A tech internship is one of the best ways to get real, early experience in the field, whether your interest is software development, cybersecurity, or something else. Here are five strong tech internship opportunities for high school students. Deadlines and dates shift each year, so confirm the current cycle on each program’s site.
1. California Academy of Sciences Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
A multi-year program that supports SFUSD students through science education and career exploration.
- Cost: Fully funded, stipend provided
- Location: California Academy of Sciences
- Application deadline: typically in the spring (check the site)
- Program dates: Multi-year, year-round
- Eligibility: 9th or 10th grade SFUSD students, minimum 2.5 GPA, eligible to work in the U.S.
2. Google Summer of Code
A global program where participants contribute to open-source software projects with mentor support. Note that you must be 18 or older, so it fits graduating seniors rather than younger students.
- Cost: No cost (participants receive a stipend)
- Location: Virtual
- Application deadline: typically in the spring
- Program dates: a 12+ week coding project over the summer
- Eligibility: 18 or older, and new to open-source contribution
Once you’re done with this list, check out our longer guide to the 50 best STEM summer programs for high schoolers.
3. NASA STEM Internship (OSTEM)
NASA’s OSTEM internships place students on real projects in aerospace, engineering, and science, paired with a NASA mentor.
- Cost: No application cost (paid, with a stipend)
- Location: Across NASA facilities, plus some remote roles
- Application deadline: Varies by session (rolling)
- Program dates: Summer, fall, and spring sessions
- Eligibility: High school students, minimum 3.0 GPA, U.S. citizens, at least 16
4. Ladder Internships (Technology)
A remote internship focused on technology and entrepreneurship, where students work on real projects at a startup or company.
- Cost: Tuition-based (around $1,490; financial aid available), no stipend
- Location: Remote
- Application deadline: Several rounds through the spring (check the site)
- Program dates: 8 to 12 weeks over the summer, about 10 to 20 hours a week
- Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students
5. Tech Flex Leaders
A program for aspiring tech leaders covering UX design, data science, and web development through workshops and hackathons, with networking and access to industry professionals.
- Cost: No cost (stipend of around $1,000)
- Location: Hybrid in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles
- Program dates: Roughly 9 months, typically starting in September
- Application deadline: Check the site for the current cycle
- Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors at a New York City, Los Angeles, or Miami high school
You can also sign up for our mailing list here for our latest guides on scholarships and summer programs.
Final Note
Rishab Jain, a Harvard student and winner of ISEF, RSI, Coca-Cola Scholars, and Presidential Scholars, has made his STEM Student Guide public, with a list of 50+ more opportunities and competitions. It’s a good next stop if you want vetted, top-quality programs in one place.
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