Updated October 2026
TL;DR
This article covers 14 computer science internships for high school students in California that span national labs, university research centers, and tech and healthcare organizations, giving you exposure to areas like software development, AI, data science, and cybersecurity. Most run for 6 to 10 weeks over the summer, with a few offering year-round placements. Pay varies a lot: several options come with stipends ranging from about $500/week to $4,500 total, while a few charge a registration or application fee instead (though scholarships are available). A couple of programs are fully remote, but most require you to be local to the host lab, company, or campus, and several are limited to specific counties or school districts.
If you’re interested in computer science and want to explore it beyond your school classes, an internship can provide practical experience and a clearer sense of what the field entails. Depending on the internship, you might work on software, learn about artificial intelligence, analyze data, explore cybersecurity, or build a technical project within universities, research institutions, or technology organizations. Some internships may focus on programming and technical skills, while others will give you a chance to see how computer science is used in research or industry. These internships can also help you explore the different directions you could take within the field.
Why should you do a computer science internship in California?
California is a major hub for computer science, so high school students can find opportunities to explore computing in many different settings, including healthcare, science, engineering, and environmental research. The programs in the state may provide exposure to technical areas such as software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, robotics, and computational research. The experience can help you figure out which areas you want to learn more about before choosing a college major.
How do you apply for computer science internships?
Internships may have different rules regarding grade level, age, previous experience, and location, so start by checking the eligibility requirements for each program. Some opportunities may be open to students across the state, while others may be limited to students from a particular school district, county, or community. You may need to submit a transcript, resume, recommendation, essay, or responses about your computer science interests. Keep track of deadlines separately because summer and academic-year computer science internships across California may have very different application timelines. You can also go through our guide to applying for a high school internship to be better prepared!
To help you shortlist the right options, here is a list of 14 computer science internships for high school students in California. We have selected options that come with credible hosts, strong networking opportunities, and hands-on computer science exposure.
If you are looking for opportunities beyond California, you can check out our selection of summer computer engineering programs and programming internships.
What skills can you pick up in computer science internships?
Depending on the internship, you could develop skills in programming, debugging, data analysis, computational thinking, software development, or working with technical tools. Some programs may have you build a project from the beginning, while others may involve contributing to an existing research or technology project. You can also learn practical habits such as documenting your code, testing different approaches, using version control tools, or presenting a technical project. These experiences can give you a better understanding of how computer science projects are developed beyond individual coding assignments.
Quick overview
| Program type | Top programs | Cost/Stipend | Best for |
| National lab and government programs | SEAP, AFRL Scholars Program, AEOP Internships, Sandia National Laboratories Internships, Berkeley Lab EinR, BLDAP | Free; stipends ranging from ~$500/week to $4,000-4,500 for the summer | Students who want a paid, structured research placement at a federally funded or national lab |
| University research programs | SHTEM, Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship, UCSD REHS | Cost: $45 – $2,500 in fees (financial aid/scholarships available); no stipend | Students who want mentored, campus-based or affiliated research, ranging from interdisciplinary STEM work to computational science or AI in healthcare |
| Tech and healthcare industry internships | Ladder Internships, Meta Summer Academy, SFUSD Summer Internships, KP LAUNCH, The Intern Project | Cost varies with aid available; stipends and hourly pay available | Students who want exposure to a company or organization's day-to-day operations, whether remotely or in person |
14 Computer Science Internships for High School Students in California
1. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote! You can participate from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts every year, including Fall, Summer, Spring, and Winter
Application deadline: Varies by cohort; Fall (September), Spring (January), Summer (May), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10 to 20 hours a week for 8 to 12 weeks; open to high school, undergraduate, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective startup internship program for ambitious high school students! Through the program, you will work with a high-growth startup on an internship. Startups that offer internships span a variety of industries, from AI/ML and tech/deep tech to marketing, health tech, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s startups are high-growth companies that, on average, raise more than $1 million. You will work closely with a manager on real-world projects and present your work to the company. The virtual internship is usually eight weeks long. Apply now!
Who it’s best for: Students looking to work with startups and a fully virtual project-based internship experience.
2. Meta Summer Academy
Location: Meta, Menlo Park, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by year.
Dates: June 15 – July 24
Application deadline: February 14
Eligibility: 10th graders who are year-round residents of Belle Haven, East Palo Alto, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City with a cumulative GPA of 2.0+
Meta Summer Academy is a paid internship that lets high schoolers learn about the inner workings of a major technology company. Over six weeks, you will engage in project-based tasks, learn about digital media, explore the basics of coding, and gain exposure to real workplace operations. The internship will also offer insight into how teams within a tech company come together to develop products. Mentorship from professionals will help you build a clearer understanding of the day-to-day tasks in tech teams. Alongside technical skills, you will practice communication and teamwork. The internship can also help you explore possible paths in tech.
Who it’s best for: Students in and around Menlo Park looking for paid exposure to the inner workings of a renowned tech company.
3. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: U.S. Department of the Navy labs, including sites in California
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $4,000 stipend for new participants, and $4,500 stipend for returning participants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~300 placements across 38+ labs; California-specific numbers not available
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer
Application deadline: November 30
Eligibility: High school students, ages 16 and up, who have completed at least grade 9 and are U.S. citizens; certain labs may be open to permanent residents/dual citizens (check individual lab pages for additional requirements here).
Each year, SEAP places high schoolers in Department of the Navy labs to contribute to real naval research for 8 to 10 weeks in the summer. At your assigned naval research lab, you will contribute to naval research projects in STEM while working closely with scientists and engineers. Depending on placement, you may help with software development and design, experiment design, data analysis, testing and analysis of hardware or software systems, engineering design, and other lab-based work. While the day-to-day tasks can vary by site, you will connect with researchers, tour laboratories, and learn about paths in research and STEM at SEAP. Additionally, you will shadow STEM professionals and participate in technical meetings.
Who it’s best for: Students looking for a paid internship focused on naval research.
4. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Multiple sites in the U.S., including California
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend of ~$506.80/week; a few sites offer bigger stipends + travel coverage (check details here)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Typically selective
Dates: Vary by site and internship; typically minimum commitment of 8 weeks required, with most internships running 10 – 12 weeks in the summer, spring, and fall.
Application deadline: Summer: January 11 | Fall/Spring: Not specified
Eligibility: Upper-level high school students, undergraduates, and graduate students who are U.S. citizens and 16+
The ARFL Scholars Program is a paid internship that allows high school and college students to contribute to STEM projects at Air Force research facilities. You will join a team at an Air Force lab, with placements spanning various areas, including computer science and data science. Over eight weeks or more, you will work on active projects in the assigned lab under the supervision of scientists, learn about Air Force R&D, and explore advanced research in tech. Tasks can vary by placement: you may work with real datasets, test prototypes or technical systems, run experiments, or help document findings. You can also participate in AFRL Scholars next year to continue engaging in research.
Who it’s best for: Students who want to work within Air Force research labs on active computer science projects.
5. SFUSD Summer Internships
Location: San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed
Dates: May – August (six weeks)
Application deadline: Typically March
Eligibility: High school students in their sophomore or junior year in SFUSD; priority given to 11th-grade students.
The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) offers a range of summer internships to high school students looking for an opportunity to explore a field of interest. You can choose the Information Technology track to work on computer science projects, develop technical and soft skills, and build an early network of peers and professionals. You will also have access to regular feedback and guidance through weekly work-based learning seminars led by your SFUSD Supervisor/Mentor. The experience can expose you to workplace expectations, career paths in computer science and tech, and skills like teamwork and professional communication.
Who it’s best for: SFUSD students looking for a paid summer work experience in IT.
6. AEOP (Army Educational Outreach Program) Internships and Fellowships
Location: Research sites across the U.S.
Stipend: Available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed; typically selective
Dates: June – August; dates can vary by opportunity.
Application deadline: Varies by lab position
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents; specific roles may have additional requirements.
Every year, AEOP places students at Army-funded research facilities and university labs to work with scientists and engineers on research. As an intern, you will work with a scientist or engineer on active research projects in areas like computer science, data science, and computer engineering. Your daily responsibilities will depend on your placement, but you may help collect and assess data, run experiments, and perform other laboratory work. The experience will come with mentorship from a STEM professional. You will also have access to educational sessions and opportunities to connect with professionals.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in research who are looking for credible, paid, lab-based experiences and close mentorship.
7. Berkeley Lab Director’s Apprenticeship Program (BLDAP): Interdisciplinary Pathways to Machine Learning and Data Science
Location: Berkeley Lab, Berkeley, CA
Cost/Stipend: No fee; $500/week stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially specified
Dates: June 16 – July 24
Application deadline: March 22
Eligibility: Current 10th- or 11th-grade public school students, ages 16 and up, in Contra Costa, Alameda, and San Francisco counties
BLDAP is a project-based program that lets you engage in interdisciplinary STEM work. As a participant, you will take an introductory Python course, learn about data science, and work on STEM projects and bioscience experiments. The program will also offer the chance to network with researchers and operations staff. You will practice problem-solving, communication, and collaboration while learning about Berkeley Lab’s research activities. The program will wrap up with a final presentation where you will share your work with other participants and mentors. On completing the apprenticeship, you will gain access to additional workshops, short courses, and special seminars at the Berkeley Lab in the following fall and spring.
Who it’s best for: Students in Northern California who are interested in science, coding, and data science and want to spend the summer working at a national laboratory.
8. Internships @ Sandia National Laboratories
Location: Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA; other sites also available
Cost/Stipend: Free; competitive hourly pay available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed; can vary by role
Dates: Year-round and summer internships (10 to 12 weeks) available
Application deadline: Varies based on specific opportunity
Eligibility: Students, ages 16 and up, who are enrolled full-time at accredited high schools, colleges, or universities; a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher for undergraduate and high school students applying for clerical/labor-based positions and 3.0 or higher for undergraduate students and high schoolers applying for R&D, technical, or business positions is required.
Sandia National Laboratories’ internships and co-op programs let students engage in research and technical work in advanced lab settings. As an intern at Sandia’s labs, you will contribute to projects in areas like cybersecurity, computer science, engineering, energy, and advanced research focused on national security. Depending on the role, you will work with researchers, engineers, or other Sandia professionals and receive guidance throughout. Additionally, you may attend networking events and engage in leadership sessions to build workplace skills and explore paths in STEM.
Who it’s best for: Students who want technical lab experiences and can commute to Sandia’s facilities in Livermore.
9. KP LAUNCH High School Internship Program
Location: Kaiser Permanente facilities in Northern California (including sites in the Bay Area)
Stipend: $25/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by year; ~300 students in the past cohort.
Dates: June 14 – July 30
Application deadline: January 9; applications open on November 16.
Eligibility: High school students and graduating seniors, ages 16 – 19 by June 1, who live in Northern California Kaiser Permanente service areas and are authorized to work in the U.S.; priority given to high school juniors and seniors.
The KP LAUNCH High School Internship Program offers students a structured, paid introduction to non-clinical and administrative healthcare operations. You will work full-time in departments such as information technology, research and development, and materials management, exploring real tech work and administrative workflows within health facilities. The internship will also offer access to professional skill development through workshops on workplace practices, communication, and career planning in healthcare. You will see how health organizations function and facilitate interdepartmental collaboration. Mentorship and networking opportunities will help you learn about non-clinical healthcare career pathways in Kaiser Permanente and beyond.
Who it’s best for: Students in Northern California looking for a paid summer experience within a healthcare setting.
10. Berkeley Lab’s Experiences in Research (EinR)
Location: Berkeley Lab, Berkeley, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $500/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~10% acceptance rate
Dates: June 15 – July 24
Application deadline: March 22
Eligibility: 10th – 12th graders, ages 16 and up, who have a 3.0+ GPA, and live in Northern California
The Berkeley Lab’s EinR is a paid six-week internship for high schoolers interested in gaining work experience within lab settings. You will spend about 30 to 35 hours each week working with Berkeley Lab staff on projects in STEM and exploring data science, coding, communication, and/or experimental research. Your daily responsibilities will depend on the assigned project and mentor needs. You may assist the staff in lab work or help carry out behind-the-scenes operations. You will also get to practice science communication, problem-solving, and teamwork during the program.
Who it’s best for: Students in Northern California who want to engage in STEM or administrative activities in a federally funded lab.
11. The Intern Project
Location: Various organizations in Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend and college credit available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by year; 130+ students in the last summer cycle.
Dates: Cohorts in the fall, spring, and summer
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: LA County 10th – 12th graders
Run by the non-profit LA Promise Fund, the Intern Project places students in work environments where they can contribute to projects across industries, including in computer science, tech, and engineering. During the internship, you will complete placement-specific tasks and engage in workshops to build skills in communication, project management, and career readiness. Mentorship and practice interviews will also help you build career readiness. You will additionally interact with peers and professionals across disciplines and teams, gaining exposure to workplace expectations and collaborative environments. The internship experience can also prepare you for future STEM academics and college applications.
Who it’s best for: LA County students looking for paid, mentored work experience.
12. SHTEM Summer Internships for High Schoolers at Stanford University
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $95 non-refundable application fee; $2500, no stipend, but financial assistance may be available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 21 – August 6
Application deadline: February (tentative); applications open on December 7.
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are at least 14 and U.S. citizens/permanent residents
SHTEM lets you work in small groups on interdisciplinary STEM and humanities projects under the guidance of Stanford University mentors. On the Stanford University campus, you will spend seven weeks exploring how disciplines like computer science, neuroscience, tech, biology, engineering, philosophy, design, and the arts come together in research. You will explore various topics through project work, lectures, and workshops. In the past, SHTEM has run workshops on programming and electrical engineering. Tours and social events may also be part of the experience. You may get to present your project at the end of SHTEM.
Who it’s best for: Students seeking exposure to interdisciplinary computer science and engineering research and the chance to work on projects on a university campus.
13. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Typically virtual (details TBA for next cycle)
Cost/Stipend : $2,400 + $45 application fee (financial aid available); no stipend specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Typically, 50 students/session
Dates: Two two-week sessions in June – August (dates TBA for next cycle)
Application deadline: February 1; application opens on November 10.
Eligibility: U.S. high school students over the age of 14; preference is given to students with math/programming skills or experience with a healthcare project.
This is a mentored summer research internship for high school students, run by Stanford's Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI). You will engage in hands-on research and work with real-world health data focused on tackling challenges at the intersection of AI and medicine. You will work with peers and mentors on research projects. You will also engage with the AIMI community and professionals from medicine, computer science, engineering, and industry. At the end of two weeks, you may receive a Certificate of Completion.
Who it's best for: Students who want mentored project experience focused on the use of AI in healthcare.
14. UCSD Research Experience for High School Students (REHS)
Location: San Diego Supercomputer Center at UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA
Cost/Stipend: $2,000 registration fee (full and partial scholarships available); no stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application deadline: March 15; application opens February 15.
Eligibility: Southern California residents, ages 16 and up, in grades 10 to 12 have a minimum 3.0 unweighted cumulative GPA
REHS is an eight-week volunteer research internship in which you join an established computational science project at the San Diego Supercomputer Center, led by a UC San Diego mentor. You will choose from a range of projects and explore research and your interests while engaging in software instruction, assigned readings, and discussions with your mentor and their graduate student team. You will work in a pair or small group, spending 15 to 20 hours each week on learning how to form and test hypotheses, run computational experiments, and draw conclusions from them. You will take part in regular lab meetings and group discussions, as well as bi-weekly lunchtime talks led by research speakers. At the end, you will present a scientific poster and share your research and career goals at a celebration event.
Who it's best for: Southern California students who want hands-on computational research experience and can commit 15 to 20 hours a week in the summer.
Can a computer science internship help with your college applications?
A computer science internship can help you build a more specific story around your interest in computing. Rather than simply saying that you enjoy coding, you can use your internship to show what you actually explored and how your understanding of computer science developed. This is how you can use your internship experience:
Show what you built or worked on: Describe a project, program, research task, or technical problem you contributed to rather than focusing only on the internship title.
Demonstrate how you approach problems: If you had to debug something, learn a new programming concept, or find a different solution, you can use that experience to explain how you think through challenges.
Connect the experience to future learning: You can explain how the internship influenced the computer science courses, projects, competitions, or subjects you want to pursue next.
If you are looking to make the most of your school break, check out our guide to using high school summers strategically for college admissions.
What students wonder about these computer science internships
1. Will you actually write and work with code, or will the experience be more about observing how a tech team operates?
This depends heavily on the internship. Some options place you directly into hands-on technical work, such as coding, debugging, or analyzing real datasets, while others focus more on giving you a broader look at how teams and projects function within a tech or research organization, with less emphasis on independent coding.
2. Is there a minimum grade level or age you need to meet to apply?
Most of these internships are geared toward upperclassmen, often requiring you to be a sophomore, junior, or senior and at least 14 to 16 years old, though a handful are open to a wider range of grade levels. It's worth checking each program's specific age and grade requirements, since they differ quite a bit across the list.
3. How much do these internships pay, and are any of them free to apply to?
Costs and stipends vary significantly. A number of these internships are completely free and pay a stipend, with amounts ranging from roughly $500/week up to 4,500 for the full program, while a few charge an application or registration fee and do not offer stipends.
4. Will you work on your own project, or support a project that's already underway?
Both setups exist across this list. Some internships have you join an existing research or technical project led by a mentor or professional, contributing to specific tasks within it, while others give you more ownership over a project you help shape and carry through from start to finish. If you want to work on a real tech or computer science project, Ladder Internships can connect you to startups for a fully remote internship experience.