14 STEM Internships for High School Students in San Diego, CA
- Stephen Turban
- 4 days ago
- 11 min read
If you are a high school student in San Diego, CA, and are looking for a productive way to spend your summer, internships in STEM can be great options. Whether you are interested in coding, marine biology, biotech, or aerospace engineering, San Diego’s vibrant tech and research community offers exciting opportunities to explore.
Additionally, internships can help you work on a few essential professional skills , like teamwork, communication, and project management , while forging valuable connections with mentors and industry professionals. Additionally, these experiences can boost your college application and resume, as they show admissions teams and recruiters your willingness to get a jump start on your career.
To make your search for such opportunities easier, here we have listed 14 STEM internships for high school students in San Diego, CA, based on how rigorous the programs are and the prestige of organizations offering these opportunities.
If you are looking for more prestigious STEM programs/internships for high schoolers, check out this set of blogs!
Location: Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA (about 20 minutes from San Diego). The institute offers several resources to assist students in finding housing.
Cost/Stipend: No cost or stipend provided.
Application deadline: March 31
Program dates: Option 1: June 2 - August 8 | Option 2: June 16 - August 22
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 when the internship begins
The Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI) focuses on research that connects science to clinical care, with an emphasis on personalized medicine. This includes work in genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and mobile health technologies used to track health data. SRTI offers two internship options, including the Student Research Internship Program, a 10-week summer experience for high school, college, and graduate students.
If you’re interested in health sciences, data analysis, or computer science, this program gives you the chance to engage in ongoing research projects and gain experience in translational medicine. In addition to research, you’ll take part in seminars, journal clubs, and discussions with faculty while also gaining clinical exposure under the guidance of a physician-scientist.
Location: Virtual!
Cost: Starting at $1,990. Financial assistance is available.
Application deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. The upcoming Summer Cohort’s applications close on May 11.
Program dates: Varies according to the cohort. Typically, you can find multiple eight-week cohorts throughout the year.
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 10 to 20 hours/week for 8 to 12 weeks.
Ladder Internships is a remote program through which you get to work with startups and nonprofits from around the world. Founded by Harvard alumni, the program allows you to choose a focus area that aligns with your interests, such as AI, technology, business, engineering, journalism, healthcare, or sustainability. Over the course of the internship, you will take on a project relevant to your chosen field and share your results at the end.
Mentorship is a central part of the experience. You will collaborate with professionals who have experience in areas like machine learning, programming, and project development. The program also includes one-on-one guidance to help you develop practical skills, such as time management and communication. Here, you will also attend group sessions to connect with peers working on similar projects.
Location: Various NASA locations in the country, including CA. You can also opt for NASA’s remote internship opportunities.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Interns may receive a stipend that will vary based on the internship, academic level, and session length.
Application deadline: February 27 (Summer) | May 22 (Fall) | September 12 (Spring)
Program dates: Exact dates vary based on the internship. Summer session runs for 10 weeks, typically from late May/early June to August | Fall session lasts 16 weeks, typically from late August or early September to mid-December
Eligibility: High school students in the U.S. with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers internships to high school students, undergraduates, and graduates in a variety of fields, including space science, aeronautics, engineering, technology, space microbiology, and outreach. As an intern, you will get to work with NASA scientists and mentors on tasks such as research, data analysis, and engineering projects. Internship opportunities are available in areas like structural design, test equipment analysis, data science, and software development. In addition to exploring STEM fields and ongoing space research, this experience can help you get some professional experience and hone your decision-making and problem-solving skills. You can look for internships here and filter the results based on location to find the right option.
Location: Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA, which is about 20 minutes from San Diego
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend is provided.
Application deadline: March 28
Program dates: June 16 – August 8
Eligibility: San Diego County high school students (public or private) who are at least 16 and have completed at least one year of high school biology and chemistry with a minimum 2.75 GPA. You must arrange your own transportation, obtain a work permit if you are under 18, and meet the institute’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements.
The Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program is an eight-week paid internship at the Salk Institute. It offers you the chance to explore different areas of STEM through hands-on research. Here, you will work on a research project in a lab setting under the guidance of scientists and staff at the institute. Throughout the program, you will learn basic laboratory techniques and collaborate with mentors and other students. The experience is designed to help you build skills in research, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication — tools that are useful in both academic and professional STEM environments.
Location: J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA (20 mins from San Diego)
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend of $17.50 or academic credit will be provided.
Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Program dates: June 23 – August 22
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 or older
The J. Craig Venter Institute’s Summer Internship Program is a structured research experience for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students interested in STEM. During the program, you will work with a mentor on a project that aligns with your academic background and collaborate with researchers at the J. Craig Venter Institute. This internship is designed to help you build foundational knowledge and skills for future academic or research paths in science and technology. In addition to hands-on lab work, you will participate in workshops focused on scientific and professional development. These sessions cover topics like journal discussions, career planning, and research presentations.
Location: San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost, and the program is unpaid.
Application deadline: Applications are accepted year-round.
Program dates: Flexible, year-round internships are offered.
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years or older | Completion of at least one general biology course is required
Note: To qualify, you must be enrolled in an internship program through your school and receive course credit. Additionally, a formal agreement with the school is necessary.
The Youth Internship Program at the San Diego Natural History Museum provides high school students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the natural sciences. As an intern, you will spend time in the entomology, paleontology, and botany departments, learning about each area through hands-on tasks and guided instruction. This internship can help you explore different areas of natural history and consider how they are relevant to future studies or careers in STEM. The program is unpaid and runs throughout the year, based on the museum’s scheduling needs. This makes it a flexible option for you if you only have room in your schedule after school or on weekends.
Location: San Diego Air and Space Museum, San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost or stipend is associated with the program
Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Program dates: Internships typically run year-round, after school, and on weekends.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old
The San Diego Air and Space Museum offers voluntary internship opportunities to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students in the Library & Archives, Graphics, and Restoration departments. If you are interested in aviation history or library science, you can volunteer in the Library & Archives department, where you will get to assist with research and writing.
The Restoration Department, where you will help preserve and repair aircraft, will be a good fit for you if you are interested in and familiar with aircraft construction or maintenance. You can also choose the Graphics department if you are interested in creating exhibit floor plans and promotional materials, given that you are familiar with InDesign, Photoshop, or AutoCAD. Depending on your school’s policy, you may also earn academic credit for this internship.
Location: San Diego Zoo, San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost. You can find both paid and unpaid opportunities; however, no information is available on the exact stipend amount.
Application deadline: January 28
Program dates: 12 weeks over the summer
Eligibility: Requirements vary according to the opportunity. Those studying biology, wildlife management, or zoology are encouraged to apply.
The San Diego Zoo offers a range of internship opportunities, including the Wildlife Alliance Internship—an opportunity focusing on conservation, animal care, and habitat restoration.
As an intern, you will work with wildlife care specialists and assist with the daily caretaking of animals at the zoo while also learning about their behaviors and the conservation efforts that support them. This internship can give you some practical experience in animal care and conservation, and it may be a good fit if you are interested in working with wildlife in San Diego.
Location: Various city department offices in San Diego
Cost/Stipend: No cost. The stipend varies depending on the role.
Application deadline: Varies depending on the role
Program dates: Opportunities are available year-round, though certain positions may have more specific options.
Eligibility: Most internships offered are open to all high school students. Students are recommended to check their preferred department’s internship requirements before applying.
The City of San Diego offers a variety of paid internships to high school students across different departments. These internships are opportunities to get some work experience in a professional setting and witness firsthand how the local government functions across areas such as finance, environmental services, architecture, tourism, communications, and public services.
As an intern, you will support ongoing projects, take part in team meetings, and work with city employees to learn about daily operations. You can also apply to multiple departments and decide later which opportunity best aligns with your interests. This experience can help you explore different career paths while gaining key insights into public service work.
Location: Various labs across the U.S. | Virtual options are available, too.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. The stipend varies depending on location and project.
Application deadline: Applications open on December 4 and remain open throughout the year.
Program dates: 6 – 10 weeks from May to August. Specific dates vary depending on the project location.
Eligibility: High school students in the U.S. | Additional eligibility requirements vary by location. Check all the details here before applying.
The AEOP High School Internship Program offers students the opportunity to engage in STEM research at leading U.S. laboratories. Sponsored by the U.S. Army, the program connects high school students like you with university researchers and Department of Defense experts, giving you the opportunity to work on projects in fields like engineering, cybersecurity, environmental science, and biotechnology. As an intern, you will also gain hands-on experience in STEM fields and get to work with advanced lab equipment. You will primarily contribute to projects that support national security and scientific advancement.
Location: Department of Navy (DoN) labs nationwide, including the Naval Health Research Center and the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Stipend of $4,000 is offered to new participants and $4,500 to returning participants.
Application deadline: November 1
Program dates: Eight weeks in the summer
Eligibility: Students in the U.S. in grades 10 to 12 who are 16 or older. Specific labs may have additional eligibility requirements.
The SEAP program is offered by the Department of the Navy (DoN) to introduce high schoolers to STEM research and engineering careers. If accepted into the program, you will be placed in an accessible DoN lab where you will work on ongoing research in science and engineering under the guidance of DoN researchers. You will get hands-on research experience and access to advanced research tools and software—all of which will help you boost your understanding of STEM fields. This internship will also provide you with some practical experience in a government research setting, which can prepare you for future careers in the defense and technology fields. For instance, at the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, San Diego, CA, you may be able to work on research that helps the site provide information technology resources to the country’s warfighters.
Location: Sanford Burnham Prebys, San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend. A stipend is offered.
Application deadline: April 1
Program dates: Six-week program starting from mid-June
Eligibility: California high school students who are 16 or older | Preference is given to students from San Diego or Imperial County.
The SPARK internship is designed for California high school students, offering them the chance to engage in stem cell research at leading research institutions, such as the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute. During the program, you will get to work in laboratory settings on projects related to regenerative medicine, stem cell biology, and tissue engineering. This is an opportunity to learn from experienced researchers and gain valuable insights into the field of biomedical science.
Offered by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, SPARK prioritizes students from diverse backgrounds and includes a stipend to support participants throughout the internship.
Location: Varies based on your lab choice. Opportunities are available at San Diego State University, San Diego, CA. Check here.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a stipend of $4,000 is awarded to the interns.
Application deadline: April 14
Program dates: 8 – 10 weeks, typically June to August.
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent graduates who have completed one course in high school chemistry | Check the detailed criteria here.
Project SEED is a summer fellowship program for high school students interested in exploring the field of chemistry. The program aims to support students from underrepresented backgrounds, providing practical lab experience that can enhance their future academic and career prospects. If selected, you will have the opportunity to work on an independent research project in a lab and get hands-on experience with scientific tasks and experiments. You will be assigned to a research lab at a nearby location, which may include universities or a U.S. Department of Agriculture lab. Here, you will choose a project based on your interests. Depending on the project, you may also have the chance to participate in field trips, campus tours, and career panels. Additionally, your coordinator may offer you the opportunity to attend the American Chemical Society National Meeting, where you could present your work.
Location: Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost or stipend associated with the program. As a volunteer, you may get benefits like meal credits and free parking.
Application deadline: TBA, but applications open on May 5
Program dates: There are no specific dates. The program requires a minimum of 100 hours of volunteer service.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 15 years old are eligible. See all requirements here.
Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego offers high school students the opportunity to volunteer across various patient care departments. As a volunteer, you will assist hospital staff and interact with patients, gaining exposure to the healthcare field and valuable caregiving experience.
Volunteer hours are flexible, and you may be asked to serve in various areas, including the Family Resource Center, patient ambassador roles, integrative healing therapies, nursing units, occupational and physical therapy, pharmacy, postoperative areas, and upscale boutiques. While this is not a traditional internship, the experience can help you get hands-on experience and valuable insights into the ins and outs of a healthcare center.
One other option — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also, check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a nonprofit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
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.
Image Source - Ladder Internships logo