20 Computer Science Internships for High Schoolers in 2023
What’s Covered:
Are you a programming whiz? Do you hope to pursue a career in computer science—software development, cybersecurity, or another niche? Then you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up some of the best computer science internships and programs for high school students, because it’s never too early to get a head start on a successful future.
20 Computer Science Internships for High School Students
1. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Application Deadline: February 13
Duration: Seven weeks (June through August)
Through this seven-week, intensive research program, 12 juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on research in a variety of areas, including computer science, at Texas Tech University with faculty. Scholars receive room and board, and at the successful completion of a project report, they will earn a $750 stipend. In addition to research, scholars will participate in activities, seminars, and field trips.
2. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Apprenticeship
Application Deadline: March 5
Duration: Varies
The AEOP High School Apprenticeship allows students to spend their summer taking part in innovative research at a university research lab or one of the U.S. Army Research Laboratories and Centers. Along with learning how to use high-tech equipment and cutting-edge techniques, students will receive mentorship from practitioners while connecting with a community of like-minded peers and near-peer mentors.
Students will also have access to AEOP’s webinar series on STEM careers, research areas, and more, as well as workshops on college readiness and professional skills. Apprentices receive a stipend for their work.
3. Computer Science for Cyber Security (CS4CS)
Application Deadline: April 14
Duration: Three weeks (July)
CS4CS is a “barrier-breaking” introduction to computer science and cybersecurity for high schoolers. This free, three-week opportunity is held through NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering. The mission is to empower women and minorities, typically underrepresented in STEM, to become leaders in the field. No background experience in cybersecurity or computer programming is required.
From white-hate hacking to digital forensics, the program covers broad and niche topics. To be considered, you must be entering 9th-12th grade in September 2022 and live in one of New York City’s five boroughs or a neighboring city (e.g. Jersey City, Newark, or Hempstead).
4. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
Application Deadline: N/A
Duration: N/A
A free, two-week program for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors, SIP gives future STEM professionals exposure to the field of computer science. Through the program, students (girls and non-binary individuals) around the world will learn about tech jobs and meet like-minded peers.
Along with participating in engaging projects virtually, students will learn critical computer science concepts and practice in smaller breakout groups.
5. Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)
Application Deadline: N/A
Duration: Four weeks
CSSI is a four-week introduction to computer science for rising college freshmen, particularly those who have been marginalized in the field. The program is intended to provide an intensive, interactive experience in computer science and inspire them to earn a degree in tech, as well as help them build their technical skills and confidence. Participants will also get an inside look at Google’s environment and culture.
6. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Summer High School Intern Program Research
Application Deadline: February 14
Duration: Eight weeks (June through August)
Divided into six NIST laboratories, NIST performs research in a variety of engineering and physical sciences topics. Through this program, students may work in any of these laboratories:
- Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL)
- Engineering Laboratory (EL)
- Information Technology Laboratory (ITL)
- Material Measurement Laboratory (MML)
- NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR)
- Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML)
Students apply to the specific lab that interests them. The program is open to high school juniors and seniors with an interest in scientific research.
7. National Security Agency Student Programs
Application Deadline: October 31
Duration: Varies
The NSA provides a number of opportunities for students, including internships and scholarships. (Bear in mind that the Agency selects candidates for its programs up to a year in advance, so students should apply early for a better chance at acceptance.)
One notable opportunity is the Stokes Program, open to high school seniors, especially minority students, who intend to major in computer science or computer/electrical engineering. Your college costs will be fully compensated up to $30k per year and you’ll earn a year-round salary. In return, you must work at the NSA for at least 1.5 times the length of study upon graduation. Participants are also required to work at the NSA during their summer breaks. To participate, students must have certain minimum GPAs and test scores.
8. Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Internship
Application Deadline: February 14
Duration: Six weeks (July through August)
A six-week program for academically-motivated rising seniors, RISE gives students the opportunity to conduct real research under the guidance of Boston University faculty, postdoctoral fellow, or graduate student mentor. There are a number of STEM tracks available, including computer science.
In addition to partaking in a research project, you’ll present your work at a Poster Symposium and may even be able to submit it to national contests. You’ll also participate in weekly workshops that will help you gain insight and skills necessary for being a valuable contributor to the STEM community.
9. Sandia Internships
Application Deadline: Varies
Duration: Varies
Sandia encourages students from high school to the Ph.D. level to tackle real-world, challenging projects that impact the nation and globe. Interns partake in projects, often at technical institutes, in disciplines like cybersecurity, software development, and more. In their roles, students will receive mentorship and have the opportunity to engage in social activities.
Students will be paid for their work and potentially receive academic credit, along with training and practical work experience. The program is open to high school students 16 years and older—those pursuing R&D and technical positions will need a minimum 3.0 GPA.
10. Simons Summer Research Program
Application Deadline: Varies
Duration: Seven weeks (June 26 through August 11)
Participate in hands-on research under the guidance of faculty mentors. In this program, you’ll learn laboratory techniques and tools, be a part of an active research team, and get a taste of college life. Along with their work, apprentices attend weekly faculty talks and participate in events. At the culmination of the program, apprentices produce a written abstract and research poster.
The apprenticeship is open to rising seniors.
11. Spark Summer Internship Program
Application Deadline: April 1
Duration: June through August
Through Spark SIP, high school students will be able to connect with industry experts, educators, and mentors in disciplines like computer science. While participating in research in real-world settings, students receive mentorship from these industry leaders.
12. Tech360
Application Deadline:
- June 5 – New York City and Los Angeles County
- July 17 – Miami-Dade and Broward County
Duration: Three weeks (July and August)
This three-week program is open to 10th- and 11th-grade students enrolled in New York City (all boroughs), Los Angeles County, Miami-Dade, and Broward County high schools. The program teaches students how to code through web design and development. At the culmination of the program, participants will work in teams to create a website and present it to their peers. Students receive a $500 stipend upon successful completion of the program.
13. Microsoft Discovery Program
Application Deadline: March 14
Duration: Four weeks (July through August)
The Microsoft Discovery Program is open to rising seniors with an interest in technology who live within 50 miles of Redmond, Washington. Participants will learn the fundamentals of programming and get firsthand experience working at one of the world’s largest technology companies. Students will also receive mentorship from Microsoft employees and build valuable career skills.
14. MITRE Nationwide High School Student Program
Application Deadline: N/A
Duration: Eight weeks (beginning in June)
The MITRE Nationwide High School Student Program provides students with the chance to participate in a paid, eight-week internship aimed at making the world a safer place. Positions are available in fields such as research, development, engineering, and analysis and are open to students 14 years of age or older.
15. Meta Summer Academy
Application Deadline: March 1
Duration: Six weeks (June through July)
This awesome opportunity offers students the chance to gain real-world experience working at one of the world’s largest social media companies. Meta Summer Academy participants receive mentorship, build career skills, explore career paths, and learn about the day-to-day operations of a leading technology company.
This program is open to students from:
- East Palo Alto
- Belle Haven
- North Fair Oaks
- Redwood City
Participants must also have a minimum 2.5 GPA.
16. MITES Summer
Application Deadline: February 1
Duration: Six weeks (June through August)
This free, on-campus program aims to introduce students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds to STEM fields at one of the nation’s top schools, MIT. MITES packs a semester of college into one summer program—participants will take five classes along with participating in labs, workshops, special events, and tours. The program is open to super-motivated high school juniors and students from underrepresented backgrounds and underserved communities, along with potential first-generation college students.
17. Carnegie Mellon Computer Science Scholars (CSS)
Application Deadline: March 15
Duration: Four weeks (July)
Carnegie Mellon’s CSS is a grant-funded, merit-based program that introduces students from backgrounds historically excluded from STEM fields to computer science. Participants learn about the world of computer science through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on research projects, faculty lectures, and programs in conjunction with the country’s leading tech companies. The program is open to current high school sophomores who are 16 years of age or older. Preference is given to students historically excluded from computer science—for example, certain ethnicities, genders, social classes, or family experiences attending college.
18. Forage Virtual Work Experience Programs
Application Deadline: Varies
Duration: Five to six hours
Forage provides students with bite-sized experiences at some of the world’s top companies in a variety of fields, including computer science. Partners include companies like Electronic Arts, Lyft, and SAP. Programs are just five to six hours long and are designed to provide students with insight into what a day of work is like and the skills needed for a successful career. All Forage programs are open-source and free.
19. Fermilab TARGET
Application Deadline: February 1
Duration: Seven weeks (June through August)
TARGET is open to Illinois high school sophomores and juniors with an interest in and aptitude for physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering. This highly competitive opportunity only selects between 15 and 25 participants annually. Priority is given to minorities underrepresented in the STEM fields and women. To participate, you must be enrolled in an Illinois high school and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
20. Data Science Institute (DSI) Summer Lab at the University of Chicago
Application Deadline: February 20
Duration: Ten weeks
The DSI Summer Lab program is an immersive 10-week paid summer research program that pairs high school (freshman through seniors), undergraduate, and UChicago Masters students with a data science mentor to work on a research project. Projects are available in a variety of computer-focused fields, such as computer systems and architecture, hardware and devices, and networking. High school participants will earn a $5,625 stipend for participating in the program.
How Much Do Internships Impact Your College Chances?
Extracurricular activities are divided into four tiers, with tier 1 representing the most exceptional and rare extracurriculars and tier 4 representing the most common activities admissions committees see.
If you’re applying to highly-selective schools, we recommend having at least a few tier 1 and 2 activities to set yourself apart from other applicants. Internships vary in terms of rigor and selectivity, but prestigious, national programs in particular can certainly fall into tiers 1 or 2.
If you’re curious about how your computer science or other internship stacks up, use CollegeVine’s free chancing engine. This tool will give you a more granular view of how your activities impact your chances of admission at hundreds of schools across the U.S. Plus, you’ll receive tips for improving your profile.
