16 Information Technology Internships for High School Students
If you're in high school and wondering how to gain an edge in the field of information technology, we've got a list of IT internships that can help you build practical skills, enhance your resume, and give you experience that stands out in college applications and future job pursuits. You could be planning a major in computer science or just curious about the field of tech; either way, internships will give you the chance to explore specific fields, work alongside professionals, and develop industry-relevant knowledge.
For high schoolers interested in coding, cybersecurity, data analysis, or software engineering, information technology internships can expose you to college and career pathways early. These programs not only boost your employability but also help you figure out whether IT is the best fit for your interests and goals. From practical research roles to virtual development labs, there are a number of ways to get involved while in high school. We’ve rounded up 16 of the best information technology internships for high school students to help you get started. Let’s take a look!
16 Information Technology Internships for High School Students
1. Microsoft Discovery Program
Location: Redmond, Washington
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will receive a stipend (amount is not specified)
Dates: July 7–August 1
Application deadline: Applications open in February and are reviewed on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Open to rising first-year students of a bachelor’s degree program (graduating high school seniors) who live around Redmond, WA, and have completed pre-calculus or an equivalent course by the start of the program.
The Microsoft Discovery Program is a four-week paid summer internship designed to help high school students explore careers in technology. Participants work in small teams on hands-on projects while learning the basics of computer science and getting exposure to areas like software engineering, UX design, and product management. You’ll also attend tech talks, collaborate with peers, and receive mentorship from Microsoft employees who guide you through both technical and professional development. You’ll have opportunities to reflect on how your interests connect to current roles in technology. By the end of this internship, you’ll have developed strong workplace skills and built connections that can support your academics and career.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost/Stipend: Varies with the program type
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!
Ladder Internship connects you with high-growth startups and nonprofits across industries like AI, health tech, journalism, and consulting, offering you a remote internship that runs for eight weeks. Once matched with a company, you’ll work on real projects under the mentorship and guidance of a startup manager and your Ladder coach. The program emphasizes close collaboration and concludes with a presentation of your work to company stakeholders. It’s designed for highly motivated students who want a hands-on understanding of startup environments and how new ideas are developed and scaled. Since the internships are remote, they are accessible regardless of your geographic location. Selection is competitive and based on your interests, experiences, and enthusiasm for working in fast-paced environments. You can explore all the options here on their application form.
3. Veritas AI - AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Varies according to the cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI with a suitable environment in which to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI Scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. The AI Fellowship program will allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. You can find examples of previous projects here. While this isn’t a traditional internship, it closely follows the work-learn model.
4. Meta Summer Academy
Location: Menlo Park, California
Cost/Stipend: No cost; participants receive a competitive stipend
Dates: June 16 - July 25
Application deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school sophomores with a minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA who are year-round residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, or Redwood City
Meta Summer Academy gives high school students a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of a global tech company, based at Meta’s Menlo Park headquarters. You’ll work 30 hours a week for 6 weeks on projects guided by Meta professionals, gaining technical skills while being paired with mentors in fields such as AI, information technology, data science, or software development. The program includes professional development workshops, networking events, and career-focused seminars that introduce you to the range of roles within the tech industry. Interns also receive a stipend and build connections with peers and mentors who can provide ongoing support. This information technology internship for high school students is particularly focused on students from underserved backgrounds.
5. Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)
Location: Online and in-person options across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June – August
Application deadline: March (tentative)
Eligibility: High school seniors who plan to enrol in a 4-year program in the U.S. or Canada and intend to pursue a degree in it or a related department
CSSI is a three-week summer program hosted by Google for graduating high school seniors who want to explore various areas in computer science, including information technology. It is intended for students with little formal experience in coding but a strong interest in learning programming concepts and applying them through collaborative projects. You’ll take part in daily sessions that include hands-on Python coding, discussions on algorithms, and exposure to software development workflows used by professionals. The program also features guest talks by Google engineers, and you’ll complete a capstone project to demonstrate your new skills. The CSSI program also introduces you to Google’s workplace culture and provides tools for navigating both college and future career opportunities.
6. Sandia National Laboratories Internships
Location: Various locations across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students receive a stipend that varies with experience and internship placement
Dates: Varies by internship, both full-time summer and part-time year-round internships are offered
Application deadline: Varies by internship
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens who are at least 16 years of age; specific eligibility criteria vary by position
At Sandia National Laboratories, you can apply for a high school internship that introduces you to current research projects in science, technology, and engineering. Based on your availability and school calendar, you can choose between a summer internship (10–12 weeks full-time), a part-time year-round role, or a co-op placement in partnership with your school. All options involve working with experienced professionals, contributing to actual lab work, and learning technical processes such as coding, data analysis, or experiment design. The internships are paid and hosted at one of Sandia’s labs, giving you access to useful resources and leading research environments. You’ll have responsibilities similar to a junior research assistant, with goals and deliverables defined at the start of your placement.
7. Texas Tech University - Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a stipend of $750 is provided
Dates: June 22 - August 7
Application deadline: February 24
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 17 by the start date
If you are academically advanced and interested in pursuing hands-on research, the Anson L. Clark Scholars Program could be a solid summer experience. Over the course of seven weeks, 8-12 students are selected to work closely with a faculty mentor on an independent research project in fields ranging from STEM to humanities, including information technology and computer science. The program covers weekly seminars, discussions, and field trips that deepen your understanding of your chosen subject while exposing you to broader academic topics. You’ll also prepare a final research report and receive a stipend upon successful completion. Admission to this information technology internship for high school students is highly selective, with applicants often in the top percentile academically.
8. Amazon Future Engineer
Location: Most internships are conducted in Seattle, Washington
Cost/Stipend: No cost; scholarship of up to $40,000 ($10,000 per year)
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: December (tentative)
Eligibility: High school seniors who plan to major in computer science or related fields, should have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale, should be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or authorized to work in the U.S., and demonstrate financial need, are eligible to apply
With this program, high school students planning to pursue computer science or engineering can apply for both a college scholarship and a paid internship at Amazon. Each recipient is eligible for up to $40,000 in scholarship funds over four years and a guaranteed summer internship after their freshman year of college. The internships focus on current projects within Amazon’s software and hardware teams and are designed to give you a thorough look at how large-scale technology solutions are built and maintained. The scholarship and internship opportunity is particularly aimed at students from underserved backgrounds who are passionate about STEM but may face financial challenges. The program is designed to create long-term support, helping students not only gain early experience but also connect with industry mentors.
9. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Summer High School Intern Program
Location: NIST laboratory at Gaithersburg, Maryland, or Boulder, Colorado
Cost/Stipend: None; stipend provided
Dates: 8 weeks starting the second or third week of June
Application deadline: November 1 - February 6
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who are U.S. citizens.
NIST’s Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) is an eight-week full-time internship that lets you work alongside professional researchers on scientific and technical projects. Based at one of NIST’s federal laboratories, you’ll be paired with a scientist or engineer and contribute to research in areas such as advanced computing, materials science, and artificial intelligence. Your time will include lab work, research seminars, technical training, and a final poster presentation of your findings. This internship for high school students provides a strong introduction to working in a research lab, using professional-grade tools and collaborating with experts. SHIP participants are paid a stipend and follow a full-time summer schedule, giving them a realistic sense of what professional research involves.
10. NASA OSTEM High School Internship Programs
Location: NASA centers across the country or virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a stipend may be provided
Dates:
- Spring: 16 weeks (mid-January – early May)
- Summer: 10 weeks (late May – August)
- Fall: 16 weeks (late August – mid-December)
Application deadline:
- Fall: May 16
- Spring: September 12
- Summer: February 27
Eligibility: Full-time high school students over 16 years of age with a cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale who are U.S. citizens are eligible to apply
If you are curious about engineering or technology, NASA’s OSTEM internships for high school students offer a chance to be part of real research projects at the nation’s space agency. These internships place students in NASA research centers, where you will work under the guidance of a professional mentor on topics like aerospace systems, planetary science, or robotics. Internships are also offered that are not related to space tech–you may choose to work in supporting departments, including IT, communications, and so on. Interns gain exposure to how federal research programs operate and how cross-disciplinary teams contribute to NASA’s missions. Opportunities may also include virtual events, technical workshops, and professional development sessions.
11. The Intern Project (TIP) Program
Location: Los Angeles, California
Cost/Stipend: Students are awarded a stipend (amount unspecified) and 1 free college credit
Dates: 3 seasonal programs: fall, spring, and summer
Application deadline: Varies with the cohort
Eligibility: Students completing their sophomore, junior, or senior years in high school and enrolled in a LA County High School
The Intern Project matches high school students in Los Angeles County with paid internships in industries like engineering, healthcare, business, and technology. For eight weeks in the summer, you’ll work with a host company or organization, participate in workshops, and receive support for college preparation. TIP includes career exploration, helping you build professional skills while understanding how different sectors operate. The internship covers real-world assignments, connections with mentors, and opportunities to present your learning at the end of the program. Priority is often given to students with financial need, and all participants receive college credit for completing the program. It also introduces you to a professional environment where soft skills like communication and time management are essential.
12. MIT’s Research Science Institute
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will be paid
Dates: June 22 – August 2
Application deadline: December 11
Eligibility: High school juniors with the following scores are preferred:
- PSAT Math Scores: At least 740
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Scores: 700 or higher
- ACT math Scores: At least 33
- Verbal scores: At least 34
The Research Science Institute at MIT brings together 100 highly accomplished students globally for a fully-funded summer program that blends advanced coursework with innovative research. The experience begins with one week of intensive STEM seminars led by globally renowned professors, covering topics in biology, physics, math, chemistry, and engineering. From there, you’ll transition into a five-week research internship, where you’ll work under the mentorship of scientists and scholars on a project in your area of interest. You’ll read current journal articles, create a research plan, and present your findings in a professional-style paper and oral presentation. This program also includes evening lectures from innovators, visits to Boston-area labs and museums, and social events like field trips and cultural outings.
13. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia; remote & hybrid options are also available
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Students must be at least 15 years old for remote internships and at least 16 years old for in-person or hybrid wet-lab internships
ASSIP offers an eight-week summer research internship where high school students work one-on-one with faculty mentors on current scientific projects at George Mason University and partner institutions. In this internship, you'll gain hands-on experience using professional-grade equipment and software while exploring research topics ranging from bioengineering, neuroscience, and chemistry to information technology, machine learning, and coding. Alongside lab work, you’ll attend workshops on scientific writing and communication, network with STEM professionals, and explore potential career paths. In some cases, students’ names are even included in published papers or conference presentations.
14. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internships
Location: Various U.S. Army Research Centers and Laboratories across multiple states
Cost/Stipend: No cost; paid internship
Dates: Summer sessions; exact dates vary by location
Application deadline: Starts December 4; rolling enrolment
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents can apply. For location-specific criteria, click here
AEOP places students in top research labs (U.S. Army research centers or affiliated university labs), where you'll assist scientists and engineers on projects that impact national priorities like cybersecurity. Interns take part in structured, full-time research assignments that may include lab experiments, data analysis, technical writing, and career-readiness workshops. You'll be paired with a mentor and work with advanced tools in a professional setting while developing a deeper understanding of STEM career pathways. This program is highly selective, and placements are based on your interests and the needs of the hosting lab. Participants receive a stipend and have opportunities to present their work through reports or virtual showcases.
15. NLM Data Science and Informatics (DSI) Scholars Program
Location: NIH Campus, Bethesda, Maryland
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend is provided
Dates: 8-12 weeks starting June (flexible dates)
Application deadline: November 18 – February 19
Eligibility: Enrolled in high school at least half-time as a senior or be accepted into an accredited program for the upcoming fall; Must be at least 18 years old by June 1; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; Have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale; Have completed coursework in computer science, data science, informatics, mathematics, or related fields
The DSI Scholars Program at the National Library of Medicine (NLM) offers an 8- to 12-week, full-time summer internship for students interested in data science, computational biology, and biomedical research. Participants work closely with a mentor on a project that applies data analysis to real-world problems, while learning how computational tools are used in scientific discovery. In addition to research, you'll participate in professional development workshops, scientific seminars, and NIH-wide poster sessions where you’ll present your findings. The program is paid, with stipends based on NIH guidelines, and scheduling is flexible to accommodate individual needs.
16. NYU Tandon’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, New York
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $1,000 stipend
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors in high school; must be New York residents.
ARISE is a free 10-week summer program hosted by NYU that gives high school students the chance to explore current, ongoing research in more than 80 labs across engineering, computer science, and life sciences. The program begins with four weeks of research skill-building, safety training, and college writing workshops. After that, you’ll spend six weeks contributing to an active research project under the guidance of an NYU faculty mentor. You’ll gain about 120 hours of lab experience, strengthen public speaking skills, and showcase your research at both an internal colloquium and the American Museum of Natural History’s summer symposium. ARISE also provides college prep support, professional networking opportunities, and a stipend.
Image Source - Sandia National Laboratories logo