If you want to work in technology someday, starting early can give you a realistic understanding of what the field demands. Classroom learning builds your foundation, but it does not always show how systems are built, tested, and maintained in professional environments. A local tech internship is one of the best ways to bridge that gap while you are still in high school.
Through an internship, you might observe software development cycles, assist with data organization, support IT operations, or see how cybersecurity protocols are implemented. You begin to understand how collaboration works in technical teams and how communication matters just as much as coding ability. These insights are rarely part of standard high school curricula.
Why should you spend time in South Carolina?
South Carolina’s economy includes aerospace, advanced manufacturing, logistics, information technology, and research-based institutions. Universities and industry partnerships across the state create opportunities for students to engage with applied technology.
Staying within the state can also be cost-effective, while allowing you to build professional relationships close to home. Participating in a structured internship demonstrates initiative and can add substance to college essays and interviews.
With that, below are 15 technology internships for high school students in South Carolina! If you are open to exploring opportunities beyond South Carolina, you may also want to review our lists of 13 Tech Programs and 16 Tech Internships for High School Students.
1. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) – NIWC Atlantic (Charleston, SC)
Cost: Free; Stipend: $4,000 (new participant); $4,500 (returning participant), paid bi-weekly via direct deposit.
Location: Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic, Charleston, SC
Program Dates: Eight weeks during summer (typically June–August)
Application Deadline: Applications open on August 1 and close on November 1
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least Grade 9; must be 16 years or older by internship start date; U.S. citizens only
At NIWC Atlantic, you work inside a Department of the Navy research lab supporting real-world information warfare and cybersecurity projects. Depending on placement, you may assist with network security simulations, software testing, data analytics pipelines, embedded systems research, or signal processing tasks. You’ll likely use tools such as Python, MATLAB, Linux-based systems, version control (Git), and structured debugging workflows. The environment mirrors a professional R&D setting, meaning you maintain technical documentation, follow security compliance standards, and participate in research briefings.
2. Youth Apprenticeship Carolina (Technology Pathways)
Cost: Free; Paid hourly (wage determined by employer; varies by company and occupation)
Location: Various employer sites across South Carolina
Program Dates: Varies by employer; typically aligned with academic year and summer work periods
Application Deadline: Rolling; coordinated through local school districts and employer hiring cycles
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors enrolled in a South Carolina school district; must meet employer and academic requirements
Through the technology-focused youth apprenticeship pathways, you split your time between high school coursework and structured on-the-job training in fields such as IT support, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing technology, mechatronics, or engineering technology. You complete documented on-the-job training (OJT) hours and related technical instruction (often through dual-enrollment technical college courses). Depending on placement, you may work with industrial automation systems, PLC programming, CAD software, cybersecurity protocols, or enterprise IT systems. The apprenticeship follows Department of Labor standards, meaning your skills progression is formally tracked and competency-based.
3. Santee Cooper – Summer Internship Program
Cost: Free; Competitive hourly wage (exact rate varies by position)
Location: Various Santee Cooper facilities across South Carolina
Program Dates: Summer session (typically May – August; dates vary by department)
Application Deadline: Varies by role; most summer internships are posted in the academic year before they begin and are filled by late spring
Eligibility: High school and college students; eligibility varies by position (minimum age and academic requirements may apply)
During the summer internship, you may work alongside engineers, grid operations teams, IT specialists, or power systems technicians, depending on placement. You can gain exposure to electrical distribution systems, SCADA monitoring platforms, energy infrastructure maintenance, or enterprise IT systems that support utility operations. In technical placements, you may observe data logging systems, network monitoring tools, or compliance-based engineering documentation workflows. The internship gives you insight into how large-scale power generation and transmission systems are structured and maintained. You work within regulated industry standards, meaning documentation accuracy and safety protocols are emphasized throughout your training.
4. One City: Future Ready – City of Columbia (IT & Technical Pathways)
Cost: Free; Paid (hourly rate determined by City of Columbia; up to 120 hours)
Location: City of Columbia Departments, Columbia, SC
Program Dates: June 9 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 3 – April 4
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (ages 16+) enrolled in Richland School District One’s work-based learning CTE program; must pass a background check
Through the Information Technology or infrastructure-related departments, you gain exposure to municipal IT systems that support citywide operations. Depending on placement, you may assist with hardware deployment, help desk support workflows, systems documentation, or basic network maintenance tasks. You observe how public-sector IT manages data security, compliance standards, and enterprise software used across departments such as utilities and public works. The internship emphasizes structured professional expectations, including background clearance, departmental interviews, and formal onboarding. You complete up to 120 work hours in a government technology environment, gaining firsthand insight into how municipal systems are maintained and secured.
5. Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District – Technology & IT Internship
Cost: Free; A stipend of $15 per hour
Location: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), Greer, SC
Program Dates: Summer session (typically May–August; exact dates vary by department)
Application Deadline: Rolling; positions posted as available on the GSP job board
Eligibility: Open to high school students (minimum age typically 16); must meet job-specific requirements
If placed within the Information Technology or operations support teams, you work in an airport environment where network reliability, system uptime, and infrastructure security are critical. You may assist with hardware setup, endpoint troubleshooting, documentation of network assets, or support tasks tied to airport systems such as access control, communications infrastructure, or internal enterprise platforms. Exposure to structured IT workflows like ticketing systems, incident response logging, and compliance-driven documentation is likely. You observe how network administration, infrastructure monitoring, and operational technology intersect in a high-security transportation setting.
6. Boeing Student Development Program – Boeing South Carolina
Cost: None; A stipend of $17.50/hour
Location: Boeing Airport Campus, North Charleston, SC
Program Dates: June 6 – July 31
Application Deadline: April 7
Eligibility: Rising and graduating high school seniors enrolled in Charleston County School District, Berkeley County School District, or Dorchester County District 2; students must provide their own transportation; employed through a third-party staffing partner
The Boeing Student Development Program provides you with a paid, full-time work-based learning experience in aerospace manufacturing and engineering environments. You work Monday through Friday on a first-shift schedule at Boeing’s North Charleston campus, earning high school credit while contributing to real-world aerospace operations. You can apply to either the Engineering track or the Supply Chain Management track, depending on your academic interests. The program exposes you to advanced manufacturing processes, production systems, and aerospace supply logistics within a global aviation company.
7. Charleston Regional Youth Apprenticeship Program – Trident Technical College
Cost: No cost for college coursework (covered by the program for hired students)
Location: Trident Technical College + participating employer sites (Charleston tri-county area, SC)
Program Dates: Two-year commitment beginning summer (work + college coursework during academic year)
Application Deadline: Varies annually; Information Session held February 7
Eligibility: Rising juniors, seniors, or graduating seniors; must be at least 16 by June 1; must meet college readiness requirements (ACCUPLACER, SAT, ACT, PSAT, Pre-ACT, or transcript review); must commit to a full two-year program
The Charleston Regional Youth Apprenticeship Program allows you to earn paid, hands-on industry experience while simultaneously completing related college coursework at Trident Technical College. You work with a participating employer in fields such as Computer Support, Engineering Assistant, Mechatronics, Supply Chain, or Industrial Mechanics, depending on your selected pathway. While employed, you complete structured classroom instruction aligned with your work role, earning one year of college credit at no cost. The program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, meaning you graduate with nationally recognized credentials in addition to two years of professional experience.
8. Pathways Internship Program – Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic
Cost: None; Paid federal internship (hourly wage varies by position and grade level; determined by federal pay scale)
Location: Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic, North Charleston, SC
Program Dates: Varies by position; part-time or full-time during the school year or summer (based on individual posting)
Application Deadline: Rolling; depends on specific USAJOBS listing
Eligibility: Current high school students (minimum age 16) enrolled in an accredited institution; U.S. citizenship typically required; some roles may require a background check and security clearance
The Pathways Internship Program allows you to work within a Department of the Navy research and information warfare environment while still in high school. Your role is tied directly to your academic interests and may involve information technology support, cybersecurity operations, engineering assistance, data management, or systems testing, depending on available postings. You can work part-time during the academic year or full-time in the summer, contributing to active federal technology projects under professional supervision. You’ll gain exposure to structured technical documentation, compliance standards, and mission-focused technology development used in defense environments.
9. EnergyMag Virtual Internship
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Program Dates: Half-time internships: 2–8 weeks (Summer); Quarter-time internships: 1–9 months (Year-round)
Application Deadline: Rolling (limited spots available)
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors only; GPA above 3.25; at least one honors science or honors English class (exceptions possible); application and interview required.
You conduct structured research and analysis on renewable energy storage topics, focusing on a specific company, technology, or niche market within the energy industry. You work directly with a mentor through daily virtual communication, learning how to interview professionals, gather primary-source insights, and synthesize complex technical and business information. You draft a publishable analytical report that may be featured on the EnergyMag website under your name. You develop research methodology, professional communication skills, and analytical writing ability while navigating real-world scientific and commercial energy issues. If your report meets publication standards, you receive a formal Letter of Accomplishment summarizing your work and contributions.
10. George Mason University – Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Cost: $25 application fee; $1,299 tuition for 3 college credits (fee waivers available for financial need)
Location: Remote, In-person, or Hybrid (mentor-dependent)
Program Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February
Eligibility: Minimum age 15 by program start (16+ for wet-lab internships); must not have graduated from university; high school and undergraduate students are eligible.
You work full-time for 8 weeks conducting original research under direct faculty mentorship, either remotely or in person, depending on the mentor’s selection. You use advanced research tools and methodologies in fields such as data science, machine learning, cybersecurity, environmental science, bioengineering, robotics, and more. You develop formal scientific writing skills while producing research deliverables that culminate in a final poster presentation. You earn three college credits (COS120: Introduction to Research) upon successful completion of program requirements.
11. Stanford University – AIMI Summer Research Internship
Cost: $45 application fee; $2,400 program fee (limited need-based financial aid available)
Location: Remote (Virtual)
Program Dates: Session A: June 15 – June 26; Session B: July 6 – July 17
Application Deadline: Financial Aid: February 13; Standard: February 21
Eligibility: Must reside in the United States for the duration of the program; currently enrolled in a U.S. high school (entering grades 9–12); must be at least 14 years old by program start; strong preference for students with math/programming experience.
You participate in a two-week, research-focused virtual internship exploring how artificial intelligence is applied in healthcare and medical imaging. You attend technical lectures led by Stanford researchers on machine learning fundamentals, medical datasets, model evaluation, and responsible AI. You work in small mentored teams to develop and present a focused health AI research project, learning how to frame questions, analyze data, and communicate findings. You engage directly with clinicians, engineers, and industry experts through speaker sessions that expose you to real-world clinical AI challenges. Upon successful completion, you receive a Certificate of Completion from the Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging.
12. University of Texas at Austin – STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) High School Summer Intern Program
Cost: Application is free; housing, meals, and local transportation provided for selected scholarship interns (travel support limited)
Location: Remote and Hybrid options available
Program Dates: Distance Learning: May 15 – July 1; Remote Project Work: June – July 3; On-Site Internship (if selected): July 5 – July 18; Virtual Science Symposium: July 20 – July 21
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Open to high school students (primarily rising 10th–11th graders) with strong academic records and demonstrated interest in STEM; recommendation and application materials required.
You engage in authentic NASA-aligned research projects using real mission data across fields such as aerospace engineering, astronomy, planetary science, remote sensing, and Earth systems science. You complete structured distance-learning modules in Earth science and Python before collaborating with NASA and university mentors on project-specific research. You analyze and visualize scientific datasets, apply systems modeling, and participate in guided investigations related to natural hazards and space science. You present your findings during the SEES Virtual Science Symposium, strengthening scientific communication and teamwork skills. Depending on the project assignment, you may participate fully virtually or attend the on-site research component at UT Austin.
13. NASA – GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS)
Cost: Free
Location: Remote (Asynchronous Online)
Program Dates: June 1 – August 28
Application Deadline: March 15 (or until 1,000 applications are received)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents attending U.S.-based high schools; rising juniors or seniors (or incoming college freshmen); minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA; must have completed at least one high school biology course; reliable computer and internet access required.
You complete a 12-week, largely self-paced training program focused on NASA space biology research and omics-based data analysis. You learn how to analyze complex biological datasets using bioinformatics tools and JupyterLab notebooks while developing computational biology and data interpretation skills. You review recorded lectures, complete applied exercises, and may attend optional live office hours with NASA-affiliated instructors. If you complete all required materials, you earn a digital completion certificate. Students who opt into the competitive Capstone Project work in teams to conduct original bioinformatics analyses and present their findings at a virtual scientific symposium.
14. EDIT AI High School Summer Internship Program (Levy Lab)
Cost: No participation fee listed
Location: Virtual research environment (Virtual Student Laboratory); mentorship spans Dartmouth Health and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Program Dates: Summer session (onboarding April 15 – June 15; research period during summer months)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Open to high school students nationwide with strong computer science foundations, prior exposure to programming (R or Python), and familiarity with machine learning or deep learning concepts; application and interview required.
You work on AI-driven biomedical research projects analyzing high-dimensional datasets such as whole-slide pathology images, electronic health records, multi-omics data, and metagenomic sequences. You gain access to a high-performance computing Virtual Student Laboratory where you build and test algorithms for applications like cancer detection, biomedical text prediction, and gigapixel image processing. You participate in structured workshops, multiphase mentorship, and research seminars led by clinicians and computational scientists. You apply programming skills in Python or R to develop models that address real-world pathology challenges. You may present findings to clinical research audiences and contribute to research projects with publication potential.
15. NASA and UT Austin’s SEES High School Summer Intern Program
Location: Online
Cost: No cost; interns receive a NASA certificate upon completion
Dates: Each virtual project has a different timeline, from May to July. Please review the project description for additional details. Check here.
Application Deadlines: Typically mid-February
Eligibility: Current high school Sophomores or Juniors (rising Juniors/Seniors); Must be 16 by July 5 of the application year.
NASA and the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research run the STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) High School Summer Internship Program. This internship places selected high school students into real NASA-related work in Earth science, technology, or data analysis. During the internship, you work on authentic STEM problems that involve data collection, analytical tools, or computational methods. Projects often require you to handle real datasets, interpret results, and contribute to ongoing research efforts. Mentors guide you through how scientists and engineers frame problems, analyze information, and present findings, which mirrors how professionals in research institutions operate. By the end of the program, you will receive a certificate of completion from NASA and UT Austin.
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: George Mason University