11 Best Computer Science Internships for High School Students
If you're a high school student passionate about computer science, internships are one of the most effective ways to gain practical experience and industry exposure. These roles let you collaborate on real projects, learn from professionals, and explore what a career in tech might look like.
Top universities, research labs, and tech companies offer many of these internships, and many programs provide stipends or are fully funded. Internships can help you build coding skills, understand professional team dynamics, and start tackling real-world challenges in AI, software engineering, data science, and more.
To help you start strong, we’ve curated the 11 best computer science internships for high school students!
1. NASA Office of STEM Engagement Internships
Location: Multiple NASA centers across the U.S. (some virtual options)
Dates: Spring (January - May) 16 weeks | Summer (May - August) 10 weeks | Fall (August - December) 16 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies depending on cohort
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, 16+, full-time students, 3.0+ GPA
Stipend: Paid internship
NASA's Office of STEM Engagement offers highly competitive paid internships for high school students where you can work alongside NASA scientists and engineers on real-world projects. You will contribute to research areas such as software development, data analysis, and engineering applications related to space exploration. The program offers professional development workshops, networking opportunities with NASA experts, and the opportunity to present your work at the internship's conclusion. Explore opportunities and apply here.
2. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Multiple AFRL sites across the U.S.
Dates: Dates may vary based on the AFRL sites and/or projects
Application Deadline: Varies by site; applications usually open in October/November
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, upper-level high school students (minimum age 16)
Stipend: Paid; stipend varies by site and education level
The AFRL Scholars Program provides high school students with the opportunity to collaborate with Air Force scientists and engineers on defense-related research projects. You'll gain hands-on experience in areas like cybersecurity, software development, and computational modeling while contributing to national security initiatives. The program includes mentorship from experienced researchers, professional development activities, and exposure to potential career paths within government research. This program is a suitable option for students who wish to combine computer science with applications in aerospace, defense, and security. You can learn more about the program and apply here.
3. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Cost: Varies depending on program type (Financial Aid Available)
Ladder Internships connects high school students with startups and non-profit organizations for remote work experiences across various industries, including computer science and technology. You'll work on a specific project tailored to your skills and interests, such as developing web applications, creating databases, or implementing AI solutions for real business challenges. The program offers dual mentorship, provided by both your startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies that, on average, raise over a million dollars, making this one of the best internships for high school students looking to gain experience in fast-paced startups and build a portfolio of real-world tech projects. You can check out the application form here.
4. Microsoft High School Discovery Program
Location: Redmond, WA or Atlanta, GA
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: Applications typically close mid-March
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors living near Redmond or Atlanta, available to work full-time, on-site for 4 consecutive weeks, and have completed pre-calculus or an equivalent course by the start of the program
Stipend: Paid internship
Microsoft's High School Discovery Program offers graduating seniors a paid, four-week immersion into the world of technology. You'll experience the product design phase of development, receive mentorship from Microsoft employees, and build foundational skills in areas like software engineering and user experience design. The program includes hands-on projects, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities with Microsoft professionals. This internship is great for students transitioning to college computer science programs who want exposure to corporate tech culture and career pathways. You can find more information here.
5. Meta Summer Academy
Location: Meta Headquarters, Menlo Park, CA
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school sophomores from East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, or Redwood City with a minimum 2.0 Cumulative GPA
Stipend: Paid (30 hours per week)
Meta Summer Academy provides Bay Area high school students with a six-week immersive experience at Meta's headquarters. You'll learn coding skills, explore tech careers, and develop professional abilities while experiencing the day-to-day operations of one of the world's leading social media companies. The program focuses on both technical and soft skills development, with opportunities to work on real projects under the guidance of Meta employees. Since 2012, this program has supported more than 200 high school students, establishing itself as one of the top internships for those interested in social media technology and software development. You can find more information here.
6. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Apprenticeship
Location: Various labs and universities across the U.S.
Dates: Varies by project and lab
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Current high school students who are U.S. citizens or legal residents; site-specific requirements may apply
Stipend: Paid internships; amount varies by location and duration
The AEOP High School Apprenticeship connects students with expert mentors at universities and military research centers across the nation. You'll work on hands-on projects using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, gaining experience in computer science, data analysis, and cybersecurity, with mentorship from a scientist or engineer. With over 100 active sites nationwide, this internship is one of the best options for high school students interested in computer science applications in defense and security. You can find more information here.
7. Sandia National Laboratories High School Internship
Location: Albuquerque, NM or Livermore, CA (some remote options)
Dates: Varies by location
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students (minimum age 16), U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Stipend: Paid internship
Sandia National Laboratories welcomes high school interns to work on projects related to national security, including computer science and engineering challenges. You'll contribute to research in areas like cybersecurity, software development, and computational modeling while receiving mentorship from professional scientists and engineers. This opportunity is among the best internships for high school students interested in applying computer science to national security and defense technology. You can find more information here.
8. The ASPIRE Program by Johns Hopkins University
Location: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD
Dates: June 24 – August 21
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (15+), GPA 2.8+, living in the Washington–Baltimore metro area
Stipend: Unpaid
The ASPIRE program at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory offers high school students hands-on experience exploring STEM careers. You'll be paired with mentors to complete projects in areas such as artificial intelligence, software development, or data analysis, applying both technical and interpersonal skills in a professional setting. The program emphasizes independent work, communication skills, and creative problem-solving. ASPIRE offers an inclusive and supportive learning environment where students from diverse backgrounds can gain valuable experience in computer science and engineering applications. You can apply here.
9. NIST Summer High School Intern Program
Location: NIST campuses in Boulder, CO, and Gaithersburg, MD
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, high school juniors or seniors, minimum GPA of 3.0
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid (students cover housing and transportation)
The Summer High School Intern Program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology offers students the opportunity to participate in research alongside NIST scientists and engineers. If you're interested in AI, machine learning, or data science, the Information Technology Laboratory is especially relevant, supporting the progress of measurement science, standards infrastructure, and computer technology. Projects may include digital data retrieval, bioinformatics, data mining, machine learning, information visualization, and image analysis. Learn more about the application process here.
10. George Mason University's Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Acceptance Rate: Open enrolment
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Remote/computer labs: Students who are at least 15 | Wet labs: Students who are at least 16
Cost: Free ($25 application fee, waivers available)
ASSIP provides high school students with an intensive research experience, allowing them to work one-on-one with faculty mentors on projects in computer science, data analytics, or computational sciences. The program additionally provides workshops on STEM careers, resume writing, and science communication. You'll have the opportunity to present your research findings at a formal symposium to faculty, peers, and mentors. Learn more about the application process here.
11. Colorado School of Mines: Computer Science Internship Program
Location: Remote and in-person options available
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: High school and community college students with a strong interest in CS
Cost: Free
The Computer Science Internship Program at Colorado School of Mines offers high school students the opportunity to work on research projects with university faculty and graduate students. You can gain experience in areas like software development, algorithm design, or computational modeling while contributing to ongoing research initiatives. The program provides exposure to university-level computer science and potential career paths in the field. This internship is designed for students interested in gaining hands-on experience with academic research in computer science before entering college. You can apply here.
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