12 AI Internships for High School Students in the Bay Area (San Francisco++)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the fastest-growing fields in technology, transforming industries from healthcare to finance. For high school students interested in exploring AI, internships provide an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build technical skills, and understand real-world applications. These experiences not only help bridge the gap between theory and practice but also strengthen your college applications by showcasing your initiative and dedication.
AI internships offer unique advantages, giving you early exposure to cutting-edge technologies and problem-solving techniques. From managing datasets to creating AI models, you’ll develop practical skills while tackling ethical considerations in AI development. These internships also connect you with industry professionals, offering insights into career paths and networking opportunities in a rapidly evolving field.
In this post, we’ve compiled a list of 12 AI internships for high school students in the Bay Area (San Francisco++), including both in-person and virtual options.
Location: Fully remote
Cost:
Startup Internship Program: $2,490 (Available exclusively for the Startup Internship Program for eligible students.)
CEO Internship Program: $4,400
Combination Program: $7,400 (includes CEO Internship + mentored research).
Application Deadline: February 9, 2025
Internship Dates: Spring Cohort begins March 3, 2025
Duration: 8 weeks
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; strong interest in AI or coding experience recommended
The Ladder Internships program provides students with an outstanding chance to collaborate with leading startups and NGOs on practical projects. The Startup Internship Program emphasizes project-oriented work in areas that match your interests, with weekly support from a company supervisor. For students looking for a more intense experience, the CEO Internship Program connects you directly with a startup CEO who has a background at major companies like Facebook or Google. These internships enable you to work on significant projects and gain insights into leadership.
For the most driven students, the Combination Program includes both the CEO internship and a mentored research component where you will create a college-level research paper. Each program involves a time commitment of 5–10 hours per week, making it feasible alongside other obligations.
2. AI Internship Program by Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,490 (selective, AI experience required, financial aid available)
Application Deadline: January 5, 2025 (Spring Cohort)
Internship Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility:
High school students with prior AI experience or completion of Veritas AI programs.
Strong foundation in Python programming.
The Veritas AI Internship spans 12 weeks, allowing you to apply your AI expertise to real-world problems while collaborating with a startup backed by venture capital. Under the guidance of experienced managers from the startup, you will delve into AI concepts, brainstorm creative solutions, and create a distinctive AI project or research paper that aligns with your interests. The internship focuses on practical implementation and concludes with a polished project presentation that showcases your abilities and creativity.
You’ll work closely in individual sessions with a mentor and engage extensively with AI applications in areas such as finance, healthcare, or technology. This program offers an excellent opportunity to enhance your AI skills and gain practical experience in a professional environment. However, its selective nature and the necessity of prior experience might pose challenges for some students. Full financial assistance is available for eligible individuals, making this opportunity more attainable for driven learners.
Location: Virtual
Cost:
Application Fee: $40
Program Fee: $850 (scholarships available)
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
Internship Dates: June 16–27, 2025 (9 a.m.–1 p.m. PT daily)
Eligibility:
High school students entering grades 9–12 in Fall 2025.
Must be 14 or older by the program start date.
U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or students with valid visa status.
Strong preference for students with math, computer programming, or healthcare project experience.
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program designed to introduce high school students to the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare. You will participate in daily sessions that include technical lectures, mentorship activities with Stanford researchers, and collaborative group work on AI-focused research initiatives. "Lunch and Learn" career events will connect you with professionals from various sectors, including academia, industry, and government.
If you complete the program, you will receive a Certificate of Completion, and exceptionally motivated participants might have the chance to extend their research internship. To prepare, you need to demonstrate strong skills in math or coding, submit a resume and academic transcript, and answer essay questions during the application process. Scholarships are available to qualifying students, which can waive the $850 participation fee.
Some downsides include limited availability (approximately 25 students will be accepted) and the requirement for full attendance each day. Although it does not guarantee publication or future affiliations with Stanford, this program presents a wonderful opportunity to delve into the role of AI in enhancing medicine and to establish connections with experts in the field.
4. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: George Mason University (Fairfax, VA) and collaborating institutions; remote, hybrid, or in-person formats (determined by project).
Cost: Free (non-paid internship); $25 application fee (waivers available).
Application Deadline: February 2, 2025
Internship Dates: June 18 – August 8, 2025
Eligibility:
Remote or computer lab internships: 15+ years old by June 18, 2025.
"Wet-lab" internships: 16+ years old by June 18, 2025.
Open to high school and undergraduate students (no maximum age limit).
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University offers high school and college students practical research experiences in STEM disciplines, including AI. Over an eight-week period, interns work closely with faculty researchers, gaining insight into fields such as machine learning, data mining, AI for social good, and cybersecurity.
Using advanced instruments and methodologies, interns conduct cutting-edge AI research to tackle urgent problems in robotics, environmental science, healthcare, and other fields. Interns can improve their technical and problem-solving abilities through building predictive models, designing algorithms for data analysis, or investigating AI's potential in renewable energy. The $25 application fee is subject to a waiver for students facing financial hardship, ensuring inclusivity. The program is extremely competitive, so early preparation of essays and application materials is crucial.
5. NASA and UT Austin’s STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer High School Intern Program
Location: Austin, TX (Virtual options are available)
Cost: No cost; Unpaid (Upon completion of the internship, both virtual and on-site interns will receive a NASA certificate of completion).
Application Deadline: February 22, 2025
Internship Dates:
On-site: July 6–19, 2025
Virtual: June–mid-July 2025 (project-specific)
Virtual Science Symposium: July 21–22, 2025
Eligibility:
U.S. citizens only.
Current high school sophomores and juniors (rising juniors and seniors).
Must be 16 years old by July 5, 2025.
Strong interest in STEM fields; no prior coding experience required.
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Sciences (SEES) High School Summer Intern Program presents a distinctive opportunity to participate in NASA-supported research, either remotely or in-person. Virtual interns have the chance to analyze NASA satellite data from their homes while collaborating with mentors on subjects such as climate change, exoplanet exploration, or urban heat studies. Those who choose the on-site option will be based at the University of Texas at Austin, where they will take part in hands-on research initiatives like Mars Rover mission design and aerospace engineering. Both internship tracks offer connections with NASA scientists and provide insights into advanced STEM disciplines.
To get ready for the program, you must finish online modules related to Earth and space sciences or Python programming by July 1. These modules will serve as essential preparation for your research tasks. This program introduces participants to analyzing NASA satellite data — a skill integral to training AI models used in Earth observation and climate analysis. Techniques like data visualization and Python programming (required in pre-program modules) build a foundation for AI applications in environmental science, such as predictive modeling for natural disasters or studying urban heat islands. The program wraps up with the Virtual SEES Science Symposium on July 21–22, where all interns will have the opportunity to present their research findings to NASA scientists and guests.
Location: East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, or Redwood City, CA
Cost: Free; Includes transportation, meals, and potential stipend
Application Deadline: February 14, 2025
Internship Dates: Tentatively mid-June to late July 2025 (6 weeks)
Eligibility:
Current 10th graders
Must reside full-year in East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, or Redwood City
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
Must commit to 30 hours/week for the full program duration
The six-week Meta Summer Academy (MSA) program combines both technical and non-technical workshops with practical projects and mentorship, providing a rare chance to investigate career pathways at one of the foremost companies globally. Participants attend sessions on coding, financial literacy, media production, and networking, with the opportunity to meet Meta employees and guest speakers.
While the MSA program isn’t exclusively focused on AI, students can explore coding and media production, which often involve skills like data manipulation and problem-solving that are foundational to AI development. To apply, candidates must submit a transcript, two brief essays, and a recommendation letter, with a minimum GPA of 2.0 required. The program operates from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and full attendance is essential. Although the program is unpaid, a stipend may be available, presenting a significant opportunity for personal growth and exploration of promising future pathways.
7. Stanford AI4ALL | Stanford HAI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $4,000 (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: January 24, 2025
Internship Dates: June 18 – July 2, 2025
Eligibility:
Open to 9th graders or rising 10th graders.
Must be 14+ by program start.
Preference for students with math or computer skills.
International applicants are welcome.
The Stanford AI4ALL program is a two-week online immersive experience aimed at promoting diversity in artificial intelligence (AI). Hosted by the Stanford AI Lab, this program introduces you to the transformative possibilities of AI through engaging lectures, practical projects, and mentorship from leading AI experts. Participants will cover topics such as Robotics, Medical AI, Computer Vision, and Natural Language Processing, all connected to real-world applications that benefit society.
Throughout the program, you will collaborate on advanced research projects in small groups under the guidance of experienced mentors. To apply, you will need to write brief essays discussing your STEM experiences and interests, tackle a math problem, and provide your resume, transcript, and one recommendation letter. The selection process is competitive, with a strong preference for candidates who show a genuine enthusiasm for STEM, leadership qualities, and adept problem-solving skills.
8. AEOP High School Internship
Location: University research labs or U.S. Army Research Centers (onsite; remote options may be available based on local circumstances).
Cost: Free; Educational stipend provided (varies by location and duration).
Application Deadline: Rolling basis.
Internship Dates: Summer 2025 (dates vary by location).
Eligibility:
Current high school students (grades 9–12).
U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents.
Additional requirements (e.g., age, coursework) vary by site.
The AEOP High School Internship Program presents a distinctive chance for students to participate in advanced research, featuring innovative projects in artificial intelligence (AI). Interns collaborate directly with professional scientists and engineers in cutting-edge labs, tackling projects in areas like machine learning for data security, natural language processing for defense systems, and robotics for environmental monitoring.
Unlike many internships, AEOP integrates formal mentorship as a core component, offering direct guidance from experienced STEM professionals. Interns also gain access to ongoing support, such as webinars on STEM careers and near-peer mentorship to answer pressing questions about college and career pathways.
9. EDIT ML High School Summer Internship
Location: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, NH (primarily on-site with virtual options)
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
Internship Dates: Summer 2025 (8 weeks)
Eligibility: High school students with experience in computer science, exposure to machine learning pipelines, and a passion for using computation to drive public good.
The EDIT ML High School Summer Internship Program at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center immerses students in groundbreaking machine learning applications within healthcare. Interns work on projects like cancer detection using spatial gene expression, natural language processing for pathology reports, and surgical planning tools. This program distinguishes itself by concentrating on the integration of high-dimensional clinical data types, including pathology images, textual reports, and multi-omics data, aimed at addressing significant challenges in disease diagnosis and patient health outcomes.
Students present their research findings to clinical experts and gain experience in scientific writing and presentation. EDIT ML is a great option for those eager to explore the intersection of technology and medicine while contributing to meaningful advancements in public health.
10. StandOut Connect
Location: Fully remote
Cost: $1,950 (scholarships available for low-income students)
Application Deadline: January 5, 2025 (Early), February 2, 2025 (Regular)
Internship Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; March 9 – June 6, 2025, for the upcoming spring cohort
Eligibility: Students aged 15+ by March 2025; international students must demonstrate English fluency and adapt to U.S. time zones
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. The program guarantees internships with startups from prestigious ecosystems like Stanford's Cardinal Ventures and Yale Entrepreneurial Society. It prepares you for college admissions and future careers by combining a two-month effective internship with a month-long professional training program.
You'll take part in engaging weekend workshops during the first month that cover subjects including networking strategies, resume building, and integrating AI tools into workflows. After training, you will be paired with a company to work on practical projects like managing social media campaigns, developing websites, and conducting sales calls. The program requires a time commitment of up to 10 hours per week during the internship phase and may not suit students with packed schedules. However, workshops are recorded, and scholarships are available to ensure accessibility.
11. NASA OSTEM High School Internships
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
Application Deadline:
Summer 2025: February 28, 2025
Fall 2025: May 16, 2025
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
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
NASA’s OSTEM (Office of STEM Engagement) Internships offer high school students a unique chance to collaborate with NASA scientists, engineers, and professionals. This program isn't solely focused on rocket building — there are positions available in AI, machine learning, robotics, programming, as well as non-engineering fields like communications and project management. It provides a practical introduction to addressing the genuine challenges that NASA encounters daily.
You will participate in projects related to AI for space exploration, such as developing algorithms for planetary navigation or utilizing machine learning to interpret cosmic data. Guidance from NASA professionals guarantees that you acquire not only technical expertise but also essential career perspectives. Furthermore, interns create relationships within NASA and enhance their resumes with significant, mission-oriented work.
12. Science Internship Program (SIP) at UC Santa Cruz
Location: University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
Cost: Fee information will be available with the 2025 application.
Application Deadline: February 2025 (exact date TBA)
Internship Dates:
June 10–20, 2025: Online research week.
June 23–August 8, 2025: In-person research weeks.
August 9, 2025: Final presentations (hybrid format).
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering grades 10–12
The Science Internship Program (SIP) at UC Santa Cruz offers high school students the chance to collaborate with UCSC faculty and researchers during an eight-week period of hands-on research. Spanning disciplines such as astronomy, environmental science, computer science, and bioinformatics, SIP ensures students contribute to active research rather than pre-designed exercises.
While SIP spans many disciplines, projects in computer science and bioinformatics often involve AI-related methodologies. Participants might work on data-intensive research requiring pattern recognition or algorithm development—key components of AI. Participants will gain valuable research experience, develop communication skills, and present their findings during a final presentation attended by peers and mentors. Mentors support students through scientific exploration, project implementation, and the development of a final research presentation. There are also opportunities to write research papers for competitions like Regeneron Science Talent Search.
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