12 Software Engineering Internships for High School Students
If you're thinking about studying computer science, a software engineering internship is a great way to gain practical experience. Doing an internship in high school can also help you build a strong portfolio for your college applications. You will gain experience in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software, and you'll lay a solid foundation for your future career.
Internships are a great way to make an impression and stand out in both applications and interviews. They show you’re proactive and willing to go beyond the classroom. Software engineering internships give you a chance to apply what you've learned in professional situations. Here are 12 software engineering internships for high school students to help you get started in the field:
1. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program 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, undergraduates, and gap year students!
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. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
2. NASA Internships
Cost: None. Stipends may be provided
Location: Depends on the internship
Duration: between 10 to 16 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies based on the internship
Program Dates: Fall cohort: late August/early September to mid-December | Spring cohort: mid-January to early May | Summer cohort: late May/early June to August
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Must be US citizens
NASA offers a range of internship opportunities to high school students with an interest in software engineering. These are paid internship opportunities designed to allow students to get involved in the agency’s scientific advancements in various fields such as space exploration, aeronautics, and tech. These internships offer students valuable practical experience as they work alongside mentors such as research scientists, engineers, and other professionals, and learn about the applications of software engineering. There are various virtual and in-person opportunities for students to choose from, including part-time work.
3. Microsoft’s High School Discovery Program
Stipend: $20 per hour
Location: Redmond, WA
Duration: 4 weeks
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: High school graduating seniors who live or attend high school within 50 miles of Redmond, WA, or around Atlanta, Georgia, and will have completed pre-calculus or an equivalent course by the start of the program
Microsoft’s High School Discovery Program provides high school students with hands-on learning experiences as they explore various technology-related opportunities at Microsoft. The “Discoverers” are exposed to the Design phase of product development, as they learn about programming fundamentals and improve their career readiness under the guidance and mentorship of Microsoft employees.
4. Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship & Internship
Cost: None. Students may receive a scholarship for up to $10,000 a year
Acceptance Rate: Only 400 applicants are selected.
Location: Amazon Headquarters in Seattle, Washington
Application Deadline: Typically in mid-December
Eligibility Criteria: High school seniors in the US who are currently enrolled in or have completed a high school or college dual degree course with computer science, robotics, or engineering, have a GPA of at least 2.3 on a 4.0 scale, and demonstrate financial need
The Amazon Future Engineer Program offers valuable experience to high school students interested in technology. Students are exposed to the challenges and innovations in Amazon’s environment as they work on projects and collaborate with experienced professionals. This program offers a practical outlet for students to apply their theoretical knowledge of engineering and technology, as they gain insights into the intricacies of the industry. The program’s multifaceted approach serves as a launching pad into the tech sector and also enables students to gain the best possible education to succeed academically and professionally.
5. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP)
Stipend: Depends on the location and internship
Location: Various opportunities across the country
Duration/Program Dates: Typically during the summer
Application deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: Current high school students who are US citizens or permanent residents. Additional requirements may vary by location
The US Army Educational Outreach Program is a collaborative effort between universities and the US Army Research Laboratories and Centers. It offers high school students internship opportunities across the country, enabling them to work with a university researcher or Department of Defence scientist on research projects. Students are exposed to cutting-edge technologies in laboratory facilities, with access to professional scientists and mentors to guide them in their work. This opportunity fosters critical thinking and problem-solving, among other skills required to succeed in STEM. There are multiple locations across the country for commuters in the area.
6. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of Navy (DoN)
Stipend: $4,000 for new participants and $4,500 for returning participants
Location: 38 labs across the country
Duration/Program Dates: Typically in the summer
Application Deadline: Applications open on August 1
Eligibility: High school students who are US citizens enrolled in a high school or taking college-level classes of at least 16 years of age. Graduating seniors are eligible to apply, and further exceptions or requirements may vary based on the lab.
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program is designed to encourage students to pursue a career in DoN science and engineering. Students can choose from the various labs across the country to conduct research in a field of their choice under the mentorship of DoN scientists and engineers. This program helps to expose students to various research and development opportunities in diverse streams of science and technology. It also enables underrepresented groups to gain access to opportunities that they otherwise may not be privy to.
7. Spark Summer Internship Program
Stipend: Depends on the internship
Location: Virtual or in-person, depending on the internship
Duration: 8 to 12 weeks
Application Deadline: Typically in May
Eligibility: US citizens or permanent residents who can commit to working 40 hours a week for 8 to 12 weeks
SparkSIP enables students to select 5-6 projects they wish to work on in their area of interest, with the support of an assigned sponsor. Students can thus explore real-world scenarios for engineering and gain practical experience and skills that will benefit them in future academic endeavors and be beneficial for their professional progress.
8. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University
Stipend: $750 upon successful completion of the program
Location: Texas Tech University Campus in Lubbock, TX
Application Deadline: February 15
Program Dates: June 16 to August 1
Eligibility: US citizens or permanent residents of at least 17 years of age before or on the program starting date, who will graduate in the current year or the next.
The Anson L Clark Scholar Program is an intensive research program offered to just twelve highly qualified high school juniors and seniors. The selected cohort will conduct research across diverse areas of research and receive 1-on-1 mentorship from the top scholars across the country. The program also includes field visits, discussions, and seminars. Participants will thus gain practical research experience and engage in social activities while expanding their knowledge, thereby ensuring a holistic educational experience.
9. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Internships
Cost: None. Participants must pay for their own housing and transportation.
Location: Various locations depending on the lab
Duration: 8 weeks
Application Deadline: Typically in mid-February
Program Dates: Typically from mid-June to the second week of August
Eligibility: Rising seniors and recent graduates with a minimum 3.0 GPA who are eligible to work in the US.
NIST’s Internship Program engages students in research at NIST facilities under the guidance of staff scientists and engineers. Students conduct research on a specific topic at one of six laboratories that participate in the program. This is a competitive program that has resulted in impressive research projects in previous years. Students can intern at labs in Boulder, Colorado, or Gaithersburg, Maryland.
10. Meta Summer Academy
Cost: None. A stipend is awarded upon successful completion of the program
Location: California
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: June 17 to July 26
Eligibility Criteria: Current high school sophomores who are full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, or Redwood City with a minimum GPA of 2.0
This is a prestigious opportunity offered by Meta (formerly known as Facebook) for high school students to learn about the day-to-day environment at the organization. Chosen participants gain first-hand experience of the various processes and practices and are mentored by current Meta employees. Only 150 students make it to the final cohort, and this offers them invaluable exposure to potential careers in tech as they interact and network with Meta professionals. The company also provides transport for all externs.
11. Sandia National Laboratories
Cost: None. A consistent pay rate is offered to high school interns, depending on their duties
Location: Various locations in Albuquerque and Livermore, depending on the internship
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: Summer internships typically run from May to August.
Eligibility: US citizens of at least 16 years of age with a full-time enrollment status and a minimum GPA of 2.5, with the ability to work 25 hours a week during the term of 40 hours a week during the summer
Sandia National Laboratories is a contractor for the National Nuclear Security Administration, under the US Department of Energy. They offer a wide range of internship opportunities, including summer internships, co-ops, and year-round internships. This program is highly selective. Interns work alongside professionals, including engineers and researchers, using advanced equipment in research facilities.
12. Syracuse University Engineering and Computer Science Research Internship
Cost: None. Stipend is provided
Location: Greater Syracuse Area
Duration: 6 weeks
Eligibility: 12th-grade high school students in the greater Syracuse area.
The Syracuse University Engineering and Computer Science Research Internship requires interns to participate in a university-level research project at state-of-the-art research facilities. The internship also offers networking opportunities to ease their transition from high school to college. Participants are mentored by SU research faculty and graduate and undergraduate students over the course of the program. They learn about developing research plans, laboratory training, research techniques, analyzing data, and using various research techniques to gather information. Interns also learn about maintaining a laboratory notebook and must present their findings in an annual poster symposium.
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