10 Data Science Internships for High School Students in Los Angeles, California
Data science is one of the fastest-growing fields, shaping industries like business, healthcare, and technology. For high school students, understanding how this field applies to real-world challenges can feel daunting without hands-on experience. That’s where internships come in.
Participating in a data science internship provides a structured way to explore this exciting field. These programs give you the chance to work with large datasets, apply machine learning techniques, and learn tools like Python and R — all while gaining valuable problem-solving and critical thinking skills. They also help you connect with industry professionals, build a portfolio of projects, and strengthen your college applications.
If you’re interested in stepping into the world of data science, we’ve curated a list of 10 internships for high school students in Los Angeles, California. These opportunities are a great way to develop technical expertise, explore career paths, and prepare for a future in a data-driven world.
Ladder Internships provides an 8-week virtual program where high school students engage in data science internships with high-growth startups, including those in tech, AI/ML, and health tech. Interns contribute to real-world data science projects under the mentorship of a manager and Ladder Coach, developing practical skills in data analysis, communication, and time management.
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 with your interests, ensuring a meaningful experience.
Participants also benefit from group training sessions and one-on-one coaching. The experience concludes with a presentation showcasing your contributions, offering an excellent opportunity to explore data science in a professional setting.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,490 (Financial Aid Available)
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. The Spring Cohort starts on March 3, 2025
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort. The Spring Cohort deadline is February 9, 2025
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students. Must be able to work 10-20 hours per week for 8-12 weeks
2. Veritas AI Internship Program
The Veritas AI Internship Program, led by Harvard graduate students, offers an 8-week opportunity to work on real-world AI/ML projects with VC-backed startups. Designed for students with prior AI/ML experience, the program includes mentorship from professionals affiliated with Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, 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. Participants gain hands-on exposure to data-driven projects, network with industry leaders, and collaborate closely with company executives.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,490 (Financial Aid Available)
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Application Deadline: The spring application deadline is January 5, 2025
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program.
3. Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging’s Summer Research Internship
Hosted by the Stanford University for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI), this 2-week virtual internship explores the intersection of AI and healthcare. Students engage in technical lectures, hands-on research projects, and mentoring activities with Stanford researchers.
The program includes virtual career sessions with experts from academia, industry, and government, alongside opportunities for extended independent research. Participants can also apply for the ‘Student Lead’ role to assist in project leadership, gaining additional leadership experience. A Certificate of Completion is awarded upon program completion.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee
Dates: June 16 - 27, 2025
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
Eligibility: High school students (entering 9th grade through 12th grade in Fall 2025), over the age of 14 by the start of the program
Tech Flex Leaders (TFL) is a hybrid program designed to prepare high school juniors and seniors for tech-driven careers through immersive learning and mentorship. This nine-month program introduces students to foundational web development skills, including HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap, culminating in a Demo Day Competition where participants showcase their projects.
During the second semester, students choose a specialized track — options include UX design, data science, and product management. Weekly sessions focus on technical training and career readiness, offering mentorship, industry insights, and networking opportunities with tech professionals.
Location: Hybrid; available in New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami
Cost: Free; participants receive a $1,000 stipend upon completion
Dates: September through May; meets once per week
Application Deadline: Applications typically close around August
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors enrolled in New York City, Miami, or Los Angeles high schools.
The INSPIRE (Inspiring New Scientists through Professional Internships and Research Experience) program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center offers high school students a comprehensive introduction to healthcare careers through hands-on research internships. Over a 6- to 10-week period, interns engage in various aspects of research, including study design, data analysis, and scientific literature review, under the mentorship of Cedars-Sinai faculty.
The program also offers workshops to build skills, networking opportunities, and sessions focused on research presentation techniques, enhancing interns' understanding of the connection between leading-edge technology and the medical field.
Location: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: No cost; participants receive a stipend
Dates: Internships begin on June 30, 2025, lasting 6 to 10 weeks
Application Deadline:
Application Opens: February 1, 2025
Application Deadline: Limited to the first 200 applications; early submission recommended
Decision Notifications: April 18, 2025
Acceptance Confirmation Deadline: April 28, 2025
Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in high school for the 2025-26 academic year and be at least 16 years old.
6. NASA OSTEM Internship Program
The NASA OSTEM (Office of STEM Engagement) Internship provides high school and college students with paid, hands-on experience in various STEM fields, including mechanical engineering, space science, and other fields.
Interns collaborate with NASA mentors on real-world projects, such as designing experiments, analyzing mission data, and developing technologies for space exploration using data insights. 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.
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Location: Various NASA centers in the country. There are also options for remote participation depending on the project.
Cost: No cost; interns will receive a stipend depending on the academic level and session duration
Application Deadline:
Summer 2025: February 28, 2025
Fall 2025: May 16, 2025
Program 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
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who are U.S. citizens and at least 16 years old by the time they apply
The Intern Project (TIP), managed by the LA Promise Fund, offers high-achieving high school students in Los Angeles County the opportunity to gain hands-on work experience through paid internships across various industries, including data science. Over an 8-week summer program, students engage in real-world projects, receive mentorship from industry professionals, and participate in workshops that enhance skills such as communication, project management, and planning. Participants also earn college credit upon successful completion of the program.
Location: Mostly virtual, with some in-person opportunities in Los Angeles, CA
Cost: No cost; students receive a stipend
Dates: Multiple cohorts. The spring program runs from January 23 – March 29, 2025
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts. The spring program deadline is December 13, 2025
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors in Los Angeles County
The Building-U High School Internship offers students a chance to explore diverse roles, including data-focused opportunities like digital marketing, data analytics, and web development. Teams such as Coding, Marketing, and Social Media Analytics provide a platform to build technical and analytical skills, while other roles enhance teamwork, project management, and problem-solving.
Interns contribute to meaningful projects, from database development using coding frameworks to analyzing marketing metrics through tools like Google Analytics. This global program equips students with practical skills for future academic and professional endeavors.
Location: Virtual
Cost: No cost
Dates: Minimum commitment of 3 months; internships run year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: All high school students can apply.
9. NASA Data Science Analysis and Scholarly Research Paper Writing Program By George Mason University
The Young Scholars NASA Data Science Analysis and Research Paper Program at George Mason University offers high school students an engaging and authentic research experience in NASA space data science and statistical analysis. You will analyze NASA mission data, focusing on exoplanet candidates from the TESS mission and data from the James Webb Space Telescope. Students apply advanced statistical techniques, collect observational data, and work on crafting professional-quality research papers.
This program is a good opportunity to gain experience in scholarly research and to potentially publish your work, both of which are invaluable for future academic and professional pursuits in STEM fields.
Location: Primarily virtual, with optional in-person sessions at the GMU Fairfax Campus, Fairfax, VA
Cost: Program fees apply; need-based scholarships are available
Dates: June 15 - August 16, 2025 (tentative, based on 2024 program)
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: Open to all high school students.
10. NSA High School Work Study Program
The NSA High School Work Study Program provides senior students with valuable work experience in various tracks, including administrative, technical, vocational, and language fields. For those interested in data science, the technical track offers roles as computer aides, where students operate or maintain advanced data processing systems, learning to work with cutting-edge technology.
Other options include office assistant positions, which focus on administrative tasks like managing records and using business equipment, as well as roles in vocational or language-focused studies, catering to diverse career interests.
Location: NSA facilities; specific locations vary based on position availability
Cost: No cost; most opportunities are paid
Dates: Part-time during the school year (20 hours per week); potential for full-time hours during the summer
Application Deadline: October 31, 2025
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16 years of age
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