15 AI Internships for High School Students in Connecticut
If you’re a high school student interested in artificial intelligence, applying for an internship in the field can help you explore potential career paths, build technical skills, and gain experience that strengthens your college and job applications. You may have the opportunity to work with universities, research labs, or educational programs where you’ll contribute to projects involving data analysis, machine learning, robotics, and AI-driven problem-solving. Completing an AI-focused program also shows admissions officers and future employers that you have taken steps to apply classroom learning in practical, real-world settings.
What AI internships are available for high school students in Connecticut?
Connecticut offers a range of AI-related opportunities for high school students who want hands-on exposure to technology and research. These internships and work-learn programs allow you to explore areas such as data science, Python programming, biomedical and medical AI, robotics engineering, and interdisciplinary science and technology that integrates computational thinking. You may work on collaborative projects, attend guest lectures from professionals, and present your findings or final work to the broader community.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve narrowed down 15 AI internships for high school students in Connecticut that focus on building practical skills and academic experience.
1. The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Department of the Navy (DoN) laboratories across the U.S., including Connecticut
Stipend: $4,000 for new participants; $4,500 for returning participants
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; Around 300 placements in more than 38 DoN laboratories around the U.S.
Program Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: August 1 – November 1
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, as well as graduating seniors (16+); Must be U.S. citizens (some labs might make exceptions for these criteria, so check individual lab pages here for exceptions and/or additional requirements)
SEAP places you in DoN research laboratories to explore fields such as computer science, engineering, psychology, and data-driven health and performance research. As a participant, you may work on projects that involve machine learning, signal processing, and human systems integration, including tasks like analyzing acoustic data or supporting computational tools used to study undersea environments. Throughout the eight-week internship, you will collaborate with scientists and engineers on guided research projects that connect your academic interests to real Naval research challenges. Your mentors may include professionals in areas such as electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, and data analysis who provide technical guidance and feedback as you develop your project. The experience also includes opportunities to present your work to the surrounding research community.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; Full financial aid available.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 10%; Around 70 available spots
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students that gives you the chance to work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. As an intern, you will work closely with your manager at the startup on real-world projects and present your work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
3. Yale Pathways Research Internships (YPRI)
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Stipend: $2,500
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 29 – August 14
Application Deadline: January – February 24
Eligibility: Public high school students (16+) from the New Haven area (preference given to high school juniors and students with little to no research experience); Required minimum GPA of 3.0; Must be a Yale Pathways to Science Scholar
As part of the YPRI internship, you will work in a host lab, contributing to an ongoing research project under daily supervision from a graduate student or postdoctoral mentor. Lab placements may span fields such as computer science, robotics, computational biology, neuroscience, human genetics, and psychology, where projects can involve computational modeling, data analysis, or algorithm-based approaches to studying human behavior and biological systems. Fridays are dedicated to professional development workshops and group mentorship sessions that complement your project work. Throughout the internship, you will collaborate with researchers, gain hands-on experience in interdisciplinary research environments, and learn how academic research is executed from start to finish. The internship concludes with opportunities to present your work to the Yale research community.
4. UConn School of Computing’s AI Summer Camp
Location: University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort Size: Up to 30 students
Program Dates: July 28 – August 1 (tentative; based on previous years)
Application Deadline: July 18 (tentative; based on previous years)
Eligibility: Students entering grades 8-10
The UConn School of Computing’s AI Summer Camp is a one-week program that offers hands-on exposure to core artificial intelligence concepts and tools. You’ll take part in daily lessons and activities covering machine learning, Python programming, neural networks, large language models, and the ethical and social impacts of AI. You will learn from UConn faculty and PhD student instructors in computer and robotics labs, including guided visits to the university’s Autonomous Driving Lab. The camp emphasizes learning through projects and interactive exercises, such as training simple machine learning models and experimenting with AI systems in supervised settings. You will also participate in group activities and demonstrations that show how AI is applied in real research environments. The program includes direct mentorship from university researchers, making it a practical introduction to AI for students considering future internships or academic pathways in the field.
5. Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics (YSPA)
Location: Yale’s Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium, New Haven, CT (hybrid)
Cost: $7,800; Financial aid offered
Cohort Size: 32 students
Program Dates: June 22 – July 3 (Virtual); July 5 – August 2 (In-person)
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (15.5+)
YSPA offers a research-focused summer program for rising high school seniors interested in astronomy, physics, and data-driven science. During the program, you’ll work in small teams to collect astronomical data using on-site and remote telescopes, then analyze and model that data using Python and scientific computing tools. You’ll apply machine learning and statistical methods to build models that explain real astrophysical phenomena, such as stellar evolution or extra-galactic supernovae light curves. The program includes daily instruction and mentorship from Yale faculty and researchers in observational astronomy, data analysis, and scientific writing. You’ll present your team’s findings as a scientific paper and formal presentation at a mini-conference. The experience also includes observatory public nights and campus-based activities that connect your research with the broader community.
6. UConn Pre-College Summer – Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering
Location: University of Connecticut, Storrs Campus, CT
Cost: $2,350 + $50 application fee; Discounts and scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 21 – 27
Application Deadline: December – June 11 (apply by April 1 to qualify for Early Bird discount)
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-17
During the UConn Pre-College Summer’s Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering course, you’ll work on practical projects that explore how machine learning concepts, such as decision trees, neural networks, and support vector machines, can be applied to analyze biomedical data and support disease detection. You’ll build and train simple AI models using available data, as well as data you will collect through experiments, using a platform that requires no coding. Along the way, you’ll develop skills in data interpretation, algorithmic thinking, and applied problem-solving. The program is taught by UConn faculty and industry professionals, giving you direct exposure to academic mentorship and professional research environments. In addition to project work, you’ll take part in workshops and seminars focused on college readiness, leadership, and career pathways in STEM fields.
7. Yale Summer Sessions – YData: An Introduction to Data Science
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: $5,480
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 29 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 13; Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until May 8 (priority deadline is February 20)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors (16+)
YData: An Introduction to Data Science course offers you the opportunity to gain practical experience in data analysis, programming, and statistical reasoning through a structured, college-level course. You will learn to work with Python to analyze real datasets, create visualizations, and apply computational methods to answer data-driven questions. Throughout the program, you will build foundational skills in machine learning, including classification, regression, and unsupervised learning, as well as explore topics such as large language models and data ethics. You will complete regular homework assignments that emphasize hands-on problem-solving and open-ended analysis similar to research tasks. At the end of the course, you will demonstrate your understanding through cumulative assessments that reflect how data science skills are applied in academic and professional settings.
8. Yale Young Global Scholars – Innovations in Science & Technology
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: $7,000 + $80-95, depending on when you apply; Financial aid and fee waivers available
Acceptance Rate: Around 14%
Program Dates: June 21 – July 3 (Session I); July 5 – 17 (Session II); July 19 – 31 (Session III)
Application Deadline: January 7 (apply before October 15 for reduced application fee)
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors (ages 16-18) fluent in English; If you have participated in YYGS previously, you are not eligible to reapply
Yale Young Global Scholars’ Innovations in Science & Technology track offers a two-week, on-campus academic session for high school students interested in exploring how scientific and technological research is applied to real-world problems. During the program, you’ll participate in lectures and small group seminars that span fields such as robotics, neuroscience, engineering, and data-driven science, along with discussions on emerging topics in AI. You’ll work collaboratively with peers on a capstone project that emphasizes analytical thinking, problem-solving, and clear communication. The program includes interaction with Yale faculty and guest speakers, giving you exposure to academic and professional pathways in STEM.
9. Quinnipiac University’s Data Sciences Lab
Location: Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT
Cost: $3,600 (Residential); $2,600 (Commuter); Discounts and financial aid available
Cohort Size: Up to 30 students
Program Dates: July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: Rolling; Apply before January 15 to qualify for a $100 discount
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18
Quinnipiac University’s Data Sciences Lab is a two-week, on-campus summer program for high school students interested in building practical skills in data analysis, statistics, and introductory machine learning techniques. During the program, you’ll work with real datasets to detect patterns, write basic algorithms, and use tools such as R and data visualization platforms to explore how data informs key decisions in fields like business, healthcare, and technology. You’ll complete a guided machine learning project and present your work during a public poster showcase for family and peers. The program includes guest visits from data scientists, faculty, and alumni who shed light on how they leverage analytics and AI in professional settings. You’ll also take part in discussions on the ethics of data use and AI systems, gaining context for responsible technology development in academic and workplace environments.
10. UConn Pre-College Summer – Robotics Engineering
Location: University of Connecticut, Storrs Campus, CT
Cost: $2,350 + $50 application fee; Discounts and scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 21 – 27
Application Deadline: December – June 11 (apply by April 1 to qualify for Early Bird discount)
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-17
UConn Pre-College Summer program’s Robotics Engineering course offers you the chance to gain practical experience in robotics, automation, and engineering concepts through a combination of interactive lectures and hands-on programming and electronics work. You will learn about robot perception, motion, and control by working alongside instructors and peers to program and automate robots to perform simple tasks. You will also collaborate in group-based sessions that explore areas such as human-robot interaction and the real-world impacts of robotics across industries like manufacturing, service, and defense.
11. Yale Social Robotics Lab High School Internship
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Very competitive
Program Dates: 6 weeks in the summer (June – August)
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old
The Yale Social Robotics Lab High School Internship is a summer, in-person research opportunity for students interested in robotics, computer science, and the study of human social behavior. You may work alongside the lab’s principal investigator, students, and research staff on special projects that involve building and testing computational models and socially interactive robots used to study how people develop and use social skills. The internship includes structured training and orientation, with an emphasis on learning through hands-on application. Your work may involve supporting projects that use computational modeling and data-driven approaches to analyze human-robot interaction and behavioral patterns. The internship requires a commitment of at least six weeks and places you based on your interests, skills, and current lab needs.
12. Stanford AI4ALL Online
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,120; Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: June 15 – 26
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen
Stanford AI4ALL Online offers a two-week virtual program for current 9th graders interested in exploring how artificial intelligence is developed and applied to real-world problems. During the program, you’ll work in small research groups led by graduate student mentors in areas such as computer vision, medical AI, natural language processing, or robotics. You’ll learn how to build and evaluate basic machine learning models, analyze data, and communicate technical findings through a final project presentation. The program includes live lectures with Stanford faculty, industry demos, and guest speaker sessions that introduce you to academic and professional pathways in AI.
13. EDIT AI High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Program Dates: June 13 – August 31 (tentative; subject to change)
Application Deadline: March 1 (tentative; subject to change)
Eligibility: High school students with strong backgrounds in computer science, machine learning, or bioinformatics
The EDIT AI High School Summer Internship Program is a fully remote research internship for students interested in the intersection between artificial intelligence, data science, and biomedical research. During the internship, you will be placed in one of three tracks—Skills, Advanced, or Peer Mentor—based on your experience level. You will work with mentors on projects that involve analyzing medical and biological data using machine learning and programming tools such as Python and R. You may contribute to research focused on areas like cancer detection, gigapixel image analysis, or biomedical text and multi-omics data integration. The program provides access to a high-performance Virtual Student Laboratory, allowing you to train and test models using large, real-world datasets. You will participate in weekly office hours, seminars, and guided project sessions with researchers and clinicians. You will also have opportunities to present your work to research audiences and collaborate with peers across a national, multi-institutional network.
14. Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,400 + $45 application fee; Financial aid available
Cohort Size: 50 students (tentative)
Program Dates: June 15 – 26 (Session 1); July 6 – 17 (Session 2)
Application Deadline: December 15 – February 20
Eligibility: U.S. high school students entering grades 9-12 (14+); Preference given to students with strong math and/or computer programming skills and/or experience with a healthcare project
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship offers a two-week, fully virtual research experience for high school students interested in the healthcare applications of AI. During the internship, you will work in small teams under the mentorship of Stanford student leads and researchers to develop and test an AI model using real-world medical or clinical datasets. Your work will be complemented by technical lectures on machine learning in medicine, guided project sessions, and regular feedback from mentors. The program includes “Meet the Expert” sessions with professionals from academia, industry, and healthcare to provide insight into how AI is used in real clinical and research settings. You will collaborate daily with peers in a structured online environment that emphasizes research thinking and responsible AI development. The experience concludes with a presentation of your group project and a Certificate of Completion.
15. STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) – Virtual Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Around 10%
Program Dates: June – July 21 (exact dates vary by project); SEES distance learning Modules will be available from May 15 – July 1
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (16+); Must not have worked as a SEES intern previously; Must be U.S. citizens
The SEES Virtual Internship Program offers a remote research experience for high school students interested in working with NASA and university mentors on STEM projects aligned with national aerospace priorities. You’ll analyze real scientific data in areas such as air quality, urban heat islands, astronomy, and space systems, using tools like GIS platforms and scientific analysis software. Some projects may focus on computational and AI-related questions, such as examining how complex systems and artificial intelligence can be designed to support human space travel or applied to large environmental and satellite datasets. You will work in a small project team and receive guidance from subject matter experts while developing skills in data analysis, technical communication, and collaboration. The program includes structured online learning modules and regular mentor-led research sessions. You will conclude the internship by presenting your findings at the Virtual SEES Science Symposium.