8 Computer Science Internships for High School Students in Texas
If you are a high school student interested in computer science, an internship can help you explore how technical skills are applied outside of a classroom setting. Depending on the opportunity, you may contribute to research projects, analyze data, develop software, explore cybersecurity, or work with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. These experiences can help you build technical skills, gain exposure to professional environments, and better understand potential pathways within computer science.
Why should you pursue a computer science internship in Texas?
Texas is home to organizations such as NASA, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas Tech University, and a growing network of research labs and technology-focused institutions that offer internships for high school students. Through these opportunities, you may work with scientific datasets, contribute to research projects, explore software development, or learn how computing is used in fields ranging from aerospace and engineering to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
Securing an internship in high school can be challenging, but to help you get started, we have put together a list of 8 computer science internships for high school students in Texas!
Key Takeaways
Best free options with stipend: Clark Scholars ($750), SEES at UT Austin (housing + meals included), AEOP, AFRL Scholars ($506/week)
Best virtual options: Veritas AI Fellowship (year-round, rolling deadlines), Ladder Internships (start-up focused, multiple cohorts)
Earliest deadlines: AFRL Scholars (January 10), Clark Scholars (February 16), SEES (February 22) — start preparing in December
Only program offering college credit: UT High School Research Academy (NSC309 extension credit); also the only paid program ($3,500) with need-based aid available
1. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University
Cost: Free. Students will receive a $750 stipend
Internship dates: June 21 to August 6
Application deadline: February 16
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents, ages 17+, graduating in the current or following year
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas A&M University stands out for its comprehensive approach to academic exploration and research. Participants in this Program engage in a wide range of coursework spanning different fields, fostering a well-rounded academic experience. Students are made to explore research projects under the guidance of experienced faculty mentors. The research projects in computer science cover a wide range of topics, including Virtual and Augmented Reality, Big Data Visualization and Visual Analytics, and Human-Computer Interaction. As part of their research journey, you will be expected to create a final presentation of your findings. It's an opportunity for you to showcase your hard work and contributions to your field of research, providing a platform for feedback and discussion with peers and faculty. Students who thrive in a rigorous academic environment and are curious about the practical applications of computer science will find this program rewarding.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual.
Cost: Varies by program type. Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year
Internship Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. These internships are also open to undergraduates and gap-year students! Apply here
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships span a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech to AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are, on average, high-growth companies that raise over a million dollars. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
3. STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer High School Intern Program
Location: Hybrid; distance learning (May – July 3); on-site at UT Center for Space Research, Austin, TX (July 5 – July 18)
Cost: Free; housing, meals, and local transportation provided; limited travel scholarships available
Application Deadline: February 22
Internship Dates: Distance learning: May – July 3; on-site: July 5 – July 18; Virtual Science Symposium: July 20 – 21
Eligibility: U.S. citizens currently in 10th or 11th grade, ages 16+ by July 5; students who have previously participated are not eligible
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer High School Intern Program, a collaboration between NASA and the University of Texas at Austin Center for Space Research, provides you with an opportunity to delve into how computer science can be applied to space research, giving you exposure to cutting-edge scientific inquiries and methodologies. Interns in the SEES program engage in a rigorous exploration of NASA satellite data, working alongside scientists and engineers in their chosen fields. The scope of research at UT/CSR is vast, encompassing areas such as astronomy, remote sensing, and space geodetic techniques. Students will learn to interpret and analyze complex datasets, a skill highly relevant and in demand in the field of computer science. One of the core experiences for interns is working with NASA remote sensing data and mission design, including analyzing phenomena such as ice sheets and Earth's gravity field. The final outcome of the SEES program typically involves a presentation or a project that showcases the intern's findings and contributions.
4. Veritas AI Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Rolling. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Program Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students passionate about AI with a supportive environment to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI Scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. The AI Fellowship program will allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest.
5. Sandia Internships
Location: Varies depending on internship
Cost: Stipend paid
Application Deadline: Rolling
Internship Dates: Vary depending on the internship
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled full-time in a high school, at least 16 years old, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Sandia National Laboratories is a great opportunity for you if you are interested in computer science and related fields. This program annually welcomes students from across the country, ranging from those in their final years of high school to doctoral researchers, to work in a variety of technical and business positions. Interns at Sandia are involved in many research areas, which can be experienced through technical institutes encompassing a wide range of disciplines. These include cybersecurity, energy security, engineering design, and software development. This variety ensures that students can find projects that align closely with their interests and skills. In addition to project work, the internship experience at Sandia is enhanced by professional development and social activities.
6. Army Educational Outreach Program
Location: Varies
Cost: Free, Stipend Provided
Application Deadline: March
Internship Dates: Varies between June and August
Eligibility: U.S. high school students may apply, though some locations have specific age and grade requirements. Some locations also target participants from underrepresented or military-connected families.
The Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) is a great fit if you are interested in computer science and other STEM fields. This program is a unique opportunity for you to spend your summer engaged in meaningful research and innovation, preparing you for competitive college admissions and advancing your STEM journey. As an AEOP intern, students have the chance to work in a university research lab or in one of the U.S. Army Research Laboratories and Centers. You will be working on projects that may involve software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, or other areas relevant to the Army's technological needs. You will receive formal mentorship from professional scientists or engineers. The final outcome of the AEOP High School Internship typically includes a presentation or report summarizing your research and findings.
7. Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program
Location: In-Person (Various locations across the US)
Cost: Free with a weekly stipend of $506.48
Program dates: June - August
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 16 years old, U.S. citizens with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and available for full-time (40 hours per week) summer internship positions.
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program is a great opportunity for you if you are interested in computer science and other STEM fields. As part of the AFRL Scholars Program, high school interns have the opportunity to work hands-on with full-time AFRL scientists and engineers. You will be expected to actively contribute to these research-based projects, applying your knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios. The projects can span a wide range of computer science areas, including cybersecurity, software development, and artificial intelligence. The final outcome of the internship often involves a presentation or report in which interns showcase their contributions and findings. The AFRL Scholars Program is an excellent fit for high school students at an advanced level in STEM education, particularly those with a strong interest in computer science. It's well-suited for students eager to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting, who enjoy problem-solving, and who are interested in exploring a career in research or technology development.
8. UT High School Research Academy
Location: UT Austin
Cost: $3500, Need-based stipend available
Application Deadline: March
Internship Dates: June 10 - July 17
Eligibility: A Texas resident, 15 years or older by June 1, 2024, Either rising sophomore, junior, or senior for the upcoming 2024-25 academic year. Preference is for rising juniors or seniors.
The UT High School Research Academy (HSRA) offers you the chance to engage in real research projects in the active laboratories of the College of Natural Sciences (CNS). This setting provides students with a comprehensive view of various scientific fields, including biochemistry, biology, environmental science, and more.
During the five-week program, HSRA participants are actively involved in authentic research experiences in a UT laboratory. Students are expected to engage in the actual research process, which can include data collection and analysis, experimentation, and problem-solving.
One unique aspect of the program is that you can earn NSC309 UT extension course credit, which can be beneficial for college applications. Additionally, you will receive an HSRA t-shirt and take part in Wednesday Seminars hosted by UT guest speakers. The culmination of the program is the HSRA Research Symposium, where students present their summer research findings. Each participant creates and showcases a printed poster summarizing their research work and productivity.