16 STEM Internships for High School Students in California
As a high schooler interested in STEM, you’re probably planning your academic future, and thinking about how to boost your profile — an early internship experience can set you apart. If you’re a high schooler in California keen on pursuing a career in STEM, this is just the blog for you! California, also known as a tech hub, offers students the chance to collaborate with experienced professionals and gain insight into cutting-edge research via a range of internship opportunities.
You can choose from various STEM internships, including research, corporate, government, and non-profit. Many prestigious institutions actively seek high school talent to help them with research and project development initiatives. Many of these are even paid opportunities which means that an internship can be a stepping stone on your career path. Internships can give you a glimpse into professional environments, helping you make informed decisions about your educational and career paths while building a network of professional contacts in California's vibrant STEM community.
In this blog, we'll explore 16 STEM internships for high school students in California spanning diverse areas such as medicine, sustainability, life sciences, and engineering.
Subject Areas: Multidisciplinary—machine learning, engineering, biotech, AI, healthcare and medicine, environmental science, media, and more.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,990. Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. Summer cohort (Priority Admission): March 17, 2024 | Summer cohort (Regular Admission 1): April 14, 2024 | Summer cohort (Regular Admission 2): May 12, 2024.
Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students, who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. These internships are also open to undergraduates and gap-year students!
Ladder Internships, a fairly selective program founded by Harvard alumni, pairs high school students with startups and nonprofits worldwide for virtual internships. You can choose the field you wish to work in, from a wide range of STEM fields, including technology, machine learning, AI, computer science, environmental science, healthcare, medicine, biotech, and more. This internship program includes one-on-one training in communication and time management, among other skills, and group training sessions with fellow interns. You will be paired with a manager at the startup and with a Ladder coach, who serves as a second mentor.
Interns usually require 5-10 hours a week to work on assigned tasks and to meet company management. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long. The internship opportunities in this program span the globe, with a concentration in the U.S., Asia, Europe, and the UK. The program's emphasis on hands-on experience allows you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, fostering a sense of confidence and adaptability.
Ideal For: Students who want to explore the startup environment virtually, work on a real-world project, and don’t want to contribute more than 10-15 hours a week as an intern.
2. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Subject Areas: Medicine – students choose a track from these options: Immunology, Neurobiology, Cancer Biology, Bioengineering, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Biology, Bioinformatics, Genetics, and Genomics.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: There is a $40 application fee, which can be waived; Students earn a stipend of $500 to $2,500.
Note: Stipends of $2500 and above are given on a needs-based system from special grants.
Application Deadline: February 24, 2024
Dates: June 10 - August 1, 2024
Eligibility: All 3 of the following requirements must be met (no exceptions):
- 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 to apply.
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is a distinguished internship program that incorporates both internships and research opportunities. This 8-week program offers students the chance to work closely with a mentor, either a Stanford graduate student or postdoctoral fellow, on direct research projects. You will choose from one of eight areas of study – Immunology, Neurobiology, Cancer Biology, Bioengineering, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Biology, Bioinformatics, and Genetics and Genomics. Based on your chosen preference, you will be allocated to a specific area and spend two months under the guidance of leading academics, researchers, and PhD candidates in medical research.
The initial weeks of the program are structured around morning lectures followed by hands-on laboratory work for the remainder of the day, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in lab activities. In the final two weeks, your focus will shift towards developing a research poster for your project. This poster will be showcased to your peers, teachers, family, and the broader Stanford community at the program's conclusion. This is a fairly competitive program with a cohort size of about 50 students – at an acceptance rate of less than 3% (approximately).
Ideal For: Students interested in research in the field of medicine and healthcare, looking to get a headstart at a leading institute.
3. California Academy of Science Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Subject Areas: STEM fields
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; CiS interns get paid above minimum wage.
Application Deadline: April 1, 2024 (Selected applicants will be required to attend an in-person group interview on April 27, 2024)
Dates: After school and on weekends, year-round participation for 2-3 years till graduation
Eligibility: To be eligible for the program, applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled full-time as a 9th or 10th-grade student in an SFUSD school (check if your school qualifies here)
- Maintain a GPA of 2.5 and a grade of C or higher in science and math
- Be able to obtain a valid work permit (US citizens and others authorized to work in the US)
- Commit to all attendance requirements for 2 or 3 years, through high school graduation
Since its inception in 1996, this prestigious program has welcomed applications from San Francisco students from underrepresented groups in STEM, offering them a chance to explore science and sustainability. Previous sessions for past cohorts have explored a range of topics, including scientific programming with Python, astronomy, science communication, biomimicry, environmental justice, and efforts toward conservation in California.
In addition to the educational component, participants benefit from mentorship, professional skill development, and compensation for their contributions. The program fosters a sense of community among the interns, encouraging them to engage in seminars and conferences, and providing opportunities to connect with faculty, mentors, and fellow talented students. As an intern, you will also have the opportunity to serve on the CiS Leadership Council, making you eligible for individualized mentorships with Academy experts.
Ideal For: Students looking for a well-round experience that introduces them to theory and research within science and sustainability.
Subject Areas: Business, technology, coding, data science, and more.
Location: Menlo Park, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Students will receive a stipend upon successful completion of the program
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
Dates: June 17, 2024 - July 26, 2024 (for 30 hours per week)
Eligibility: High school sophomores who are full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, or Redwood City are encouraged to apply. Applicants must have a minimum 2.0 Cumulative GPA.
The Meta Summer Academy presents an exciting opportunity for high school students to gain firsthand experience in the operations of the leading social media company in the world. Participants will join the workforce, acquiring coding skills, and enhancing communication and interpersonal abilities, while exploring diverse career paths within the tech sector. The commitment required from interns is 30 hours per week. Each intern will be matched with a mentor from Meta, who will guide them throughout the program, offering an in-depth understanding of the tech business landscape and personalized attention.
To ensure the program is accessible to students throughout California, Meta arranges transportation for all participants. Securing a spot at the highly selective Meta Summer Academy is considered a valuable achievement. With thousands of applicants each year, only 150 students are selected to be a part of the final cohort.
Ideal For: Students looking to experience working at a high-growth and fast-paced prestigious tech startup.
5. Project SEED by American Chemical Society
Subject Areas: Chemistry and related fields.
Location: Varies based on lab choice. Opportunities available in California. Check here.
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors (and recent graduates).
- Have completed one course in high school chemistry.
Preference is given to students whose maximum family income does not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines based on family size.
Note: Project SEED has multiple methods of documenting eligibility that you can access here!
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Dates: 8-10 weeks, June to August
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $4000 is awarded to the interns.
Project SEED is a paid, summer fellowship program for high school students. Once accepted, students commute daily to a research lab (typically about 8 hours per weekday, Monday through Friday) for anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks. This program offers an opportunity for students keen on working in laboratories and conducting work in the field of chemistry. Students will get to work in real laboratories at universities and other sites, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture lab.
In particular, Project SEED focuses on supporting over 350 students from underrepresented communities, providing both internships and summer camps to help students with university applications. As an intern, you will work on an independent project at a research lab located in the nearest Project SEED location. You get to choose the type of project you’re interested in – from a wide range of choices. Depending on your project site, you might have the chance to go on field trips and campus tours, attend career panels, and more! A bonus is that your coordinator can choose to register you for the American Chemical Society National Meeting – where you can present your work.
Ideal For: Students looking to explore STEM careers with a focus on chemistry.
6. Scripps Student Research Internship
Subject Areas: Health sciences, statistics, and computational/computer science
Location: Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: March 30, 2024
Dates: Multiple sessions are available: Session One: June 3 - August 9, 2024 | Session Two: June 17 - August 23, 2024
Eligibility: Highly motivated students in high school, college, or professional training (medical/law/graduate/business school) may apply. Please note that high school students must be at least 16 years of age before the start of their internship.
The Student Research Internship Program is a 10-week summer program designed for high school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. The primary goal is to equip students interested in health sciences, statistics, and computational/computer science to become future leaders in the realm of translational medical research. SRTI is a leader in innovative translational research, emphasizing individualized healthcare by exploring genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic indicators of health and disease.
During the internship, you will collaborate with and gain insights from an interdisciplinary group of scientists, including world-renowned experts in genomics, bioinformatics, digital medicine, and community outreach. The internship aims to equip ambitious high school students like you with the necessary training and insights to emerge as future pioneers in translational medical research. This hands-on experience will not only help you better understand how research works, but it will also build your skills in the health sciences, statistics, and computational science fields.
Ideal For: Students interested in exploring translational medical research within the growing field of health sciences.
7. The Intern Project Summer Program
Subject Areas: Multidisciplinary (STEM Fields).
Location: Los Angeles. The majority of the program is virtual.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Students will receive a stipend and college credit upon successful completion of the program.
Application Deadline: March 22, 2024
Dates: June to August (8 weeks)
Eligibility: Ideal TIP candidates are responsible young adults who are:
- Completing their Sophomore, Junior, or Senior year
- Enrolled in an LA County high school
The Intern Project (TIP) offers a summer opportunity for high school students across Los Angeles County to immerse themselves in various professional fields, making it an invaluable experience for those particularly drawn to STEM. The program includes placements in Engineering & Tech and Healthcare & Medical Technology, in addition to sectors like Arts, Media & Entertainment, Business, Government, Non-Profit, Philanthropy, and Sports. Internships are hosted by TIP’s network of company partners, which boasts leading aerospace firms and America on Tech among its ranks.
Moreover, TIP encompasses a series of developmental workshops designed to hone vital professional abilities. These workshops span essential topics such as Time Management, LinkedIn, Financial Literacy, Professional Communication, Self-Care 101, and an Interview Workshop. These sessions aim to equip you with the competencies required within professional landscapes. At the end of the program, interns typically present a summary of their work and insights gained, which might take the form of a detailed report, a presentation, or a reflective summary, depending on the host company’s criteria.
Ideal For: Students looking for opportunities to work in a professional setting at well-known companies while preparing for a future career in STEM.
8. High School Explainers Program at Exploratorium
Subject Areas: Science communication
Location: Exploratorium, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipend is paid according to the San Francisco minimum wage rate.
Application Deadline: Applications for the year-round and summer High School Explainer program are typically available in June and March respectively. When the application is open, you will find it on the Exploratorium's Current Openings page.
Dates: Throughout the year (after school and on weekends) and in the summer (5 days a week).
Eligibility: Students at least 15 years old, not more than 18 years old, and have completed their first year of high school can apply.
For high schoolers intrigued by science and looking for an opportunity beyond traditional research, the High School Explainers Program offers an engaging alternative. This internship program welcomes students from diverse backgrounds to gain firsthand experience in science communication.
During the internship, you will undergo specialized training encompassing science content, exhibit presentation, career preparation, and youth mentorship. This training equips you to effectively convey various scientific exhibits and concepts to visitors of the museum. The program is designed to foster holistic growth, not only enabling you to educate visitors about science but also enhancing your communication skills and other interpersonal abilities. Additionally, the program is flexible, offering positions for explainers during both the summer and the academic year, allowing you to choose the timing that best fits your schedule.
Ideal for: Students looking for opportunities in STEM that go beyond research and help them practically apply the scientific knowledge that they are learning.
9. J. Craig Venter Institute’s High School Internship
Subject Areas: STEM fields
Location: J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA
Cost/Stipend: None, Interns are compensated at an hourly rate based on the level of education completed. You can check the stipend rates here.
Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, once the position is posted. You can check the current postings here.
Dates: May to August, with occasional opportunities offered throughout the year.
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and above can apply. Applicants must have a 3.0/B average and must submit a copy of school transcripts and proof of full-time enrollment in school.
The JCVI Summer Internship Program provides a unique opportunity for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students who are eager to engage in comprehensive research within various STEM disciplines. The program pairs you with a mentor and offers a chance to work alongside top-tier scientists on projects that align with your academic background, interests, and abilities, all while utilizing cutting-edge equipment and technologies.
Throughout the internship, you'll have the opportunity to participate in several workshops designed to enhance both your scientific and professional skills. These workshops range from journal clubs and career development sessions to interdisciplinary scientific seminars. Aimed at fostering a cohort of leading scientists, this internship represents a valuable pathway for any student who wishes to pursue an academic career in STEM.
Ideal For: Students looking for research and mentorship opportunities within STEM, customizable to their background, interests, and abilities.
10. Stanford’s SHTEM: Summer Internship
Subject Areas: Multidisciplinary (science, humanities, technology, engineering, mathematics).
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: February 23, 2024
Dates: June 17 - August 9, 2024
Eligibility: Students who will be in grades 11-12 at the time of application, OR full-time community college students (within the first 3 years of community college), are eligible to apply.
This program is aimed at providing high school and community college students early exposure to cutting-edge research in an academic environment as well as introducing students to the diversity of research topics pursued in engineering. Conducted during the summer, this internship offers a unique chance for students to explore diverse subjects remotely. You will spend most of the time conducting research from where you are located (if you are working on hardware projects, materials will be sent to you) while maintaining regular communication with your mentors and group members. You can anticipate a commitment of 30-40 hours per week, guided by Stanford's renowned faculty and industry experts who provide valuable insights into the evolving tech landscape.
Themes cover the science of information and communication, engineering, the arts, linguistics, psychology, biology, neuroscience, computer science, technology, philosophy, and design, among other areas. This program will help you develop technical skills and foster a success-oriented mindset.
Ideal For: Students interested in conducting cutting-edge research under the mentorship of world-renowned faculty and tech experts
11. Internships at Sandia National Laboratories
Subject Areas: STEM fields, business, administration
Location: Varies based on the internship. Opportunities are available in California.
Cost/Stipend: None; 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 regularly updated.
Dates: Varies from project to project.
- Summer Internships typically run 10-12 weeks, generally from May to the last Thursday in August.
- Co-op internships typically run 3–8 months during the academic term and may include an adjacent summer term.
- Year-round internships run during the academic terms, and students can work up to 25 hours a week.
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old, are enrolled full-time in an accredited college, university, or high school, and 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 serves as a contractor to the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and offers prestigious internship opportunities for students both during the summer and throughout the year.
Internships are available in a variety of areas, including technical, business, and research & development roles, enabling students to contribute to significant national projects. These internships offer a unique chance to gain practical experience within a research setting. As an intern, you'll collaborate with seasoned scientists and engineers on projects that drive forward technological innovation. Roles are diverse, covering areas like cyber security, energy solutions, engineering disciplines, and software development, all supported by a mentor who will oversee your work assignments, scheduling, and internship duration. You’ll be mentored by some of the nation’s foremost experts and receive state-of-the-art training, making these internships an immensely valuable educational experience.
Year-round internships are designed for students from local institutions, allowing them to work part-time at a Sandia location—up to 25 hours a week for high school students and up to 40 hours a week during school holidays.
Co-op internships, created in collaboration with specific educational institutions, offer students the opportunity to take a break from their studies to work full-time at Sandia, typically for 3–8 months during the academic year, possibly extending into the summer. These positions provide up to 40 hours of work per week, offering a deep dive into professional experience in their field.
Ideal For: Students interested in exploring how laboratories work within the high-priority fields of cyber security, energy solutions, and engineering disciplines.
12. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of Navy (DoN)
Subject Areas: Physics, chemistry, biology, robotics, engineering, behavioral sciences, computer science, mathematics, and more.
Location: There are several lab locations to choose from across the country, including many in California.
Cost/Stipend: None; a stipend of $4,000 is provided for new participants and a stipend of $4,500 for returning participants
Application Deadline: Applications open in August and close on November 1 every year.
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.
This paid apprenticeship focused on research provides a valuable opportunity for high school students to immerse themselves in a STEM field of their preference. The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) places 300 students in more than 38 Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories nationwide, marking it an elite and sought-after program.
As an apprentice, you will collaborate directly with leading researchers and engineers at Navy laboratories and facilities throughout the United States, engaging in genuine naval research. Throughout the program, Navy labs' seasoned scientists and engineers will mentor you. While actively participating in projects, you will enhance your knowledge and skills across various STEM fields, including computer science and aeronautics. The program allows you to select a laboratory based on your area of interest, providing a broad selection of fields to explore!
Ideal For: Students interested in learning more about the naval forces and their work through laboratory research in relevant STEM fields.
13. UCSD’s Research Experience for High School Students (REHS)
Subject Areas: STEM, with a focus on the scientific process
Location: San Diego, CA
Cost: Program with research project: $1,500. Program without research project: Free.
Application Deadline: March 15, 2024
Dates: June 17, 2024 - August 9, 2024
Eligibility: All high school students who reside in San Diego or can acquire housing there are eligible to participate.
The UCSD Research Experience for High School Students (REHS) offers an opportunity to contribute to an ongoing research project over an eight-week volunteer period. The program is designed to immerse you in the scientific process, encompassing everything from hypothesis formulation and testing to conducting computational experiments and making conclusions. You will take part in regular laboratory meetings and group discussions, becoming an integral member of the research community.
To date, REHS has hosted 680 students from 73 different high schools, with a remarkable 70% of these alumni pursuing college majors in computer science and engineering. Furthermore, 65% of REHS alumni have progressed to attend colleges and universities ranked among the top 20 worldwide. The program includes software training, scholarly readings, and discussions with your mentor and their graduate student team, requiring a commitment of 15-20 hours per week. This internship provides a rare opportunity for direct mentorship and insight into advanced scientific research.
Ideal For: Students looking for an introduction to the basics of conducting research within STEM fields under personalized mentorship and guidance.
14. Stanford STaRS Internship Program
Subject Areas: Biomedical research and healthcare
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in November of the previous year.
Dates: June 17 - August 2, 2024
Eligibility: High school and community college students considering careers in biomedical and biological sciences and/or healthcare. Students must be aged 16 or older at the time of the program to apply.
The 7-week STaRS Internship is for high school and community college students considering careers in biomedical and biological sciences and/or healthcare. Conducted by the prestigious Stanford University, the focus of this program is on reconstructive surgery, a field that significantly benefits from biotechnological innovations and research to enhance surgical outcomes.
This opportunity will allow you to gain firsthand experience by working directly with top reconstructive surgeons and researchers, introducing you to a variety of biotechnological instruments and methodologies. The program provides practical skills in key areas, including tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and the development of medical devices. If you're interested in merging your enthusiasm for biotechnology with research, this internship program represents an ideal pathway.
Ideal For: Students interested in biotechnology and research, with a focus on innovations within medicine.
15. BrainSport Summer High School Research Internship at UCLA
Subject Areas: Neuroscience and sports medicine
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Dates: The program will run from early June to late August (2024 Dates TBA). Work will likely be three to four half-days per week, for approximately 16 hours per week.
Eligibility: Rising juniors, with the intent that you may be a mentor for a rising junior next year. The university recommends you apply especially if you’re interested in extending the internship into the academic year.
The UCLA BrainSport Summer High School Research Internship is a perfect match for students with a keen interest in neuroscience, research, and the complex functions of the brain. This program offers a chance to immerse yourself in research, collaborating with leading scientists and clinicians specializing in brain health and sports-related concussions. Participants will gain an understanding of neuroscience principles, enhance their research abilities, and make significant contributions to studies with direct implications for sports medicine and the prevention of brain injuries.
Throughout the internship, you will participate in various hands-on activities and projects, including conducting literature reviews, collecting data, and performing analyses. These tasks will enable you to play an active role in ongoing research efforts. Working with the latest equipment and technology, you will acquire hands-on experience with the techniques used to investigate brain functionality and the impact of concussions. Additionally, attending seminars, lectures, and discussions led by field experts will broaden your understanding beyond your projects, enriching your educational experience.
Ideal For: Students with a keen interest in medicine and sports, looking to blend the two options through hands-on activities and projects.
16. Veritas AI Internship
Subject areas: AI, ML, computer science
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,490 (some financial aid is available)
Application Deadline: October 20, 2024
Dates: The start date for the upcoming 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.
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.
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!
Stephen is one of the founders of Ladder Internships and a Harvard College graduate.