’s internship manager will decide with them the duration and schedule of their internship.

Location: Livermore, California (40 minutes from San Francisco)

Stipend: Students will receive a stipend commensurate to the work they put in.

This internship program provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a cutting-edge research environment. As an intern, you will work alongside experienced scientists and engineers on projects that contribute to technological advancements. Through this program, you have the chance to explore various STEM disciplines, including engineering, computer science, physics, and more, under the guidance of your manager who will help define your work assignment, schedule, and the duration of your internship. You will participate in real-world research and development activities, collaborate with professionals, and gain insights into the scientific process.

9. High School Internships at the Norman Mineta Bay Area Summer Academy, Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC)

Application deadline: Interest forms open in early February, and close by mid-spring.

Eligibility: Students who attend a local high school, live in the Bay Area, and are at least 16 years old and will have completed the 9th grade by the beginning of the internship can apply.

Program dates: July 6 - 27, 2023

Location: Bay Area Metro Center (weekly, mostly-online seminars)

This internship will open a window to the inner workings of a metropolitan planning organization, and help you plan a career in government service. You will learn about what regional agencies do and what skills you might need for a career in the public sector, how decisions are made that impact the air you breathe, your neighborhoods, how you commute, and other factors that influence community health. You will also have a voice in making decisions that benefit the community. With online sessions and quizzes, you will learn to answer questions like: how long is a bridge supposed to last, why are there so many potholes, why is housing so costly, is the water really rising in the Bay Area. At the end of the program, you will make a presentation on a local challenge on transportation, housing, environmental justice and/or related topics.

10. Work Based Learning Summer Internships at San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD)

Eligibility: Internships are intended for sophomores and juniors, and priority will go to students in the 11th grade.

Program dates: 6 weeks (20 hours a week) in the summer, dates will be decided based on the student’s choice of industry.

Location: Depends on the student’s choice of industry.

Stipend: Students will be paid for their work during the internship, but information on the exact amount is not available.

These internships offer valuable hands-on experience and professional development opportunities, a chance to explore career fields and gain practical skills in a real-world work environment. For your internship, you will choose an industry sector from a range of choices available, including animation, architecture, automotive technology, biotechnology, computer science, engineering, environmental science, finance, law, marketing, media, and more. You will work alongside industry mentors in your chosen field, and explore careers in that field. The internship will also help you develop skills that come in hand during college and in your future.

If you’re interested in pursuing health and medicine, consider the Health Education Outreach Internship at SFUSD .

11. High School Explainers Program at Exploratorium

Application deadline: Open positions are displayed on the job page , and if there’s a deadline to apply for an open role, it will be mentioned on the listing.

Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years old, and not more than 18 years old, and have completed their first year of high school can apply.

Program dates: Throughout the year (after school and on weekends) and in the summer (5 days a week)

Location: Exploratorium, San Francisco

Stipend: San Francisco minimum wage

This paid opportunity allows you to engage in science communication and museum education. As an Explainer, you become an ambassador of science, interacting with museum visitors, leading demonstrations, and running many museum operations. Through hands-on experiences and training, you will work on your communication and presentation skills while deepening your understanding of various scientific concepts. The program encourages active learning and empowers you to be a confident and effective science communicator. Explainers also collaborate with peers and museum staff, and are tasked with a sizable amount of responsibility at the museum.

Here’s a bonus entry for those interested in biomedical science!

12. High School Intern Program at University of California, San Francisco with the Science and Health Education Partnership

Application deadline: Applications are due in early February.

Eligibility: Current high school juniors enrolled in an SFUSD high school, SF charter school or College Track San Francisco can apply.

Program dates: 8-week internship beginning in June.

Stipend: $3200 (part-time, 35 hours a week) | $4500 (full-time, 45 hours a week)

This internship can be a valuable opportunity for students interested in biomedical research. This internship allows you to work alongside UCSF scientists, researchers, and medical professionals in state-of-the-art laboratories and healthcare settings. As an intern, you will engage in hands-on research projects, gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies, and contribute to scientific advancements. You will also participate in educational workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs that expand your knowledge and professional skills. You will be matched with a scientist mentor who guides you while you learn and hone your skills to complete a unique research project.

High School Internship Program at Kaiser Permanente  

Application deadline:  December 23, 2022

Eligibility:  Students aged 16-19 by June 1, 2023 can apply.

Program dates:  June 19, 2023 - August 4, 2023

Location:  Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco

Stipend:  $15-17 per hour

For those interested in the healthcare industry, this internship offers practical experience and insight into it.  During this internship, you will have the chance to work alongside healthcare professionals and learn about various medical disciplines, such as nursing, pharmacy, laboratory sciences, and more. You will take part in hands-on activities, shadowing experiences, and educational workshops that enhance your understanding of healthcare practices. The program emphasizes mentorship, teamwork, and personal development, and can encourage you to explore your career interest in the medical field.

If you are interested in doing university-level research, then you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program , a selective online high school program for students that I founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the  application form   here .

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

Image Source: Unsplash

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26 California Summer Programs for High Schoolers in 2024

What’s covered:.

• 26 Summer Programs for High School Students in California
• How Impressive Are Summer Programs in College Admissions?

Summer programs provide a host of benefits to high school students, allowing them to explore and gain firsthand experience with fields of interest, network with like-minded peers, and build new skills. If you’re looking for summer programs in California, the list below features options in fields ranging from medicine to the arts—some programs are even free! 

26 Summer Programs for High School Students in California 

1. tip: the intern project.

Dates: June – August

Location: Varies 

Application Deadline: March 15

Cost: Free 

The Intern Project works to partner high school students across LA County with companies in the arts, media, engineering, business, government, sports, and healthcare fields. Priority is given to students identified as high-need, and students must be high-achieving in school. Students are eligible in their sophomore, junior, and senior years of high school. This program helps students learn valuable job skills, begin building a resume, and earn college credit over the course of eight weeks. Not only is this program free, but students earn a stipend for participating. 

2. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)

Dates: June 24 – 26

Location: Stanford University 

Application Deadline: March 15 

Cost: Free  

This five-week, in-person program admits around 24 low-income, first-generation students from Northern California. Participants receive a $1,200 clinical research stipend, spending approximately 30 hours per week in the program, Monday through Friday. Students participate in Stanford faculty lectures covering health science, public health, and medicine; engage with a group research project to improve health and health access in all communities; attend professional development workshops; and develop lasting relationships with their peers. 

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

Dates: June 10 – August 1

Location: Stanford University

Application Deadline: February 24

Participants in this eight-week summer program gain an abundance of firsthand lab experience researching a medically oriented project. The program is open to high school juniors and seniors and aims to both increase their interest in the biological sciences and medicine and help them gain a deeper understanding of how scientific research is conducted. Students will receive a stipend between $500 to more than $2,500 for their participation in the program.

4. Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS)

Dates: June 17 – July 26

Application Deadline: N/A

This six-week program is focused on introducing high school students to careers in science, medicine, and research. The program provides rising juniors and seniors from northern California with hands-on experience conducting research projects and an in-depth look at how scientific research is performed. This program is free and students with financial need are eligible to receive a stipend up to $3,000 for their participation.

5. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)  

• Session 1 (online): June 17 – July 5 
• Session 2 (online): July 8 – 26 
• Residential Session: June 23 – July 19

Location: Online and Stanford University 

Application Deadline: February 5 

Cost: $3,500 – $8,250 

SUMaC is a chance for mathematically gifted students from around the world to explore math beyond what is typically taught in the classroom. Students should expect a heavy workload and a variety of engaging assignments outside of class time. Both the online and residential options have equal levels of rigor, with the online sessions providing virtual social opportunities with peers, guest speakers, and teaching assistants. The residential program serves 40 participants, while the online programs will serve 64. There is financial aid available for students who may need it. 

6. SAGE Camp at SLAC

Dates: June 23 – 29

Location:   SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Stanford University 

SAGE, or Science Accelerating Girls’ Engagement in STEM, is a free, one-week residential camp for public school students from all backgrounds. Students can make professional connections, learn about scientific discoveries and engineering processes, and explore STEM careers in the future. The program aims to increase the participation of women in STEM and foster creativity and innovation for continued scientific and technological leadership. 

7. Pomona College Academy for Youth Success (PAYS)

Dates: June 23 – July 19

Location: Pomona College  

Application Deadline: February 26 

Cost: Free   

Pomona College’s PAYS program provides over 90 students from local high schools with preparation for admission into some of the country’s most selective colleges and universities. Admission is open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors from groups traditionally underrepresented on college campuses, like first-generation students and low-income students. Participants live in a dorm on Pomona’s campus while taking math and critical inquiry courses taught by Pomona professors. Senior students can work on a research project with a Pomona faculty member—this research has the potential to be published in academic journals. 

8. California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) 

Dates: July 7 – August 3

Location: UC Los Angeles, UC Irvine,  UC Davis, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz

Application Deadline: February 9

Cost: $5,007   

COSMOS allows students in grades 8-12 the opportunity to explore STEM topics; work with renowned faculty at campuses including UC Los Angeles, UC Irvine, UC Davis, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz; and conduct research in state-of-the-art facilities. This is an intensive, four-week summer residential program aimed at academically gifted and talented students—the typical COSMOS participant has a GPA of 3.5 or above. Students participate in “clusters” addressing various advanced topics in STEM fields, with like-minded peers. 

9. California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA)

Dates: July 6 – August 2

Location: California Institute of the Arts

Application Deadline: February 29

Cost: $4,600 – $7,000   

Founded by the California state legislature in 1987, CSSSA provides support for future artists and creates a pipeline of talent for the state’s entertainment industry. Through this intensive, four-week residential program, students are provided the opportunity to explore a variety of fields, including music, theater, visual arts, dance, writing, and animation. There is financial aid available should students need it. 

10. Engineering Possibilities in College (EPIC)

• Session 1: July 7 – 12
• Session 2: July 14 – 19
• Session 3: July 21 – 26

Location: Cal Poly

Application Deadline: March 31

Cost: $1,975  

A residential program at California Polytechnic State University, EPIC provides rising 9th through 12th graders the chance to experience college life while exploring engineering fields and meeting like-minded peers. Participants take a daily engineering class, engage in an engineering group project, and sit for a series of talks on topics ranging from trouble-shooting college admissions to the different types of engineering programs. There is also a wide variety of social activities hosted on campus.  

11. UCLA Writing Project Summer Camp

• Online: July 8 – 19
• In-person: June 20 – July 3

Location: Online and UCLA 

This program for rising 9th through 12th graders helps participants develop writing skills and find their personal voice while having them engage with relevant social issues. The workshop focuses on a range of writing genres including poetry, narrative essays, and argumentative writing. Students will work in a close-knit community of other young wordsmiths to sharpen their skills and build a network of similarly interested peers.

12. UCLA Summer College Immersion Program (SCIP)

Dates: June 24 – August 2

Location: UCLA

Application Deadline: May 1

Cost: $8,521 – $10,831

Participants in this six-week program for exceptional high school students—the program is open to sophomores and juniors with a minimum 3.6 GPA—gain firsthand experience with college life. Participants study alongside undergraduates, attend classes, sit in lectures, and attend workshops.

Ultimately, students will gain a real-world understanding of university life, earn college credit, and be better prepared for the challenge of college.

13. Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement (AYA)  

Dates: June 17 – July 19 

Location: USC 

AYA is a free, four-week summer intensive academy that accepts 26 high school students from the surrounding community. Students will strengthen their skills in writing, critical thought, public speech and debate, multimedia production, interviewing, and ethnography. They get an understanding of USC Annenberg’s undergrad programs and possible careers, as well as the opportunity to meet the school’s innovative scholars advancing issues of race, gender, and ethnicity in communication and journalism. They will complete college-level coursework and have access to college advising and essay prep from the USC Annenberg Admissions Team. 

14. CAMP CHLA  

• Session 1: June 24 – 28
• Session 2: August 5 – 9  

Location: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles 

Application Deadline: January 12 

Camp CHLA provides freshmen, sophomores, and juniors from Los Angeles County the chance to explore careers in healthcare and meet similarly interested peers. Over the camp’s five days, students will have the opportunity to learn, observe, and participate in a variety of daily activities at Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, meet medical professionals, and gain first-hand experience in the field of healthcare.  

15. Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program

Dates: Varies 

Application Deadline: February 16 

Started in 1969, the Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program was designed to encourage high school students to choose careers in medicine—the program is often described as a medical mentorship. Open to students from Los Angeles and its surrounding counties, participants attend daily sessions, presentations, and interactive lessons hosted by professionals in the medical field, including: 

• Pharmacists
• Ophthalmologists
• Radiologists
• Therapists (physical, speech, occupational, or cognitive)   

16. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Dates :  Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year

Location:  Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

Application Deadline : Varies by cohort. Main summer deadlines are March 15, April 15, and May 15

Cost:  $2,990 – $8,900

Founded by Harvard & Oxford researchers, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program pairs high-school students with PhD mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have written an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as medicine, computer science, psychology, physics, economics, data science, business, engineering, biology, and international relations.

This program is designed to accommodate your schedule—you can participate in the summer, fall, winter, or spring, and the program is also conducted fully remotely. While you must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate high academic achievement (most students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3), no previous knowledge of your field of interest is required. The cost of the program ranges from $2,990 to $8,900, but financial aid is available.

Note that this is a selective program. Last year, over 4000 students applied for 500 spots in the program. You can find more details about the application  here .

17. CCA Pre-College Program

• In-person: July 8 – August 2 
• Online: June 2 – July 26 

Application Deadline: February 19 

Cost: ~$3,995 – ~$6,971

California College of the Arts’ pre-college program is designed to allow high school students, at all artistic levels, to explore the arts. In-person students have access to all studios available on campus, including in fields such as animation, architecture, fashion design, film, interior design, photography, and sculpture. Participants have the opportunity to earn three college credits for their work during the program, as well as optional evening and weekend activities for residential students.  

18. UC Santa Barbara Summer Research Academies

Dates: June 27 – July 26 

Location: UCSB 

Application Deadline: April 1 

Cost: $2,575 – $8,224 

UCSB’s summer research academies are open to current high school students in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade, with a minimum weighted GPA of 3.6. Scholarships are available to students who may need them. Students will earn four college credits by taking a research course that will teach fundamental concepts in whichever track they choose. They will learn how to compose a formal research report and gain key communication skills to present their findings. There are 12 tracks to choose from, with an offering for any student interests. 

19. University of the Pacific Summer Camps

• Session 1: June 2 – 13
• Session 2: June 18 – 28 

Location: University of the Pacific

Cost: $3,500  

The University of the Pacific’s Summer High School Institute is a two-week residential summer program designed to immerse students in the college lifestyle through experiences in the school’s labs, studios, fields, and makerspaces. The offered courses span five categories: Performing and Visual Arts, Health and Science, Engineering and Technology, Business and Society, and Athletics. Students live in dormitories, eat in dining halls, and learn in the school’s state-of-the-art library. They also have access to a variety of extracurricular social activities to meet and form bonds with their peers. 

20. Girls Who Code Summer Programs

Dates: N/A 

Location: Online

Both Girls Who Code summer programs—two-week summer immersion and six-week self-paced—are available to high school students who identify as girls or non-binary, with or without computer science experience. 

The virtual Summer Immersion Program (SIP) is a live, two-week introductory course for 9th through 11th graders focused on game design, and offers an inside look into the tech industry through company partners. The Self-Paced program is a six-week course for students in 9th through 12th grades in which students can earn beginner-level badges in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript programming languages, as well as an intermediate badge in Python. 

21. AstroCamp  

Location: AstroCamp 

Cost: $2,275 – $3,850 

At AstroCamp, students between the ages of 12 and 17 live in a residential program where they are able to choose from over 40 science, creative arts, and mountain adventure activities. While the camp has a focus on STEM, they also offer social events, like a carnival, renaissance festival, and talent show on the 100-acre facility. 

22. Meta Summer Academy

Location: Meta

Application Deadline: March 1 

Meta Summer Academy externs learn about the day-to-day operations of one of the world’s most prominent social media companies up close and personal. Over the course of the six-week program, students will build work experience and bolster the skills needed for a successful career in tech. This opportunity is open to high school students who live in East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, and Redwood City. A minimum 2.0 GPA is required to participate in the program. 

Dates: July 1 – 26

Location: UC Berkeley

Application Deadline: April 15

Cost: $4,938

This summer program for rising juniors and seniors from the UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design immerses participants in the fields of architecture, urban design, and sustainable city planning. Students will engage in college-level coursework, tackle challenging design assignments, take field trips around the Bay Area, and complete a design/build project. At the completion of the program, students will earn college credit and have built a portfolio for use on their college applications.

• Session 1: July 6 – 20
• Session 2: July 20 – August 3

Cost: $6,050 – $7,050

This prestigious two-week program focused on entrepreneurship attracts students from across the globe to UC Berkeley’s campus. Participants immerse themselves in life at the renowned institution—taking classes, sitting for lectures, conducting research, and working on projects while exploring a variety of business subjects and building skills. Participants also work with admissions advisors to develop a better understanding of the college admissions process and get a head start crafting personal statements and college essays.

25. Camp SEA Lab  

• Session 1: July 1 – 5
• Session 2: July 8 – 12
• Session 3: July 15 – 19

Location: Seaward

Cost: $1,350

Students ages 13 to 16 with an interest in oceanography, coastal and marine ecology, and life at sea will want to check out this summer program. Taking place on the Seaward , a classic 82-foot schooner, participants sail along the California Coast developing their skills, knowledge, confidence, and leadership. Activities during this five-day adventure at sea include whale watching, plankton study, navigation, squid dissection, and vessel handling.

26. Summer of Art  

Dates: July 5 -31

Location: Otis College of Art and Design

Young artists ages 14.5 and older will want to explore this summer art program. Ideal for experienced young artists, participants will deepen their skills, explore pathways, and connect with creative peers while experiencing a slice of college life. The program culminates with an art exhibition, giving students a chance to share their work with friends, family, and the public.

How Impressive Are Summer Programs in College Admissions? 

Colleges look for students who explore their interests outside the classroom. Extracurricular activities are an important way to demonstrate your passions. 

Extracurricular activities are broken down into four tiers , with Tier 1 representing those that are the most impressive and unique and Tier 4 representing those that are the most common. In general, you should aim to have at least a few Tier 1 and 2 activities mixed in with Tier 3 and 4 activities.

Summer programs fall into different tiers depending on factors like selectivity, theme, and more. While they usually fall into Tier 3 or 4, a particularly prestigious and selective program could be considered Tier 1 or 2.

Curious how a summer program or extracurricular activity will impact your chances of admission? CollegeVine’s free chancing engine will help you learn your real odds of getting into 1500+ schools across the country, plus give you tips for improving your profile.

Disclaimer: This post includes content sponsored by Lumiere Education.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

About the program

Promoting everyday innovation and creativity, community service.

Provide access to scientific research and mentorship for high school students underrepresented in STEM or students with socioeconomic difficulty.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Give students an opportunity for original research in an environment that provides them with the mentorship and resources to explore research in a variety of STEM and interdisciplinary fields.

Give students familiarity with the current scientific literature & the frontiers of modern research in their field of interest.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Build skills in public speaking, technical writing, analytical thinking, and experimental design.

Mission & Vision

The Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research & development (R&D) institution that provides opportunities for high school students throughout the Bay Area, especially those who are underrepresented in STEM or who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, to conduct high-level novel scientific research. As the premier precollegiate research establishment in the Bay Area, ASDRP is committed to both producing state-of-the-art research year round, and serving the diverse community in which we are located.

Students participate in research projects across various subjects in STEM, including chemistry, biology, computational modeling, computer science, and much more. Students publish and present their work as well in venues within and outside of ASDRP. Research in ASDRP is supervised by highly skilled scientists  and engineers on the research faculty, who are clustered under one of three departments - Biological/Human/Life Sciences, Chemistry/Biochemistry/Physics, or Computer Science & Engineering. Click on the Research tab above to learn more about each department. We function much like any other research establishment in industry or in academia: we pursue challenging and novel research questions, we make discoveries , and we publish papers and present work at conferences .  But there's one catch - the science is in the hands of high school students . 

ASDRP provides students with research mentors and over $4M worth of research equipment in our research laboratory (for more information, please see our Facilities page ). Students are matched with research mentors who have experience in academia or industry in their particular field; together, they design a research project. These projects are not science experiments in which the results are known a priori , but rather are original research projects that expand current scientific knowledge . Students execute research projects, learn scientific reading and writing skills, write research papers on their results, undergo mock peer-review, publish their research papers in the  ASDRP Communications online journal, and give poster presentations at the end-of-summer expo . Students additionally publish and present their work in peer-reviewed journals and conferences. We follow up with students from ASDRP to help place them into university research laboratories and industry internships in subsequent summers. The inaugural cohort of ASDRP started in summer 2018.

We invite you to read more about our facilities and program model throughout this website. You can access student research papers on the Journal page , peruse the various projects and disciplines  in which students conduct research, learn more about our facilities , and more.

ASDRP is a translatable model for increasing interest in, and exposure to, novel scientific research among high school students, especially those who are underrepresented in STEM. ASDRP is a production of Olive Children Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Fremont, CA.

Please email us at [email protected]  if you have any questions.

At a glance: ASDRP Summer 2024

Summer 2024 :  June 1 -  August 24

October 1, 2024: Online applications for the Summer 2024 cohort of ASDRP open.

February 1, 2024:  Early Applications Round 1 DUE at 11:59 PM PST. Rolling admissions: apply as soon as possible

April 15, 2024:   Final application deadline at 11:59 PM PST.  No late applications will be reviewed.

May 1, 2024: Commitment deadline: tuition due in full . Program pre-work begins online  

May 3 & 4, 2024: Orientation

June 1, 2024: Program Officially Begins

September 7, 2024: ASDRP Expo & Research Symposium

Applications for Summer Research are open to rising 9th - 12th grade students around the Bay Area. We encourage all students, regardless of demographic and socioeconomic background, to apply.

Logistics & Details

General Questions:

[email protected]

Admissions & Applications:

Facilities & Stockroom:

Program Cost

ASDRP dues cover about 25% of the cost of supporting a research student, and reflect the minimum operational costs of the organization's infrastructure. 

For students who meet financial need eligibility criteria, there is no cost to attending ASDRP.   Please email [email protected] for questions related to financial aid.

Each year, ASDRP awards several partial and full scholarships for students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue STEM research. We firmly believe that finances should never be a barrier in STEM opportunities, so all applicants are encouraged to apply, and to apply specifically for financial aid where there is need. We believe keeping a minimal operational cost is consistent with the spirit and vision of ASDRP.

Additionally, students accepted in ASDRP are given the option to select specialty courses such as  Machine Learning, Organic Chemistry, MatLab, etc.  at no additional cost.

At a glance: Academic Year 2024-2025

Fall Term:  September 1 - January 15

Spring Term:  January 16 - May 30

July 1, 2024:  Applications for Fall 2024 ASDRP open.

July 24, 2024: Priority review deadline for Fall 2024 applicants.

August 15, 2024:  Applications due for Fall 2024 research positions.

Research is typically conducted in the evenings and weekends. 

Applications for School Year Research are open to current 9th - 12th grade students around the Bay Area. We encourage all students, regardless of demographic and socioeconomic background, to apply.

Each year, ASDRP awards several partial and full scholarships for students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue STEM research. We firmly believe that finances should never be a barrier in STEM opportunities, so all applicants are encouraged to apply, and to apply specifically for financial aid where there is need.

We believe keeping a minimal operational cost is consistent with the spirit and vision of ASDRP. The above cost does not reflect the actual cost of taking on a student researcher. In fact, program costs account for less than half of the resources and funding required to take on a research student . This would not be made possible without the generous support of our corporate and community sponsors, research grants, and other sources  of funding.

Sponsors & Community Supporters

We thank our sponsors for support to make ASDRP possible and

accessible to students of all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Explore, Learn, & Build

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Genetics Summer Programs for High School Students

As part of our commitment to education, the Stanford Genetics Department offers summer programs for high school students.

Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford: GRIPS

A summer internship program

The Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS) is a free, research-intensive summer internship program open to Bay Area high school students. Program participants will be placed in a research laboratory for 8 weeks over the summer and conduct genomics research under the supervision of a lab mentor.

Important 2025 deadlines:

 Applications due: February 28, 2025 by 11:59 pm PST. Selected and stand-by candidates will be notified by April 15, 2025. Internship dates: June 16 - August 7, 2024.

If you are a Bay Area high school student who wishes to learn more about this research internship, please look through the information provided in the GRIPS Program and GRIPS FAQ pages.

Fundamentals of Data Science in Precision Medicine and Cloud Computing

A self paced , on-line course

This self-paced class transports students into the forefront of healthcare innovation research.  No background experience is necessary, just a willingness to join the healthcare innovation revolution. 

If you are a high school student who wishes to learn more about this workshop, please look through the information provided in the Fundamentals of Data Science and Personalized Medicine in Cloud Computing page. Register today on Eventbrite ! 

GRIPS 2024 cohort gathers outside the BMI Building.

High School Programs

Check our Instagram story highlights or other social media channels to see recaps of our 2023 programs!

Our high school programs are geared towards Experience: building professional skills, cultivating a network, and preparing for college and careers. 

  We offer scientist visits, summer camps, student internships, and more. Sign up for our student newsletter to be the first to know about programs and opportunities as they open. 

All High School Programs

Berkeley Lab Director's Apprenticeship Program

BLDAP is a project-based high school STEM program designed to help participants in grades 10-11 to develop 21st century skills, learn about Berkeley Lab’s business and research activities, receive college and career guidance, and develop a STEM network in a real-life work environment. 

Applications are now closed.

SeA Bilingual STEM Camp

SeA @ Berkeley Lab is a free 4 day spring break camp (April 2 - 5 , 202 5 ) for English-learning/native Spanish-speaking bilingual students who are interested in learning more about STEM and career opportunities at Berkeley Lab. Participating in SEA can also be a step toward a summer internship at Berkeley Lab. 

Applications are now open! Deadline is January 19, 2025

Science Accelerating Girls' Engagement in STEM (SAGE) is a one-week summer camp for public high school students (age 14-17) to share what life is like in STEM professions. 

Throughout the week, students will participate in job shadowing, hands-on projects, professional development, and more! 

Experiences in Research  

Experiences in Research are summer internships for students to gain hands-on experience with professionals at Berkeley Lab. Students will be working directly on cutting edge projects alongside experts in STEM. Projects will be focused around different aspects of STEM such as administration, communications, experimental research, and more. 

iCLEM Experience

The Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology (iCLEM) is a paid summer science intensive for high school students hosted by the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI). The program seeks to broaden students’ understanding of biotechnology, microbiology, and biofuels. 

Applications open in early spring. Check the iCLEM website for more information. 

The strangeness of quantum physics is being harnessed to revolutionize computing as we know it. At QCaMP, you will get a primer on computing fundamentals, learn hands-on about quantum physics, and apply those phenomena to solve computing problems in new ways.  

QCaMP is for high school students and participants receive a learning stipend. 

Applications are now closed . For more information, visit the QCaMP website . 

Live Science

Live Science is a virtual program exploring the ways that science shows up in our everyday lives. 

Most episodes feature conversations with scientists as well as interactive activities to follow along with at home. These programs are open to the public and recorded for later viewing.

Check out recordings now and stay tuned for future sessions.

STEM Career Talks

Join us for themed career talks to learn about the wide diversity of STEM professions. Each session, we will be joined by Berkeley Lab staff, Bay Area professionals, and other guest experts to talk about their careers and how they got there. 

Register for the Summer 2024 Career Talks Series .

Check out the recordings of the Summer 2023 Career Talks series now!

Physics In and Through Cosmology

The Physics Division at Berkeley Lab hosts this free in person workshop for high school physics teachers and students, July 8-12.  Teachers and students will experience a thorough overview of cutting-edge research in particle physics and cosmology,  with presentations from Berkeley Lab scientists and postdocs. 

Check the website for more information about applying.

Interested in volunteering to help with these programs? Berkeley Lab staff can browse and sign up for volunteering opportunities on the service portal

The public science center of the University of California, Berkeley.

Opportunities for Teens

Our programs offer a captivating opportunity for teens to do science with real experts and a fascinating glimpse into the college experience and a career as a scientist!

Weekend Teen Research Programs

Registration is open.

Can’t wait for summer? Join us for this weekend series during the school year!

Teen Research Programs offer top-tier, immersive science education with The Lawrence at U.C. Berkeley! Through our weekend workshops, your teen will delve into a cutting edge STEM field, engaging in hands-on investigations and engineering design projects, captivating lab visits, networking with esteemed students and faculty, and exploring diverse STEM career paths.

TechHive AI

Application now closed..

AI is everywhere, and it’s shaping the future of all kinds of industries. That’s why it’s so important to learn not just how it works, but also how to use it responsibly. We’re launching a free online course just for high school students like you, where you can learn more about AI in an engaging and collaborative way. There are a limited number of spaces available so this program is available by application only.

Summer Teen Research Programs

Registration now closed for 2024. check back for next year.

Calling all aspiring scientists! Explore a career in science and conduct research in one of our fascinating Teen Research Programs this summer. Our programs offer a captivating opportunity to do science with real experts as well as a glimpse into the college experience and a career as a scientist. All participating teens will receive a certificate of completion from UC Berkeley. Teen Research Programs are in session in June and July 2024.

BAIR Lab High School Summer Program

Applications now closed..

Are you interested in the inner workings of Artificial Intelligence? In this free program, students entering grades 10–12 will explore cutting-edge AI technologies, concepts, and ethics as they learn about ongoing artificial intelligence research from Berkeley scientists and experts. This free program is available by application only.

Teen Internship Program

Application now closed for 2024. check back for next year.

Are you passionate about science? Do you enjoy working with youth? For over 50 years, The Lawrence Hall of Science has been providing fun and engaging science experiences for young people. Now you, too, can be part of the magic of science learning while enriching your teaching skills. In this Teen Internship Program, you will inspire young learners with curiosity, excitement, and passion for science. Together, you and an adult staff will mentor youth on a journey of exploration, investigation, discovery, and invention in multiple modalities and through interdisciplinary learning. 

Teen Volunteers

Applications now closed for 2024. check back for next year.

Interested in volunteering? Join our talented team of teen volunteers! Become an integral part of what we do and help facilitate science learning in the museum. Volunteers will meet new people and develop important job skills. At The Lawrence, volunteers enjoy the benefits of experiencing a work-related environment with professional staff, UC Berkeley college students, and teens from all around the Bay Area.

East Bay Academy for Young Scientists (EBAYS )

Applications have closed. check back next year.

Environmental contamination is a widespread problem in the Bay Area. EBAYS works with teens and young adults to help identify locations where there are contaminants in air, soil, and water. All participants complete a final, environmental justice-focused project. EBAYS programs include:

• collecting, analyzing, interpreting community science research data
• public presentation of research findings
• hands-on learning about environmental justice
• performing field work
• developing leadership skills

Oakland teens encouraged to apply! Check our website for current and upcoming opportunities, including paid internships. Please consider filling out our interest form to be notified of future programs!

Financial Aid

The Lawrence is dedicated to providing access to youth of all backgrounds and offers financial aid to families who otherwise lack the resources to participate.

Get In Touch

Questions? We’d love to speak to you.

[email protected]

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A.I. 4 All-Artificial Intelligence for Real-Life Problem Solving

Applications now closed. check back next year.

Are you curious about the future of artificial intelligence (AI)? Explore cutting-edge AI technologies and concepts! Learn about ongoing artificial intelligence research from Berkeley scientists and experts. Then, develop your own skills in hands-on workshops on coding, creating a machine learning model, and mathematical concepts underpinning AI.

Climate Ambassadors

Are you interested in environmental science and have a passion for addressing climate change? The Climate Ambassadors program explores the crossroads of environmental research, climate communication, and personal and professional growth. 

Hands-on Solar Camp

Registration now closed. check back next year.

Want to learn more about the sun and use engineering to solve problems? Join us for a free Hands-on Solar Camp this summer! Open to all current 7th and 8th grade students. We will be using teamwork and collaboration to solve problems and create solutions. Choose your session and join us for two weeks of fun where we will meet scientists and engineers, investigate sustainability practices, build solar devices and more!