20 San Diego Summer Programs for High School Students

Have you ever wanted to work on a multi-million dollar construction project? Or shadow a veterinarian for a summer? What about creating your own documentary film? Or participate in cancer treatment research? In San Diego, you can do all of these things. From working in a museum or an aquarium to working in a research lab or a hospital, the possibilities are endless. In short, there are lots of San Diego summer programs for high school students, each offering a unique learning opportunity through both new and existing programs.

Why Summer Programs Are Important for High School Students

Many summer programs are designed to prepare students for college life, offering courses on time management, study skills, and other vital aspects of being a successful student. Transitioning from high school to college is full of challenges, which is one of the many reasons why participating in a summer program can be such a worthwhile experience. Additionally, these programs often provide insights into the college admissions process, helping students understand what is required to succeed in their future academic pursuits.

Benefits of Participating in Summer Programs

Pre-college summer programs offer hands-on learning experiences, which allow students to engage in various projects and activities that deepen their understanding of academic subjects.  Many programs also involve mentorship from graduate students, providing high schoolers with personalized guidance and insights into advanced academic fields. Not only does this offer students insights into potential careers, but it also bolsters their resumes and college applications. It’s also worth noting that successfully completing a summer program boosts students’ confidence, allowing them to develop greater independence in the process. From making new friends to exploring potential career paths, there are lots of benefits to participating in summer programs!

How Summer Programs Can Help You Explore Career Paths

Throughout the course of a summer program, students have the opportunity to meet peers, mentors, and professionals in their fields of interest, creating valuable connections that can lead to internships or recommendations. In some programs, high school students work alongside undergraduate students, gaining insights from their experiences and building valuable academic connections. Students also have the opportunity to explore potential interests and career paths, which can guide their choices for majors in college or future professions. 

Top 20 San Diego Summer Programs for High Schoolers

There are countless San Diego summer programs for high school students. But how do you know where to start? And how do you know which ones are worth pursuing? That’s where we come in! 

This curated list of San Diego summer programs for high school students includes a wide variety of programs. From science fiction writing to global diplomacy, cancer research to veterinary science, there is sure to be a program that interests you. 

Additionally, you may be interested in checking out these 12 Research and Summer Programs in California and these Top Pre-College Summer Programs.

1. UC San Diego Academic Connections

Eligibility: High schoolers (ages 14+) with a GPA of 3.3 or higher. Non-Californian and international students are welcome to apply. 

Application Deadline:  Friday, May 9, 2025

Program Dates: July 6 - July 26, 2025

Cost: $100 application fee | $5,950 (Residential course tuition and housing) | $6,150 (Residential course tuition, housing, online SAT prep course)

Academic Connections is a 3-week summer residential program held at UC San Diego. Throughout the course of this program, prospective college students will have the opportunity to explore an academic subject of their choosing in-depth while learning alongside a cohort of motivated peers. Students will experience dorm life and explore life skills they will need to succeed living away from home. 

2. Scripps Research Translational Institute Internship

Eligibility: High school students (ages 16+)

Application Deadline: Application is live in November | Deadline is at the end of March

Program Dates: 10 weeks in the summer

Cost: Unpaid internship

The Scripps Research Translational Institute Internship is a highly selective, 10-week summer program where 40 students work alongside a mentor in a lab setting. Students gain exposure to current topics in translational science, focusing on personalized health care through the genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic correlates of health and disease in the process. 

3. Reality Changers College Town Program

Eligibility: 8th-11th graders in San Diego County who are low-income and future first-generation college graduates.

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions

Program Dates: Weekday evenings throughout the school year

Cost: Free to attend 

The College Town Program provides a variety of free activities and services to low-income, future first-generation college students. Students are given the opportunity to attend field trips, after-school tutoring, career workshops, college application assistance, and more. 

4. San Diego Math Circle (SDMC)

Eligibility: San Diego students in grades 5 through 12

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions

Program Dates: Throughout the school year

Cost: Free to attend

The San Diego Math Circle provides students in grades 5-12 with opportunities to explore mathematical concepts in-depth. Meetings occur after school, with occasional weekend lectures. Students are also given the opportunity to participate in competitions, such as the San Diego Math League, Caltech Harvey Mudd Mathematics Competition, Harvard MIT Math Tournament, and the Bay Area Mathematical Olympiad.

5. COSMOS at UC San Diego

Eligibility: Students completing grades 8-12 | Most students have a GPA of 3.5+

Application Deadline: February 7th, 2025

Program Dates: July 6th -  August 1st, 2025

Cost: $44 application fee | $5,256 (including room and board)

COSMOS (California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science) is a 4-week residential program for high schoolers interested in pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics. COSMOS offers a comprehensive engineering program where students can engage in hands-on projects, lectures, and laboratory work to explore engineering concepts in-depth.  Throughout the course of this program, students are given the opportunity to explore academic subjects in-depth, pursue an independent research project of their choosing, and experience dorm life.   

6. Sally Ride Science Academy 

Eligibility: All high school students

Application Deadline: Varies per course

Program Dates: July 7th - July 25th, 2025

Cost: Courses range from $175 to $450

The Sally Ride Science Academy offers a variety of hands-on workshops where students assume roles such as space explorers, marine biologists, and computer programmers, to simulate real-life situations.  The academy includes workshops on computer science, where students can engage in coding and technology projects to enhance their STEM skills. Throughout the course of these workshops, students also have the opportunity to learn about innovative female researchers who’ve made meaningful contributions to their respective fields.  

7. Summer Springboard 

Eligibility: All high school students

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions

Program Dates: June 29th – July 11th, 2025 (session 1) | July 13th – July 25th, 2025 (session 2) | July 27th – August 8th, 2025 (session 3)

Cost: $5,498 (residential) | $3,198 (commuter)

At Summer Springboard, students participate in courses that blend career exploration, hands-on learning, and exposure to industry-leading businesses and professionals in the San Diego area. Classes are primarily taught outside of the classroom so that students can experience the real-life applications of their studies. Students attend field trips and attend guest lectures.  

8. The Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Workshop 

Eligibility: Students 18+ fluent in English | International writers welcome to apply

Application Deadline: March 1st, 2025

Program Dates: TBD

Cost: $55 application fee | $5,150 (includes room and board)

During The Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Workshop, a small group of promising students attend a series of writing workshops led by a variety of expert instructors on the particulars of science fiction, fantasy, and horror writing. This program is highly competitive and has an impressive list of alumni, including Ed Bryant, Octavia Butler, Bob Crais, Cory Doctorow, George Alec Effinger, Nalo Hopkinson, James Patrick Kelly, Vonda McIntyre, Kim Stanley Robinson, Martha Soukup, Kelly Link, Bruce Sterling, and others. 

9. Future Leaders Summer Program 

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors | International students are welcome to apply

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions

Program Dates: July 13th – August 2nd, 2025

Cost: $7,075 (includes room and board)

During the Future Leaders Summer Program, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and diplomacy skills through immersive role-playing teams and a digital simulation platform. Student teams will work alongside an expert faculty member to develop action plans for urgent global challenges within the following categories: climate crisis, energy innovation, artificial intelligence, and internet governance.

10. DPR Build Up High School Internship

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors

Application Deadline: Mid-April

Program Dates: 35-40 hours per week for 8 weeks in the summer

Cost: Paid internship (hourly wage)

The Build Up High School Internship takes place over the course of 8 weeks in the summer. 

Participants work on real-world construction projects, engaging in hands-on learning and developing skills in safety, teamwork, and project management. The program promotes interest in the building industry while providing mentorship and networking opportunities with professionals in the field.

11. Moores Cancer Center OPTIMUS Program 

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors in San Diego attending Lincoln, Hoover, Crawford, Morse, Madison, Garfield, Mark Twain, or Preuss High Schools. Additionally, students must identify as low-income, a racial minority, and/or a first-generation college student. 

Application Deadline: TBD

Program Dates: 8-weeks in the summer, dates TBD

Cost: Free to attend; stipend provided. 

OPTIMUS ( Outreach Program To Inspire Minority and Underrepresented Students) provides students with the opportunity to engage in laboratory research, observe clinical practices, and learn about careers in oncology. 

12. Palomar Health Pathmaker Internship 

Eligibility: High school students ages 16+

Application Deadline: Rolling admission

Program Dates: 4-hour weekly commitment (96 hours total).

Cost: Free to attend; no stipend provided. 

During the Pathmaker Internship, students work alongside healthcare professionals, learning about patient care, medical practices, and hospital operations throughout the process. This hands-on experience helps students develop critical skills and various insights into potential career paths in healthcare.

13. Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program

Eligibility: High school students ages 16+ in San Diego. 

Application Deadline: March 5th, 2025

Program Dates: June 16th – August 8th, 2025

Cost: Paid internship

The Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program is a competitive program that selects high school students interested in pursuing careers in health or science. Scholars receive mentorship from professionals, engage in research projects, and gain insight into various health fields. 

14. Banfield NextVet 

Eligibility: All high school students

Application Deadline: Varies by location

Program Dates: 6 – 10 weeks, varies by location

Cost: Paid internship (hourly).

The Banfield NextVet program provides high school students with the opportunity to learn about animal care, veterinary science, and the day-to-day operations of a veterinary clinic. Through hands-on experiences and professional mentorship, students can explore veterinarian science as a potential career path.

15. Bank of America Student Leaders 

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors

Application Deadline: January 15th, 2025

Program Dates: Dates vary by location

Cost: Paid internship

The Bank of America Student Leaders® program empowers high school students to develop skills in professional settings through paid internships at nonprofit organizations. Students participate in leadership training and community service projects, focusing on creating positive change in their communities. 

16. Pacific Arts Movement Reel Voices

Eligibility: All high school students

Application Deadline: TBD

Program Dates: 8-weeks in the summer, dates TBD

Cost: A $500 scholarship will be offered after the program is completed. 

The Pacific Arts Movement’s program Reel Voices invites high school students to explore documentary filmmaking by learning about the technical aspects of filmmaking, including writing, shooting, and editing, while telling their stories and amplifying their voices. The program culminates in a public screening of their films, providing students with an opportunity to showcase their work within the community.

17. Birch Aquarium Volunteer

Eligibility: High school students ages 16+

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions

Program Dates: Volunteers must make a six-month commitment (4 hours per week).

Cost: Free

Birch Aquarium Volunteers assist with educational programs and daily operations while learning about marine life and conservation. High school students get firsthand experience working with marine species, engaging the public through tours and presentations, and participating in conservation initiatives. 

18. The Nat High School Internships

Eligibility: High school students ages 16+ | must complete one biology course prior to the internship

Application Deadline: TBD

Program Dates: TBD

Cost: Unpaid internship

The San Diego Natural History Museum offers various High School Internships. Students rotate through three science departments: Entomology, Paleontology, and Botany. Positions vary depending on the museum’s needs. 

19. The San Diego Museum of Art Teen Council

Eligibility: All high school students

Application Deadline: TBD

Program Dates: TBD

Cost: Free to attend

The San Diego Museum of Art Teen Council engages high school students in the world of art and museum operations. Members participate in discussions about current exhibitions, assist with events, and contribute to youth-centered programming. Through this experience, students deepen their understanding of art appreciation, develop leadership skills, and build a community with peers who share similar interests.

20. La Jolla Playhouse Internships

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors in San Diego.

Application Deadline: TBD

Program Dates: TBD

Cost: Free

The La Jolla Playhouse Teen Council offers high school students a chance to gain hands-on experience in various aspects of theater production, including stage management, lighting, sound, and set design. Interns work alongside professional staff, providing insight into the behind-the-scenes operations of a renowned theater. Participants develop valuable skills in collaboration, creativity, and communication while being immersed in the performing arts.

How to Succeed in a Summer Program as a High Schooler

There are several strategies you can use to make the most of your summer program. First, before the program starts, identify what you want to achieve. Whether it’s mastering a skill, meeting new friends, or learning about a specific field, having clear objectives will help you stay focused. Then, make the most of your program by taking initiative, trying new things, and stepping outside of your comfort zone. After the program is complete, reflect on your experiences: What did you enjoy? What did you struggle with? What did you learn about yourself?

Key Tips for Making the Most of Your Summer Program

Choosing A Career Path for High School Students can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, summer programs can help you explore a variety of careers and prospective fields before you even step foot on a college campus. One of the ways to make the most of your summer program is to choose the right program for you — the program that will allow you to delve fully into your interests while exploring potential careers. 

As you know, there are a variety of summer programs to choose from. To help you decide which program is best for you, check out our article, Research Programs vs. Internships: Which is Right for You?

Balancing Learning and Fun During the Program

Pre-college summer programs offer valuable learning experiences. You may get the chance to explore a potential career, experience dorm life for the first time, and engage with expert mentors. But summer programs offer more than just college and career preparation: They should also be fun! 

Make new friends and try new things. Challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone. And remember, learning how to balance fun with your responsibilities can be challenging — especially for college freshmen — so take this opportunity to start practicing early!

How Polygence’s Core Program Can Help You Excel in Summer Programs

Engaging in a Polygence program is a great way to build confidence and independence, both inside and outside of the classroom. Through personalized mentorship and the completion of an independent research project, students are able to delve fully into their interests and receive individualized feedback. 

Overall, our Research Mentorship Program is designed to challenge students to think critically and creatively, exploring how to apply their research in real-world contexts. Due to the interactive and often interdisciplinary approach of our teaching methods, students graduate from our program feeling energized and inspired, eager to explore other learning opportunities, such as pre-college summer programs.