Computer Science & AI
How modern AI actually works. Read the paper that introduced transformers, then a recent paper on agentic classroom AI.
See the Computer Science & AI reviewsSix departments
Departments offered.
Six STEM departments run each summer, each led by an experienced Mission San Jose mentor. Students may indicate up to two subject preferences on the registration form, and a mid-program rotation opportunity is offered for students who want exposure to a second field. Below is the Summer 2026 roster and the paper each cohort reviewed.
Mathematics
Math in places you do not expect — the structure of social networks, the math behind cryptography, the patterns that organize the World Wide Web.
See the Mathematics reviewsBiology
From genes to ecosystems — how living systems resist, recover, and adapt. Read papers that explain why some species survive disturbance and others collapse.
See the Biology reviewsChemistry
Chemistry in the world around you. Analyze real-world studies on heavy metals in tea, atmospheric water harvesting, and other applied research.
See the Chemistry reviewsPsychology
How the mind works — attention, memory, obedience. Analyze the ethics and methods of one of psychology's most famous (and controversial) experiments.
See the Psychology reviewsPhysics
New for 2026, led by Ashley Kang. The physics cohort investigated cool roof coatings — materials engineered to reflect sunlight and cut urban heat.
See the Physics reviewsDon't see your favorite subject?
YSJC's subject list grows when new mentors join. If you're a high school student with research or teaching experience in a STEM field we don't offer yet, we'd love to hear from you — email ysjcteam@gmail.com.