10 Free Summer Programs for High School Students in Los Angeles (LA)
If you're a high school student in Los Angeles looking for free programs to develop your skills over the summer, this blog is for you!
These programs will allow you to expand your knowledge, learn from experts, and gain practical experience in your chosen field. Additionally, they provide an opportunity to refine essential soft skills such as creativity, innovation, leadership, and analytical thinking.
Many reputable universities and research centers in Los Angeles offer fully funded programs that cover topics beyond your school curriculum, enhancing your college applications with a professional and prestigious edge. Participating in these programs can also demonstrate your abilities and commitment to college admissions officers.
To help you get started, we've compiled a list of 10 free summer programs available to high school students in Los Angeles!
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: The summer cohort takes place from June to August, the fall cohort from September to December, the winter cohort from December to February, and the spring cohort from March to June. Program durations vary, ranging from 12 weeks to one year.
Cost: This program does have a fee but also offers 100% financial aid through the Lumiere Foundation.
Eligibility: Students must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate strong academic performance, with an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4. Prior knowledge in your field of interest is not required.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. For the summer cohort, key deadlines are March 17, April 14, and May 12, with the final deadline usually falling in June.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an intensive research opportunity designed for high school students. It provides in-depth, 1-on-1 research experiences across a wide variety of subject areas that students can explore. Participants are matched with Ph.D. mentors to collaborate on an independent research project.
Throughout the program, you will attend individual sessions with both your research mentor and a writing coach, who will guide you in selecting a research topic. Over the following weeks, you will delve into your chosen topic and participate in workshops focused on the research process. By the end of the 12-week program, you will have completed an independent research paper. Available research fields include psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. Additional application details can be found here!
Location: Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Program Dates: June 24–June 28, 2024 | August 5–August 9, 2024; TBA for 2025
Cost: Free for all accepted participants; Participants will need to arrange their transportation to and from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, or juniors who are residents of Los Angeles County can apply.
Application Deadline: January 12, 2024; TBA for 2025
CAMP CHLA is a five-day healthcare career exploration program offered twice each summer for high school students in LA County. Throughout the camp, you will learn about, explore, and engage in the work that team members at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) perform daily.
During the camp, you will take part in activities such as presentations from healthcare professionals, where they will share their career paths and give “day-in-the-life” insights into their roles. You will also acquire practical skills in health promotion and disease/injury prevention, including CPR, first aid, body ergonomics, and other related areas. The program provides networking opportunities with other students who share an interest in CHLA’s mission and vision as a potential career path. You’ll experience real-life, up-close exposure to the world of healthcare and the life-saving work carried out throughout the hospital.
Location: USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Los Angeles, CA
Program Dates: June 17–July 19, 2024; TBA for 2025
Cost: Free for all accepted participants
Eligibility: Students who reside and attend high school in Los Angeles County can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications for the summer 2025 program will open in early 2025.
USC’s Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement is a four-week summer program that provides high school students with a foundation in media communication and journalism at a level comparable to first-year college courses. The program focuses on helping students understand the role of media and journalism in shaping civic-minded leaders and innovators, while also developing skills in speech, debate, writing, and critical thinking.
Each year, 26 students from across Los Angeles County are selected to participate. In addition to coursework, the program offers guidance on writing college essays and other college-related advice. You will also be introduced to USC Annenberg’s undergraduate programs, services, and potential careers in media and journalism. Throughout the program, you’ll have the chance to engage with scholars who are advancing discussions on race, gender, and ethnicity in communication and journalism. The 2024 program featured sessions with award-winning journalist, author, and professor Miki Turner, as well as scholar, media maker, and adjunct lecturer Rogelio Lopez.
Location: Various medical centers in Los Angeles. Virtual sessions are also available.
Program Dates: Two and four-week sessions are available between June and August; the dates vary for different sessions. Two-week virtual sessions are also available.
Cost: Free for all accepted participants
Eligibility: Current 11th and 12th grade students can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications for the 2024 program are closed and will reopen in January for the 2025 cohort.
The Los Angeles Pediatric Society’s Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program offers students the chance to work alongside medical mentors and experts in various hospitals. Each year, the program receives 300–450 applications, with 100–180 students selected to participate. As an intern, you will attend daily sessions, interactive lessons, and workshops led by general pediatricians, specialists like surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, infectious disease specialists, ophthalmologists, radiologists, and therapists (including physical, speech, occupational, and cognitive therapists) to gain a comprehensive understanding of patient healthcare.
To provide hands-on experience, the program will place you in a hospital in the Los Angeles area, such as Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where you will observe and assist with medical procedures, treatment plans, and patient care, gaining exposure to the roles of nurses and healthcare workers. You will also have the opportunity to discuss projects and deliver presentations at the end of the program. Additionally, there may be in-person shadowing and meetings with healthcare professionals, so it’s important to take note of these before applying to ensure you can attend. Past program highlights can be viewed here. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate and may be eligible for a $500 scholarship from the Edward M. Rissman Scholarship Fund.
Location: Da Vinci Schools, El Segundo, Los Angeles County, CA
Program Dates: June 10–June 28, 2024 | July 8–July 26, 2024; TBA for 2025
Cost: Free for all accepted participants
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 13 and 18 can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis due to the limited availability of space.
Los Angeles Urban League’s Biz Camp is a free, three-week summer entrepreneurship camp where students learn how to transform their ideas into reality through planning, analysis, and practical application of classroom lessons. The camp features interactive activities and guest speakers designed to equip students with strong business knowledge, ultimately helping them launch their ventures.
It is geared toward students who have a business idea and need guidance to bring it to fruition. The first cohort runs in June and the second cohort in July. During the camp, you will be expected to attend classes from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. The program concludes with a Business Plan Competition, typically held on the final day of camp, also from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Local non-profit organizations in Los Angeles, CA. You can view the multiple locations available here.
Program Dates: The start dates of the internship vary by location, and it will typically begin shortly after your school year ends. The internship lasts for 8 weeks and includes a week in Washington, D.C., for the Leadership Summit in July. Dates for the 2025 program are yet to be announced.
Cost/Stipend:
Participation is free for all accepted students. Bank of America covers the cost of attending the Student Leader Summit, including baggage fees, travel to and from Washington, DC, hotel accommodations, and all meals.
The hourly pay rate varies depending on the internship location, typically ranging from $15 to $20 per hour. Additionally, student leaders may be eligible for housing stipends, transportation reimbursement, and other benefits.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship and permanently reside in one of the eligible locations (markets) are eligible to apply.
Application Deadline: January 17, 2024. The application period for the 2025 program will begin in the fall of 2024.
Bank of America’s Student Leaders Program provides high school juniors and seniors with a paid, eight-week internship at local nonprofits, such as Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity. The program is designed to offer hands-on work experience, leadership development, and community service opportunities. Throughout the program, you will participate in meaningful projects that address local needs while developing skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership.
As a Student Leader, you will gain a deeper understanding of the needs of your community and the vital role nonprofits play in addressing them. Additionally, you will acquire important civic, social, and business leadership skills. Alongside the internship, participants will attend a national Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where they will explore how nonprofits, governments, and businesses work together to tackle societal issues. Each local cohort consists of 2-5 student leaders. With an acceptance rate of 5-8%, the Bank of America Student Leaders Program is highly competitive and selective.
Location: Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Program Dates: June 17–August 2, 2024 (7 weeks); TBA for 2025
Cost: Free for all accepted participants
Eligibility: High school applicants must be aged 15–17 by the program start date.
Application Deadline: Applications open in early February each year. The exact dates for 2025 are yet to be announced.
Children's Hospital Los Angeles offers a summer program for high school students who have completed their freshman year. During the program, you will provide support to patients, families, and hospital staff, working directly with patients by escorting them to appointments, greeting them upon arrival, and assisting with administrative tasks.
Participants are required to serve 15 hours per week, which can be scheduled as two full days (9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) on campus or split into four separate morning or afternoon shifts. The program is highly competitive, accepting only 20 students each year. The application process includes submitting two recommendations and completing an in-depth essay. If you are particularly interested in pediatric care, this program could be a great opportunity for you.
Location: Pomona College, Claremont, Los Angeles County, CA
Program Dates: June 22–July 18, 2025
Cost: Free for all accepted participants. Pomona College covers all expenses, including housing, meals, activities, and transportation for field trips.
Eligibility: Current 9th-grade students who are residents of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Ventura Counties can apply.
Application Deadline: February 24, 2025
PAYS is an intensive four-week residential program where students participate in coursework, cultural events, workshops, field trips, and projects. However, the program extends throughout the academic year for three consecutive years after acceptance. During the summer, PAYS participants take part in a challenging liberal arts curriculum designed to push their academic limits while fostering a sense of community among students and college mentors.
You will enroll in rigorous Critical Inquiry seminars led by Pomona College professors, which require active participation and the completion of at least three analytical papers. Each week, you'll be assigned at least one hands-on activity involving data collection and Excel modeling. Trained college teaching assistants will help guide you through your seminars and assist with learning and leadership development. Throughout the summer, classroom instruction aimed at enhancing quantitative, analytical, and writing skills is complemented by a supportive residential setting, close mentoring, and ongoing networking opportunities.
Location: University of California, Irvine, CA
Program Dates: June 17–July 25, 2024; TBA for 2025
Cost: There is no cost to attend, but students may need to cover expenses for housing, meals, and transportation.
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in high school and not graduating this spring can apply.
Application Deadline: April 14, 2024; TBA for 2025
The Math ExpLR program at UC Irvine's NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research is a six-week mathematical biology program. It pairs students with UC Irvine undergraduates to collaborate on computational biology research projects alongside a principal investigator. Most activities will be held in person. In the first two weeks, you will learn about research, mathematical modeling, LaTeX, and Matlab programming, and begin your mid-term report. The next weeks involve group work on mid-course reports and presentations. During the final two weeks, you will concentrate on your final papers, attend the Math ExpLR reunion, and complete a post-program survey.
The program offers a deep dive into computational biology and university-level instruction, with workshops on Matlab programming, mathematical modeling, LaTeX, research presentations, and paper writing. Example project topics include the Stochastic Models of Epigenetic Stability, Biophysics of the Primary Cilium in Skin and Neurological Disease, and From Random Walk to Cancer Research. Full descriptions of available topics can be found here.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Program Dates: Orientation dates usually take place in the third week of June and the participants must complete 50 volunteer hours by August 31. The exact dates for 2025 are yet to be announced.
Cost: Free for all accepted participants
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old at the time of registration are eligible to apply.
Application Deadline: The applications usually open in January and close in early spring; TBA for 2025
UCLA Health’s Volunteen Summer Program gives high school students the chance to work in key areas such as patient transport, wayfinding, and floating deliveries. As a participant, you will assist with discharging patients, help with transfers, and support patient transport staff. You will also greet visitors and patients, provide wheelchair and escort services, deliver mail and newspapers to patients, and build your communication and patient service skills.
Participants are required to commit to a minimum of 50 volunteer hours, with the flexibility to design their schedules. The program is highly competitive, with a limited number of volunteers accepted each year, so early application is encouraged. A hybrid virtual option is also available, and more information can be found here!
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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