An internship is a short-term, work-based experience where you will contribute to real projects at an organization. Internships are workplace-first, so you are expected to produce work rather than follow a set curriculum. Companies, research labs, nonprofits, or government agencies often host them. Some are paid, while others are unpaid or offer academic credit. Your responsibilities depend on the team you’re placed with, and the structure is usually less guided than a class.
What do Computer Science internships for high schoolers include?
In a computer science internship, you will typically work on tasks tied to real projects. This can include writing code in Python, Java, or JavaScript, debugging software, or assisting with feature development. Some roles involve data analysis, including cleaning datasets, running basic models, and interpreting results.
You may also apply concepts like algorithms and data structures, especially in technical roles. Research-based internships can involve areas like machine learning, human-computer interaction, or cybersecurity, depending on the lab or team. You’ll often work with tools like Git and collaborate with mentors or small teams, which means reading code, documenting your work, and communicating progress.
Why should you choose an internship in California?
California has a high concentration of tech companies, startups, and engineering teams, especially in the Bay Area and Silicon Valley. It also has major universities and research labs that host internships across computer science fields.
You’ll find opportunities across software engineering, AI, and data science, often tied to active projects. The range of industries using computer science in California also means you can explore different applications of the field within one region.
If you are strictly looking for summer opportunities in the state, check out our other curated list of California-based computer science programs here. If you are interested in CS research, explore our selection of opportunities here.
1. Inclusive Interaction Lab High School Internship
Location: University of California, Merced, Merced, CA
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: 12 weeks (summer)
Application Deadline: Early April (second week; early March preferred)
Eligibility: High school students from the Central Valley or Bay Area
This internship places you in a research lab focused on human-computer interaction, accessibility, and applied AI, where you’ll spend about 20 hours per week contributing to ongoing projects. You’ll explore areas like virtual reality, input systems, and inclusive design while working alongside a faculty-led research group. The experience is flexible in terms of research alignment, so you don’t need prior experience in a specific niche to apply. Over the 12 weeks, you’ll engage with real research workflows and observe how interdisciplinary CS research is conducted. The program ends with a certificate of completion rather than a formal presentation requirement.
2. Research Experience for High School Students (REHS)
Location: San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
Cost/Stipend: $2000 program fee (scholarships available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, age 16+, Southern California residents, minimum GPA 3.0
In this 8-week program, you’ll join a computational research project and work closely with mentors and small student teams. Your weekly schedule ranges from 10 to 20 hours, which makes it possible to balance with other commitments. You’ll learn how to form hypotheses, run computational experiments, and interpret results while attending lab meetings and research talks. The program focuses on practical research skills like data analysis and scientific communication rather than just coding. At the end, you’ll create and present a research poster summarizing your work.
3. SHTEM: Summer Internships for High Schoolers
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $95 application fee; unpaid (limited commuting support possible)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 22 – August 14 (tentatively)
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (US citizens or permanent residents, age 14+)
SHTEM is an 8-week research internship where you’ll work in small groups on interdisciplinary projects that combine computer science with fields like psychology, linguistics, and design. You’ll spend around 20–30 hours per week doing research, with your day-to-day schedule set by your mentor. The projects are designed to combine multiple disciplines rather than focusing on a single technical area. You don’t need prior research experience, and most of your work will involve collaboration within a small team. By the end, you’ll have contributed to a group research project.
4. Science Internship Program (SIP)
Location: University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 15 – August 7 (tentatively)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students
SIP is an 8-week research program where you’ll work on an open-ended project across fields like computer science, engineering, and data science under a researcher mentor’s guidance. The program begins with one week of online work before transitioning into full-time, in-person research. You’ll spend most of your time developing and refining a project, with guidance but a fair amount of independence. The structure emphasizes open-ended research, meaning you are expected to define problems and iterate on your approach. At the end, you’ll present your findings during a formal presentation day.
5. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship Program
Location: Stanford University, Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $2,400 + $45 application fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 16 – June 27
Application Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: High school students aged 14+ (U.S. citizens)
This is a two-week program focused on artificial intelligence applications in healthcare. You’ll work with medical datasets and apply machine learning techniques to tasks like image recognition and disease prediction. The schedule combines lectures with coding exercises and small group project work. You’ll directly analyze real medical data and apply AI methods in a healthcare context. Sessions also cover topics like radiology and clinical decision-making systems.
6. Stanford STaRS Internship Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: November (tentatively)
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+
This internship focuses on research areas related to reconstructive surgery, biotechnology, and medical engineering. You’ll spend most of your time observing lab activities and participating in workshops on current medical technologies. Depending on your placement, you may assist with tasks like simulations, device-related work, or data analysis. The experience is primarily observational with some guided participation in ongoing projects. The activities may also include case studies and structured discussions.
7. SLAC Summer Internship Program
Location: SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: May – September (up to 12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Students aged 18+ authorized to work in the U.S.
This internship places you in a research environment where you’ll work on projects across science and engineering fields. Your responsibilities may include data analysis, software-related tasks, or technical support, depending on your assigned team. The structure follows a workplace model rather than a classroom format. Your day-to-day work depends heavily on the team and project you are assigned to. You’ll work alongside researchers and staff as part of ongoing projects.
8. The Intern Project (TIP)
Location: Various companies, Los Angeles, CA + Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend varies
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 17 – August 9
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Grades 10–12 in Los Angeles County
TIP matches you with an internship based on your interests, including roles related to technology and software development. Your responsibilities depend on the company and may include coding, data analysis, or web development tasks. There is no fixed curriculum, and your work is based on the needs of the organization. You’ll follow a schedule similar to a standard internship with assigned tasks and deadlines. Some placements may involve tools like Python, JavaScript, or SQL.
9. TECH360
Location: Los Angeles, CA (hybrid with virtual sessions + in-person meetings)
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 15 – July 30 (cycle-based options)
Application Deadline: May 24
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors in Los Angeles County
This internship program is a structured bootcamp where you’ll learn the fundamentals of artificial intelligence through virtual sessions and a few in-person meetings. You’ll explore topics like generative AI, machine learning basics, and ethical use of AI tools. The schedule runs Monday through Thursday for a few hours each day. The program includes a final group project where you’ll design and present an AI-based solution. The sessions combine guided instruction with discussion-based learning.
10. High School Work Study Internship Program
Location: NSA facilities
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: School-year (part-time)
Application Deadline: Fall
Eligibility: High school juniors living near NSA locations and enrolled in a school-sponsored work-study program
This is a part-time work-study program where you’ll take on roles supporting agency operations while still in school. Responsibilities vary by site and may include technical or administrative tasks. The program runs during the school year rather than the summer. You are placed in operational roles that function similarly to entry-level positions. Work may involve areas like computer systems, logistics, or office support.
11. NASA OSTEM Internship Program
Location: NASA centers across the United States
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Summer session ~10 weeks
Application Deadline: May (varies by session)
Eligibility: Minimum age 16
OSTEM internships place you on project teams working on problems related to space exploration, engineering, and data science. You’ll contribute to ongoing work alongside mentors, which includes coding, simulations, or analysis tasks. The program runs in multiple sessions throughout the year. The experience is project-based, with responsibilities determined by the specific team and assignment.
12. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Department of Navy laboratories across the United States
Cost/Stipend: $4,000 (new participants)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~300 placements
Program Dates: 8 weeks (summer)
Application Deadline: November
Eligibility: High school students (grades 10–12), age 16+, U.S. citizens
SEAP places you in a Department of Navy research lab where you’ll work alongside scientists and engineers on ongoing projects. Your work may involve engineering, computer science, or other STEM-related research, depending on the lab. The program includes mentorship and requires consistent participation over the 8 weeks. You’ll be working in an active research lab environment rather than a classroom setting. Stipends are provided and vary slightly based on prior participation.
13. Summer Internship Program – Emma Bowen Foundation
Location: Partner companies across the United States
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~150 fellows annually
Program Dates: May/June start; 8+ weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling (September – April)
Eligibility: High school seniors or college students, age 18+, GPA 3.0+
This program places you in internships with media, entertainment, or technology companies across the U.S. You’ll work full-time, typically 35–40 hours per week, on tasks defined by your assigned company. The responsibilities vary and may include technical, creative, or business-related work. You are matched with a partner organization based on your profile and interests. The program runs for at least 8 weeks, with timing depending on the employer.
14. AEOP High School Internships
Location: Multiple sites across the United States (including California)
Cost/Stipend: Paid; varies by location
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: A few weeks in summer (varies by site)
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents (additional criteria may vary by site)
These internships place you in research settings focused on defense-related STEM projects, where you’ll work under the guidance of scientists and engineers. You can indicate location preferences, including placements in California, though final assignments depend on availability. The projects vary widely and may include areas like cybersecurity, materials science, or human-computer interaction. You’ll be working with technical tools such as Python or MATLAB, depending on your assigned project. The structure and duration vary by site, with each lab setting its own schedule and expectations.
15. Sandia National Laboratories Internships
Location: Livermore, CA; Albuquerque, NM; and other Sandia sites
Cost/Stipend: Paid; varies by role
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Year-round or summer options available
Application Deadline: Rolling, internships are continuously updated
Eligibility: Students aged 16+, enrolled in high school or college, U.S. citizens, minimum GPA 3.0
These internships place you in technical, business, or research roles within a national laboratory environment. Your responsibilities depend on the specific position, but may include programming, software development, or supporting engineering projects. Some roles involve tasks like debugging software, writing scripts, and contributing to ongoing technical systems. There are multiple formats available, including summer internships, part-time year-round roles, and longer co-op placements tied to your school schedule. The work hours vary depending on the program type and time of year.
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: Emma Bowen Foundation