15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Berkeley, CA
- Stephen Turban
- 1 hour ago
- 11 min read
If you want to use your summer to explore academic interests beyond high school and gain exposure to advanced learning, programs are a practical place to start.
Why should I do a summer program in high school?
Summer programs for high schoolers allow you to learn more about subjects you care about and develop practical skills. Programs add value to your college applications and resume by showing initiative and a willingness to engage with challenges. Just as important, they help you understand whether a subject is something you want to pursue in college.
Berkeley has universities, research centers, and educational organizations that offer a range of summer programs for high school students. To help you explore the best options, here are 15 summer programs for high school students in Berkeley, CA!
Location: Berkeley Lab, Berkeley, CA
Stipend: $500/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10%
Dates: June 16-July 25
Application Deadline: March 23 (Recommended March 21)
Eligibility: Current 10th-12th grade students | Must attend high school in Northern California (recommended within 20 miles of Berkeley Lab), with preference for public school students in Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Francisco Counties
UC Berkeley’s EinR summer program provides six-week paid internships for a select group of high schoolers interested in experiencing advanced STEM research. You’ll be assigned to a Berkeley Lab research project based on your interests and skill set within Coding, Data Science, and Experimental Research. You’ll also have an opportunity to support Berkeley Lab’s STEM-focused Administration/Communications projects. Potential focuses include programming biosciences language models, creating 3D models for smart infrastructure, and analyzing greenhouse gas usage in federal facilities. Within your project, you’ll work with one or two fellow interns under the mentorship of the lab’s PI and research team, contributing hands-on work to an ongoing project. You can view former EinR project areas here.
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), Emeryville, CA
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective
Dates: June 16 - August 1
Application Deadline: March 16
Eligibility: Rising 10th and 11th grade students (sophomores and juniors) from low-income backgrounds (see site for additional details on financial eligibility) living in Alameda, Contra Costa, or San Francisco Counties | US citizens or permanent residents | Minimum 2.5 GPA | Must have passed Algebra 1 and Biology
The Joint BioEnergy Institute, a US Department of Energy research center, provides funded internships to economically disadvantaged high school students in the Berkeley and San Francisco area, merging research with mentorship and professional development. You’ll work under the mentorship of JBEI researchers and UC Berkeley students to undertake a research project in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biofuels, and/or synthetic biology. You’ll additionally learn about delivering scientific presentations and receive training in advanced biology research methodologies and subfields. Outside of the lab, you’ll network with professionals in STEM fields and visit industry sites in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals to explore potential career paths after college.
4. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, you will get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
Location: Berkeley Lab, UC Berkeley; virtual participation is possible
Stipend: $500/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective; 20 students
Dates: June 17 - July 25
Application Deadline: March 23 (Preferably March 21)
Eligibility: High schoolers in grades 10-12, aged 16-17, attending a public school in San Francisco, West Contra Costa, or Alameda Counties
The Director’s Apprenticeship Program in Interdisciplinary Pathways to Machine Learning and Data Science provides hands-on work and training to high school students who may otherwise face barriers to pursuing advanced STEM programs. You’ll work at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Berkeley Lab facilities to complete a research project in data science, machine learning, and/or bioscience under the guidance of professional researchers. Beyond research, you’ll receive training in introductory Python programming and data science, complete interactive experiments and activities, and learn about new research innovations at national Department of Energy labs. You’ll also receive guidance in preparing for your future, including identifying the best major and college for you.
Location: Multiple locations, including Berkeley Lab, Berkeley, CA
Stipend: Free; stipends available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective; 40-45 students
Dates: June 29 - July 24
Application Deadline: March 21
Eligibility: High school students with skills in basic algebra and an interest in quantum physics
QCaMP is a summer program in quantum physics offered for both high school students and teachers, aimed at expanding advanced physics interest and instruction at US high schools. You’ll work and study at the Berkeley Lab, beginning with foundational coursework in programming, probability, statistics, and their applications to quantum physics. As you strengthen your knowledge of quantum physics fundamentals, you’ll also complete research on a real quantum computer, developing a project through creating quantum circuits to solve computing problems. Throughout your research and coursework, you’ll study other quantum physics topics, including polarization, superposition, and entanglement through both coursework and hands-on experiments.
Location: UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Oakland, CA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10th-12th grade
Application Deadline: Check the site for updates
Eligibility: High school students from Oakland and Berkeley Unified School Districts entering 10th grade; participation continues through high school graduation
The CHAMPS Program is a long-term pathway for Berkeley and Oakland area students from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in healthcare careers. You begin in 10th grade and stay in the program for three years, combining coursework, mentorship, and hands-on clinical experience. During the school year, you take healthcare-focused classes that count toward high school credit. In the summers, you complete six to eight-week clinical internships at hospitals, clinics, or private practices. Alongside this, you receive tutoring, SAT prep, financial aid guidance, and college application support, plus ongoing help from a dedicated case manager. The program ends with a senior year capstone project built around what you learned in the field.
Location: UC Berkeley
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~20 students
Dates: August 1-7
Application Deadline: March 21
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-11, aged 14-17, attending public schools in Northern California in grades 9-11 | Must be able to commute daily
University of California, Berkeley’s SAGE Summer Camp is a free one-week program that gives you exposure to STEM workplaces and professionals. Hosted with the U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory, the program lets you shadow scientists and engineers, see how research and industry operate day to day, and take part in hands-on projects. You spend time talking with both early career and senior STEM professionals about their paths and decisions, while also exploring how STEM connects with fields like design, history, and writing. The program includes professional development workshops, an independent project you present at the end of the week, and follow-up cohort meetings that continue through the year.
Location: UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Cost: $5,193 (Domestic) or $8,233 (International students) plus $5,300 for residential students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 6-31
Application Deadline: February 17 (Residential/Priority Commuter) or April 1 (Commuter)
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders (“exceptional” rising 11th graders considered) with a minimum 3.0 GPA | Must be at least 16 | Commuter students must live within 45 minutes of campus and stay with an adult family member
This program introduces you to college-level study in architecture and urban design through classes, field trips, and studio work. You learn directly from UC Berkeley professors, focusing on how design connects to sustainability, environmental protection, and city planning. You sketch, draft, and build both physical and digital models, turning ideas into three-dimensional designs. The program also includes talks with local design professionals, a materials workshop where you design a small structure, and a community-based project with a nonprofit. You finish with a transferable UC Berkeley credit and a portfolio you can use for future applications.
Location: UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Cost: $10,499; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 21 - July 8
Application Deadline: December 16 (Early) or January 27
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th grade students | Must have taken Trigonometry and one lab science course and received a grade of B or above
University of California, Berkeley’s M.E.T. Innovation Academy gives you a close look at Berkeley’s Management, Engineering, and Technology program through hands-on, cross-disciplinary work. You will learn from M.E.T. faculty in engineering, computer science, and business, and build product prototypes at the Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation. You also meet one of the current M.E.T. students and alumni and gain industry exposure through guest sessions with Silicon Valley professionals. The program ends with a capstone startup project that you pitch to venture capitalists, along with career guidance that helps you leave with a polished resume and LinkedIn profile.
Location: UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Cost: $7,950 | $7,450/person if you apply/attend as a team of founders
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 14, 2026 – June 27
Application Deadline: February 8
Eligibility: High school founders with a validated product or service that has traction in revenue and/or users
The B-BAY High School Boot Camp brings together a group of high school startup founders to work with UC Berkeley’s business faculty and industry professionals to build their businesses. You’ll begin the program by assessing the current status of your startup and product, working with Haas faculty to identify areas for improvement and strategies for growth. Your work will focus on practical applications to your business, including measuring current revenue and projecting future outcomes, building plans to increase users, and planning partnerships with similar startups. You’ll finish the program by delivering a presentation on your startup’s growth and plans for the future. You may additionally consider continuing your work in the Academic Year program.
Location: UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, or Remote
Cost: Virtual/Commuter: $621 plus $615/course unit | Residential For-Credit: $15,950 (8 weeks) or $14,650 (6 weeks) | Additional $500 fee for international students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not provided
Dates: Varies by program; options run from 3-12 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions ending June 1
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th grade students, or early high school graduates aged 16-17 | Minimum 3.0 GPA | International students must meet English language proficiency requirements
University of California, Berkeley’s Pre-College Programs let you experience real undergraduate courses while still in high school. You can participate as a commuter, residential, or virtual student and take up to two Berkeley Summer Session classes for transferable college credit. You will study alongside Berkeley undergraduates and learn from UC Berkeley professors, with course options across fields like public health, environmental design, film and media, legal studies, STEM, and the humanities. Residential students also take part in college exploration workshops that walk them through choosing a major and understanding what admissions officers look for. A list of prior eligible Pre-College courses can be found here.
Location: UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Cost: $5,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 40 students
Dates: July 20 – July 31
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students aged 15+ with an interest in prototypes/design | Must have taken algebra and 1+ high school science courses
Berkeley Summer Academy of Science provides two weeks of hands-on STEM experimentation and classroom experience. You’ll learn about the applications of chemistry, physics, biology, and other sciences in engineering, using theoretical knowledge to build products and designs. In the coursework segment, you’ll focus on topics including quantum superconductivity, solar cells, metamaterials, machine learning, and more. In the experimental lab portion, you’ll connect material from class lectures to projects, including a superconductivity levitation experiment, developing a membrane for water purification, and 3D printing functional metamaterials. You’ll finish the program by designing your own prototype linked to one or more of the program's focus areas, which you’ll present at the Completion Ceremony showcase.
Location: UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Cost: $5,160
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not provided
Dates: 2 weeks over the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions ending June 1
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th grade students, or early high school graduates aged 16-17 | Minimum 3.0 GPA | International students must meet English language proficiency requirements
The Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy is a two-week residential pre-college program at UC Berkeley focused on project-based learning in computer science and artificial intelligence, modeled after the undergraduate Beauty and Joy of Computing course. You’ll focus on a new programming concept each day, beginning with fundamental programming and AI topics before moving on to advanced topics like Supervised Machine Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Tree Recursion, and Higher Order Functions. With each unit, you’ll complete a daily coding challenge and collaborate on work with your peers. You’ll finish the program with the Code Celebration, where you’ll present your coding project to Berkeley Computer Science professors and gain feedback on your work.
Location: UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, or Remote
Cost: $453 plus $419/course unit | Financial aid available for students taking at least 6 course units (typically 2 courses)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: N/A
Dates: 3-12 weeks over the summer, depending on courses chosen
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Graduating seniors who have been admitted to and will be attending UC Berkeley in the fall; individual courses may have additional prerequisites and must be open to freshmen students
University of California, Berkeley’s Freshman Edge lets you begin your college experience before the fall semester officially starts. After you enroll at Berkeley, you can opt into the program and take real undergraduate Summer Session courses that count fully toward your degree and appear on your Berkeley transcript. You can choose from hundreds of courses across disciplines and study alongside current undergraduates, which will help you adjust to the pace and expectations of college academics. The program also offers freshman-focused experiences like The Brilliance of Berkeley and First Year Connect, where you attend faculty talks, explore research opportunities, receive graduate student mentorship, and start building your academic and social network before the year begins.
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 non-profit 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 Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program in which students work one-on-one with a mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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