10 Tech Internships for High School Students
High school students should actively pursue tech, data science, coding, and tech product management internships for the unique opportunities they offer. In coding and data science internships, students often engage in real-world projects, honing their programming skills and gaining insights into data analysis and machine learning applications. Tech product management internships, on the other hand, offer experiences in project planning, collaboration, and understanding user-centric design principles, providing a comprehensive view of the product development lifecycle.
Early exposure to tech internships becomes a standout feature when considering the impact on college applications. Admissions committees appreciate candidates who exhibit initiative and possess practical skills. Tech internships demonstrate a student’s commitment to continuous learning, adaptability, and problem-solving. Whether developing software applications, analyzing complex datasets, or contributing to product strategies, these experiences showcase a student’s ability to apply classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios.
NIST’s Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) caters to high school juniors and seniors with a keen interest in technology and scientific research. Geared towards students who have completed their junior or senior year, SHIP provides a unique opportunity to actively participate in cutting-edge technological research at NIST. Interns collaborate closely with NIST’s skilled scientists and engineers, gaining hands-on experience in specific research areas. The program spans across 6 NIST laboratories, offering exposure to various tech-focused domains:
Communications Technology Lab
Engineering Lab
Information Technology Lab
Material Measurement Lab
NIST Center for Neutron Research
Physical Measurement Lab
Cost: No participation cost (but students must cover housing and transportation costs)
Location: Varies from lab to lab.
Application Deadline: TBD for 2025
Program Dates: TBD for 2025
Eligibility:
Rising senior or recent graduate.
Must be eligible to work in the U.S.
A minimum of a 3.0 GPA should be maintained.
The Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program is a dynamic opportunity for tech-focused high school students. Cohorts work on diverse tech topics, from software development to artificial intelligence and data science. Interns actively contribute to projects like developing innovative software solutions, exploring advanced algorithms for machine learning, and hands-on experiences with emerging technologies. Interns benefit from a robust mentorship component, receiving guidance from seasoned professionals throughout the program. Field visits to AFRL facilities offer immersive insights into real-world applications of technology.
Check out why you might want to apply to the AFRL Program here!
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded, stipend provided.
Location: Kirtland/AMOS, Eglin/Hurlbert air force bases
Application Deadline: This may vary based on the AFRL sites and/or projects to which you are applying.
Program Dates: Varies from project to project, but you can expect it to be during the summer months for 9 weeks.
Eligibility: High schoolers with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, who are US citizens and have a valid driver’s license. You must also be eligible to work 40 hours a week for summer internship positions.
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagements provides paid internships for high school students passionate about technology. These opportunities involve collaboration on ongoing agency projects under NASA mentorship, covering subjects like software development, data science, and technological modeling. For tech-focused students, this internship focuses on data analysis, visualization, and modeling. Responsibilities include evaluating and rectifying data gathered during specific periods, contributing to data formatting and analysis for archival purposes, and utilizing scripting for tasks such as crafting metadata and generating charts. This hands-on experience offers valuable skills and insights into NASA’s technological advancements.
Cost/Stipend: No application cost. A stipend is provided, based on academic level and session length.
Location: Offered across NASA facilities. Students may select roles based on the cities they are in.
Application Deadline: The office also offers internships in the Summer, Fall, and Spring, deadlines for which are different. Check for updates!
Program Dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions — Summer (10-week program, from late May or early June to August) Fall (16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December) | Spring (16-week program, from mid-January to early May) |
Eligibility: Internships are available for full-time high school students who meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement and are US citizens.
Since 1996, the CiS Intern Program in San Francisco has been welcoming applications from students in underrepresented communities with a passion for technology and STEM. The initiative offers a unique opportunity to delve into science and sustainability, complemented by valuable mentorship to enhance professional skills. The CiS team allocates students to roles and departments within a museum setting based on individual interests and available opportunities, fostering a dynamic and tailored technology-focused internship experience. The program not only immerses interns in hands-on learning but also encourages engagement in seminars, conferences, and interactions with faculty, mentors, and fellow talented tech enthusiasts.
We’ve covered more on the CiS intern program here!
Cost: Fully funded, stipend provided
Location: California Academy of Sciences
Application Deadline: April 1, 2024
Program Dates: Multi-year, year-round participation
Eligibility:
Currently enrolled as a full-time 9th or 10th-grade student in an SFUSD school.
Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher with a grade of C or above in science and math.
Eligible to obtain a valid work permit (for U.S. citizens and those authorized to work in the U.S.).
Commit to all attendance requirements for 2 or 3 years until high school graduation.
Able to commute to the Academy and nearby locations after school and on Saturdays during the school year, as well as on weekdays in the summer (some remote work may be required).
The Ladder Internship offers an exclusive virtual opportunity for high school students to collaborate with startups across computer science, technology, engineering, machine learning, AI, and other fields. This 8-week virtual internship follows a work-based model, allowing each student to concentrate on real-world projects tailored to their selected field of interest, including technology! What distinguishes the Ladder Internship is its unique coaching approach. Interns not only work closely with startup managers but also receive guidance from a dedicated Ladder Coach. This dual mentorship ensures a comprehensive learning experience, providing support, insights, and an opportunity to showcase their work after the internship.
We’ve provided an in-depth review of Ladder Internships here!
Cost/Stipend: $1490 (Financial Aid Available), no stipend
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: April 16 and May 14
Program Dates: 8 weeks, June to August
Eligibility: Students that can work 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Embark on a dive into the cutting edge of Computer Science through the Oxford Scholastica research internship. In this month-long online program, a team of coding interns from around the world collaborates under the guidance of a seasoned academic researcher. Engaging in active research within the rapidly evolving field, participants co-authored a research paper with their mentor, set for subsequent publication in an academic journal. The program concludes with participants gaining significant work experience in Computer Science, complemented by a valuable letter of recommendation, laying a strong foundation for a successful career in the field.
Cost/Stipend: No cost, no stipend
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: Depends on internship role selected
Eligibility: Students can be between 15–18 years to participate in the internship programs.
Amazon’s Future Engineer internship is a tailored and prestigious hands-on experience, immersing participants in the daily challenges and innovations within the company’s tech-focused environment. The opportunity includes working on real projects, collaborating with seasoned professionals, and gaining valuable insights into the diverse facets of technology. The program’s comprehensive approach integrates technical instruction, mentorship opportunities, and a supportive community that encourages collaboration. Through participation, students not only build a strong foundation in computer science but also leverage networking opportunities with industry professionals, gaining valuable insights into potential career pathways!
We’ve broken down everything you need to know about the Amazon Future Engineer scholarship here!
Cost/Stipend: No cost, Scholarship up to $40,000 per year
Location: At Amazon headquarters
Application deadline: December 15
Program Dates: 8-weeks during the summer after your freshman year of college
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)
Demonstrate financial need
The SPARK summer internship program offers a comprehensive immersion, providing a unique blend of theoretical learning and practical application. Participants have the opportunity to collaborate with experienced professionals, working on innovative tech projects that span software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Engaging in this program means delving into cutting-edge technologies while honing practical skills and benefitting from mentorship and professional development opportunities. The structured approach of the program ensures meaningful contributions to projects, coupled with skill-building workshops, networking events, and career advice sessions, fostering a holistic and enriching experience.
Here are some ways you can boost your odds of getting into SPARK SIP!
Cost/Stipend: No cost, some internships provide stipends
Location: Seattle, Washington
Program dates: 8–10 weeks (June — August)
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply.
Tech Flex Leaders is an ideal choice for those with a keen interest in a tech career. Dedicated to shaping the next generation of tech leaders, this program offers a specialized curriculum covering UX Design, Data Science, Web Development, and more. Through immersive workshops and hackathons, participants not only grasp theoretical concepts but also acquire practical skills crucial in today’s tech landscape. The program stands out by providing direct access to industry leaders and facilitating networking events, offering opportunities for collaboration and peer connections.
Cost/Stipend: No cost, stipend of $1000
Location: Hybrid in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles
Program Dates: TBD for 2024–25, usually 9 months starting in September
Application Deadline: TBD for 2024–25
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors enrolled in a New York City, Los Angeles, or Miami high school
SHTEM (Science, Humanities, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) presents an esteemed virtual internship for ambitious high school and community college students, breaking down traditional boundaries between STEM and Humanities. Participants will join diverse tech projects tailored to their interests and strengths, offering exposure to new technological realms. Guided by mentors from the Stanford Compression Forum and affiliated organizations, tech enthusiasts can anticipate involvement in algorithm development, data analysis, and mathematical modeling within information and communication sciences. The interdisciplinary projects extend to engineering, computer science, technology, and mathematics.
Cost/Stipend: $50 application fee, no stipend provided
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: June 17 — August 9, 2024
Application Deadline: March 1st, 2024
Eligibility:
Must be currently a high school junior or senior in the 2023–2024 school year (i.e. 11th or 12th grade at the time of application).
Must be at least 14 by June 17.
Another option — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program!
If you are looking to start your research journey with 1–1 mentorship from a top Ph.D. scholar in a STEM field, check out the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded by researchers at Harvard and Oxford. You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Trisha Malhotra, an Ashoka University alumna, has 5 years of experience being a freelance writer and currently writes for Lumiere Education. She is passionate about music, reading, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, as well as a devoted cat parent.
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