10 AI Internships for High School Students in Texas
Internships offer high school students a valuable opportunity to explore career paths, build foundational skills, and gain real-world experience. By stepping beyond traditional academics and working in practical environments, you can develop a sense of independence, responsibility, and a clearer understanding of fields you’re passionate about.
In a tech-driven world, AI internships stand out as particularly exciting. They allow you to engage with cutting-edge technologies, learn essential skills like coding, data analysis, and problem-solving, and gain exposure to the transformative role of artificial intelligence across industries.
Below is a curated list of 10 AI internships for high school students in Texas, designed to help you build skills, connect with professionals, and prepare for future opportunities in this rapidly growing field.
Ladder Internships is a unique opportunity for high school students interested in gaining experience in AI and technology-focused startups. As an intern, you’ll collaborate directly with a startup manager to tackle real-world projects, such as developing AI-powered tools, improving machine learning models, or analyzing data trends. At the end of the program, you'll present your work, showcasing the skills and insights you've gained.
Throughout the 8-12 week program, which requires a commitment of 10-20 hours per week, you’ll receive guidance not only from your startup manager but also from a Ladder Coach — ensuring that you have both technical and professional support as you navigate the startup environment.
The online format makes Ladder Internships accessible no matter where you’re located while still providing an engaging and professional experience. Admission is selective, requiring a written application and interview, during which you’ll articulate your areas of interest and why you’re a strong candidate. Once admitted, you’ll be matched with a company aligned to your interests, ensuring a meaningful experience. Whether you're exploring natural language processing, computer vision, or other AI-related fields, this program offers a practical and structured introduction to professional work in cutting-edge industries.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,490 (Financial aid available)
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Internship dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
The Veritas AI Internship is an opportunity for high school students to engage with real-world applications of artificial intelligence while exploring the foundations of a career in the field. During the internship, you’ll work closely with experienced mentors and startup founders to develop impactful AI projects, such as building a machine learning model to predict customer churn for e-commerce platforms or designing an AI-powered journaling app to address emotional well-being. Further, this internship equips you with both technical capabilities and a broader understanding of the role AI plays in shaping industries and society.
Beyond project work, the internship provides valuable exposure to a professional network that includes industry leaders from organizations like Y Combinator and McKinsey. You’ll gain insights into startup culture, receive mentorship to refine your skills, and end the program with tangible outcomes such as a completed project and letters of recommendation. These experiences enhance your college applications, demonstrating your initiative and expertise in a cutting-edge field.
Location: Remote
Cost: $2,490
Internship dates: Multiple sessions throughout the year
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on cohort
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program.
3. Texas Tech University’s Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University is an elite seven-week research opportunity designed for high-achieving high school juniors and seniors. With a selection rate below 3%, this highly competitive program pairs you with a faculty mentor for personalized, hands-on research in your chosen field, such as computer science, engineering, or AI-related disciplines. You’ll have access to Texas Tech’s state-of-the-art research facilities, allowing you to dive deeply into a topic that aligns with your academic interests. Weekly seminars, field visits, and discussions further enhance your experience, giving you a broader perspective on research methodologies and applications. By the program's end, you'll produce a formal research report that reflects your findings and can be used to bolster college applications or submitted to competitions.
Beyond the academic rigor, the program provides significant perks, including free on-campus housing, meals, and weekend activities, as well as a $750 tax-free stipend upon successful completion. Living on campus for seven weeks immerses you in a collegiate environment, fostering independence and camaraderie with like-minded peers. The program’s prestige and the mentorship from faculty also open doors to future research opportunities, scholarships, and a strong alumni network.
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost: Free; $750 stipend
Program dates: June 16 - August 1, 2025 (tentatively, based on the previous year’s dates)
Application deadline: February 15, 2025 (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 17 years of age at the start of the program and are U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) offers a Summer Research Internship designed for high school students eager to explore the intersection of AI and healthcare. This two-week virtual program introduces you to the fundamentals of AI in medical applications through technical lectures, hands-on projects, and mentoring sessions with Stanford researchers and students. You’ll work in groups to tackle real-world challenges, applying AI concepts to innovative solutions that could advance healthcare equity and excellence. The program also features career-focused sessions with guest speakers from academia, industry, and government, giving you a broad perspective on the field’s potential.
In addition to gaining foundational knowledge, you may have the opportunity to extend your internship for independent research, allowing you to delve deeper into specific AI applications in medicine. Completing the program earns you a Certificate of Completion, marking your engagement with cutting-edge topics at the frontier of technology and healthcare.
Location: Remote
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee; financial aid is available
Internship dates: June 16 - 27, 2025
Application deadline: February 28, 2025
Eligibility: High school students who are entering 9th grade through 12th grade in Fall 2025, over the age of 14 by the start of the program, and U.S. residents
5. NASA and UT Austin’s SEES High School Intern Program
The NASA and UT Austin SEES (STEM Enhancement in Earth Science) High School Intern Program is an ideal internship opportunity for students passionate about Earth and space research. This nationally competitive program introduces you to cutting-edge topics such as climate science, natural hazards, remote sensing, and space geodetic techniques. As an intern, you’ll analyze and interpret NASA satellite data while collaborating with scientists and engineers on projects aimed at understanding Earth systems and advancing space research.
During the internship, you’ll work on specialized projects tailored to your chosen area of interest, contributing meaningful insights to ongoing studies. You’ll also engage in discussions and mentorship sessions with experts in the field, gaining valuable guidance for your academic and career aspirations. Whether you’re analyzing satellite imagery to track environmental changes or exploring advanced astronomical concepts, this program equips you with the skills and experiences to excel in STEM fields.
Location: Hybrid; initial virtual modules followed by on-site experience at the University of Texas at Austin
Cost: Free
Internship dates:
Virtual Learning Modules: May 1 – July 1, 2025
On-Site Internship for 11th Graders: July 6 – July 22, 2025
Application deadline: February 22, 2025
Eligibility: High school juniors and sophomores with U.S. citizenship
6. Air Force Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program is an excellent opportunity for high school students to gain practical experience in advanced research, particularly in STEM fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and aerospace technology. As an intern, you will collaborate directly with AFRL scientists and engineers on cutting-edge projects, contributing to research that impacts national security and technological innovation. You may work on AI-driven algorithms, explore machine learning models, or even delve into autonomous systems, applying your classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.
During your time in the program, you’ll be immersed in a professional research environment where you will have the opportunity to develop valuable technical skills and gain insight into the practical applications of AI in military and defense sectors. Beyond the technical work, you'll receive mentorship from experienced researchers, which can help shape your future academic and career path. The stipend-paid position also offers an opportunity to build a competitive resume while engaging with cutting-edge technology.
Location: Various AFRL sites across the U.S., including AFWERX in Austin, Texas
Cost: No cost; Weekly stipends are provided based on the education level of the students and the GS pay scale. High school students receive a stipend of approximately $492.40 per week, though exact amounts can vary depending on location.
Program dates: Summer 2025; exact dates vary depending on the AFRL site
Application deadline: January 10, 2025
Eligibility: High school students at least 16 years of age at the time of application, are U.S. citizens with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
7. NASA Office of STEM Engagements (OSTEM) Internships
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships provide high school students with a chance to contribute to cutting-edge projects that support NASA’s mission in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. As an intern, you’ll work closely with NASA professionals, including scientists and engineers, to gain hands-on experience in areas such as AI applications in aerospace, data analysis, and space technology development. These internships allow you to immerse yourself in real-world challenges, whether on-site at NASA facilities or through remote participation, giving you a flexible yet comprehensive learning experience.
Through this program, you’ll build your technical skills, enhance your understanding of STEM concepts, and develop a professional network that can benefit your future academic and career pursuits. Whether you're assisting in the development of AI-driven systems for spacecraft or analyzing large datasets to support space missions, OSTEM internships are designed to help you grow as a student and future innovator.
Location: Various NASA centers in the country. There are also options for remote participation depending on the project.
Cost: No cost; most internships are paid opportunities
Internship dates:
Summer Session: 10 weeks, typically from late May or early June to August
Fall Session: 16 weeks, typically from late August or early September to mid-December
Application deadline:
Summer 2025: February 28, 2025
Fall 2025: May 16, 2025
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years old at the time of application, have a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and are U.S. citizens
StandOut Connect is a program designed to bridge the gap between high school academics and the professional world by providing an intensive internship experience tailored to your interests. Over two months, you’ll join a small team at a startup or organization founded by alumni from leading universities. As an intern, you’ll take on real responsibilities, with many projects incorporating cutting-edge tools like artificial intelligence to solve real-world problems. In addition to gaining hands-on experience, you’ll receive guidance from industry mentors who help you navigate professional challenges and develop critical skills like collaboration and creative problem-solving.
The program places a strong emphasis on career readiness and building your professional foundation. You’ll participate in workshops on resume writing, networking, and leveraging AI to streamline workflows. The structured mentorship and collaborative environment also allow you to connect with like-minded peers, work alongside a partner on assignments, and create a network that can extend into your future career.
Location: Remote
Cost: $1,950. Financial aid is available.
Internship dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; March 9 – June 6, 2025, for the upcoming spring cohort
Application deadline: February 2, 2025, for the spring cohort
Eligibility: High school students 15 years or older by program start
9. Austin Youth Initiatives Opportunities: High School Summer Internship Programs
Austin Youth Initiatives’ High School Summer Internship Programs are an ideal opportunity for high school students to explore STEAM-based careers while gaining valuable hands-on experience. Spanning seven weeks, these internships immerse you in professional environments where you’ll engage in diverse fields such as science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Depending on your placement, you could work in a laboratory, participate in environmental compliance projects, or assist in finance and planning sessions. Artificial intelligence is increasingly integrated into many of these roles, offering you a chance to explore its application in areas like data analysis and innovative problem-solving.
With placements tailored to your interests, this program allows you to work 20 hours per week while earning $13 per hour. Beyond gaining professional work experience, you’ll develop critical skills such as teamwork, communication, and a strong work ethic. Interns often participate in field trips, collaborate with industry professionals, and receive mentorship to help shape their career aspirations.
Location: Varies based on the intern’s interest and availability
Cost: No cost; $13/hour stipend
Internship dates: June 1 – July 18, 2025 (tentative dates)
Application deadline: Applications will open in January 2025
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, seniors or current seniors who are between the ages of 15 and 18 and are currently enrolled in an Austin-area high school
10. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internships
As a participant in the AEOP High School Internship, you'll engage in advanced research within the U.S. Army's prestigious labs, working on projects that include artificial intelligence and machine learning applications. This program allows you to explore the intersection of AI and national defense while gaining real-world experience that goes far beyond typical classroom learning. You'll collaborate with experienced researchers, utilizing cutting-edge technologies and contributing to projects that can impact the future of military science and technology.
In this prestigious internship, you’ll receive personalized mentorship from STEM professionals, providing insight into the world of research and development. The AEOP internship also connects you with peers across the nation, fostering a strong community of young scientists and engineers. Additionally, the stipend and valuable networking opportunities will strengthen your resume and open doors for future academic and professional endeavors.
Location: Various U.S. Army Research Centers and Laboratories across multiple states, including Texas
Cost: No cost; paid internship
Internship dates: Summer sessions; exact dates vary by location
Application deadline: Starts December 4, 2024; rolling enrolment
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents can apply. For location-specific criteria, click here.
Tyler Moulton is Head of Academics and Veritas AI Partnerships with 6 years of experience in education consulting, teaching, and astronomy research at Harvard and the University of Cambridge, where they developed a passion for machine learning and artificial intelligence. Tyler is passionate about connecting high-achieving students to advanced AI techniques and helping them build independent, real-world projects in the field of AI!
Image Source - NASA