15 Computer Science Internships for High School Students in Houston, TX

Houston, Texas, is a bustling city and a home to NASA and world-class research institutions. For high school students in Houston interested in entering the field, computer science internships in the city can be a great next step. 

Computer science internships designed for high school students offer opportunities to gain real-world experience, build technical skills, and explore how coding, software development, and data science are applied in industry. These internships can provide a first glimpse into the world of professional computing and the chance to work alongside mentors, collaborate with peers, and contribute to meaningful projects. 

Whether you're learning Python for the first time or already building full-stack apps, these experiences can offer valuable exposure and insights to strengthen your resume as well as expand your network and career awareness.

To help you with your search, we have curated a list of 15 computer science internships for high school students in Houston, TX. 

If you are looking for more prestigious internship experiences, check out our blogs here.

15 Computer Science Internships for High School Students in Houston, TX

1. Ladder Internships

Location: Remote

Cost: Varies based on the selected program format; financial aid available

Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year

Application deadline: August 24 for the upcoming fall cohort; multiple cohorts throughout the year

Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 10–20 hours/week for 8 to 12 weeks.

The Ladder Internship program is a selective opportunity for high school students looking to work with startups in fields such as technology, machine learning, AI, finance, sustainability, healthcare, media, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies, often having raised substantial funding, with founders from top accelerators like YCombinator and companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. During the internship, you will be paired with one high-growth organization, work on a real-world project, and present your work at the end. You will be guided by a startup manager and a Ladder Coach, who will act as a second mentor and help you navigate the startup environment. The internship lasts eight weeks and follows a unique coaching-plus-work model.

2. Rice PATHS-UP Digital Health Young Scholars Program

Location: Rice University, Houston, TX

Cost: Free

Dates: June 9 – 26

Application deadline: April 4

Eligibility: Current 10th–11th grade students in Houston-area schools; no prior programming experience required

At the Digital Health Young Scholars program, you will get hands-on experience in engineering and computer science research and its direct applications in healthcare. Hosted by Rice University’s PATHS-UP Engineering Research Center, this three-week program introduces you to digital circuitry, programming, and data-driven medical technologies. You’ll collaborate with university researchers, graduate students, and local educators to explore how devices like pulse oximeters and accelerometers function within real-world health contexts. One of the highlights is building your own prototype using Tiny Circuits, giving you an early opportunity to design, code, and test tech tools. The program also offers guidance on scientific writing and communication while connecting you with peers who share your passion for STEM.

3. Quest Student Research Institute’s Research Internships

Location: Virtual

Cost: $500 tuition + $60 registration fee; full scholarships and need-based waivers available

Dates: June 15 – July 31

Application deadline: May 1

Eligibility: High school students entering 10th grade and above; no prior experience required

During the Quest Student Research Institute’s Research Internship, you can choose from a diverse set of project tracks in IT and computational science, with many options that overlap with computer science. As an intern, you might design your own cryptosystems in Python, analyze COVID-19 datasets using C++, or simulate molecular docking and drug interactions using professional-grade software. This program gives you the chance to work directly with university professors on real research questions, some of which have led to peer-reviewed publications. Depending on your project, you’ll also undergo training in bioinformatics, machine learning, and digital game development. While the internship is virtual, it emphasizes collaboration, independent research, and communication, making it worth exploring for high school students in Houston.

4. UT Houston Computational Biomedicine Lab Summer Internship

Location: University of Houston, Houston, TX

Cost: Free

Dates: 6–12 weeks between June and September

Application deadline: Rolling; apply via email

Eligibility: Highly motivated high school students with basic programming experience (Python preferred)

At the University of Houston’s Computational Biomedicine Lab, you will explore how machine learning and artificial intelligence can address real-world health and societal challenges. This research internship offers opportunities to join research projects focused on topics like AI accountability, biomedical modeling, and predictive health analytics. Here, you will gain experience designing experiments, forming hypotheses, and coding in Python alongside graduate researchers in a lab setting. The program emphasizes independent thinking, technical rigor, and collaborative research. The experience can offer insights into computational research and AI models in the context of healthcare innovation.

5. NASA and UT Austin’s STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES)

Location: Virtual + on-site at the University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX

Cost: Free; housing, meals, and local transportation provided; travel scholarships available

Dates: June – July 19 (virtual); July 6 – 19 (on-site); July 21 – 22 (Virtual Symposium)

Application deadline: February 22

Eligibility: High school students with a strong interest in STEM; selection based on academic record, essays, video, and recommendation

If you are interested in how computer science intersects with Earth and space exploration, the NASA and UT Austin’s SEES internship offers an unparalleled opportunity to work with NASA-supported scientists and engineers.  As a SEES intern, you will gain experience analyzing satellite data and applying coding skills, often in Python, to study climate science, geodesy, natural hazards, and more. The program structure consists of self-paced online learning, remote collaboration with research mentors, and a two-week residential experience at the University of Texas at Austin. You will work in teams on real NASA research projects and present your findings at a virtual symposium. This internship can offer exposure to data-driven science and a collaborative introduction to scientific computing.

6. Girls Who Code Summer Programs

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free + $300 need-based grant available

Dates: Summer Immersion Program: July 7 – 18 (strictly for U.S. students); July 28 – August 8 (for all students) | Pathways: June 30 – August 8

Application deadline: Early acceptance: February 28; General application: April 16

Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 12 (only 9th – 11th graders accepted for Summer Immersion) who are 14–18 years old and identify as girls or non-binary individuals

Girls Who Code offers two virtual summer programs to high school students interested in computer science. The Summer Immersion Program is an instructor-led experience covering the basics of game design and coding. It offers insights into beginner to intermediate level computer science, the game design process, and the fundamentals of UX design. Another option is the Pathways Program—a six-week, self-paced opportunity to explore topics such as data science, cybersecurity, web development, and AI. While not traditional internships, these free computer science-focused programs offer access to industry-led events, opportunities to work on projects, and exposure to coding languages like HTML, CSS, Python, and JavaScript.

7. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)

Location: Remote options available for students in Houston, TX

Cost: Free

Dates: June 18 – August 8

Application deadline: February 2

Eligibility: High school students who are 15 or older by the start date

ASSIP offers you the chance to work directly with university faculty and research teams on STEM projects, including those focused on machine learning, cybersecurity, robotics, and natural language processing. You can choose mentors offering remote opportunities to work on computer science research. Over eight weeks, you’ll dive into full-time research in areas like AI for wireless systems, software reliability, bioinformatics, or deep learning for social good. You will be mentored by professionals, develop scientific writing and communication skills, and present your final project in a poster session. Throughout the program, you will have access to research tools used in college labs and industry settings. 

8. Genesys Works Houston High School Internships

Location: Genesys Works Houston, Houston, TX

Cost/Stipend: Free; students are paid during their internship

Dates: Summer training followed by school-year internship; typically begins in June

Application deadline: Varies; check website for current application cycle

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors in Houston; selection based on academic record, commitment, and interviews

The Genesys Works program provides a year-long opportunity for high school students to gain professional experience and secure paid internships at major corporations like TransUnion, Okta, and Texas Children’s Hospital. You will begin with eight weeks of intensive summer training in business technology, professional communication, and IT skills such as Excel, networking, and cybersecurity. Then, you will be placed in a corporate internship where you will contribute to real projects while being mentored by industry professionals. The program also offers over 60 hours of college and career coaching, helping you prepare for life after high school. As a participant, you will have access to ongoing education and career support after the program ends.

9. Colorado School of Mines CS@Mines Internship

Location: Remote options available for Houston students

Cost: $100; scholarships available

Dates: Six weeks during summer (June–August)

Application deadline: April 18

Eligibility: High school and community college students; no CS experience required

The CS@Mines internship introduces you to computer science through collaborative research projects with a social impact lens. You'll work in small teams on computing problems that serve the public, often tackling challenges related to health, education, or community development. Under the guidance of undergraduate mentors and Mines faculty, you will develop your programming, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while exploring real-world CS applications. You will engage in tasks with your team for about 10 hours per week over six weeks.

10. Texas Department of Transportation Intern Support Technician

Location: TxDOT Beaumont District Headquarters, Beaumont, TX (about 1 hour away from Houston)

Cost: Paid; $18.00–$21.32/hour

Dates: Part-time, ongoing (Summer start typical)

Application deadline: Rolling

Eligibility: Students aged 16+ enrolled in high school or higher education

This internship can offer you a front-row seat to how technology supports public safety and transportation infrastructure. As an Intern Support Technician at TxDOT’s Beaumont District, you will help monitor live traffic feeds, troubleshoot traffic management systems, and coordinate emergency response using intelligent transportation software. You will gain hands-on experience with devices like IT traffic cameras, wrong-way detection systems, digital message signs, and fog detection tools. Designed for students interested in applied computer science or network systems, this role also involves programming signal controllers and understanding real-time data applications in public infrastructure. 

11. University of Houston Code Cougars: AI and Machine Learning Academy

Location: University of Houston at Sugar Land, Sugar Land, TX

Cost: $400; scholarships and discounts available

Dates: June 9 – June 13

Application deadline: June 5

Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th grade students; prior experience not required

Hosted at the University of Houston Sugar Land campus, this program offers a hands-on introduction to computer science, focusing on AI, machine learning, and game development. As a high school participant, you will learn Python programming, experiment with Construct 3 to design games, and explore how machine learning models can be applied in real-world tech contexts. The program’s small group format, with a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio, is designed to offer personalized instruction from UH faculty and STEM-major college students. You’ll complete daily challenges and build interconnected projects while developing teamwork and creative problem-solving skills. Although not a traditional internship, this weeklong program offers exposure to CS fundamentals through project-based learning, whether you are new to coding or looking to strengthen your skills.

12. Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship

Location: Virtual

Cost: $850 + $40 application fee; need-based scholarships available

Dates: June 16 – 27

Application deadline: February 28

Eligibility: U.S.-based high school students entering grades 9–12; strong preference for students with a math or programming background

In this virtual internship, you will dive into the intersection of computer science and medicine through hands-on AI research. The internship includes technical lectures on artificial intelligence in healthcare, collaborative group projects, and mentoring from Stanford researchers and students. Throughout the two-week experience, you will tackle real-world challenges using AI models and learn how data science is advancing modern medicine. You will also attend virtual career talks from professionals across academia, industry, and government. If you want to continue working on AI and healthcare research, you can get an extended internship opportunity once the summer program ends. 

13. Amazon Future Engineer Internship

Location: Amazon offices across the U.S, including remote options

Stipend: Paid internship + up to $40,000 in scholarship support

Dates: Summer after the freshman year of college

Application deadline: Typically in December; applications open in fall

Eligibility: High school seniors planning to major in computer science or related fields; U.S. citizens or work-authorized students; minimum 2.3 GPA; must demonstrate financial need

As a recipient of the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship, you will get to earn up to $40,000 in college funding as well as the opportunity to intern at Amazon after your freshman year of college. This paid internship places you directly on a software or hardware engineering team, where you will contribute to real-world projects and potentially ship production-level code that reaches millions of users. You will learn from engineers, attend exclusive tech talks, and connect with a cohort of fellow interns through virtual and in-person networking events. The program is designed to support students from underserved backgrounds who are passionate about using computer science to make an impact.

14. Rice ELITE Tech Camps

Location: Rice University, Houston, TX

Cost: $3,795 (Residential) | $1,695 (Commuter); scholarships and financial aid available

Dates: Residential: June 22 – 28; July 6 – 12; July 13 – 19; July 20 – 26 | Commuter: June 23 – 27; July 7 – 11; July 14 – 18; July 21 – 25

Application deadline: Rolling until full

Eligibility: High school students; some tracks recommend prior coursework in physics or programming

At Rice ELITE Tech Camps, you will engage in rigorous, hands-on STEM experiences led by faculty from Rice’s School of Engineering and the Rice Center for Engineering Leadership. The program blends technical training with leadership development in a university setting. It offers a wide range of tech-focused tracks—such as deep learning, C++ programming, IoT, and machine learning—designed to introduce you to college-level engineering challenges. Although not an internship, the program offers exposure to real-world tech applications through small group projects, where you will apply scientific and analytical concepts to solve problems in areas like smart cities, human spaceflight, and advanced 3D design. Whether you’re coding neural networks or designing rockets, all sessions emphasize engineering leadership, preparing you to think critically, communicate ideas, and manage projects, essential skills for aspiring tech professionals. 

15. Kode With Klossy Summer Camp

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

Dates: June 2 – 13 | July 7 – 18 | July 21 – August 1 | August 4 – 15

Application deadline: Not specified

Eligibility: Women and gender expansive teens who are 13 to 18 years old

Kode With Klossy offers various free programs, including its Summer Camp, which is a two-week introduction to software development, machine learning, and programming. You will learn these concepts via one of the four computer science tracks. For instance, in the web development track, you will get some experience in using HTML, JavaScript, and CSS to develop an online site. In the data science track, you will explore concepts like data visualisation. The machine learning track covers AI/ML concepts such as algorithms, natural language processing, and data sets. The mobile app track can help you learn how to code in Swift (Apple’s programming language) and create an iOS mobile application. 

One other option—Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you want to pursue independent research under the guidance of a mentor, consider applying to Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, which are selective high school programs founded in partnership with Harvard and Oxford researchers. In the past, 4,000+ students applied for just 500 spots in the research program. You can learn about the application and available programs on the application form here.

Also, you can check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented low-income students. Last year, it offered 150 students full need-based financial assistance.

Lydia is currently a senior at Harvard University, studying Molecular and Cellular Biology and Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She aims to become a life sciences consultant after graduation. 

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