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Ever daydream about spending your summer unlocking scientific mysteries under the California sun? There's something exhilarating about working with seasoned experts on real research projects, whether that means analyzing coastal ecosystems, designing bioengineering solutions, or pioneering AI-driven drug discovery. Imagine strolling across campus lawns in the early morning, iced coffee in hand, itching to lose yourself into cutting-edge experiments. Sound like your jam? Keep reading, because the Golden State has a line-up of incredible opportunities that might just be your ticket to your future career in research.

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Below is a rundown of internship programs in California designed especially for high school and college students who are hungry for research experiences. All of these programs are free to apply and often provide a living stipend, making them accessible and worthwhile. And let’s not forget: deadlines can sneak up fast so jump on these sooner rather than later if you’re feeling that research itch.

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RISE Summer Research Program at CABBI

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Program Link: CABBI RISE Program

Stipend: $6,000

Research Focus: Bioenergy innovation, sustainability, and bioproduct development

Eligibility: Undergraduate students from any major with interest in bioenergy research

Key Features:

• Hands-on research in cutting-edge bioenergy projects
• Professional development workshops
• Research presentation opportunities
• Networking with leading scientists

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UCLA QCBio Summer Research Program

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Program Link: UCLA QCBio

‍Stipend: $4,800

‍Research Focus: Computational biology, bioinformatics, and genomics

‍Eligibility: Undergraduate students with programming experience and interest in biological sciences

‍Program Details:

• Intensive computational biology training
• Access to UCLA's advanced research facilities
• Mentorship from faculty experts
• Focus on quantitative research methods

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MBARI Summer Internship Program

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Program Link: MBARI Internships

‍Stipend: $8,000

‍Research Focus: Marine science, ocean technology, and underwater research

‍Eligibility: Upper-division undergraduates and graduate students

‍Highlights:

• Work with advanced marine technology
• Contribute to ocean research projects
• Experience with autonomous underwater vehicles
• Exposure to marine science career paths

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UC Merced CCBM Summer Internship

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Program Link: CCBM Summer Program

‍Stipend: $5,500

‍Research Focus: Biological materials, complex systems, and interdisciplinary research

‍Eligibility: Undergraduate students interested in biological physics and materials science

‍Program Features:

• Cross-disciplinary research experience
• Advanced laboratory techniques training
• Professional development workshops
• Research presentation opportunities

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CSU San Marcos Biology REU

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Program Link: CSUSM BioREU

‍Stipend: $6,000

‍Research Focus: Molecular biology, ecology, and biological research

‍Eligibility: Undergraduate students majoring in biology or related fields

‍Key Components:

• Laboratory research experience
• Field work opportunities
• Scientific communication training
• Career development workshops

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UC Santa Barbara Materials Research Lab

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Program Link: UCSB MRL

‍Stipend: $6,000

‍Research Focus: Materials science, nanotechnology, and engineering

‍Eligibility: Undergraduate students in physical sciences or engineering

‍Program Benefits:

• Access to state-of-the-art facilities
• Mentorship from leading researchers
• Hands-on materials research
• Professional networking opportunities

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BioXFEL Summer Research Program

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Program Link: BioXFEL

‍Stipend: $6,000

‍Research Focus: Structural biology and X-ray laser technology

‍Eligibility: Undergraduate students interested in physics and structural biology

‍Program Highlights:

• Experience with cutting-edge X-ray technology
• Structural biology research
• Professional development activities
• Research presentation opportunities

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DesignSafe-CI Summer REU

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Program Link: DesignSafe-CI

‍Stipend: $6,000

‍Research Focus: Natural hazards engineering and computational research

‍Eligibility: Undergraduate students in engineering or related fields

‍Key Features:

• Computational research experience
• Natural hazards engineering projects
• Advanced simulation work
• Professional development activities

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UC Davis Physics REU

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Program Link: UC Davis Physics

‍Stipend: $7,000

‍Research Focus: Physics research across multiple subspecialties

‍Eligibility: Undergraduate students majoring in physics or related fields

‍Program Elements:

• Fundamental physics research
• Access to advanced laboratories
• Faculty mentorship
• Research presentation opportunities

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Ready to Launch Your Research Career?

‍Let’s get real: opportunities this good won’t wait. California’s internship landscape is as diverse as its coastline. Whether you’re decoding genes at UCLA or engineering disaster-proof buildings, these internships are your ticket to doing science, not just reading about it. Ready to dive in? Head to STEAMid to explore more programs and secure your spot in the next wave of groundbreaking research.

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‍Still scrolling? Go. Apply. And maybe pack some sunscreen. 🌞