10 Computer Science Internships for High School Students in Los Angeles, California

Taking up computer science internships for high school students in Los Angeles (LA), California, while you’re still in high school is a great way to give yourself a chance to learn how to navigate professional environments, strengthen your skills, and identify career paths that excite you. They’re a stepping stone to better understanding your potential and setting ambitious goals.

If computer science is your passion, computer science internships for high school students in Los Angeles (LA), California can be your gateway to innovation. From coding to tackling real-world challenges with AI, these internships immerse you in hands-on projects and advanced technologies. It’s a valuable way to enhance your technical abilities while building a strong foundation for a future in tech. 

If you’re interested in pursuing a computer science career, check out this list of 10 Computer Science Internships for High School Students in Los Angeles (LA), California to get started. 


1. Ladder Internship Program

Location:  Remote

Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)

Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. February 9, 2025, for the spring cohort

Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. The spring cohort starts on March 3, 2025 

Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks


Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students that gives you the chance to work with a high-growth start-up. These start-ups offer internships across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to other related fields of Computer Science, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. During the program, you will work closely with your managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present your work to the company. Here is the application form

2. Veritas AI

Location: Virtual

Cost: 

  • $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program 

  • $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase 

  • $6,900 for both 

  • Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. 

Application Deadline: January 19, 2025, for the spring cohort. You can apply here

Program Dates: Multiple 12 – 15-week cohorts throughout the year. You can see the spring dates here

Eligibility: Ambitious high school students anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or have experience with AI concepts or Python.


Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. If you’re looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science, you would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. 

If you want a more advanced option, you can try the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase, where you will get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that you will have access to the in-house publication team to help you secure publications in high school research journals. 

You can check out some examples of past projects here

3. Tech Flex Leaders

Location: Los Angeles, New York, Miami

Stipend: $1,000 

Application Deadline: August 2025 (tentative, based on 2024 program dates). Sign up here to be notified when the 2025 – 2026 application period opens.

Dates: September 2025 – June 2026 (tentative, based on 2024 program dates)

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors enrolled in a NYC public or public charter high school


The Tech Flex Leaders (TFL) Program is a nine-month immersive program that provides weekly sessions with industry professionals, career days, and mentorship opportunities to prepare you for technology degrees and careers. With a focus on both technical and professional development, you’ll get to build the skills required to thrive in a competitive field.

In the first semester, you’ll learn web development fundamentals, including HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap, and showcase your abilities in a Demo Day Competition. During the second semester, you’ll select a specialized track—such as UX design, advanced web development, digital marketing, product management, or data science—to deepen your expertise. Most sessions are virtual, but you’ll also participate in in-person events, including Demo Days and graduation ceremonies

NYC students who complete the program can access paid summer internships through TFL’s robust employer network, while students in LA and Miami can apply for select internship opportunities. 


4. TECH360

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Stipend: $500 

Application Deadline: Applications for Summer 2025 will open in Spring 2025. Sign up here to be notified.

Dates:

  • ​Cycle 1: June 16 – July 3, 2025 (tentative, based on 2024 program dates)

  • Cycle 2: July 14 – July 31, 2025 (tentative, based on 2024 program dates)

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors currently attending a New York City (all boroughs) high school.


TECH360 is a computer science internship for high school students in Los Angeles (LA), California that focuses on Artificial Intelligence. Its immersive curriculum will provide you with hands-on experience in AI, from coding to understanding its real-world applications. No prior experience is required, making it an excellent opportunity for students eager to dive into the field of technology.

By joining TECH360, you'll become part of a network of over 5,000 students who share an interest in pursuing tech careers or degrees. Throughout the program, you'll develop essential coding and technology skills that are in high demand in the tech industry. You'll also gain access to AOT's professional network, connecting with tech professionals who can offer guidance and mentorship. The program will equip you with the tools to succeed in the AI field and provide you with opportunities to explore various technology career pathways and future programs with AOT.


5. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship

Location: Virtual 

Cost: $40 application fee + $850 program participation fee

Application Deadline: February 28, 2025

Dates: June 16 – June 27, 2025

Eligibility: High school students entering 9th – 12th grade in fall 2025 who are over the age of 14 by the start of the program 


Explore the future of healthcare with the Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging’s (AIMI) two-week Summer Research Internship. This virtual program gives high school students a chance to learn from some of the brightest minds in AI and healthcare, providing a deep dive into how these technologies are shaping the future of medicine. Whether you’re already passionate about AI or new to the field, this internship offers a learning experience that will help you discover how technology can improve lives.

Throughout the program, you’ll have access to a blend of technical lectures and hands-on research, allowing you to grasp the fundamentals of AI and how it applies to medicine. Mentorship from Stanford researchers and student leads will guide you as you collaborate on group projects, gaining invaluable research experience. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with professionals during virtual career lunches, hearing from experts who are advancing AI in healthcare. By the end of the internship, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of AI’s impact on healthcare and a Certificate of Completion to show for your efforts.


6. The Intern Project (TIP)

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Stipend: This is a paid internship (amount unspecified) 

Application Deadline: Applications for the 2025 program closed on December 13, 2024

Dates: January 23, 2025 – March 29, 2025

Eligibility: Students in grades 10-12 enrolled in an LA County high school 


The Intern Project (TIP) is an eight-week summer program that offers you the chance to gain hands-on experience in professional environments in diverse fields like technology, engineering, media, business, healthcare, or philanthropy. You also get to earn college credit and a paid stipend during this internship. 

Through TIP, you’ll engage in a variety of enriching activities designed to enhance your career readiness and skill set. You’ll participate in informational interviews and skill-building workshops covering communication, project management, and software basics, as well as work on small, skills-based projects. Along the way, you’ll receive mentorship and coaching from industry professionals, helping you navigate your internship and understand real-world career expectations. At the end of the program, you’ll be equipped with work experience and will receive a professional certification.


7. StandOut Connect

Location: Virtual

Cost: $1,950

Application Deadline: February 2, 2025 (regular application deadline)

Dates: Spring program:

  • Weeks 1 – 5 (Professional Training):  March 9, 2025 – April 6, 2025

  • Weeks 6 – 14 (Internship): April 7, 2025 – June 6, 2025

Eligibility: Student who will be 15 or older by March 2025


StandOut Connect offers a two-part online experience to prepare high school students for college applications and real-world internships. Over three months, you’ll gain crucial skills to pitch yourself effectively, build a standout resume, and integrate modern technologies like AI into your workflows. 

The program begins with interactive weekend workshops led by top university alumni and industry professionals, covering topics such as internship strategy, networking, and professional etiquette. With minimal preparation time required, you’ll also collaborate with a student partner, ensuring mutual support throughout the journey. StandOut guarantees an internship offer for all participants, giving you a chance to apply what you’ve learned immediately.

In the second part of the program, you’ll embark on a two-month remote internship sourced from a network of over 500 partner companies. These opportunities span various industries, including computer science, AI, business, and more. An example of a match for students interested in computer science is GPT-trainer, a no-code conversational AI platform developed by MIT and Caltech alumni, or Skyramp, an AI framework founded by Columbia University graduates to enhance software test coverage. 


8. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships

Location: Virtual / NASA centers across the country

Stipend: While most interns receive a stipend, certain opportunities are unpaid

Application Deadline: 

  • Summer 2025: February 28, 2025

  • Fall 2025: May 16, 2025

Dates: 

  • Spring Session: Mid-January to Early May 

  • Summer Session: Late May to August 

  • Fall Session: Late August to Mid-December

Eligibility: U.S. citizens, full-time students (high school through graduate level) aged 16 at the time of application, with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale


NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers computer science internships for high school students in Los Angeles (LA), California, where you’ll be able to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. These internships provide you with the chance to collaborate with professionals in various fields, whether at a NASA center or facility or remotely from your own home or dorm. Internships are available year-round in several fields including Computer Science. You can find all the available internship opportunities here.

As a participant, you’ll gain invaluable hands-on experience working alongside research scientists, engineers, and other industry experts. Whether full-time or part-time, these internships allow you to build practical skills, enhance your resume, and improve your career readiness.


9. Girls Who Code Summer Programs

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: Rolling 

Dates: There is a 2-week Summer Immersion program and a 6-week self-paced program 

Eligibility: Current 9th – 12th graders


Girls Who Code is a free, virtual program that offers computer science internships for high school students in Los Angeles (LA), California. It is designed to empower high school students with essential computer science skills for future tech careers. You can choose between a 2-week Summer Immersion Program, where you’ll learn game design in live virtual classrooms, or a 6-week Self-paced Program, allowing you to explore significant topics in tech independently. 

Through hands-on projects, you’ll develop coding expertise in game design, cybersecurity, data science, web development, and artificial intelligence. Beyond technical skills, the program connects you with engineers and entrepreneurs through networking opportunities, giving you a glimpse into the tech industry. You’ll also participate in skill-building workshops that prepare you for professional environments. Whether you’re building a game, exploring AI, or tackling cybersecurity challenges, this program equips you with practical knowledge and a strong foundation in various areas of computer science.


10. Stanford AI4ALL

Location: Virtual

Cost: $4,000

Application Deadline: January 24, 2025

Dates: June 18, 2025 – July 2, 2025

Eligibility: 9th graders or rising 10th graders in the summertime over the age of 14 by the start of the program


Stanford AI4ALL is a two-week online program aimed at increasing diversity in artificial intelligence by introducing high school students to the field through immersive learning experiences. This program offers a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge AI topics, such as Robotics, Computer Vision, Medical AI, and Natural Language Processing. It’s a good opportunity for students eager to explore the transformative potential of AI and its ability to positively impact society.

Through lectures, hands-on research projects, and mentoring, you’ll gain valuable insights into the world of AI while collaborating with professionals from the Stanford AI Lab. You’ll experience practical learning by using AI tools to tackle real-world challenges and connect with a supportive peer community of students who share your passion for technology. The program also offers mentorship from experienced AI practitioners and career development workshops to help you envision your future in the field. The program has a preference for students with math and/or computer skills.  


Are you looking to start a project or research paper in the field of AI and ML? Consider applying to Veritas AI!

Veritas AI is an AI program designed for high schoolers and founded and run by Harvard graduate students. The program aims to allow students to create unique projects in the field of AI. Participants will get to learn more about AI from researchers and experts and work 1-on-1 with mentors from Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and more. In just the past year, we’ve had over a thousand students learn with us! You too can apply!

Image Source - Stanford Logo

Dhruva Bhat

Dhruva Bhat is one of the co-founders of Ladder, and a Harvard College graduate. Dhruva founded Ladder Internships as a DPhil candidate and Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, with a vision to bridge the gap between ambitious students and real-world startup experiences.

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