UCSD Summer Internships and Programs for High School Students

The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) provides various summer programs for high school students, offering opportunities to explore academic interests, gain valuable skills, and experience college life. These programs range from STEM-focused research experiences to creative exploration in the humanities and arts.

Academic Enrichment Programs

Academic Connections

Academic Connections is UCSD's premier summer program for high school students, providing a unique and enriching academic experience. Motivated young scholars can dive into college-level coursework, gaining a taste of higher education, and choose from a wide range of subjects, including science, technology, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. Participants engage in stimulating discussions, hands-on projects, and collaborative learning experiences, with access to UCSD's faculty and resources. Beyond academics, the program fosters a vibrant and diverse community where students can connect with peers who share their intellectual curiosity, sharpen their academic skills, and encourage personal growth, independence, and a deeper understanding of their chosen fields.

California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)

COSMOS is a prestigious summer program for high school students with a keen interest in STEM. Hosted by UCSD, this program offers an immersive experience in cutting-edge scientific research and exploration. Over four weeks, students work closely with UCSD faculty and researchers, gaining invaluable exposure to real-world scientific challenges, tackling complex problems, conducting experiments, and exploring innovative solutions in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment. COSMOS also provides extracurricular activities, field trips, and workshops that expose participants to a broader perspective on STEM.

Pre-College Institute in Sustainability and the Environment

UCSD's Pre-College Institute in Sustainability and the Environment is an ideal summer program for high school students passionate about environmental issues and sustainability. This immersive experience combines classroom learning with field trips to explore Southern California's diverse ecosystems, providing a deep understanding of environmental challenges and solutions. Students engage in hands-on projects, interact with experts, and develop a sense of environmental stewardship.

Digital Media Academy

UCSD's Digital Media Academy empowers high school students to harness their creative potential. This program offers a dynamic environment for budding filmmakers, game designers, animators, and tech enthusiasts to explore the world of digital media. Through hands-on workshops and projects, students gain practical skills and insights into digital storytelling, animation, game development, and more. Participants collaborate with peers who share their creative vision, encouraging experimentation, innovation, and the development of a digital portfolio.

UCSD Extension Pre-College Programs

UCSD Extension offers a diverse range of pre-college programs for high school students seeking to explore various fields. These short courses provide an opportunity to delve into subjects like business, engineering, healthcare, and more, offering a taste of college-level learning. Participants benefit from the expertise of experienced instructors and the resources of a top-tier university, setting them on a path to academic success and personal growth.

Introduction to Engineering

The Introduction to Engineering program at UCSD introduces high school students to various engineering disciplines. This hands-on program offers a comprehensive overview of the field. Through engaging lectures, group projects, and laboratory work, students gain insight into the creative and technical aspects of engineering. Students apply their knowledge to real-world problems, gaining a deeper understanding of engineering and a heightened sense of curiosity.

Humanities Institute Summer Program

UCSD's Humanities Institute Summer Program provides an immersive and intellectually stimulating experience for high school students with a passion for literature, philosophy, and the arts. This program encourages critical thinking and creative expression through the lens of the humanities. Participants engage in lively discussions, explore philosophical concepts, analyze literary works, and create their own artistic projects. The program fosters a vibrant community of thinkers, artists, and writers, deepening their understanding of the human experience.

Biosciences Mentorship Program

The Biosciences Mentorship Program at UCSD is tailored for high school students who aspire to explore the world of biological sciences. In this program, participants work closely with UCSD faculty and graduate students on research projects, gaining hands-on experience in laboratory settings, conducting experiments, and contributing to scientific discoveries. This program offers mentorship and guidance from experts in the field, allowing them to develop crucial research skills and a deeper understanding of biological concepts.

Entrepreneurship Academy

UCSD's Entrepreneurship Academy empowers students to explore the principles of entrepreneurship, develop business acumen, and even work on startup ideas with guidance from experienced mentors. Through workshops, team projects, and interactions with successful entrepreneurs, participants learn how to turn their innovative ideas into viable business ventures, providing the knowledge, resources, and networking opportunities necessary to inspire and nurture the next generation of business leaders and innovators.

Read also: UCSD Summer Tuition Explained

Triton Music Academy

The Triton Music Academy, hosted by UCSD, allows music enthusiasts to hone their talents and immerse themselves in the world of music. This program offers high school students the chance to receive expert instruction in various musical disciplines, including performance, composition, theory, and music technology. Students collaborate with their peers in ensemble performances, allowing them to explore the joy of making music together.

Research Opportunities

Research Experience for High School Students (REHS)

The San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC) at UC San Diego offers the Research Experience for High School Students (REHS), a volunteer internship program. This advanced and fast-paced research experience allows students to learn and conduct research with researchers, working with different research disciplines in one summer research experience. Students learn how to formulate and test hypotheses, conduct computational experiments, and draw conclusions. They also learn to take part in regular lab meetings and participate in group discussions. At the end of the program, students develop scientific posters, reflecting on their summer experience and highlighting their research and future career goals. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be college bound. Completion of an REHS Final Poster and attendance at the Poster Session itself is mandatory.

High School Summer Training in Aging Research (HS STAR)

The High School Summer Training in Aging Research (HS STAR) program is designed to provide exceptional under-represented junior and senior-level high school students from San Diego with a chance to learn and practice the daily activities involved in aging research alongside a UC San Diego faculty mentor.

UC San Diego Extended Studies Pre-College Research Scholars Programs

UC San Diego Extended Studies Pre-College Research Scholars programs provide high school students with authentic, hands-on research experiences led by university faculty and researchers. Partnering with Biosphere 2 offers an opportunity to expand this model into an immersive, field-based learning environment focused on environmental science, sustainability, and life sciences. Students could engage in weeklong or multi-week residential programs at Biosphere 2, conducting real-world research in areas such as climate change, ecology, and water systems, bridging classroom learning with active scientific discovery.

The UCSD IEM OPALS High School Internship Program

The UCSD IEM OPALS High School Internship Program is dedicated to empowering pre-college students with a strong foundation in STEM through authentic, hands-on research. The program emphasizes setting realistic expectations, cultivating curiosity, and developing a thoughtful, rigorous scientific mindset. Throughout the internship, students deepen their understanding of core scientific principles, learn to critically evaluate experimental data, and contribute to ongoing research efforts. The program is guided by the 4 Aâs: Available, Approachable, Accountable, and Achievable.

Read also: Choosing a UCSD Diploma Frame

Specialized Programs

CAP Inclusive Excellence Program

The CAP Inclusive Excellence Program is an initiative funded by UnitedHealth Group designed to increase awareness and interest in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry.

Inspirit AI Scholars Program

The InspiritAI Scholars Program allows students to apply artificial intelligence to subjects of personal interest. Students craft interdisciplinary AI projects engaging subjects of personal interest to them. InspiritAI Mentors hail from top universities such as Stanford, Harvard, and MIT. Many students who have participated in the AI+X Individual Research Mentorship have gone on to win awards at science fair competitions.

Summer Springboard Program

Summer Springboard at UC San Diego offers two-week summer programs for students in grades 9-12. Eligibility requires a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program offers residential and commuter options. Academic courses include Biotechnology, Business & Entrepreneurship, Environmental Engineering, Fundamentals of Engineering, Kinesiology & Physical Therapy, Marine Biology, Pre-Med, Psychology & Neuroscience, Extended Reality, and Trial Law. Activities and trips include Old Town San Diego, Little Italy & Mercato Farmers' Market, Belmont Park, San Diego Zoo, and Coronado Beach.

Summer Engineering Institute (SEI)

The Summer Engineering Institute (SEI) is a 5-week program that allows students to get a jump start on their academic career at UC San Diego. Students can earn course credits and receive support in making the transition from high school to a university-level engineering curriculum.

Other Programs and Opportunities

UCSD offers a variety of other summer programs and opportunities for high school students, including:

Clarion: An intensive six-week summer program focused on fundamentals particular to the writing of science fiction and fantasy short stories.
FinDS: An innovative program designed to provide high school students with a strong base in the Mathematical Foundations of Data Science.
EnCORE: A summer camp designed to provide participants with a concise overview of the algorithmic knowledge essential for success in a four-year Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) curriculum.
Sally Ride Science Academy: Summer program offering science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) workshops for students entering K-12th grade.
Sports Medicine Academy: A hands-on summer program for high school students passionate about healthcare and athletics.

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