10 Paid Computer Science Internships for High School Students
Internships offer many benefits for high school students’ college applications and future careers. They demonstrate initiative, help develop important skills like communication and teamwork, and allow you to explore your interests. Additionally, internships provide valuable networking opportunities, helping you connect with mentors who can write your letters of recommendation for college and other opportunities. You might gain experience in programming languages like Python, Java, or C++, as well as software development, debugging, and testing. Interns often work on projects that involve data analysis, machine learning, and web or app development.
Why are paid computer science internships a good choice?
Paid computer science internships are often more competitive, which makes them strong additions to your college application. Securing a paid internship shows that you have the skills to stand out in a competitive job market. In addition to gaining valuable experience, the compensation from these internships can be used to cover future educational expenses, helping you plan for college.
This blog features 10 paid computer science internships for high school students, each providing an opportunity to gain practical experience in the field.
1. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program
Location: Rockefeller University, New York
Stipend/Cost: Stipends available
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January
Internship Dates: June 24 – August 8
Eligibility: Students must be at least 16 years old and currently enrolled as juniors or seniors in high school at the time of application.
SSRP Scholars join research teams led by Rockefeller trainees, mirroring the structure of a Rockefeller lab. Each team, supported by dedicated scientist-mentors, has its own space in the RockEDU laboratory. The experience is enriched with elective scientific courses, guest lectures, and social events. The cohort includes 32 scholars. The program kicks off with an introduction to the team’s topic and lab techniques, followed by scholars selecting research questions to explore. Guided by their mentors, they investigate these questions, analyze data, and design a poster to present their findings at the program's symposium. This program is a great stepping stone for students pursuing careers in science.
2. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: NASA centers across the country
Stipend/Cost: Most interns receive a stipend
Application Deadline: August 23 (for the Spring cohort)
Internship Dates: Spring session (Mid January - Early May), Summer session (Late May-August), Fall session (Late August - Mid December)
Eligibility: Full-time student, at least 16 years old at the time of application, with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
NASA's Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships for high school and college students in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. These internships provide hands-on experience with mentors who are research scientists, engineers, and other professionals. Available as full-time or part-time positions, they can be completed at a NASA center or remotely. Interning with NASA not only enhances your resume but also significantly boosts career readiness. What sets the NASA OSTEM High School Internship Programs apart is the exclusive access to NASA's state-of-the-art facilities and resources. Interns gain practical experience in NASA labs, contribute to real projects, and work with technology experts, all while building valuable professional connections.
3. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP)
Location: Across the country, students must choose a location while applying
Stipend/Cost: Stipends vary by location
Application Deadline: Applications are on a rolling basis
Internship Dates: Dates vary by location
Eligibility: Current high school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents. Additional eligibility criteria vary by location.
An AEOP internship can help you stand out in college applications and learn about research. You'll apply classroom knowledge to practical problems, working with advanced equipment in the lab. The mentorship you receive is invaluable, with formal guidance from a professional scientist or engineer, as well as insights from various STEM practitioners. You'll contribute to meaningful U.S. Army-sponsored research tackling major national challenges. AEOP interns benefit from ongoing support through virtual office hours with Near Peer Mentors, webinars on STEM careers, and workshops for college and professional skill-building.
4. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Available in multiple locations. Find your preferred location here
Stipend/Cost: $492.40 (weekly stipend)
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January
Internship Dates: Dates vary based on the project
Eligibility: Applicants must be US citizens and at least 16 years of age by the application deadline
The AFRL Scholars Program provides internships that allow students to work with AFRL's full-time scientists and engineers, engaging in research and contributing to innovative projects. This program offers a unique opportunity to dive into advanced technology and research, gaining invaluable experience while supporting impactful, research-driven initiatives. Go through some of the research topics offered in this program here!
5. Tech360 by America on Tech
Location: New York, Miami, Los Angeles (hybrid format)
Stipend/Cost: $500 stipend
Application Deadline: Closed, applications typically start in March
Internship Dates: Typically starts in June or July, depending on the location
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors currently enrolled in schools within New York City (across all boroughs), Los Angeles County, or Miami-Dade/Broward County
The TECH360 Summer Bootcamp is a 3-week program designed to teach students how to code through web design and development. Participants will acquire essential technical skills and industry-relevant knowledge in coding languages and frameworks like HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap. In the final week, students will apply their skills by collaborating in teams to create and present a website, with top teams competing in the Demo Day Competition at the end of the summer. The TECH360 program offers several benefits: you’ll develop valuable coding skills, join a network of over 5,000 tech-focused students, connect with tech professionals, and gain access to future career pathways and America On Tech programs. This program is a fantastic way to jumpstart your tech career and expand your opportunities.
6. BioRocket Research Internship Program at Genspace
Location: New York City
Stipend/Cost: $2000 stipend
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January
Internship Dates: February 28 - May 23 (Spring), July 1- August 16 (Summer)
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 16 years old by orientation and either live or attend a public or charter school within 45 minutes of Genspace in NYC.
The Biorocket Research Internship Program offers a 6-month science research experience for New York City public and charter high school students. Participants delve into the latest in genetic engineering and biology while honing their science communication skills. The program includes access to scientific mentors, lab tours, field trips, and improv training. Students collaborate with peers and mentors to design a summer research project, exploring new biological concepts and techniques. They connect with professionals in science, technology, and design, gaining career guidance and touring research labs and biotech companies.
7. Tech Flex Leaders
Location: Conducted in a hybrid format in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami
Stipend/Cost: $1000 stipend
Application Deadline: August 15
Internship Dates: 9-month program starting in September
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors enrolled in a public or charter school in Los Angeles, Miami, or New York can apply
The Tech Flex Leaders (TFL) Program is an out-of-school opportunity for high school juniors and seniors in New York City, Los Angeles, or Miami. Over nine months, students participate in weekly technical training led by industry experts, alongside professional development sessions to prepare for tech careers. The program includes career days and mentorship with tech company representatives. The first semester focuses on coding skills in HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap, culminating in a Demo Day Competition. In the second semester, students choose a tech track such as advanced web development or data science. NYC students may also secure a paid summer internship after completing the program.
8. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: New York City
Stipend/Cost: $750 stipend
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March
Internship Dates: June 3 - August 9
Eligibility: Applicants must reside in New York City and complete 10th or 11th grade in June
The ARISE program offers a seven-week experience for NYC high school students, featuring five weeks of research in NYU labs guided by graduate or postdoctoral mentors. Participants also benefit from two weeks of workshops and college advisement focused on scientific ethics, research practices, data analysis, and lab safety. In the labs, students contribute meaningfully to research across various fields like engineering, life sciences, and computer science. The program includes training in presentation and public speaking skills, culminating in a final colloquium where students present their findings.
9. Simons Summer Internship Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Long Island, New York
Stipend/Cost: Stipend awarded
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February
Internship Dates: July 1 - August 9
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and will be at least 16 years old by the start of the program
This program pairs high schoolers with faculty mentors to gain experience in a research setting, attend weekly faculty talks, participate in workshops, and attend campus tours and events. The experience culminates in a closing poster symposium where fellows present their research and receive a stipend award. The Simons Summer Research program offers a unique chance to learn advanced techniques, explore academic research life, and earn recognition for your contributions in a prestigious environment. You can find past faculty research mentors here.
10. Urban Barcode Research Program
Location: DNA Learning Center, City Tech, New York City
Stipend/Cost: $500 stipend
Application Deadline: Applications generally close in May
Internship Dates: Typically ends in May or June
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in grades 9-12 at a public or private high school within New York City and must also reside in the city
This science education initiative introduces NYC high school students to biodiversity studies using DNA technology. Accepted students begin with a training course covering biodiversity, conservation biology, and essential research techniques, including hands-on laboratory experience. They then work on student-driven research projects utilizing DNA barcoding, all while receiving expert mentorship. The Urban Barcode Research Program (UBRP) helps students build knowledge, confidence, and enthusiasm for science by exploring how biodiversity interacts with human activities. 36 students are paired with scientist mentors for the academic year, guiding them through research phases and culminating in a poster presentation at a symposium in May or June.
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. Apply now!
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