If you’re a high school student thinking about majoring in computer science, joining a summer research program or internship is a great way to gain practical experience and build your skills before college. Research programs will allow you to try out different areas of computer science, learn from experts, and work on real projects.
You may work on solving computational problems, creating new algorithms, or exploring emerging technologies. Computer science research includes areas like AI, data science, computer vision, and networking, all focused on developing solutions to improve digital life and tackle real-world challenges. You’ll explore new tech, expand your knowledge, figure out what careers might interest you, and build a portfolio to help with college applications.
Several prestigious universities and organizations offer free computer science programs for high school students. They’re often selective, so being accepted can help boost your academic profile. Some even offer stipends you can use or save for college.
Here are 17 free summer computer science research opportunities for high school students.
1. Carnegie Mellon CS Scholars
Location: Carnegie Mellon campus, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Free; you can request travel assistance if traveling to CMU poses a significant challenge.
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: June 21 – July 19
Eligibility: Rising 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
Carnegie Mellon’s Computer Science Scholars (CSS) allows you to explore computer science with CMU faculty, staff, and researchers. You’ll take college-level CS courses and attend weekly seminars on topics like college admissions, social-emotional wellness, and financial aid. You’ll start by building a foundation in Python, learning about variables, functions, lists, dictionaries, conditionals, loops, and techniques like top-down design and debugging.
You’ll also take a pre-concepts of math course to help boost your confidence and skills in math. Throughout the program, you’ll work with a team on a group project that applies your new knowledge to practical problems, which you’ll present at the end of the program. You’ll also get to connect with CMU faculty and computer science professionals to learn more about different careers in the field. If you complete the program and show strong interest, you might be invited back the following summer for CMU’s AI Scholars program as a rising senior.
2. NYU’s Innovation, Entrepreneurship and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 15
Dates: July 7 – August 8
Eligibility: Current 9th to 12th graders who live in NYC and are at least 15 years old
NYU’s ieSoSC program brings together technology, entrepreneurship, and smart city innovation for high school students who want to help shape the future of urban living. It’s designed to help you build both technical and business skills through hands-on experiences. You’ll learn the basics of coding, microcontrollers, circuits, and sensors, and see how they’re used in real-world smart city projects. At the same time, you’ll dive into the business side, exploring economics, project planning, branding, and how to pitch ideas. You’ll also get a look at legal topics like patents and copyrights.
Throughout the program, you’ll work on tech projects where you’ll brainstorm, prototype, and test your own product or service. You’ll also join communication workshops that use theatre techniques to help you improve your speaking skills and sharpen your pitch. By the end, you’ll have gained experience in smart city innovation, product development, and entrepreneurship, developing confidence in both your technical and presentation skills.
3. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: The program is fully funded!
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility:You must be enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall and must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In the flagship program, talented high-school students are paired with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. This program is a solid option if you are interested in interdisciplinary research and want to create an individual research paper. You can apply here!
4. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: The AI Scholars program costs $2,290, and the AI Fellowship costs $5,400. If you choose to do both programs, the combined cost is $6,900. Full need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort.
Dates: Multiple cohorts are offered throughout the year.
Eligibility: AI Scholars is open to all high school students. The AI Fellowship is for students who either have some experience with Python or have completed the AI Scholars program.
Veritas AI offers programs for high school students interested in learning about artificial intelligence. Started by Harvard researchers, the programs are led by instructors from top universities like Stanford, MIT, Harvard, and Princeton. The AI Scholars program is a 10-session introductory course that covers the basics of data science, AI, and machine learning through hands-on projects that tackle real-world problems.
If you already have some programming experience, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase offers a more advanced option. You’ll work one-on-one with a university mentor, someone experienced in AI or machine learning, to develop a research project. A publication team will help you prepare your work for submission to high school research journals. You’ll also learn how AI is applied in areas like finance and environmental science. You can explore past student projects here.
5. UT Computer Science Academy for ALL
Location: University of Texas, Austin, TX
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: July 6 – July 12 (Standard Edition) | July 27 – August 2 (Machine Learning Edition)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors
The Academy for All, in partnership with UT Austin’s Computer Science department, is a one-week program that lets high school students explore computer science through hands-on activities. You’ll dive into coding, teamwork, and project management, and learn about careers in tech. The program offers two tracks—Standard Edition and Machine Learning Edition—where you’ll build skills and meet others with similar interests.
In the Standard Edition, you’ll work with C++ and Arduino microcontrollers to create an LED light show. You’ll also explore emerging technologies with UT professors and industry professionals and learn about different roles in tech. The Machine Learning Edition focuses on Python and machine learning. You’ll write code to train your own model, look at how machine learning connects with operating systems, and talk about its real-world impact through faculty-led workshops. Both tracks offer a chance to explore future internships and careers while also getting helpful tips from UT admissions on how to strengthen your college application.
6. ASPIRE by the Johns Hopkins University
Location: Online or on‑site at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab in Laurel, MD
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Applications are due by February 15. Summer interns can stay on through the school year if their mentor agrees; no separate academic-year application is required.
Dates: Summer session: June 24 – August 21. Academic-year session: September 15 – May; seniors need to finish 60 hours by December 31, and juniors need to complete 30 hours.
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who have a minimum 2.8 GPA, will be 15 or older by June 1, and have permanent residency in designated Maryland counties
The ASPIRE program offers you an opportunity to explore STEM careers before picking a college major. You’ll team up with mentors at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab (APL) to work on real-world projects, gaining both technical and teamwork experience in a professional setting. While you can choose two fields of interest, the program matches you with a mentor and project. Areas include AI and machine learning, aerospace, cybersecurity, environmental and life sciences, programming, physical science, math, data analysis, and STEM education.
If you’re into computer science, you can choose the Programming and Computer Science track. Past projects in this field have included mapping APL’s campus for accessibility with Python, using behavior trees to train robotic arms, creating a 3D model of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, and building a connected version of Battleship in Java. You can also pick up to three types of project work you prefer, like hardware, coding and software, design, or social impact. The application is for the summer program only, though there’s also an optional school-year program. ASPIRE is selective, with an acceptance rate of around 10%.
7. Cal State ECST LAunchPad Summer Program
Location: California State University, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 10
Dates: July 7 – July 18
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
Sponsored by Boeing Global Engagement, LAunchPad is a two-week summer program at Cal State LA designed for rising high school seniors. You will get to see what engineers and computer scientists do and explore fields like computer science, electrical, civil, and mechanical engineering, materials science, and technology. You’ll also meet faculty and students from the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology (ECST) and learn more about the college.
Each day focuses on a different topic, beginning with a faculty talk and Q&A, followed by hands-on or computer-based activities that utilize everyday materials. Industry professionals will also join to share what they do and answer your questions. You’ll be part of a small team led by a learning facilitator who’ll help guide your group as you work on the final Futurathon project. The program wraps up with a Futurathon event and a virtual awards ceremony. You’ll also hear from students at various stages of their education as they discuss their studies and plans.
8. Princeton University’s AI4ALL
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: April 9
Dates: July 9 – July 30
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors who live in the U.S. or Puerto Rico and meet low-income criteria
Princeton AI4ALL is a summer program for high school students who want to explore artificial intelligence and help make the field more inclusive. You’ll learn the basics of AI algorithms, build your technical and analytical skills, and take part in hands-on lab work, group projects, and seminars. You’ll work on real-world AI applications, team up with peers, and get guidance from experienced mentors.
The program also includes lectures on current AI research at Princeton, a field trip to Washington, DC, to see how AI connects to public policy, and visits to various organizations. You’ll meet policymakers, explore career paths in AI, and get access to Princeton’s research facilities. You’ll also join mentoring sessions with faculty, career talks, and social events with graduate students. As part of a small group, you’ll work on a research project focused on AI’s impact on society and present your findings at the end of the program.
9. University of Washington’s Changemakers in Computing
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students get a $1,200 stipend
Application Deadline: April 3
Dates: July 7 – July 31
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors who attend high school in Washington State
UW’s Changemakers in Computing offers an opportunity for high school students who want to explore the relationship between technology, society, and justice. Hosted by the University of Washington’s Allen School, the program aims to make computer science and engineering more accessible to students who are underrepresented, low-income, and/or may be the first in their families to attend college.
You’ll be part of a small group led by a current UW student mentor. Through hands-on, culturally meaningful projects, you’ll build coding and problem-solving skills, explore different areas of computing, and see how technology can be used to create change. The program offers career exploration, direct mentorship, and chances to meet professionals and changemakers from various backgrounds. You’ll also receive support with college preparation, financial aid, and exploring potential career paths.
10. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University
Location: Offered in remote, hybrid, and in-person formats at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA
Cost/Stipend: The internship is free but unpaid. There is a $25 application fee, which can be waived for those with financial need. Participants must cover their housing and transportation costs.
Application Deadline: February 2
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Eligibility: Students must be at least 15 years old by the program start date for remote, in-person, or hybrid computer lab internships. For in-person or hybrid wet-lab internships, participants must be at least 16 years old.
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) lets you work with GMU faculty researchers over an 8-week period. You’ll strengthen your science writing and communication skills, get hands-on experience using advanced tools, explore STEM careers, and develop problem-solving abilities in research.
Internships can be conducted remotely, in-person, or in a hybrid format, depending on the project and mentor. Research areas include Computational and Data Sciences, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, Digital Innovation, Game Design, Computer Science, and more. Some projects may lead to publications or conference presentations. You can explore past projects from various departments here. If you’re into computer science, you can dive into topics like hybrid quantum computing, software engineering, machine learning, optimization, robot planning, and theoretical computer science.
11. Texas Tech University’s Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Honors College, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: The program is free, aside from a $25 application fee. Students earn a $750 stipend after completing their research project report.
Application Deadline: February 24
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, graduating this year or next, and will be at least 17 years old by the program’s start
Texas Tech’s Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a seven-week summer research program for twelve high school juniors and seniors. You’ll work closely with a faculty mentor, do hands-on research, and take part in weekly seminars and social events. It’s a chance to explore research in-depth and experience college-level work.
If you’re into computer science, you can apply to work with the CS department on projects related to AI, big data, virtual and augmented reality, visual analytics, systems software, data visualization, and computer architecture. You can also explore machine learning, AI, and robotics through research in mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. Past CS projects have included building 3D tools to visualize brain networks, using passive radar for secure sensing, and managing storage in decentralized IoT systems. You can check out examples of past research projects here.
12. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: The program is free; however, if you opt to live on campus, you’ll pay $2,360.25 for housing and meals, plus an additional $500 for extra food. You’ll also get a stipend, but the amount isn’t stated.
Application Deadline: February 7
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and at least 16 years old
Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program gives high school juniors a chance to do independent STEM research. You can pick up to three research areas, including options like Computer Science, Biomedical Informatics, Medicine, Biochemistry, Astronomy, Mechanical Engineering, and more. During the program, you’ll be matched with a faculty mentor, join a research group, and work on a project. You’ll learn lab techniques, how to design experiments, and research methods.
If you’re into computer science, projects might involve system-level software, smart home technology, embedded systems, computer architecture, or networks. You could also work on training AI for medical imaging, improving algorithm fairness, exploring quantum computing, or testing systems used in applications such as blockchains and supply chain management. The program also offers lab tours, faculty talks, and workshops. At the end, you’ll present your project at a final symposium. The program is competitive, with an acceptance rate of about 5%.
13. University of Chicago’s DSI Summer Lab
Location: John Crerar Library at the University of Chicago, Hyde Park campus, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free; students receive a $5,600 stipend for the 8-week program
Application Deadline: January 12
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Eligibility: High school seniors from the Chicago area who are starting college in the fall
UChicago’s Data Science Institute Summer Lab is a paid research program where students work with mentors in areas like computer science, public policy, social science, climate and energy policy, materials science, and biomedical research. As a research assistant, you’ll gain experience in research methods, applied data science, and teamwork, with training tailored to your lab’s focus.
During the program, you’ll share your work through presentations and final videos at a summer symposium. You’ll also attend talks from researchers sharing their career journeys and approaches to solving meaningful problems with data. The program includes professional development and training to support careers in data science and computing. Past computer science projects have included deep learning for cattle health, designing robot coaches for kids’ social-emotional learning, and studying how federated learning algorithms scale.
14. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship Programs
Location: Remote or on-site at one of NASA’s 10 field centers across the country
Cost/Stipend: No cost; interns might get a stipend depending on their academic level and how long the internship lasts
Application Deadline: February 27 for the summer session
Dates: These internships take place in Fall, Spring, and Summer, with dates varying by program.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old, are U.S. citizens, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers opportunities for high school students to work in fields such as robotics, space microbiology, astronomy, space science, aeronautics, ecology, outreach, and communications. You’ll get training, mentorship, and career support in areas like IT, engineering, finance, science, and business. If you’re into computer science, there are projects like Equity Strategies for Emerging Aviation, JWST Cosmic Ray Rejection using ML, or using AI & ML for Air Traffic Management.
You might help develop new tech, design experiments, or analyze mission data. You could work with a researcher or as part of a small team on NASA projects, doing tasks like tracking objects with telescopes, recording and analyzing data, or assisting with mission prep. You’ll also get to attend virtual talks by field experts and astronauts. To find available internships for high school students, use the ‘Filter’ option on NASA’s website.
15. University of New Hampshire’s HighTech Bound
Location: University of New Hampshire Campus, Durham, NH
Cost/Stipend: No cost; interns are paid a competitive hourly rate
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: July 7 – August 7
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are U.S. residents
HighTech Bound is a paid summer internship for rising high school seniors to get hands-on experience with network technologies in a real-world setting. You’ll work in a high-tech computer lab with mentors and teammates on projects that involve AI integration. You’ll use software and hardware from companies like Dell, Apple, and Cisco, and contribute to a tech project while learning to research solutions and collaborate with peers.
The program helps you build real technical skills using tools found in smart cars, internet-connected devices, and other modern technologies. You’ll also strengthen your problem-solving abilities, prepare for college-level tech studies, and explore job opportunities in the field. You can earn 0.5 high school credits through the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS). Past projects include rebuilding IOL Test Software with Java, validating CnC tools, designing tracking software with graphical user interfaces (GUIs), and exploring Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) with PYNQ.
16. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Several lab locations across the country
Cost/Stipend: Free; new participants receive a $4,000 stipend, while returning participants receive a $4,500 stipend.
Application Deadline: November 1
Dates: 8-week summer internship, with optional 2-week extension
Eligibility: High school students who have finished at least 9th grade, are U.S. citizens, and are at least 16 years old, including graduating seniors, are eligible to apply. Please check if your chosen lab has any additional requirements or exceptions.
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) is an eight-week summer internship where you will work with Navy scientists and engineers on real research projects at the Department of Navy labs. Around 300 internships are available across 38+ labs nationwide. Selection is based on your grades, recommendations, personal statement, and research interests. You can pick up to three labs, and projects are matched to your interests. Fields include computer science, engineering, math, physics, biology, oceanography, chemistry, astronomy, meteorology, and more.
If you’re interested in computer science, you can apply to labs that specialize in it, like the NAWCAD Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Systems in Lakehurst, NJ. There, you’ll gain hands-on experience with various fields, including AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, electromagnetics, aviation systems, avionics, propulsion, unmanned aerial systems, diagnostics, simulation, modeling, and systems engineering.
17. NYU Tandon School of Engineering’s Cyber Security for Computer Science (CS4CS)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 15
Dates: July 14 – August 8
Eligibility: Current 10th or 11th graders who live in New York City or Nassau County
The NYU Tandon School of Engineering’s Cyber Security for Computer Science (CS4CS) program allows you to explore the fields of computer science and cybersecurity. You’ll learn the basics of cryptography, privacy, digital forensics, ethical hacking, and data protection, while also building your coding skills and working on real-world security analysis.
You’ll get hands-on experience using software tools to detect cyber threats, trace their sources, and secure networks with various encryption methods. The program also covers the human side of cybersecurity, including identity theft and phishing, as well as ways to prevent them. On top of that, you’ll take part in Irondale, an improv-based workshop that helps you build confidence in communication and public speaking.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – NYU