12 Engineering Summer Internships for High School Students in California
If you are a high school student interested in engineering, attending an internship during the summer can be beneficial. During the summer, engineering internships allow you to work alongside engineers or researchers, giving you exposure to skills, including design thinking, coding, prototyping, and access to mentorship, to help you build industry connections and help build your profile.
California offers a vibrant environment for engineering summer internships for high school students. With its numerous universities, technology firms, research labs, and startup culture, you have access to cutting-edge facilities and mentorship opportunities. Whether you’re based in California or travelling from out of state, these programs give you the chance to explore engineering disciplines, from mechanical and electrical engineering to robotics and software.
Below, we’ve narrowed down our list to 12 engineering summer internships for high school students in California.
If you are interested in summer research programs in California, check out our blog here.
1. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Edwards Air Force Base, California
Stipend: $492.40 per week for high school students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; limited number of placements available each year
Dates: Summer (10 weeks: late May/early June – August); additional 16-week Fall and Spring cohorts available
Application Deadline: January (applications open annually in fall)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens aged 16 or older with a minimum 3.0 GPA; must be full-time high school students available to work 40 hours per week on-site
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program offers motivated high school students a rare opportunity to contribute to real aerospace and engineering research at Edwards Air Force Base. As a participant, you will collaborate with AFRL scientists and engineers on innovative projects that involve aerospace systems, mechanical design, and advanced technologies, such as electromagnetic structures and navigation systems. The program provides a professional research environment that blends technical training with mentorship from industry experts. You will gain experience in lab settings, engage in problem-solving for national defence challenges, and explore applications of science and engineering in aerospace innovation. This paid internship not only strengthens your technical skills but also prepares you for future careers in STEM by immersing you in cutting-edge research that directly supports the mission of the U.S. Air Force.
2. Veritas AI – AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small mentor-led cohorts for personalised guidance
Dates: Varies by cohort – Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: Applicants should have completed the Veritas AI Scholars program or demonstrate prior experience with Python and AI concepts
The Veritas AI Fellowship offers high school students the opportunity to conduct independent research in artificial intelligence under personalised mentorship from AI professionals and researchers. Over approximately 15 weeks, you will develop and execute projects that combine AI with other fields such as healthcare, finance, or environmental science, gaining experience in machine learning, data analysis, and model development. The program emphasises project-based learning, allowing you to design original AI applications and present your results in a professional showcase. Fellows also receive guidance on publishing their work, preparing research papers, and presenting at academic conferences.
3. SF YouthWorks – City Government Internship Program
Location: Various San Francisco City Departments, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Paid – $19.18 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified (selective; varies by department availability)
Dates: Summer session runs mid-June through August (school-year session also available)
Application Deadline: Opens in spring for the summer program; check website for updates
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders or recent graduates who live in or attend school in San Francisco; must obtain a work permit
The SF YouthWorks Internship Program provides high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates with paid, hands-on work experience in San Francisco’s city government departments. You will be placed in offices such as the Public Utilities Commission, the Department of Technology, and SF International Airport, where you will assist professionals in public service, engineering, and infrastructure management. The program includes job readiness workshops, mentorship from city employees, and leadership opportunities through the Youth Leadership Team (YLT). This internship helps you build professional confidence, explore community-oriented engineering and public service pathways, and prepare for future college and career goals.
4. Ladder Internships – Engineering & Technology Track
Location: Remote (virtual; open to students worldwide)
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small mentor-led teams across multiple start-ups
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year – Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter (8–12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, or gap year students able to commit 10–20 hours per week
The Ladder Internships Engineering & Technology Track allows motivated students to gain hands-on experience by working directly with high-growth start-ups. You will be matched with companies across diverse sectors, including engineering, deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, and product development, and collaborate on real-world projects that drive innovation. Throughout the internship, you will receive guidance from experienced mentors and project managers, culminating in a professional presentation of your work to company leadership. The fully remote program emphasises skill-building in research, teamwork, and professional communication while giving you exposure to the fast-paced world of modern engineering and technology startups.
5. Project Pull – City and County of San Francisco Summer Internship
Location: Various City and County of San Francisco Departments
Cost/Stipend: Paid summer internship (hourly wage provided)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; includes high school and college students from across San Francisco
Dates: Summer (June – August)
Application Deadline: Typically opens in late winter or early spring; check website for updated dates
Eligibility: High school or college students who live in or attend school in San Francisco; applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply
Through the Project Pull Summer Internship, you will have the opportunity to gain professional experience in the City and County of San Francisco while exploring careers in STEAM fields such as architecture, business, and engineering. As an intern, you will be placed in a city department where you will work under the guidance of experienced mentors on projects that support San Francisco’s infrastructure and community development. The program emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and civic responsibility, allowing you to strengthen both your technical and interpersonal skills. In addition to hands-on work, you will participate in enrichment workshops designed to prepare you for college and future professional settings. Project Pull offers a structured and meaningful introduction to public service, providing you with the opportunity to contribute to your city while developing valuable engineering and professional competencies.
6. Youth Summer Internship Program (YSIP)
Location: City of South San Francisco Departments (on-site, remote, and hybrid placements available)
Cost/Stipend: Paid – $19 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; selective within the city’s student applicant pool
Dates: June – August (8 weeks total, including one week of paid training)
Application Deadline: Typically due in April; exact date announced each spring
Eligibility: High school students ages 15–18 who live in or attend school in South San Francisco; no prior work experience required
The Youth Summer Internship Program (YSIP) is the official summer internship initiative of the City of South San Francisco, offering students exposure to municipal operations and community service. As a participant, you will begin with a week of paid virtual training before starting a seven-week internship in one of several city departments, such as Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Information Technology, or City Hall Administration. You will work 20–25 hours per week, performing a range of tasks including light technical work, special projects, clerical duties, and research. The program provides both professional mentorship and structured learning opportunities to help you develop essential workplace and communication skills. Upon completion, you will receive assistance in securing additional internships or part-time positions, along with access to professional references and recommendation letters to support your future endeavours.
7. Science Internship Program (SIP)
Location: University of California, Santa Cruz (1 week online + 7 weeks in-person)
Cost/Stipend: Program fee required; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically accepts a few hundred students nationwide
Dates: Mid-June – Early August (8 weeks total, including one virtual research week)
Application Deadline: Opens in January
Eligibility: High school students with a strong academic record and interest in science, engineering, social sciences, or related disciplines
The Science Internship Program (SIP) at UC Santa Cruz offers high school students the opportunity to conduct authentic, open-ended research under the mentorship of UCSC faculty, graduate students, and researchers. During the first week, you will begin your project remotely, followed by seven weeks of in-person research on campus. You will work on real projects in fields such as engineering, computer science, biology, physics, astronomy, and even interdisciplinary areas like art and social sciences. You will gain experience in scientific inquiry, data analysis, and academic presentation, culminating in a professional research symposium where you present your findings to peers and mentors. The program also emphasises equity and inclusion through its Creating Equity in STEAM (CrEST) initiative, ensuring that students from all backgrounds have access to high-level research experiences. SIP provides an unparalleled introduction to academic research and a unique opportunity to contribute to ongoing university projects while developing the skills necessary for success in college and beyond.
8. Stanford Summer Humanities and Technology Internship (SHTEM)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA (in-person; housing not provided)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; limited commuting stipends available for select students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; small cohort based on project availability
Dates: June – August (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: Opens in November; decisions released in March
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors (11th–12th grade) who are at least 14 years old by the program start date; all eligibility requirements must be met
The Stanford Summer Humanities and Technology Internship (SHTEM), hosted by the Stanford Compression Forum, offers high school students an opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research that bridges engineering, technology, and the humanities. During the eight-week program, you will collaborate on multifaceted projects mentored by Stanford faculty, students, and staff. Projects may explore topics across computer science, psychology, design, linguistics, and neuroscience, emphasising how human creativity and ethics intersect with technological innovation. The program’s goal is to give you early exposure to university-level research while demonstrating how engineering and the humanities complement each other in solving complex real-world problems. Although the internship is unpaid, SHTEM provides a rich academic experience that builds research, collaboration, and analytical skills in a world-class university environment.
9. San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) – Summer Internships with Industry Partners
Location: Various industry partner sites across San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (students work a minimum of 20 hours per week)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; priority given to rising seniors (11th graders)
Dates: Summer (six-week session; exact dates announced each spring)
Application Deadline: Opens in February; deadline typically in April
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors enrolled in SFUSD; priority for rising seniors
Through the SFUSD Summer Internships with Industry Partners, you will have the opportunity to gain experience in a professional setting while exploring potential career paths. Internships are available in diverse fields, including engineering, computer science, architecture, environmental science, and project management, allowing you to apply classroom learning to real-world projects. During the six-week program, you will work alongside industry mentors for at least 20 hours per week, developing essential workplace skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. You will also participate in weekly Work-Based Learning seminars led by your SFUSD supervisor, designed to help you reflect on your experience and prepare for college and future employment. This program provides an excellent opportunity to explore engineering and other technical careers while earning a paycheck and building a professional network in your community.
10. Lockheed Martin Space High School Internship Program
Location: Multiple U.S. sites, including Sunnyvale, CA; Denver, CO; Cape Canaveral, FL; King of Prussia, PA; Huntsville, AL; and Herndon, VA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (hourly rate varies by site and role)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; limited positions at each location
Dates: June – August (9+ weeks)
Application Deadline: Opens November 3; closes December 19; interview notifications sent in January
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old at the start of the internship, currently enrolled in high school, and live within commuting distance of a participating Lockheed Martin Space facility. High school seniors graduating in May are ineligible.
The Lockheed Martin Space High School Internship Program provides an opportunity for high school students to gain exposure to aerospace engineering, defence technology, and applied research. Over the course of nine or more weeks, you will work alongside experienced engineers and scientists on real-world projects that contribute to national security and space exploration. The program emphasises learning, professional development, and mentorship through structured activities such as leader shadowing, networking events, and technical workshops. You will also have the chance to tour advanced facilities, engage in community service initiatives, and learn about cutting-edge aerospace systems. Designed for driven and imaginative students passionate about STEM, this internship prepares you to apply classroom concepts to complex engineering challenges while gaining valuable insight into one of the world’s most advanced technology organisations.
11. Summer Engineering Seminar (SES)
Location: Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; limited spaces available each year
Dates: July (five-day residential program; multiple sessions offered)
Application Deadline: March 31 (applications open in early December)
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors who have completed their sophomore or junior year by July 1; priority given to students with limited prior exposure to engineering opportunities, first-generation college students, and those from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM
The Summer Engineering Seminar (SES) at Santa Clara University is a prestigious, five-day residential program designed to introduce high school students to the field of engineering through immersive, hands-on learning experiences. During the program, you will participate in introductory workshops across multiple disciplines, including bioengineering, civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, all led by university faculty. You will also complete small-scale engineering projects, attend lectures, and experience campus life by living in university residence halls. Beyond academics, SES emphasises leadership, collaboration, and service, reflecting Santa Clara’s Jesuit mission to use engineering for social good. The program is entirely free for accepted students, thanks to support from corporate sponsors and foundations, and provides a rare opportunity to explore engineering in the heart of Silicon Valley alongside peers and mentors passionate about innovation and impact.
12. Meta Summer Academy
Location: Meta Headquarters, Menlo Park, California
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (30 hours per week)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; limited cohort of local high school students
Dates: June 16 – July 25 (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: Opens December 1; closes February 14 (letters of recommendation and transcripts due by the same date)
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores with a minimum 2.0 GPA; must be full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City
The Meta Summer Academy gives high school students a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of one of the world’s most influential technology companies. As a participant, you will spend six weeks at Meta’s headquarters, gaining exposure to coding, business operations, and professional skill development. You will work 30 hours per week alongside Meta employees, learning about the tech industry through workshops, team projects, and mentorship sessions. The program is designed to empower local students to build both technical and soft skills that prepare them for future academic and professional success. Meta Summer Academy has helped hundreds of students from nearby communities explore early-career pathways in technology, providing a valuable stepping stone for those interested in software engineering, design, and digital innovation.
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