Are you a high school student looking for opportunities to deepen your computer science knowledge while getting paid? This blog covers 11 paid computer science programs that can accelerate your journey into tech.
These paid CS programs for high schoolers range from hands-on immersions and pre-college courses to internships and research mentorships in cutting-edge fields. By participating, students gain not only financial incentives but also an advanced skill set, such as coding, data analysis, or machine learning, along with real-world experience. Whether you’re hoping to dive into software development, explore artificial intelligence, or work on large-scale data projects, these opportunities will challenge you to apply your knowledge and collaborate with industry professionals. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
1. Horizon Academic Research Program – CS Track
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as computer science, data science, machine learning, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and on college applications. Apply here!
Subject Areas: Cybersecurity, Machine Learning and Social Media, Data Science, Algorithms and Data Structures.
Location: Virtual.
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
2. University of Chicago – DSI Summer Lab
The Data Science Institute Summer Lab at the University of Chicago is an intensive 8-week paid research opportunity. Students are matched with experienced mentors across diverse research domains, including computer science, data science, materials science, biomedical research and more.
Through this program, you will develop expertise in research methodologies, teamwork, and data science practices. The program provides immersion in a research lab setting, allowing you to gain a comprehensive understanding of foundational data science concepts while receiving specialized training. Students are tasked with communicating their research outcomes throughout the program, culminating in the presentation of final research videos at a symposium.
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Data Science, Materials Science.
Location: John Crerar Library, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
Stipend: $4800.
Application Deadline: Applications for summer will open on November 4 and close on January 12.
Program Dates: June 16 – August 8.
Eligibility: Chicago-area high school students are eligible to apply.
3. Veritas AI
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.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
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.
4. NYU – Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering – Computer and Data Science Track
The NYU Tandon School of Engineering’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) program offers a seven-week experience designed for New York City high school students who have limited access to quality STEM education. ARISE begins with two weeks of workshops focused on essential topics such as scientific ethics, contemporary research issues, data analysis, lab safety, and the foundations of sound research practices.
Following the workshops, you will spend five weeks immersed in a participating NYU faculty lab, where you will be mentored by a graduate or postdoctoral student. Additionally, you will develop skills in public speaking and learn how to effectively present research findings. The program concludes with a colloquium.
Subject Areas: Computer and Data Science, Privacy and Security Automation, Machine Learning and Deep Learning, Visualization, Data Analysis and Imaging, Virtual Reality, Computer Graphics.
Location: New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY.
Stipend: $750.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for seven weeks from June to August.
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th grade New York City high school students with a demonstrated interest in STEM.
5. Texas Tech University – Anson L. Clark Scholar Program (CS Track)
The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program is a highly selective and rigorous seven-week summer research opportunity for twelve high school juniors and seniors. During the program, you will engage closely with distinguished faculty members on the general academic campus and the Health Science Center, gaining hands-on experience in a research-focused environment. The program also features weekly seminars, group discussions, and educational field trips to enhance your learning experience.
Subject Areas: Virtual and Augmented Reality; Big Data Visualization and Visual Analytics; Human and Computer Interaction; Computer Animation; Statistical Data Analysis; Data-Intensive Computing; Parallel and Distributed Computing; High-Performance Computing; Cloud Computing; Computer Architectures; Systems Software.
Location: Texas Tech University, Honors College, Lubbock, TX.
Stipend: $750.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for seven weeks from June to August.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 17 years old at the start of the program are eligible to apply.
6. University of New Hampshire – HighTech Bound
HighTech Bound is a paid summer internship that offers you practical experience in network technologies within a professional setting. You’ll work alongside dedicated mentors in a computer lab, collaborating with peers to develop solutions for assigned projects. Throughout the summer, you will engage with advanced software and hardware technologies used by major companies like Apple, Dell, and Cisco. The experience will help you develop real-world technical skills, working with emerging technologies such as smart car systems and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Additionally, you can earn 0.5 high school credit through Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS).
Subject Areas: Network Technology.
Location: University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory, Durham, NH.
Stipend: Interns receive a competitive hourly rate.
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in January and close in February.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for four to six weeks in the June/August timeframe.
Eligibility: High school students entering their senior year are eligible to apply.
7. Fermilab – TARGET Program
The TARGET program is a competitive, six-week summer internship for Illinois high school sophomores and juniors with a strong interest and proven skills in physics, mathematics, computer science, or engineering. The program aims to inspire students to pursue higher education and careers in STEM fields.
TARGET specifically seeks to increase the participation of underrepresented groups in the sciences and engineering. Each year, 15-25 interns join the program, engaging in a combination of work experience and hands-on learning. As a participant, you will collaborate with scientists and engineers at Fermilab, gaining practical exposure to STEM research and professional development.
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Science, Machine Learning.
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL.
Stipend: Interns receive a stipend of $17.20 per hour.
Application Deadline: To be announced for the program.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for six weeks from June to July.
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors from Illinois are eligible to apply.
8. California Academy of Sciences – Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
The California Academy of Sciences offers the Careers in Science (CiS) internship, a long-term opportunity for high school students to engage with scientists, researchers, and engineers across various STEM disciplines. As an intern, you’ll gain valuable skills while working alongside mentors, participating in practical projects, and collaborating with peers. The program provides hands-on experience within the Academy, combining educational training with real-world work exposure.
The internship emphasizes a broad range of STEM fields, including computer science, and features activities such as STEM conferences, festivals, college visits, and group projects. You will also have opportunities to present your work, enhancing both your knowledge and your professional communication skills.
Subject Areas: STEM, Computer Science.
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA.
Stipend: Interns receive a stipend.
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in February and close in April.
Program Dates: The program typically runs after school in the summer and on Saturdays during the school year, starting from June till graduation.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9th or 10th enrolled in an SFUSD school are eligible to apply.
9. SFUSD Summer Internships – CS Track
The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) provides internship opportunities for high school students enrolled in its schools. If selected, you will work alongside industry professionals, gaining practical experience while developing new skills and building a strong professional network. The program also includes weekly work-based learning seminars guided by mentors, giving you a comprehensive understanding of your chosen field.
Internships cover a wide range of disciplines, including computer science, where you can explore areas such as data analysis, artificial intelligence, innovation, and software development. This experience allows you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios and discover new interests within your field.
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Game Design.
Location: San Francisco, CA.
Stipend: Interns receive a stipend.
Application Deadline: Applications will open on February 1 and close in March.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for six weeks between May and August.
Eligibility: High school students in their sophomore or junior year are eligible to apply.
10. Department of Navy – Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) – CS Track
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) is a selective and highly competitive summer initiative that places approximately 300 high school students annually at one of more than 38 Department of Navy laboratories across the United States. As a SEAP intern, you will engage in meaningful naval research, gaining hands-on experience with advanced technologies. Under the guidance of experienced scientists, engineers, and researchers, you’ll contribute to ongoing projects and develop expertise in fields such as cybersecurity, data analysis and optimization, programming, software development, and algorithm design.
Subject Areas: Cybersecurity, Data Analysis, Programming, Software Development, Algorithm Design.
Location: Location varies based on the Computer Science lab locations.
Stipend: $4,000 (new participants) | $4,500 (returning participants).
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in November.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for 8 weeks from June to August.
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are at least 16 years old are eligible to apply.
11. Meta Summer Academy
At the Meta Summer Academy (formerly Facebook Summer Academy), you will gain firsthand insight into the daily operations of a global social media platform by joining a dynamic and collaborative environment. The program offers the chance to learn coding, explore various tech career paths, and develop essential soft skills that are valuable for the future. The experience aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue economic stability and career mobility through early exposure to opportunities in the tech industry.
Subject Areas: Coding, Social Media.
Location: Meta HQ, Menlo Park, CA.
Stipend: Interns receive a stipend upon completion of the program.
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in December and close in March.
Program Dates: The internship typically runs for six weeks from June to July.
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores are eligible to apply. Students must be full-year residents of either East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City.
Image Source – Horizon Logo
