14 Online Tech Internships for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Apr 14
- 8 min read
Updated: 16 hours ago
If you’re a high school student interested in tech and wish to explore it in a professional setting, consider joining a tech internship. These programs let you apply what you’ve learned in school to real projects, whether it’s coding software, working with AI, or exploring cybersecurity. You’ll develop practical skills and see how tech works beyond the classroom, and receive mentorship from industry leaders.
Online internships, specifically, are flexible and often free or low-cost. They also help you stand out in college applications and job searches by showing that you can apply your skills in real-world settings. Admissions committees look for students who take initiative and gain hands-on experience!
Finding the right internship takes time, so here’s a list of 14 online tech internships for high school students. These programs are selected for their professional rigor, networking opportunities, and hands-on experience. If you're looking for more prestigious research programs, internships, and region-specific opportunities in engineering and STEM, check out these blogs.
14 Online Tech Internships for High School Students
Ladder Internships is a remote internship program where you can work with high-growth startups and gain real-world experience. You’ll take on projects in fields like AI, deep tech, health tech, marketing, consulting, and journalism. Most startups in the program have over $1 million in funding, so you’ll get exposure to fast-paced work and problem-solving.
You’ll also get mentorship from company leaders and guidance from a Ladder Coach. At the end of the program, you’ll present your final project and showcase what you’ve worked on. With multiple cohorts year-round, you can find a schedule that fits your availability.
Cost: $2,490 (financial aid available)
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. The Summer Cohort regular application deadline is April 13!
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can commit 10–20 hours per week
The AI Internship Program by Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduate students. Through the 8-week internship, students have the opportunity to work with VC-backed startups on real-world AI/ML projects. Students work directly with mentors from Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and more. This program is a great opportunity for students who have prior experience with AI/ML and are looking to gain real-world exposure to a career in the field. Students get a chance to network with industry professionals, work closely with company leadership, and receive a letter of completion from the company at the end of the internship. You can learn more about the program here and apply here.
Cost: $2,490
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program
The ASSIP program at George Mason University gives high school students a chance to work on STEM research projects with faculty mentors. You’ll explore fields like cybersecurity, electrical engineering, and digital innovation, focusing on quantitative analysis, computational modeling, and data science.
Over 8 weeks, you’ll develop skills in scientific writing, communication, and data-driven problem-solving. You’ll also work with mathematical modeling, agent-based simulations, cognitive modeling, and applied statistics.
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee (waivers available for financial need)
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Remote/in-person computer lab internships require age 15+; wet-lab internships require age 16+.
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships give you the chance to work on real projects in space exploration, AI, and scientific research. You’ll work with NASA professionals on AI and machine learning for air traffic management, AR/VR applications, and robotics at the NASA Ames Astrobee Facility. Internships can be virtual or in-person, depending on the project and NASA center.
You can choose full-time or part-time roles, working on data analysis, research, and technical projects. It’s a competitive program that helps you build experience in engineering, physics, computer science, and space technology.
Cost/Stipend: Varies by position.
Dates: Varies by position
Application Deadlines: February 28 (Summer cohort) and May 16 (Fall cohort)
Eligibility: High school student with a GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) who are U.S. citizen
The I.C.Stars Technology Leadership Program is a four-month paid internship for anyone looking to break into tech. You’ll learn coding, software development, web app design, and data analysis while working on real industry projects.
You’ll also get mentorship from IT professionals and tackle tech challenges with corporate sponsors. After the program, you’ll have two years of career support, with a 75% job placement rate and an average salary boost of 150%.
Cost: Pays a stipend!
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Program Dates: 4 months of immersive training, followed by 2 years of ongoing support
Eligibility: Open to individuals passionate about technology, problem-solving, and leadership
The ASPIRE program at Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory gives high school students hands-on experience in STEM research. You’ll work with scientists and engineers on projects in computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, and data analysis.
The program offers both virtual and in-person options. If you join remotely, you’ll only need to be in person for key activities like onboarding and equipment setup. You can pick a primary area of interest, but projects may also align with secondary skills in fields like IT, math, or cybersecurity.
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: January 1 - February 15
Program Dates: June 24 - August 21
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors aged 15 or older, with a minimum GPA of 2.8. Applicants must be permanent residents of the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan region
The GL4HS program at NASA’s Ames Research Center introduces you to big data analysis, computational biology, and machine learning in space research. You’ll develop skills in statistical modeling, algorithm development, and data visualization, key for careers in mathematics, computational biology, and space science.
Over four weeks, you’ll explore how microgravity affects living organisms, attend virtual field trips, and take part in a research competition. Teams apply statistical and computational techniques to develop innovative project proposals. The top three teams win an all-expenses-paid trip to present at the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research (ASGSR) conference.
Cost/Stipend: Free; participants receive a small stipend
Application Deadline: May 15
Dates: June 2 – August 29
Eligibility: 16+ by Dec 31, junior/senior in fall, GPA 3.0+, completed high school biology.
The EDIT ML Summer Internship Program at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is a selective research internship for high school students interested in machine learning, AI, and computational healthcare. You’ll work with machine learning models, statistical algorithms, and high-performance computing to analyze large-scale medical datasets.
Projects may involve developing AI-powered diagnostic tools, analyzing gigapixel medical images, and using natural language processing (NLP) for clinical research. The program covers key concepts like probability, linear algebra, and data analysis. It concludes with a research presentation where you’ll showcase your findings to scientists, industry professionals, and healthcare researchers.
Cost: Free
Dates: April 15 – June 15
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students with a background in computer science and a strong foundation in mathematics
The Colorado School of Mines Computer Science Internship Program gives high school students hands-on experience in coding, math, and technology. You can join remotely or in person, depending on what works best for you.
The program focuses on programming, problem-solving, and analytical skills, with an emphasis on logic, mathematical reasoning, and algorithmic thinking. Whether you're new to coding or already have experience, this internship builds a strong foundation in computational problem-solving. No prior computer science training is needed. Selected students are notified in mid-April.
Cost: $100
Dates: June 1 – August 6
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Open to high school students interested in computer science and mathematics
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program where you will explore AI’s role in healthcare. Led by Stanford AI researchers, the program covers deep learning, medical image analysis, and algorithm development for disease detection. You’ll work on real-world AI applications, learning how machine learning models process medical data.
Stanford is a global center for AI research, and this program connects you with experts in the field. You’ll also join Virtual Career Lunch and Learn with professionals from academia, nonprofits, and government agencies. You will receive a certificate of completion.
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: December 9 - February 28
Eligibility: High school students (14+), U.S. residents; student leads must be CA residents; CS undergrads can apply for lead roles.
The Spark Summer Mentorship Program (SPARK SMP) is a remote and in-person internship where you will work on real-world machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data visualization projects. You can choose up to five projects based on your interests, working on industry challenges in areas like AI/ML applications, data pipeline development, extreme weather analysis, software engineering, disease detection, and quantum technologies.
You will work with industry leaders, university professors, and expert mentors while developing technical skills in AI model building, data engineering, and ML workflows. The program is available virtually and in person in the Greater Seattle area, WA.
Cost: Free (some projects offer stipends)
Dates: May-August (8–12 weeks, depending on the project)
Application Deadline: April 22 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents residing in the U.S.
The Building-U Internship is a remote, flexible program where you contribute to an online database of free student resources like scholarships, competitions, and internships. You can choose from different roles based on your interests, including opportunities in computer science, web design, and graphic design.
If you're interested in coding, you can work on web and database development using the programming languages of your choice. If you prefer digital content creation, you can focus on storytelling, animation, and branding. The program emphasizes collaboration and self-paced learning, allowing you to develop technical and teamwork skills while working on real-world projects.
Cost: Free
Dates: 3-month internship usually June – August
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: All high school students
The AI Internship with Amazon (AWS) is a four-week program where high school students learn the fundamentals of artificial intelligence through hands-on projects. You will explore the logic and math behind AI models used in chatbots, self-driving cars, and image recognition.
Guided by Amazon (AWS) industry mentors, you will apply AI techniques to solve real-world problems, including a social challenge that integrates AI-driven solutions. The program includes live instruction and an internship component, giving you practical experience in AI development. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate from Amazon (AWS).
Cost: $399
Application Deadline: Rolling intake
Program Dates: 4 weeks of July
Eligibility: High school students in grades 8 to 12; no prior coding or computing background required
The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) Internship lets you dive into digital media, marketing, and science education outreach. You’ll work on content creation, social media strategy, video production, and graphic design projects. Your role might involve researching, brainstorming ideas, and managing digital assets to support the Smithsonian’s STEM education programs. The internship can be virtual or hybrid, and your tasks and schedule depend on the role you choose.
Cost: Free (Stipend available, amount unspecified)
Application deadline: February 3 - March 7
Program Dates: Eight to ten weeks between March-May
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs, as well as high school students (at least 16 years old)
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research in tech, 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.
Image Source - NASA Logo
