8 STEM Programs for High School Students in San Francisco, California
High school STEM programs allow you to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on experiences. These programs teach you critical skills such as programming, scientific research, engineering design, and data analysis. By working on projects and learning from industry professionals and mentors, you will understand how STEM disciplines drive advancements. Participating in a STEM program can also boost your college applications by demonstrating your drive to learn.
Here is a list of 8 STEM programs for high school students in San Francisco:
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.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Cost: Full financial aid is available!
The UCSF High School Intern Program (HIP) is an 8-week summer internship that allows you to gain experience in biomedical research. This program bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world scientific application, preparing you for advanced academic pursuits in STEM. Through involvement in research projects at UCSF laboratories, you will learn experimental design, data collection, and analysis. You also gain experience in laboratory techniques like pipetting, microscopy, and interpreting results. Collaborative activities and mentorship from UCSF scientists will strengthen your teamwork and communication abilities, and professional development workshops will enhance your public speaking and presentation skills.
Subject Areas: Biomedical Research, Life Sciences
Eligibility: Open to rising high school seniors from SFUSD schools, SF charter schools, or College Track San Francisco.
Program Dates: June 7 – August 2
Location: UCSF Campuses, San Francisco, CA
Cost: Free; participants receive a stipend of $3,200–$4,500.
Application Deadline: February 25
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: Virtual
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.
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: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
SIMR is an 8-week summer internship designed to provide you with research experience in biomedical sciences. This program bridges the gap between academic learning and professional application, offering a platform to work with Stanford faculty and researchers on projects. You will gain critical skills in laboratory techniques, experimental design, and data analysis. The program covers diverse research areas such as cancer biology, neurobiology, bioengineering, and genetics. The program also emphasizes professional development through seminars and workshops on scientific communication and career exploration. At the program's conclusion, you will present your research at a formal poster session. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Subject Areas: Biomedical Research, Cancer Biology, Genetics, Neurobiology, Bioengineering
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and at least 16 years old by the program's start.
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free; participants receive a stipend (amount varies based on project funding).
Applcation Deadline: February 22
SUMaC is a rigorous program for students who want to explore advanced mathematics. You will engage with complex mathematical topics through lectures, collaborative problem-solving, and guided research projects. The program introduces you to abstract algebra, number theory, and topology, fostering critical thinking and creativity. You will work with instructors and peers, developing skills in mathematical reasoning, proof techniques, and the application of advanced theories. By exploring research and historical developments, you will gain insight into how mathematics informs other disciplines and real-world problems. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Subject Areas: Abstract Algebra, Number Theory, Topology, and Advanced Mathematics
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (grades 10 and 11) with a strong background in geometry, algebra, and mathematical proofs. Prior study of number theory and modular arithmetic is recommended.
Program Dates: Online: June 16 – July 4 | Residential: June 22 – July 18
Location: Stanford University (Residential) and Online Options
Cost: Tuition varies; financial aid is available based on demonstrated need
Application Deadline: February 3
The Girls Who Code: Summer Immersion Program (SIP) is a free, two-week virtual program designed to develop essential computer science skills. You will be introduced to game design and learn beginner to intermediate coding concepts, including the design process and user experience (UX) principles. The program emphasizes collaboration and hands-on learning, enabling you to create projects while developing problem-solving skills and creativity. Throughout the program, you will benefit from mentorship sessions and live panels with industry professionals from leading tech companies. The program also includes workshops focused on communication, teamwork, and project management. By the end of the program, you will complete a capstone project demonstrating your technical and creative skills. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Game Design, UX Design
Eligibility: Open to current 9th–11th grade students; no prior experience is required
Program Dates: Multiple sessions offered during the summer; specific dates vary annually
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free; eligible U.S. students may receive a needs-based grant of $300
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary; early application is encouraged
The High School Explainer Program at the Exploratorium is a paid workforce and youth development program. It offers an opportunity to gain experience in science communication and public engagement while working in one of the world’s leading science museums. As part of the program, you will interact with visitors by facilitating exhibits, conducting interactive demonstrations, and supporting museum operations. You will receive over 60 hours of specialized training in science content, exhibit facilitation, and career readiness. Through mentorship from museum staff, you will gain valuable insights into STEM-related careers.
Subject Areas: Science Communication, Public Engagement, Museum Operations
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 15 to 18; no prior science background required
Program Dates: Summer and school-year cohorts; specific dates vary annually
Location: Exploratorium, San Francisco, CA
Compensation: Paid position; specific details provided during application
Application Deadline: Applications open in March for summer cohorts and July for school-year cohorts
The Berkeley Coding Academy (BCA) Summer Program offers an introduction to data science and artificial intelligence (AI). This virtual program provides experience in Python programming, data analysis, and machine learning. You will work on projects using industry-standard tools like pandas, matplotlib, seaborn, and scikit-learn to analyze data, create visualizations, and build predictive models. Through personalized instruction and small group cohorts, you will enhance your technical skills and learn to collaborate on projects. By the end of the program, you will also complete a portfolio project and earn a Data Science Scholar certificate. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Subject Areas: Python Programming, Data Science, Machine Learning, Deep Learning
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 12 to 18; no prior coding experience required for introductory courses
Program Dates: July 14 – August 1
Location: Virtual (Live on Zoom)
Cost: $1,999 onwards; financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application is encouraged
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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