15 Software Internships for High School Students in Utah
Participation in a high school internship gives you the chance to take your learning beyond theory and start building real-world experience early. It allows you to strengthen your resume, develop practical skills, and demonstrate initiative to college admissions officers. Internships also give you exposure to different career paths, helping you make more informed decisions about what you want to study or pursue long-term. If you're interested in software engineering, exploring software internships can help you apply coding knowledge, understand development workflows, and gain insight into how tech teams operate. Utah, in particular, has a growing tech ecosystem, making it a relevant place to explore such opportunities and gain industry exposure.
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.
Why should you do a software internship in high school?
A software internship in high school helps you apply what you learn in class to real-world scenarios, from coding and testing to working on collaborative projects. You’ll also begin building a portfolio of projects, which is often a key factor in technology-related opportunities. Software internships expose you to tools, workflows, and teamwork practices that are not always covered in school, such as version control or collaborative development. In addition, you’ll get the chance to interact with mentors and professionals, which can guide your academic and career decisions.
To make this easier, we’ve narrowed it down to 15 software internships for high school students in Utah.
Key takeaways
This list gathers 15 software and STEM-adjacent internships across Utah, spanning university research labs, government agencies, and fully virtual platforms, with standout hosts like the University of Utah, the NSA, Google, and Ladder Internships.
Most programs are free to join, though a handful carry real costs worth planning for, including a steep program fee for one highly selective neurorobotics lab experience and smaller fees for a couple of short-term coding camps.
Ladder Internships stands out as the only fully remote, startup-based option on this list, while a few of the shorter camps offer a lighter, lower-commitment way to sample software and engineering topics before committing to a longer program.
Location matters more here than in a typical virtual-first list: several programs require being on campus at a Utah university, one is centered out of Maryland with limited Utah access, and options like Ladder, Google Summer of Code, and Girls Who Code are open virtually regardless of where you live.
The earliest deadlines start in late January, so if a university research spot is on your radar, plan to have materials ready well before spring, since several other deadlines cluster around late February through April.
1. High School Summer Research Internship
Location: University of Utah – The John and Marcia Price College of Engineering, Salt Lake City, UT
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; Limited space
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors; No formal educational requirements, though math readiness and basic technical skills may be needed depending on research area
In the High School Summer Research Internship, you’ll participate in an eight-week research experience where you’ll work on engineering-related topics in a laboratory setting. You’ll spend approximately 30 hours per week engaging with research processes and learning how academic research is conducted. Throughout the program, you’ll explore different engineering fields while developing an understanding of technical concepts and methodologies. You’ll work toward creating a poster project that presents what you have learned during the internship. The experience involves structured exposure to research environments and may require applying basic technical and analytical skills. By the end of the program, you’ll complete and present your research work in a formal format.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies (financial aid available); Unpaid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts across spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students who can commit 10-20 hours per week for 8-12 weeks
In the Ladder Internship Program, you will be matched with a high-growth start-up and work on real-world projects across fields such as AI/ML, data science, or product development. Your responsibilities may include conducting research, supporting product or business initiatives, or contributing to technical tasks depending on the start-up’s needs. You’ll work closely with a start-up manager and receive mentorship from a Ladder Coach, who will provide structured guidance and feedback throughout the internship. The program includes regular check-ins and concludes with a final presentation where you’ll share your work and outcomes with the company. This setup allows you to experience how start-ups operate while building practical skills in a remote, collaborative environment. The relatively short duration also makes it easier to explore different domains without a long-term commitment.
3. NeuroRobotics Summer Enrichment Program
Location: University of Utah – Utah NeuroRobotics Lab, Salt Lake City, UT
Cost/Stipend: $4,000 onwards; Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 1-2 students
Dates: Approximately June 1 – August 1 (flexible)
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students; Preference for students preparing for undergraduate study at the University of Utah or from diverse backgrounds; Typically requires prior experience in programming, mechanical design, or hardware design and completion of some STEM coursework
In this program, you’ll participate in a two-month research experience within a neurorobotics lab, working on interdisciplinary projects that may involve engineering, neuroscience, and computing. You’ll engage in hands-on work such as building exoskeletons, developing virtual or augmented reality systems, designing diagnostic tools, or contributing to human-subject experiments. The experience allows you to work alongside professionals from multiple disciplines, including engineers and computer scientists, while applying technical skills in a research setting. You will be involved in ongoing lab projects and will contribute to practical research activities and gain exposure to experimental workflows. The program is structured to provide individualized training based on your background and interests.
4. mySTEM Scholars
Location: Various mySTEM hubs across Utah
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly specified
Dates: September – May (year-round)
Application Deadline: May 15 – August 15
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-12; Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from a non-family adult
The mySTEM Scholars program is a competitive, year-long STEM leadership initiative that helps middle and high school students combine their interest in science and technology with community service. Throughout the program, you’ll develop and lead a personalized STEM Action Plan, participate in citizen science projects, and attend monthly makerspace-based learning sessions. Each participant is paired with a mentor and gains access to STEM professionals who provide guidance on projects and career exploration. The program also aims to help with leadership development, public speaking, and building a strong STEM identity while encouraging students to solve real-world challenges in their communities.
5. Hi-GEAR Engineering & Computer Science Camp
Location: University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Cost/Stipend: $120 fee; Unpaid
Cohort size: 30 students
Dates: June 22 – June 25; June 29 – July 2
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students (ages 15-18)
In the Hi-GEAR Engineering & Computer Science Camp, you’ll participate in a short-term, hands-on STEM experience focused on engineering and computer science fields. While not an internship, this program gives you the chance to engage in collaborative, hands-on team projects and activities that emphasize problem-solving and practical application of concepts. The program includes exposure to multiple engineering disciplines such as computer science, electrical, and mechanical engineering through structured sessions. You’ll also attend guest speaker sessions and take part in tours of laboratory spaces to understand how these fields are applied in real-world settings.
6. Empowered Professionals of Tomorrow
Location: Utah Valley University, Orem, UT
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 7 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Utah high school students in grades 9-11; Must be interested in STEAM, business, or education fields
In this program, you’ll participate in a seven-week early access experience that includes university-level coursework, career exploration, and hands-on learning. You’ll take part in courses, such as Intro to Engineering and 3-Dimensional Modeling, as part of structured academic tracks. The program connects you with university faculty, mentors, and peers while providing guidance on navigating college processes. You’ll also engage in workshops, guest speaker sessions, and activities with university resources and local professionals. The experience includes opportunities to earn college credit that applies toward general education and degree pathways.
7. NSA High School Work Study Program
Location: NSA Headquarters (Maryland) and select field sites in Utah, Colorado, Georgia, etc.
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly specified
Dates: During the academic year (senior year)
Application Deadline: Opens September 1
Eligibility: High school juniors who plan to participate in a school-sponsored work experience program during their senior year and live near NSA Headquarters or one of the eligible field sites
The NSA High School Work Study Program is a paid, part-time internship that allows you to gain professional experience while completing your senior year. Depending on your location, you may work in areas such as office administration, computer and engineering technology, printing and graphic arts, facilities and logistics, intelligence analysis, or more. Throughout the program, you’ll work alongside NSA professionals, develop practical workplace skills, and gain insight into careers supporting national security.
8. SUU BZI Youth Engineering Academy – AI and Cyber and Me (Oh My)
Location: Southern Utah University, Cedar City, UT & Southwest Tech, Cedar City, UT
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 15 – 16
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students (ages 15-18)
You’ll participate in a short, hands-on STEM camp focused on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, where learning is structured through interactive activities and team-based challenges. Over two full days, you’ll explore foundational cybersecurity topics such as password security, phishing awareness, and data privacy through simulations and mini Capture-the-Flag exercises. While not technically an internship, the program introduces you to AI tools, allowing you to experiment with generating content like stories, artwork, or chatbots while evaluating their accuracy and limitations. You’ll also engage with ethical questions around AI, including bias, misinformation, and responsible usage, while applying these concepts in guided projects. By the end, you’ll produce tangible outputs such as digital safety checklists and AI-assisted projects that reflect your understanding of both cybersecurity and AI concepts.
9. CodeAdventure Coding Camp
Location: nCino Headquarters, Lehi, UT
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort Size: ~50 participants
Dates: June 18 – 20
Application Deadline: Not specified (waitlist-based enrollment)
Eligibility: Girls aged 13-18; No prior coding experience required
The CodeAdventure Coding Camp is designed to introduce you to core concepts in software development through structured sessions and guided activities. The program includes modules on cybersecurity and data analytics, where you’ll learn foundational principles such as data handling, security practices, and basic analysis techniques. While not technically an internship, you’ll engage in hands-on exercises, team challenges, and collaborative problem-solving tasks that simulate real-world tech scenarios. The schedule also incorporates mentorship interactions, where industry professionals support learning and provide guidance during activities. You’ll work on small projects and present outcomes, allowing you to apply concepts in a practical setting. The program focuses on building familiarity with multiple areas of technology, including web development, UX design, and software engineering fundamentals, within a short, immersive format.
10. Envisioneering Summer Bridge
Location: Weber State University, Ogden, UT
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – August 5
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders (students entering 9th grade may be considered as an exception); Preference is given to students with financial need and first-generation college applicants
The Envisioneering Summer Bridge program at Weber State University is a 7-week, tuition-free summer program that allows you to earn college credit while exploring engineering and technology. You’ll take two introductory college courses – Introduction to Architecture and Introduction to Engineering & Technical Design (SolidWorks) – covering topics such as architectural design, engineering design processes, CAD, technical drawing, and team-based design projects. Alongside classroom instruction, you’ll participate in hands-on engineering activities, industry field trips, tutoring sessions, and mentoring to strengthen your STEM skills.
11. Girls Who Code Pathways
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 29 – August 14
Application Deadline: Early: February 27; General: April 10
Eligibility: High school girls and non-binary students
In this online program, you’ll work through a curriculum built around coding and emerging tech. You’ll pick a track that interests you – options include Data Science and AI, Web Development, Game Design, Cybersecurity, AI and Society – and complete projects at your own pace over several weeks. The program also hosts virtual events like career panels, partner workshops, and advisor-led sessions that offer a look into how technology is applied across industries. A private online community gives you a space to connect with other participants, and optional support sessions are available if you want additional guidance. The overall structure aims at helping students explore technical concepts and build projects while keeping your schedule manageable.
12. CS@Mines Computing For Good (C4G) Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $200 program fee; Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – July 28
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: High school students with an interest in learning computer science; prior computer science experience not required
Through this program, you’ll join a small team to design and build a computing project in a fully virtual setting over five weeks. You’ll commit a few hours each week to structured work and coordinate regularly with your teammates to keep the project moving forward. Each week, guest speakers from industry and academia join to talk about how computer science shows up across different fields and career paths. The program doesn't require any prior coding experience, and by the end, you walk away with hands-on experience in collaborative programming and a clearer picture of where computing skills can take you.
13. Google Summer of Code (GSoC)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipend provided (based on project evaluations)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: January 19 – November 11 (coding period typically 12+ weeks between May – September)
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Individuals over 18
In this program, you’ll start by submitting a project proposal to an open source organization. If selected, you’ll spend time familiarizing yourself with the organization's codebase and community before the main coding period begins. Over 12 weeks or more, you’ll build and contribute to real software used by people outside the program, hitting defined milestones and receiving regular evaluations from your assigned mentor. Throughout the process, you’ll interact with experienced developers and get a firsthand look at how open source communities collaborate. When the program wraps up, your code stays publicly available, giving you a tangible piece of work to point to.
14. CodeDay Labs
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $1,200 – $1,600; Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 3- 12 weeks; Year-round availability
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school and college students; Multiple experience-level tracks available
In this program, you’ll work in a small team of two to four students on an open-source project guided by a mentor who works in the industry. After completing an onboarding course, you’ll move into active development, where teaching assistants provide ongoing support as your team builds something that addresses a real-world problem. Along the way, you’ll attend tech talks and expert sessions and get access to interview prep and resume feedback. The program connects what you've learned in school to how software actually gets built in professional environments, giving you experience with open-source workflows, team-based coding, and some early professional networking, all in a virtual setup that runs throughout the year.
15. Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) Saturday Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Spring and fall Saturday sessions
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students able to attend all sessions; Interest required but no prior experience necessary
On Saturdays across the spring or fall, you’ll attend project-based STEM courses led by MIT faculty, lab staff, and STEM professionals. Depending on what's available, you can enroll in courses covering areas like Python programming, robotics, machine learning, autonomous systems, or engineering design. Each session combines instruction with hands-on work, and you collaborate with peers as you apply technical ideas to practical problems. Most offerings run virtually, though some spring courses take place in person at MIT.
Questions students often ask about these internships
1. Do I need to already know how to code to apply to these internships?
Not for most of them. A good number are designed for complete beginners and teach programming concepts as you go, so no background is assumed. A few of the research-based options do prefer some prior coursework or hands-on experience, so it is worth reading eligibility details closely.
2. Some of these programs charge a fee or don't offer a stipend. Are they still worth applying to?Often, yes, especially if the mentorship, coursework, or project experience is strong. Fee-based programs tend to include structured curriculum, guest experts, or university-level instruction you would not get elsewhere. If cost is tight, check for financial aid or scholarship options before ruling a program out.
3. Are any of these opportunities open to students outside Utah?Yes, several are fully virtual and open no matter where you live, while others are tied to a specific Utah campus and expect you to be there in person. Double check the location field for each program before applying so you know what to expect.