15 Programming Internships for High School Students
For high school students passionate about computer science, internships can offer an accessible opportunity to learn beyond classroom basics and gain experience in tech. Programming internships allow you to apply your coding skills to projects, collaborate with professionals, and start building a network early on within the industry. Whether you’re interested in software development, data analysis, or cybersecurity, these internships not only hone your technical skills but also offer a glimpse into potential careers.
Additionally, participating in such programs demonstrates to college admissions committees that you are driven, dedicated, and motivated to pursue your academic interests beyond the standard curriculum. Working with leading organizations, some of which may also offer stipends, can set you apart in the competitive field of computer science. Internships at renowned institutions like NASA, the U.S. Navy, or the Department of Energy, for example, are especially helpful and can help you stand out during college applications. Apart from boosting your resume, internships provide direct exposure to industry practices, mentorship from seasoned professionals, and a chance to explore various pathways in technology. Many programs are also structured to be accessible remotely!
In this blog, you’ll find a curated list of top programming internships for high school students, including some of the best opportunities to advance your skills, explore career options, and take meaningful steps toward a future in computer science.
Location: Meta Headquarters, Menlo Park, California
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will receive a stipend!
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: June 17 - July 26
Eligibility: High school sophomores who are full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, or Redwood City are encouraged to apply
The Meta Summer Academy is a program for high school students, with only 150 selected participants. During the program, students spend 30 hours per week immersed in the daily operations of Meta, gaining experience with one of the world’s leading social media companies. You will learn coding, develop communication and soft skills, and explore a range of tech industry careers. Each student is paired with a mentor, receiving personalized guidance and insight into the tech business landscape. With transportation provided for all interns, the program is accessible to students across California. The Meta Summer Academy offers exposure to the tech industry, helping students build both technical abilities and a deeper understanding of how such companies operate within the business world.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies based on program type
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students
This program connects high school students with start-ups and nonprofits around the world for virtual internships. The companies you can work with are across a number of different industries, with a large number of them in computer science and tech. As an intern, you will choose the field you want to work in. You’ll contribute to a project and present your work at the end of your internship, while working closely with your manager and a Ladder Coach, who guides you as you navigate the startup environment. This internship offers a combination of experiences and theoretical knowledge-building. In the past, student interns have worked on projects that included: software engineering – learning low-code stack concepts, adding core metrics, measuring performance, and conducting user research; and using AI to set up an automated ticket response system.
3. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of Navy (DoN)
Location: There are several lab locations to choose from across the country, many of which are working on computer science/tech projects. You can choose a lab based on your interests!
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students receive a stipend – $4,000 (new participant) | $4,500 (returning participant)
Application Deadline: November 1
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer. Exact dates vary with the project you’re working on
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least grade 9, are at least 16 years old when the internship begins can apply. Graduating seniors are eligible as well. Make sure you check whether their preferred lab choice has any other eligibility requirements
This program provides high school students with a paid, eight-week summer research experience at the Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories across the country. Participants work under the guidance of expert mentors, engaging in projects that span cybersecurity, software development, algorithm design, data analysis, and other advanced STEM fields. Each student is matched to a lab according to their interests and preferences. So if you’re interested in programming, you can choose to explore research in areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and system simulation. This offers an opportunity to apply classroom concepts and gain insights into state-of-the-art technologies.
4. Student Interns at Sandia National Laboratories
Location: Livermore, California | Albuquerque, New Mexico | other Sandia sites
Cost/Stipend: Students will receive a stipend commensurate with the work they put in, and it will vary with the internship role
Application Deadline: Rolling deadline, as internship openings are continuously updated.
Dates: Year-round, if you choose that program option. For the Co-op internships, you can select your internship period, in coordination with Sandia and your school.
Summer Interns - 40 hours per week | Year-round Interns - 25 hours per week
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old, are enrolled full-time in an accredited college, university, or high school, and are U.S. citizens can apply; must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for R&D, technical, or business roles
Sandia National Laboratories, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, offers strong internship opportunities in technical, business, and research roles. Interns join dynamic teams to work on projects in areas such as cybersecurity, software development, energy, and engineering, all contributing to critical national initiatives. As an intern, you will be paired with a mentor who helps structure your project work and learning throughout the internship, gaining experience under the guidance of scientists and engineers. For students passionate about coding and programming, Sandia offers roles like the Comp Materials & Data Science Internship, where participants tackle multidisciplinary, technologically challenging projects, learning to integrate and optimize various systems and software.
Note: Options include summer and year-round internships, where students attending local schools can work part-time during the academic year and up to full-time during school breaks. Co-op internships are also available in partnership with individual schools, running for several months and providing immersive exposure to cutting-edge research environments.
5. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: These internships are offered across NASA facilities. Students may select roles located in their cities
Cost/Stipend: Interns may receive a stipend based on academic level and session length
Application Deadline: January (Fall session) | August (Spring session) | October (Summer session)
Dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions – Fall (16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December) | Spring (16-week program, from mid-January to early May) | Summer (10-week program, from late May or early June to August)
Eligibility: Internships are available for full-time high school students who meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internship opportunities for high school students at multiple NASA centers nationwide, with both on-site and virtual options. These internships allow students to explore applications of computer science, engineering, and data analysis, all while working on current NASA projects under the guidance of mentors. Participants gain experience, contributing to active scientific research, developing new technologies, supporting space missions, or analyzing mission data. Interns receive structured training, mentorship, and career development, and are exposed to a wide range of fields including aerospace engineering, space science, information technology, and more. Applicants can choose from open positions (you will have to filter through the database to find opportunities open for high school students specifically), allowing them to align their experience with specific interests in computer science and technology.
6. Microsoft’s High School Discovery Program
Location: Redmond, Seattle Metropolitan Area, Washington State
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will be paid $20/hour
Application Deadline: March
Dates: 4 weeks, July - August
Eligibility: Rising first-year students of a bachelor’s degree program (graduating high school seniors) who live within 50 miles of Redmond, Washington. Students must be at least 16 years old and have a legal right to work in the U.S. for the duration of the program
This four-week summer internship is designed to introduce high school students to the tech industry at one of the industry’s leading companies. Tailored for students with a strong interest in tech and STEM, the program combines learning with structured mentorship from Microsoft professionals. Participants, called ‘Discoverers,’ join small teams to solve problems through product group projects, exploring programming fundamentals and the full product development lifecycle. The curriculum covers a wide range of core computer science concepts and provides exposure to advanced topics like machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. You will also develop career readiness and learn about software engineering, product management, and UX design. Throughout the program, every Discoverer is paired with a Microsoft mentor who offers guidance, insight, and career support.
7. Syracuse University Engineering and Computer Science Research Internship
Location: Greater Syracuse Area
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a stipend is provided
Application Deadline: Typically 2 months before the internship begins
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: Rising seniors in the Greater Syracuse area with good academic standing
This is a 6-week, non-residential summer internship program for rising high school seniors that offers exposure to advanced engineering and computer science research. Each intern undertakes a university-level research project, working alongside university faculty and student mentors, gaining experience in both independent inquiry and collaborative academic environments. During the internship, you will receive training in laboratory safety, learn college-level research and library skills, and guidance as you develop a comprehensive research plan. Interns learn to systematically analyze project data and how to synthesize and display their findings effectively. The program ends with a research symposium where participants present their results in poster format, sharing their accomplishments with peers, undergraduate researchers, and faculty.
8. Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship & Internship
Location: Amazon Headquarters, Seattle, Washington
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost. Students can receive scholarships of up to $10,000 per year.
Application Deadline: January 9
Dates: ~8 weeks during the summer after your freshman year of college
Eligibility: High school seniors in the U.S. who: are currently enrolled in or have completed a high school or college dual degree course where computer science, engineering, or robotics is the subject; have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent); demonstrate financial need; can apply
The Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship is an opportunity for high school seniors planning to pursue degrees in engineering or computer science. Awarding up to $40,000 in college funding (up to $10,000 annually), this program selects 400 students, specifically seeking to encourage those from underrepresented backgrounds in tech. Scholars are also guaranteed a paid summer internship at Amazon following their freshman year in college. This internship offers exposure to Amazon’s innovative projects, enabling students to tackle challenges in fields like software engineering, data science, and artificial intelligence. Interns work directly with Amazon professionals, deepening their practical skills and understanding of the tech industry. This can be a solid option for students interested in programming and coding. Through mentorship, project-based learning, and networking with industry experts and leadership teams, students gain experience, strengthening their coding abilities and preparing them for future roles in technology.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 16 – June 27
Eligibility: High school students entering 9-12 grade in the Fall; over the age of 14 by the start of the program; strong math and/or computer programming skills and/or experience with a healthcare project
This two-week virtual summer research internship offers exposure to the technical and clinical aspects of AI applications in medicine and healthcare. As an intern, you will engage in a curriculum that includes foundational lectures on AI in healthcare, collaborative team research projects, and interactive mentorship from Stanford researchers and industry professionals. The program features sessions with guest speakers from diverse sectors, offering valuable perspectives on technology and healthcare career pathways. For those keen to explore programming, the focus on machine learning and AI solution development enables students to apply and expand their coding skills while working on innovative, health challenges. This internship is ideal for high schoolers interested in coding, programming, and AI, as it provides experience developing algorithms, analyzing medical data, and designing technology-driven health solutions, all within a supportive academic and professional community.
10. ASPIRE Program by Johns Hopkins University
Location: Virtual | In person (Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Maryland)
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: February 15
Dates: June 24 – August 21 (6-9 weeks in the summer)
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors; At least 15 years of age by June 1; Minimum GPA of 2.8; Permanent residence in one of the following Maryland counties: Anne Arundel, Baltimore (County or City), Calvert, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s; one of the following Virginia counties/cities: Alexandria, Arlington, or Fairfax; or the District of Columbia
The Johns Hopkins ASPIRE Internship offers high school juniors and seniors a rigorous, mentor-guided experience in STEM at the renowned Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). Students will participate in ongoing research projects under expert supervision, with options to intern either in-person at the APL campus in Maryland or virtually. As an intern, you will select your area of focus from fields such as computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, planetary science, and more. For those interested in programming and coding, participants may develop Java games, generate and process drone-based 3D models, or design artificial intelligence tools for robotic applications, directly applying coding skills to innovative, problems. This exposure helps students see how computer science powers modern scientific and engineering breakthroughs. The program can be extended into the academic year for further research, and students conclude their internship by submitting a digital poster showcasing their project findings.
11. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual | In-person (Fairfax, Virginia)
Cost: $25 application fee (can be waived)
Application Deadline: February 2
Dates: June 18 - August 8
Eligibility: 15 years or older by June 18
This internship offers a full-time, eight-week summer research experience where students work closely with faculty mentors and professional researchers across George Mason University and its partner institutions, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to tackle scientific questions in disciplines ranging from neuroscience and nanoscience to environmental science and mathematical modeling. The program provides opportunities in computer science fields such as software engineering, cybersecurity, machine learning, data science, robotics, game design, and human-computer interaction. Interns can collaborate on projects that apply computational solutions to research challenges, gaining critical coding experience that is both relevant and practical for future STEM careers. Throughout the internship, students receive training in scientific writing, present their research, and may even see their work published in scientific journals or presented at conferences.
12. Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
Cost/Stipend: Free; Students receive a stipend
Application Deadline: February 7
Dates: June 30 - August 8
Eligibility: Students who are in grade 11 when applying, are US citizens and/or permanent residents, and are at least 16 years old by the start of the program
This six-week initiative is designed for high school juniors with a strong interest in STEM disciplines, including chemistry, computer science, applied mathematics, medicine, and physics. Based on your mentor preferences, you will be matched with university faculty mentors and active research groups. Simons Fellows will dive into research, gaining experience with university-level techniques and tools. The program schedule involves conducting lab work, analyzing data, and collaborating directly with Stony Brook faculty and graduate students. For students interested in programming and coding, the program offers opportunities within computer science and computational research labs, such as working on algorithm development, data analysis, or AI applications, allowing students to hone their practical coding skills while solving real-world problems.
Location: Hybrid in New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will be paid
Application Deadline: August 3
Dates: Typically 9 months long, starting in September
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors attending a New York City (all boroughs), Los Angeles County, or Miami-Dade/Broward County public or charter school
This program is designed for high school juniors and seniors keen on exploring technology careers. Run by America on Tech (AOT), this program begins with foundational training in coding and web development, covering HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap, and culminates in a demo day where students showcase their web projects to industry judges. In the second semester, students select one of five specialized tracks: Advanced Web Development, Digital Marketing, Data Science, UX Design, or Product Management. The Advanced Web Development track is a particularly strong fit for students interested in programming: you’ll gain experience with JavaScript, React, Angular, and the principles of structuring interactive, dynamic web pages. In the Data Science track, students learn to analyze data with Python and R, gain exposure to machine learning, and work with industry-standard tools such as TensorFlow and scikit-learn. Participants meet weekly for technical training, professional development workshops focused on leadership and identity, and networking events with mentors and professionals in AI and other advanced tech fields.
Location: Fermilab site, Batavia, Illinois
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a stipend of $17.20 per hour is provided.
Application Deadline: February 5
Dates: June 17 – July 26
Eligibility: Illinois high school enrollment; Must be a sophomore or junior at the time of application; Minimum of a 3.0 grade average; Eligible to work in the United States.
This is an intensive six-week summer internship designed to encourage students to pursue STEM, specifically women and students from underrepresented backgrounds. Hosted at one of the country’s top STEM research facilities, this program selects only 15 to 25 interns, ensuring personalized mentorship and meaningful engagement. Interns work daily alongside Fermilab scientists and engineers, contributing to research projects that explore key topics such as subatomic particles, quantum science, dark matter, artificial intelligence, and more. If you’re interested in programming and coding, you can consider research projects that involve direct applications of computer science, such as data analysis, algorithm development, and the use of AI in experimental physics. By collaborating on interdisciplinary teams, interns gain real-world experience applying computational techniques to solve complex scientific problems. The internship offers both practical work experience and experiential learning, with a combination of research activities and STEM-focused leadership workshops.
15. SparkSIP Summer Internship Program
Location: Various locations across the country, varies with the internship. Some may be remote
Stipend: While some internships under this program are unpaid, some offer a stipend of $500.
Application Deadline: May 1 (based on past year's dates)
Dates: 6-8 weeks, June to August
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 40 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Spark SIP is a prestigious, competitive summer internship program that connects students with industry experts, professors, and community leaders through full-time internships. When applying, applicants can select 5–6 preferred projects from a diverse list, and are assigned to sponsors after selection. Previous research topics include preparing Python scripts for crossbar architecture, interfacing and visualizing data, software engineering internships, and projects involving spike-timing in Spiking Neural Networks. You will gain experience in machine learning, computer vision, neural networks, data analytics, cybersecurity, and software development, engaging with technological challenges. Participants collaborate on projects that demand strong technical and computational skills, applying concepts from Python programming to advanced artificial intelligence and computer vision tasks. The program blends theoretical learning with practical application, featuring skill-building workshops, networking events, and career advice sessions.
Bonus! Here are a few more programs you can consider if you’re interested in programming: