12 Engineering Internships for High School Students in the Bay Area
Internships play a key role in shaping the academic journey of high school students interested in engineering and STEM careers. They provide invaluable hands-on experience in real-world research projects and mentorship and guidance from industry professionals.
For high school students in the Bay Area keen on exploring engineering internships, the following list offers both on-site and remote internship options. By immersing yourself in an engineering internship, you get to enhance your passion for engineering and discover a potential future career in this field. Here are 12 engineering internships in the Bay Area that you can explore.
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year; varies with cohort
Dates: 8-week program with multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Cost: Starting from $2,490 (financial aid available)
Ladder Internships is a selective program for high school students, offering virtual internship opportunities at startups and nonprofits across the world. The program caters to students with varied interests, ranging from technology, machine learning, and AI to finance, environmental science, sustainability, business, marketing, healthcare, medicine, media, journalism, and more. It also offers personalized training in communication, time management, and other essential organizational skills.
As a part of the internship, you will work closely with your startup managers on a real-world project that aligns with the organization’s goal as well as your own learning objectives. You will also be paired with a Ladder coach, who will serve as a second mentor throughout the program.
2. Stanford’s SHTEM: Summer Internship
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors at the time of attending the program and at least 14 years of age
Application Deadline: Usually in February
Dates: 8 weeks between June and August
Cost/Stipend: $50 application fee. No stipend
The Summer Internships for High Schoolers and Community College Students at Stanford University provide invaluable exposure to research across SHTEM (Science, Humanities, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) domains. As an intern, you will be expected to dedicate 30-40 hours weekly to remote research, fostering independent learning and time management skills.
Under the mentorship of Stanford faculty and students, you will get to engage in multifaceted projects combining engineering, linguistics, psychology, and technology, while also developing critical skills, such as problem-solving, analytical thinking, and research skills. Previous interns have worked on project topics like the effectiveness of virtual reality in surgeries, exploring the intersection between astronomy and art, and studies on closing the gender gap in engineering.
3. ASPIRE–John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Location: Maryland | Virtual options available
Eligibility: US high school students with permanent residence in the Washington-Baltimore Metro Area; at least 15 years of age; a demonstrated minimum of 2.8 GPA
Application Deadline: The 2025 applications will open on January 1 and close on February 15
Dates: The program commences in late June; 6-9 weeks
Stipend: Unpaid
The ASPIRE program, hosted by Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Lab, offers committed high school students a glimpse into the diverse careers in STEM. As an intern, you will be paired with APL staff mentors to complete projects and learn critical scientific research techniques.
The program provides both in-person and virtual internships, allowing you to choose your area of interest, whether it’s engineering, mathematics, data analysis, biology, or physics. During the program, you will get to assist your mentors with research, data analysis, and problem-solving on ongoing projects. This ensures you gain practical experience in conducting experiments, analyzing results, and executing lab protocols.
This opportunity is ideal for aspiring engineering students looking to deepen their understanding of emerging technologies and acquire essential STEM skills. It can be a solid foundation for the exploration of fields like structural analysis, materials engineering, and environmental engineering.
4. UCSC Science Internship Program
Location: UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California
Eligibility: High school students at least 14 years of age by the start of the program. Some research projects require students to be at least 16 years old
Application Deadline: Usually in March; sign up here for updates on the dates
Dates: 9 weeks between June and August
Cost: $4,260 (up to 100% need-based scholarships are available)
The Science Internship Program (SIP) at UCSC offers high school students an opportunity to delve into the world of research at a top-tier institution. This nine-week summer program focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) fields and includes one-on-one mentoring from UCSC faculty, graduate students, and post-doctoral researchers.
SIP places students into real, ongoing research projects, ensuring their work significantly contributes to current studies at the university. As an intern, you will develop critical research skills by collaborating with seasoned professionals in a dynamic academic setting.
This program is especially beneficial for students interested in electrical engineering. Some 2024 research project titles include: “Learning-Based Framework for Heart Disease Identification,” “A Unified Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) Framework for Autonomous Ground Vehicle Navigation,” and “Investigation of Porous Metallic Nanostructures for Enhanced Sensitivity of Plasmonic Biosensors.”
5. SFUSD Work-Based Summer Internships
Location: San Francisco, California
Eligibility: Sophomores and juniors. Priority will be given to rising seniors.
Application Deadline: Applications open on February 1
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer (20 hours per week)
Stipend: Paid; amount not specified
San Francisco Unified School District’s Work-Based Summer Internships equip high school students with on-site experiences and professional development opportunities in diverse domains. This includes engineering, biotechnology, computer science, and more! Students are expected to devote 20 hours per week during the summer and are compensated for the same.
These internships will provide you with the chance to gain practical skills in a real-world work environment. Working alongside industry mentors, you will develop an understanding of engineering principles and practices. While attending weekly work-based learning seminars, you’ll also pick up on crucial professional skills, which will help you prepare for your future academic and career pursuits.
6. California Academy of Sciences – Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, California
Eligibility: Full-time high school students enrolled in an SFUSD school with a GPA of 2.5 and a grade of C or higher in science and math. Students must either be US citizens or have a valid work permit. See here for more.
Application Deadline: Applications will be available between February and April
Dates: Multi-year (after school and on weekends)
Stipend: Paid; amount not specified
The Careers in Science internship program is a comprehensive, year-round internship for high school students from underrepresented communities in STEM, including girls and persons of color, in San Francisco. This program is ideal for students seeking an extended and immersive experience in scientific research, environmental action, and professional development.
As an intern, you will have to commit to working on Saturdays during the school year and on weekends throughout the summer. You will engage in fieldwork and interactive training sessions and learn about STEM careers from professionals in the field. You’ll also participate in group research and environmental action projects under the guidance of an Academy researcher and receive individualized mentorship.
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Grade 9 students (rising grade 10 students during the summer) with demonstrated academic excellence, problem-solving skills, and mathematical abilities, volunteering experiences, leadership record, and a recommendation letter
Application Deadline: Usually in February
Dates: 3 weeks in July (tentatively)
Cost: $4,000 (financial aid available in 25%, 50%, and 100% slabs)
The Stanford AI4ALL is a 3-week virtual program collaboratively organized by the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI), in partnership with the nonprofit AI4ALL. This program is a fantastic opportunity for students to explore AI applications and advancements, combining lectures, interactive research projects, and mentoring sessions.
It also engages with the ethical aspects of AI, placing questions of diversity and inclusion at the forefront of AI use in areas such as healthcare, poverty reduction, and disaster management. During the program, you will participate in small-group research initiatives led by graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in computer science and AI. These sessions will focus on how AI can address significant societal issues, giving you the chance to gain insights into its capacities for crafting long-term solutions.
8. MIT Beaverworks Summer Institute
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts | Virtual options available
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors enrolled in US schools
Application Deadline: Usually in March
Dates: Between July and August
Fee: $1,750 for families with an income greater than $150,000
The Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI), hosted by MIT, is an exceptional opportunity for students eager to explore the fields of robotics, autonomous systems, and mechanical engineering. As a participant in BWSI, you will gain valuable experience in learning to design, build, and program robotic systems while developing a highly rigorous understanding of mechanical engineering concepts. The program equips you with key foundations in the latest technologies, engineering practices, and computer science advancements and techniques.
One of the program's most exciting features is the collaborative project, where you will get to work together with other students to create autonomous drones, rovers, or other innovative robotic systems. This project culminates in a final presentation, allowing you to demonstrate your creations. BWSI is a good fit for you if you want to tackle challenging projects and explore your passion for mechanical engineering in a supportive, intellectually stimulating environment.
Location: Menlo Park, California
Eligibility: High school sophomores with a demonstrated minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA can apply. More information here
Application Deadline: February 14
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Stipend: Available but not specified
The Meta Summer Academy is an internship program designed for motivated high school students passionate about exploring the tech industry. The program offers students the chance to work on real projects alongside career mentors, helping them develop practical skills for future careers in STEM fields.
As an intern, you will be paired with Meta employee mentors based on shared interests and skills. For six weeks, you will dedicate 30 hours per week to your project and refine your skills in AI, coding, and data analysis. The program aims to make careers in technology and mathematics more accessible to high school students from diverse backgrounds and seeks candidates who can contribute to a fast-paced work environment.
10. ASSIP at George Mason University
Location: Virtual options available
Eligibility: High school students at least 15 years old by the program start date
Application Deadline: February 2
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Cost: $25 application fee (can be waived based on financial need)
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP), offered by George Mason University, is an excellent research opportunity for students interested in STEM fields. Throughout the internship, you will engage in one-on-one collaborations with university faculty and researchers from affiliated institutions, gaining practical exposure to advanced technology across multiple disciplinary domains. Key areas of study include spatial sciences, mathematical modeling, physics, renewable energy, micro/nano-manufacturing, robotics, and more.
You will also receive guidance in exploring diverse STEM career paths through discussion forums, while simultaneously refining your scientific writing and communication abilities. A standout feature of this program is that by the end, you might have the chance to publish your research in scientific journals and present your findings at conferences.
11. Student Interns at Sandia National Laboratories
Location: Livermore, California
Eligibility: High school students 16 years or older with a demonstrated GPA of 3.0
Application Deadline: Not available
Dates: Depends on the internship manager and the student’s schedules
Stipend: Available but unspecified
Sandia National Laboratories offers internships for high school students to gain on-site experience in a cutting-edge research environment. As an intern, you will collaborate with experienced Sandia scientists and engineers on projects that drive technological advancements. You will report to your respective managers, who will help decide your work assignments, schedules, and the duration of the internship.
Contributions made during the internship support Sandia’s larger mission, which includes a wide range of subject areas, such as physical science, high-energy physics, radiation, fusion energy, and plasma physics. This program provides an immersive experience in innovative research while working closely with professionals.
12. Energy Mag Research Internships
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have taken at least one honors science or honors English class and have a GPA over 3.25
Application Deadline: Applications are open all year round
Dates: Rolling
Stipend: Unpaid
EnergyMag is a non-profit organization that provides flexible virtual research opportunities to students interested in exploring renewable energy, and energy storage domains.
As an intern, you will be assigned to research specific companies, technologies, and prospective markets. Your work will involve establishing contact with persons who can provide relevant information. You’ll also have the opportunity to submit your draft analysis reports to EnergyMag for publication. You will be assigned to a mentor, who will review your work and provide consistent feedback. This enables you to build a strong foundation in research and analysis while meaningfully contributing to ongoing projects.
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships.
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students 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 is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!