California Academy of Sciences Youth Programs - Careers in Science (CiS)

Careers in Science is a multi-year, year-round, paid internship and youth development program for San Francisco high school students who come from communities underrepresented in STEM, including girls and students of color.

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Careers in Science interns get paid above minimum wage to learn, teach, and do science in and around the California Academy of Sciences. Interns enter the program in June as rising sophomores or juniors and continue through high school graduation. By demonstrating achievement and reliability, interns may level up to positions of increased leadership and responsibility.

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On Saturdays during the school year and weekdays in the summer, all interns conduct fieldwork outdoors and facilitate learning experiences for Academy visitors on the public floor. Interns also attend interactive trainings twice a month to develop science communication skills, learn about careers from practicing STEM professionals, and receive guidance on topics like financial literacy and the college application process. In addition, interns attend college tours, present at STEM conferences and festivals, and help inform the design of Academy exhibits and educational materials.

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As interns advance through the program, they'll participate in project groups, in which small groups of students work on a science research or environmental action project led by an Academy researcher or partner. Interns will also serve on the CiS Leadership Council and are eligible for individualized mentorships with Academy experts.

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Through these experiences and more, CiS helps interns develop the confidence and skills needed to think critically, tackle complex problems, succeed in the workforce, and serve as informed decision-makers in their communities.

• Be currently enrolled full time as a 9th or 10th grade student in an SFUSD school
• Maintain a GPA of 2.5 and a grade of C or higher in science and math
•  Be authorized to work in the US and able to obtain a valid work permit 
• Commit to all attendance requirements on a year-round, multi-year basis, including after-school, weekend, and summer work
• Be able to commute to the Academy in Golden Gate Park for all in-person work. Interns may be required to work remotely for some activities, therefore applicants must have access to high speed internet
• Demonstrate interest in and enthusiasm for learning about science, teaching science to diverse audiences, and conducting science research

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• April 1, 2026

• General Applicant Information
• Parent/Guardian Information
• Reference Information
• Free Response Questions
  • What about the California Academy of Sciences inspires you most and why?
  • Why do you want to join Careers in Science? What do you hope to get out of the experience?
  • What’s your favorite field of science? Why?
  • Describe a time when you have worked with a group. What did you find to be the most challenging? What was the most rewarding?
  • How comfortable do you feel presenting and/or performing for the public? Describe your experience, if any, with presenting and/or performing.
  • What is a challenge or obstacle you have faced in your life? Describe how you have or are currently working to overcome that challenge.
  • What kinds of experiences have you had working with people from backgrounds different than your own?
  • Are you involved with any other organizations (college prep programs, teams, clubs, work, volunteer programs)? Please list them here.

• Applicants will be notified within a week of the application deadline.

• Applications open February 1
• Interviews will be hosted in mid April.