15 Summer Programs for High School Students in San Francisco
- Stephen Turban
- 4 days ago
- 12 min read
This guide lists 15 summer programs for high school students in San Francisco!
If you’re a high school student based in San Francisco looking to enhance your profile in the summer, consider a summer program in the city!
San Francisco’s mix of top-tier universities, cutting-edge labs, and vibrant arts and conservation communities makes summer the ideal time to explore new interests without committing to a full college course load. Summer programs for high school students in San Francisco let you sample college-level academics, pick up practical skills in coding, art, music, wildlife conservation, etc., and start building a mentor network. These experiences can clarify whether you’re passionate about neuroscience, game design, social justice art, or something else long before application season rolls around.
If you’re serious about making the most of your summer break, this list of 15 summer programs for high school students in San Francisco is a solid place to start!
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Program Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)
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). No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
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.
2. Veritas AI
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Location: Virtual
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility: 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, 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, students are 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, students 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
Location: Various sites, including UCSF Mission Bay, UCSF Parnassus Heights, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, MLK Research Building in Oakland, and UC Berkeley
Stipend: $3,000
Application Deadline: February 14
Program Dates: June 2 – August 1
Eligibility: High school juniors/seniors (16+) with one year of math and biology; applicants from underrepresented backgrounds (e.g., students of color, those with disabilities, first-generation college students, or economically disadvantaged families) are preferred
The UCSF Summer Student Research Program (SSRP) lets you work on different kinds of biomedical research, such as clinical studies, lab (basic science) experiments, or community health projects. You’ll be paired with expert mentors (physicians and researchers) in fields such as endocrinology, oncology, neurology, public health, nutrition, hematology, and surgery, and work on a hands-on project of your interest. You’ll also have the chance to build professional skills by writing a personal statement, drafting a research abstract, and preparing a detailed proposal. At the end of the summer, you’ll present your findings at a formal symposium attended by the scientific community, where you might have the opportunity to network and discuss your future plans with experts.
Cost: Free; Stipend of $3,200 for participants committing 25 hrs/week, or $4,500 for participants committing 35 hrs/week (paid upon full completion)
Location: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA
Program Dates: July 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors enrolled in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) or any San Francisco charter school; underrepresented backgrounds, first-generation status, and socioeconomic factors are considered during selection
The UCSF High School Intern Program is an eight-week intensive experience where you work alongside a UCSF scientist (postdoc or PhD) in a real research lab. You’ll learn lab techniques like PCR, microscopy, and cell culture, join weekly journal clubs to discuss research papers, and work on projects. Past interns have studied heat stress in cells, mapped mitochondria in developing brains, and observed neurons in songbirds.
At the end of the summer, you’ll create and present a research poster at a formal session at Mission Bay in front of UCSF faculty (including program founder Bruce Alberts), donors, and your family. Because it’s free and mission-driven, the program accepts just 25–28 students each year. If you want a future in medicine, biotech, or life science research, having UCSF on your résumé can show you’ve done college-level lab work and presented real data to professionals.
Cost: Varies by offering— click on each program on the main page to see specific costs
Location: Bowes Center, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, San Francisco, CA
Application Deadlines: April 1 (Technology & Applied Composition Immersive; Guitar Workshop); April 8 (Vocal Academy); June 1 (Harp Immersive; Introduction to Composition)
Eligibility:
Technology & Applied Composition Immersive—ages 15–18; high school students with composition or electronic-media experience (submit 2–3 work samples)
Vocal Academy—ages 14–18; high school students of all training levels (submit audition video with intro + two solos)
Guitar Workshop—ages 13–18; submit video audition with two contrasting solo pieces
Harp Immersive—ages 12–19; at least one year of harp study (submit introductory video)
Introduction to Composition (Online)—ages 13–18; reads music, knows scales/chords, two years of instrument experience
Summer@SFCM offers week-long immersive courses, available as residential or day-only options, at the Bowes Center. Once accepted, students audition or submit a portfolio, then take part in private lessons, group classes, rehearsals, and workshops, all leading to a final project like a concert, recording, or composition. Programs include Technology & Applied Composition (scoring for film and games, sound design), Vocal Academy (technique, diction, performance), Guitar Workshop (one-on-one lessons, technique classes), and Harp Immersive (practice intensives, ensemble work, recitals). There is also an Online Introduction to Composition course covering harmony, melody, and notation software. Across all tracks, students collaborate with peers, learn from SFCM faculty and professionals, and create portfolio-worthy final works. Admission is audition-based and competitive.
Cost: Paid stipend (amount varies; inquire at cure@ucsf.edu)
Location: UCSF campuses (Mission Bay, Parnassus Heights, Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, and other affiliated sites)
Program Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: Current 11th grader or community college student at CCSF; at least 16 years old by program start; minimum 2.5 GPA; completed Biology or Chemistry with a B or better; able to commit full-time (40 hrs/week) for 8 weeks
The CURE Research Internship Program selects interns and matches them with a UCSF faculty member, postdoc, or graduate student whose expertise aligns with their interests in basic, clinical, behavioral, or population sciences. Initially, you’ll rotate through multiple UCSF labs to learn techniques like cell culture, bioinformatics, and animal models, then choose a primary mentor based on those experiences. Working full-time, you’ll conduct experiments, contribute to ongoing projects, and immerse yourself in a biomedical environment. Every Friday, you’ll step away from the bench to attend “Friday Sessions” on medical career panels, financial literacy, and college application strategies, giving you practical life skills and helping you envision pathways to a future in health or research. Many mentors are people of color, and students from underrepresented groups are eligible for extra mentoring. At the end of summer, you’ll present your findings in Byers Auditorium and strengthen your public-speaking and presentation skills.
Cost: Free; no stipend
Location: UCSF Mission Bay campus, San Francisco, CA
Program Dates: July 7 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Rising 10th–11th graders with a minimum 2.50 GPA; preference given to under-represented students from low-income backgrounds
Among summer programs for high school students in San Francisco to look out for is UCSF’s PITCH, a three-week, in-person experience, where you’ll work alongside UCSF mentors on health science projects and small-group investigations of medical health issues. You’ll attend workshops and lab visits and then present your findings at the PITCH Health Symposium. The program also offers college planning and navigating postsecondary options, as well as future career path guidance. The program prioritizes first-generation and low-income students for admission, with preference given to those involved in UCSF’s Educational Advancement and Opportunity Program (EAOP).
Cost: Paid internship (above minimum wage)
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Program Dates: Begins in June as rising 10th–11th graders and continues year-round through high school graduation
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Enrolled full-time as a 9th or 10th grader at an SFUSD school; minimum 2.5 GPA with a C or higher in science and math; valid work permit; ability to commit 2–3 years; reliable commute; demonstrated interest in science
As a Careers in Science intern, you will receive practical experience in teaching and science by leading demonstrations and activities for Academy visitors and conducting outdoor fieldwork. You’ll attend interactive trainings on science communication, financial literacy, career pathways with STEM professionals, and college tours, and have the opportunity to present at STEM events. As you progress through the internship, you’ll work in small project groups alongside Academy researchers or partners on science research or environmental action projects. You can also join the CiS Leadership Council or receive one-on-one mentorship from Academy experts. Interns enter as rising sophomores or juniors and “level up” into roles of greater responsibility and leadership by demonstrating achievement and reliability. In the process, you’ll help shape Academy exhibits and educational materials based on their insights and direct feedback.
Cost: Paid internship (exact information not available)
Location: High School Explainer Program Exploratorium, San Francisco, CA
Program Dates: Full-time summer cohort (dates vary annually; check the Exploratorium official page close to the active application period for the exact dates)
Application Deadline: Every March (check the Exploratorium’s Current Openings page close to the active application period for the exact date)
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18 with a valid work permit
As a High School Explainer, you’ll learn over 60 hours of training focused on science content, exhibit facilitation, career readiness, and youth development. You’ll guide visitors through exhibits, and also have the opportunity to join specialized internships or study groups, all the while collaborating with peers from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.
Location: SSIP CityWorks – SFPUC or partner firms | SF YouthWorks – 30+ City departments | Project Pull – SFPUC & City/County agencies
Pay :SSIP CityWorks – Hourly (varies), SF YouthWorks – $19.18/hr ($19.93/hr for leaders), Project Pull – Paid (rate varies)
Dates: June–August (8–10 weeks)
Deadline: SSIP CityWorks – March 24, SF YouthWorks & Project Pull – Varies (check websites)
Eligibility: SSIP CityWorks – Rising seniors in SF Districts 10 or 11, SF YouthWorks – SFUSD 11th–12th graders in SF, Project Pull – High school & college students from SF
SSIP CityWorks, SF YouthWorks, and Project Pull are paid summer internship programs that give San Francisco students hands-on experience in public-sector and engineering careers. SSIP CityWorks places rising seniors from SF Districts 10 or 11 at the Public Utilities Commission or partner firms to work on real infrastructure projects like CAD design and field surveys. SF YouthWorks matches SFUSD juniors and seniors with internships across 30+ city departments, offering mentorship, skill-building workshops, and field trips. Project Pull places high school and college students from diverse backgrounds with professionals in fields like science, engineering, and architecture. All three programs include mentorship, professional development, and career exposure. Internships run 8–10 weeks between June and August and are free to join with hourly pay.
Cost: Residential: ~$7,755; Commuter: ~$6,605; needs-based and merit scholarships available
Location: California College of the Arts campus
Program Dates: July 7– August 1
Application Deadline: February 24
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18
This four-week summer intensive program will give you the opportunity to dive into studio work alongside College of the Arts faculty. You’ll earn three college credits and can build portfolio pieces in concentrations like graphic design, fashion design, film and photography, 3D fine arts and crafts, UI/UX design, and more. By the end of your program, you’ll have college-level experience and new creative connections to strengthen your next steps.
Cost & Stipend: Free; $4,000 stipend provided
Location: Various locations across the US; you can find project sites here
Program Dates: Runs for 8–10 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have completed at least one chemistry course and whose household income does not exceed 300% of federal poverty guidelines
Project SEED is a summer research fellowship that places motivated high school students in academic or industrial chemistry labs where they design and carry out their own chemistry-focused project under the supervision of a research mentor. Beyond bench work, the program offers college-prep sessions, career-development workshops, and, where available, field trips or campus tours. At the end of the summer, you may get the opportunity to share your results at the American Chemical Society’s national conference, gaining both presentation experience and professional exposure.
Cost: £5,995 (scholarships available)
Location: Host laboratories vary by region; San Francisco applicants may be placed at San Francisco State University
Program Dates: July 13 - July 26
Application Deadline: Exact dates unavailable
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18
SSIP CityWorks, SF YouthWorks, and Project Pull are paid summer internships that give San Francisco students hands-on experience in public-sector and engineering fields. SSIP CityWorks places rising seniors from Districts 10 or 11 at SFPUC or partner firms to support real infrastructure projects. SF YouthWorks matches SFUSD juniors and seniors with internships across 30+ city departments and offers mentorship, workshops, and field trips. Project Pull connects high school and college students with professionals in fields like science, engineering, and architecture. All programs include mentorship and career development opportunities. Internships last 8–10 weeks between June and August and are free to join with hourly pay.
Cost: $50
Location: College campus tours and career site visits across San Francisco, CA (program coordinators can be contacted via email for details on exact locations; email addresses available on program website)
Program Dates: June 6 - July 18
Application Deadline: Rolling admission
Eligibility: Rising 9th -12th grade Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students who attend the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD)
For AAPI SFUSD students interested in mapping out college and career paths, the College & Career Access Summer Program kicks off with an orientation in June. Through workshops, you’ll learn how to craft personal statements, financial-aid applications, and scholarship strategies. Each Friday, you’ll visit local colleges and career sites and get the chance to walk around campuses, sit in on lectures, tour labs, and meet professionals who might share their career trajectories.
Cost: Free; lunch provided; no additional stipend
Location: Balboa Project: locations vary annually (announced close to program dates each year); SFI Program: SFI High Campus, San Francisco, CA
Program Dates: June 10 - July 23
Application Deadline: Dates vary (program coordinators can be contacted via email; details available on the website)
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders
At the Balboa Project, you’ll be on site every weekday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for six weeks. You will have the chance to pick sessions from Writing, College Readiness & Exploration, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics), Health & Fitness, or Art Making. Everything you do will be built around a hands-on project, whether that’s writing an essay, building a model, coding a program, planning a workout, or creating an art piece. SFI High students participate in the same six-week, weekday program and five-subject lineup, which is exclusive to your school, so you’ll be working on hands-on projects with classmates you already know! The Balboa Project, by contrast, is open to all youth (with priority given to Balboa students).
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.
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