Since 1978, The Lundquist Institute Summer Training in Advanced Research (STAR) High School Program in Torrance, California has brought high school students from Los Angeles County to our campus for 8 weeks. The fellows — rising high school juniors and seniors — work with our highly-accomplished physicians and scientists on individual research projects.
Students in the program will:
- Spend 8 weeks participating in hands-on training with our world-renowned faculty in a real-world lab setting.
- Conduct an intensive research project, culminating with a presentation at the end of the program to peers, family, and the research community.
- Receive a Certificate of Completion and a competitive stipend.
Areas of Expertise
The fellows view science from the inside out and are guided through the program by experienced mentors in our four Innovation Hubs.
Explore each of our Innovation hubs below and learn how they play a distinct role in turning research into new treatments, better care, and improved health for people in our community and beyond:
Program Eligibility
All student applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a high school junior or senior in Fall 2027 attending a school in Los Angeles County. Applications from students attending schools outside Los Angeles County will not be considered.
- Demonstrated outstanding general academic achievement with a particular focus on science coursework.
- Ability to participate in all program activities as required during the eight weeks (Monday through Friday, generally from 9 AM to 5 PM).
No more than three absences total are permitted throughout the duration of the program. College tours/orientations and vacations should be scheduled to avoid any conflicts.
Certificates of Completion will be awarded to all participants at the end of the program and upon the successful completion of all program requirements. This includes attendance to all summer program lectures, on-site lab participation, completion and return of the annual program survey.
If an absence from program participation is required, the student must contact Dr. Mina Desai, Program Director, at [email protected] and Wesley Chen, Education Manager, at [email protected].
Application Requirements
Applications for the 2027 Summer Training in Advanced Research High School Program open Monday, November 2, 2026. The program runs from June 14 to August 6, 2027.
The following materials must be received by the application deadline of February 19, 2027 at 11:59pm PT:
- Completed STAR High School Program Application Form.
- Official high school transcript. Please send the official transcript to [email protected].
- Two letters of recommendation from high school teachers, preferably science teachers. The letters should be submitted to [email protected] by your teachers.
Submit Your Application
Complete the online application below to apply for the 2027 Summer Training in Advanced Research High School Program at The Lundquist Institute.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about the program, application requirements, or program eligibility, you can contact our education team.
“I already knew I wanted to be in medicine when I joined the STAR High School Program all those years ago. But the program connected me with someone who had succeeded in academic medicine, someone I could connect with on a personal level, who was willing to support me in my path to medicine.”
TLI Investigator and Board Member Christian de Virgilio, MD
