10 Paid AI Summer Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Apr 15
- 8 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
If you’re a high schooler looking for a fully-funded opportunity in AI this summer, consider a paid AI summer program!
Paid AI summer programs for high school students provide a valuable opportunity to explore artificial intelligence through hands-on projects and mentorship, in a financially accessible manner. These programs help you develop essential technical skills in machine learning, data science, and coding while offering insights into potential AI-driven careers. Engaging in a summer program can also facilitate networking opportunities and exposure to industry practices, all before you apply to college.
Many of these programs collaborate with tech companies, allowing you to work on real-world problem-solving experiences. Our list of the top 10 paid AI summer programs for high school students includes options catering to various skill levels and formats, helping you find a suitable fit for your interests and goals. These experiences can significantly enhance your understanding of AI and inform your academic and career trajectories.
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY.
Stipend: $1,000
Cohort size: 76-80 students
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Students who are completing 10th or 11th grade in June and living in New York City.
The Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) program at NYU offers a seven-week paid AI summer research program for high school students that combines technical training with hands-on lab work. You will start with two weeks of workshops covering scientific ethics, research methods, and data analysis, followed by five weeks of mentored research in NYU faculty labs.
As a participant, you will have the opportunity to work in labs such as the Machine Learning for Good Laboratory (ML4G), focusing on the implications of AI in decision-making related to housing, health, and criminal justice. Throughout the program, you will develop skills in data-driven research, ethical AI considerations, and practical machine-learning techniques. The experience concludes with a final colloquium, where you will present your research findings.
Location: University of New Hampshire campus laboratory, Durham, NH.
Stipend: Provided at a competitive hourly rate (amount not specified)
Cohort size: Around 10 students
Dates: July 7 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who reside in the U.S.
HighTech Bound is a 4 to 6-week paid summer internship for rising high school seniors interested in network technologies and AI. Hosted at the UNH InterOperability Laboratory (IOL), the program offers hands-on experience in an advanced computer lab, working with software and hardware from companies like Apple, Dell, and Cisco.
You will collaborate on team-based AI integration projects under the guidance of experienced mentors. The program includes field trips to local tech companies and exposure to smart car and IoT technologies. Additionally, you have the opportunity to earn 0.5 high school credit through VLACS. This internship aims to develop practical technical skills and prepare students for future careers in technology.
Location: Redmond, WA
Stipend: Applicants will be paid. However, an exact amount is not specified.
Acceptance Rate: The program is highly selective, with a low acceptance rate due to its prestige and limited eligibility criteria.
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who live around Redmond, Washington, or Atlanta, Georgia.
Microsoft’s 4-week paid summer internship allows high school students to explore AI applications in product development at a leading tech company. You will gain hands-on experience with AI-powered solutions while learning from Microsoft AI engineers.
The program covers essential AI domains, including machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision, providing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. As an intern, you will also have the chance to explore various career paths in technology, making this a valuable experience for students interested in AI and product innovation.
Location: Greater Seattle area, WA or Virtual
Stipend: Stipends are based on the projects.
Acceptance Rate: Less than 5%.
Dates: Vary depending on the opportunity, typically between June and August.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May after opening sometime in March/April.
Eligibility: Only 9-12 grade students who are US Citizens or permanent residents.
SPARK SMP is a selective mentorship program that allows high school students to explore AI, machine learning, and data science through hands-on research projects. Participants can choose from 1 to 5 projects, with a limited number of students selected for direct mentorship from sponsors.
The program connects students with industry leaders, university professors, and mentors, offering insights into real-world applications of AI. Previous research topics included extreme weather analysis, software engineering, medical AI applications, machine learning workflows, quantum computing, and data engineering. SPARK SMP also provides resources for students navigating the college application process.
Location: Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID
Stipend: The exact amount is not mentioned, but the INL pays a competitive wage.
Cohort Size: The cohort size is not explicitly stated, but it accepts hundreds of students.
Dates: Summer Internships are generally 6-10 weeks in May-August.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis.
Eligibility: High school students above the age of 16 who hold a U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status are eligible to apply.
The Idaho National Laboratory (INL), part of the U.S. Department of Energy, offers high school students hands-on research experience in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, and clean energy. You will work under expert mentors, develop independent projects, and present your findings at the Intern Poster Session.
Students interested in AI and machine learning can explore topics like machine learning for electric vehicle traffic prediction, AI applications in cybersecurity, and explainable AI for nuclear operations. The program also includes weekly seminars, lab tours, and career development activities, providing an immersive experience in real-world research.
Location: Lexington, MA.
Stipend: A stipend will be provided (the exact amount is not specified).
Acceptance Rate: Low
Dates: July 9 – August 15
Application Deadline: April 16
Eligibility: Applicants must have U.S. citizenship, be local high school rising seniors, and be 16 years of age before the start date.
The MIT Lincoln Laboratory Summer High School Internship Program is aimed at rising seniors from New England interested in AI, machine learning, and technology systems. You will collaborate with Laboratory staff mentors to tackle real-world challenges while developing both technical and interpersonal skills.
Students focusing on AI can engage in projects related to machine learning, signal processing, and national security technologies. Other areas of work include advanced satellite systems for space monitoring and remote sensing. This internship provides hands-on experience in cutting-edge research with practical applications in defense and security.
Location: There are AEOP locations in almost every state. Students may select their preferred location.
Stipend: Stipends are based on the projects.
Acceptance Rate: The program has an 8-10% acceptance rate.
Dates: Summer Internships are generally 6-10 weeks in May-August.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Current high school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents.
AEOP High School Internships offer hands-on research opportunities across various advanced STEM fields. While not exclusively centered on AI, many research projects incorporate AI, machine learning, and computational modeling to address real-world challenges. As an intern, you will collaborate closely with university researchers or Department of Defense (DoD) scientist mentors, gaining exposure to high-tech equipment and advanced techniques in state-of-the-art labs.
The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, equipping students for careers in STEM. If you have a particular interest in AI, you can choose research projects that focus on AI, coding, and machine learning applications, including those provided by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command.
Location: Various NASA centers in the country. There are also options for remote participation depending on the project.
Stipend: Interns will receive a stipend depending on the academic level and session duration
Cohort Size: 2000 students annually.
Dates: The Summer Session lasts 10 weeks from late May or early June to August, while the Fall Session spans 16 weeks from late August or early September to mid-December.
Application Deadline: The application deadline is February 28 for the Summer Session and May 16 for the Fall Session.
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who are U.S. citizens and at least 16 years old by the time they apply.
The NASA OSTEM Internship Program provides paid, hands-on experience for high school and college students in STEM fields, including mechanical engineering, space science, and AI. You will collaborate with NASA mentors on real-world projects, such as designing experiments, analyzing mission data, and developing AI-driven technologies for space exploration.
Many projects focus on machine learning, robotics, and data analysis, with applications in areas like exoplanet detection using deep learning and AI for anomaly detection in rocket engines. Internships can be conducted on-site or remotely, offering a flexible and immersive experience that enhances your technical skills and fosters professional connections in space and AI research.
Location: Texas Tech University campus, Lubbock, TX
Stipend: $750
Acceptance Rate: Less than 3%
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 24
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 17 years of age by the program start date and be about to graduate.
Texas Tech’s 7-week paid research program allows high school students to conduct independent research under faculty mentorship. While not exclusively focused on AI, students can integrate artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science into various fields, such as computer science, mechanical engineering, and electrical and computer engineering.
Potential research topics include big data visualization, statistical analysis, virtual and augmented reality, robotics, and AI-driven computing systems. This program is well-suited for students interested in exploring AI applications within a flexible, research-oriented environment.
Location: NIH Campus Bethesda, Maryland.
Stipend: DSI Scholars are paid according to the NIH Intramural Research Training Award stipends.
Cohort size: 32 students (based on previous year’s accepted students)
Dates: The DSI Scholars Program starts in June and runs for 8 to 12 weeks.
Application Deadline: February 19
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 18 years old before the internship begins, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and be enrolled at least half-time as a high school senior with a minimum 3.2 GPA. More details can be found here.
The NLM DSI Scholars Program is an 8 to 12-week summer internship where students engage in computational research projects in the biological sciences, often utilizing AI and machine learning techniques. As an intern, you will receive one-on-one mentorship, contribute to ongoing research, and develop scientific communication skills through seminars and workshops.
The program concludes with a research presentation at NLM’s Summer Poster Day, with potential opportunities to present at the NIH-wide Summer Poster Day. This internship is ideal for students interested in computational health and biology research, offering hands-on experience in a collaborative research environment.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research in AI, 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!
Image Source - NYU Logo
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.
