15 AI Internships in New York for High School Students
As a high school student, participating in an internship can help you build a stronger resume, develop practical skills, and gain firsthand experience in fields you may want to study or pursue professionally. They also allow you to explore career interests early while strengthening college applications through project work, research, and industry exposure. If you’re specifically interested in a field like artificial intelligence, internships can provide experience with coding, machine learning concepts, research methods, and real-world applications of AI technologies. These opportunities also help you understand how AI is used across industries such as healthcare, cybersecurity, data science, and engineering.
If you’re looking for virtual AI internships, check out our blog here. For those interested in summer-specific programs, check out the list here.
Why should you do an Artificial Intelligence internship in high school?
AI internships can help you build technical and analytical skills while introducing you to areas such as machine learning, data science, robotics, and computer vision. Many programs also provide experience with coding languages like Python, collaborative research, and project-based learning that mirrors real-world AI workflows. These experiences can also strengthen college applications by demonstrating initiative, academic curiosity, and sustained interest in a fast-growing field. In addition, they often provide mentorship opportunities and exposure to professionals working in technology, research, healthcare, and engineering industries where AI is increasingly being applied.
To make your search easier, here are 15 AI internships for high school students in New York.
Key takeaways
This list covers 15 AI-focused programs and internships connected to New York, spanning nonprofit tech accelerators, university research labs, and a federal research lab, with standout hosts including NYU, Columbia, Stony Brook University, and the Air Force Research Laboratory.
Cost varies dramatically here: a few university-run programs charge fees well into the thousands of dollars, while others, including Ladder, the federal research lab program, and Girls Who Code, are free or even paid.
Several of the NYC-specific programs on this list require current enrollment at a New York City school or NYC residency rather than statewide eligibility, so it's worth checking that detail closely if you're elsewhere in New York.
A handful of these run fully virtually and are open regardless of location, including Ladder and two Stanford-affiliated programs, while most others require being in or near New York City for the program itself.
The earliest deadline lands in early January for a federal research lab program, with several others clustering into February, so it's worth building a target list and applying before winter break ends.
1. TECH360
Location: America on Tech in New York City
Cost/Stipend: Free; $500
Application Deadline: May 24 (final)
Dates: Cycle 1: June 29 – July 16; Cycle 2: July 27 – August 13
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors currently attending a high school in New York City (all boroughs)
TECH360: Intro to AI is a program offered by AOT that introduces you to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and its applications in real-world settings. As a participant, you’ll explore core ideas from data science and machine learning to understand how generative and predictive AI systems operate. You’ll also examine the opportunities, limitations, and ethical considerations linked to the use of AI technologies. You’ll learn how AI tools can be applied responsibly and effectively in different practical contexts. The program concludes with a group project where you’ll design and pitch an AI-based solution to mock clients, with selected teams presenting at Future Innovators Night.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies (full financial aid available); Unpaid
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective virtual internship program designed for high school students interested in gaining professional experience with start-up companies. As a participant, you will be matched with a high-growth startup operating in fields such as AI/ML, deep tech, health tech, consulting, journalism, marketing, and other industries. During the approximately eight-week program, you will work closely with startup managers on real-world projects and contribute to company initiatives. Participating startups are typically early-stage companies that have raised significant funding and operate in fast-growing sectors. The program concludes with you presenting your project work and outcomes to the company team. Apply now!
3. Tech Flex Leaders
Location: America on Tech in New York City
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid (amount is not specified)
Application Deadline: Rolling; Varies by cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts in the fall, spring, and summer
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors attending a public or charter school in New York City (all boroughs)
Tech Flex Leaders (TFL) is an out-of-school program that gives you the chance to take part in weekly technical training sessions led by industry professionals, including introductions to artificial intelligence concepts and tools. You’ll attend professional development workshops that focus on identity, leadership, and preparing for careers in technology. You’ll also participate in career days and mentorship opportunities with professionals working across tech fields, including AI-related roles. You choose from tracks such as web development, digital marketing, data science, UX design, or product management. You’ll gain familiarity with tools, frameworks, and concepts used to build websites and other technology-based solutions.
4. NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; $2,000
Application Deadline: February 27
Dates: June 1 – August 14
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are full-time NYC residents attending school in NYC
NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) is a free 10-week summer program supported by the Pinkerton Foundation that combines structured training with research experience. As a participant, you’ll spend the first four weeks developing safety awareness, college-level writing skills, and foundational research techniques. You’ll then work for six weeks in one of over 80 NYU research labs alongside faculty and research teams, accumulating around 150 hours of lab experience and contributing to ongoing scientific projects. You’ll end the program by presenting your work at a Colloquium and later at a Poster Symposium at the American Museum of Natural History.
5. NYU’s Machine Learning
Location: NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $3,180; Unpaid
Application Deadline: April 17; May 1
Dates: Session 1: June 15 – 27; Session 2: July 6 – 17; Session 3: July 20 – 31
Eligibility: 9th-12th graders with precalculus and programming experience
The Machine Learning course at NYU provides an introduction to the technical foundations of AI, including computer science concepts, mathematical reasoning, and data analysis methods. You’ll examine how machine learning supports technologies such as voice assistants, self-driving systems, and medical diagnostics and participate in hands-on programming exercises to apply machine learning techniques. You’ll use data analysis tools to interpret datasets and build structured solutions and explore real-world applications that demonstrate how machine learning operates across industries. You’ll also practice problem-solving through project-based work and presentations.
6. NYU’s IDEA
Location: NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Costs based on partnership package; Unpaid
Application Deadline: TBA
Dates: 2 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: Current 9th to graduating 12th graders (16+)
The IDEA program at NYU focuses on combining entrepreneurship with artificial intelligence to explore innovation in public service contexts. You’ll learn core AI concepts and examine their practical applications through case studies and research. You’ll also evaluate contemporary businesses to identify areas where AI-driven solutions can be applied. Aside from this, you will collaborate on team projects that involve designing and developing AI-based products and move through stages of ideation, analysis, and implementation during project development. You’ll also take part in organized college visits to selected universities in the Northeast.
7. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid (amount is not specified)
Application Deadline: February 5
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Eligibility: Current 11th graders (16+) who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents
At Stony Brook University, the Simons Summer Research Program places high school students into active research groups under faculty mentorship across fields that include AI. As a participant, you’ll work on an individual research project while participating in a university research environment alongside faculty and research teams. The program includes weekly faculty research talks, workshops, campus tours, and academic events connected to the research experience. You’ll also learn research techniques commonly used in university settings and complete the program by preparing a written research abstract and research poster. By the end of the program, you’ll present your work at a closing poster symposium and receive a stipend award.
8. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Multiple locations across the country, including Rome Laboratory, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid (amount varies by site and education level; see specifics here)
Application Deadline: January 10
Dates: Varies for each internship; A minimum commitment of 8 weeks is required
Eligibility: High school students (16+) who are U.S. citizens; A GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is encouraged; More info here
The Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program offers paid research internships for STEM students, including upper-level high school students interested in research areas connected to AI and machine learning. As a participant, you’ll work alongside AFRL scientists and engineers on research-based technology projects in laboratory and research settings. Some projects explore AI/ML applications in geophysical signal processing, including seismic source estimation and moment tensor inversion workflows. The program allows you to contribute to active research while gaining exposure to scientific problem-solving methods and advanced technologies.
9. Cyber Security for Computer Science
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: May 15
Dates: July 13 – August 7
Eligibility: Current 10th-11th graders residing in NYC and specific New Jersey Nassau counties
The Cyber Security for Computer Science (CS4CS) program introduces you to cybersecurity through practical training, research activities, and hands-on technical challenges. During the program, you’ll participate in Capture The Flag competitions and work through security-focused exercises designed around real cybersecurity scenarios. The program also includes learning areas such as cryptography, scripting, automation, and digital forensics within applied cybersecurity settings. You’ll conduct research projects and gain experience presenting work in academic or conference-style environments. Additional program activities include communication workshops, mentorship opportunities, and case-driven security learning exercises.
10. Columbia University Pre-College Programs: Data Science and Machine Learning 1
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY + Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies (financial aid offered); Unpaid
Application Deadline: See here for deadline information
Dates: Virtual: July 6 – 17, July 20 – 31; In-person: June 29 – July 17, July 21 – August 7
Eligibility: Rising 9th graders to current 12th graders (domestic and international); NYC Residential Summer program is open to students who are 15 years of age or older
The Data Science and Machine Learning 1 program at Columbia University introduces you to the core ideas behind data science, machine learning, and their real-world applications. You’ll explore how these disciplines work together to support decision-making, technology systems, and modern digital tools. The course includes introductory Python coding exercises and instruction on commonly used machine learning algorithms. You’ll also learn approaches for analyzing and presenting data responsibly and effectively. By the end of the course, you will have gained foundational experience that supports more advanced work in data science and machine learning.
11. Kode With Klossy
Location: Virtual + In-person sessions across the U.S., including in New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: August 3 – 14
Eligibility: Students who identify as young women and gender expansive, ages 13-18
The coding camps offered by Kode With Klossy provide you with two weeks of intensive technical learning in AI, data science, or web development. You’ll participate in hands-on projects while building foundational programming and computational skills. The AI and machine learning curriculum includes Python programming, chatbot training, algorithms, datasets, and natural language processing concepts. In the data science track, you will use SQL, Python, and visualization tools to analyze and present data-driven insights. The web development curriculum covers JavaScript, HTML, CSS, responsive design, accessibility, and user interface principles.
12. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $1,299 + $25 application fee (financial aid offered); Unpaid
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application Deadline: December 8 – February 15
Eligibility: High school students who are 15 years or older (remote internships)
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University provides you with hands-on research experience through faculty-guided STEM projects. You’ll collaborate one-on-one with researchers while working with scientific technologies, modeling systems, and laboratory methods. The program includes research opportunities in machine learning, cybersecurity, data science for social good, infectious disease research, environmental studies, and more. You’ll participate in experimental or computational work involving analysis, simulations, modeling, or laboratory investigation. You’ll also get to present your research findings or contribute to publication-related work.
13. Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging’s Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $2,400 + $45 application fee (financial aid offered); Unpaid
Application Deadline: December 15 – February 20
Dates: Session A: June 15 – 26; Session B: July 6 – 17
Eligibility: High school students (14+) who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or individuals on a valid visa
Through the AIMI Summer Research Internship at Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging, you will explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare in a virtual research-focused environment. You’ll attend technical lectures on machine learning, healthcare AI, medical imaging, datasets, and responsible AI practices delivered by Stanford researchers and clinicians. The program places you into small research teams guided by mentors and Stanford student leads, where you’ll work on focused health AI projects involving research discussions, data analysis, and collaborative problem-solving activities. The internship also includes a speaker series featuring professionals from academia, healthcare, industry, nonprofits, and government organizations.
14. Girls Who Code Pathways
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Fall: July 10 (early), August 26 (general)
Dates: October 19 – December 4
Eligibility: 9th-12th graders who identify as girls or non-binary
The Girls Who Code Pathways program combines technical learning tracks with project-based activities across several computing fields. You’ll work on real-world projects related to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, game design, and web development. You’ll also participate in a virtual Discord community that supports collaboration and interaction with peers and program advisors. The program includes optional workshops, corporate partner events, and career panels focused on emerging technologies and technology careers. Learning experiences are centered around practical application and virtual community participation.
15. Stanford AI4ALL Online
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $4,120 (financial aid offered); Unpaid
Application Deadline: February 6
Dates: June 15 – 26
Eligibility: 9th graders (ages 14-16)
Stanford AI4ALL is a two-week program where students explore artificial intelligence through lectures, research projects, and mentorship activities. You’ll attend sessions led by Stanford faculty covering AI, computer science, and related STEM fields while learning about real-world AI applications. The program includes small-group research projects supervised by graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. The research topics focus on societal challenges such as poverty, disaster response, medicine, and computer vision systems. You’ll also present the outcomes of your research projects at the conclusion of the program.
Questions students often ask about these internships
1. Do I need coding experience already to apply to these AI internships?
Not for most of them. Several programs on this list are designed to teach foundational AI and coding concepts from scratch, so no background is required going in. A few of the more advanced research-based options do expect some prior programming or math coursework, so check eligibility closely.
2. Some of these programs charge a fee of a few thousand dollars. Are they worth that cost?
It depends on what you're looking for. Fee-based programs tend to include structured university-level instruction, faculty access, and a stronger academic credential to point to later. If cost is a barrier, several other options on this list are free or even paid, so it's worth comparing before committing to an expensive one.
3. Do I need to live in New York City specifically, or is anywhere in New York State fine?
It depends on the program. A few require current NYC school enrollment or residency specifically, while others are open to students from anywhere in the state or even nationally if they're virtual. Double-check the eligibility section before ruling a program in or out.