15 Technology Internships for High School Students in Minnesota
For students interested in tech, internships provide early exposure to fields like software development, data science, cybersecurity, and engineering. By working on real-world projects, you gain hands-on experience that goes beyond classroom learning. If you're specifically searching for technology internships for high school students in Minnesota, you’ll find a growing number of opportunities across universities, nonprofits, and research institutions. These programs are designed to introduce students to technical careers while offering mentorship and collaborative learning.
Why should I do a technology internship in high school?
Pursuing technology internships for high school students in Minnesota can significantly impact your academic and career trajectory. First, internships allow you to apply theoretical concepts like coding or data analysis to real-world challenges. This not only deepens your understanding but also builds confidence in your technical abilities. Another major benefit is mentorship. Many programs connect students with industry professionals or researchers who can guide career decisions and provide letters of recommendation.
To make your search easier, we’ve narrowed down some of the most structured and accessible technology internships for high school students in Minnesota.
If you want to see what other technology internships are available in other states, find a list of technology internships in North Carolina here & Washington here.
1. Genesys Works Twin Cities Technology Internship
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota
Stipend: Paid hourly wage yielding between $10,000 and $13,000 annually
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; large multi-location cohort
Dates: Eight weeks of summer training followed by a year-long internship during the high school senior year
Application Deadline: Early March of the junior year
Eligibility: Current high school junior status at the time of application; enrolled in a participating Twin Cities partner school
In this program, you enter the corporate workforce as a junior IT professional, providing direct technical support within the internal systems of major Twin Cities companies. Throughout the year, you manage hardware, troubleshoot software issues for employees, and organize digital tasks using enterprise ticketing platforms. Your daily workflow involves navigating cloud-based operational tools and managing organizational data to ensure seamless departmental continuity. You interact directly with professional-grade software environments to resolve technical roadblocks and assist with routine IT maintenance. You develop a specialized digital foundation while refining the communication skills necessary for a future career in the technology sector.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students per session
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you 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. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long. Apply now!
3. Right Track YJ2 Information Technology Internship
Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota
Stipend: Paid hourly, varies depending on placement site
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; mid-sized multi-team cohort
Dates: Typically June through August
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Resident of Saint Paul or limited suburban Ramsey County areas; between the ages of 16 and 21 by June 1; from a cost-burdened household or facing a recognized barrier to employment; possessing at least 100 hours of previous work or volunteer experience or enrolled in a trade focus program
Through the Right Track YJ2 program, you gain hands-on technical exposure by working alongside IT professionals at corporate partners, non-profits, or city departments in Saint Paul. You assist with foundational technology operations, which typically involve providing desktop support, troubleshooting hardware issues, and navigating enterprise software systems. As you triage help desk requests, you utilize digital communication platforms to document technical solutions and guide staff through routine software operations. Beyond these direct technical workflows, you participate in the "Rising Leaders in Saint Paul" training curriculum to develop essential professional communication skills. Ultimately, this internship equips you with practical computing experience and workplace digital literacy, laying a strong foundation for future technology careers.
4. Bloomington Public Schools Summer Technology Intern
Location: Bloomington Public School, Bloomington, MN
Stipend: $14.85 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by district and application
Dates: July 6–31
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Currently enrolled students in Bloomington Public Schools; must be at least 16 years old by late June; able to work in a team; ability to lift 40-50 pounds
As a Summer Technology Intern for Bloomington Public Schools, you will gain hands-on experience in district-wide IT operations and network infrastructure management. You will work directly with the technology team to prepare equipment for the upcoming academic year. Your primary responsibilities will include setting up, moving, and recycling computers and Chromebooks across school facilities. You will also assist in imaging computers using JAMF software and configuring wireless technology systems. Additionally, you will participate in the cleanup and organization of network infrastructure. This four-week role provides practical exposure to enterprise-level hardware deployment and technical support within a public school system.
5. Step Up Youth Employment Program - Technology Internships
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Stipend: Paid hourly wage varying by employer placement
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Broad intake; large multi-location cohort
Dates: Typically June–August (8-week summer program)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Ages 14 to 21 by June 1; legally eligible to work in the U.S; resident of Minneapolis; meeting at least one barrier-to-employment criterion such as family income guidelines or an IEP or 504 plan
In this internship, you begin by completing rigorous work readiness training that prepares you for a professional digital environment. Based on your skills and the specific employer match, you integrate into a corporate or non-profit tech setting within the Twin Cities. Your daily work emphasizes practical interaction with workplace technologies, often requiring you to navigate enterprise software and manage digital communication systems. You frequently assist with data handling, utilizing reporting platforms to organize and track organizational information. Depending on the placement, you might support internal IT systems, document technical processes, or execute digital operational tasks alongside experienced mentors.
6. Hennepin County High School IT Internship
Location: Hennepin County, MN
Stipend: Minimum $22.50 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; mid-sized multi-location cohort
Dates: Year-round with summer and academic year schedules
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in a high school or GED program or graduated within the last six months; ages 16 to 19 depending on the specific role; authorized to work in the U.S.
As an intern at Hennepin County, you will gain practical exposure to technical support and digital communication systems across public-facing and internal operations. Operating within departments like the library’s Teen Tech and STEAM Squads, you will research, design, and facilitate technology-based programming for community youth. Your daily workflows involve utilizing digital presentation software, basic engineering tools, and organizational platforms to execute projects. You will also develop critical troubleshooting skills by assisting patrons with technology issues and interacting with county IT frameworks. Through hands-on collaboration, you acquire valuable project management experience while building a strong foundation in digital literacy and public sector technology integration.
7. MIGIZI Green Tech Institute Summer Internship
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Stipend: Hourly rate of $13.75
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; small cohort
Dates: 9 to 10 weeks during the summer term
Application Deadline: Applications generally reviewed during the spring academic semester
Eligibility: 14 years of age or older; enrolled in or pursuing a high school diploma; strong focus on serving American Indian youth
In this program, you participate in a hands-on STEM pathway dedicated to sustainable green energies and environmental problem-solving. Throughout the program, you interact with applied technologies by building practical, sustainable solutions like solar-powered phone chargers and solar libraries. Your daily responsibilities involve technical exploration, where you analyze the mechanics behind renewable energy systems, pollution reduction, and hydroelectricity. You utilize foundational hardware and sustainable engineering techniques to assemble these functional energy products. You engage in practical operational workflows while collaborating on green initiatives that directly benefit the local community. This technical training equips you with hands-on STEM experience and provides a solid foundation for future careers in the green technology sector.
8. Best Buy Corporate High School Tech Internship (via Step Up)
Location: Richfield, Minnesota
Stipend: Competitive hourly wage structured through the Step Up corporate partnership model
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; small cohort embedded within the corporate Digital and Technology division
Dates: Typically mid-June through mid-August
Application Deadline: Generally aligned with the standard Step Up spring deadline in March or April
Eligibility: Minneapolis resident; age 16 to 21 for corporate placements; enrolled in the Step Up program; completion of required Step Up work readiness orientation
In this internship, you work directly within Best Buy’s Digital and Technology teams to support enterprise-level projects at the corporate headquarters. Your daily activities involve testing digital features, documenting software bugs, and participating in Agile sprint ceremonies to understand the software development lifecycle. You gain hands-on experience using project management platforms like Jira to coordinate with professional engineers. By shadowing technical leads, you observe how large-scale retail systems are maintained and updated. This program also provides professional development workshops that bridge the gap between classroom learning and technical career paths. You finish the summer with tangible technical experience within a Fortune 500 department.
9. Medtronic High School IT Internship (via Genesys Works)
Location: Minnesota
Stipend: Paid hourly wage administered through Genesys Works
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; mid-sized multi-team cohort
Dates: Year-long part-time internship following an eight-week summer training program
Application Deadline: Applications usually open during the academic year prior to summer training
Eligibility: High school junior entering senior year within the Genesys Works program; on track to graduate with authorization to work in the U.S.; able to adjust school schedule to accommodate 20 afternoon work hours per week
As an IT intern at Medtronic through Genesys Works, you integrate into a corporate medical technology environment by supporting essential digital operations. Your day-to-day workflow revolves around providing desktop support to staff, addressing technical hardware and software requests routed through phone and email systems. You interact directly with workplace infrastructure by executing device deployment, performing data assurance, and assisting with development support projects. Beyond direct troubleshooting, you engage in operational coordination that exposes you to enterprise software and team communication platforms. Throughout this year-long placement, you gain hands-on experience maintaining IT systems while developing the practical technical and communication skills required in a modern corporate workplace.
10. Ecolab High School IT Internship (via Right Track YJ2)
Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota
Stipend: Minimum of $16.37 per hour based on municipal program guidelines
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; small corporate cohort
Dates: Typically mid-June through mid-August
Application Deadline: Generally late February
Eligibility: Resident of Saint Paul or limited areas of suburban Ramsey County; aged 16 to 21 years old by June 1 of the program year; meet household income guidelines or have a recognized employment barrier; possess previous work experience
In this internship, you enter a corporate environment at Ecolab’s headquarters to support enterprise-level IT operations. Through the Right Track YJ2 program, you work alongside seasoned professionals to assist with desktop support, software troubleshooting, and digital workstation configurations. Over the summer, you gain practical experience navigating ticket-based support systems and tracking hardware inventory within a global infrastructure. The program emphasizes digital literacy, allowing you to participate in team meetings and contribute to technology-enabled operational workflows. You develop foundational skills in system maintenance while refining the professional communication abilities necessary for a successful IT career.
11. Xcel Energy High School IT Internship (via Right Track YJ2)
Location: Minnesota
Stipend: Minimum of $16 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; small cohort
Dates: Typically mid-June to mid-August
Application Deadline: Generally late February to early March
Eligibility: Ages 16 to 21 by June 1; reside in Saint Paul; possess at least 100 hours of prior work or volunteer experience and meet specified income criteria or have a recognized barrier to employment
As an intern placed at Xcel Energy through the Right Track YJ2 program, you gain hands-on exposure to corporate operations by engaging directly with modern digital workplace systems. You interact practically with office software and digital platforms to support technical workflows and execute independent, project-based tasks within the energy sector. Throughout the internship, you utilize digital literacy tools to build foundational IT and communication skills essential for corporate environments. You also collaborate with teams using standard enterprise communication platforms, gaining insight into how a large-scale utility company manages its daily operations. By navigating these professional software tools, you develop a strong technical foundation and strengthen your competitive profile for future technology-enabled careers.
12. Target Headquarters High School Tech Internship (via Genesys Works)
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Stipend: Paid hourly at a competitive rate consistent with regional youth workforce development programs
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; mid-sized multi-team cohort
Dates: Consists of an eight-week summer training period followed by a year-long internship during the academic senior year
Application Deadline: Generally closes during the spring semester of the student's junior year
Eligibility: High school students entering their senior year; enrollment in a participating Twin Cities area high school; successful completion of the intensive eight-week summer professional and technical training
In this internship, you join the Target Technology department at the Minneapolis headquarters to support the digital infrastructure of a major retail enterprise. Your daily responsibilities involve technical troubleshooting, hardware deployment, and utilizing enterprise-level ticketing systems to resolve software issues for corporate team members. You engage directly with professional digital tools and follow structured IT workflows to maintain system efficiency across the corporate network. Through the Genesys Works partnership, you collaborate with seasoned IT professionals on active technology projects to navigate complex digital environments. You build practical proficiency in software support and enterprise communication while adapting to the professional expectations of a corporate office.
13. State of Minnesota High School IT Internship (via Right Track YJ2)
Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota
Stipend: Paid hourly at a minimum rate of $16–$16.37
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; small cohort
Dates: 6–9 weeks between mid-June and mid-August
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Residents of Saint Paul meeting household income or employment barrier criteria; age 16 to 21 by June 1; possessing at least 100 hours of prior work or volunteer experience or enrollment in a trade program
In this internship, you join the State of Minnesota through the Right Track YJ2 program to gain foundational exposure to professional IT environments and public sector technology. Throughout the summer, your internship involves practical interaction with digital systems, workplace technologies, and office administration software used by state employees. Your daily workflow includes engaging with technical operations, utilizing professional digital platforms, and assisting with entry-level technology support or digital administration. You also participate in weekly professional development and skills training sessions designed to enhance your digital literacy and technical workplace readiness. This program allows you to develop critical professional skills while learning the operational standards of a large-scale government employer.
14. US Bank High School IT Internship (via Right Track YJ2)
Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota
Stipend: Minimum of $16 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; mid-sized multi-team cohort
Dates: Typically mid-June to mid-August
Application Deadline: Typically February 28
Eligibility: Reside in the city of Saint Paul or suburban Ramsey County; be between 16 and 21 years old by June 1; facing a barrier to employment or meet income requirements; having previous work experience
In this program, you will engage with secure digital systems and enterprise technologies within a professional banking environment. As an intern, your responsibilities center on navigating banking software platforms to facilitate routine financial transactions and customer service workflows. You interact daily with internal digital networks, enterprise office equipment, and communication systems to process information securely. Your work involves assisting branch personnel with technology-enabled operational processes and learning the strict data handling protocols required in financial services. This opportunity provides a verified foundation in how digital infrastructure supports modern retail and corporate banking.
15. Children's Minnesota High School IT Internship (via Right Track YJ2)
Location: Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota
Stipend: Minimum of $16 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; small specialized technical cohort
Dates: Typically mid-June through mid-August
Application Deadline: Generally late February
Eligibility: Residents of Saint Paul; between the ages of 16 and 21 for the YJ2 track; from a cost-burdened household or facing a barrier to employment; possess previous work or volunteer experience
In this internship, you assist technical teams with hardware deployments, desktop support, and device troubleshooting for medical professionals. You interact directly with enterprise ticketing platforms to document service requests and learn the operational workflows of a healthcare help desk. By shadowing IT specialists, you gain insight into how secure networks and data management systems facilitate daily patient care. This experience builds your proficiency in technical problem-solving while exposing you to the critical function technology plays in clinical environments. You also participate in weekly Right Track professional development sessions to prepare for future STEM careers.
Image source - Genesys Works logo