12 Paid AI Internships for High School Students
If you are a high school student interested in artificial intelligence, a paid internship can be a strong way to explore the field in more depth. These opportunities allow you to apply concepts such as coding, data analysis, and machine learning while working with experienced researchers and engineers. You may contribute to projects by building simple AI tools, analyzing datasets, or supporting ongoing research while gaining exposure to professional environments. In addition, receiving a stipend makes these opportunities more accessible and reflects the level of responsibility expected from your work.
What are the benefits of an AI internship?
AI internships give you exposure to how artificial intelligence is applied across different fields beyond standard coursework. During an internship, you may work on training machine learning models, building data visualizations, or contributing to early-stage software development. You can also take part in mentorship, workshops, and collaborative projects that help you understand how AI systems are developed and used in professional settings.
To help you get started, we’ve put together 12 paid AI internships for high school students that offer structured learning opportunities.
If you’re looking for online STEM research programs, check out our blog here.
1. SEAP High School Internships
Location: Various U.S. Army research labs & university partners (USA)
Cost/Stipend: Paid stipend | varies depending on the site | travel/housing usually not included
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive with ~300 interns annually
Dates: 8 - 10 weeks, June - August
Application Deadline: Rolling/varies depending on the location
Eligibility: Current high school students/U.S. citizens or permanent residents | must be 16+ years old
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP), supported by the U.S. Department of Defense, places high school students in research labs where they work alongside scientists and engineers. Projects may involve programming, AI modeling, or data analysis conducted in professional laboratory environments with advanced equipment. During the internship, students learn research methodologies, experiment design, and computational problem-solving across STEM disciplines. Immersive AI exposure may be lab-dependent, and participants must thoroughly research the offered course pathways before enrolling. The program also includes professional development sessions focused on resume-building skills. Many participants collaborate with research teams and present their findings to peers and mentors, gaining exposure to real-world STEM research.
2. NASA OSTEM Internship
Location: Virtual or NASA centers across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Paid based on academic level & duration
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely competitive
Dates: Multiple sessions in spring, summer, and fall
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the session
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years old or above | U.S. citizens | GPA of 3.0+
The NASA Office of STEM Engagement Internship, offered by NASA, immerses students in space technology and computational research projects across subjects such as aerospace, biology, earth science, administration, AI/Data science, and more. In AI-related tracks, interns often contribute to data science, simulation coding, and AI projects. Many interns also attend career webinars and technical talks to broaden their industry insights. Participants also contribute to real missions and build software tools and analytical models used by engineers and scientists. The program includes mentorship from experts and exposure to cutting-edge scientific workflows.
3. Microsoft Discovery Program
Location: Redmond, WA, or Atlanta, GA, Clayton County, Douglas County, U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Paid wage
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: July (4-week session)
Application Deadline: Typically late February
Eligibility: High school seniors within 50 miles of the site | age 16+ years | legal U.S. work status | must be a college freshman (enrolled/accepted), and must have completed pre-calculus
The Microsoft Discovery Program places interns in small cross-functional teams, exposing them to a real technical environment while tackling product-related challenges spanning software development, UX design, and machine learning fundamentals. You’ll receive mentorship from Microsoft engineers and participate in guided workshops covering AI concepts and product strategy as peripheral components during the course of the internship. Teams also design, build, and demonstrate project prototypes for internal reviewers. Collaborative design sessions and technical reviews help you gain experience in both coding skills and agile team dynamics. Alongside project work, the program includes professional networking and opportunities to explore Microsoft workplace environments.
4. Science & Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: U.S. Navy labs nationwide
Cost/Stipend: ~$4,000 - $4,500 in total
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive | approximately 250 - 270 students across 25+ Department of the Navy labs selected
Dates: About 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: U.S. high school students, grades 10 –12, aged 16+ years
The SEAP connects high school students with engineers working on advanced technologies, including materials science, chemistry, physics, oceanography, engineering, robotics, and cybersecurity. Each student is paired with a project aligned with their interests, and participates in daily hands-on tasks. Interns gain skills in scientific and technical writing, computational modeling, and laboratory instrumentation, depending on the labs they get placed in. Mentors guide interns through independent analysis and design reviews throughout the summer. Interns also participate in seminar series and group discussions with peers across disciplines. Field insights and peer collaboration prepare students for college STEM pathways.
5. NYU Tandon ARISE
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA
Cost/Stipend: About $750 as a stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective | about 65 students
Dates: Early June - Early August
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: NYC high school students in grades 10 - 11
NYU Tandon ARISE places high school students in active university laboratories under the mentorship of faculty members and graduate student mentors. Participants often work on data-driven projects involving biomedical engineering, civil engineering, statistical modeling, data engineering, or AI applications. The first month of the program prepares students with safety training and research fundamentals, followed by a phase focused on deep project work. Interns deliver presentations of their findings and receive training on scientific communication and research documentation. Field trips and professional sessions further enrich the learning experience.
6. America on Tech TECH360 (AI-Focused)
Location: NYC, LA, Atlanta, Miami (USA)
Cost/Stipend: About $500 stipend upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Approximately June - August
Application Deadline: Approximately November - March (rolling) | check the official AOT site for exact dates
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
This summer bootcamp, offered by America On Tech(AOT), combines programming skills with applied AI concepts. Participants learn coding while exploring how AI systems are designed. Students work in small teams to develop AI-enabled tools and present them to mock clients at the end of the program. Professional mentors provide feedback and coaching on technical implementation and presentation skills, while cohort-based activities emphasize problem-solving and communication.
7. Skillecom AI Internship (India)
Location: Virtual (India), India Only Program
Cost/Stipend: Paid (About ₹5,000/month)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: About 50 openings
Dates: About 3 months
Application Deadline: Check the official site
Eligibility: Students across India with varied backgrounds
Offered by Skillecom (through E-tailed Digital Services), this remote program provides high school students with hands-on experience working with AI-related projects. Interns receive access to a learning management system and guidance from experienced mentors. Students are assigned real AI tasks and encouraged to complete project milestones while strengthening their Python and machine learning skills. Upon successful completion, students receive a verified certificate and an offer letter.
8. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
Cost/Stipend: Free (includes housing, meals, and program activities; $25 application fee and travel not covered) | $750 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: About 12 students selected annually (extremely selective)
Program Dates: June 21 - August 6
Application Deadline: Typically mid–February
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or recent graduates who are at least 17 years old by the program start date and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a highly competitive summer research experience designed for outstanding high school students interested in advanced academic research. Participants work directly with Texas Tech University faculty mentors on an intensive research project across fields such as artificial intelligence, engineering, computer science, and natural sciences. Over seven weeks, scholars gain hands-on research experience, attend weekly seminars, and participate in on-campus social and academic enrichment activities. The program encourages independent thinking, problem-solving, and academic collaboration in a university research environment. Students also learn how to conduct professional research, analyze data, and present findings effectively. At the end of the program, scholars submit a formal research report and present their work. Participants who successfully complete the program receive a $750 stipend, making it both a research opportunity and a paid academic experience.
9. Meta Summer Academy (AI / Tech Program)
Location: Meta offices or virtual (varies depending on the cohort)
Cost/Stipend: Free | participants receive a stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective (limited cohort each year)
Dates: Summer (exact dates announced after acceptance)
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school students (typically juniors) with a strong interest in computer science, artificial intelligence, and technology
Meta Summer Academy is a selective summer program designed to introduce high school students to careers in technology, artificial intelligence, and software engineering. Participants gain exposure to real-world tech environments through mentorship from Meta engineers, hands-on coding workshops, and collaborative project work. Students learn foundational concepts in programming, machine learning, and digital product development while building practical technical skills. The program also includes career talks, networking sessions, and guidance on pursuing STEM education and technology careers. Participants work on projects that simulate real industry challenges and learn how AI technologies are applied in modern digital platforms. Through mentorship and technical training, students gain insight into the professional workflows used by leading technology companies.
10. MIT Lincoln Laboratory Summer High School Internship Program
Location: MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
Cost/Stipend: Free | paid internship experience
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective (limited local cohort)
Dates: Summer (typically June - August; varies each year)
Application Deadline: Not currently accepting applications (program temporarily suspended)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who live and attend school in the New England area
The Summer High School Internship Program at MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides students with early exposure to advanced research careers in STEM fields, including artificial intelligence, robotics, engineering, and data science. Interns are paired with professional scientists and engineers who mentor them through real-world research projects. During the program, students work on technical challenges, analyze data, and develop solutions similar to those used in professional research environments. Interns also gain access to the laboratory’s advanced resources and tools used for scientific innovation. The program emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and technical skill development. Participants develop both technical and professional skills while exploring potential college majors and STEM careers.
11. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Student Internship Program
Location: Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, Idaho, USA
Cost/Stipend: Free | paid internship positions
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies depending on the internship role and department
Dates: Summer internships typically run 10 - 12 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines depending on internship posting
Eligibility: High school seniors or college students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 enrolled full-time at an accredited institution
The Idaho National Laboratory Internship Program offers students the opportunity to work on real-world scientific and technological challenges related to energy, national security, and advanced computing. Interns collaborate with experienced scientists, engineers, and researchers while contributing to projects in fields such as artificial intelligence, computer science, nuclear engineering, and cybersecurity. During the internship, students work closely with mentors to develop project goals, conduct research, and create innovative solutions. Interns also attend professional development seminars, networking events, and technical tours designed to expand their understanding of national laboratory research. Participants complete a final project such as a presentation, research report, or poster showcasing their work. The program provides valuable exposure to large-scale research environments and emerging technologies.
12. Microsoft AI / Research Internship Opportunities
Location: Microsoft offices worldwide (including the U.S., India, and Europe)
Cost/Stipend: Free | paid internship positions with salary or stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive and role-dependent
Dates: Typically 10 - 12 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling applications, depending on internship role
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students studying computer science, AI, data science, or related technical fields
Microsoft offers a variety of internships in artificial intelligence, applied sciences, and software engineering for students interested in working on large-scale technology systems. Interns collaborate with Microsoft researchers and engineers on real-world projects involving machine learning models, data analysis, natural language processing, and cloud computing. Participants gain hands-on experience developing software, training AI models, and solving technical challenges that impact millions of users globally. Interns work within professional engineering teams and contribute to products such as cloud platforms, AI services, and search technologies. The program also includes mentorship, career development workshops, and networking opportunities with technology professionals. Many interns present their work at the end of the program and may receive offers of full-time positions in return.
Looking for an immersive internship experience? Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship program where you work with startups and nonprofits from around the world. The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that addresses a genuine need for the startup they are working with and present their work at the end of their internship. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup. Apply now.
If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
With Veritas AI, which was founded by Harvard graduate students, you can work 1-on-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we have had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. Check out a past student’s experience in the program here. You can apply here!
Image source - NASA Logo