15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Sacramento, CA
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 5
- 9 min read
Updated: Oct 5
If you’re a high school student in Sacramento, California, summer programs in the city offer a clear way to explore future careers, build skills, and get early exposure to college or work environments. These programs are often hosted by local colleges, nonprofits, and city agencies, combining hands-on training with real-world projects in areas such as technology, public service, health, the arts, and business.
You’ll get the chance to take part in job training, complete group projects, learn in labs or workshops, and work with professionals. Most programs take place during the summer and follow a structured schedule, giving you a taste of how college or work life is organized. Colleges notice when students join programs like these. It shows that you’ve made time to explore new ideas, build experience, and think ahead.
To help you get started, we’ve put together 15 summer programs for high school students in Sacramento, California!
15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Sacramento, CA
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Application Deadline:Â Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June–August), Fall (September–December), Winter (December–February), and Spring (March–June).
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4).
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week research program for high school students. It connects you with a PhD mentor to work one-on-one on an independent research project. You can choose a topic from subjects like psychology, physics, economics, engineering, data science, computer science, international relations, chemistry, or others. By the end of the program, you will write a research paper based on your project. Apply here
Location:Â Various locations across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend:Â None. Stipend of $3,000
Application Deadline:Â January 19
Program Dates:Â 8 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or rising college freshmen who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an 8-week summer internship for high school students interested in fisheries and aquatic science. You will work with a mentor and take part in hands-on tasks like fish population surveys, habitat mapping, electrofishing, water testing, and lab work. You may also help with data entry and assist in educational activities for younger students. Some placements include overnight field trips. All interns are supervised by professionals in the field throughout the program.
3. Veritas AI
Location:Â Virtual
Application deadline:Â On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12 – 15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility:Â Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI offers programs for high school students who want to learn about artificial intelligence. If you're just getting started, you can join the AI Scholars program. Over 10 sessions, you'll learn the basics of AI, machine learning, and data science while working on small projects.
If you already have some experience, you can apply for the AI Fellowship. In this track, you'll get one-on-one mentorship to work on your research project. You’ll also get support from a publication team if you want to submit your work to a high school research journal. You can check out some examples of past projects here.Â
Location:Â Sacramento, CA
Cost/Stipend:Â Stipend is available.
Application Deadline:Â Typically in April
Program Dates:Â 8 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: High school students in the Washington Unified School District (WUSD) in West Sacramento who are at least 16 years old. River City High School students must have completed at least one course in one of WUSD’s Career Technical Education Pathways.
The Home Run Internship Program offers paid internships for high school students during the summer. You’ll work for 8 weeks with support from a supervisor who helps set your goals and guides your learning. Before and during the internship, you’ll receive training to prepare you for your role. Internships are offered through different companies across industries. After completing the program, you can also earn college credit through Sacramento City College.
Location:Â Various locations across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend:Â Stipend of $4,000
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size:Â 350
Application Deadline:Â April 14
Program Dates: 8 – 10 weeks from June – August
Eligibility:Â High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who have completed at least one course of high school chemistry and whose family's annual income does not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines based on family size
Project SEED is a summer research program in chemistry for high school students from low-income families. You’ll spend 8 to 10 weeks working full-time in a research lab at a university, government agency, or industry site. You’ll be guided by a scientist who helps you with your project and trains you in lab work.
You’ll learn how to collect and analyze data, use lab equipment like chromatography and spectroscopy tools, follow lab safety rules, and write a research report. You’ll also take part in college readiness sessions and required ACS webinars. Some students get the chance to present their work at science meetings.
Location:Â Sacramento, CA
Cost/Stipend:Â None. A stipend of $500 is provided
Application Deadline:Â April 18
Program Dates: June 23 – July 27
Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who attend a SCUSD, TRUSD, or NUSD high school, or live within the Sacramento city limits
S@CH is a 6-week summer program for high school students that focuses on civic learning and community involvement. You’ll attend daily classes on how local government works, how to engage with your community, and how to take part in public decision-making. Teachers cover topics like civic responsibility, youth development, and local leadership.
In addition to classroom sessions, you’ll take part in activities focused on career readiness, financial literacy, mental wellness, and resume building. Each afternoon, you’ll complete an internship to apply what you learn in real settings. At the end of the program, you’ll earn 5 high school elective credits and receive a stipend.
Location: UC Davis, Davis, CA
Cost/Stipend:Â None
Application Deadline:Â First-come, first-served basis
Program Dates: July 14 – 17 or July 21 – 24
Eligibility:Â Rising high school sophomores or higher from the Davis and Sacramento areas who have not yet graduated
This summer camp on Remote Sensing, Mapping, and AI for Sustainable Agriculture is for high school students interested in technology and engineering. You’ll work with tools like drones, spectrometers, and satellite data to understand how these technologies apply to farming and environmental monitoring.
In the remote sensing track, you’ll collect spectral data, solve spectroscopy problems, build a working spectrometer, and learn how to use JavaScript for satellite image processing on Google Earth Engine. In the AI track, you’ll learn Python, visit a drone lab, fly a drone, and build an AI project using a Raspberry Pi AI camera.
Location:Â Sacramento, CA
Cost/Stipend:Â None
Application Deadline:Â May 15
Program Dates: June 1 – July 28
Eligibility: High school students aged 14 – 18 who have a GPA of 2.75
The Sacramento Shakespeare Festival offers a summer internship for high school students interested in theatre. You can take on acting roles, join the crew, or help with different parts of the production. All interns perform in the Green Shows and take part in a shortened Shakespeare play on the main stage. You’ll attend workshops on voice, movement, stage combat, and Shakespeare’s works. You’ll also get hands-on experience with costumes, sets, and other production tasks. For your work, you can earn college credit and community service hours.
Location:Â Sacramento, CA
Cost/Stipend:Â Stipend of $16.50 per hour
Application Deadline:Â May 2
Program Dates:Â 6 weeks in the summer
Eligibility:Â High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old and have a minimum GPA of 2.5
The SMUD Internship Program is a 6-week summer internship for high school students. You’ll work in a field that matches your interests, such as IT, engineering, accounting, customer service, vehicle mechanics, marketing, human resources, or administrative support. Through on-the-job experience, you’ll build skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership. The program includes training, mentorship, and professional workshops. You’ll also learn how a public utility operates and take part in tours of SMUD facilities.
Location:Â UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz
Cost/Stipend:Â $5,256 + $44 application fee. Financial aid is available.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 160 – 200 per campus
Application Deadline:Â February 7
Program Dates: July 6 – August 2
Eligibility: High school students completing grades 8 – 12 who have a GPA of 3.5 or above
COSMOS is a 4-week summer program for high school students interested in STEM. You’ll study advanced topics by working with scientists, researchers, and university faculty. The program focuses on hands-on learning through labs, lectures, and group projects. Each UC campus offers different clusters, and your experience will depend on the faculty and resources at that site.
Location:Â UC Davis, Davis, CA
Cost/Stipend:Â $6,985 + $100 application fee
Application Deadline:Â May 16
Program Dates: July 7 – 18 (Session 1) or July 21 – August 1 (Session 2)
Eligibility:Â Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are between 14 and 18 years old
UC Davis offers pre-college summer programs for high school students who want to explore academic subjects and get experience on a college campus. You can choose from courses in areas like equine science, environmental toxicology, forensics, entrepreneurship, pre-med, and AI. During the program, you’ll attend classes taught by UC Davis faculty, work on projects, and take part in discussions with researchers and admissions advisers. You’ll also get guidance on the college application process.
Location:Â California State Summer School for the Arts, Sacramento, CA
Cost/Stipend:Â $4,830 (California residents) or $9,977 (out-of-state and international students). Financial aid is available for California residents.
Application Deadline:Â February 28
Program Dates: July 6 – August 1
Eligibility: Students in grades 8 – 12
The California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) is a residential summer program for high school students interested in the arts. Held at the CalArts campus, the program gives you a chance to live and learn in a college setting while focusing on your artistic discipline. You’ll take part in workshops, faculty showcases, guest artist talks, and masterclasses. You’ll also build your technical skills and create a portfolio that can support your college applications. Optional field trips are offered to explore the local arts and culture scene.
Location:Â Online or on campus at Sacramento State, Sacramento, CA
Cost/Stipend:Â Varies by course but ranges from $205 to $330
Application Deadline:Â On a rolling basis starting March 1
Program Dates:Â week-long courses from June 23 to August 1
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7 – 12
The Summer Youth Academy is a weekday summer program that gives high school students a chance to explore different subjects and experience college-style learning. You’ll take part in hands-on activities, group projects, and career exploration sessions. Subjects include computer science, engineering, public safety, arts, business, and more. You’ll work in teams to complete real-world projects and build communication and teamwork skills. University professors, community college faculty, and industry professionals teach classes.
Location:Â Met Sacramento High School, Sacramento, CA
Cost/Stipend:Â None
Application Deadline:Â On a rolling basis
Program Dates:Â One academic year
Eligibility: Open to all students enrolled at the Met Sacramento High School
The Met Sacramento High School offers a summer internship option for its students. You’ll start by attending shadow days at local businesses and organizations to explore different fields. Based on your interests, you can secure an internship in a sector you want to learn more about. Once confirmed, your internship will take place twice a week and continue as needed. You’ll gain first-hand experience, build industry-specific skills, and work directly with professionals. When you complete the internship, you’ll earn elective credits.
15. Juma Program
Location:Â Various cities, including Sacramento, CA
Cost/Stipend:Â None
Application Deadline:Â On a rolling basis
Program Dates:Â Varies depending on opportunity
Eligibility: Individuals aged 16 – 24 years old who come from a low-income household
The Juma program gives high school students a chance to earn money and build job skills by working at concession stands in sports and entertainment venues. You’ll get hands-on work experience while receiving training in customer service, teamwork, and time management. In addition to your job, you’ll learn about money management and financial literacy. The program includes one-on-one mentorship, career tours, and support from a network of Juma alumni.
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 where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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