10 Computer Science Internships for High School Students in Texas
If you’re a high schooler in Texas and would like to pursue computer science in the future, internships are the perfect opportunity for you to get early exposure to one of the most dynamic fields in the tech industry. These internships can provide hands-on experiences in various areas of computer science, including software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity. They are also a great way for you to stand out in college applications since they demonstrate your commitment and willingness to explore it outside of the classroom.
Securing an internship in high school can be challenging, but to help you get started, we have put together a list of 10 computer science internships for high school students in Texas!
1. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University
Cost: Free, Students will receive a $750 stipend
Internship dates: June to August
Application deadline: January
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 17 years of age by the program start date, and should graduate in 2023 or 2024. International students are eligible to apply.
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas A&M University stands out for its comprehensive approach to academic exploration and research. Participants in this Program are engaged in a wide range of coursework that spans different fields, fostering a well-rounded academic experience. Students are made to explore research projects under the guidance of experienced faculty mentors. The research projects in computer science cover a vast array of topics, including Virtual and Augmented Reality, Big Data Visualization and Visual Analytics, and Human and Computer Interaction.
As part of their research journey, you will be expected to create a final presentation of your findings. It's an opportunity for you to showcase your hard work and contributions to your field of research, providing a platform for feedback and discussion with peers and faculty. Students who thrive in a rigorous academic environment and are curious about the practical applications of computer science will find this program to be a rewarding experience.
Location: Virtual.
Cost: $1,990. Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year
Internship Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year. The deadline for the upcoming spring cohort is January 14, 2024.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students, who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. These internships are also open to undergraduates and gap-year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective program for you to experience working with startups and nonprofits around the world. The organizations range across a variety of industries, and each student can select which field they would most love to deep dive into. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project and present their work at the end of their internship.
These internships provide a structured pathway for you to engage in real-world research and innovation, ensuring a balance between academic enrichment and practical skill development. What sets the Ladder Internships apart is their emphasis on mentorship, giving students the chance to work alongside tech professionals who worked at companies like Google, Microsoft, McKinsey, and more! You will gain hands-on experience in areas such as AI, machine learning, and programming.
The program's emphasis on hands-on experience allows you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, fostering a sense of confidence and adaptability. If you’re interested, check out this detailed guide on why Ladder Internships might be a good fit for you!
3. NASA OSTEM High School Internship Programs
Location: NASA centers across the country. Students in Texas can select roles based in the state! Virtual options are offered as well.
Cost/Stipend: Free, a stipend will be awarded based on academic level and session duration
Application Deadline: May 26 (Fall), August 30 (Spring), October 20 (Summer)
Internship Dates: Spring session (Mid January - Early May), Summer session (Late May - August), Fall session (Late August - Mid December)
Eligibility: Must be a full-time student with a minimum 3.0 GPA, a U.S. citizen, and at least 16 years old at the time of application.
The NASA OSTEM (Office of STEM Engagement) high school internship program offers opportunities for students across a range of fields, with many of them in computer science, and engineering. These internship programs are tailored to provide hands-on experiences in tech fields, allowing you to engage with state-of-the-art technologies used in space exploration, satellite communication, and aerospace engineering.
Whether you're interested in robotics, software development, or the intricate mechanisms behind spacecraft, the NASA OSTEM high school internship programs offer an immersive environment where you can apply your theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.
Additionally, you get access to state-of-the-art resources and get a chance to build industry connections. You can check out a complete list of positions here - you may have to use the “Filter” option to see opportunities only open to high school students.
4. MITRE’s Nationwide High School Student Program
Location: Various locations across the US
Cost: Free, Students will be paid
Application Deadline: Varies
Internship Dates: 8 weeks starting in June
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible
MITRE's Nationwide High School Student Program is a great opportunity for you if you have an interest in computer science. Unlike typical technology companies, MITRE is a not-for-profit corporation focused on working for the public interest, free from commercial conflicts. They work in various areas such as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation.
In this program, you will be student investigators, collaborating with senior staff on summer research projects. Some of the fields you can engage in include Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Data Analytics. This diversity allows you to work on projects that align with your specific interests and career aspirations in the STEM field.
You will be expected to actively participate in research, applying your knowledge and skills to real-world problems. You will assist in various aspects of the project, from data collection and analysis to the development of technology solutions. The final outcome of the program typically involves a presentation or report summarizing the findings and contributions of your research.
5. STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer High School Intern Program
Location: University of Texas, Austin
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 24
Internship Dates: July 1 - August 4
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years of age and are US citizens
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer High School Intern Program, a collaboration between NASA and The University of Texas at Austin Center for Space Research, provides you with an opportunity to delve into how computer science can be applied to space research, giving you exposure to cutting-edge scientific inquiries and methodologies. Interns in the SEES program engage in a rigorous exploration of NASA satellite data, working alongside scientists and engineers in their chosen areas of work. The scope of research at UT/CSR is vast, encompassing areas such as astronomy, remote sensing, and space geodetic techniques. Students will learn to interpret and analyze complex data sets, a skill that is highly relevant and sought after in the field of computer science.
One of the core experiences for interns is working on NASA remote sensing data and mission design, which includes analyzing various phenomena such as ice sheets, and Earth's gravity field. The final outcome of the SEES program typically involves a presentation or a project that showcases the intern's findings and contributions.
Location: Varies depending on internship
Cost: Stipend paid
Application Deadline: Rolling
Internship Dates: varies depending on internship
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled full-time in a high school, at least 16 years old, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Sandia National Laboratories is a great opportunity for you if you have an interest in computer science and related fields. This program annually welcomes students from across the country, ranging from those in their final years of high school to doctoral researchers, to work in a variety of technical and business positions.
Interns at Sandia are involved in many research areas, which can be experienced through technical institutes encompassing a wide range of disciplines. These include cybersecurity, energy surety, engineering design, and software development. This variety ensures that students can find projects that align closely with their interests and skills.
In addition to project work, the internship experience at Sandia is enhanced by professional development and social activities.
The final outcome of the internship often involves a b, where interns showcase their contributions to the project and the skills they have acquired. The program offers competitive pay, and for some co-op and other internships, academic credits are available. Moreover, interns receive mentoring from top scientists and gain training and practical work experience using state-of-the-art equipment and instruments.
7. Army Educational Outreach Program
Location: Varies
Cost: Free, Stipend Provided
Application Deadline: March
Internship Dates: Varies between June to August
Eligibility: U.S. high school students may apply, though some locations have specific age and grade requirements. Some locations also target participants from underrepresented or military-connected families.
The Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) is great for you if you are interested in computer science and other STEM fields. This program is a unique opportunity for you to spend your summer engaged in meaningful research and innovation, preparing you for competitive college admissions and advancing your STEM journey. As an AEOP intern, students have the chance to work in a university research lab or in one of the U.S. Army Research Laboratories and Centers. You will be working on projects that may involve software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, or other areas relevant to the Army's technological needs.
you will receive formal mentorship from professional scientists or engineers. The final outcome of the AEOP High School Internship typically includes a presentation or report summarizing your research and findings. An AEOP internship is ideal for high school students who have a strong foundation in computer science and are looking for an opportunity to apply their skills in a challenging and impactful setting.
8. UT High School Research Academy
Location: UT Austin
Cost: $3500, Need-based stipend available
Application Deadline: March
Internship Dates: June 10 - July 17
Eligibility: A Texas resident, 15 years or older by June 1, 2024, Either rising sophomore, junior, or senior for the upcoming 2024-25 academic year. Preference is for rising juniors or seniors.
The UT High School Research Academy (HSRA) offers you the chance to engage in real research projects in the active laboratories of the College of Natural Sciences (CNS). This setting provides students with a comprehensive view of various scientific fields, including biochemistry, biology, environmental science, and more.
During the five-week program, HSRA participants are actively involved in authentic research experiences in a UT laboratory. Students are expected to engage in the actual research process, which can include data collection and analysis, experimentation, and problem-solving.
One of the unique aspects of the program is that you can earn NSC309 UT extension course credit, which can be beneficial for college applications. Additionally, you will receive an HSRA t-shirt and take part in Wednesday Seminars hosted by UT guest speakers. The culmination of the program is the HSRA Research Symposium, where students present their summer research findings. Each participant creates and showcases a printed poster, summarizing their research work and productivity.
9. Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program
Location: In-Person (Various locations across the US)
Cost: Free with weekly stipend of $468
Program dates: June - August
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 16 years old, U.S. citizens with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and available for full-time (40 hours per week) summer internship positions.
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program is a great opportunity for you if you are interested in computer science and other STEM fields. As part of the AFRL Scholars Program, high school interns have the opportunity to work hands-on with full-time AFRL scientists and engineers. You will be expected to actively contribute to these research-based projects, applying your knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios. The projects can span a wide range of computer science areas, including cybersecurity, software development, and artificial intelligence.
The final outcome of the internship often involves a presentation or a report where interns showcase their contributions and findings. The AFRL Scholars Program is an excellent fit for high school students who are at an advanced level in their STEM education, particularly those with a strong interest in computer science. It's well-suited for students who are eager to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting, enjoy problem-solving, and are interested in exploring a career in research or technology development.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,900
Application Deadline: May 12
Program Dates: 12-15 weeks starting June 3
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible. Students must have completed the Veritas AI Scholars program or have prior python knowledge.
The Veritas AI Fellowship, while not an internship, is a great opportunity for you if you are enthusiastic about exploring the field of Artificial Intelligence. This program, designed and run by Harvard graduate students and alumni, provides a stimulating and supportive environment for students to deepen their understanding of AI through collaborative learning, project development, and personalized 1-on-1 mentorship.
Over a period of 12-15 weeks, students enrolled in the AI Fellowship engage in an independent AI research project, combining AI with a field of their choice. This flexibility has led to diverse and innovative projects in areas like AI & medicine, AI & finance, AI & environmental science, and AI & education, among others. The program is structured in phases to optimize learning and project development.
Students begin with the exploration & learning phase where they understand key concepts and then move on to the ideation and data exploration phase. The final phase, weeks 9 to 15, is the execution phase where students work intensively on their projects, utilizing one-on-one mentorship to address challenges in coding and further develop their ideas. This mentorship is crucial, as it provides expert guidance and support, helping students navigate the complexities of AI research.
Image Source - Anson. L Clark Scholars Program Logo