10 STEM Programs for High School Students in California
Engaging in STEM summer programs is crucial for high school students as they offer hands-on learning experiences and foster a deep understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These programs go beyond traditional classroom settings, encouraging teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. STEM programs provide valuable insights into various STEM career paths by exposing students to real-world applications and cutting-edge technologies.
In this article, we’ve covered 10 STEM programs for high school students in California.
1. California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)
COSMOS, the California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science, stands as a prestigious summer program tailored for bright and enthusiastic students with a passion for STEM subjects. Throughout the program, participants immerse themselves in rigorous, hands-on coursework and research initiatives across diverse STEM disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering.
Students have the opportunity to pinpoint and advance a research topic aligned with their specific field of interest, utilizing university resources, including teaching laboratories and libraries, for their final research project. With the unique aspect of on-campus residence, COSMOS provides an immersive glimpse into college academic life.
Subject areas: STEM disciplines
Location: University of California, San Diego (residential)
Cost: $42 non-refundable application fee + $5,007 for the residential program including housing, meals, orientation, field trips & activities, and on-site support. Financial aid is available for California residents.
Application deadline: TBD for 2025
Program dates: TBD for 2025
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–12, who excel in mathematics/science, and are attending a California high school are eligible to apply.
2. Sally Ride Science Academy at the University of California, San Diego
This program provides dynamic workshops spanning a wide array of subjects, encompassing traditional STEM fields like astronomy, biology, engineering, computer science, and robotics. Beyond the conventional STEM topics, the program extends its offerings to workshops in subjects like coding, data science, digital design, and psychology.
Guided by proficient instructors and scientists, these interactive workshops offer a platform to delve into diverse interests, cultivate critical thinking abilities, and partake in collaborative projects. Most courses are held in person, supplemented by online options for added flexibility.
Subject areas: Environmental Science, Biotechnology, Coding, Data Science, Digital Design, and Psychology.
Location: University of California, San Diego
Cost: Each course’s fees differ, ranging from $175 to $450. Scholarships are available.
Application deadline: May 31, 2024
Program dates: 4-day workshops held across July until August for different courses. Students can choose more than one course, the dates don’t overlap.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students.
3. Stanford’s Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an engaging 8-week residential summer internship program for high school juniors and seniors. This hands-on program, hosted within Stanford University’s prestigious Institutes of Medicine and select departments, immerses participants in cutting-edge research under the guidance of individual mentors.
Upon acceptance, students are thoughtfully placed in a specific institute aligned with their preferences, with comprehensive information about each institute’s research available through department website links.
Subject areas: Immunology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Neurobiology, and more.
Location: Stanford University campus (Stanford, CA)
Cost: $40 application fee with a need-based refund, stipend of $500 provided ($1500 for need-based students).
Application deadline: TBD for 2025
Program dates: 8 weeks, TBD for 2025
Eligibility: High School Juniors and Seniors. At least 16 years old when the program begins. Living in the U.S. and U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a green card.
Veritas AI presents a range of AI programs designed for motivated high school students, offering options for personalized project paths with individual mentorship. The AI Scholars program facilitates interaction with Ph.D. experts from top institutions, emphasizing Python fundamentals and crucial AI and ML concepts. Students develop a strong coding foundation and acquire the skills to independently create AI models.
In the AI Fellowship, participants engage in a 1–1 mentorship over 12–15 weeks, crafting independent and distinctive AI projects under expert guidance. You can find examples of past projects here!
Subject areas: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Data Science, Programming, Computer Science, Technology
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,790 for the AI Scholars program (The 10-week boot camp). $4,900 for the AI Fellowship (the 12–15-week 1–1 mentorship). $5,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available.
Application deadline: The program runs in cohorts throughout the year with multiple deadlines — the upcoming Summer Cohort deadline is March 24, 2024! Apply here!
Program dates: Rolling with multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Selectivity: Open enrollment (AI Scholars program), Moderate (AI Fellowship)
Eligibility:
Applicants must be ambitious, high school, and can be anywhere in the world.
For the AI Scholars program, no previous experience is required — applicants need to show a keen interest in AI.
For the AI Fellowship program, applicants will either need to complete the AI Scholars program or have had experience with AI concepts or Python.
5. Horizon Academic Research Program
Location: Virtual
Application Date: May 21, 2024 for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024 for the fall cohort
Program Dates:
Summer seminar - June 24, 2024 - September 2, 2024
Fall seminar - October 23, 2024 - February 19, 2025
Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
6. UCLA’s Applications of Nano Science Summer Program
The Applications of Nanoscience Summer Institute caters to high school students with a chemistry background, aiming to teach the fundamentals of developing scientifically sound technologies for market implementation. Over two weeks, participants delve into key nanoscience applications while mastering skills such as reviewing scientific literature, design thinking, and entrepreneurship.
The program guides students through proposing a nanotechnology-based product, conducting preliminary research, and validating their scientific concepts. This immersive experience blends rigorous scientific methodologies with engaging business projects. Culminating in a team project, students gain hands-on experience in team research and the process of pitching a business idea and product to potential technology investors.
Subject areas: Chemistry, Physics, Nanoscience
Location: UCLA campus (Los Angeles, CA). Living on campus is optional.
Cost: $4,281 (residential). Need and merit-based scholarships are available.
Application deadline: June 1, 2024
Program dates:
Residential: July 7 — July 20, 2024
Commuter: July 8 — July 19, 2024
Eligibility: Anyone enrolled in high school (freshman to senior). Strong science foundation in chemistry, physics, and biology.
7. UC San Diego Academic Connections at the University of California, San Diego
Crafted for high-achieving students seeking in-depth exploration in their chosen subject area, this summer program presents a variety of STEM courses, spanning from ocean ecosystem dynamics to an introduction to structural engineering. Engage in compelling coursework, interactive discussions, and hands-on projects as you delve into your preferred subject, mastering the basics and culminating in a final project. Guided by UC San Diego faculty members, the program provides a platform for intellectual discussions among peers who share your enthusiasm for learning.
Subject areas: Engineering, Ecology, Programming, Marine Science, Health, Language
Location: University of California, San Diego (for the residential courses)
Cost: $1,500 (online courses), $5,950 (residential courses tuition). Scholarships are available.
Application deadline: May 24, 2024 (residential) | June 2, 2024 (online)
Program dates: July 7 — July 27, 2024 (residential) | June 1– June 26, 2024 (online)
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply.
8. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
SUMaC stands as a residential or virtual program hosted at Stanford University, specifically tailored for high-achieving high school juniors and seniors who crave a challenging experience in mathematics. Geared towards those with a keen interest in the latest mathematical research and its applications across scientific domains, the 4-week camp combines advanced mathematics learning through lectures, guided research, and collaborative problem-solving.
Beyond traditional coursework, SUMaC exposes participants to a college-level workload. This immersive program aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of advanced mathematical concepts and their real-world applications.
Location: Virtual OR Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: $3,550 (online), $8,250 (residential). Need-based financial aid is available.
Application deadline: TBD for 2025
Program dates: TBD for 2025
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors are eligible to apply.
9. Research Mentorship Program at the University of California, Santa Barbara
UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program stands as a competitive summer initiative tailored for high school students eager to participate in hands-on, interdisciplinary research at the university level. Enabling students to choose a research project in their preferred field, covering a range of STEM disciplines, participants collaborate closely with mentors.
Throughout the program, students not only delve into their chosen projects but also gain valuable insights into research techniques and professional opportunities. Particularly beneficial for those intrigued by the intersection of STEM with various other disciplines, this program serves as an outstanding opportunity to explore and engage in meaningful research experiences.
Subject areas: STEM
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA.
Cost: $4,700 (commuter option) | $6,599 (housing option)
Application Deadline: March 15, 2024
Program Dates: June 17, 2024 — August 2, 2024
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11 (outstanding 9th graders may be accepted on a case-by-case basis) with a minimum 3.80 weighted GPA, can apply.
10. UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars (Credit Tracks)
This program presents a diverse array of experiences catering to various subject interests, with three distinct tracks: residential, commuter, and virtual. For students intrigued by STEM subjects, a range of engaging courses is available with the entire course list available here. Explore topics such as Planetary Exploration, Integrative Biology Methods, Mechanical Engineering Principles, Advanced Mathematics, and Computer Science Applications.
Each course aims to deepen your understanding of the field, support your future academic endeavors by offering academic credits, and assist in planning your career within your chosen STEM industry.
Subject areas: Engineering, Mathematics, Planetary Sciences, Integrative Biology, Computer Science, and a plethora of other STEM disciplines.
Location: University of California, Berkeley. CA. There is a virtual track option as well.
Cost: $25 application fee + $15,800 (residential track, session C) | $14,500 (residential track, session D) | $595 + $500 + $65 (per unit fee, commuter and virtual tracks). Financial aid is available.
Application deadline: March 11, 2024 (residential track) | June 3, 2024 (commuter track) | June 3, 2024 (virtual track)
Program dates: June 16, 2024 — August 9, 2024 (residential track, session C) | June 30, 2024 — August 9, 2024 (residential track, session D) | Students on the commuter and virtual tracks can choose the courses they wish to attend.
Eligibility: Students who have completed the 10th or 11th grade by the start of summer classes, and are 16–17 years old by the start of the program can apply.
11. Lumiere Research Scholar Program (STEM Track)
Established by Harvard and Oxford PhDs, Lumiere is a highly selective research program designed for ambitious high school students. This program offers an opportunity for one-to-one collaboration with a PhD mentor, allowing students to delve into independent research across various STEM disciplines such as biology, physics, engineering, mathematics, and technology.
With flexibility in choosing research topics, participants not only stay abreast of the latest developments in their chosen field but also expand their technical skills. This personalized approach makes Lumiere an excellent choice for those interested in interdisciplinary research and seeking a deeper understanding of their chosen STEM discipline.
Subject: Multidisciplinary including a range of STEM subjects.
Location: Virtual
Cost:
Lumiere Individual Research Program — $2,800
Lumiere Premium Research and Publication Program — $4,800
Lumiere Research Fellowship — $8,400
Application Deadline: Rolling, Cohort based. Applications for the Summer Cohort of 2024 are open till March 17. Apply here!
Program Dates: Upcoming date — 5 February, 2024.
Eligibility: High school students
If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn data science and AI with us. You can apply here!
Image Source - COSMOS Logo