16 Research Programs for High School Students in California
Horizon Academic Research ProgramIf you are a student passionate about a certain subject, doing research in that field is a fantastic way to explore your interests. Conducting research can help you develop skills that will be useful in the future, besides helping you dive into a subject you’re interested in and getting you started on your career.
Engaging in research as a high school student not only allows you to gain hands-on experience in your chosen field but it also significantly bolsters your college applications.
If you are a high school student in California looking to do exactly that, this list of programs should be on your radar!
1. Veritas AI - VAI Fellowship (with Publication & Showcase)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,790 for the 10-week AI Scholars program, $4,900 for the 12-15 week AI Fellowship, $5,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. You can apply here.
Program dates: Various according to the cohort
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit past experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI provides high school students with an opportunity to explore their interests in the field of AI. The program offered include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. This program is designed and run by Harvard alumni, and you can expect an enriching educational experience. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI Scholars program before pursuing the Fellowship.
The AI Fellowship program will have students pursue their own independent AI research project. Students work on their own individual research projects over a period of 12-15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. In the past, students have worked on research papers in the field of AI & medicine, AI & finance, AI & environmental science, AI & education, and more! You can find examples of previous projects here. Take a look the program brochure here!
2. 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!
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and on college applications. Apply here!
3. COSMOS | California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science
Location: One of the five University of California’s COSMOS campuses — UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz
Cost: $5,007. Financial aid is available
Application deadline: February 9, 2024
Program dates: July 7, 2024 - August 3, 2024
Eligibility: California students completing grades eight through twelve by the summer in which they wish to participate may apply to COSMOS.
COSMOS, the California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science, is an intensive four-week Summer Residential STEM Pre-College program. This is a great opportunity for you if you are interested in research because COSMOS gives you the chance to be mentored by well-established faculty, researchers, and scientists within state-of-the-art facilities.
The program encourages the exploration of advanced STEM topics that extend far beyond the typical curriculum offered in California high schools. The different projects are separated into clusters and past clusters have included ‘Brain-Inspired Computing’, where you'll learn about biological and artificial neural networks; ‘Ecosystem Responses to Climate Change, analyzing data from lab and space sensors’, ‘Exploring the Evolution of Animal Form, from fossils to embryos’, and ‘High Success in green technologies, focusing on hydrogen as a sustainable energy source, carbon capture, and the transition to sustainability’.
4. Stanford Institute of Medicine Summer Research Program
Location: Stanford University Campus
Stipend: At least $500
Application Deadline: February 24, 2024
Program dates: June 10, 2024 - August 1, 2024
Eligibility:
Students must currently be juniors or seniors at the time of application (as of the spring of 2024). Students must be in the graduating class of 2024 or 2025.
Students must also be 16 years old or older by the start of the program.
Students must currently be living in and attending school in the U.S. AND must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a green card in order to apply.
The Stanford Institute of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is a great opportunity for you to dive into medical research. This 8-week summer internship program allows you to engage in hands-on research under the direct guidance of a mentor in one of the labs within the Institutes of Medicine at Stanford University, as well as in select departments. Upon applying, you have the freedom to choose from eight distinct areas of research (institutes), ranging from Immunology and Neurobiology to Cancer Biology, Bioengineering, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Biology, Bioinformatics, and Genetics and Genomics. Once accepted, you will be assigned to a specific institute based on your preferences.
In addition to the traditional lab research, SIMR offers you an alternative through its bioengineering bootcamp. Whether you're aiming to immerse yourself in cutting-edge genetic studies or explore the latest in stem cell research, SIMR will prepare you for a future career in medicine and research.
5. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Online
Cost: 12 weeks for $2,800, 16-20 weeks for $5,400, and the 6-12 months for $8,900
Application Deadline: There are 4 cohorts (You can apply here!)
Fall 2023: August 27th, 2023
Winter 2023: November 26th, 2023
Spring 2024: January 14th, 2024
Summer 2024
Early Admission: February 18, 2024
Priority Admission: March 17, 2024
Regular Admission 1: April 14, 2024
Regular Admission 2: May 12, 2024
Program Dates: 12 weeks starting from when you and your mentor start the project. Can vary.
Eligibility:
You must be currently enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall of 2024.
Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note. Students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
Lumiere Education, founded by researchers at Harvard and Oxford, offers ambitious high school students a chance to do research in a range of subjects through their program. In this program, talented high school students will be paired with top Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll learn about the cutting edge of your field and develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more.
6. Scripps Student Research Internship
The institute offers two internships under this program: one focused on translational science (I - Student Research Internship Program and the other on precision medicine (II - Medical Student Research Internship Program). Both have substantial overlap in subjects covered.
Location: Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA (about 20 minutes from San Diego). The institute provides a few resources to help students find housing.
Stipend: For I, information on funding is yet to be updated. For II, a stipend will be provided; travel and housing expenses will be covered.
Application deadline: March 30, 2024 (I) and February 29, 2024 (II)
Program dates:
June 3, 2024 – August 9, 2024 OR June 17, 2024 - August 23, 2024 (I)
May 20, 2024 - July 29, 2024 (II)
If these dates do not work for you, the institute recommends you note your specific available dates in your application (You are required to give 10 weeks for I, 8 weeks for II).
Eligibility: Highly motivated students in high school who will be at least 16 years old before the internship begins can apply.
The competitive 10-week internship offers 40 talented and motivated students (high school, undergraduate, graduate and professional) from across the country an immersive, college-level research experience. You will learn about current topics in translational science, precision medicine, focusing on digital health, clinical genomics, and community engagement. You will also study design and analysis procedures relevant for translational research, including genomic/genetic association studies. You will also observe the steps of proposing, designing, undertaking and analyzing clinical trials. At the end of the program, you will present a scientific concept to your peers and mentors. Based on your interests, you will be assigned a primary mentor for the program who will guide and advise you.
7. UCSD’s Research Experience for High School Students (REHS)
Location: UC San Diego campus (San Diego, CA)
Cost: Program with research project: $1,500. Program without research project: free.
Application deadline: March 15, 2024
Program dates: June 17, 2024 to August 9, 2024
Eligibility: All high school students who reside in the San Diego housing or can acquire their own housing there.
The UCSD Research Experience for High School Students (REHS) allows you to work on an established research project over an eight-week volunteer program. This is designed to give you hands-on experience in the scientific method, from formulating and testing hypotheses to conducting computational experiments and drawing conclusions. You'll actively participate in regular lab meetings and engage in group discussions, truly integrating you into the research community.
REHS has welcomed 680 students from 73 high schools, with a notable 70% of its alumni choosing computer science and engineering as their college majors. Impressively, 65% of REHS alumni have attended colleges and universities ranked in the top 20 globally. During the program, you will experience software instruction, scholarly readings, and discussions with your mentor and their graduate student team. With projects typically requiring 15-20 hours of commitment per week, you are given the unique chance to have one-on-one access to your mentor's expertise.
8. Department of Navy’s Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: There are several lab locations to choose from across the country, with several in California.
Cost: There are no registration costs, however, housing, meals, transportation, and medical expenses are not covered. You can expect to have to travel to and from your lab, depending on your placement.
Stipend: $4,000 (new participant) | $4,500 (returning participant)
Application Deadline: November 1, every year.
Program Dates: Eight weeks in the summer. Exact dates vary depending on the lab you choose.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least grade 9, and are at least 16 years old when the internship begins, can apply. Graduating seniors are eligible as well. There is room for some exceptions. Students are recommended to check whether their preferred lab choice has any other particular requirements.
The Department of Navy's Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) gives you both research and practical work experience in the science and engineering fields. Whether you're drawn to cybersecurity, software development, algorithm design, or data analysis, SEAP provides a platform for you to apply your classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, introducing you to cutting-edge technologies and methodologies. Your choice of lab will align with your interests, especially if you're inclined towards computer science, requiring a targeted search to find the perfect match.
This prestigious, competitive 8-week apprenticeship immerses you in a professional research environment, where you're paired with mentors who are experts in their fields. SEAP is particularly beneficial if you're passionate about engineering and eager to explore its practical applications beyond traditional education.
9. UCSC Science Internship Program
Location: University of California Santa Cruz
Cost: $4,000
Application Deadline: March 31, 2024
Internship Dates: June 26, 2024 - August 18, 2024
Eligibility: Students who are at least 14 years of age on the program start date can apply.
Hosted by the University of California, Santa Cruz, this program is a great way for you to dive into computer science research and technology development. You will have various opportunities to engage in projects that may involve software development, computational modeling, data analysis, or exploring new algorithms. These projects are not just theoretical but are often part of ongoing research at UCSC, giving you a real taste of the challenges and breakthroughs in the field of computer science.
You will be matched with a mentor who guides you through a specific research project, tailored to align with your interests and skills in computer science. You will engage actively in projects, participate in lab meetings, and contribute meaningfully to the research team’s objectives. The program culminates in a symposium where you will present your findings, demonstrating your learning and contributions to the scientific community.
Location: Stanford University Campus
Cost: Free
Program dates: June 17 to August 2, 2024
Application Deadline: November 30, 2023
Eligibility: High school and community college students considering careers in biomedical and biological sciences and/or healthcare. Students must be age 16 or older at the time of the program to apply.
The Stanford Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery Internship Program is a great opportunity for students interested in biotechnology and research. Hosted by the prestigious Stanford University, this program is focused on the cutting-edge field of reconstructive surgery, which relies heavily on biotechnological advances and research to improve the outcomes of surgical procedures.
Participants gain hands-on experience working alongside leading reconstructive surgeons and researchers, exposing them to various biotech tools and techniques. This program equips students with practical skills in areas such as tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and medical devices. This internship Program is a great choice if you are looking to combine your passion for biotechnology with research.
11. UCSD’s Academic Connections Program
Location: UC San Diego (San Diego, CA)
Cost:
$1,500 - Online course tuition
$1,700 - Online course tuition + online SAT prep course
$5,950 - Residential course tuition + Residential housing
$6,150 - Residential course tuition + Residential housing + online SAT prep course
Application deadline: May 24, 2024
Program dates: Residential Program: July 7, 2024 - July 27, 2024 | Online Program: July 1, 2024 - July 26, 2024
Eligibility: Anyone enrolled in high school (freshman to senior). At least 14 years old before the program starts. Cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher. Recommendation from a teacher or counselor.
UCSD's Academic Connections program features a diverse array of courses spanning the physical and social sciences, engineering, and arts and humanities. This is a great way for you to narrow down your research interests through courses like the history of electronic instruments and the music they inspired, the intricate dynamics of the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the role of art in technological innovation. Other courses offer insights into digital media literacy, the fundamentals of structural engineering, and the complexities of ocean ecosystem dynamics. Whether you're exploring Life HACC: Health Aging Crash Course or uncovering the secrets of successful adaptations in literature and film, the Academic Connections Program is designed to serve as a deep dive into subjects that you’re interested in.
12. BrainSport Summer High School Research Internship at UCLA
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA.
Cost/Stipend: None.
Program dates: The program will run early-June to late-August, with exact dates to be announced. Work will likely be three to four half-days per week, for approximately 16 hours per week.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Eligibility: Rising juniors, with the intent that you may be a mentor for a rising junior next year. The university recommends you to apply especially if you’re interested in extending internship into the academic year.
The UCLA BrainSport Summer High School Research Internship is ideal for students interested in neuroscience, research, and the intricate workings of the brain. This program provides a valuable opportunity for students to delve into cutting-edge research, working alongside leading scientists and clinicians in the field of brain health and sports-related concussions. You will get a deeper understanding of neuroscience concepts, hone your research skills and contribute to ongoing studies that have real-world implications for sports medicine and brain injury prevention.
During the internship, you will engage in a range of hands-on activities and projects. This may involve literature reviews, data collection, and analysis, allowing students to actively contribute to ongoing research initiatives. You will work with state-of-the-art equipment and technologies, gaining practical experience in the methodologies used to study brain function and the effects of concussions. You will also attend seminars, lectures, and discussions led by experts in the field, expanding your knowledge beyond the scope of your individual projects.
13. Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program at the Salk Institute
Location: Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA (about 20 minutes from San Diego)
Stipend: $17 per hour
Application deadline: April 5, 2024
Program dates: June 17, 2024 - August 9, 2024 | 30-40 hours per week
Eligibility: Students who are San Diego County residents, have completed their most recent semester of high school at a public or private high school within San Diego County, are at least 16 years old on or before June 26, 2023, have completed at least one year each of high school level chemistry and biology, can apply. Check the page for all the program requirements.
The Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program is an 8-week, paid internship that can help you figure out which STEM field you wish to pursue. This program is an opportunity for students to dive into cutting-edge research projects in a competitive environment with scientists, researchers, and scholars at the renowned Salk Institute. Apart from conducting research, you will receive guidance and mentorship as well. You will learn laboratory techniques and work alongside mentors and peers on research projects. This means you will have the opportunity to gain real-life laboratory and research experience, which will help you sharpen the mental tools needed for both an academic and professional STEM career. During the internship, you will get to hone your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and your communication skills too!
14. California Academy of Science Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA.
Stipend: Students will receive a stipend, but information on the exact amount is not available.
Application Deadline: April 5, 2024.
Program Dates: After school and on weekends, year-round participation for 2-3 years till graduation.
Eligibility: Students who
are currently enrolled full-time as a 9th or 10th-grade student in an SFUSD school - check if your school qualifies here;
have maintained a GPA of 2.5 and a grade of C or higher in science and math
can obtain a valid work permit (US citizens and others authorized to work in the US);
can commit to all attendance requirements for 2 or 3 years, through high school graduation;
can commute to the Academy and nearby locations after school and on Saturdays during the school year, and on weekdays in the summer (some remote work may be required);
demonstrate interest and enthusiasm for learning, teaching, and doing science can apply.
Careers in Science (CiS) is a multi-year, year-round, paid internship and youth development program for students from communities that are underrepresented in STEM, including girls and students of color. If you’re keen on exploring a career in the sciences, look through the details of this immersive internship program. During this program, you will get the chance to work with scientists, researchers and educators at the California Academy of Sciences. You will also be exposed to scientific research and science communication. As an intern, you will participate in interactive training sessions, outdoor field activities and receive guidance on your college applications. You will also work on a science research or environmental action group project during the program.
15. Internships at Sandia National Laboratories
Location: Livermore, CA | Albuquerque, NM | other Sandia sites.
Stipend: Students will receive a stipend commensurate to the work they put in, and it will vary with the internship role.
Application deadline: Rolling deadline, as internship openings are continuously updated.
Program dates: Year-round, if you choose that program option. For the Co-op internships, you can select your internship period, in coordination with Sandia and your school.
Summer Interns - 40 hours per week | Year-round Interns - 25 hours per week
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old, are enrolled full-time in an accredited college, university or high school, are U.S. citizens can apply. Those applying must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for R&D, technical or business roles.
Sandia National Laboratories is a contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy’s ‘National Nuclear Security Administration’ (NNSA). Their internships are prestigious opportunities for students during the summer and year-round.
Students can apply for internships in technical, business, and research & development roles, which will allow them to work on national projects. These internships are a chance for students to get hands-on experience in a top-notch research environment. As an intern, you will work with experienced scientists and engineers on projects that contribute to technological advancements. Intern positions can include work in cyber security, energy, engineering, and software, under the guidance of a manager, who will help structure your work assignment, schedule and the duration of your internship. You will receive guidance from some of the country’s top scientists and experts, and cutting-edge training, making these internships a valuable learning experience.
Year-round internships: These allow students who attend local schools to work part-time at a Sandia site, working up to 25 hours a week for high school students, and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks.
Co-op internships: These are conducted in partnership with individual schools, and allow students to take time off during the academic year to gain work experience at Sandia, working up to 40 hours a week. They run for 3–8 months in the academic term and may include an adjacent summer term.
16. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: Various locations across the US
Cost: Free
Application deadline: Varies from internship to internship. Spring programs typically have an August deadline, summer internships have an October deadline, and fall internships come with a January deadline.
Program dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions – Fall (16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December) | Spring (16-week program, from mid-January to early May) | Summer (10-week program, from late May or early June to August).
Eligibility: Internships are available for full-time high school students who meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.
Note: These internships are offered across NASA facilities, along with several virtual options.
The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) provides an opportunity for high school students to participate in ongoing research at the agency through this internship program. You will have the chance to contribute to current projects at NASA, working under the guidance of experienced NASA mentors. Internships are offered in a range of subjects and disciplines, including space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, space microbiology, ecology, and even outreach and communications.
This program allows students to work with the best science, engineering, financial, information technology and business minds in the world. During this internship, you may be involved in designing experiments, analyzing data from space missions, or developing new technologies – engaging in real-world experiences, gaining valuable experience and insight into NASA's work. These internships also include a component on personal and professional development.
You can check out a complete list of positions here - you may have to use the “Filter” option to see opportunities only open to high school students.
Bonus!
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starting at $1,990. Financial aid available.
Application deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year (Summer cohort deadline on April 24th, 2024)
Program dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: All high school students.
Ladder’s Research Internship Program is a great way for you to gain hands-on experience in a start-up environment. This program, founded by Harvard alumni, is designed to connect young researchers with the world's most ambitious start-ups. With a commitment of 10-15 hours per week, the program spans 12-16 weeks for research activities and an additional 4-16 weeks dedicated to publication efforts.
During your internship, you will benefit from 1-on-1 sessions with a research mentor, who will guide you through your project, ensuring you gain valuable insights and skills. Additionally, you will have four sessions with a writing coach and another four with a publication specialist, designed to refine your ability to communicate your research findings effectively.
What sets this program apart is not just the opportunity to work on a real-world project and gain work experience at a top start-up, but also the comprehensive support structure aimed at enhancing your research and publication skills. Upon completion, you will receive a letter of completion from the company, acknowledging your contributions and hard work.
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