San Diego

Academically Interested Minds (AIM) – Kettering University – National
Grades: 11
AIM (Academically Interested Minds) is a five-week residential pre-college summer program which began in 1984 and has continued to thrive over the years. The program is designed to augment Kettering University's efforts to reach a greater number of multicultural students who have a strong interest in the areas of engineering, math, science and business.

ACE Mentor
Grades: 9-12
The ACE program stands for mentoring high school students and inspiring them to pursue careers in design and construction. Teams are composed of 15-25 students and their industry mentors. Each team is set up to emulate an actual design team, with students guided through a mock design project by their architect, engineer, and construction management mentors. The ACE Mentor Program of America, Inc. not only engages sponsors and volunteer mentors to expose students to real-world opportunities, it financially supports each student's continued success through scholarships and grants.

ACT-SO – National
Grades: 9-12
The NAACP's Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics is a yearlong achievement program designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African-American high school students.

Any Body Can Foundation
Grades: K-12
The vision of the Any Body Can Youth Foundation is to provide a complete after school program in a safe, inviting environment for children in underserved areas. Our unique concept involves a boxing gym built within the confines of a learning center/library. Programs include "Bridging the Gap" enrichment, tutoring from credentialed teachers, adult mentoring, and boxing instruction from world class coaches.

Barrio Logan College Institute
Grades: 3-12
Barrio Logan College Institute's mission is to provide all students access to higher education. We pursue this vision by providing comprehensive college-prep afterschool programs for local disadvantaged students and their families starting in elementary school and continuing until college graduation.

California State Summer School for Math and Science (COSMOS)
Grades: 9-12
The California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) is a four-week, residential summer program open to high school students with demonstrated interest and achievement in math, science and engineering. Hosted on four University of California campuses (Davis, Irvine, San Diego and Santa Cruz), COSMOS provides students with an unparalleled opportunity to work side-by-side with outstanding university faculty and researchers, covering topics extending well beyond the typical high school curriculum. COSMOS at UCSD places a strong emphasis on technology and engineering in addition to other sciences, and is administered through the Jacobs School of Engineering.

California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA)
Grades: 9-12
The California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) is a rigorous pre-professional training program in the visual and performing arts, creative writing, animation, and film for talented artists of high school age. CSSSA provides a supportive environment in which students hone acquired skills and explore new techniques and ideas for an intense and exciting learning experience. Its purpose is to provide a training ground for future artists who wish to pursue careers in the arts and entertainment industries in California.

Carleton Liberal Arts Experience – National
Grades: 10
Carleton College is honored to host an inspiring summer program designed for the best and brightest college-bound students representing high schools across the country. The Carleton Liberal Arts Experience (CLAE) will select 50 high school students who have just completed their sophomore year and bring them to Carleton, all expenses paid, for a one-week summer program. The CLAE program introduces the strengths of a liberal arts education through an array of courses in science, art, social sciences, and technology.

COCA Urban Arts Program
Grades: K-12
Urban Arts is a multifaceted outreach program developed in partnership with select urban schools that provides arts instruction, including performances, workshops, and residencies. Urban Arts is comprised of five different programs: SchoolTime Arts, After-school Classes, Pre-professional Dance Program, the Scholarship Fund, and Interchange.

Girls Inc. of San Diego – National
Grades: 6-18
Girls Inc. delivers life-changing programs that inspire girls of all ages to be strong, smart, and bold. Research-based curricula, delivered by trained mentoring professionals, equip girls to achieve academically; lead healthy and physically active lives; manage money; navigate media messages; and discover an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math. Girls Inc. of San Diego County is committed to investing significantly in each girl so she establishes and maintains relationships with program sites that last for years. We try to expose the same girl to multiple Girls Inc. programs throughout her middle and high school tenure.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund – National
Grades: 9-12
The HSF's mission is to increase the number of Hispanic college graduates by awarding scholarships and assisting students and their families in navigating the barriers to college access and completion.

The Independent School Alliance *
Grades: 1-10
Established in 1985 by a group of Southern California school heads, The Independent School Alliance is an organization of 50+ private independent elementary and secondary schools that want to increase their diversity. The Independent School Alliance provides assistance to families of color with the application process to its member schools. The Independent School Alliance counsels families on appropriate school choice; entrance testing information and (if necessary) how to apply for financial aid. Additionally, The Independent School Alliance provides a variety of support programs and acts as a resource to member schools on issues of equity and justice.

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation – National
Grades: 7-12
The Young Scholars Program provides the most personalized, generous scholarship experience in the nation. The Foundation works closely with Scholars and their families to construct a tailored educational program that includes, but is not limited to, support for summer programs, distance learning courses, and music and art instruction. Some Young Scholars attend a private school if none of their public school options adequately serve their academic potential; however, many stay in their public schools.

Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA) – National
Grades: 11-12
LEDA (Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America) is a not-for-profit organization devoted to developing leaders for our nation by helping exceptional public high school students who come from underserved backgrounds gain admission to the country's leading colleges and universities.

Minority Introduction to Engineering & Science (MITES) – MIT- National
Grades: 11
Through the MITES (Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science) program, The Office of Engineering Outreach Programs offers three rigorous residential and online academic enrichment programs for promising high school juniors who are interested in studying and exploring careers in science and engineering. By submitting a MITES application, students are automatically considered for one of three academic enrichment opportunities: a one-week residential program, a six-week residential program, and a six-month online enrichment program.

National Hispanic Institute – National
Grades: 9-College
We are both a national and international organization that provides Latino young people with the structures and settings to envision themselves as future community leaders, practice their skills in leading and working with others, and engage in critical discussions to define their calling while preparing themselves for the mission of changing lives. Dedication to personal excellence, a strong belief in family and culture, and service to others are the core values and beliefs that drive the work of the Institute and embrace its vision.

National Space Club Scholars – National
Grades: 10
The National Space Club Scholars Project is a summer intern experience for up to 30 high school students to work with space scientists and engineers. The purpose of this project is to provide students with an opportunity to experience how research and development organizations operate on a day-to-day basis in direct support of NASA's mission to inspire the next generation of explorers. Participants are assigned to work with a technical professional in a field related to the student's stated interests and expertise. The available areas of interest include Earth and space systems science, computer science, and engineering.

Princeton University Summer Journalism Program – National
Grades: 11
We welcome about 20 high school students from low-income backgrounds every summer to Princeton's campus for an intensive, 10-day seminar on journalism. The program's goal is to diversify college and professional newsrooms by encouraging outstanding students from low-income backgrounds to pursue careers in journalism. All expenses, including students' travel costs to and from Princeton, are paid for by the program.

QuestBridge – National
Grades: 11-12
QuestBridge is a powerful platform bridging the nation's brightest, under-served youth and leading institutions of higher education and further opportunities. We are an aggregator of excellence. QuestBridge provides a single, internet-based meeting point which links exceptional students with colleges, scholarship providers, enrichment programs employers, and organizations seeking students who have excelled despite obstacles. By facilitating these exchanges, QuestBridge aims to increase the percentage of talented low-income students attending the nation's best universities and the ranks of national leadership itself.

Research Science Institute – MIT – National
Grades: 9-11
Each summer, 80 of the world's most accomplished high school students gather at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for the Research Science Institute (RSI). RSI is the first cost-free to students, summer science & engineering program to combine on-campus course work in scientific theory with off-campus work in science and technology research. RSI scholars first participate in a week of intensive STEM classes with accomplished professors. The heart of RSI is the five week research internship where students conduct individual projects under the tutelage of mentors who are experienced scientists and researchers. During the final week of RSI, students prepare written and oral presentations on their research projects.

Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) – National
Grades: 9-12
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) provides an opportunity for students to participate in research at a Department of Navy (DoN) laboratory during the summer. The goals of SEAP are to encourage participating students to pursue science and engineering careers, to further their education via mentoring by laboratory personnel and their participation in research, and to make them aware of DoN research and technology efforts, which can lead to employment within the DoN.

The Short-Term Research Experience for Underrepresented Persons (STEP-UP) – National
Grades: 11-12
The High School STEP-UP provides hands-on summer research experience for high school students interested in exploring research careers in the biomedical, behavioral, clinical and social sciences. The program provides exposure to the core NIDDK mission areas of diabetes, endocrinology and metabolic diseases; digestive diseases and nutrition; and kidney, urologic and hematologic diseases.

Smith Summer Science and Engineering Program (SSEP) – National
Grades: 9-12
The Smith Summer Science and Engineering Program (SSEP) is a four-week residential program for exceptional young women with strong interests in science, engineering and medicine. Each July, select high school students from across the country and abroad come to Smith College to do hands-on research with Smith faculty in the life and physical sciences and in engineering.

Social Advocates for Youth San Diego (SAY)
All ages
SAY’s Mission is to be a consistent leader in creating and providing quality services and support that assist children, families and communities to overcome barriers while developing skills to realize and sustain their full potential. SAY San Diego supports the positive development of young people, their families and communities through the provision of a variety services. These services include: Delinquency Prevention & Juvenile Diversion; Extended Day Before & After School Programs; Vacation Programs for Youth; Family Support and Development; Community Development & Collaboration; School Readiness & Support; Mental Health Services and more.

Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) – National
Grades: 11-12
This is an eight-week program in which high school students from diverse backgrounds are invited to perform basic research with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students and researchers on a medically-oriented project. The goals of the program include increasing interest in biological sciences and medicine in high school students, helping students to understand how scientific research is performed, and increasing diversity of students and researchers in the sciences.

Stanford Medical Youth Science Program – National
Grades: 9-12
The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program works to increase knowledge about the sciences and health professions, and offer guidance about the college admissions process to low-income and/or underrepresented minority students. To meet this goal, SMYSP offers a university-based five-week Summer Residential Program and school-based academic year health disparities curriculum.

Summer Engineering Experience for Kids (SEEK)
Grades: 3-12
The Summer Engineering Experience for Kids’ program, (SEEK), is the National Society of Black Engineers’ (NSBE) premiere solution to the underrepresentation of African American students in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields. The free, three week program is a STEM pipeline designed to expose African American children to STEM fields as early as the third grade and through the twelfth grade. In addition, this exposure will be provided by utilizing NSBE members, who are young, Black, collegiate students, majoring in STEM fields.

Summer Humanities Institute – Stanford – National
Grades: 11-12
Students will spend three weeks on the beautiful Stanford campus, living in residence. They will spend the first two weeks intensively studying and researching a topic in history or philosophy, attending daily lectures by the faculty members, and participating in group discussions and activities in the afternoon. During their third week, students will work closely with their professors, graduate students, and writing mentors to produce original research projects. These papers present an opportunity for students to use what they have learned at Stanford to develop their own answers to the central questions that are addressed by the humanities.

Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research (SIP) – National
Ages: 16 and over
Summer programs at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provide an opportunity to spend a summer working at the NIH side-by-side with some of the leading scientists in the world, in an environment devoted exclusively to biomedical research. Internships cover a minimum of eight weeks, with students generally arriving at the NIH in May or June. The NIH Institutes and the Office of Intramural Training & Education sponsor a wide range of summer activities including lectures featuring distinguished NIH investigators, career/professional development workshops, and Summer Poster Day.

Summer Research with the National Institute on Drug Abuse – National
Ages: 15 and over
This program is designed to provide high school and undergraduate students from underrepresented groups with meaningful research experiences and mentorship in the field of drug abuse and addiction. Each year up to 50 NIDA research investigators offer their labs and their time for eight to ten weeks to mentor up to 60 students interested in drug abuse research.

Telluride Association Sophomore Summer – National
Grades: 10
Telluride works with university faculty to create exciting courses designed to inspire young people to explore the histories, politics and cultural experiences of people of African descent and a variety of other topics.

Telluride Association Summer Program (TASP) – National
Grades: 11
A Telluride Association Summer Program (TASP) is a six-week educational experience for high school juniors that offers challenges and rewards rarely encountered in secondary school or even college. Each program is designed to bring together young people from around the world who share a passion for learning. Telluride students, or TASPers, attend a seminar led by college and university scholars and participate in many other educational and social activities outside the classroom.

University of California San Diego TRIO Upward Bound
Grades: 9-12
Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their pre-college performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Instruction in math, laboratory science, composition, literature, and foreign language are basic components of all programs. Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree.

University of San Diego Upward Bound
Grades: 9-12
The University of San Diego TRIO: Upward Bound program is one of over 700 Upward Bound programs nationwide that assist eligible high school students to achieve their dreams of persisting in and graduating to higher levels of education. Through the application of the core subjects: math, English, English as a Second Language, sciences, social sciences, as well as computer technology and personal enrichment courses, students will identify, explore, and develop their personal and academic strengths. The summer residential component provides a safe, trusting learning environment that stresses a holistic concern for the social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual well-being of the student.

Urban League of San Diego – National
Grades: 9-12
Since 1953, the Urban League’s Education & Youth Development division has worked to improve educational opportunities for African-American and other underserved populations by developing innovative programs to support their academic achievement, encourage their civic involvement, and contribute to their healthy physical and emotional development. Our Signature Programs in education, post-secondary success and youth leadership are designed to help us reach the goal that youth constituents will be ready for college, work and life.

Ventures Scholars – National
Grades: 9-College
The Ventures Scholars Program is a national nonprofit membership program designed to promote access to higher education for young adults interested in pursuing math- and science-based careers.

W.E.B. Dubois Scholars Institute – National
Grades: 10-11
The W.E.B. DuBois Scholars Institute provides leadership, scholarship, community service, and entrepreneur training along with exposure to science and technology for high-achieving youth attending secondary schools. It was founded with an aim to develop a cadre of brilliant leaders/activist scholars with a commitment to contributing their talents for the betterment of others by solving major problems facing our society.

Women's Technology Program (WTP) – MIT – National
Grades: 11
The MIT Women's Technology Program (WTP) is a rigorous four-week summer academic and residential experience where female high school students explore engineering through hands-on classes, labs, and team-based projects in the summer after 11th grade.

Youth to College – University of San Diego
Grades: K-12
The Youth to College program originally began as a cooperative effort between several colleges in the San Diego area, designed with the overarching goal of encouraging students to attend college. The program still maintains that goal, but with a deeper effort into increasing literacy and critical thinking skills of local K-12 students through in-school and after school programming. Youth to College collaborates with multiple schools and community centers through co-creating programs, helping to enhance existing programs, and providing additional support staff.

Youth Leadership Conference on Asian and Pacific Islander Health – Stanford – National
Grades: 9-12
The Youth Leadership Conference on Asian and Pacific Islander Health is a four day conference at Stanford University. High school students from across the country are invited to attend to gain leadership skills for effecting change in local communities. Conference participants will meet other students interested in making a difference in public health. Leading medical experts, professors, and policymakers will speak on issues of Asian and Pacific Islander health. Students will also have a chance to apply the skills they gain in an outreach planning simulation.