10 Free Summer Programs for High School Students in Los Angeles (LA)
If you're a high school student in Los Angeles looking for free programs to develop your skills over the summer, this blog is for you! These programs will allow you to expand your knowledge, learn from experts, and gain experience in your chosen field. Additionally, they provide an opportunity to refine essential soft skills such as creativity, innovation, leadership, and analytical thinking.
Many universities and research centers in Los Angeles offer fully funded programs that cover topics beyond your school curriculum, enhancing your college applications. Participating in these programs can demonstrate your abilities and commitment to learning to college admissions officers. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
To help you get started, we've compiled a list of 10 free summer programs available to high school students in Los Angeles!
Cost: The program is fully funded!
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall. Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation stands as a non-profit research program tailored for gifted students from low-income backgrounds. Stemming from the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, renowned for its extensive one-on-one research opportunities for high school students, the foundation provides the same access to independent research experiences at zero cost.
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In the flagship program, talented high-school students are paired with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll 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. You can apply here! This program is a solid option if you are interested in interdisciplinary research and want to create an individual research paper.
Location: Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Program Dates: June 24–June 28 | August 5–August 9
Cost: Free for all accepted participants; Participants will need to arrange their transportation to and from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, or juniors who are residents of Los Angeles County can apply.
Application Deadline: January 12
CAMP CHLA is a five-day healthcare career exploration program for high school students in LA County. Throughout the camp, you will learn about, explore, and engage in the daily work that Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) team members perform. You will attend presentations from healthcare professionals, where they will share their career paths and give “day-in-the-life” insights into their roles. You will also acquire practical skills in health promotion and disease/injury prevention, including CPR, first aid, and body ergonomics. The program provides networking opportunities with other students who share an interest in CHLA’s mission.
Location: USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Los Angeles, CA
Program Dates: June 17–July 19
Cost: Free for all accepted participants
Eligibility: Students who reside and attend high school in Los Angeles County can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications for the summer program will open in the beginning of the year.
USC’s Annenberg Youth Academy provides high school students with a foundation in media communication and journalism at a level comparable to first-year college courses. The program focuses on helping students understand the role of media and journalism in shaping civic-minded leaders. It helps you develop speech, debate, writing, and critical thinking skills. Each year, 26 students from across Los Angeles County are selected. The program offers guidance on writing college essays and other college-related advice. You’ll have the chance to engage with scholars who are advancing discussions on race, gender, and ethnicity in communication and journalism. In the past, the program featured sessions with award-winning journalist, author, and professor Miki Turner, as well as scholar, media maker, and adjunct lecturer Rogelio Lopez.
Location: Various medical centers in Los Angeles. Virtual sessions are also available.
Program Dates: Two and four-week sessions are available between June and August; the dates vary for different sessions. Two-week virtual sessions are also available.
Cost: Free for all accepted participants
Eligibility: Current 11th and 12th grade students can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications will reopen in January.
This program offers students the chance to work alongside medical experts in various hospitals. The program receives 300–450 applications each year, with 100–180 students selected to participate. As an intern, you will attend lessons and workshops led by general pediatricians, specialists like surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, infectious disease specialists, ophthalmologists, radiologists, and therapists to gain an understanding of patient healthcare. You will observe and assist with medical procedures, treatment plans, and patient care. You will also discuss projects and deliver presentations at the end of the program. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate and may be eligible for a $500 scholarship from the Edward M. Rissman Scholarship Fund.
Location: Da Vinci Schools, El Segundo, Los Angeles County, CA
Program Dates: June 10–June 28 | July 8–July 26
Cost: Free for all accepted participants
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 13 and 18 can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis due to the limited availability of space.
Los Angeles Urban League’s Biz Camp is a free summer entrepreneurship camp where students learn how to transform their ideas into reality through planning, analysis, and application of classroom lessons. The camp features activities and guest speakers to equip you with business knowledge, ultimately helping you launch your own venture. It is geared toward students who have a business idea and need guidance to bring it to fruition. During the camp, you will be expected to attend classes from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. The program concludes with a Business Plan Competition, typically held on the final day of camp, also from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Local non-profit organizations in Los Angeles, CA. You can view the multiple locations available here.
Program Dates: The start dates of the internship vary by location, and it will typically begin shortly after your school year ends. The internship lasts for 8 weeks and includes a week in Washington, D.C., for the Leadership Summit in July.
Cost/Stipend: Participation is free for all accepted students. The hourly pay rate varies depending on the internship location, typically ranging from $15 to $20 per hour. Additionally, student leaders may be eligible for housing stipends, transportation reimbursement, and other benefits.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship and permanently reside in one of the eligible locations (markets) are eligible to apply.
Application Deadline: January 17. The application period will begin in the fall
Bank of America’s Student Leaders Program provides high school juniors and seniors with a paid internship at local nonprofits, such as Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity. The program is designed to offer work experience, leadership development, and community service opportunities. Throughout the program, you will participate in projects that address local needs while developing skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. Alongside the internship, you will attend a national Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., to explore how nonprofits, governments, and businesses work together to tackle societal issues. With an acceptance rate of 5-8%, the Bank of America Student Leaders Program is highly competitive.
Location: Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Program Dates: June 17–August 2 (7 weeks)
Cost: Free for all accepted participants
Eligibility: High school applicants must be aged 15–17 by the program start date.
Application Deadline: Applications open in early February each year.
Children's Hospital Los Angeles offers a summer program for high school students who have completed their freshman year. You will provide support to patients, families, and hospital staff, escorting patients to appointments, greeting them upon arrival, and assisting with administrative tasks. Participants are required to serve 15 hours per week, which can be scheduled as two full days (9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) on campus or split into four separate morning or afternoon shifts. The program is highly competitive, accepting only 20 students each year. The application process includes submitting two recommendations and completing an in-depth essay.
Location: Pomona College, Claremont, Los Angeles County, CA
Program Dates: June 22–July 18
Cost: Free for all accepted participants. Pomona College covers all expenses, including housing, meals, activities, and transportation for field trips.
Eligibility: Current 9th-grade students who are residents of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Ventura Counties can apply.
Application Deadline: February 24
PAYS is a four-week residential program where students participate in coursework, cultural events, workshops, field trips, and projects. The program extends throughout the academic year for three consecutive years after acceptance. During the summer, PAYS participants take part in a challenging liberal arts curriculum while forming a community with students and college mentors. You will enroll in rigorous Critical Inquiry seminars led by Pomona College professors, which require active participation and the completion of at least three analytical papers. Each week, you'll be assigned at least one activity involving data collection and Excel modeling. Trained college teaching assistants will help guide you through your seminars and assist with learning and leadership development.
Location: University of California, Irvine, CA
Program Dates: June 17–July 25
Cost: There is no cost to attend, but students may need to cover expenses for housing, meals, and transportation.
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in high school and not graduating this spring can apply.
Application Deadline: April 14
The Math ExpLR program at UC Irvine's NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research is a six-week program. It pairs students with UC Irvine undergraduates to collaborate on computational biology research projects alongside a principal investigator. In the first two weeks, you will learn about research, mathematical modeling, LaTeX, and Matlab programming and begin your mid-term report. During the final two weeks, you will concentrate on your final papers and attend the Math ExpLR reunion. The program offers a deep dive into computational biology and university-level instruction. Example project topics include the Stochastic Models of Epigenetic Stability, Biophysics of the Primary Cilium in Skin and Neurological Disease, and From Random Walk to Cancer Research.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Program Dates: Orientation dates usually take place in the third week of June, and the participants must complete 50 volunteer hours by August 31
Cost: Free for all accepted participants
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old at the time of registration are eligible to apply.
Application Deadline: The applications usually open in January and close in early spring
UCLA Health’s Volunteen Summer Program gives high school students a chance to work in patient transport, wayfinding, and floating deliveries. As a participant, you will assist with discharging patients and transfers. You will greet visitors and patients, provide wheelchair and escort services, deliver mail and newspapers to patients, and build your communication skills. Participants are required to commit to a minimum of 50 volunteer hours, with the flexibility to design their schedules. The program is highly competitive, with a limited number of volunteers accepted each year, so early application is encouraged. A hybrid virtual option is also available, and more information can be found here!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD 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.