If you’re a high school student interested in computer science, you may already be looking for ways to strengthen your technical skills and test out career paths in technology. Coding internships for high school students allow you to move beyond classroom exercises and apply programming to real-world challenges. They offer you the chance to test out areas like software development, data science, and cybersecurity while learning directly from professionals.
Along the way, you’ll sharpen core abilities like algorithmic problem-solving, debugging, and logical thinking, while also introducing specialized tools such as Python, JavaScript, and data visualization software. Coding internships for high school students are also a great way to demonstrate serious interest in computing—a factor that stands out in both college applications and early career opportunities.
If you’re eager to strengthen your coding foundation and see how it is used in professional settings, the following 16 coding internships for high school students are a strong place to start.
1. The Intern Project Summer Program
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Students will receive a stipend and college credit
Dates: June 17 – August 9
Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: South LA students in grades 10-12; Includes High School DACA/Undocumented Youth, High School Foster Youth & system-involved youth
The Intern Project offers a hands-on summer experience in computer science for high school students, with a strong focus on coding and real-world problem solving. Over the course of 8 weeks, you’ll dive into areas such as software development, data analytics, web design, and even machine learning. Each intern is assigned a theme or challenge based on current industry trends. You might develop a mobile app that tackles a community issue, create a website for a nonprofit, or analyze datasets using Python or JavaScript. You’ll also learn how to use web development frameworks and data visualization tools while collaborating with peers to simulate professional tech team environments. The program wraps up with a final presentation or demo, giving you the chance to share your work and showcase what you’ve learned to mentors, peers, and industry professionals.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)
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. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
3. National Institute of Standards & Technology’s (NIST) Summer High School Intern Program
Location: Boulder, CO or Gaithersburg, MD
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Current U.S. high school juniors or seniors who have a minimum GPA of 3.0
The Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is an 8-week research internship for high school students interested in science and technology. As a participant, you’ll work closely with NIST scientists on an independent research project, gaining hands-on experience in real lab settings. Students in the past have worked in areas like communications technology and information technology—fields that intersect with computer science and statistics. If you’re interested in programming, be sure to indicate this in your application, as project placements take your preferences into account. Prior experience in Python, Java, web development, or similar tools is beneficial.
4. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
5. New York University’s (NYU) Cyber Security for Computer Science (CS4CS)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: None (scholarship/full scholarship model for eligible students)
Dates: July 14 – August 8
Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 – 11
Cyber Security for Computer Science is a fully funded, 4-week summer program designed for high school students interested in learning the fundamentals of cybersecurity and ethical hacking. Through interactive lessons and hands-on practice, you’ll explore key concepts like white-hat hacking, cryptography, steganography, privacy, data usage, and digital forensics. You’ll gain practical skills in coding, programming, and security analysis, while also learning how to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital systems. In addition to technical training, the program includes theatre-based workshops to help you build strong communication and presentation skills – critical for any cybersecurity professional.
6. Meta Summer Academy
Location: Menlo Park, CA
Cost/Stipend: Stipend is available (varies year to year)
Dates: June 16 – July 25 (6 weeks; 30 hours per week)
Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school sophomores who are full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
Meta Summer Academy is a 6-week program that gives high school students a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work at a major tech company. Through hands-on learning and mentorship, you’ll build coding skills, explore different roles in the tech industry, and gain insights into career pathways in the field. In addition to technical training, the program focuses on professional development, helping you strengthen your communication, teamwork, and networking abilities. You’ll connect with Meta professionals, learn how to navigate a tech career, and walk away with a better understanding of the skills and mindset needed to succeed in the industry.
7. Carnegie Mellon Computer Science (CS) Scholars (Pre-College)
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 20 – July 18
Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program; Must be a U.S. citizen; Students registered with DACA are also eligible
Computer Science Scholars is a 4-week summer program at Carnegie Mellon University designed to help high school students build a strong foundation in computer science. Taught by CMU faculty and supported by mentors, the program covers core programming concepts in Python, such as functions, conditionals, loops, and basic data structures, while introducing key problem-solving techniques like debugging, algorithmic thinking, and top-down design. Beyond classroom work, you will join group research projects led by CMU faculty and graduate students, applying your coding skills to exploratory problems in computer science. The program also includes a field trip to CS industry leaders, giving you exposure to current technologies, career paths, and networking opportunities. In addition to technical coursework, you’ll attend weekly seminars on college readiness, covering topics like admissions, financial aid, and student wellness. The experience culminates in capstone group presentations at the closing CSS symposium, where teams publicly present their research and demonstrate the skills they developed.
8. UCLA Computer Science Introductory Track
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: $3,291; Financial aid is available
Dates: June 23 – July 11
Deadline: June 13
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12; must be at least 15 years of age by the first day of the program
UCLA’s introductory computer science program is designed for high school students who are curious about coding and want to build foundational skills. While not a traditional internship, it offers a solid entry point into programming by emphasizing how computers can be used for creativity, exploration, and problem-solving. You’ll learn to design and implement basic computer programs, covering key topics such as data types (integers, strings, lists), control structures (conditionals and loops), and functional decomposition. No prior coding experience is required, and you’ll receive a letter grade upon completion, making it a great way to prepare for future study in computer science.
9. University of Chicago Data Science Institute (DSI) Summer Lab
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: A stipend of $5,600 is paid
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: High school students living and attending school in the Chicago area
DSI Summer Lab is an 8-week research program where you’ll explore real-world applications of data science across fields like computer science, biomedical research, data science, public policy, social science, and climate and energy policy. You’ll be paired with a mentor and gain hands-on experience in lab-based research, building your skills in data analysis, collaboration, and research communication. In addition to contributing to active projects, you’ll create a video presentation of your findings for a final end-of-summer symposium. The program also includes career development workshops and training to help you explore pathways in data science and computing.
10. Google Summer of Code (GSoC) Open Source Contributor Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipend is provided
Dates: June 2 – September 1
Deadline: April 8
Eligibility: Must be 18 years or older on the date they register for the program; Not a resident of a United States embargoed country; Eligible to work in their residential country for the duration of the program
Google Summer of Code (GSoC) is a 12+ week program that gives you the chance to contribute to real open-source projects under the mentorship of experienced developers. You’ll work with one of around 200 participating open-source organizations, taking on a coding project that aligns with your interests and skill set. As a GSoC contributor, you’ll learn the fundamentals of open-source collaboration, including version control, testing, and licensing. The program is designed to help you gain hands-on experience, build connections in the developer community, and write code that benefits real users.
11. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: AFRL Scholar internship opportunities are offered at several locations across the United States, depending on the program.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Weekly stipends are provided based on the education level of the students and the GS pay scale
Dates: The dates vary for different programs
Deadline: The applications typically close in January
Eligibility:
- Must be US citizens.
- Must be enrolled or accepted at an educational institution, taking at least a half-time academic course load leading to a degree or certificate for the semester immediately preceding the internship session.
- Must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Must be at least 16 years of age (by session application deadline) and have a valid Government ID.
- Must be available full-time (40 hours a week) and work in their physical offices over the summer.
The AFRL Scholars Program is a paid internship for high school juniors and seniors interested in aerospace engineering. You’ll work alongside AFRL scientists and engineers, get access to active research environments, and tour AFRL laboratories. A mentor with deep technical expertise will guide your project and help you build domain-specific skills. Most projects centre on aerospace engineering, but some emphasize computing and data systems. You might design robotic control systems or develop AI opponents for space-based simulations. In these cases, you’ll use Python or C++ to process data, build algorithms, and refine control logic.
12. George Mason University NASA Data Science Analysis and Scholarly Research Paper Writing
Location: Hybrid (primarily virtual, with in-person options at the GMU Fairfax Campus)
Cost: Fees have not been specified (Interested students can reach out to [email protected] for the fee structure); Need-based scholarships are available
Dates: June 14 – August 30
Deadline: Only 50 students are accepted; Available seats are on a first-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
The Young Scholars NASA Data Science Analysis and Research Paper Program gives you hands-on experience with NASA space data and statistical methods, with an emphasis on coding. You’ll combine lectures with project work in astronomy and space science, while learning how to structure and write scholarly research papers. Your project work may involve analyzing mission datasets, applying observational astronomy techniques, conducting statistical and quantitative research, and using inference methods to draw conclusions from large data sets. You’ll also gain practice in data management, statistical reasoning, and exploring how commercial space developments intersect with astronomy and policy. The program culminates with a hybrid Research Paper Presentation/Conference day, where students present their findings and gain experience in scientific communication. The final paper submission provides students with a tangible scholarly output that can be considered for publication or academic showcases.
13. ASPIRE by The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Location: In-person (90% or more at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory campus, Laurel, Maryland) | Virtual (100% remote)
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 25 – August 21
Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Must be high school juniors or seniors; Must be at least 15 years of age by June 1; Must have a U.S. citizenship (green card holders are not eligible); Must have a minimum 2.8 GPA
The ASPIRE program at Johns Hopkins is an internship for high school juniors and seniors to explore STEM fields through mentorship, workshops, group problem-solving, and applied projects. You’ll be paired with APL mentors across fields like computer science, cybersecurity, robotics, and data analysis. Depending on placement, you might code in Python or C++, prototype hardware or software tools, or analyze complex datasets. Alongside technical skills, you’ll strengthen problem-solving, collaboration, and communication. The program culminates in a capstone poster presentation, where interns showcase their projects and the skills gained through hands-on research.
14. Amazon Future Engineer
Location: Amazon Headquarters, Washington
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Scholarship up to $40,000 per year
Dates: 8 weeks during the summer after your freshman year of college
Deadline: January 9
Eligibility: High School Seniors in the U.S. who are currently enrolled in or who 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); Must demonstrate financial need
Amazon’s Future Engineer internship gives you exposure to real-world computer science applications inside the company. You’ll contribute to live projects, work with technical teams, and develop skills through structured instruction and mentorship. Alongside coding and problem-solving experience, you’ll also build professional networks and gain a clearer view of career paths in technology. The program combines technical training with community support, helping you strengthen both your CS fundamentals and industry knowledge.
15. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of Navy (DoN)
Location: Various U.S. Navy Labs across the country
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Students receive a stipend of $4,000 (new participants) or $4,500 (returning participants)
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer (some labs may allow up to two additional weeks)
Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least grade 9 and are at least 16 years old when the internship begins; Graduating seniors are eligible; Must be a U.S. citizen; Students are recommended to check whether their preferred lab choice has any other particular requirements
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP), run by the U.S. Navy, is a paid research placement for high school students in Navy labs across the country. About 300 students are selected annually and matched with one of 38 labs based on interests and location. Depending on the lab, interns may analyze data, design experiments, or prototype technical solutions, while also participating in team meetings and seminars that mirror professional research environments. The program builds both technical and communication skills, as students are expected to deliver a final research product, such as a paper or presentation, that reflects their contributions. It is especially suited for those who want direct exposure to defense-related R&D, while also building professional skills through mentorship and structured lab work.
16. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
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