High School Summer Training in Advanced Research (High School STAR) Program

High School Summer Training in Advanced Research Program

Program Type: Educational internship program for high school students

Geographic Scope: Los Angeles and Orange Counties, California

Duration: 8 weeks (typically June 15 to August 7)

Background: Since 1978, The Lundquist Institute's High School STAR Program has brought high school students from Los Angeles and Orange Counties to TLI's campus in Torrance, California.

Program Overview

Rising high school juniors and seniors work with accomplished physicians and scientists on individual research projects in a real-world lab setting.

What Students Will Do

• Spend 8 weeks participating in hands-on training with 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
• Attend summer program lectures and on-site lab participation

Research Areas

• Cancer Biology and Immunotherapeutics
• Health Services and Outcome Research
• Infection and Immunity
• Metabolic Diseases and Endocrinology
• Neurotherapeutics
• Respiratory Medicine and Exercise Physiology
• Translational Genomics
• Women's and Children's Health

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be enrolled as a high school junior or senior in Fall 2026 (or subsequent years)
• 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

Contact Information

Program Director: Dr. Mina Desai, [email protected]
Education Manager: Wesley Chen, [email protected]
General Education Office: [email protected]
Address: 1124 W Carson St, Torrance, CA 90502

Application Process

Application Timeline:

• Applications open: January 14, 2026
• Application deadline: March 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT
• Program runs: June 15 to August 7, 2026

Required Materials

All of the following must be received by the deadline:

1. Completed High School STAR Program Application Form
   • Complete the online application
   • Note: Applications cannot be saved, so have all information ready before beginning
2. Official High School Transcript
   • Submit to: [email protected]
3. Two Letters of Recommendation
   • From high school teachers, preferably science teachers
   • Teachers should submit letters to: [email protected]
   • Must be received by application deadline

Application Submission

• Submit completed online application form through the portal on the website
• Upon successful submission, applicants will receive a notification email from the team

Important Notes

• Applications cannot be saved mid-submission—have all materials ready before starting
• Official transcripts and letters of recommendation must be submitted by the same deadline as the application form
• Contact education team with any questions: [email protected]