UCSF High School Internship Programs: A Comprehensive Guide
The Bay Area, a vibrant hub of innovation, education, and culture, boasts a multitude of internship opportunities for ambitious high school students. From the arts to technology and healthcare, these programs offer invaluable real-world experience, skill development, and career exploration. This article delves into various UCSF and Bay Area internship programs, which provide hands-on learning, industry exposure, and valuable connections to shape your future.
Why Internships Matter
Internships offer a great way to gain real-world experience, build new skills, and explore different career paths-all without the high cost of traditional programs. They offer hands-on learning, industry exposure, and valuable connections that can help shape your future. Working alongside professionals can boost your confidence and help you discover what truly excites you. If you're serious about growing your skills and getting a head start on your career, participating in summer internships for high school students in the Bay Area is one of the best ways to do it!
Arts and Culture Internships
Asian Art Museum’s Art Speak Internship: Students participating in the Asian Art Museum’s Art Speak internship reap many benefits. Art Speak interns will discover Asia’s art and cultural traditions, connect with like-minded peers, and gain exposure to the Bay Area art scene by participating in workshops and meeting local artists.
San Jose Stage Company Internship: For aspiring theater enthusiasts, the San Jose Stage Company internship offers hands-on experience. As an intern, you will work with industry professionals in stage management, technical production, marketing, and administration. You’ll learn how a professional theater company operates, collaborates with artists, and contributes to San Jose’s arts community. This internship offers an hourly rate of minimum wage, and the deadline is open all year round.
Exploratorium's High School Explainers Program: The Exploratorium was the brainchild of Frank Oppenheimer, an experimental physicist (and brother to “the father of the atomic bomb,” Robert Oppenheimer). Home to hundreds of exhibits that help in the understanding of electricity, centrifugal motion, sound waves, optical illusion, superstition, and other concepts, the museum relies on Explainers, rather than docents, who are young people trained and supported by staff scientists and educators. Students fill 130 positions a year, and more than 3,500 students have participated in the program since its inception in 1969. The High School Explainers Program at the Exploratorium allows students interested in science to gain experience in science communication. Since 1969, the Exploratorium has invited students to engage with science creatively, making this program an excellent alternative to traditional research internships. As an Explainer, you’ll receive specialized training in science content, exhibit presentation, and career development. You will work with museum visitors, explaining exhibits and facilitating their understanding of scientific concepts. The program is open to students aged 15-18 who can obtain a valid work permit.
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Tech-Focused Internships
Meta Summer Academy: Meta Summer Academy externs learn about the day-to-day operations of one of the world’s most prominent social media companies up close and personal. Throughout the six-week program, students will build work experience and bolster the skills needed for a successful tech career. This opportunity is open to high school students who live in East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, and Redwood City.
Ladder Internship Program: Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program where ambitious high school students get the chance to work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. These start-ups offer internships across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. During the program, you’ll get to work closely with your managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The program is remote, and costs $2,490 (financial aid available).
Stanford’s AIMI Summer Health AI Bootcamp: Stanford’s AIMI Summer Health AI Bootcamp is a two-week virtual program for high school students over the age of 14 at the start of the program; students with a mathematical/computer science background or students with experience in the healthcare sector are given preference. During the program, you will learn about machine learning in healthcare, including key concepts, evaluation methods, and real-world challenges. Topics include foundation models, generative AI, and how algorithms help with diagnosis and predictions. The program includes live lectures, group discussions, coding workshops, and career talks with experts from academia, industry, and government. You will also work in teams to analyze healthcare data and see how AI can improve patient care and medical research.
STEM and Research Internships
UCSF High School Intern Program (HIP): A rigorous and intense experience, the eight-week UCSF High School Intern Program has participants conduct an original research project under the direction of a UCSF mentor. This internship differs from many similar programs in that acceptance is not dependent on grades or a commitment to a scientific career path. The majority of participants come from backgrounds that are underrepresented in the sciences-for example, minorities, women, and those from low-income families. As a participant, you’ll get to conduct original biomedical research with guidance from UCSF scientists. You’ll also gain experience in fields like neuroscience, immunology, cancer, and stem cell research while improving your science communication skills. HIP focuses on students from underrepresented backgrounds, helping them explore careers in biomedical sciences. The program offers strong mentorship and rigorous training.
Sandia National Laboratories: Sandia, a company that delivers national security solutions through science and technology, offers summer internships to high school students 16 years and older at its Livermore, California, location. In addition to gaining real-world work experience, Sandia also provides a variety of unique programs for its interns, including a welcome reception, career fair, symposiums, workshops, presentations, and site tours.
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Science Internship Program (SIP) at UC Santa Cruz: The Science Internship Program (SIP) at UC Santa Cruz gives high school students the chance to work with UCSC faculty and researchers for eight weeks. You’ll take part in real research across fields like astronomy, environmental science, computer science, and bioinformatics. Instead of following pre-designed exercises, you’ll be contributing to active projects. As an intern, you’ll gain hands-on research experience, improve communication skills, and present your findings to peers and mentors. Your mentors will guide you through research, project work, and final presentations. There are also opportunities to write research papers for competitions like the Regeneron Science Talent Search.
Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR): Juniors and seniors 16 years of age or older are invited to apply for SIMR. SIMR is a unique eight-week program where students perform basic research with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students, and researchers on a medically oriented project. All students receive a minimum $500 stipend for the summer; however, students from underrepresented groups in biomedical research, such as ethnic minorities, first-generation college students, women, and individuals with disabilities, may receive stipends starting at $1,500 for the summer. SIMR gives students hands-on experience in biomedical research as well as mentorship from top faculty, scientists, and researchers. You will explore fields like genetics, immunology, neuroscience, and bioengineering. Through research projects, you will develop critical thinking skills, learn lab techniques, and contribute to real scientific studies.
UC Santa Cruz Science Internship Program (UCSC SIP): The UCSC SIP is an intensive ten-week internship that provides high school students with UCSC professors, post-docs, and Ph.D. student mentors. Participants conduct open-ended science research projects in a wide variety of fields, including astrophysics, biology, computer science, physics, and psychology. The program is open to students in grades nine through 12 and actively recruits students from groups traditionally excluded from the STEM fields.
California Academy of Sciences Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program: The Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program provides San Francisco students from underrepresented groups in STEM with experience in science and sustainability. You will participate in fieldwork and facilitate science education for visitors at the California Academy of Sciences. You will also train to improve science communication, learn financial literacy, and receive guidance on the college application process. Through the program, you will connect with STEM professionals to gain insights into career opportunities. You will also present your work at STEM conferences, building your academic and public speaking skills. In the final stages of the internship, you will collaborate on research or environmental projects guided by Academy researchers or partners.
Project SEED by American Chemical Society: Project SEED is a summer fellowship program that provides high school students with laboratory research opportunities. As an intern, you will work in a university or research lab. This program focuses on students from underrepresented communities and offers resources such as university preparation camps and career development workshops. As a Project SEED intern, you will conduct an independent research project in a chemistry-related field. Depending on the lab location, you may also participate in field trips, campus tours, and career panels. Additionally, you will have the chance to present your findings at the American Chemical Society National Meeting.
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Healthcare-Related Internships
KP LAUNCH Program: The KP LAUNCH program aims to introduce students from backgrounds generally underrepresented in healthcare to careers in the field. KP LAUNCH gives you early access to medical career paths through a structured, hospital-based summer internship. Hosted across multiple Kaiser Permanente locations in California, this program includes rotations in clinical departments, health education workshops, and mentorship from real medical professionals. While it’s free to attend, many sites offer stipends for travel or lunch. The program specifically encourages applicants from underrepresented communities. If you’re curious about the range of careers in healthcare, from patient care to hospital operations, this program offers both exposure and networking.
UCSF Summer Student Research Program: The UCSF Summer Student Research Program provides talented high school and college students one-on-one mentorship with healthcare providers and researchers. Participants take part in biomedical research projects, as well as workshops, seminars, trainings, simulations, and networking opportunities.
MarinHealth Volunteer Program: If you are looking for an opportunity to gain experience in the medical field, consider applying to become a volunteer at MarinHealth. High school volunteers as young as 16 years old can gain firsthand experience in health care while performing duties such as greeting and directing visitors and patients, and delivering books and puzzles to patients and their families.
Stanford Pediatrics Internship Program (PIPS): The Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS) is a six-week program for rising high school juniors and seniors from diverse backgrounds. During the program, you will learn about science, medicine, and research by working with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students, and researchers. You will also complete a research project. PIPS is designed for those with little or no prior research experience. You will explore the biological sciences and medicine while learning how scientific research is done. The program aims to support diversity in medicine and science by encouraging students from different backgrounds to pursue careers in these fields.
Stanford Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery Program (STaRS): The Stanford Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery Program (STaRS) is a research internship for high school students interested in medicine and biomedical research. As a participant, you will work on advanced lab research with a professional clinician or scientist and collaborate with Stanford undergraduates. The program is built on the idea that mentoring plays a key role in personal and academic growth. STaRS is for students interested in biomedical science, biology, and healthcare. As an intern, you will learn lab basics, work on research projects, and present your findings. You will practice lab techniques, use research software, read scientific papers, and prepare case studies. Each week, you will spend four days in the lab and one day on other activities. These may include lab tours, lectures, scavenger hunts, or team-building exercises.
Medical Internships in California:* Children’s Hospital LA - LA?HIP Program: This paid internship is designed for rising high school seniors from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine. You’ll conduct biomedical research in the Saban Research Institute labs, attend specialized biology courses, receive SAT prep, and get guided college counseling. You’ll also receive a stipend, Metro card, and meals.
- UCLA Health Volunteen Summer Program: UCLA’s Volunteen program places high school juniors and seniors in hospital departments across Westwood and Santa Monica. You’ll volunteer 4 hours per week, assisting with administrative and patient support tasks.
- Cedars-Sinai High School Student Volunteers: Based in Los Angeles, this selective program puts you in a real hospital environment - shadowing clinical staff, helping visitors, and supporting hospital operations.
- Empowerly Research Scholar Program: Empowerly’s Research Scholar Program lets you work one-on-one with PhD mentors to create an independent research paper. You’ll choose from advanced topics like biotechnology, human disease, psychology, and public health.
- UCSF Summer Student Research Program: This paid internship places high school juniors or seniors in UCSF research labs where you’ll work one-on-one with mentors on biomedical projects, attend weekly seminars and labs, and present your findings at a symposium.
- Bay Area Youth Science (BAYS) at UCSF: This paid internship at UCSF is open to rising juniors and seniors from KIPP SF College Prep and similar backgrounds. You’ll conduct paid research (up to $5,000 stipend) in labs studying drugs, cancer biology, structural biology, or infectious disease.
- Kaiser Permanente Teen Volunteer Program: This year-round volunteer program runs at multiple Kaiser Permanente sites across California. You’ll help with non-clinical tasks such as delivering supplies, greeting patients, and supporting administrative staff.
- Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Volunteer Program: This volunteer program is based in Santa Clarita Valley at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. Open to juniors and seniors, it gives you access to hospital departments such as physical therapy, patient transport, and emergency registration.
- Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP): SMYSP is a fully-funded, residential summer program for rising juniors and seniors interested in science and medicine. Hosted at Stanford University, you’ll engage in STEM coursework, research lectures, mentorship meetings, and group projects.
- Rady Children’s Hospital - Summer Medical Academy: This fee-based summer program ($1,500) gives you the chance to explore multiple areas of medicine in a top pediatric hospital. Located in San Diego, Rady Children’s Summer Medical Academy offers hands-on clinical simulations, anatomy workshops, and daily lectures from practicing physicians.
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging Internship: This summer research internship prepares local high school students for careers in biomedical and geroscience research. You’ll work alongside scientists in Novato, CA, gaining skills in lab techniques, data collection, and scientific communication.
- Medical Immersion Summer Academy (MISA) Internship: Founded in Oakland in 2012 by Dr. Freeman, MISA gives pre-med and pre-health students hands-on clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings. Partnering with institutions like Alameda Health Systems, Samuel Merritt University, and private clinics, MISA offers simulations, shadowing, and skill-building workshops that prepare you for future medical careers.
- UCSF Program for Investigation and Training for Careers in Health (PITCH): PITCH offers Bay Area high school students an unpaid, intensive introduction to healthcare careers. Participants conduct research under UCSF student mentors, meet faculty, attend labs, and receive college advising.
- Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Center - Stanford Summer Internship: This elective summer program trains high school and pre-med students in cardiothoracic surgery basics and advanced skills. You’ll practice knot tying, dissection, suturing, coronary artery bypass grafts, and aortic valve replacements under expert guidance at Stanford.
Public Service and Government Internships
Norman Mineta Bay Area Summer Academy: The Norman Mineta Bay Area Summer Academy is a partnership between the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and other regional Bay Area agencies. The aim of the program is to show students how regional agencies operate, the influence they have on people’s lives, and how to have a voice in decisions that affect local communities. Participants will also build skills and learn about potential career paths in public office.
Project Pull: Sponsored by the City and County of San Francisco through the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), Project Pull has been providing mentorship to promising and motivated San Francisco students for a quarter of a century-and hopefully pulling them to public service. Throughout this eight-week program, Project Pull participants work a maximum of 20 hours a week with full-time city employees from a variety of departments and are paid $19.25 an hour. Project Pull, sponsored by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), offers paid summer internships for high school and college students in San Francisco. This hybrid program provides mentorship in STEM fields, helping you build leadership, teamwork, and creativity while exploring public sector careers. As a participant, you’ll work on meaningful projects, gain confidence, and prepare for college and jobs.
SF YouthWorks: The SF YouthWorks program offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to get a head start on their careers by working alongside city employees at various departments, such as the airport, library, and public utilities commission. Through mentorship and guidance from departmental staff, interns will gain invaluable experience in their field of interest, participate in field trips and site tours, and engage with local communities through service projects.
Student Internship Program at the County of Santa Clara: The Student Internship Program at the County of Santa Clara offers a great chance to gain practical experience and explore different career paths. You'll work in various county departments, including governance, healthcare, and public safety, alongside professionals. It provides hands-on learning, real-world exposure, and opportunities to build valuable skills and networks. Those from disadvantaged backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Youth Summer Internship Program (YSIP): The Youth Summer Internship Program (YSIP) is South San Francisco’s official summer internship initiative, providing 8 weeks of professional experience to high school students. This program combines virtual training and work with various city departments, offering an opportunity to explore careers in public service. YSIP begins with a week of training to prepare you for your internship placement. Following the training, you will work under the guidance of supervisors to support city operations. The program aims to foster career readiness and introduce students to local government careers.
Other Internship Opportunities
SFUSD summer internship program: Students interested in exploring various careers can take advantage of the SFUSD summer internship program. The program offers paid internships that generally last six weeks, although some can extend to nine weeks. Opportunities are available in fields like art, animation, architecture, biotech, health, and computer science. Participants are paid, and most internships are connected to a City College of SF (CCSF) course, allowing participants to earn college credit while gaining work experience. The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) offers Industry Summer Internships that provide students with paid experiences across various fields. You will gain professional skills while working under the guidance of industry mentors. Weekly seminars with SFUSD supervisors will further enhance your learning and career readiness. Internship sectors include animation, automotive technology, computer science, culinary arts, hospitality, urban agriculture, and more. The SFUSD Summer Career Exploration Programs offer high school students a blend of classroom learning and worksite visits, enabling them to explore careers in key industries. This program is for students interested in gaining experience while earning college credits and expanding their professional networks. You will earn 3 units of college credit through a dual-enrollment course at CCSF and collaborate with industry mentors. You will design and develop work projects relevant to your program focus and build a professional resume.
Careers in Science: Careers in Science is a multi-year, year-round, paid internship and development program for San Francisco high school students from backgrounds underrepresented in the STEM fields. Interns enter the program as rising sophomores and continue through their high school graduation. As they demonstrate achievement and reliability, their responsibilities will grow.
Global Research, Education, Action and Communities for Health (Global REACH): Global Research, Education, Action and Communities for Health - Global REACH - creates pathways for people from all communities to study and work in global health. Global REACH connects several initiatives to create a pathway from high school to early career, with mentorship and support at each step. The pathway begins in UCSF’s San Francisco Bay Area community, with education programs for high school students and teachers to introduce young audiences to global health. Summer Researchers in Global Health is a six-week summer internship for rising high school seniors in the Bay Area.
Tips for Choosing the Right Internship
Every internship or volunteer opportunity comes with its own focus. Here’s how to pick an internship that fits you best:
- If you want lab research and mentorship: Prioritize programs like UCSF’s PITCH or Stanford’s AIMI internship. These show strong initiative on college apps.
- If you want hospital experience now: Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Volunteen, or Kaiser programs are great entry points - even without clinical training.
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