5 Computer Science Internships for High School Students in New York City

Are you a high school student in New York City interested in computer science and technology? Whether you’re just beginning to explore coding or already have experience with programming languages and software development, internships are a good way to enhance your skills. These opportunities allow you to gain experience through projects, collaborate with industry professionals, and learn what it’s like to work in a tech environment. 

New York City offers a range of internships that cater to high school students interested in exploring careers in computer science. From major tech companies to startups and nonprofit organizations, these internships provide a platform to learn, grow, and expand your professional network. Besides giving you valuable work experience, these internships can help you stand out in a competitive college admissions process. They can show colleges that you’re committed to learning outside the classroom. 

Here are 5 of the best computer science internships for high school students in New York City to help you get started! 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. Ladder Internship Program

Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.

Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)

Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.

Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). 

Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!

2. BRAINYAC Internship at Columbia

The BRAINYAC (Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia) program, hosted by Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute, provides a rigorous research experience for high school students in New York City. BRAINYAC pairs you with neuroscientists to work on research projects that explore brain function and neural processes. Through lab apprenticeships, you will learn data analysis, experimental design, and scientific communication. Although this isn’t a traditional computer science internship, the experience in data analysis can be beneficial for high school students interested in computer science. The program culminates in a research symposium where you will present your findings, developing your skills in public speaking.

Eligibility: 10th and 11th graders from select partner institutions, including S-PREP, Lang Youth Medical, Double Discovery Center, Columbia Secondary School, and BioBus. Students must be nominated by their partner institution 

Cost: This is a paid internship

Application Deadline: October 29

Program Dates: July 1 – August 16

Location: Columbia University, New York, NY

3. NYU’s Arise Program

The ARISE (Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering) program at New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering is a free, seven-week summer research experience for academically motivated 10th and 11th-grade NYC students. It offers two weeks of workshops on STEM topics and college preparation, followed by a five-week mentored research placement in an NYU faculty lab. The Computer Science and Engineering track allows you to research the ethical requirements of data science and online privacy through machine learning. To learn more about this program, check out our full guide here. 

Eligibility: NYC residents who are in 10th or 11th grade 

Cost: No cost! $750 stipend provided

Application Deadline: March 1

Program Dates: June 3 – August 9

Location: New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY 

4. America on Tech: Tech Flex Leaders Program

The Tech Flex Leaders Program is an intensive, year-long technology education initiative designed to give high school students industry-relevant skills in software development and digital marketing. Through a structured curriculum of live instruction, project-based learning, and workshops, you will gain proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other core programming languages and frameworks. In addition to technical training, the program emphasizes professional development through mentorship, career coaching, and exposure to industry leaders. You will have the opportunity to engage in internships, network with tech professionals, and showcase your projects at a Demo Day.

Eligibility: Juniors and seniors enrolled in a high school in New York City

Cost: Free!

Application Deadline: August 15

Program Dates: This program runs through the school year

Location: Virtual and Manhattan, NY

5. Stony Brook University’s Computer Science and Informatics Summer Research Experience Program

The Computer Science and Informatics Summer Research Experience (CSIRE) at Stony Brook University is a six-week program for high school students with a background in programming or data analytics. You will work in labs with faculty and PhD mentors on research projects in computer science and informatics. The program includes lab visits, seminars, and student presentations, providing research experience in computer science to inspire future careers in STEM.

Eligibility: NYC students enrolled in 8th, 9th, or 10th grade 

Cost: $3,300

Application Deadline: March 17

Program Dates: July 1 – August 9

Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY

One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! 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!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.