10 Summer Programs for High School Students in the Bay Area
- Stephen Turban
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
If you're a high school student in the Bay Area, summer programs in the region can be a practical and accessible way to build skills, explore new subjects, and get a sense of what college-level work looks like. These programs often include hands-on projects, guidance from instructors or mentors, and exposure to real-world tools or concepts in fields like STEM, business, the arts, and social science.
Some of the Bay Area summer programs below take place at local universities or tech hubs, while others focus on industry-specific training. Many are free or low-cost, making them accessible to a wide range of students. If you're looking to use your summer break to explore an interest or strengthen your college application, here are 10 summer programs in the Bay Area worth checking out.
Location: Virtual
Program Dates:Â Multiple cohorts in spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline:Â Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in high school with 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 Research Scholar Program is a 12-week intensive program designed for high school students interested in conducting independent research. You’ll work 1-on-1 with a Ph.D. mentor, selecting a topic from fields like psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, and more. Throughout the program, you’ll develop skills in academic research, data analysis, and technical writing, culminating in an independent research paper.Â
You’ll also receive guidance on how to structure your research and present your findings, preparing you for future academic pursuits. This hands-on experience not only deepens your subject knowledge but also builds your ability to think critically and communicate complex ideas effectively.
2. Veritas AI
Location:Â Virtual
Cost:Â $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.Â
Application Deadline: 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: 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.
The Veritas AI Internship Program is an 8-week experience designed for high school students with prior experience in AI and machine learning. Founded by Harvard graduates, the program pairs you with mentors from top companies like Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey to work on AI/ML projects with VC-backed startups. You’ll develop practical skills in data modeling, algorithm design, and machine learning applications while building your professional network.Â
The program also includes mentorship sessions and networking opportunities with industry leaders, culminating in a letter of completion. Additionally, you’ll gain hands-on experience applying AI concepts to real-world challenges, strengthening your problem-solving abilities and technical expertise.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: $4,000
Application Deadline: March 8
Program Dates: Session 1: June 9 – June 13 | Session 2: June 23 – June 27 | Session 3: July 7 – July 11
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 years or older.Â
The Clinical Anatomy Summer Program (CASP) at Stanford University is a week-long, in-person experience designed for high school students exploring careers in healthcare and medical fields. You’ll attend lectures from Stanford Medicine faculty, participate in hands-on anatomy lab activities, and observe surgical demonstrations.Â
The program also includes workshops with Stanford physicians, providing insights into various healthcare professions. You’ll also gain practical skills through interactive sessions on clinical procedures and medical techniques. The program is designed for students interested in medicine, surgery, nursing, biomedical engineering, and more.
Location: University of California, Berkeley, CA
Cost: 8-week session: $15,950 | 6-week session: $14,650
Application Deadline: March 10
Program Dates: Session 1: June 23 – August 15 | Session 2: July 7 – August 15Â
Eligibility:Â
Students who have completed the 10th or 11th grade by the start of summer classes.
Have an overall B average (3.0, weighted or unweighted) in all of their high school coursework.
Should be 16 years or older.Â
The Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Residential Track invites high school students worldwide to experience university life at UC Berkeley. You’ll live on campus, take two college courses through Berkeley Summer Sessions, and earn college credit while networking with fellow students and participants.Â
In addition to academic learning, you’ll engage in extracurricular activities, excursions, and workshops led by admissions professionals. Resident Assistants and Mentors (RAMS) will support you throughout the program, helping you make the most of your time at Berkeley. You’ll also gain insights into the college application process and develop skills to succeed in a university setting.
Location: Medical Immersion Scholars Academy Office, Oakland, CA
Cost: $1,800
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort.
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 and older
The Medical Immersion Scholars Academy (MISA) offers a practical program that equips participants with vital healthcare skills via immersive, real-world experiences. Students participate in clinical simulations, phlebotomy training, and teamwork activities, helping them gain confidence and enhance their grasp of medical practices. This hands-on approach to learning guarantees skills are solidified through direct application, effectively preparing students for future roles in healthcare.Â
Participants also receive nationally recognized certifications in CPR, First Aid, Stop the Bleed, Teen Mental Health First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogens. Additionally, MISA provides in-depth workshops on suturing, EKG interpretation, splinting, patient vital signs, simulation techniques, phlebotomy, and bedside manner, as well as opportunities to network with healthcare professionals and engage in professional development sessions.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 28
Program Dates: June 16 – August 7
Eligibility:Â
Open to local students only. Students must reside in one of the following counties: Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz counties.
Students must be 16 or older by the internship start date.
Students must have some prior knowledge of biology, chemistry, or computer programming, whether through coursework or extracurricular activities.
Students must have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0.
The Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS) offers Bay Area high school students an immersive summer experience in computational genetics and genomics. Over eight weeks, you’ll conduct genomics research under the guidance of a lab mentor while participating in weekly cohort sessions and career path seminars.Â
You’ll also attend panels led by biomedical researchers and have regular check-ins with your mentor. In addition to hands-on research, you’ll gain insights into career opportunities in genomics and network with professionals in the field. This program is great for students seeking hands-on experience and career growth in genomics.
Location: Various UCSF-affiliated 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 – $4,300, varying by student status and granting agency.
Application Deadline: February 14
Program Dates: June 2 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students in their junior or senior year, with at least one completed year in math and biology. Students must be 16 years of age or older. Check more details here.Â
The UCSF Summer Student Research Program immerses high school and college students from diverse backgrounds in biomedical research through placements in local clinics and basic science labs. As a participant, you will work on active research projects under the mentorship of healthcare providers and researchers while also attending workshops, seminars, training sessions, and simulations.Â
The program culminates in a formal research symposium where you will present your findings to the scientific community. This experience helps students build professional skills, gain confidence, and explore potential careers in health sciences.Â
Location: Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates:
Session One: July 13 – July 17
Session Two: July 20 – July 24
SES Advanced (for returning students): July 27 – July 31
Eligibility: Students who will have completed their sophomore or junior year of high school by July
The Santa Clara Summer Engineering Seminar (SES) Program is a five-day immersion experience for high school sophomores and juniors interested in exploring engineering. You will attend introductory workshops led by engineering faculty, blending lectures with hands-on activities across various engineering disciplines, including bioengineering, computer science, and mechanical engineering.
Alongside academic sessions, students experience campus life by living in dorms and engaging with faculty and peers. The program is offered three times during the summer, with the first two sessions open to new participants and the third reserved for returning students who completed the introductory program the previous year.Â
Location: UC San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Stipend:Â
25 hours/week = $3,200 upon full completion of the program. Â
35 hours/week = $4,500 upon full completion of the program.
Application Deadline: March 2
Program Dates: June 9 – August 1
Eligibility: Students who are current juniors and are attending an SFUSD school or an SF charter school.
The UCSF High School Intern Program (HIP) offers an 8-week paid summer internship for high school students interested in biomedical research. Selected interns work alongside UCSF scientists on original research projects, gaining hands-on experience while building skills in science communication and networking.Â
Each intern is paired with a scientist mentor who guides them through their research process, from concept to presentation. The program emphasizes professional development through mentorship and practical training, culminating in students presenting their findings. With only ten spots available, HIP is a selective opportunity for aspiring researchers.
Location: VirtualÂ
Cost: $850 (Financial aid is available)
Application Deadline: February 28
Program Dates: June 16 – June 27
Eligibility: High school students over the age of 14 by the start of the program.
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program designed for high school students passionate about AI in healthcare. You’ll attend lectures on AI applications in medicine, participate in hands-on group research projects, and receive mentorship from Stanford researchers and student leads.Â
The program also features Virtual Career Lunch and Learns, where you’ll engage with professionals from academia, industry, nonprofits, and government. Along with gaining practical experience in AI-driven healthcare solutions, you’ll build professional connections and receive a certificate of completion. Some participants may also have the opportunity to continue with an independent research internship.Â
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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