The 15 Best Summer Programs for High School Students in California
Without further ado, here are the top 15 best summer programs for high school students in California:
emBARC
Application Deadline: April 15th
Dates: June–July
Cost: Tuition and financial aid available
emBARC is a summer program by the UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design for rising juniors and seniors. If you are a huge fan of architecture, urban design, and sustainable city planning, this is your summer program.
Students will participate in college-level coursework, create high-level designs, take field trips around the Bay Area, and complete a build project. While doing these, they will develop the technical and time management skills required for college-level work.
After the program, students will have a portfolio for their college applications.
Engineering Possibilities in College (EPIC)
Application Deadline: March 31st
Dates: June-July
Cost: Tuition and financial aid available
The Engineering Possibilities in College summer program is for high school students passionate about engineering. During this period, 9th—12th graders camp at California Polytechnic State University.
They will experience college life here while exploring engineering fields and interacting with seasoned tutors and like-minded peers.
The program includes a daily engineering class, seminar discussions, talks, and an engineering group project. You also get to enjoy various social activities hosted on campus.
UCLA Summer College Immersion Program (SCIP)
Application Deadline: May 1st
Dates: July–August
Cost: Tuition and financial aid available
High school graders anticipate this six-week program at UCLA. The Summer College Immersion Program is an event for exceptional high school students with a minimum 3.6 GPA.
You can experience college life with an academic curriculum in your preferred major. You attend classes, sit in lectures, and attend workshops just as undergraduates.
After your time here, you will earn college credit, which can be useful later in your college application process.
University of the Pacific Summer Camps
Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
Dates: June
Cost: Tuition and financial aid available
The University of the Pacific’s Summer High School Institute is a two-week residential summer program for students of various academic disciplines.
The camp offers five courses: Health and Science, Business and Society, Performing and Visual Arts, Engineering and Technology, and Athletics. These courses are designed to expose students to the college lifestyle.
Aside from studying, students have the luxury of visiting the school’s library and participating in extracurricular social activities where they form lasting bonds with their peers.
Stanford Summer Session
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: June–August
Cost: Tuition and financial aid available
Stanford Summer Session offers high school students a unique opportunity to experience college life at one of the world's leading universities.
Participants can choose from various undergraduate courses and study alongside Undergraduates. Whether exploring humanities, sciences, engineering, or other disciplines, students receive a challenging and intellectually stimulating education.
With its world-class academics and financial aid options, Stanford Summer Session is a top choice among high school students in California, paving the way for academic success and personal growth.
CalTech Summer Tech Camp
Application Deadline: June 23rd
Dates: June–August
Cost: Tuition and financial aid available
For the tech savvy high schoolers, CalTech’s summer tech camp has all you need this summer. Students between 13-18 years register here to learn from STEM gurus worldwide.
The courses are structured to provide hands-on learning in next-gen labs where students learn coding, game dev, robotics, and more. They include programming languages like Python, C++, and more.
The focus of this summer tech camp is for students to understand the diverse applications of computer science in both business and core technology fields.
Engineering Possibilities in College (EPIC)
Application Deadline: March 31st
Dates: July–August
Cost: Tuition and financial aid available
Engineering Possibilities in College (EPIC) is an immersive summer program for high school students interested in engineering and STEM fields.
Hosted by the College of Engineering at a leading California university, EPIC offers hands-on experiences in various engineering disciplines. Students engage in engineering projects, laboratory work, and team-based challenges.
With its focus on engineering excellence and financial aid options, EPIC helps high school students ignite their passion for innovation and develop their engineering prowess.
UCLA Summer Writing Program
Application Deadline: April 15th
Dates: July–August
Cost: Tuition and financial aid available
The UCLA Summer Writing Program offers a creative and enriching experience for high school students passionate about writing and literature. Hosted by the renowned UCLA Writing Programs, this program provides an array of writing workshops, literary seminars, and guest lectures from prominent authors.
Students learn various writing styles and genres, honing their storytelling and communication skills. With its esteemed faculty and financial aid opportunities, the UCLA Summer Writing Program nurtures the next generation of writers and wordsmiths.
Summer of Art
Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
Dates: July
Cost: Tuition and financial aid available
Summer of Arts at the Otis College of Art and Design is open to young students this summer. It is a program for young artists who want to improve their skills, explore, and connect with other creatives.
Students also experience college life during the program while making and sharing art with friends and family. There are two major pathways: Specialization and Drawing Studio.
Specializations provide an in-depth and comprehensive exploration of a specific art or design field. On the other hand, Drawing Studios covers the basic art and design skills required of disciplines, including fashion, painting, photography, digital media, and more.
Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement (AYA)
Application Deadline: March 22nd
Dates: July
Cost: Free for admitted students
The Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement (AYA) is a transformative summer program for high school students passionate about media and civic issues.
Hosted by the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, AYA offers a unique blend of media literacy, storytelling, and civic engagement.
Students do workshops, media projects, social justice, and advocacy discussions. With its emphasis on media literacy and its commitment to diversity and inclusion, AYA helps to shape the next generation of media-savvy changemakers.
Camp SEA Lab
Application Deadline: June 15th
Dates: July–August
Cost: Tuition and financial aid available
Camp SEA Lab offers high school students a unique marine science adventure along the California coast. California State University, Monterey Bay, hosts this residential program and combines hands-on marine research, coastal exploration, and outdoor activities. Students work with marine scientists, collecting data and studying marine ecosystems.
Camp SEA Lab fosters environmental stewardship and a deeper understanding of ocean conservation. Participants engage in tide pooling, kayaking, and beach cleanups, connecting with nature and promoting sustainability.
With its focus on marine science and financial aid opportunities, Camp SEA Lab ignites a passion for marine exploration and environmental conservation.
USC Summer Programs for High School Students
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: June–August
Cost: Tuition and financial aid available
USC Summer Programs offer high school students an exceptional opportunity to experience college life at the University of Southern California (USC). With diverse courses, students can explore academic interests in various disciplines, including business, engineering, film, and more.
Beyond academics, students participate in social events, workshops, and cultural excursions, fostering personal growth and leadership skills. USC Summer Programs prepare students for the college transition and offer an immersive experience on one of California's most prestigious campuses.
UCSB Research Mentorship Program
Application Deadline: April 1st
Dates: June–July
Cost: Tuition and financial aid available
The UCSB Research Mentorship Program offers a remarkable opportunity for high school students interested in scientific research and academia. Hosted by the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), this intensive program pairs students with leading researchers in various disciplines.
Participants do research projects, contribute to ongoing studies, and conduct experiments in state-of-the-art laboratories. With its emphasis on scientific inquiry and financial aid support, the UCSB Research Mentorship Program ranks pave the way for a future in research and academia.
California College of the Arts Pre-College Program
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: June–July
Cost: Tuition and financial aid available
The California College of the Arts (CCA) Pre-College Program offers a transformative summer experience for high school students passionate about the arts and design. Hosted by CCA's renowned faculty, this immersive program provides studio courses in various artistic disciplines, such as fine arts, fashion, architecture, and more.
The program includes critiques, guest lectures, and visits to galleries and museums. With its focus on artistic exploration and financial aid options, the CCA Pre-College Program is a top choice among high school students in California, cultivating the next generation of innovative artists and designers.
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) - UC Santa Cruz & Loyola Marymount
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Dates: June–August
Cost: Tuition and financial aid available
The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) offers exceptional summer programs at UC Santa Cruz and Loyola Marymount University. CTY provides intellectually stimulating courses for academically talented students seeking to expand their knowledge in various subjects, including mathematics, science, humanities, and more.
CTY fosters a supportive, inclusive environment that celebrates intellectual curiosity and academic excellence. With its prestigious affiliation and financial aid opportunities, CTY at UC Santa Cruz & Loyola Marymount nurtures the potential of gifted young minds.
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