Tech internships for high school students offer a hands-on way to explore fields like software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, and data science before you even start college. These programs let you work with real tools, tackle industry-relevant projects, and collaborate with experienced mentors, giving you an edge in both technical and professional skills. Many also provide exposure to cutting-edge technologies and workflows used by leading companies and research teams.
Whether your goal is to deepen an existing interest in tech or to explore new career paths, these internships can help you build a strong portfolio and gain valuable experience early. This list features 16 tech internships designed for high school students, ranging from local opportunities to competitive, nationwide programs.
1. NIST Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP)
Stipend: Unpaid
Cost: None, but students cover own housing/transport
Location: NIST campuses in Boulder, CO, or Gaithersburg, MD (must live nearby; housing & transport not provided)
Program Dates: Orientation June 23, 2025; runs 8 weeks from mid-June to mid-August
Application Deadline: Last week of January 2025
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are high school juniors or seniors during the application period, with at least a 3.0 GPA and commitment to the full 8 weeks
The NIST SHIP program gives you a front-row seat to cutting-edge science, placing you in a real research lab alongside top scientists and engineers. You’ll work on a genuine research project, gain hands-on lab experience, and develop skills in programming, electronics, physics, chemistry, and more. While the program is unpaid, the experience and connections are priceless, especially if you’re eyeing a future in STEM. Helpful skills include Python, LabView, AutoDesk Inventor, SQL, web development, and AI basics. Competitive and immersive, SHIP is a launchpad for serious young scientists.
2. Ladder Internships
Cost: Varies based on program (financial aid available)
Location: Fully remote – work from anywhere
Program Dates: Offered year-round in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cohorts
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort – typically in January, May, September, and November
Eligibility: Undergraduate who can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a highly selective, remote program where students work on projects with start-ups across diverse industries, including AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You are matched with fast-growing start-ups, many of which have raised over a million dollars, and work under the guidance of a company mentor and a dedicated Ladder Coach. Over the course of 8–12 weeks, you’ll develop technical and professional skills, receive personalized feedback, and present your work to the host company. The program offers flexibility while providing valuable exposure to the fast-paced start-up ecosystem. You can explore all available opportunities through their application form.
3. California Academy of Science Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Stipend: Paid above minimum wage
Cost: None (paid internship)
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA (some remote work possible)
Program Dates: Multi-year, year-round; starts June and continues through high school graduation
Application Deadline: Closed for 2025 (group interviews on April 19, 2025)
Eligibility: Current 9th or 10th grade SFUSD students; GPA 2.5+; grade C or higher in math & science; valid work permit; able to commit for 2–3 years;
The CiS program is a multi-year, paid internship designed for San Francisco high school students from communities underrepresented in STEM, including girls and students of color. You learn, teach, and do science at the California Academy of Sciences, engaging in fieldwork, public education, and project-based research. You also participate in training, college tours, STEM conferences, and mentorship opportunities, building skills in science communication, leadership, and critical thinking. As you progress, you can take on leadership roles, join research teams, and help shape exhibits and educational programs.
4. Amazon Future Engineer
Stipend: $40,000 scholarship ($10,000 per year) + paid summer internship at Amazon
Cost: Free to apply
Location: Internship at Amazon offices (locations vary)
Program Dates: Internship dates vary
Application Deadline: Scholarship application deadline in January
Eligibility: High school seniors in the U.S. planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field; must demonstrate financial need
The Amazon Future Engineer program awards high school seniors both a substantial scholarship and a guaranteed paid internship, giving you a rare combination of financial support and real-world industry experience. You’ll receive $10,000 annually toward your undergraduate studies, renewable for up to four years, alongside a summer internship at Amazon where you’ll work on real projects, gain mentorship, and develop in-demand technical skills. The program also offers networking opportunities, resume-building workshops, and exposure to Amazon’s innovation-driven culture. This makes it an exceptional launchpad if you’re serious about a career in computer science or software development.
5. Veritas AI – AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Varies according to the cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI with a suitable environment in which to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. The AI Fellowship program will allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. You can find examples of previous projects here. While this isn’t a traditional internship, it follows a work-learn model!
6. Tech Flex Leaders
Stipend: Yes – stipend upon program completion; NYC students may also receive paid summer internships
Cost: Free
Location: Hybrid (NYC, Los Angeles, Miami)
Program Dates: September – August (the next year)
Application Deadlines: Final deadline August 17Eligibility: H
igh school juniors and seniors in NYC, LA, or Miami with an interest in technology
Tech Flex Leaders (TFL) is a 9-month hybrid program designed for high school juniors and seniors passionate about technology, now with a strong focus on artificial intelligence. You engage in weekly technical training sessions, professional development workshops, and career exploration with industry experts. The first semester covers coding through web development and introduces AI concepts, culminating in a Demo Day competition. In the second semester, you choose a specialized track—Advanced Web Development, UX Design, Digital Marketing, Product Management, or Data Science—integrated with AI applications. NYC students who complete both semesters in good standing are placed in paid summer internships within AOT’s employer network, while LA and Miami students may apply for select opportunities.
6. Stanford University’s SHTEM Summer Internships for High School Students
Stipend: Possible for students with demonstrated financial need
Cost: No cost besides application fee
Location: Fully virtual
Program Dates: June 17 – August 9
Application Deadlines: Extended deadline March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors (ages 14+ by June 17, 2024) OR community college students ages 17–21 within first 3 years of enrollment; open to U.S. and international students
The Stanford Compression Forum’s SHTEM Internship offers high school and early community college students the chance to engage in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research. You are grouped into 2–5 member teams and mentored by Stanford students, faculty, and staff across diverse fields including engineering, computer science, biology, neuroscience, linguistics, psychology, philosophy, and design. The program emphasizes the connection between STEM and the humanities, giving you early exposure to collaborative research that transcends traditional boundaries. You work 30–40 hours per week, primarily in virtual settings, and may receive materials for hardware projects. Daily schedules are coordinated with mentors.
7. NASA Office of STEM Engagements (OSTEM) Internships
Stipend: Stipend awards given
Cost: Free
Location: NASA centers across the United States, including virtual options
Program Dates: Vary by session
Application Deadlines: Check specific opportunity listings
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled full-time in high school or higher education, meeting GPA and academic requirements as specified for each internship
The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship program lets you work on real NASA projects while learning from some of the brightest scientists, engineers, and innovators in the country. You’ll gain hands-on experience in fields ranging from aerospace engineering to computer science, environmental science, and space technology development. These internships not only help enhance your technical skills but also expose you to NASA’s collaborative, problem-solving culture. Many projects focus on cutting-edge challenges like satellite data analysis, mission planning, or developing new engineering tools. By the end, you’ll have a portfolio of real contributions to NASA’s work, experience that stands out for both college applications and future STEM careers.
8. Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Summer Internship Program
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified; subject to tax)
Cost: Free
Location: Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), Southern Virginia
Program Dates: Eight-week term
Application Deadlines: Summer openings will be posted in early spring
Eligibility: High school graduates entering college, current undergraduate or graduate students, or recent graduates within the past 12 months
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Summer Internship program offers students a chance to work alongside industry professionals in diverse fields such as research and data analysis, public relations, AgTech research, human resources, coding and robotics, information technology, and more. Over an eight-week, 224-hour term, you gain real-world leadership skills, build professional confidence, and contribute to meaningful projects that impact Southern Virginia’s economic growth. You will be paired with a dedicated mentor, ensuring personalized guidance and a structured work schedule. This is more than just work experience, it’s an opportunity to expand your network, apply classroom knowledge to practical challenges, and make a visible difference in the community.
9. Research in Science and Engineering (RISE) Internship
Stipend: None
Cost: $5700
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Program Dates: June 29/30 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors in fall 2025 who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents
In the RISE Internship Track, you’ll work 40 hours per week on a hands-on research project under the guidance of a faculty member, postdoctoral fellow, or graduate student mentor. You can choose from a wide range of fields, including astronomy, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, public health, pharmacology, and more. Over the six weeks, you’ll gain technical and analytical skills while contributing to active university research, culminating in a Poster Symposium. Many interns also submit their work to prestigious competitions such as the Regeneron Science Talent Search. The program incorporates weekly workshops on research ethics, reading scientific literature, and networking in the scientific community, as well as sessions on college admissions and preprofessional health pathways.
10. Sandia Internships
Stipend: Competitive hourly pay (varies by degree level, credits earned, and classification)
Cost: Free to participate
Location: Sandia National Laboratories sites (New Mexico, California, and others; some remote options)
Program Dates: Summer internships typically run May–late August; year-round internships available
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: U.S. citizens at least 16 years old; high school, undergraduate, and graduate students enrolled full time with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (2.5 for certain positions)
Sandia offers both summer and year-round internships in technical, business, cyber security, engineering, software development, and other disciplines through its Intern Institute Program. You’ll work on challenging, practical projects tied to national security, guided by experienced mentors and supported by professional development activities. You gain hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment and can earn academic credit for some positions. Year-round internships allow local students or approved remote interns to work part-time during the academic year and full-time during breaks, while summer internships run full-time for 10–12 weeks. Many internships can lead to full-time job offers after graduation, making Sandia a strong launchpad for a STEM or business career.
11. American Collegiate Adventures Internship Program
Stipend: None
Cost: $6,495 (residential), $1,995 (commuter); transportation not included
Location: New York, NY and Boston, MA
Program Dates: June 28 – July 24 (4 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Written essay on field of interest
The ACA Internship Program places students in over 20 industries, from law, finance, and marketing to computer science, fashion, journalism, and health-related fields. You’ll gain hands-on experience in your chosen career path in work environments, whether that means joining a fast-growing tech startup or shadowing professionals at ESPN Radio. The program emphasizes safety with a 10:1 student-to-staff ratio, staff living alongside you in residence halls, and 24-hour staffed front desks. You stay in upscale residence halls or commute, and enjoy inclusive activities and weekend excursions. To apply, you’ll submit a short essay outlining your field of interest, program goals, and relevant qualities; details that will be shared with potential employers to help match you with the right opportunity.
12. NSA Student Programs
Stipend: Paid; salary based on education level
Cost: None
Location: U.S. (site-specific)
Program Dates: Varies; some programs run 12 weeks mid-May to mid-August, others part-time September–August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (at least 16 years old), recent high school graduates
NSA offers multiple paid student opportunities, including internships, scholarships, co-ops, and specialized programs for high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates. You gain hands-on experience in fields such as business, computer science, engineering, graphic arts, manufacturing, and foreign languages like Chinese, Russian, Korean, Farsi, or Arabic. Programs include administrative roles (office assistant, computer aide), technical positions (machining, woodworking, 3D printing, equipment operation), installation and logistics work, and language analysis. Depending on the program, you may work full-time in the summer or part-time during the school year, with benefits that may include paid leave, housing assistance, and travel reimbursement.
13. MITRE Nationwide High School Student Program
Stipend: Paid
Cost: None
Location: Bedford, MA; McLean, VA; regional Innovation Hubs; 50+ other U.S. sites
Program Dates: 10–12 weeks; late May or early June start, ending late July or early August (high school students may start later)
Application Deadline: Varies; initial notifications by early November, hiring continues through spring
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and graduate students (U.S. work authorization required)
MITRE offers summer internships and co-op positions where students work alongside senior staff on projects serving the public interest. Opportunities span computer science, engineering, cybersecurity, analytics, behavioral sciences, and humanities, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary skills. You gain hands-on experience, attend technical talks, join mentorship programs, and participate in social events and networking expos. Most positions do not require a security clearance, but U.S. work authorization is mandatory. Many internships lead to full-time roles, with over half of interns converting to employees after graduation.
14. SFUSD Work-Based Summer Internships
Stipend: Paid
Cost: None
Location: San Francisco, CA
Program Dates: Six weeks in summer
Application Deadline: Reopens in February for summer
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (priority to rising seniors)
The San Francisco Unified School District offers paid summer internships for high school students to gain hands-on experience across industries such as architecture, computer science, engineering, finance, law, media arts, public leadership, and more. You work at least 20 hours per week alongside industry mentors, develop career-ready skills, and attend a weekly Work-Based Learning seminar. These internships provide you with valuable networking opportunities, exposure to professional environments, and practical training that supports both college readiness and career exploration.
15. Research Science Institute (RSI)
Stipend: None (cost-free to students)
Cost: Free (tuition, room, and board provided)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Program Dates: Six weeks in summer (one week coursework + five-week research internship)
Application Deadline: Check the site for dates
Eligibility: High-achieving high school juniors (rising seniors) from the U.S. and participating international countries
RSI brings 100 of the world’s most accomplished high school students to MIT each summer for an immersive STEM experience combining intensive coursework with mentored research. You spend the first week in advanced science and engineering classes with MIT professors, followed by five weeks conducting original research under experienced scientists. The program culminates with conference-style oral and written presentations. U.S. applicants must apply directly to CEE and demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, especially in mathematics and sciences, along with leadership potential.
Bonus: Veritas AI
Location: Online
Cost: Varies by program; financial aid available
Program Dates: Multiple 12–15-week sessions offered year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling—Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November); August 31 for the upcoming Fall cohort
Eligibility: Open to high school students; prior experience with Python or AI is recommended for the Fellowship
Veritas AI offers specialized programs in artificial intelligence and machine learning tailored for high school students. Beginners can start with the AI Scholars program, a 10-session boot camp covering foundational AI and data science concepts. More experienced learners can join the AI Fellowship, which pairs you with a mentor for an independent research project, complete with expert feedback and the chance to publish your work. Final projects are showcased and have covered diverse areas such as healthcare, finance, robotics, and computer vision.
Image source – NIST logo