15 Best Computer Science Internships for High School Students
If you are a high school student with an interest in computer science, an internship can be a practical way to explore the field beyond the classroom. Computer science internships offer work experience and opportunities to develop technical skills in coding, programming, research, and more. These internships also place you in labs or professional environments, where you will develop workplace skills, form valuable connections with peers and professionals, and work under the mentorship of top scientists, engineers, and experts. The experience can help you start building a solid network and test your interests in computer science before committing to a college degree.
Why should you intern in computer science?
Many institutions across the U.S., including Meta, Microsoft, Johns Hopkins, Stanford University, and federal organizations, offer high schoolers computer science internships. As an intern, you will get to experience what a career at these institutions would look like. You will also get to work on standalone computer science projects or ones that intersect with other fields like engineering and medicine, building technical skills that can prepare you for advanced coursework in the field. The experience can also be a solid addition to your resume or college applications, demonstrating your dedication to the field to admissions officers.
To help you find the right opportunity, we have put together a list of the 15 best computer science internships for high school students.
If you’re looking for online summer programs, check out our blog here.
1. NIST Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)
Location: National Institute of Standards and Technology (or NIST), Boulder, CO, or Gaithersburg, MD Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate: Highly selective; 4% (Boulder, CO), 10.6% (Gaithersburg, MD)
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application deadline: January 26; applications open on November 1.
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors or seniors with an unweighted GPA of 3.0+; applicants must have a permanent residence within a 50-mile radius of NIST Boulder or NIST Gaithersburg campus.
NIST’s SHIP is a seven-week summer internship that allows you to work on your own research project while learning from the top NIST scientists and engineers. Research at NIST spans various STEM areas and is spread across six labs. You can indicate your preference for computer science research placements within Communications Technology Laboratory, Engineering Laboratory, or Information Technology Laboratory. Over the course of the internship, you may work on projects focused on automation, software assessment, machine learning, robotics, or programming. At the end, you will present your research work in the form of a poster.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12 – 15-week cohorts throughout the year
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment; deadlines vary by cohort: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can check details and apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship with Publication and Showcase accepts previous AI Scholars participants or those with some experience working with AI or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers a range of online programs for high school students passionate about artificial intelligence. If you are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science, you can choose the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, you will learn about data science and AI fundamentals and work on real-world projects. Another track for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. During this program, you will get a chance to work 1-on-1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A key feature of this program is that it offers you access to the in-house publication team to help you secure publications in high school research journals. You can check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program @ Texas Tech University
Location: Texas Tech University campus, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee; $750 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 12 students
Dates: June 21 – August 6
Application deadline: February 16
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and graduating seniors, ages 17 and up, who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a competitive summer research program that lets you engage in research alongside faculty on the Texas Tech campus. Placements are typically available in various STEM fields, including electrical/computer engineering and computer science. You will spend seven weeks conducting research under faculty guidance. The schedule also includes weekly seminars, discussions, and field trips, all while giving you a taste of college life as you stay on campus. At the end of the program, you will submit a research report.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Computer Science Track
Location: Remote! You can participate in the program from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, spring, fall, and winter. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: Students enrolled in high school who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities across a broad range of subjects that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs you with Ph.D. mentors to work one-on-one on a research project. At the end of the program, you will have developed an independent research paper! You can choose from areas such as computer science, engineering, data science, psychology, chemistry, international relations, physics, economics, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Research Science Institute (RSI) @ MIT
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free except for a non-refundable $75 application fee (waivers available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~2.5% acceptance rate; 80 – 100 students/year
Dates: Six weeks in the summer
Application deadline: Typically, mid-December
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors, ages 16 and up, from around the world
RSI is a selective, six-week residential experience that allows high school students to conduct STEM research in MIT labs. The program begins with a week of college-level STEM coursework across computer science, math, natural sciences, and engineering, led by MIT faculty. You will spend the next four weeks working on your research project, working with a scientist. You can indicate your preference for a computer science project and work on analysis or research focused on machine learning, computational science, and tech. In the final week, you will spend time working on writing and presenting, submitting a formal research paper, and delivering a conference-style oral presentation.
6. Stony Brook University Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free, but housing fees apply for residential participation; a stipend is available.
Acceptance rate: <5%
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application deadline: February 5
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors, ages 16 and up, who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents
The Simons Summer Research Program offers you the chance to collaborate with research teams and faculty mentors at Stony Brook University. As a participant, you will join a Stony Brook research group and contribute to ongoing research projects. Placements span a range of STEM fields, including computer science. You will also attend weekly faculty research presentations, workshops, tours, and other events during the program. At the conclusion of the program, you will develop and present a research abstract and poster at the final poster session.
7. ASPIRE @ Johns Hopkins APL
Location: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), Laurel, MD
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate: <10%
Dates: June 23 – August 21 (summer); can be extended to the academic year (September – May)
Application deadline: January 1 – February 15
Application deadline: February 15; applications open on January 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, ages 15 and up, with a GPA of 2.8 or higher, who reside in specific regions in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. (check details here)
ASPIRE is a selective program offered by Johns Hopkins that pairs you with APL staff mentors to work on a STEM project. With your mentor, you will apply STEM principles to real problems and develop relevant technical and professional skills in the process. ASPIRE offers several placement areas, including computer science, programming, IT, data analysis, and AI/ML. Depending on your placement, you may spend the summer working on coding and software development, research and development, technology, or design. At the end of the summer, you will present your work as a poster.
8. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Various labs across the U.S.
Stipend: New participants: $4,000 stipend; returning participants: $4,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~300 students/year
Dates: 8 to 10 weeks during the summer
Application deadline: November 1; applications open on August 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th graders to graduating seniors, ages 16 and up, who are U.S. citizens; labs may have additional requirements
SEAP places you in one of several Department of the Navy (DoN) laboratories, where you will participate in real naval research. Over 8 to 10 weeks, you will work on projects alongside and receive mentorship from top scientists and engineers in the field, while also learning about naval technology and research. The program offers insights into careers in DON science and engineering by providing hands-on work experience. You can choose a site that offers research opportunities within computer science, robotics, programming, and tech. During the program, you will also shadow researchers and other professionals and participate in seminars, meetings, and presentations.
9. AFRL Scholars Program
Location: Various AFRL locations across the U.S.
Stipend: Paid; amount varies by site (check details here)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Summer, fall, and spring internships available; minimum duration is eight weeks (exact date varies by project and site).
Application deadline: January 10; applications open on October 10.
Eligibility: U.S. high school students who are 16 or older, preferably with a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. More info available here
The AFRL Scholars Program offers STEM and research-focused placements to high schoolers across labs in the U.S. Over eight weeks or more, you will engage in practical research alongside full-time Air Force Research Laboratory scientists and engineers, contributing to science and technology projects. Areas of work vary by site and may include computer science. During the program, you will tour labs, explore advanced technology, and connect with like-minded peers. By the end of the program, you will prepare a technical report and present your research at the AFRL Scholars Poster Session.
10. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) @ NYU
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn/New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $2,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Application deadline: February 27
Dates: June 1 – August 14
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are full-time NYC residents attending NYC schools
This 10-week summer program offers high school students lab training and the opportunity to conduct hands-on STEM research in NYU labs. The program begins with four weeks of remote training sessions focused on lab, college, and research skills. Over the next six weeks, you will join an NYU research lab and contribute to research. Placements are typically available across STEM fields, including in machine learning, data science, and AI. You will spend the summer gaining 150 hours of laboratory experience, attending workshops and seminars, and working on your research presentation, which you will deliver at NYU and the American Museum of Natural History. ARISE also offers group and one-on-one college application support.
11. University of Chicago Data Science Institute (DSI) Summer Lab
Location: University of Chicago campus, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $5,600 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 22 students in the past cohort (the number can vary each year)
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application deadline: January 12
Eligibility: Undergraduate students and Chicago-area high school students; familiarity with programming languages (Java, C++, or Python, among others) and relevant coursework in statistics, computer science, and math is preferred.
The DSI Summer Lab is a summer research program for high school and undergraduate students interested in interdisciplinary data science research. You will join a lab to work with UChicago mentors on research projects spanning data science, computer science, public policy, climate science, and biomedical research. You will undergo training in research methodologies and data science skills. Alongside lab work, you will attend a weekly speaker series featuring researchers, where you will learn about data science research pathways and methodologies. Social and recreational events like sports, picnics, concerts, and trivia are also part of the experience. You will practice communicating your results through final videos, which will be showcased at a symposium at the end of the program.
12. Microsoft Discovery Program
Location: Microsoft, Redmond, WA, or Atlanta, GA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 6 – 31 (Atlanta) | July 13 – August 7 (Redmond)
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who have completed pre-calculus or equivalent courses and live and attend high school within 50 miles of Redmond, WA, or Atlanta, GA; Redmond office applicants should be members/participants of Microsoft-sponsored organizations listed on the website; Atlanta applicants should attend schools within the Atlanta Public Schools, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Fulton, or Cobb County School Districts
This internship is designed for high school students interested in exploring careers in computer science, software engineering, and technology. You will join a team working on designing products and work on a group project, where you will try to understand customer issues and needs and assist with product design to meet those requirements. This experience can help you build key workplace skills, such as collaboration and problem-solving, as well as technical skills. You will also interact with and learn from Microsoft employees and explore various technologies and careers at Microsoft.
13. Meta Summer Academy
Location: Meta, Menlo Park, CA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June 15 – July 24
Application deadline: February 14; applications open on December 1.
Eligibility: High school sophomores with a minimum CGPA of 2.0; applicants must be residents of Redwood City, North Fair Oaks, East Palo Alto, or Belle Haven
The Meta Summer Academy is a paid opportunity to learn about the daily operations of a leading social media network. As an intern, you will work on hands-on projects and gain exposure to careers at Meta. You will also learn coding and financial literacy and develop the soft skills relevant to a professional environment. The program connects you with Meta employers and mentors who will help you learn about the next steps to pursue a career in tech. You will also hear from guest speakers who may cover STEM topics, share career insights, or discuss their professional journeys.
14. Sandia National Laboratories Internships
Location: Sandia National Laboratories in Livermore, CA, and Albuquerque, NM
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: 10 – 12 weeks in May – August (summer); school-year internships are also available
Application deadline: Varies by internship
Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors, ages 16 and up, with a cumulative GPA of 2.5+ (clerical or laborer positions) or 3.0+ (research and development, technical, or business positions); undergraduate students are also eligible.
Sandia National Laboratories offers internships to college and high school students interested in exploring careers in cybersecurity, software development, engineering, business, and other STEM areas. As an intern, you will be assigned to a team that will guide and mentor you throughout the internship. You will primarily assist with lab tasks and work on real-world projects, contributing to Sandia’s goals. Over the course of the internship, you will learn how to use advanced lab equipment and instruments and connect with engineers and scientists. The experience can help you build workplace and lab skills.
15. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $45 application fee + $2,400; Up to 100% financial aid available
Cohort size: 50 students/ session
Dates: Session A: June 15 – 26 | Session B: July 6 – 17
Application deadline: February 20; applications open on December 15.
Eligibility: U.S. high school students, ages 14 and up; preference given to students with strong math/programming skills or experience with a healthcare project.
The AIMI Summer Research Internship gives you the opportunity to explore both the technical and clinical sides of AI in healthcare under the guidance of Stanford students and researchers. Over two weeks, you will attend lectures covering the basics of AI in healthcare and learn about how AI research in medicine can benefit the public and promote health equity. You will also participate in mentored activities led by Stanford Student Leads and researchers, as well as hands-on group research projects. Additionally, the program features "Meet the Expert" sessions where you will hear from professionals in academia, industry, non-profits, and government. At the end of two weeks, you will receive a Certificate of Completion.