10 Engineering Internships for High School Students in the Bay Area
Internships during high school are an excellent way to gain real-world experience and explore potential career paths early on. By stepping outside the classroom and engaging in hands-on projects, you'll develop practical skills that complement your academic learning.
These opportunities allow you to work alongside professionals, tackle real-world challenges, and develop critical skills like problem-solving, communication, and time management - skills that are essential in any field. Moreover, this early exposure can give you a clearer sense of what you want to pursue in the future.
In this blog, we've compiled the top 10 engineering internships for high school students in the Bay Area.
1. California Academy of Sciences - Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
The Careers in Science (CiS) program is a paid, multi-year internship designed for San Francisco high school students from underrepresented communities in STEM. It provides hands-on experience in various scientific fields, including engineering, environmental science, mechanical systems, and conservation technologies.
Participants work on engineering projects through fieldwork and research, developing practical skills by collaborating with Academy experts. As part of the program, you’ll design solutions, assist in the development of exhibits, and apply critical thinking to real-world challenges. Students also gain experience in science communication, leadership, and college prep, participating on weekends during the school year and weekdays in the summer!
Cost: Free. Students are paid a stipend above the minimum wage
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Program dates: Typically, June to August (summer) and year-round participation.
Eligibility:
Open to 9th or 10th graders currently enrolled in a San Francisco Unified School District high school.
Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and achieve a grade of C or higher in science and math courses.
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries from tech/deep tech, and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form.
Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. Past founders have included YCombinator alums, founders raising over 30 million dollars, or founders who previously worked at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form.
Interns are offered one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other such valuable skills and will also have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in their cohort. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
Cost: $1990 (Financial Aid Available)
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Application deadline for the upcoming winter cohort is Nov 24, 2024.
Cohort timing: Dec 16, 2024
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. The winter cohort starts on Dec 16, 2024.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
3. Department of Navy's Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) is an 8-week summer program that introduces high school students to real-world research within Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories. The program provides hands-on experience in various STEM fields, including computer science, physics, and engineering, while working closely with top scientists and engineers.
This is a highly competitive program that selects approximately 300 students in over 38 laboratories across the country. Before applying, you’ll choose a lab from the available options, which include two in Monterey, CA, and seven in total within California (note that your research topic also impacts your lab choice).
Applicants are evaluated based on academic performance, personal statements, recommendations, and research interests. An added bonus is that interns receive a stipend of $4,000 for new participants and $4,500 for returning participants.
Cost: No registration fee; housing, transportation, and meals are not covered; a stipend is provided.
Location: Multiple lab locations available, including two in Monterey, CA, and several others in California.
Application deadline: Applications opened on August 1, 2024; check current availability as slots are limited.
Program dates: Typically 8 weeks during the summer; varies depending on location and student.
Eligibility:
Must be a currently enrolled high school student who has completed at least grade 9.
Graduating seniors are eligible to apply.
Must be 16 or older by the start of the internship.
Most labs require U.S. citizenship, but some will accept permanent residents.
4. NASA OSTEM High School Internship Programs
The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships designed for high school and college students to engage in meaningful projects under the guidance of NASA mentors. These internships provide hands-on experience in STEM fields such as space missions, satellite communications, and aerospace engineering, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.
As an intern, you'll work closely with leading NASA scientists and engineers on various projects, gaining invaluable mentorship and access to advanced facilities and resources. Note that these internships may be full-time or part-time and can take place at NASA centers or virtually.
Cost: No cost. Stipend provided based on academic level and session duration.
Location: NASA centers across the country.
Application deadline:
Summer 2025: Early Decision by October 25, 2024; Final Deadline by February 28, 2025
Fall 2025: May 16, 2025
Program dates:
Spring: 16 weeks (Mid-January - Early May)
Summer: 10 weeks (Late May-August)
Fall: 16 weeks (Late August - Mid-December)
Eligibility:
U.S. citizenship is required.
Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Must be a full-time student.
Minimum of 16 years of age at the time of application
5. Stanford SHTEM Summer Internship
The Stanford Summer Internships for High Schoolers and Community College Students (SHTEM) is an 8-week course that involves participants working 30-40 hours per week, contributing to innovative projects, analyzing data, and presenting their findings.
This experience not only fosters valuable research skills but also helps students network within their cohort and even provides support with college admissions essays. Moreover, this internship only accepts 60 students, making it a prestigious internship opportunity that would be a valuable addition to any college application!
Cost: Free Program. An application fee of $50 is applicable.
Location: Stanford University, CA; though the last few programs have been held virtually.
Application deadline: Typically close in February. Exact dates for 2025 are to be announced.
Program dates: 8 weeks during the summer, usually starting late June.
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school juniors or seniors at the time of application and at least 14 years old.
6. EBMUD High School Summer Internship Program (HSSI)
The EBMUD High School Summer Internship (HSSI) Program offers a 6-week summer program for high school students designed to gain hands-on experience in fields like engineering. As an intern, you'll be involved in substantial projects related to construction and infrastructure maintenance, assisting with tasks such as preparing professional documents, organizing engineering projects like the Capital Improvement Program, and learning industry-standard tools and software.
During the internship, you'll work approximately 15 hours per week and engage in weekly enrichment activities and career exploration opportunities. You'll be paired with mentors who will guide you through real-world engineering tasks, providing a comprehensive view of what a career in engineering entails. The experience will also strengthen your application for future academic and career opportunities.
Cost: Paid internship with stipends provided. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to and from the assigned internship site (parking is not provided).
Location: Internships are generally based at EBMUD offices and facilities throughout the East Bay area of California, with specific locations varying by department
Application deadline: Applications typically open in February. Exact dates for 2025 are to be announced.
Program dates: Typically in June-July. Dates for the 2025 program to be announced.
Eligibility:
Open to high school students in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade within the EBMUD service area.
Must have US employment authorization
Must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination
7. Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars (AFRL) Program
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program is a paid internship experience for high school students, undergraduates, and graduate students pursuing STEM degrees. In some locations, the program also includes opportunities for students in education-related fields and K–12 educators.
As an intern, you'll engage directly with AFRL scientists and engineers on innovative research projects, gaining hands-on experience in fields such as aerospace engineering, mechanical design, and electromagnetic structures. Moreover, you’ll find yourself contributing to impactful research, including projects like developing advanced cold atom sources for navigation or creating sophisticated chatbots.
Cost: Paid internship with stipends provided.
Location: Edwards Air Force Base, California
Application deadline: Typically closes in January—exact dates for 2025 are to be announced.
Program dates: The duration of internships may differ, but they typically fall into one of these three periods:
Fall Cohort: 16 weeks (Late August/early September through mid-December)
Spring Cohort: 16 weeks (Mid-January through early May)
Summer Cohort: 10 weeks (Late May/early June through August)
Eligibility:
High School Students (16 years or older)
U.S. Citizenship required
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Full-Time availability (40 hours per week) required; Internship must be completed in-person at designated offices.
8. San Francisco SSIP CityWorks Internship
The San Francisco SSIP CityWorks Internship is a paid summer program for high school students from San Francisco’s southeast neighborhoods, starting after their junior year. This internship offers hands-on experience either with the SFPUC or private engineering firms involved in the Sewer System Improvement Program.
As a CityWorks intern, you'll work closely with engineers, gaining valuable mentorship, learning about urban planning and infrastructure projects, and participating in field trips and professional meetings. The program provides an excellent opportunity to build connections, gain real-world engineering experience, and prepare for future career success.
Cost: Free for all accepted participants; stipend provided.
Location: San Francisco, CA
Application deadline: Typically mid-March. Exact dates for 2025 to be announced.
Program dates: interns typically work 20 hours per week starting in June and continuing through early August. Dates for the 2025 program to be announced.
Eligibility:
Must be a rising high school senior or college student
Must be a resident of District 10 or District 11
9. Quantum Systems Accelerator - QCaMP
QCaMP is a week-long, free camp designed for high school students to explore the field of quantum information science and technology. Through a mix of virtual and in-person sessions, students will dive into computing fundamentals, learn the basics of quantum physics, and apply these concepts to solve real-world problems in computing.
The program includes hands-on experience with quantum circuits, interactive career talks, and Q&A sessions. An added bonus is that the program is free, and students will receive a stipend for participation!
Although not an internship, this summer camp will build essential foundational skills that would serve you well during an internship. Moreover, the interactive career talks are an opportunity to network and obtain your own internship in the future!
Cost: Free. Stipends are available.
Location: Berkeley, California
Application deadline: Typically in April. Exact dates for 2025 are to be announced.
Program dates: Usually, there is a week-long camp in June. Dates for the 2025 program to be announced.
Eligibility: High school students who will be at least 16 years old by the start of the program are encouraged to apply. To be eligible, students must reside in the Bay Area, CA; Albuquerque, Santa Fe; and Gallup, NM; or Navajo Nation, AZ.
10. Berkeley Lab K-12 - Director's Apprenticeship Program
The Berkeley Lab Director’s Apprenticeship Program (BLDAP) offers a hands-on introduction to STEM fields for high school students beginning their journey in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Participants engage in hands-on projects, a computer science short course, and weekly discussions with STEM professionals.
Successful completion of the summer program opens doors to additional short courses, workshops, and special seminars at Berkeley Lab during the fall and spring! Students in good standing may also be invited to a traditional laboratory internship, contingent on public health policies.
Although not an official internship, we believe this opportunity is valuable as it offers hands-on experience and might pave the way for you to obtain an actual internship!
Cost: Paid internship with stipends provided.
Location: Edwards Air Force Base, California
Application deadline: Typically closes in April. Exact dates for 2025 are to be announced.
Program dates: Typically in June-July. Dates for the 2025 program to be announced.
Eligibility: The program is open to 10th and 11th-grade public high school students in the Bay Area, focusing on Alameda, San Francisco, and West Contra Costa counties, and strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups in STEM.
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from.
You can find the application link here.
If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI is founded by Harvard graduate students. Through the programs, you get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here!
Image Source - Ladder Internship Logo